When a paying customer gets into a taxi he or she expects to be transported safely to their destination. A passenger should not have to be uneasy that he or she is going to be either verbally or physically abused by the taxi driver and, fortunately, this is a rare occurrence.

However, the Government wants to make sure that everything possible is done to ensure the safety of passengers in taxis, minicabs and private hire vehicles. Therefore, back in February 2019, the Department of Transport started a consultation process relating to new rules that licensing authorities should utilise their powers to make sure that passengers in the above types of vehicles are kept safe. It would be the intention that any new systems are put in place throughout the country.

One of the things that would be done is to introduce new measures whereby local councils carry out improved background and criminal record checks on taxi drivers as a result of which, hopefully, passengers getting into the likes of taxis and private hire vehicles will feel safer.

The consultation process lasted until the 22nd April and we wait to hear with great interest what is ultimately decided as to the most suitable way forward in respect of the above. It is hoped that, as a result of any enhancements, vulnerable people including children and women will be more at ease when getting into such modes of transport.

One of the things that is also being considered is whether taxis and the like are fitted with CCTV. The film from such equipment would only be used in the event of potential criminal activity.

As soon as we have further information we will of course keep our readers updated as this is an extremely important consultation process that should not only prove to be of benefit to passengers but also to the taxi and private hire industry.