Chelmsford City Council is providing taxi/private hire businesses in Chelmsford, Braintree and Maldon, a free ‘Safeguarding Vulnerable Passengers’ awareness course on July 10 at Hylands House.

The safeguarding training aims to help drivers provide a safe and suitable service to vulnerable passengers of all ages, recognise what makes a person vulnerable and understand how to respond, including how to report safeguarding concerns and where to get advice.

The course is being supported and part funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner Hidden Harm Fund and also aims to help protect drivers against any criminal activity by giving them awareness of situations which could be putting themselves and passengers at risk.

Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, Councillor Ian Grundy said: “I urge anyone who works with or in the taxi/private hire trade to take advantage of this free awareness course.

"It is important that drivers know what to look for in order to prevent people being at risk.

"As a responsible driver it is important to ensure safeguarding practice for the protection of themselves, the passengers and our city.”

Nick Alston, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “This scheme is a good example of how communities can keep fellow residents safe and support police in reducing crime.

"Taxi drivers are on the frontline often coming into contact with people who may be vulnerable, because they are young or elderly and travelling alone or who have drunk to excess on a night out, or who may have taken an illegal substance.

"Sadly there are criminals who prey on precisely these people.

"Giving taxi drivers the information and skills to recognise when an individual may be vulnerable and in need of help is an excellent initiative.

"I hope many others, who are similarly on the frontline coming into contact with vulnerable people, will consider following suit."

To book your place please email community.safety@chelmsford.gov.uk or contact 01245 606233.