West Suffolk Council launches survey to check if taxis are accessible to allhttps://www.suffolknews.co.uk/bury-st-e ... u-9373659/
Passengers are been invited to take part in a survey aimed at finding out if the taxi trade in West Suffolk is accessible to all.
In July 2020, West Suffolk Council removed the requirement for all new and replacement taxis to have wheelchair access, with a commitment to carry out a survey to assess the impact of this change.
Now, the council has launched a survey aimed at taxi users as well as businesses, health professionals, community and charity organisations working with people with mobility needs or disabilities to hear about their experiences.
Cllr Gerald Kelly, cabinet member for governance, regulatory and environment at the council, said: “The taxi trade in West Suffolk plays a significant role in supporting our local economy, including leisure, tourism and education.
“The purpose of this passenger and public survey is to establish whether people, including passengers with mobility needs or disabilities, can get a taxi when they need it.
“This includes looking at where the ranks are to establish if they are still in the right locations, the number of bays on those ranks as well as the vehicles themselves to ensure for instance that people whatever their mobility or disability needs may be, can access a taxi when and where they need to.”
The survey is also opened to anyone who does not use taxis due to difficulties around access.
The council has already written to taxi drivers and operators to seek their views through a similar survey.
To have your say, click here.
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/X1PPQK/Anyone unable to take part online, can contact
licensing@westsuffolk.gov.uk or phone 01284 758050 to request a paper copy.
Cllr Kelly added: “The outcome of these surveys will then be discussed with the trade alongside evidence, data, benchmarking and national guidance, as we look to engage and work with them around any improvement and our strategic priorities for sustainable growth, thriving communities and environmental resilience.
“Through this we will work to ensure we have a taxi fleet that is thriving, with drivers able to earn a decent living, that is safe both in terms of the vehicles on the road and the drivers behind the wheel, that is accessible to people of all needs right across our district, and has a reduced impact in terms of carbon emissions as we work toward net zero.”
The survey will run until August 11.
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