Plans to address shortage of accessible taxis

Plans to improve the accessibility of taxis and private hire vehicles for disabled passengers are set to be considered by councillors.

North Yorkshire Council currently has 60 licensed wheelchair-accessible Hackney carriage vehicles (WAV), which represents one for every 10,250 people.

Under new proposals, all new licence applications would need to be for a WAV, a zero-emission vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle.

Councillor Richard Foster, executive member for licensing, said the authority was "committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion" and that the policy aimed to address the shortage of licensed WAVs.

"Our plans would ensure that there is a mixed fleet, which is in line with the government's guidance, and will help to reduce emissions and improve air quality," he said.

Wheelchair users, trade drivers and other groups were consulted to increase the number of WAVs available while balancing "its impact on trade", he added.

The council's executive members will be asked to approve the new licensing policy, and a new inclusive service plan next Tuesday.

The council has previously introduced incentives to boost WAV numbers, but felt the total was "unlikely to change without further intervention", it said.

A Hackney carriage vehicle can be hailed by passengers on the roadside, stand on a rank, or be pre-booked.

Private hire vehicles can only operate through pre-booking.

Under the new plans, private hire operators would need to identify a passenger's accessibility needs prior to taking a booking, to ensure an appropriate vehicle is provided.

Existing licensed Hackney carriage vehicles would retain "grandfather rights" until no longer fit for purpose, and would not need an upgrade to meet new requirements.

The additional proposal of a new inclusive service plan would educate drivers and operators of the needs and legal rights of disabled passengers, the council said.

This includes people whose access requirements are less apparent when using public transport, including autistic people or those with mental illness.

If introduced, a review of the policy would be carried out after a year to decide whether any adjustments are needed, with further research and consultation.

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