Taxi Driver Online

Worthing cabs shun disabled

New taxi drivers will undergo stricter training after complaints from disabled passengers who claim they are being shunned.

Worthing Borough Council said it was becoming increasingly concerned that people in wheelchairs were deliberately ignored by some cabbies who refused to pick them up.

A report said: “It is apparent that some drivers of wheelchair-accessible vehicles are not even aware of the facilities of their own vehicle.

“There have been many reported instances of such vehicles being driven away from the ranks if it appears that they might be hired by a person in a wheelchair.

“This is becoming an increasing concern.”

From January 1, new drivers will have to pay for and pass two tests – a BTEC transporting passengers, and the Drivers’ Standards Agency Taxi Driver Assessment.

Current licensed drivers will not have to take the exams unless they have had two or more upheld complaints against them.

Gillian Marten, who co-owns A&A cars, said she knew of people who did not like collecting disabled passengers.

She said: “Not in our company, but I have heard of people who don’t feel comfortable picking up disabled people.

We don’t think anything of it because we do it on a regular basis.”

Worthing Taxi Association, which represents the majority of drivers in the town, welcomed the regulations.

Chairman Mick Dawkins said: “Drivers will do training on how to let a disabled person into the vehicle. That is a good idea because lots of people buy the vehicles and don’t have any training on how to get people in.

“We seemed to have solved the problem in Worthing. We have got a number for disability vehicles and we do advise people to pre-book so we know we can get a car.

“Most of the current drivers are very pleased with the regulations. We are trying to improve our trade.”

Graham Fabes, vice-chairman of the licensing and control committee, said: “It is a very good idea.

One or two taxi drivers have, in the past, thought disabled passenger would take longer and so just drove off.

“In a recession, when drivers are not quite as busy, they have more time to be obliging.”

_________________
Mick Hildreth (07814 032002)
GMB PDB P39 Southern Region Branch Secretary
mick.hildreth@gmbtaxis.org.uk
www.gmbpdb.org.uk

If a driver drives off when approached by a disabled person the driver needs his badge taking away. If they can't do the job tell them to F**K off.