Taxi Driver Online

Tests show some taxi drivers are failing to secure wheelchairs

A number of taxi drivers are being investigated after some were found to not be securing wheelchair users properly in their taxis. A complaint was made by a disabled taxi user about the lack of safety when he got in the Coventry cabs.

Following the complaint, Coventry City Council carried out a test to see how many taxi drivers were undertaking the procedure properly. Although only a small number of drivers were assessed, most failed.

The problem with a wheelchair not being secured properly is that if a taxi goes round a bend the wheelchair can then fall over, even if brakes are applied. Seven drivers were tested to see if they were correctly securing the wheelchair, and out of those seven, just two correctly implemented the procedure. However Coventry City Council have said drivers will now be reminded of their responsibilities.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Following a complaint from a disabled taxi user the council carried out a small test exercise. Working with the complainant seven drivers were tested whether they correctly secured the wheelchair into their vehicle.

“Of the seven drivers tested, two carried out the procedure correctly. “The investigation into the other five is ongoing. “Licensed taxi drivers in Coventry are held to very high standards by the council and receive regular training in a number of key areas.

“Upon hearing about the outcome of this exercise Cllr Jayne Innes, cabinet member for city services, asked that all drivers be contacted to remind them of their responsibilities.”

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IDFIMH

Should replace some with most.

And don't get me on loading buggies with kids in.

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IDFIMH

A few years ago a memo from the Police was doing the rounds,drivers would be prosecuted for an unsafe load if wheelchairs were not secured correctly and also if children were travelling whilst in buggy.

95 % of buggies CAN be secured in a wav facing backwards so I fail to see why if a buggy is secured the child is strapped in and with the buggy also facing backwards how can that be insecure !

100% of people who say it isn't can't actually quote any safety tests which show otherwise

not strapping wheelchairs in is laziness because the drivers don't want to take the extra 3 or minutes either end to fit and operate the wheelchair securing system

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

Are the straps that are fitted to buggies intended to stop the child from getting out as they are being pushed along at 3 mph or are they intended to secure the child in the buggie in the event of an accident whilst in a vehicle moving at over 30 mph?

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Grandad,

The issue is lazy parents and lazy drivers.

If the driver insisted on the buggy being secured then the parents would simply take the kids out.

And are buggies designed to be strapped in and take the weight/pressure of a RTA?

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IDFIMH

That is the point of placing them BACKWARDS the straps would only be tested under acceleration like they do with military aircraft the seats are mounted facing backwards because it is safer

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