Proposals to introduce a series of training measures for Perth taxi drivers have been given the initial green light by the council.
The radical plans, which include training to help disabled customers, defensive training driving safely to avoid preventable accidents and personal safety and abuse awareness, will only be introduced after consultation with taxi drivers and private car hire firms.
A Perth taxi operator, Anddy Lothian, who owns Ace Taxis, has labelled the plans as “political correctness”.
At yesterday’s meeting of Perth and Kinross Council’s licensing committee, council solicitor Moina McLaren said the report she had prepared was for information and the local authority were looking at various options.
“There are no firm conclusions yet it’s a case of trying to find the type of training that could be delivered,” she said.
“However, before any proposals are discussed, we will need to have consultations with the trade, in the form of a forum. At the moment we are just exploring different options and we want to keep costs at a minimal amount.”
She explained to the committee that the idea for the plan came about largely as a result of “a number of concerns about disabled passengers”.
Committee convener Jack Coburn said he thought it was “reasonable” that the local authority should look into the proposals.
“This committee will have to look at issues such as health and safety,” he said.
The move to introduce the training follows on from a controversial dress code plan by the council to ask taxi drivers and private hire car users to keep beards and moustaches “neat and trimmed” and to wear “tailored” shorts.
Ms McLaren’s report stated that some drivers were “unfamiliar” with their obligations under the Equality Act 2010.
“These duties include taking such steps necessary to ensure that the passenger is carried in safety and in reasonable comfort and giving the passenger such mobility as is reasonably required,” her report said.
“Other reasons for introducing training, beyond that of disability, are that it would improve public safety, result in fewer complaints and create a better image of Perth.
“It would also provide taxi and private hire car drivers with an opportunity to obtain a recognised qualification and enhance the quality of service provided.”
Perth and Kinross Council would seek to cover the costs of the training by adding it to the licensing fee.
Mr Lothian said: “Our firm has been going for 20 years so why do we need training now? I don’t see why there should be any training we don’t need an extra expense on top of things.”