From 6 April 2017 it will be illegal for taxi drivers to discriminate against wheelchair users.
Taxi drivers face a fine of up to £1,000, if they refuse to transport wheelchair users or attempt to charge them extra, announced Transport Minister Andrew Jones.
From 6 April taxi and private hire vehicle drivers will be obliged by law to:
- transport wheelchair users in their wheelchair
- provide passengers in wheelchairs with appropriate assistance
- charge wheelchair users the same as non-wheelchair users
Disability Rights UK welcomes this news. Accessible transport is both an ongoing and growing concern for disabled people so this is good news.