Rutland Taxi Firms Clash with Council Over Disability Access Rules
Local cabbies express concerns over new regulations
Rutland taxi firms are up in arms over proposed changes to Hackney carriage licensing rules that aim to bring them in line with national legislation. The regulations, which are designed to improve accessibility for disabled passengers, have sparked controversy within the local industry.
The County Council's intention is to implement changes in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 and the Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022. These laws mandate that taxi and private hire drivers must be able to accommodate passengers with disabilities, including wheelchair users and those with guide dogs.
However, some taxi operators in Rutland argue that the new regulations are overly burdensome and could lead to significant financial strain. They express concerns about the cost of modifying vehicles to meet accessibility standards and the potential impact on their livelihoods.
Key points of the new regulations:
Wheelchair Accessibility: Drivers are required to carry passengers in wheelchairs at no extra charge and provide necessary assistance.
Guide Dogs: Drivers must allow passengers with guide dogs to travel with their animals at no additional cost.
Driver Exemptions: Drivers can apply for exemptions on medical grounds if they are unable to comply with the regulations.
While the Council aims to improve accessibility for disabled individuals, it is essential to balance these needs with the practical challenges faced by local businesses. A collaborative approach between the Council and the taxi industry is crucial to find a solution that ensures compliance with the law while minimizing the impact on local businesses.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the Council will proceed with implementing the new regulations and whether a compromise can be reached to satisfy both parties.
Requirements of the Equality Act 2010 came into force on 6 April 2017 and there are sections within it which are aimed directly at Hackney carriage (taxi) and private hire drivers and vehicles: Sections 160 to 173 of the Equality Act 2010 (legislation.gov.uk)
It is now a criminal offence for drivers of taxis and private hire vehicles to refuse to carry passengers in wheelchairs or with guide or assistance dogs.
The government has updated its guidance for local licencing authorities on the taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) duties under the Equality Act 2010. The Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022 will be in force from 28 June 2022, this will amend the Equality Act 2010.
Under Section 165 of the Act, a driver is required to undertake the following duties:
To carry a passenger while they are in a wheelchair
To not make an additional charge for doing so
If the passenger chooses to sit in a passenger seat, to carry the wheelchair
To take such steps that are necessary to ensure that the passenger is carried in safety and reasonable comfort
To give the passenger such mobility assistance as is reasonably required
Guide or assistance dogs
Guide dogs are working dogs not pets; their owners rely on them for both independence and mobility. The Equality Act 2010 places a duty on taxi and private hire drivers to carry guide dogs and other assistance dogs at no extra cost.
Unless they have a medical exemption certificate, taxi and private hire drivers must:
Carry the assistance dog in their vehicle and allow it to remain with its owner
Not charge extra for carrying an assistance dog in their vehicle
Private hire companies must not refuse a booking or refuse to carry out a booking due to someone having an assistance dog with them. There have been a number of successful prosecutions.
Drivers can apply to us for an exemption (certificate) from the duties to assist passengers in wheelchairs or with guide dogs, either on medical grounds or because their physical condition makes it impossible or unreasonably difficult for them to comply with the duties.
