While the newly announced national database for safeguarding passengers from unfit taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers is a step in the right direction, it’s not enough.
The Taxis and Private Hire Vehicle (Safety and Road Safety) Act 2022 has mandated the use of this database for every council in England in driver applications, but what about a national training standard for all driver applicants?
For years, the need for a unified national training standard has been discussed but not acted upon. Instead, drivers are subjected to varying training modules across different councils, leading to inconsistent and potentially unsafe practices.
The transportation industry needs to move beyond its fragmented approach to driver training and establish a mandatory national training standard that applies to all drivers in the UK.
While the introduction of a national database for recording taxi driver misconduct is a positive step, it’s just one component of a larger effort to create a safer and more trustworthy transportation system. However, it’s important to note that the current database only applies to England, which creates a potential loophole for unfit drivers to work in regions not covered by the new regulations.
This raises a pressing question: how can we ensure that the UK is protected from unsafe drivers slipping through the cracks? While industry groups and campaigners are pleased with the recent actions taken, it’s essential that we continue to strive for comprehensive safeguards that protect all members of our community.
It is crucial for our industry to reinforce stronger safety protocols and implement a unified National Standard for all drivers in the UK. This move will protect not only every driver and fleet, but also every member of the community we serve against incidents or safeguarding concerns that can harm our industry’s reputation.
Safety as a Standard, along with our affiliate partners, is working diligently towards establishing this National Licensing Standard, which we believe is essential for the betterment of the industry.
The implementation of a National Training Standard for licensing, in conjunction with the National Database of Safeguarding, is the key to eliminating any doubts about driver training and certification requirements.
The current situation where different councils have varying standards for licensing is nonsensical and only serves to segregate the industry. It is time for action to be taken to deliver what the industry and the public have been calling for.
To learn more about the new compulsory national database for taxi and private hire vehicle drivers in England, and how you can support the implementation of a national training standard, follow the link below. Join us in making a positive impact towards creating a safer and more reliable industry for all.
National Database Article
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/taxi-licensing-toughened-up-to-protect-passengers-across-england
SaaS One National Standard
https://saas-org.co.uk/drivers-national-safety-register/
