IN THE NEWS


BLIND MAN AND HIS GUIDE DOG REFUSED MINICAB TRIP OVER 30 TIMES BY SOME LONDON DRIVERS


A blind man and his guide dog have been refused minicab trips over 30 times by some London drivers.


Under section 170 of the Equality Act 2010, it is a criminal offence for private hire drivers to refuse access to a guide dog and its owner. Stephen Anderson, 32, has been filming the incidents involving him and his dog Barney and sending


them to Transport for London (TfL). His actions have so far seen a dozen successful prosecutions. Mr Anderson said: “I’m not sure whether I can take another guide dog on in the future simply because I cannot deal with


the distress and the sense of shame that comes from people treating me so appallingly. “Even when I tell them, they will say that it’s not a criminal offence because, ‘it’s my car’.” Mr Anderson hopes that private hire and taxi companies take action to prevent their drivers from discriminating against blind and partially sighted people.


WHEELCHAIR-ACCESSIBLE TAXI SHORTAGE IS ‘RIDICULOUS’ SAYS DERRY WHEELCHAIR USER


Taxi services for disabled people are virtually non-existent in Derry, a wheelchair user has said. Deborah Ferris said a lack of WAV taxis was especially bad at night and weekends as the number of taxis in Northern Ireland has been declining for years. Ms Ferris said: “It is just ridiculous, there is meant to be equality and access for all. I’m not blaming any


taxi drivers, but to me firms should have one or two WAV taxis. Now I can hardly find anyone who will take me out and bring me back. She has faced the problem in Belfast too and said she believed there was an onus on councils, to


improve access to transport. DfI figures show the number of taxi drivers and vehicles has been falling since 2013. According to the department’s data, up to the end of 31 March this year, the number of taxi drivers operating in Northern Ireland was 8,781. The number of Class B taxis, which are certified wheelchair accessible, was 380.


WORCESTER CABBIES SUBJECT TO ‘TEST PURCHASE’ CHECKS TO ENSURE HELPING DISABLED PEOPLE


Taxi/PH drivers may be prosecuted if they


fail to help disabled


passengers - including people in wheelchairs or with guide dogs. Worcester drivers have been warned they could be prosecuted or their licences suspended if they do not follow new rules. The Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022 came into force in England last June to ensure disabled people can use taxis/PHVs knowing they will not


PHTM JANUARY 2023


be discriminated against. In Worcester, licensing officers will be carrying out random ‘test purchase’ checks to ensure the new legislation is being followed. This could involve ‘test purchasers’ in wheelchairs or with guide dogs. Worcester City Council will support the introduction of the Act by updating taxi policies. All drivers/operators will also be informed of their responsibilities to provide disabled passengers with


reasonable assistance and carry their mobility aids, while not charging more than they would for a non-disabled passenger. Drivers must also provide assistance to identify the vehicle, at no extra cost. Public Hire vehicles are also required to accept bookings for or on behalf of any disabled person if they


have a suitable vehicle


available. Any discrimination may risk formal action.


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