Safeguarding · updated 24 October 2026

Keeping young drivers safe.

Draft for legal review. This text describes how the service actually works, but it has not yet been checked by a solicitor and is not final.

Many drivers on VLTA are under 18. The platform is built so that a child's details are only public when a parent or guardian decides, and so that nobody can contact a child through it.

If a child is in danger

If someone is at immediate risk, call 999. For advice about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or help@nspcc.org.uk. Young people can call Childline on 0800 1111. For concerns in motorsport, you can also contact Motorsport UK's Safeguarding Team on 01753 765000, or your club's Safeguarding Officer.

Report a concern to us

Use Report this page at the bottom of any profile, or email info@vlta.co.uk with "Safeguarding" in the subject. Our designated safeguarding lead is Jordan Campbell. We review safeguarding reports first, can take a profile down straight away, and will pass concerns to the police or children's services where a child may be at risk.

How the platform protects young drivers

No child accounts. A parent or guardian creates and controls every under-18 profile.
Private by default. A junior profile is not public until the guardian gives recorded consent and publishes it. It can be unpublished in one step.
No direct contact. There is no messaging between users. Sponsor enquiries go to the guardian.
Minimal details. We never ask for a child's surname, address, school, date of birth or phone number. A first name or racing name is enough.
Photos with care. Location data is stripped from every upload. A junior's photos stay off the public profile unless the guardian gives a separate photo consent.
Takedown. A profile taken down after a report cannot be republished by its owner.
Honest automation. Autopilot never posts on its own and never posts a non-finish. Sponsor share links never show the guardian's name or email.

Guidance for families on photos

Following the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit's advice on publishing images of children:

Use a racing name rather than a full name on a junior profile.
Prefer action shots in the car or in helmet over close-up portraits.
Do not show anything that reveals where your child lives or goes to school: uniforms, house numbers or street signs.
Ask other parents before uploading a photo that clearly shows their child.