Mandatory disability awareness training rises among taxi and PHV drivers in 2024

The latest government figures reveal a significant increase in the number of authorities mandating disability awareness training for taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers.

In 2019, 43% of authorities required this training for taxi drivers. By 2024, this figure had risen to 67%. PHV drivers have seen a similar trend, with requirements increasing from 41% in 2019 to 65% in 2024.

The data, accurate as of 1 April 2023, also shows a gradual rise in the demand for wheelchair-accessible vehicles. For taxis, 67% of authorities required all or part of their fleet to be wheelchair accessible, a modest increase from 64% in 2019. However, only 5% of authorities mandated any part of the PHV fleet to be wheelchair accessible in 2023. This specific inquiry was omitted in the 2024 survey.

Additionally, adherence to section 167 of the Equality Act 2010 has improved significantly. In 2024, 98% of authorities maintained a list of wheelchair-accessible taxis, up from 72% in 2019. Similarly, 94% of authorities kept a list of wheelchair-accessible PHVs, compared to 62% in 2019.

These findings form part of the latest government statistics on the taxi and private hire industry, released last week.