A new law has been introduced in the UK which will help to make sure that those with mobility issues will be supported with the assistance that they need, and will not be overcharged when they travel in wheelchair-accessible taxis and private hire vehicles.
The Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022 was introduced on the 28th of June 2022, as the most major change to the Equality Act since it was brought into legislation in 2010. This amendment puts emphasis on taxi drivers and operators. It ensures that any disabled passenger has adequate protection and assistance, without incurring any additional cost.
If drivers do not comply with these new rules and provide appropriate assistance to any persons with a disability, they will be charged a fine of up to £1,000. Additionally, those travelling with visual impairments will be required to receive support in identifying the vehicle they will be travelling within, and the law also brings in a requirement for local authorities to openly identify all of their wheelchair-accessible taxis.
These new measures will be applicable to all drivers across England, Wales and Scotland, aiming to ensure a consistent experience for any passengers requiring such assistance. One other change means that drivers with medical conditions who are unable to provide assistance to travellers with disabilities will still be required to take the fare, and will not be allowed to charge any more than a regular fare for the journey.
These updates to the legislation were brought in by the Department for Transport (DfT) in line with its 2018 Inclusive Transport Strategy and commitment to enhancing accessibility to taxi and private hire services.
Here at Cab Direct, we offer a range of wheelchair-accessible taxis and fully support the changes which will improve the experience of those with a disability in the UK and ensure that everyone is charged a fair price for their journey.