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Taxi driver convicted and ordered to pay £1,800 after failing to secure disabled passenger’s wheelchair on two occasions
A licensed taxi driver in Chorley has been convicted under the Equality Act 2010 and ordered to pay approximately £1,800 in fines and costs after failing to correctly secure a disabled passenger’s wheelchair during two taxi journeys.
Chorley Council confirmed that the driver failed to properly secure the wheelchair on both the outward and return journeys, placing the passenger and her daughter at risk.
The incident had a lasting impact on the wheelchair user, who experienced significant anxiety about travelling by taxi around the borough following the journeys.
The driver initially pleaded not guilty to the offence under the Equality Act 2010. However, he changed his plea to guilty on the day of the trial, with the council attributing the decision to the strength of the evidence presented against him.
The prosecution was supported by evidence from the passenger and her daughter, who both attended court as witnesses.
In a statement following the conviction, Chorley Council praised their involvement in bringing the case to court.
A Chorley Council spokesperson said: “We would like to pay tribute to the passenger and her daughter, whose determination and courage in coming forward and attending court as witnesses helped secure this outcome.
“Everyone should be able to travel safely and with confidence, and we will continue to take action where licensed drivers fail to meet the standards expected of them.”
The conviction raises further questions about wheelchair restraint procedures and the responsibilities placed on licensed taxi drivers when transporting passengers with mobility requirements.
Under the Equality Act 2010, designated wheelchair-accessible taxi and private hire vehicle drivers have specific legal duties towards wheelchair users. These include ensuring passengers can travel safely and in reasonable comfort while remaining seated in their wheelchairs.
Drivers must also provide appropriate mobility assistance, including helping passengers enter and leave vehicles and assisting with luggage where required.
The case demonstrates the potential consequences of failing to meet accessibility requirements and the role of passenger complaints and witness evidence in enforcement proceedings.
