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Written question asked by Vicky Foxcroft (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 March 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 March 2023. It was answered by Richard Holden (Conservative) on Monday, 20 March 2023 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Taxis: Disability

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to help increase the number of wheelchair accessible taxis and private hire vehicles in England.

Answer

Last year the Department consulted on updated taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) best practice guidance for licensing authorities, which provided strengthened recommendations on the provision of an inclusive service.

The guidance recommended licensing authorities ensure there are sufficient wheelchair accessible vehicles within the fleets they regulate to fulfil the demand from disabled passengers. It also recommended that licensing authorities require taxi and PHV drivers to undertake disability awareness training to give them the skills, knowledge, and confidence to provide disabled people with appropriate assistance.

The Department’s response to this consultation will be published in due course, along with a substantive version of the updated guidance document. In the meantime, we remain committed to mandating the completion of disability awareness training by taxi and PHV drivers when Parliamentary time allows.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
165466
Session
2022-23
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Disability Taxis Wheelchairs
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk