Taxi drivers reminded to NOT start their meters until disabled passengers are onboard and secured
Taxi drivers across England, Scotland, and Wales are being reminded of the crucial legal requirement NOT to start the meter until disabled passengers are safely onboard and secured.
This reminder comes in the wake of the Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022, a landmark legislation that represents a major advancement in taxi accessibility since the introduction of the Equality Act 12 years ago.
The Act, which took effect on 28 June 2022, amends the Equality Act 2010, imposing specific duties on taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers and operators. These amendments ensure that over 13 million disabled people in the UK are not only provided the necessary assistance when using taxis and PHVs but also protected from being overcharged.
Within Government statutory guidance it reads: “The requirement not to charge a disabled person extra means that a meter should not be activated before, or left running, whilst the driver performs duties required by the Equality Act 2010.”
Fines of up to £1,000 for taxi and PHV drivers who fail to provide reasonable mobility assistance to disabled passengers in pre-booked vehicles can be applied. The Act also ensures that visually impaired passengers receive assistance from drivers to help them identify or locate the vehicle. Additionally, local authorities are mandated to publicly identify wheelchair-accessible vehicles within their fleets.
While the majority of drivers comply with these regulations, some remain unaware of the updated legislation and risk facing legal action. This issue was brought into the spotlight following an allegation in London, where a wheelchair user reported an incident of a taxi driver who ‘started the meter the moment he pulled up’, rather than when the passenger was safely onboard.
The enforcement of the Act is seen as crucial in providing a consistent and fair experience for disabled passengers, ensuring they receive the assistance they need without being financially penalised.
