MP raises questions over the sufficiency of safeguarding training for taxis and private hire drivers
Labour MP Sojan Joseph has raised questions over the sufficiency of safeguarding training for private hire and taxi drivers under the provisions of the Policing and Crime Act 2017. The question was directed to the Secretary of State for Transport, seeking clarity on whether current measures adequately address the risks faced by children and vulnerable adults.
Responding on behalf of the Department for Transport, Minister Simon Lightwood outlined the Government’s framework for safeguarding. Under the Act, the Secretary of State is empowered to issue statutory guidance to licensing authorities. This guidance, published in 2020, advises authorities to ensure safeguarding measures are in place within the licensing framework for taxi and private hire vehicle drivers.
Lightwood detailed the guidance expects all licensing authorities to require drivers to complete safeguarding training. However, the responsibility for the content and delivery of this training rests with individual authorities. There is no national standardised approach, leaving training methods and effectiveness subject to regional variation.
This decentralised system means that while the statutory guidance provides a structure, the practical application depends on local implementation. Whether this approach delivers consistent protection across the country remains a question for licensing authorities and policymakers alike.
Lightwood MP said: “The Policing and Crime Act 2017 enables the Secretary of State for Transport to issue statutory guidance to licensing authorities on exercising their taxi and private hire vehicle licensing functions to protect children and vulnerable adults. Statutory guidance was published in 2020 under these powers.
“This means that all licensing authorities should provide safeguarding advice and guidance to the sector and should require all taxi and private hire vehicle drivers to undertake safeguarding training. Licensing authorities are responsible for deciding the content and format of such training.”
