EV PUSH: Epsom & Ewell Council plans to DROP need for purpose built wheelchair accessible taxis

To help taxi licensees transition to lower emission vehicles, Epsom & Ewell’s council proposes removing the requirement that hackney carriages be purpose-built taxis.

The council hope this will create a more varied fleet, which Epsom & Ewell Borough Council believe will make hackney carriages easier-to-use, and more comfortable, for wheelchair users.

Most hackney carriages will continue to be wheelchair accessible, however it is proposed that a small number of zero emission hackney carriages will be permitted to operate despite not being wheelchair accessible, until wheelchair-accessible zero emission vehicles are more widely available.

The council proposes using a phased approach to ensure that licensed private hire vehicles and hackney carriages meet the same emission standards as the London Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ). This consultation launched on 19 June and will run for 6 weeks, ending on 30 July.

Councillor Steven McCormick, Chair of the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee, said: “The council’s climate change action plan is of vital importance. Climate change is not a standalone single issue for the council or the borough - it runs through a broad range of activities and behaviours.

“Bringing emission standards for hackney carriages and private hire vehicles in Epsom & Ewell in line with those set by the ULEZ in London is a small but important step to improve air quality and reduce in emissions in our borough, which will contribute towards making Epsom & Ewell a safer and greener place for people who live, work and visit here.”

This consultation is for licensed taxis and hackney carriages only, not private vehicles.