Assurances over robust checks on taxi drivers
GUILDFORD Borough Council has moved to assure people that taking taxis in the area is safe.
It follows the release of figures which showed that convicted criminals seeking taxi licences had appeared before the authority's licensing sub-committee.
Councillor Tony Rooth, leader of the council, said: “Many people rely on licensed taxis for safe transport, particularly at this time of the year.
"We want to reassure residents again about the rigorous checks made when people apply for a renewal or new taxi licence.
"We want to confirm that we have refused or revoked licences for offences including battery, assault, driving with no licence or insurance and dishonesty.”
There are more than 500 licensed taxi drivers for hackney carriages and private hire cars within the borough.
“They are not employed by the council but they need to apply to us for a licence," Cllr Rooth added.
“During the last five years, 47 cases were brought to review for a variety of motoring, civil and other offences.
"Of these, only 17 licences were granted to new applicants, 15 were refused, five existing licences were revoked, seven were suspended for various periods of time and one driver received a severe warning.
“These decisions followed careful consideration of the facts, assessment of their suitability and full Criminal Records Bureau checks.
“We take our public responsibility very seriously and all drivers are subject to the same rigorous safety checks.”
David Williams-Wynn, chairman of the Guildford Hackney Association, said: “We are aware that the council checks applicants for the trade very carefully for offences and takes whatever action is needed to ensure they are fit and proper for the job.
"This happens on a regular basis throughout a driver’s career.
“We are happy that only people who pass these checks are granted licences.”
source:
http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/
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