Elgin and some of the other towns about there are hardly big cities I doubt more wavs on the road are economically viable but of course none of these people have any idea about the economics but just expect their occasional needs to be catered for
https://www.northern-scot.co.uk/news/more-needs-done-disheartening-lack-of-wheelchair-access-348850/CALLS are being made for more wheelchair-accessible taxis to be made available in Moray.
A group in Elgin have come together to appeal for more to be done having all had similarly difficult experiences booking taxis for a wheelchair user.
Currently, there are seven taxis and 17 private vehicles available for wheelchair users in Moray - with no-to-limited availability at school-run times, or after 6pm, without a booking.
Dot Bremner, from New Elgin, is leading the push for more to be done. Dot, whose husband Jim is in a wheelchair, said: "There are no wheelchair-accessible taxis at school-run times or after 6pm.
From left: Jim Bremner, Dot Bremner and Alan Walker are calling for more wheelchair-accessible taxis in Moray. Picture: Beth TaylorFrom left: Jim Bremner, Dot Bremner and Alan Walker are calling for more wheelchair-accessible taxis in Moray. Picture: Beth Taylor
"Are people in wheelchairs expected to just go to bed at 6pm? Even if you can get somewhere, there is no guarantee you are going to get home again.
"If I want a taxi then I order it, just pick up the phone and it's there. It's not fair that people in wheelchairs can't do the same."
Dot has been in contact with Moray Council on the issue, but has been left feeling the matter is unlikely to be resolved.
"Moray Council say that because they have only had one complaint in a number of years there is no problem,” Dot added.
“They thought it would cost too much to buy wheelchair-accessible taxis and that may end up with not enough taxis being on the market.
"There is also the issue that they can't tell businesses what to do and when to work.”
Sandra Mone, from Elgin, had to cancel her mother’s dental appointment due to being unable to get her there.
Patricia Young and her daughter Sandra Mone are calling for more wheelchair-accessible taxis in Moray.Picture: Beth TaylorPatricia Young and her daughter Sandra Mone are calling for more wheelchair-accessible taxis in Moray.Picture: Beth Taylor
Sandra’s mum has Alzheimer’s and lifting her into the family car was not possible.