Written question WQ100904
- Asked by
- Gareth ThomasReform
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 7 days
Question
How is the Welsh Government ensuring that drivers of private hire vehicles have sufficient English language skills to communicate effectively with passengers, particularly in an emergency or where a passenger has additional needs, so as to protect the safety of vulnerable users?
Answer
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport (Mark Hooper)
Local authorities are responsible for licensing drivers and ensuring they remain fit and proper to hold a licence. The Department for Transport's Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards apply to England and Wales. Those standards recommend licensing authorities assess a driver's oral and written English language proficiency before granting a licence, to ensure they can communicate effectively with passengers, including in emergencies and when supporting passengers with additional needs.
The Welsh Government has also published guidance to support local authorities, this includes driver training materials aimed at improving customer service, safeguarding awareness, and demonstrations of how to appropriately assist vulnerable passengers.
Regardless of where they are licensed, all drivers are subject to vetting requirements, including criminal record checks, driving licence and medical assessments. However, we recognise concerns regarding out-of-area working and the challenges this can create for local authority enforcement.
The Welsh Government are considering non-legislative and legislative options to improve the taxi and private hire vehicle sector.