TAXI drivers have been receiving safeguarding training to help protect paying customers.

The decision to introduce the training was made following the publication of the Jay report into child sexual exploitation in Rotherham and the subsequent Casey report into Rotherham Council.

Both the Jay and Casey reports indicated that licensed taxis played a role in the issues in Rotherham, and as a result there has been a significant impact on public confidence in taxi and private hire drivers.

The training covers understanding the need to protect vulnerable adults, young people and children, identifying possible victims of abuse and exploitation by understanding indicators of risk, identifying sources of advice and pathways for reporting concerns and uderstanding roles and responsibilities in relation to personal safety and security.

Matthew Gladstone, Executive Director for Place, said: "Drivers need to command the highest level of confidence before they transport passengers – especially those who may be vulnerable.

"It is essential that Barnsley Council takes seriously its responsibility to determine whether someone is a ‘fit and proper’ person to hold a licence."