Did you know that since April 6, 2017 it has been illegal for taxi drivers to discriminate against wheelchair users? This new legislation, presented by the United Kingdom government to increase inclusion, applies to vehicles designated as wheelchair accessible and means that disabled users do not face discrimination or inflated rates when using this popular mode of transport.
Requirements for accessible taxis
Defining a local wheelchair accessible taxi as capable of meeting the needs of people with disabilities is a fairly broad requirement; After all, there are many different types of disability.
An accessible taxi could come equipped with a ramp to assist people with mild disabilities when walking, that is, the elderly or, alternatively, those who use wheelchairs.
Once inside the taxi, you must have safety straps to secure a wheelchair and if the person currently using the taxi has trouble moving, a swivel chair must be provided to increase the mobility of the individual inside the vehicle. Wheelchair accessible taxis are also adding different forms of lighting to help people with visual impairments.
Using assistant dogs on your trip
If you have an assistance dog, he / she has the right to travel with you in the taxi, except in the event that the driver has a certificate of exemption. This allows them to refuse to transport animals due to medical conditions, for example, allergies, which affect their ability to drive.
All accompanying assistance dogs must be trained by legal dog training organizations, such as the Guide Dog Organization, Canine Partners and Dogs for the Disabled, among others. When traveling with your canine companion, it is important to carry appropriate identification to certify that your dog has been trained and that he / she helps you move or interact with the world more effectively. It is important to ensure that your dog remains calm and quiet, since the damage incurred as a result of the dog must be compensated by you as the owner of the dog.
The exemption certificate used by taxi drivers to excuse them from transporting people with animals is usually presented in the form of a yellow tag placed on the windshield of the car. If the certificate is missing, the taxi driver can be considered to discriminate against people with disabilities or special needs.
Hearing aid induction loops are now standard accessories in taxis to help passengers with hearing impairments. This allows deaf or almost deaf people to communicate fairly efficiently and with fewer problems.
New laws and fines on accessible transportation
With the new law passed on April 6, 2017, taxi drivers could face a fine of up to £ 1,000 if they refuse to transport a disabled user, or if they try to charge them more than standard fare prices.Due to this law, taxi drivers and private rental vehicles will now be obliged to transport wheelchair users in their wheelchairs, provide wheelchair passengers with adequate assistance, charge chair users of wheels the same as those who do not, and not show discrimination against an individual with a disability.
They also have the responsibility to report problems on discrimination issues.
All taxi and minibus drivers should ensure that they do not discriminate against disabled people and, therefore, should not treat them less favorably than non disabled customers. They should also make any “reasonable adjustment” to their service to make it easier for them. They should report any problem to the taxi licensing office at their local council office.
Book an accessible taxi
Taking a taxi that is more suitable for a disabled person is very easy in urban areas. However, in less urban areas, accessible taxis for disabled people are a bit less common. We have included a resource from several taxi companies throughout the United Kingdom that specifically address the needs of people with disabilities, although these are certainly not the only suitable taxi services that provide access for the disabled.
Companies offering accessible taxi services within the United Kingdom
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