The Department for Transport and Transport Minister Andrew Jones MP has announced that taxi drivers face a fine of up to £1,000 if they refuse to transport wheelchair users or attempt to charge them extra.
Transport Minister Andrew Jones said:
“We want to build a country that works for everyone, and part of that is ensuring disabled people have the same access to services and opportunities as anyone else – including when it comes to travel. People who use wheelchairs are often heavily reliant on taxis and private hire vehicles and this change to the law will mean fair and equal treatment for all.”
From 6 April 2017 taxi and private hire vehicle drivers will be obliged by law to:
- Transport wheelchair users in their wheelchair
- Provide passengers in wheelchairs with appropriate assistance
- Charge wheelchair users the same as non-wheelchair users
What do you think about the introduction of the legislation? Have you ever been refused a taxi, refused assistance or charged more because you use a wheelchair? Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook or Twitter.
16 Feb 2017 17:14:24
i was going home with friends after sushi on fitzwilliam st last friday evening. we hailed a black cab, intending they could drop me home then carry on back to theirs. the driver said he couldn’t take wheelchairs. one friend took the cab, the other pushed me home. grr!