The 13.7 million handicapped individuals in England, Scotland, and Wales will benefit from new legislation that ensure they get the support they need and aren’t overcharged while using taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs).
Since the Equality Act was established 12 years ago, the new Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022, which went into effect on June 28, is the most important revision to the law governing taxi accessibility.
Any disabled person has special rights and safeguards to be transported and get assistance when taking a taxi or PHV without being charged extra according to the 2022 Act’s amendments to the Equality Act of 2010, which impose duties on taxi drivers and PHV drivers and operators.
As part of the changes, taxi and PHV drivers who fail to give disabled customers who are using a pre-booked vehicle appropriate mobility assistance may be subject to fines of up to £1,000.
Additionally, this will guarantee that drivers would aid blind passengers locate or recognize the car.
Additionally, municipal governments will be required to make wheelchair-accessible vehicles in their fleets readily identifiable to the public.
The measures will apply to drivers in England, Scotland, and Wales and enable impacted passengers to have a consistent experience.
Accessibility Minister Wendy Morton stated:
It is wonderful that the revised laws and regulations will make it possible to guarantee that all disabled individuals receive assistance when utilizing PHVs and taxis.
A fifth of the population is considered to be disabled, and thanks to our inclusive transportation strategy, everyone will be able to travel more easily.
Jeremy Wright QC, a member of parliament, introduced the Act.
Another amendment will prevent drivers from charging disabled passengers more than normal passengers, even if they have been granted a medical exemption from assistance obligations.
In Great Britain, 13.7 million people live with a disability.
It comprises ailments of the body and the senses as well as invisible disabilities.
In order to support its 2018 Inclusive Transport Strategy and cross-government commitments on improving access to taxi and PHV services, the Department for Transport (DfT) developed amendments to the Equality Act of 2010, which will benefit a variety of disabled passengers as well as their friends and family.
The DfT announced a £2.5 million programme in March 2022 to support impaired travelers’ increased confidence.
This includes money for mobility centres in England as well as improvements to lifeline ferry service accessibility.