THE drive to improve the professionalism and image of York’s taxi drivers has had a further boost.

More licensed taxi drivers have passed the NVQ Level 2 Certificate in road passenger transport, and some went to the city’s Mansion House to be congratulated by the Lord Mayor, Coun Sue Galloway.

Since its introduction in 2008, more than 300 licensed taxi drivers in York have passed the NVQ, with more than 100 attending a twice-yearly tourism course offered by Visit York and a number going on to take up the York approved tourism badge scheme and becoming official guides.

John Lacy, City of York Council’s licensing manager, said the authority, working with the taxi trade associations, was committed to improving the professionalism, image and skills of the city’s taxi drivers.

He said: “Often the first person a tourist meets will be a taxi driver – the drivers play a key role in shaping a visitor’s first impression of this wonderful city.”