Government updates best practice guidance on taxi and PHV licensing in bid to crack down on discrimination against disabled people

The Department for Transport has issued updated best practice guidance on taxi and private vehicle hire licensing.

The DfT said the updates “underline councils must take action against drivers who discriminate against people with disabilities and guide dog owners, issuing fines and suspending licences where required”. 

It added: “PHV operators, meanwhile, are encouraged to identify a passenger’s accessibility needs before they take a booking to ensure an appropriate vehicle is provided.”

The DfT called on councils to incentivise the uptake of wheelchair accessible vehicles and ensure they can be used easily and safely by a range of passengers. “Some wheelchair accessible vehicles may not be suitable for other disabled passengers and, when issuing licences, licensing authorities should ensure their area has the right mix of vehicles to suit their community.”

Roads Minister Guy Opperman said: “Disabled people rely on taxi and private hire vehicles services and it’s unacceptable for people to be unlawfully discriminated against when travelling.  

“It’s vital these services cater for disabled people’s needs, and local authorities should take action now to ensure drivers and operators understand their duties so everyone can travel with confidence.” 

The DfT said other recommendations include training and assessing drivers with a focus on taking a defensive approach to driving, “such as recognising the impact of speeding, or driving while distracted or fatigued, particularly where there have been passenger complaints”.

The guidance also seeks to support industry by removing undue burdens, the Department said. “For instance, given the reliability and ease of satnav systems, PHV drivers should not be required to undertake navigational skills tests for pre-booked journeys, while licensing fees should be reviewed regularly to ensure they are appropriate.”

Alongside issuing the updated guidance, the DfT said it also intends to launch a further call for evidence specifically about passengers’ accessibility needs in taxis and PHVs to inform future policy decisions.

A Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) spokesperson said: “DPTAC welcomes this new best practice guidance, particularly the much greater emphasis on making taxi and PHV services more accessible to disabled people.

“We hope that this will see licensing authorities addressing the barriers that hinder disabled people using taxis and PHVs, including a rapid reduction in the 38% of authorities that do not make disability awareness training mandatory for drivers.

“We have been pleased to work with DfT in the production of this guidance and will continue to press for more steps to make taxis and PHVs more accessible.”