MORE than 70 people have responded to a Wiltshire Council campaign to encourage people to become taxi drivers.

 Up to 71 people have applied to meet the shortage of taxi drivers serving local communities throughout the county following the campaign launch in April.

The council says taxis are an essential part of Wiltshire’s transport network providing a valuable service to the local community, but there is a shortage of drivers.

Not only are taxi drivers needed by the community, but Wiltshire Council also needs reliable drivers to fulfil its growing number of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) school and social care contracts.

The contracts offer regular work and hours and also help and support some of the most vulnerable people in Wiltshire.

Cllr Dr Mark McClelland, cabinet member for transport said; “Taxis are an essential part of our transport network, providing a valuable service to the local community.

“Even before the Covid pandemic there was a shortage of taxi drivers in Wiltshire with a lower number of registered drivers compared to other counties and since the pandemic, the numbers have fallen further.

“In April we launched a recruitment campaign on behalf of taxi trade across the county to encourage more people to become taxi drivers and it has had a very positive response with 71 applications received from people wanting to become taxi drivers since April.

“Being a taxi driver is a flexible job and you can either work for a taxi company or be your own boss. Local taxi firms have lots of vacancies and there are plenty of opportunities and plenty of work available.

“Wiltshire Council also needs reliable taxi drivers to fulfil our growing number of school and social care contracts.

“These contracts offer regular work and hours and help and support some of the most vulnerable people in Wiltshire.

“People can find out more about how to become a taxi driver and our school and social care contracts by visiting wiltshire.gov.uk/licences-permits-transport.”

Wiltshire Council has lots of contracts available which start at around £30 a day for short routes, increasing to £250+ a day for longer routes.

Drivers are free to combine these contracts with rank work. Becoming a taxi driver takes around six weeks and costs around £400.