Glasgow cabbies may have to prove they can speak English in future.

Glasgow cabbies may have to prove how well they can speak English, and their knowledge of Scotland's biggest city, before they are awarded a taxi licence.

Glasgow City Council’s licensing committee is expected to introduce a policy which means taxis and private hire car drivers will need to complete an SQA qualification before they can take passengers.

This will make Glasgow the second local authority in Scotland, after Dundee, to introduce the programme.

The Unite union is calling for the change agfter figures revealed the number of complaints made against cab companies in the city had more than doubled in five years.

One man couldn’t identify the City Chambers despite being inside the building opposite - he was denied a licence

Between 2014 and 2018 the number of incidents rose from 430 to 1038. The number of private hire car drivers has also increased.

In February Konstantinos Theodoropoulos was denied a cab licence because he couldn’t identify the City Chambers despite being inside the building opposite.

The council’s licensing committee deals with complaints of pirating, cherry-picking hires and over-charging fares. Drivers have also refused to assist wheelchair users or carry guide dogs.

A report submitted to the council reveals that the course would cost between £300 – £400 per driver.

While it is hoped the level of customer service will be improved concerns have been raised by some representatives that the time to complete the course could be “detrimental” and impact the number of people willing to enter the trade.

Alex Wilson, chairman of the licensing board, said: “We are hoping the qualification will raise the standards of our drivers. It is going to replace the existing customer care course which is really outdated.

“The qualification will include a language test and suitable ways to help passengers with disabilities and mental health problems. There is already a code of conduct in place for taxi drivers but this new policy will include private hires.

“It will be mandatory for every new driver to complete. Existing drivers will have to complete it before they renew their licence.

“We want drivers that know their way around Glasgow. Applicants will have to know where key locations are – including the City Chambers.”

Calum Anderson of the Glasgow Cab Section said he was happy that the council had “embraced” the union’s idea.

He added: “The standards of private hire car drivers and taxi services are going down. It is ridiculous taxis and cab drivers can gain a licence without a qualification or any training.

“If someone is required to do training, it means they will take time and effort to achieve their qualification.

“I am hoping it will deter anyone from coming into the profession for just a casual exercise. We want quality not quantity.”

It is hoped the course will be available by January.