Child-sex alert over change in taxi law

Plans to relax taxi laws could put children at greater risk of sexual exploitation, councils are warning.

At present minicab drivers go through a rigorous council vetting process, including criminal records and medical history checks.

But the Local Government Association (LGA) says new government proposals will allow minicab licence holders to let other people drive their vehicle when they are off duty without any of those checks.

The LGA, which represents more than 370 councils in England and Wales, is warning this will make it easier for criminal gangs to exploit the system and use licensed vehicles for sexual exploitation.

LGA spokesman Ann Lucas said: “Recent cases in Rotherham and Rochdale are a stark reminder of the position of trust people put in taxi drivers.

“The consequences for someone entering a branded vehicle where the driver has not been properly licensed and vetted by the council can be devastating. We should not be increasing the chances of that happening.”