TAXI drivers are to be offered training to spot signs of abuse, sex exploitation or human trafficking in vulnerable passengers.

The Trust2Ride course, run by Blackburn-based safeguarding organisation Personnel Checks, teaches drivers how to respond if they suspect a passenger could be at risk.

The training draws on case studies to cover a variety of subjects including child sexual exploitation, human trafficking, recognising abuse and disability awareness.

It will be coming to Bolton next month and all existing taxi drivers are eligible for free training if they enrol before June 2020.

Cllr Anne Galloway, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Environmental Regulatory Services, said: “Taxi drivers are uniquely placed to spot the early warning signs of abuse and we want to work in partnership with them to ensure vulnerable people get the support they need.

“The training helps drivers understand what to do if they suspect a passenger may be at risk and how to alert the appropriate authorities."

She added: “I’m delighted that many drivers have already signed up for the course and we look forward to welcoming all our existing drivers to a free training session between now and June.”

Bolton Council hopes to make the training mandatory for all drivers in the future.

A spokesperson for Bolton Private Hire Association said: “We are happy to take part in this training; it will give the public extra reassurance that our drivers are professional and fully able to support our passengers. We see people from all walks of life, all ages and all ethnicities and we take our responsibility to the members of the public that we carry very seriously.”

A spokesperson for Bolton Taxi Association said: “I think the training is a very good thing, it is important for us all to get together to discuss these issues.

“Hackney Carriage operators are professional drivers and we are committed to looking after our customers.”