TfL to introduce new taxi and PHV driver SAFEGUARDING training later this year

Safeguarding training is set to be introduced to taxi and private hire drivers across the capital says London Mayor.

According to Sadiq Khan additional safeguarding training modules will be created and introduced as early as this year for taxi and minicab licensees in London.

The focus on the new training will be on keeping passengers from all backgrounds including women, children, young people and vulnerable adults, safe.

In July 2020 new Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards were released by the Department for Transport (DfT) which local authorities were expected to implement. The new standards were designed to improve consistency in the licensing system, reducing the risk of harm posed to children and vulnerable passengers in the process.

Caroline Pidgeon, London Assembly Member, asked the London Mayor: “Has TfL considered offering training to taxi and private hire drivers to help identify and support the reporting of violence against women?”

Sadiq Khan responded: “In addition to safeguarding communications already issued to licensees, Transport for London plans to introduce a number of additional training modules to taxi and private hire drivers later this year.

“This includes an interactive online presentation focused on safeguarding and the role licensees can play in keeping their passengers, including women, children, young people and vulnerable adults, safe.