THE MUM of murdered Sian O’Callaghan said she felt “more encouraged” that a campaign to change taxi licensing rules would win success.

Elaine Pickford, whose daughter Sian was murdered by Swindon cab driver Chris Halliwell in 2011, has campaigned with charity the Suzy Lamplugh Trust to change the law to tighten up who can obtain a taxi or minicab licence.

READ MORE: Campaign for taxi licensing rules continues 10 years on from Sian O'Callaghan's murder

She told BBC Radio Wiltshire this morning: “We feel more encouraged this time. We have also had a meeting with the two Swindon MPs which has also spurred us on and we feel quite encouraged as a result of that meeting. We’re really hoping now that things will start to move forward.”

Last month, the Department for Transport told the Adver the government had introduced "tough" new licensing standards. Those statutory standards include criminal record checks for drivers every six months and safeguarding training.

Ms Pickford said the death of Sarah Everard, who was allegedly murdered by Met Police officer Wayne Couzens in March, had “resonated massively”.