Cheltenham Taxi Drivers Make Cheltenham Safer
Hackney Carriage and private hire drivers across Cheltenham are signing up to complete a National Vocational Qualification in Road Passenger Vehicle Driving (RPVD) in conjunction with Herefordshire College of Technology. Based on a new initiative by the government to set standards for taxi drivers, Cheltenham drivers will complete a fully comprehensive assessment, whilst at work, to prove that they are safe and efficient at their jobs. Under the Train to Gain scheme Herefordshire College of Technology are offering the chance to complete the course with full funding* whilst it is available.
This comes at a time when Cheltenham Borough Council is driving new projects forward to make Cheltenham a safer place to live.
Trevor Gladding, the council’s community safety and licensing manager, is supporting the scheme believing it will enhance the already high standards of the taxi profession that many of us use every day: “The scheme will assist the general public in feeling more secure when travelling in a taxi and will be particularly helpful with the drivers who are involved in the night time economy.”
Councillor Andrew McKinlay, cabinet member for sport and safety said: ”I would urge Cheltenham’s licensed drivers to take advantage of this excellent opportunity, which is voluntary and can be fully funded. The qualification will demonstrate the skills and experience of our drivers. It will also ensure that people have an enjoyable journey and reach their destinations safely.”
With over 160 drivers already on board Sara Thompson, from Herefordshire College of Technology, believes that other drivers will follow suit as awareness is raised in the town. She says: “This can only be seen as a very positive step towards the safety of the general public and any drivers wishing to sign up can contact me directly to discuss the NVQ further.”
*if learners meet the Train to Gain eligibility criteria
