TAXI drivers in East Yorkshire have been given health checks as part of a safety drive carried out by council teams.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s public health bus allowed 30 drivers in Beverley and Bridlington to have the confidential assessments to promote awareness of their own health and the impact on passenger safety. They have also been offered advice on how to make changes to their lifestyles which will reduce the risk of heart disease, strokes and diabetes.

Coun Jackie Cracknell, the council’s cabinet member for community involvement and performance, said: “Taxi drivers are licensed by the council and we have a responsibility to ensure they are not only safe and suitable to carry out their duties, but that their medical fitness does not impact on public safety.

Most of our drivers fit the national profile of identified risk, being aged between 40 and 75, and we are very pleased they have supported us and volunteered to have a health check done in addition to their full medical check, which is required every five years.”