Taxi drivers face tougher criminal records checks

Tuesday 19 July 2016

Jersey’s taxi drivers will soon be facing more stringent checks on their background to see if they have a criminal record.

Infrastructure Minister Deputy Eddie Noel says he’s upping the level of checks so that the public can feel safer.

At the moment drivers have to undergo a so-called DBS – disclosure and barring service check – when they apply for their driver’s badge.

But, from October they’ll have to undergo a more stringent enhanced DBS, and will have to have an update every three years.

A standard DBS disclosure provides information to third parties for people that are involved with working with the public including children or vulnerable adults.

The standard disclosure contains details of all local recorded convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings.

An enhanced DBS check involves an added level of inspection including Jersey Court Records, checks with the Police National Computer and relevant UK Departments.

Deputy Eddie Noel, says: “It is important that passengers in taxi-cabs have confidence in their drivers, this is one of the measures we are using to increase that confidence. This will not only benefit the public but also the taxi-cab industry.”