Taxi drivers undergo training to help identify victims of child sexual exploitation
Posted on Thursday 12th October 2017
More than 95 per cent of taxi drivers licensed by Newport City Council have undergone training to help them spot the signs of child sexual exploitation (CSE).
The free training was provided by the council however this will become mandatory under revised regulations adopted by the council.
Cabinet member for licensing Councillor Ray Truman gave the stamp of approval to the revised Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing conditions and policies today, 12 October.
The revisions were undertaken by the council to meet new legislation outlined in the Deregulation Bill & Equality Act and to also re-examine the drivers code of conduct in light of recent national child exploitation cases in Rotherham involving ‘taxi’ drivers.
All hackney carriage drivers and private hire operators have to be licensed by the council in order to promote the protection of the public, safeguard children and the vulnerable and prevent crime and disorder.
The revised policies have been out for public consultation and were considered by the Licensing Committee on 5 September and recommended for approval.
Cllr Truman, who signed off the new rules, said: “It is very heartening to see so many taxi drivers have undergone this training voluntarily although new applicants will now do the CSE training at the same time as sitting the Knowledge Test.
“We need the public to have confidence in our licensed hackney carriage and private hire drivers and these revised regulations are now in their code of conduct.”
Under the new legislation drivers who fail to attend the CSE training by 1 November 2017 will be suspended until such time as they undertake the training course.