Council highlights ongoing work to provide safe and efficient taxi service in Cambridge

Cambridge City Council is reminding residents and visitors that all taxi drivers licensed by Cambridge City are subject to a rigorous series of checks before and after being licensed to operate, to ensure passenger safety.

The reminder comes in response to media reports that some licensing authorities in the UK have issued licences to drivers with criminal records, and have been issuing licences incorrectly.

The council undertakes a number of checks before issuing a licence to a driver, and each time before their licence is renewed. These include:

• Checking for any criminal records
• Ensuring applicants have had a recent medical
• Ensuring applicants have a current driving licence
• Ensuring applicants have the right to work in the UK

The council is responsible for licensing all Hackney carriage, private hire and dual drivers, as well as taxi proprietors and operators in Cambridge.

All drivers are also required to undertake a ‘knowledge’ test to ensure they are familiar with the streets and landmarks of Cambridge, and to complete safeguarding training.

Once licences are issued, the council carries out regular enforcement work to ensure drivers are complying with the conditions of their licence.

Any complaints received by customers regarding the conduct of licensed taxi drivers are investigated and responded to by the council.

If a complaint is considered to be sufficiently serious the council’s Licensing Sub-Committee can consider whether a licence should be revoked or suspended. In exceptional circumstances a licence can be revoked immediately.

Cllr Gerri Bird, Chair of the Licensing Committee, said: “We are committed to ensuring that all customers are safe when using taxis in Cambridge

“A safe and efficient taxi service plays a very important role in the city’s transport network. The council works closely with drivers, taxi companies and taxi users to ensure that we are doing all we can to maintain and improve standards in Cambridge.”