Wheelchair accessible taxi numbers remain low in Gloucestershire and other rural areas
- Perry Richardson
- Jun 18
- 2 min read
Data shared by the Department for Transport has highlighted limited access to wheelchair accessible taxis and private hire vehicles in Gloucestershire and other rural parts of England.
In response to a parliamentary question from Cameron Thomas, Liberal Democrat MP for Tewkesbury, Transport Minister Simon Lightwood confirmed that as of April 2024, just 18.5% of licensed taxis in Gloucestershire are wheelchair accessible. For private hire vehicles, the figure is even lower at 6.2%.
In areas classified as largely rural, the proportion of accessible taxis drops to 13.5%, with accessible private hire vehicles at 6.9%.
The figures suggest ongoing challenges for wheelchair users in securing transport that meets their needs, particularly outside major urban centres. Availability continues to vary significantly across the country, and there are locations where wheelchair users may find it difficult to obtain a suitable vehicle when required.
Responsibility for taxi and PHV licensing rests with local authorities, which are expected by the Government to anticipate the transport needs of disabled passengers and ensure their licensing policies reflect a balanced fleet.
Updated best practice guidance, issued by the Department for Transport in November 2023, advises authorities to regularly assess demand for wheelchair accessible vehicles. They are encouraged to promote a mix of vehicle types, capable of serving passengers with different requirements.
While the Government has reaffirmed the importance of accessible transport for supporting disabled people to live independently, it has placed the duty of ensuring adequate provision on local licensing authorities.
Lightwood said: “Disabled people should be able to travel easily, confidently, and with dignity and the Government understands the importance of accessible taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs) in supporting them to live independent lives.
“The Department collects and publishes statistics about the number of wheelchair accessible taxis and PHVs in England. As of 1 April 2024, 18.5% of taxis and 6.2% of PHVs licensed in Gloucestershire were wheelchair accessible. During the same period, in areas that are largely rural, 13.5% of taxis and 6.9% of PHVs met the same standard.
“The proportion of licensed vehicles that are wheelchair accessible varies considerably across England and in some areas, it can be difficult for wheelchair users to obtain a suitable wheelchair accessible taxi or PHV when they need one. Ultimately, however, the licensing of taxis and PHVs is a matter for licensing authorities, and the Government expects them to anticipate the needs of people in their area proactively, and to ensure that services meet a wide range of passenger needs.
“Government best practice guidance to licensing authorities in England, updated in November 2023, recommends that authorities assess the demand for wheelchair accessible vehicles and take steps to ensure that there are sufficient available, as part of a “mixed fleet” of vehicles suitable for a range of passenger needs.”
