Local authorities could soon be required to ensure that every prospective taxi driver undergoes enhanced criminal record and background checks.

The Government today launched a consultation on new licensing guidelines designed to strengthen the process by which taxi and minicab drivers are granted licenses.

Taxis minister Nusrat Ghani said: ‘While the vast majority of drivers are safe and act responsibly, we have seen too many cases where taxi and minicab drivers have used their job to prey on vulnerable people, women and children.

‘These rules would make sure that drivers are fit to carry passengers, keeping people safe while stopping those with bad intentions from getting behind the wheel of a taxi or minicab.'