Taxi Driver Online

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A CAMPAIGNER for disabled rights has questioned the motives behind a council-run consultation on wheelchair-accessible taxis.

East Renfrewshire Disability Action (ERDA) chairman Michael McEwan, 32, raised his concerns over an invitation he received to a public meeting being held by East Renfrewshire Council (ERC).

The region has just two specialist vehicles and posts some of the lowest figures in the country for its ratio of wheelchair-accessible taxis.

ERC will hold a consultation on the issue next week and, while Michael is pleased to see the local authority listening to residents’ views, he insists it is long overdue.


Barrhead-born Michael, who has campaigned about the issue since 2012, said: “I’m quite happy the council is doing this but it’s taken them a long time.

“If they had done the consultation about five or six years ago, they wouldn’t be in this position.

“When the new people get selected to the licensing committee after the council elections in May, somebody will have to update them on the whole situation.

“It’s going to be a big roundabout. You’re just going to come up against the same problems again.

“I’m quite happy that it’s open to the public but I don’t know why the council has waited so long.”

ERC has proposed to set aside £10,000 from its budget to support work aimed at increasing the number of “disability-friendly” taxis in the area.

A spokesman for ERC said: “We have put forward a range of proposals in recent years to encourage an increase in the number of wheelchair-accessible taxis and private hire vehicles in East Renfrewshire.

“As well as working with disability groups and representatives of the taxi trade, this public meeting gives us the opportunity to get wider feedback to allow us to implement revised plans as soon as possible.

“It’s also positive that £10,000 has been made available in the budget to help further increase the number of disability-friendly taxis in East Renfrewshire.

“We look forward to hearing from as many people as possible at the meeting next week.”

ERC’s public consultation takes place at Williamwood High at 6.45pm on Tuesday, February 28.

Those who are unable to attend the meeting but would like to have their say can contribute ideas or comments by emailing CElicensing@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk.

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

Just think what that £10,000 will buy.

One quarter of a TX5.

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IDFIMH