Plans to force taxi drivers to take English and Maths test supported
Plans to force new taxi drivers in a Northamptonshire town to take basic English and Maths tests have been supported by the local council.
Councillors in Wellingborough backed plans to introduce the basic tests in the borough at a committee meeting earlier this week.
Those behind the scheme say it would improve standards for passengers.
Members at the meeting welcomed the idea. The plans will now go out to public consultation for six weeks.
Councillor Peter Morrall, chairman of the community committee, said: "We've always had a number of very robust policies we use for guidance when granting taxi licences, but this document brings all those policies together and goes that little bit further to improve standards even more."
Currently only Hackney Carriage drivers are asked to undertake a knowledge test, which covers specific routes but also acts as a basic English test.
Under the new proposals private hire drivers would also be required to take a test to check their understanding of English and a basic maths test so that they are confident in taking payment and giving change.