Taxi Driver Online

June 20, 2008 Friday

Taxi drivers may face new checks

TAXI drivers in the Vale could face stricter checks if new guidelines about convictions are agreed by Wychavon's licensing committee.

The committee will meet on Thursday to discuss plans to extend the range of drivers' and operators' convictions considered relevant to their job.

Any tightening of the rules will not just apply to new drivers but to all those who currently hold a hackney carriage licence.

Under the current guidelines, applicants must submit a criminal record bureau check. This would not change but how the information is dealt with might.

If the committee felt a conviction warranted further investigation, it would be passed on to the licensing sub-committee who would decide the relevance of the offence.

Graham Simms, licensing officer, said: "Essentially we are putting more meat on the bones. We are trying to give much clearer guidance as to what should be done. If members agree, this will be the start of a consultation process where comments, negative or positive, will be encouraged because it will affect existing drivers and new applicants.

"It is about customer service as much as anything."
________________________