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Yawn Stoke on Trent behind with old news
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Author:  edders23 [ Mon Apr 03, 2017 12:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Yawn Stoke on Trent behind with old news
http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/big-issue-how-new-laws-will-stop-disabled-people-being-overcharged-by-taxi-drivers/story-30244166-detail/story.html

From this Thursday, taxi and private hire drivers will be obliged by law to charge wheelchair users the same as the able-bodied. Philip Cullinane reports

Getting a taxi is a necessity for many people returning home from a night in Hanley or a train station. But for disabled people, it can pose a massive problem.

Many people who use a wheelchair or have a guide dog have complained that some taxi drivers are charging them more than an able-bodied person or just refusing the fare.

Now new legislation will mean private hire drivers could face fines or lose their taxi licences if they discriminate against the disabled.

From this Thursday, taxi and private hire vehicle drivers will be obliged by law to transport wheelchair users in their wheelchair, provide passengers in wheelchairs with appropriate assistance, and charge wheelchair users the same as non-wheelchair users.

This has delighted disabled campaigners who will not tolerate discrimination. Action group Stoke-on-Trent Area Network for Disability (STAND) has backed a campaign to stop discrimination and is working to bring in a gold standard for taxi drivers.

Its chairman, John Beech, said: “We, of course, welcome this, the same way we welcome all initiatives that make life easier for disabled people.

“There are incidents with some taxi drivers and companies, where they refuse to take disabled people or will charge more, even though they shouldn't.

“One thing they do is send a bigger taxi, like a people carrier, and charge more even, though it's not necessary.

“I have a collapsible chair and crutches and my crutches can fit in the chair. It's a very lightweight chair and just needs to be put in the boot of the car.

“My advice for anyone disabled or not – because it is the same advice I give my family – is when you book a tax, agree a price then it is a contract and always ask for a receipt.

“If you do feel you are overcharged, get a receipt and complain first to the taxi company and then to your council."

Read more: What is the law if someone parks in front of your house?

The new rules will affect vehicles that are designated as wheelchair accessible and will apply to both taxis and private hire vehicles. The problem for most disabled people is that they will be charged more to travel the same distance than a person who is able-bodied.

STAND member, Pam Bryan, said: “I can call a taxi and be charged one price where if my husband did, who is able-bodied, he is charged a different and cheaper fare.

“It's not fair as it does not take that much longer to transport a disabled person somewhere. I welcome this change to stop discrimination and recommend that people agree on a price before travel."

The concept that we would not overcharge disabled people would be obvious to most members of decent society, but not everyone does this in practice.

Former Stoke-on-Trent Terry Crowe, who has a wheelchair, said: “I welcome this and anything that puts a stop to people discriminating against other people. I am aware of problems. Although not a huge number, quite a lot of taxi drivers still do discriminate when they are supposed to be providing a service to all people."

Shahraz Yaqub, chairman of Stoke-on-Trent Private Hire Drivers' Association, said: “We welcome this regulation change and think that all modes of public transport should be user friendly and accessible.

“We welcome the changes in the law as wheelchair users should be able to get from A to B without trouble. But we do urge Stoke-on-Trent City Council to look at prohibited areas like Stafford Street and Bethesda Street in Hanley, where Hackney carriages can go but not private hire.

“We urge the council to look at this as it is unfair on both the passenger and the driver if we cannot get to them and pick them up, especially if they are elderly or disabled."

Joy Garner, chairman of the city council's licensing committee, said: “The council is behind this as both drivers and users will know exactly where they stand with the law and will stop discrimination. The council's happy to help clear up any misunderstandings."

Transport minister Andrew Jones said: “We want to build a country that works for everyone, and part of that is ensuring disabled people have the same access to services and opportunities as anyone else – including when it comes to travel.

“People who use wheelchairs are often heavily reliant on taxis and private hire vehicles and this change to the law will mean fair and equal treatment for all."

Robert Meadowcroft, chief executive of Muscular Dystrophy UK, agrees.

He said: “This is a victory for all people with disabilities who experience daily struggles with accessible transport.

“Being able to get from A to B is usually very easy for most people. However, we know that this can be a challenge that affects a disabled person's entire life, including their ability to have a job and play an active part in society.

“This is a positive and very welcome step in the right direction, which we hope will not affect the number of accessible taxis being made available by companies because of the duties now being placed on to drivers."
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