Maldon District Council has launched an appeal for residents' views on its taxi and private hire trade and, in particular, on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults who use these services.

A consultation on the council's proposed taxi and private hire policy is open between Thursday 14 October and Tuesday 30 November 2021.

The council has proposed this new policy after the Department for Transport issued new guidance for taxis and private hire vehicles to improve the safeguarding of vulnerable people.

All licensing authorities, such as the council, are expected to have one policy as a result, bringing together the procedures on taxi and private hire licensing into one place - this is what the council is consulting on.

Councillor Wendy Stamp, leader of the district council, said: "Taxis and private hire vehicles play an important role in helping people to get around our district.

"We want everyone to be able to access those services safely and we know that those in the trade will want the same thing.

"Our new policy therefore follows the Department for Transport guidance to improve safeguarding for children and vulnerable adults, although all passengers will benefit from the recommendations.

"We are therefore appealing for residents and businesses to give us their views by going to www.maldon.gov.uk/consultations, where you can find more information as well as a short questionnaire.

"Giving us your feedback will only take a few moments and your feedback will help us to safeguard vulnerable people across our district."

The council is particularly inviting those involved in the trade to respond - including licence holders, businesses and safety campaign groups - although all views are welcomed as everyone is set to benefit from the changes.