Taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers could face fines of up to £1,000 if they fail to offer an accessible service to disabled passengers taking a pre-booked vehicle.
The new Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022, which came into force on 28 June, amends the Equality Act 2010 to place duties on taxi and PHV drivers to support disabled passengers without charging extra.
As part of the amendments, taxi and PHV drivers could face fines of up to £1,000 if they fail to provide reasonable mobility assistance.
There will also be a duty for local authorities to publicly identify wheelchair-accessible vehicles in their fleets.
Wendy Morton, accessibility minister, said: ‘It is fantastic that the updated legislation and guidance will help ensure that all disabled people receive assistance when using taxis and PHVs.
‘Disabled people account for around a fifth of the population and our Inclusive Transport Strategy is making travel more accessible for all.’
