BOROUGH residents are being asked for their views on changes to rules for taxi and private hire drivers.

A public consultation has been launched as Eastleigh Borough Council looks to write up a new Taxi licensing Policy.

Covering a range of areas including disclosure and barring (DBS) service checks, safeguarding training to support vulnerable passengers, driver training, dress code and signage, the new statement will bring the current set of policies in line with Department for Transport guidance.

Now businesses, residents and partners are all being asked to give feedback on the new draft policy with the consultation set to end on November 8.

As part of the new policy, drivers would be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check every 6 months, vehicle owners and private hire operators will be required to produce a basic DBS check, private hire operators will need a policy on employing ex-offenders, and identification stickers will be needed on both sides of private hire vehicles.

The policy relates to the licensing of hackney carriages and drivers, private hire vehicles and drivers and private hire operators.