Guidance for Drivers and Operators of Designated Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles
Duties on drivers to assist passengers in wheel chairs
Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022
The Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022 came into force on 28 June 2022.
The 2022 Act amends the Equality Act 2010 to place duties on Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Drivers, Vehicles and Private Hire Operators, so any disabled person has specific rights and protections to be transported and receive assistance when using a Hackney Carriage or Private Hire without being charged extra.
As part of the amendments, Hackney Carriage and Private Hire 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.
Drivers of wheelchair accessible hackney carriages (taxis) or private hire vehicles must now provide assistance to wheelchair users and are not allowed to charge extra for a fare.
Drivers must:
- carry the passenger while in their wheelchair if they wish
- carry the wheelchair if the passenger chooses to sit in a passenger seat
- ensure the passenger is carried in safety and reasonable comfort
- give the passenger reasonable mobility assistance, such as:
- helping them to get in or out of the vehicle
- if the passenger chooses to remain in their wheelchair, helping them to get into and out of the vehicle while in their wheelchair
- loading and unloading the passenger’s luggage
- loading the wheelchair into or out of the vehicle if required
Full details of what is covered can be found on the Gov.uk website.
Charges for carrying wheelchair users
Drivers must not make any extra charge for carrying or assisting a passenger with a wheelchair.
The meter should not be left running while helping the wheelchair user, or while the passenger gets into or out of the vehicle.
Exemptions
Drivers may be able to claim an exemption from these duties on medical grounds or because their physical condition makes it impossible or unreasonably difficult for them to comply. If a driver has an exemption certificate they must display it in their vehicle.