Taxi Driver Online

20 Mar 2008

Outcry over better access call to taxis

Plans to force taxi firms in Amber Valley to upgrade their fleets to vehicles
with disabled access have been suspended after an outcry from drivers.

Currently a mixture of disabled access and saloon cars operate as taxis in
the borough but under plans put forward by Amber Valley Borough Council
all the saloon cars would have to be replaced by 2013.

Taxi operators in the town say some elderly and disabled people find the
special access vehicles difficult to get into and forcing them upon firms
would be prohibitively expensive and reduce their trade.

Matt Waterfall, who runs a taxi firm in Ripley and recently spent £27,000
on a new disabled access vehicle, says the operators should be allowed to
continue with a mixed fleet.

He said: "We get elderly people walking past our disabled access car
because they can't get into it.

"I certainly don't want to discriminate against disabled people and I've
shelled out £27,000 for a disabled access vehicle but some people do
prefer the saloon cars.

"These vehicles are very awkward and dangerous to get into and out of
for people with back or hip problems, or elderly people who generally
have movement restrictions.

"Doing away with the saloon cars will be, in fact, discriminating against
people with disabilities who are not confined to a wheelchair.
"We're getting on fine with the mixed fleet, it's suitable for everybody, I
don't see the need to switch completely."

The council now says the plans will be put on hold pending a further
consultation with drivers, operators and members of the public.

Paul Benski, principal solicitor at Amber Valley Borough Council, said:
"The implementation of the new hackney carriage conditions was
discussed at the meeting of the licensing board on March 5.

"At that meeting members agreed that the council would carry out a
survey and consultation exercise on the proposed conditions, involving the
general public, hackney carriage drivers and operators, and the users of
hackney carriage vehicles.

"The implementation of the new conditions will be suspended pending the
outcome of this exercise and further consideration by the licensing board."

Source: Ripley Today
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Well that shouldn't take too long should it?

Question 1. Would you rather pay up to £35,000 for a motor, or up to £15,000?

Derrrr.

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IDFIMH