Taxi Driver Online

This is the latest input into part 3 of the DDA. I think this is the end of the draft consultation but don't quote me on that because I only glanced through it. The full Text can be found here.

http://www.dptac.gov.uk/consult/12.htm

This is the part relevant to Taxis.

Taxi and other fares

33. The regulations will make it illegal for transport service providers to discriminate against a disabled person in providing a service of a lower standard or on less good terms than those available to other members of the public. DPTAC considers that this extends to fare and pricing policies.

34. DPTAC has learnt that it is common practice for taxi drivers to start the meter as soon as they arrive at the pick-up point, and keep it on until the passenger leaves the vehicle. On occasions, it may take longer for some disabled people to board than for a non-disabled person. We would like to see the Code state that it would not be reasonable for the driver to charge for any additional time taken to board and secure a disabled passenger. The principle that excess fares charged for disabled passengers because of their disability are discriminatory and therefore unlawful should be clearly set out for all transport modes. Other taxi and private hire vehicle issues

35. DPTAC is aware that some taxi drivers have refused to carry powered wheelchairs on the grounds that the wheels of the chair could damage the carpet in the vehicle. We believe that the Code should clarify that this is not reasonable.

36. DPTAC considers that taxi and private hire vehicle drivers should be prepared to give such assistance as is necessary and appropriate to enable passengers to board or alight safely and comfortably. This could include helping a passenger using a wheelchair to board or alight via the ramp and ensuring that they are correctly secured when in the vehicle, deploying a swivel seat, if fitted and required. It could also include describing the vehicle and the direction in which it is facing to a blind or partially-sighted passenger, and being prepared to put the passenger's hand on the vehicle roof, if needed. In addition, when a wheelchair user wishes to transfer from a wheelchair, the driver should be prepared to fold and stow the wheelchair.

37. DPTAC considers that either the Code or the later less formal guidance should also state that it would be good practice for drivers to assist passengers to and from their destination if required and reasonable. The guidance should also recommend that taxi and private hire vehicle drivers should carry public liability insurance, which would enable drivers to provide this kind of assistance without risk to themselves. Some local licensing authorities already require this as a licensing condition.
Booking ahead

38. A substantial proportion of railway stations are either unstaffed or only staffed for part of the time that they are open. Additionally, some trains are driver-only, with no other staff on board.

39. On grounds of equality of treatment and independent living, disabled passengers generally should be able to make a rail journey without having to book in advance and we believe that the Code should specify this. However, there are occasions when journeys involve using stations (as origin, destination or interchange) at times when they are unstaffed. DPTAC considers that either the Code or later, less formal guidance, should state what notice period might be considered reasonable. Failing this, the Disability Rights Commission should support early legal action to clarify the matter through the courts. In our discussions with both disabled people and the rail industry at the Disability Rights Commission's consultation events and on other occasions, the lack of clarity with regard to notice periods has been the single most consistently raised issue.

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Regards

JD

Para 34
If the custermer ordered the taxi for lets say 12.00 o clock, the driver has a right to start the meter at 12.00 o clock

para 36
The driver should give assistance as if neccessary etc etc,

most of us are aware that if the customer is an old person, you cannot just grab hold of them just like you would do if it was a young person to give assistance, even a slight grip round the arm can give an older person severe bruising, we are not trained in the movement of aged and fragile people.
your thoughts

My thoughts are that many people have spent many hours compiling this report, when most of us are already meeting their requirements.

And those drivers that aren't meeting those requirements are going to take not a jot of notice of what DPTAC say.

In others words a complete and utter waste of time.

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IDFIMH

I could not agree with you more on this case. I have seen TAXI (as opposed to "taxi") drivers pulling off ranks empty, and joining the back of the rank to avoid pasengers in wheelchairs. The amount of drivers seeking exemptions for "bad backs" etc.is reaching epidemic proportions. When they next need a medical for their badge, I wonder if they will be passed as "fit"?

No such thing in London as a wheelchair exemption. You would have to hand your license back and drive a minicab.

I've had a problem with these electric 'buggys', their wheel width is greater than the ramp width.

I had to get another driver to help lift the damn thing into the back.

I know disabled people need transport, but they must bear in mind we don't drive Ambulances with rear lifts.

But thats not 'PC' is it?

NO , it isn't. You could always buy a flatbed folding ramp, I did.
Because I was doing regular contract work. Now I don't do contracts for Social Services I use them about twice a year.

I suppose this kind of behaviour might be expected when you have legislation thrust upon you that you don't agree with? Perhaps it is a backlash by those who feel aggrieved at having to pay excessive amounts of money for wheelchair accessible vehicles, such is the case in Bassetlaw and other authorities?

The DDA might have been more palatable to some if they were given a subsidy for purchasing such vehicles and they weren't required to act as a social worker and carer for the disabled?

People who move off ranks and immediately join the back of the queue better be very careful because such actions might be construed as discrimination and could land them in court.

Regards

JD

I really don't think it is unreasonable to charge for loading time. My taxi is a business not a charity. Can't see how this is discrimination either, I charge everyone waiting time.

The problem with the DDA is that it is a one sided piece of legislation that places a financial burden on everyone in business and everyone who supplies a service, it takes no prisoners.

Regards

JD

I agree, but we now live in a supa dupa PC world.

What they are saying is that each trip from A to B should cost the same. The fact that the job took longer with a wheel-chair customer is neither here nor there.

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IDFIMH

When I got my badge this Febuary ( London Yellow badge ) We were given a talk by a senior KOL Examiner. This subject came up and he said we should run the meter when loading otherwise the taxi is technicaly still for hire and someone else could come along and take it.

I agree meter should go on at the time of the booking and we should have the loading time. They are generally honest people so why should we let them steal our time.

Slightly a hijack off the subject, wot happens when your on a rank, the customer comes along stands outside the cab with their hand on the door handle and saying their goodbyes to someone else they walked up to the rank with, other punters walk by to the next cab get in and off they go, I am still stood with some pratt with their hands on the door handle

am I technicaly hired, can I put the meter on????

That annoys me too and yes if it goes on too long I do put the meter on.

As far as i'm concerned, once i'm hailed then they are paying me.

Thats what we do.

You don't go to the physio and only pay him for the actual 'hands on body' ( ) part?

If they want to spend 10 minuted saying goodbye, no problem, all money in my pocket.