Dress code to be introduced for taxi drivers in Bury amid ‘flash’ claims

Call handlers and other non-driver staff at taxi companies are also facing regular Disclosure and Restriction Services (DBS) checks for the first time under new ‘general minimum licensing standards’ set to be adopted by the board this week.

If the new standards are approved by board members, a dress code will be applied to drivers at Bury for the first time.

A report to Bury Council, by county licensing chief Michael Bridge, will be submitted to the full board on Thursday.

The report provides the rationale behind the introduction of the dress code.

It said: “The licensing authority receives many complaints every year with regards to driver attire standards and related personal hygiene.

“In the worst case, passengers reported that drivers wearing shorts were showing off their private parts.

“The authorities are trying to achieve a higher standard of a fleet of licensed drivers, and a positive driver image for resident passengers and visitors is part of the standard of professionalism we aim to achieve.

“It’s only about drivers considering and contemplating what they are wearing as a licensed driver and not about uniforms.”

The code states: “All clothing worn by those working as private charter drivers or cable car drivers must be in good condition and drivers must maintain good standards of personal hygiene.

“As a minimum standard when working, men should wear long pants and a shirt, a full body t-shirt or polo shirt and short or long sleeves.

“Knee-length shorts are acceptable.

“Women should wear long pants, or knee-length skirts or dresses, and shirts, blouses, t-shirts or polo shirts that have a full body and short or long sleeves.

“Knee-length shorts are also acceptable.

“Footwear when working as a licensed driver must be secure around the toes and heels.”

Under current rules on background checks, drivers of private charter vehicles and cable cars face a DBS check on their first application, and then every three years.

This means the onus is now on the driver to self-report any criminal matters to the licensing authority or the police to notify the licensing authority if they become aware of the driver’s occupation.

The new rules mean all drivers will be required to register with DBS’s renewal service and maintain that registration so the board can routinely check for new information every six months at a minimum.

The new standard will mean annual criminal record checks for non-driving taxi operators and staff who have access to bookings.

They will be checked by DBS to ensure that only safe and suitable persons have access to operator records.

The new rules will also tighten health checks for drivers.

Bury is currently receiving medical treatment for up to 12 months of age but once the new standard is introduced it will be reduced to four months.

The changes come as 10 Greater Manchester councils seek to adopt similar rules for the 2,000 hackney vehicles, 11,500 privately chartered vehicles and the more than 18,600 drivers currently licensed across the authorities.

Public consultations on the new standards are conducted throughout Greater Manchester.

The report concludes: “The ‘golden thread’ of licensing is public protection.

“We have seen from consultations that the public is very supportive of the additional safeguards and safeguards this project can provide.”

If the new standards are approved, they will be introduced from December 1 this year.