Overview

This Bill amends the Equality Act 2010 to impose new duties on taxi and private hire vehicle drivers regarding the carriage of disabled passengers. It aims to improve accessibility and ensure fair treatment for disabled people using these services.

Description

The Bill introduces several key changes:

• Driver Duties: Taxi and private hire drivers will be legally obligated to carry disabled passengers and their mobility aids (including wheelchairs), provide reasonable assistance (e.g., getting in/out of the vehicle, loading luggage), and ensure safe and comfortable transport. They cannot charge extra for these services. Exceptions are made for situations where it’s unsafe or unreasonable to carry aids or where the vehicle is not equipped to carry a wheelchair.
• Assistance with Vehicle Identification: Drivers of pre-booked taxis and private hire vehicles must provide reasonable assistance to disabled passengers to help them locate their booked vehicle, if the passenger has requested this help.
• Exemption Certificates: The existing exemption certificates for wheelchair accessibility are broadened to encompass all mobility assistance duties for disabled passengers.
• Lists of Accessible Vehicles: Local authorities are now required to maintain and publicly publish lists of wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
• Operator Duties: Private hire vehicle operators cannot refuse bookings solely because a passenger is disabled or to avoid the new driver duties. They also cannot charge extra for complying with the new requirements.
• Offences and Penalties: Failure to comply with these new duties results in a fine (up to level 3 on the standard scale).

Government Spending

The Bill is not expected to result in significant direct government spending. The costs will likely fall on local authorities for updating lists and on taxi and private hire vehicle operators.

Groups Affected

• Disabled Passengers: Will benefit from improved access to taxi and private hire services and better treatment.
• Taxi and Private Hire Drivers: Will face new legal obligations and potential fines for non-compliance.
• Taxi and Private Hire Operators: Will face new obligations related to accepting bookings and potential fines for non-compliance.
• Local Authorities: Responsible for maintaining and publishing lists of accessible vehicles, which may involve administrative costs.

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