Child Safe Guarding

At RoadRunners, we are fully committed to doing what we can to ensure the safe guarding of children in our taxis. There have been high-profile cases relating to human trafficking and child sexual exploitation in the United Kingdom, and this is an area that all reputable taxi firms take very seriously. We closely follow all guidelines issued by the Licencing Authority and this is an area that RoadRunners focuses time and energy on to ensure we meet all expected guidelines.

All taxi drivers who obtain a taxi driver licence pack will see a page that is dedicated to assisting people to recognise who may be vulnerable or exploited. In the Local Knowledge Test that taxi driver applicants have to complete, there are a number of questions on this subject. A driver must pass this test before they are granted a licence.

This is a firm starting point in keeping children safe but there is a need for the entire industry, and the general public, to understand this issue. Our drivers are fully trained in:

• Being able to identify the people at risk
• Protecting people at risk or who may be vulnerable
• Not contributing to people becoming victims
• Knowing who to report issues or concerns to
• Our taxi drivers can help people at risk

The Child Safe Guarding policies in place at RoadRunners are there to help our drivers protect youngsters and people who may be vulnerable or who are being exploited. As a company we are fully committed to seeing people who commit these crimes face justice.

Step by step guide with respect to Safeguarding

• At the point of booking, determine or ask if there any vulnerability issues. This can help prepare the journey in the most effective manner
• Enquire of the person booking if there is a need for an escort to accompany the vulnerable passenger or if they will ensure there is someone being accompanied
• The driver should inform the head office (or at least maintain their own records) of the pick-up time, the time and location of the drop-off and if any incidents or significant moments arose on the journey
• If the driver is unable to take a passenger, the driver should inform someone in authority of responsibility of this decision – for example, a family member, a hospital employee or security staff
• Drivers should record all incidents and/or refusals
• Drivers should be professional at all times – there is no need to be overly friendly or personal
• A driver shouldn’t exchange personal details or contact information
• A driver shouldn’t swear or behave in an aggressive manner
• A driver shouldn’t touch any of their passengers
• A driver should never accept sexual favours instead of payment
• ID should be worn and displayed at all times
• Lone passengers should sit in the back seat if possible
• Inform the passenger about the central locking system if it is being used
• Never assume that someone wants help, always ask if assistance is required
• A driver should never follow passengers or a passenger into their property without authorisation
• A driver shouldn’t deviate from the stated route without explaining and ensuring this is okay
• A driver shouldn’t set off without a specific destination
• A driver should never take more than one booking at a time

If the driver believes that the passenger is fearful or afraid of the journey, they should contact head office and provide details about the passenger, including their name, destination and expected arrival time.

All other companies at the taxi company should feel able to raise concerns about drivers conduct with managers or employees with line management responsibilities.