New safeguarding rules for cabbies

Taxi drivers in Sunderland could have their licences suspended if they fail to take part in training around safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.

Licensing bosses are set to introduce new rules for hackney carriage and private hire drivers in the city in line with recommendations from the Government.

From April 1, new drivers entering the trade would need to carry out ‘prescribed training’ and a knowledge test before submitting an application form for a licence.

Existing taxi drivers would also have to complete the training within three months of an invitation letter or their licences would be suspended.

The suspension would remain in place until the training is completed.

Sunderland City Council’s

Regulatory Committee will be asked to approve the shake-up next week.

Key changes include compulsory training, course fees and penalties for those who fail to carry out online courses.

A report prepared for councillors states there are more than 1,200 licensed drivers in the city.

Last year, around 900 taxi drivers attended optional safeguarding training sessions, which were offered by the council free of charge.

Despite extra sessions being arranged, hundreds of drivers failed to attend.

Council bosses say that the new licensing regime will ensure taxi drivers understand safeguarding issues and forms of abuse.

Licensing bosses will rule on the proposals on Monday.