Torbay launches inclusive taxi survey as council reviews accessibility and cab numbers
- Perry Richardson
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Torbay Council has launched a public consultation aimed at improving the accessibility of local taxi and private hire services, with the findings set to influence both a new Inclusive Service Plan (ISP) and an ongoing review of whether the Bay has enough licensed hackney carriages.
The survey, commissioned by the council’s Taxi Licensing Department, seeks feedback from residents about how accessible taxi services currently meet the needs of disabled passengers and those with additional access requirements. The consultation will also contribute to an unmet demand survey, which will assess whether Torbay’s existing cap of 189 licensed hackney carriage vehicles remains appropriate.
The council says it wants to better understand the experiences of people who rely on accessible transport, including wheelchair users, assistance dog owners and people with less visible disabilities such as autism or mental health conditions. The aim is to identify where current services work well and where improvements may be needed.
Councillor Hayley Tranter, Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services, Public Health and Inequalities, said the authority wanted to ensure everyone could travel with confidence and without facing additional barriers or costs because of a disability. She said the consultation forms part of the council’s wider ambition to create thriving communities where residents can access services more easily.
The Inclusive Service Plan will allow the council to compare current provision against demand, helping identify any gaps in accessible taxi services across Torbay. While many licensing authorities have policies covering wheelchair accessible vehicles and equality duties, dedicated Inclusive Service Plans are becoming increasingly important as accessibility receives greater national attention.
The consultation also comes as the Government prepares wider reforms to taxi and private hire legislation. The King’s Speech on 13 May 2026 signalled plans to modernise the regulatory framework, with proposed legislation expected to strengthen accessibility requirements for disabled passengers and encourage greater investment in wheelchair accessible and other accessible vehicles.
The outcome of both the accessibility survey and unmet demand assessment could have significant implications for the taxi trade. If evidence suggests existing provision does not adequately meet public need, the council may consider changes to licensing policy, accessibility requirements or the current numerical restriction on hackney carriage licences.
