Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to raise awareness with (a) taxi firms and (b) bus companies of child sexual exploitation.

The legislation that provides for licensing of taxi and private hire vehicle services is enabling in its nature, giving local licensing authorities the discretion to set standards and requirements that they deem to be appropriate. This includes the mandating of child exploitation and abuse awareness training.

Following Royal Assent to the Policing and Crime Act earlier this year the Department for Transport will for the first time issue Statutory Guidance, this will include specific advice on practical measures to reduce the risk of sexual exploitation and abuse of children and vulnerable adults when using these services. This guidance will be consulted on shortly.

The majority of bus services in the UK are run by private sector bus operators in a deregulated environment. Those operators have a duty to ensure their employees behave in accordance with the requirements of all relevant legislation.