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Taxi drivers may have to own up if they get on wrong side of the law

Kris Miller, Courier, 31/03/14. General view of taxis at the taxi rank in the Nethergate, Dundee for files.
Kris Miller, Courier, 31/03/14. General view of taxis at the taxi rank in the Nethergate, Dundee for files.

Taxi drivers who fall foul of the law in any way will have to report the matter to Perth and Kinross Council, if new guidelines are adopted.

At present, if a taxi or private-hire driver is charged by the police, disclosure only needs to be made to the council if the charge is relevant to the driver’s occupation.

The move to widen this will be put to the council’s licensing committee tomorrow, when members will be asked to approve revised conditions.

“A person cannot be compelled to provide their occupation and therefore a person can be charged and/or convicted and the council would not be made aware until a renewal application is submitted,” notes a report by council solicitor Moina McLaren.

“The revised conditions make it a requirement for drivers to self-disclose if they are charged with any crime or offence.”

The present handbook of conditions, the Blue Book, was reviewed in 2005 and it is felt an updated version is long overdue.

“There have been minor amendments but it is recognised following consultation with the taxi and private-hire trade that conditions have not kept pace with changes to technology, changes in equality legislation, conditions are complicated and in need of a complete review,” says the report.

The revised conditions seek to make it a requirement that on application or renewal drivers sit a test for the council.

It is within the council’s powers to introduce a test relating to the operation of a taxi and it “may refuse to grant a licence to a person who does not satisfy them that they have adequate knowledge of these matters”.

Training is considered essential to keep drivers up-to-date with legislation, and a short course has been developed with the Centre for Inclusive Living to “eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation”.

The council is also developing online training to provide guidance on reporting concerns after research into abuse in England and Wales recognised the role taxi drivers can play in protecting children and vulnerable adults.