TAXI drivers in Wiltshire currently face extra criminal background checks as part of the authorities licensing process.

The Government is asking for views on proposals which include making sure every local authority carries out enhanced checks on all potential drivers and calls for CCTV to be installed in all taxis.

The licensing department at Wiltshire council currently carries out enhanced disclosure and barring service checks as well as DVLA checks during the county’s standard application process for taxi drivers.

A Wiltshire Council spokesman said: “We carry out an enhanced DBS check on all drivers.

"Any new driver applying for a licence in Wiltshire would have to undergo the following checks; an enhanced DBS check, medical, immigration/right to work check if appropriate, identity check, DVLA, and checks on their vehicle.”

Damien Sznzer, owner of Mega Taxi Trowbridge already operates with cameras on the front of his taxis.

Mr Sznzer has been running the company with his partner for over two years and agrees that more in-depth background checks would be a good thing for taxi drivers.

He said: “Having a camera on the front of the car is good incase there is an accident or passengers are rude. Unfortunately we do not have CCTV in the taxis but we have had the front ones for over a year. CCTV is a useful way of knowing what happens. We have never had to use it following any kind of incident so far. I think extra checks for taxi drivers is a good thing as well.”

Transport minister Nusrat Ghani, who has responsibility for taxis, said: “While the vast majority of drivers are safe and act responsibly, we have seen too many cases where taxi and minicab drivers have used their job to prey on vulnerable people, women and children.”