Drivers of taxis and private hire vehicles that have been designated ‘wheelchair accessible’ will face a fine of up to £1,000 under new rules that come into force on 6 April if they
- refuse to transport wheelchair users in their wheelchairs
- attempt to charge them extra
- fail to provide them with appropriate assistance
Drivers who fail to comply could also have their taxi/private hire licences suspended or revoked. Those who are unable to provide assistance because of medical reasons will be able to apply to their licensing authority for an exemption.
Introduced by bringing ‘Equality Act 2010: Section 165’ and ‘Equality Act 2010: Section 167’ into force, the new rules are being hailed by Muscular Dystrophy UK, who after years of campaigning, claim “a victory for all people with disabilities who experience daily struggles with accessible transport”.
The government will also consult later this year on a draft ‘Accessibility action plan’, which seeks to address the barriers faced by disabled people in accessing all modes of public transport.