Overview

This Bill amends the Equality Act 2010 to improve the rights of disabled people using taxis and private hire vehicles. It introduces new duties for drivers and operators regarding the carrying of disabled passengers, their wheelchairs, mobility aids, and providing reasonable assistance.

Description

The Bill primarily adds several new sections to the Equality Act 2010. Key changes include:

Driver Duties:

• Taxi and private hire drivers must carry disabled passengers, their wheelchairs and mobility aids (excluding assistance dogs).
• Drivers must provide reasonable assistance getting in/out of vehicles and loading/unloading aids.
• No extra charges are permitted for providing this assistance.
• Defenses are included for drivers who couldn't reasonably know of a passenger's disability or inability to safely carry aids.
• A driver commits an offense by failing to comply with these duties, facing fines up to Level 3 on the standard scale.

Assistance with Finding Vehicles:

• For pre-booked taxis and private hire vehicles, drivers must reasonably assist disabled passengers in locating their transport if the driver is notified beforehand.

Operator Duties:

• Private hire vehicle operators cannot refuse bookings based on a passenger's disability or to avoid driver duties, unless a lack of suitable vehicles is a reasonable justification.
• Operators cannot charge extra for carrying out driver assistance duties.
• Non-compliance is also punishable by fines up to Level 3.

Other Amendments:

• The Bill clarifies and updates existing sections on exemption certificates and lists of wheelchair-accessible vehicles, mandating publication of these lists.

Government Spending

The Bill is not expected to significantly impact government spending. The main costs will relate to enforcement and potential legal challenges, the exact figures of which are not specified in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Disabled Persons: Will benefit from increased accessibility and assistance when using taxis and private hire vehicles.
• Taxi and Private Hire Drivers: Will face new legal responsibilities and potential penalties for non-compliance.
• Taxi and Private Hire Operators: Will face new legal responsibilities and potential penalties for non-compliance.
• Local Authorities: Will likely have a role in maintaining and publishing lists of wheelchair-accessible vehicles and potentially in enforcement.

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