Bolton taxi drivers trained to spot signs of human trafficking and abuse

Trust2Ride teaches drivers how to respond if they feel like someone might be at risk.

So far, 1,480 licensed drivers in Bolton have booked onto a course from an overall total of 1,900.

Cllr Anne Galloway, Bolton Council’s executive cabinet member for environmental regulatory services, said: “Hackney Carriage and private hire drivers are professionals and the welfare of their passengers is a top priority.

“Their work brings them into contact with a diverse range of Bolton residents and licensed drivers are uniquely placed to spot if vulnerable passengers ay risk and alert the relevant agency.

“We are well on the way to having all licensed drivers in Bolton accredited and I urge the remaining drivers to sign-up for the free training immediately.

“Passengers should have the confidence of knowing when they get in a vehicle they will be safe and supported.”

The course launched in Bolton last year and is free for all existing drivers who sign up before June 2020. Bolton Council eventually aims to make the training compulsory.

Training provider Personnel Checks has already held 16 sessions at Bolton Arena, with all delegates successfully completing the course so far.

Other topics covered in the training include disability awareness training, driver and passenger safety, and recognising indicators of concern and types of abuse.

Charles Oakes, of the Hackney Drivers Association, said: “Our members are committed to providing the best possible service to passengers, and that means taking every opportunity to learn new skills.

“The training has been very informative and was received positively by all drivers.”

Yasif Khan, of the Bolton Private Hire Association, said: “We are very happy with how training has gone so far.

“Plenty of drivers have already booked on and we encourage those who haven’t to book as soon as possible to make the most of free training in these key areas.”