New Taxi Accessibility Legislation in the UK to Focus on Inclusive Transportation Experience for Persons with Disabilities in England, Scotland and Wales
Europe, Transportation, July 11 2022
New laws will ensure the 13.7 million persons with disability in England, Scotland and Wales receive the assistance they need and will not be charged over the odds when using taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs).
The new Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022, which came into force on 28 June, is the most significant change to taxi accessibility legislation since the Equality Act was introduced 12 years ago.
The 2022 Act amends the Equality Act 2010 to place duties on taxi drivers and PHV drivers and operators, so any disabled person has specific rights and protections to be transported and receive assistance when using a taxi or PHV without being charged extra.
As part of the amendments, taxi and PHV drivers could face fines of up to £1,000 if they fail to provide reasonable mobility assistance to disabled passengers taking a pre-booked vehicle.
This will also ensure that visually impaired passengers will be assisted by drivers to help them identify or find the vehicle. There will also be a duty [...]