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Wheelchair accessible taxis in Helensburgh: Council backs public list idea

https://www.helensburghadvertiser.co.uk ... list-idea/

PROPOSALS for a published list of wheelchair accessible taxis and private hire vehicles in Argyll and Bute have moved a step closer after councillors gave their backing to the idea.

Councillors questioned the long process behind the publication of the list, the next step of which will be a draft list of requirements to go before the same committee next month.

But the proposal was approved unanimously – and if the rest of the process goes to plan, the list will be published by the council in the spring of 2022.

Details of the plans went before the council’s planning, protective services and licensing (PPSL) committee.

Under the proposals, drivers of wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) will be duty bound to carry a wheelchair user in their wheelchair at no additional charge, or in a passenger seat if they choose to sit there.

They must also take steps to ensure the passenger travels in comfort and safety, and to give the passenger mobility assistance as required.

Failure to do any of those duties would be a breach of Section 165 of the Equality Act 2010.

Oban South and the Isles councillor Roddy McCuish said: “I am happy to go ahead with publishing the list, and know there will be reasons for it, but it seems such a long process.

"Is there a quicker way of doing this?”

Solicitor Graeme McMillan replied: “There is quite a process to it. We could get agreement to publish today and put it on the council website tomorrow.

“But because of the specifics about vehicles, and some operators using modified vehicles, we felt it important to do the consultation first.

“Once we have identified operators likely to appear, we will give them an opportunity to respond as part of the consultation, and that takes up quite a chunk of the process.

“However, it will be a lot quicker in terms of adding names to the list. Where there are a few more steps to what we might envisage, it is a case of due diligence. We don’t want something that could be easily challenged.”

Helensburgh and Lomond South councillor Richard Trail asked: “This seems a strange one. We are going to all this trouble when it is not required by the Act? Does it bring any benefit to us?”

Mr McMillan responded: “Guidance has come out from the UK and Scottish Governments encouraging licensing authorities to publish a designated list, triggering the duties for drivers of wheelchair accessible vehicles.

“There are benefits for wheelchair users looking for access.

"Breaching duties is an offence, and it is an enforcement mechanism which will benefit the public.”

Sure that's not the PMSL committee?

Well I'm struggling to find a slower way.

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IDFIMH