Cardiff Council Introduces BTEC Course for new Taxi Drivers

The Public Protection Committee of Cardiff Council has today taken a decision to introduce a BTEC Course for newly licensed taxi drivers. This course focuses on making sure new drivers have the skills to deliver excellent customer service to all taxi users in Cardiff.

In making its decision, the committee considered views expressed during the consultation which was sent to all licensed drivers. A total of 237 feedback forms were received with over two thirds of respondents backing the BTEC Award.

Cardiff Council is determined that all licensed hackney carriage and private hire drivers should meet the highest standards. The Council aims to work with drivers to help improve taxi standards in Cardiff as befits a world class capital city.

The BTEC course is designed to ensure that all persons who undertake it are trained in the requirements of the job and are in every way fit and proper persons to provide a high quality service to the public. The experience of those who have already undertaken the course on a voluntary basis support the introduction of the course which is both practical and has positive benefits for those who undertake it.

Councillor Ed Bridges, Chairman of the Public Protection Committee said: “It is clear from the consultation we have done that this course is backed by a majority of drivers. The Committee believe the benefits will be felt by drivers and passengers alike, and will help to ensure Cardiff drivers continue to act as excellent ambassadors for the city in the way the public would expect.”

For more information on the course, please contact the Licensing Department.
Tel: 029 20871651, Fax: 029 20871816, E-mail: Licensing@cardiff.gov.uk