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A little reminder for those local authorities that look at TDO -
Lists of wheelchair accessible vehicles
Section 167 allows licensing authorities to maintain a list of “designated vehicles”, that is, a list of wheelchair accessible taxis and PHVs licensed in their area. The consequence of being on this list is that the driver must undertake the duties in section 165.
This section will be commenced at a later date (not before April 2011).
So, although the list of designated vehicles will have no actual effect in law until the duties are commenced, we would urge licensing authorities to start maintaining a list as soon as possible for the purpose of liaising with the trade and issuing exemption certificates.
Also, from October, it will be possible for drivers to appeal against a decision by the licensing authority not to grant an exemption; the appeal will go to the magistrates’ court.
When section 167 comes into force, and the lists of designated vehicles have a statutory effect, it will be possible for the owner of a vehicle to appeal against a licensing authority’s decision to include his or her vehicle on the list.
This appeal will also go to the magistrates’ court.
Separate, and more detailed, guidance will be issued about the accessibility requirements which licensing authorities should apply in relation to this provision and other aspects of their functions under this new approach. This guidance will be issued in the autumn.
_________________ Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that. George Carlin
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