That this House, mindful that 2003 is European Union Year of the Disabled, notes London is rightly proud that it is the only city in the world with a fully wheelchair accessible fleet of Hackney carriages (taxis); further notes that the vehicles built by Coventry-based purpose-built taxi manufacturers, London Taxis International, and Tamworth-based Metrocab, strive to offer access for all with features fitted as standard, such as an integral fold-out wheelchair ramp, a step and swivel seat for the semi-ambulant, induction loops for the hard of hearing, colour contrasted grab handles and puddle lights to aid the partially sighted, light touch door handles and thick grab handles for the arthritic and a child seat built into the arm rest for parents; also notes the indispensable 25 foot turning, used on average four times an hour by drivers in London's narrow streets, ensures a safe pick and drop off for all; further notes that swing doors are easier and safer than sliding doors for passengers to use and that side loading of wheelchairs is safer and more dignified than rear loading used in some converted van taxis licensed outside London; and believes that with congestion charging coming into force from 17th February and Transport for London licensing private hire for the first time, the public's ability to be able instantly to recognise a wheelchair accessible taxi is more important than ever.

That this House, mindful that 2003 is European Union Year of the Disabled, notes London is rightly proud that it is the only city in the world with a fully wheelchair accessible fleet of Hackney carriages (taxis); further notes that the vehicles built by Coventry-based purpose-built taxi manufacturers, London Taxis...

That this House notes that licensed taxis play a vital role in the public transport network by providing a link between transport interchanges and the passenger's final destination; welcomes the fact that already in London and some other metropolitan districts all licensed taxis are wheelchair accessible and that, in due course, in the rest of the country they will be required to be accessible under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995; is concerned that at present there is no statutory requirement that licensed taxis have access to railway stations' forecourts, and in some stations, such as Cambridge and Eastbourne, that licensed taxis have been excluded from forecourts; believes that all passengers, including the elderly and disabled, should have the opportunity to complete their journey in a licensed taxi that provides the passenger with the security of a regulated fare and complete accessibility; and calls upon the Government to take action to ensure that wheelchair users and other passengers have guaranteed access to a rank of licensed taxis at all railway station forecourts.

That this House notes that licensed taxis play a vital role in the public transport network by providing a link between transport interchanges and the passenger's final destination; welcomes the fact that already in London and some other metropolitan districts all licensed taxis are wheelchair accessible and that, in due...

That this House notes that Taxicard schemes are an extremely valuable resource for disabled and elderly Londoners, who are not able to utilise other forms of public transport, by providing subsidised taxi provision; recognises that more than 700,000 trips supported by such funding initiatives are made in London each year and that 45,000 Londoners are members of Taxicard schemes; expresses concern that a number of London boroughs are reducing the funding made available to Taxicard; and urges the Government to transfer responsibility for Taxicard to the Greater London Authority at the earliest opportunity, and ensure that during the interim period due consideration is given to funding mechanisms to guarantee the continuation of Taxicard schemes across London.

That this House notes that Taxicard schemes are an extremely valuable resource for disabled and elderly Londoners, who are not able to utilise other forms of public transport, by providing subsidised taxi provision; recognises that more than 700,000 trips supported by such funding initiatives are made in London each year...

That this House deplores the action of Pizza Hut, which, in its opposition to the national minimum wage, has cut funds for late night taxi services for its staff, many of whom are under 18 years and some of whom work as late as 1.00 am; considers such action prejudicial to the welfare and safety of Pizza Hut staff; and urges the company to reconsider its position.

That this House deplores the action of Pizza Hut, which, in its opposition to the national minimum wage, has cut funds for late night taxi services for its staff, many of whom are under 18 years and some of whom work as late as 1.00 am; considers such action prejudicial...

That this House notes that the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee has identified that there are six million people in the United Kingdom whose mobility is seriously impaired or denied for lack of transport; supports DaRT in their call for a fully accessible transport system as a vital factor in ensuring the rights of each individual to have an equal opportunity to participate fully in the community; and therefore welcomes DaRT's launch of the national All Aboard campaign which calls for full equal access to public transport.

That this House notes that the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee has identified that there are six million people in the United Kingdom whose mobility is seriously impaired or denied for lack of transport; supports DaRT in their call for a fully accessible transport system as a vital factor in...

That this House welcomes the major contribution made by London's licensed black cabs to the Capital's transport network and tourism industry; recognises the key role they play as the safest form of transport available for private hire given the specialised nature of the vehicle and training of the driver; and urges the Government to ensure that no measures are adopted that would jeopardise the future of this, the world's finest licensed taxi service.

That this House welcomes the major contribution made by London's licensed black cabs to the Capital's transport network and tourism industry; recognises the key role they play as the safest form of transport available for private hire given the specialised nature of the vehicle and training of the driver; and...

That this House supports DART (Dial-a-Ride and Taxicard Users) in their call for improved transport facilities for people with disabilities, and specifically believes that the European Community should adopt a common standard for all public transport to be fully accessible to all people with physical and sensory disabilities including wheelchair users; that Dial-A-Ride, the door-to door bus service for people with disabilities requires a considerable increase in funding in order to achieve a minimum standard of one trip a week; that Taxicard (using traditional licensed taxis of which all new ones are wheelchair accessible) requires central government funding, and that the environment generally must be made fully accessible to all people with disabilities by the improved design and adaptation of buildings, roads and pavements in order to allow their use by all members of the community.

That this House supports DART (Dial-a-Ride and Taxicard Users) in their call for improved transport facilities for people with disabilities, and specifically believes that the European Community should adopt a common standard for all public transport to be fully accessible to all people with physical and sensory disabilities including wheelchair...