Changes to taxi licensing proposed - The Evesham Observer

Changes to taxi licensing proposed

Evesham Editorial 17th Jun, 2021   0

DRIVERS of taxis and private hire vehicles will have to take safeguarding training before being issued with a licence under new proposals.

Wychavon is consulting on changes to its Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy following new guidance from the Department for Transport.

This has led to several proposed changes to the rules including:

All new applicants for a taxi or private hire licence will have to take safeguarding training




All licence holders will have to be registered with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

Anyone refused a licence on the grounds they may cause harm to a child or adult will be referred to the DBS and police informed


All drivers will have to demonstrate a basic proficiency in the English language, both written and verbal

All new applicants will have to meet the requirements of the Worcestershire Taxi and Private Hire Competency Certificate

Taxi and private hire vehicle operators will be required to keep a register of staff

Views are being sought from taxi and private hire vehicle drivers and operators, as well as the public who use their service.

Coun Emma Stokes, responsible for licensing on Wychavon District Council, said: “These proposed changes are in line with new government guidance and designed to give people reassurance that public safety is our top priority when issuing licences for taxi and private hire vehicles.”

People can have their say using the online feedback form at www.wychavon.gov.uk/consultations which also sets out the proposed changes. The consultation runs until September 3.

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