Worcester taxi drivers will be trained to spot abuse victims

Taxi and private hire drivers are seen as being in an ideal position to spot and safeguard at-risk children, as well as vulnerable adults and victims of domestic violence.

Now the city council wants to introduce mandatory safeguarding training for all taxi drivers as part of the process of renewing their licence.

Training schemes have previously been offered to drivers on a voluntary basis, but licensing officers say this has created an “uneven playing field”.

In a report put before Worcester City Council’s licensing committee on Monday (March 4), taxi drivers are described as the “critical eyes and ears of the community” who “often encounter people who may be vulnerable”.

Cllr Udall said the training is necessary (Image: Newsquest)

“In respect of child sexual exploitation, appropriately trained licensed drivers can assist in identification of incidents and persons of concern,” the report says.

“However, the council now has licensed drivers with different levels of knowledge in these areas of importance.”

Members of the licensing committee agreed to start a 12-week consultation period, with a view to implementing the scheme from January 1, 2025.

Councillors heard that there will be a cost to drivers but that officers are trying to keep this to a minimum, with the cost of the course likely to be around £20.

Committee chair Richard Udall said a number of licensed drivers had spoken to him to question the need for another financial burden, but added: “Quite frankly I think this is a necessary burden, and it’s for their own protection as much as it’s for the public, especially with the amount of schoolchildren who are being taken to school and back.”

Niall McMenamin, the city council’s principal officer licensing, told the committee: “This is about the driver being able to identify the people in the back of their vehicle, and them knowing the signs, where to report, and what to do at the time, if appropriate.”