Using a taxi should be a simple and hassle-free task.

Unfortunately, this expectation is far from the reality faced by millions of people across the UK. Living with disabilities puts people at an unfair disadvantage when it comes to using private hire vehicles.

From the physical format of the vehicles to the attitudes of drivers and other passengers, calling a taxi can be a scary and alienating experience for people with disabilities. Whether you’re campaigning for more accessible transport or supporting a vulnerable loved one, it’s worth knowing the state of the situation.

What’s the latest guidance on the accessibility of taxis?

On 17^th November 2023, the Government called on councils and local authorities to improve accessibility for passengers in taxis and other private hire vehicles. The updated guidelines insist that: https://www.motortradenews.com/

• Councils must act against drivers who discriminate against guide dog owners and people with disabilities
• Taxi firms and operators should strive to identify a passenger’s accessibility needs before accepting a booking and assigning a vehicle
• Local authorities should incentivise the uptake of wheelchair accessible vehicles – and make sure they can be used safely

In 2020, the Inclusive Transport Strategy aimed to encourage disabled people to travel confidently, easily, and without additional expense. Since then, it has been revealed that disabled people travel up to a third less frequently than non-disabled people, exposing long-standing barriers.

Private hire vehicles in the UK: Why are accessibility issues so widespread?

Organisations including the Motability Foundation and Disability Rights UK highlight the following recurring issues:

• A lack of training and understanding: Drivers often can’t empathise with the experience of neurodivergent passengers – for example, those with autism
• Unsuitable vehicles: Many taxis aren’t adapted to improve or facilitate the experience for ambulant passengers who rely on accessibility aids, like walking sticks
• Wheelchair accessibility: Certain taxi firms keep a limited supply of wheelchair-friendly vehicles, but these aren’t always managed or assigned correctly: customers who need an accessible vehicle often struggle to book one

Which groups are most affected by the discrimination?

Not every disability is visible, but if a driver hasn’t been trained to understand or appreciate this concept, their business could be unintentionally discriminatory to people with disabilities.

It’s not just people born with disabilities who face these challenges. Certain health conditions can cause to temporary disabilities, which might not always be obvious to an outsider. From diabetes and other chronic conditions to delayed infection treatments and deep vein thrombosis, severe illness can prompt the need for limb amputation.

An injury lawyer who focuses on amputation cases can be a wise choice if you need legal assistance after receiving unfair treatment. Experts such as those at Bolt Burdon Kemp are aware of the significant consequences of these circumstances. Their professionals are aware that limb loss or amputation can have ‘extensive psychological, physical and financial consequences for both the individual and their family’.

How can accessibility in private hire vehicles be improved?

Above all, the general lack of driver training and awareness causes the most problems for people with disabilities when they’re trying to get around. According to one spokesperson for the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee, only 62% of local authorities implement mandatory disability awareness training for drivers.

Consequentially, disabled people struggle to have their needs effectively acknowledged by taxi firms and drivers. From being misunderstood to being assigned an unsuitable vehicle, ignorance is the issue that needs to be addressed most urgently.

Overview

Private transport should be accessible. Anyone eligible for the service should be able to use it without difficulty and in a way that provides more convenience and independence.

Unless the Government can provide evidence that taxi transport provides the same experience for people with additional needs, whether they concern a physical disability or any other type, private hire can’t be described as accessible yet.