INTRODUCTION

Section 32 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 gives the Government powers to make taxi accessibility regulations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland the powers to introduce the regulations are contained in section 20 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, as amended by the 1995 Act. The purpose of such regulations is to ensure that disabled people including those who use and wish to remain in their wheelchairs can get into and out of, and travel in, licensed taxis in safety and reasonable comfort.

This document has been sent to the taxi trade, local authorities, licensing officers, vehicle manufacturers, groups representing disabled people and members of the public to seek their views about the Government’s initial proposals for the taxi accessibility regulations.

The proposals contained in this document cover the features which could be included in regulations and suggests dates for the implementation of regulations. It is intended that the timetable for the introduction of the regulations will be the same throughout the United Kingdom. The Government would welcome any comments you may have on these proposals using the enclosed questionnaire form (please see ‘where to send responses’ at the end of this document). The taxi provisions contained in the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 will be introduced in Scotland using the powers available to the Secretary of State for Scotland under section 20 of the 1982 Act, as amended by the 1995 Act. As a result, the regulations in Scotland will vary in parts from those introduced elsewhere in the UK but will adhere to the underlying principles of the 1995 legislation. Nevertheless, joint consultation seemed appropriate at this exploratory stage. However, once these have been received and considered the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and The Scottish Office will consult separately on the terms of their draft regulations and this will include a joint assessment of the economic consequences of the proposals.

Section One is divided into three main parts. Part one shows the proposed timetable for the implementation of the regulations. Part two is the technical specification for vehicles. Part three covers interim regulations applying to previously licensed wheelchair accessible vehicles. The first column of Part Two details items which are proposed for regulations. The second column details best practice which could be included in non statutory guidance to accompany the regulations. The third column gives an explanation of the purpose of each of the items proposed for regulations.

The Government’s proposals setting out the criteria that must be met in order for an exemption from the regulations to be granted to a licensing authority are at Annex A.

Section Two includes information on: costs/benefits; duties of drivers; safety of wheelchairs in taxis; enforcement; and, commonly asked questions with answers.