Taxi drivers could be trained to recognise signs of child sexual exploitation in West Berkshire

A consultation has started, external on plans to train West Berkshire taxi drivers to recognise signs of child sexual exploitation.

Thames Valley Police suggested the training should be undertaken as part of a national campaign.

If adopted, all taxi drivers and some private hire drivers would have to pay £50 for disability and child sexual exploitation training.

Currently only taxi drivers are required to attend disability training.

Under the new proposals, private hire drivers who regularly drive a vehicle which is wheelchair-accessible would also be required to carry out the training.

A "robust overview" of taxi driver licensing was recommended by a safeguarding body following Operation Bullfinch, a Thames Valley Police and Oxfordshire County Council investigation into child rape and trafficking in 2011.