The Equality Act 2010 and the Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022 are two laws in the UK that make that handicapped people can use taxis. Cab and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers, operators, and licensing authorities all have specific duties under these rules. They have to permit disabled people to be transported. They should also guarantee that mobility assistance is available and zero extra charges.
What Responsibilities Must Taxi Drivers and Operators Fulfil?
According to Section 165 of the Equality Act 2010:
- If asked, drivers of vehicles that are wheelchair accessible must carry persons in wheelchairs in the wheelchair.
- Vehicles must support people with mobility issues. This includes helping them get in and out of the car, loading and unloading bags and wheelchairs, and opening doors as needed.
- There can’t be any extra fees just because a traveler requires this kind of help.
These rules are applicable unless a driver has been given an exemption because of a medical condition or because the design of the vehicle makes it impossible to follow them.
Read about black cab driver income.
Variations by Location
The national obligation is strong. However, how it is carried out varies from place to place. Not every local licensing authority requires that all taxis and PHVs be accessible to wheelchairs.
Some merely need a certain number of vehicles in the fleet to meet the criterion. Almost all licensed cabs in some locations, including London, are totally accessible. In some places, it’s not as easy to get around.
Read: Can taxis use bus lanes?
Current Challenges
Some disabled travellers still say that drivers refuse to accommodate them or charge them more, even though the law says they should.
There may not be many vehicles available, especially in rural or less urban locations. Even if licenses allow accessible automobiles, there may not be enough of them.
Not all drivers are educated to help disabled people mobility support or give them comfortable service.
Read: How much would a taxi cost for 20 miles UK?
What Taxi Services Offer Locally in Dunfermline and Surrounding Areas?
Ash Cabs is a local company that works in:
- Dunfermline
- Rosyth
- Inverkeithing
- Duloch
- Halbeath Park & Ride
- Crossford
- Cairneyhill, and
- Neighboring places
Our fleet includes numerous forms of taxi services, such as airport transfers and private rental, and different types of vehicles as well.
For now, public resources do not make it apparent if their whole fleet is wheelchair accessible or if they do all the mobility assistance tasks that the law requires.
The Bottom Line
Comprehending how accessible are UK taxis for disabled passengers reveals that UK law is strong in the cab industry. Disabled passengers have legal rights to help, a wheelchair if they need one, and protection from excessive taxes.
Since the 2022 Act, it has become easier to implement these rights. However, accessibility varies. It depends on your location and the responsible behaviour of the drivers.
People in the area may want to call taxi companies ahead of time. This act makes sure that the cars are accessible and the drivers are helpful. This assures that their needs are satisfied when they arrange a trip, whether it is to the airport, to see a doctor, or to run errands.
Book Rosyth taxis Dunfermline now!
