Taxi and private hire drivers join the fight against child sexual exploitation

A pilot scheme with Barnardo’s saw 241 (94 per cent) of drivers licensed by Rugby Borough Council voluntarily attend the training, with 80 per cent of those attending giving the course positive feedback.

The remaining 41 drivers (including newly licensed drivers) who have not yet attended, and all new applicants, will now have to complete the training as a requirement of holding a licence.

Councillors heard that poor monitoring of taxi and private hire drivers in Rotherham contributed to the ease with which abusers were able to exploit children there.

Whilst there is good communication in Rugby between the council’s licensing team and the police, with some joint operations targeting taxis, the authorities cannot monitor all the time and it is essential that taxi drivers are trained to recognise the signs of child sexual exploitation themselves.

If drivers are trained to look for and recognise the signs of potential abuse and know where to report their concerns, they can help stop vulnerable children and young people being exploited.

Cllr Lisa Parker, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for the environment and public realm, said: “Taxi and private hire drivers are often alone with vulnerable young people and are well placed to provide help or support when they spot something that doesn’t feel right.

I know that the voluntary training has already made a difference, and it is right to make it compulsory.

“It is a credit to the trade that nearly all of the licensed drivers in Rugby have already chosen to attend.”

Anyone who has a concern about a child or young person can call the Warwickshire County Council children’s team on (01926) 410410.