Written question asked by Shivani Raja (Conservative) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. It was answered by Simon Lightwood (Labour) on Monday, 7 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Taxis: Wheelchairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to ensure local licensing authorities enforce non-discrimination provisions under the Equality Act 2010 where private hire and taxi operators charge additional clamping fees or surcharges to users of wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

Answer

The Government is committed to ensuring that disabled people can access taxi and private hire vehicle services without discrimination. Drivers and operators who add fees or surcharges based on disability face prosecution and fines of up to £1,000.

Local licensing authorities are responsible for enforcing these provisions. Departmental best practice guidance makes clear that authorities should thoroughly investigate and prosecute offences where breaches are identified, and that where a complaint about discrimination is received that will not result in a conviction, licensing authorities should consider regulatory sanctions such as license suspension or revocation.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 22472
Session: 2026-27
Subjects: Taxis Wheelchairs
Legislation: Equality Act 2010
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Taxis: Wheelchairs

Secondary information

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