A review into the code of conduct for taxi drivers in Ipswich is to take place this year, as council bosses endeavour to make services as safe as possible.

A proposal submitted ahead of Ipswich Borough Council’s scrutiny and overview meeting last Thursday, which was cancelled because of the snow, proposed to put together or update a code of conduct.

However, it has since emerged that a draft update on the code of conduct is currently being drawn up, and due to be submitted to the council’s licensing committee later this year.

It is understood that the borough council had received a small number of complaints in regard to occasional inappropriate remarks by drivers which could make passengers uncomfortable.

The form submitted to last Thursday’s meeting also said: “Residents have reported that taxi suppliers are taking bookings and then transferring them to other providers and also leaving passengers late at night in areas of the town centre that have had drugs incidents or serious crime reported.”

It has not been disclosed how many complaints the borough council had received.

A spokesman from the borough council said: “Ipswich taxi drivers already abide by a clear code of conduct which is currently under review.

“We want to ensure our drivers adhere to an enhanced code of conduct to ensure there are no misunderstandings or inappropriate or naïve conversations with passengers and that drivers’ behaviour always meets the highest possible professional standards.

“Officers are preparing an updated draft code which will be presented to licensing and regulatory committee later this year.”

The spokesman added that it was about making sure the “travelling public are safe”.

Currently, people applying to have a taxi, Hackney Carriage, limousine or private hire licence are given a code of conduct when they apply, in order to make sure they operate correctly.

Any breaches of licence can be referred to the borough council’s licensing and regulatory committee to be investigated or determined upon.

It is not yet clear what the new draft code of conduct will contain, but it is understood that it will include guidance on appropriate conduct.