It’s unacceptable that six years after safeguarding and disability awareness training was first introduced by Bolton Conservatives, dozens of taxi drivers in Bolton have still not completed it.
This training isn’t red tape - it’s about protecting vulnerable people and ensuring accessible transport for everyone.
The pandemic caused delays and we ensured that training moved online to accommodate. Since Labour took over in 2023, there have been no meaningful updates to councillors. How has it taken two more years to enforce compliance?
Meanwhile, costs increased, session availability was “limited,” and only now are evening/weekend options being added.
Let’s be clear: raising standards in public transport isn’t optional. It’s the bare minimum. Training must be enforced consistently and proactively. No more delays. No more excuses. Vulnerable people deserve better.
Leader of Bolton Conservatives, Cllr Nadim Muslim, commented:
We can’t afford to be lax on issues as serious as these. Ensuring the appropriate safeguarding training has been completed is crucial to protect both passengers and drivers alike.
Labour can’t keep kicking the can down the road and must immediately suspend any driver that has not completed the training. No more excuses.
