Tighter taxi laws could prevent sex abuse, say council chiefs
Taxi laws urgently need to be beefed up to reflect new technology, reduce the risk of child sexual exploitation and create a level playing field for drivers, say council leaders.
The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents more than 370 councils in England and Wales, says taxi and private hire legislation, some of which dates back to the days of horse-drawn carriages, needs tightening to improve passenger safety.
It asked the Government to look at setting national minimum standards, and a national database of all licensed drivers.
The LGA's Councillor Clive Woodbridge also highlighted concerns about child safety.
He said: “In recent years, we’ve seen a number of child sexual exploitation cases that have involved taxi and private hire drivers abusing the trust that has been placed in them, so there are strong safeguarding reasons for strengthening current legislation.
The call has been backed by Telford & Wrekin Council, which made published its own report last year after it was revealed that the borough had the highest rate of sex crimes against children in England and Wales.
In 2013, seven men – including a former taxi driver – were jailed for their part in a child prostitution ring in the borough.
Russell Griffin, of Telford & Wrekin Council, said the council was committed to working with the police and other bodies to tackle the exploitation of children.
But he said there was also a need for tighter government regulation.
“The council’s scrutiny review into how partner agencies are tackling child sexual exploitation made 38 recommendations, most of which have now been implemented," he said.
"This included increased awareness training for taxi drivers, which has now been implemented.
"As the LGA says, the best way to strengthen safeguarding is for legislation to be updated, which only government can do.”
Councillor Woodbridge said changing technology, particularly with regards to mobile phones and the internet, meant there was an urgent need for the laws to be updated.
“Councils have long argued that there is a need for the existing outdated taxi laws to be updated," he said.
Councillor Woodbridge said mobile phone applications such as Uber were causing concern about whether drivers could compete on a level playing field.
He said it has led to councils being forced to spend money on numerous legal challenges.
“Local licensing authorities are trying to work out how new models fit within a legislative framework drafted before mobile phones were even invented, when what is really needed is clarity on a new legislative framework that allows for a 21st century way of doing things fairly for passengers, councils and drivers."
The LGA said that many councils were frustrated that they could not take enforcement action against drivers operating in their areas but licensed by other authorities, where the rules were less rigorous.
Transport minister John Hayes has set up a working group to look at the issue over the autumn.
The LGA has recently commissioned the development of a national register drivers who have either been refused licences or had them revoked so councils can check new applicants against the database and update with their own information.
