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Written question asked by Alex Norris (Labour) on Tuesday, 28 November 2017, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 1 December 2017. It was answered by John Hayes (Conservative) on Wednesday, 6 December 2017 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Taxis: Disability

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if will issue statutory guidance to licensing authorities requiring disability equality training as a license condition for all drivers.

Answer

Taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) services must be accessible to those who rely upon them, and disability awareness training can be effective in equipping drivers with the skills and knowledge to provide all passengers with the assistance they require. The Department is currently considering the responses to the consultation on the draft Accessibility Action Plan which will inform the updated Best Practice Guidance for taxi and PHV licensing authorities. It is the Department’s expectation that the guidance will include a recommendation that authorities should use their existing powers to require prospective drivers to complete disability awareness and equality training.

There are however no existing powers to give this guidance statutory status.

I announced in a Westminster Hall debate that I would be setting up a working group to consider current issues concerning taxi and PHV licensing. That group will report its findings to me in the new year.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
116150
Session
2017-19
Related items
Taxis: Licensing
Monday, 21 May 2018
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Disability Equality Taxis Training
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk