Taxi Driver Online

Taxi drivers to be trained on disabilities


THE INTRODUCTION of disability training for taxi drivers has been hailed as ‘perfectly sensible’.

Coun Andy Fry said the plans, which will see all drivers required to take part in training to be able to renew their licence, would help them support their customers with disabilities.

“I support the fact any driver who has equivalent training doesn’t have to undertake the courses. I’m sure it will help drivers to support people with disabilities who are going to be their customers.

“The whole thing is perfectly sensible.”

The proposals, which were recommended by the Access for Disabled People Task Group last December and voted through by Redditch Borough Council’s licensing committee on Monday (November 11), will see all 430 existing licensed drivers asked to pay £20 for the course at the Town Hall, unless they can prove they have already undertaken equivalent training.

The courses will begin in January 2014, with anyone renewing their licence from July 1 onwards not able to do so unless they have completed the training, which covers the use of ramps, handling wheelchairs up ramps and on and off kerbs and information about assistance dogs.

Coun Joe Baker said: “I think it is good we as a borough council are showing a little bit of responsibility and setting a good precedent for others to follow.

“I think it is important the residents do feel safe in a taxi when they go out and I think it adds to the professionalism of the service as well.”

Coun Gay Hopkins added: “Our community is getting older and people are living longer. As people get older, a lot of them become disabled and need help. I think it is very good we know we can trust our taxi drivers to be there to help at that point to give them the confidence to go out.”


Read more: http://www.redditchstandard.co.uk/2013/ ... 89940.html

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

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fechin big of them. perched up there in their Gilded cages waiting for their next spray of golden millet to be given to them for doing bugger all.

You can train people up as much as you like but it doesn't mean that they will follow the training.
Our council introduced dissability awareness training years ago. One owner driver still never clamps a wheelchair down in his cab. He just pushes then in the back and leaves them facing sideways on. He was questioned by the LO a few weeks ago with a view to prosecution but he is still doing exactly the same. Me has already had one "accident" where the customer in the wheelchair reversed out of the vehicle whilst the ramps were not in place because the chair was not secured.

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Grandad,