Need to keep children safe

Taxi laws need urgently updating to reflect new technology, help reduce the risk of child sexual exploitation and create a level playing field for drivers.

Councils cannot take enforcement action against the rising number of taxi drivers licensed by other authorities operating in their area.

This is causing huge frustration to councils and local drivers who, depending on what the local rules are, may have had to comply with more rigorous licensing standards.

The Government has set up a working group to look at the issue over the autumn.

We want the group to look at the issue of national minimum licensing standards for drivers of taxis and PHVs, a national database of all licensed taxi and PHV drivers, and cross-border hiring.

We are urging the Government to support new legislation on taxi and private hire vehicles.

We recently commissioned the development of a national register of taxi and PHV licences which have been refused or revoked, so councils can check new applicants against the database and update with their own information.

But the best way to strengthen safeguarding measures is for government to update taxi laws.

The legislation governing aspects of taxis and private hire vehicles is simply not fit for purpose.

In recent years, we’ve seen a number of child sexual exploitation cases that have involved taxi and PHV holders abusing the trust that has been placed in them.

So there are strong safeguarding reasons for strengthening current legislation.

The onset of mobile phone booking apps for PHVs is causing concern about whether drivers are able to compete on a level playing field.

The need for reform is now urgent.

The best way to strengthen safeguarding is to update legislation, which only government can do. Clive Woodbridge, Deputy Chair, Safer and Stronger Communities Board, The Local Government Association, Turnmill Street, London.