Taxi Driver Online

Lancashire Evening Post

March 12, 2007

Bus safety fears for young drinkers

Councillors calling for a 24-hour bus service in Preston today warned boozy revellers could end up being assaulted unless criminal checks are carried out on drivers.

A meeting of the city council's environment and sustainability review board heard taxi drivers in the city are subject to Criminal Record Bureau checks, but those licensed to drive vehicles carrying more than eight people do not legally have to undergo the probes.

Coun Frank De Molfetta told the meeting the board should write to Traffic Commissioners and tell them the council wants to see checks introduced.

Coun Pauline Brown said introducing a 24-hour service without drivers being checked could end with serious consequences. She said: "We're talking about vulnerable young women and vulnerable young men as well if they are the worse for wear for drink. They could end up being assaulted.

"There could be people driving who are convicted for selling drugs and what an opportunity it would be for them to sell drugs.

"We have got to make sure that the people of Preston are safe."

In January the Evening Post reported that city centre taxi firm Miller Citax had started operating a nightbus service from Lava and Ignite in Church Street.

The firm uses their own taxi drivers to drive the minibus vehicles, so all drivers on that service are fully CRB checked.

But councillors are concerned other private firms who may become involved in a future 24-hour service will not have drivers checked out.

Steve McKibbin, district manager of the central and south branch of Victim Support Lancashire, said: "Obviously it is not a legal requirement, but if there is anything any organisation in the community can do to make sure members of the community are safe when using their services, we feel they should be doing all they can."
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CRB checks for PSV drivers.

Heaven forbid.

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IDFIMH