Stricter rules to keep taxi drivers & passengers safe in Bucks
CCTV in cabs could help protect both drivers and customers.
New rules look set to make taxis safer for passengers and drivers in Buckinghamshire - including installing CCTV in cars.
Bucks Council's new policy has a focus on preventing children being exploited, as well as keeping drivers safe from attacks.
The Council has drafted a taxi licensing policy which sets out how the council proposes to regulate taxis and minicabs across Buckinghamshire.
The new licensing policy has been drafted based on national legislation and on local public feedback from a survey which was run earlier this year.
Over 500 people gave their comments and feedback in a four week survey which the council ran in September.
Using comments from the survey and working within national guidelines, the Council's Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Policy aims to:
- protect the public
- maintain and develop professional and respected hackney carriage and private hire trades
- enable access to an efficient and effective local transport service
- update the policy to reflect current best practice
A summary of the policy and the full draft document is available online.
What's included in the plan?
Part of the new policy, which is based on government guidance published earlier in the year, focuses on protecting children from harm.
Drivers will have to go through criminal record and medical checks, English language testing and child sexual exploitation training.
Stricter rules on the state of vehicles, as well as the type of car used, will be brought in.
Penalty points may be given to operators if they fail to meet standards the Council has set and those who gain too many points will have their licence reviewed.
Also, from 1st April 2023, CCTV will need to be in all cabs in an effort to prevent crime.
A chance to have a say
You cancomment on the draft licensing policy onlineuntil 21 December or by phoning 01494 421222 to request a paper copy.
Fred Wilson, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services at Buckinghamshire Council said:
"We know that the policy we put in place will affect a lot of people in many different ways.
"Every day hundreds of people use taxis and mini cabs to get to or from work, for shopping and getting to and from school or for pleasure and over three thousand people earn their living through driving taxis or mini cabs.
"Now's the chance for those people to have their say in helping us to finalise the licensing framework we will put into place next year."
The new policy aims to balance the needs of taxi passengers as well as the needs of local taxi operators and drivers.