Major change to taxi and private hire vehicle accessibility legislation comes into force

The Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022 – described as “the most significant change to taxi accessibility legislation since the Equality Act was introduced 12 years ago” – has come into force.

The 2022 Act amends the Equality Act 2010 to place duties on taxi drivers and PHV drivers and operators, “so any disabled person has specific rights and protections to be transported and receive assistance when using a taxi or PHV without being charged extra”, the Department for Transport said.

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 to disabled passengers taking a pre-booked vehicle.

“This will also ensure that visually impaired passengers will be assisted by drivers to help them identify or find the vehicle. There will also be a duty for local authorities to publicly identify wheelchair-accessible vehicles in their fleets,” the DfT said.

Another change will mean that even drivers granted exemption from assistance duties on account of medical needs must still accept the carriage of disabled passengers and will not be able to charge them more than others.

The measures will apply to drivers in England, Scotland and Wales in a bid to provide consistency of experience for affected passengers.

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.”

The Act was a Private Members’ Bill introduced by Jeremy Wright QC MP.