Are you a taxi or private hire vehicle (PHV) driver? Find out what you need to know about the Equality Act 2010.
The Equality Act 2010 came into force in October 2010. It contains provisions relating specifically to taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs) and disability. However, certain parts of the Act do not become law until the Government makes commencement orders to bring each part of it into force.
This page describes those parts of the Act that are specific to taxis and PHVs, and what the implications will be for taxi and PHV drivers.
Duties on Drivers to Assist Passengers in Wheelchairs
The Equality Act 2010 is due to place duties on the drivers of designated wheelchair accessible taxis and PHVs to provide physical assistance to passengers in wheelchairs. A further announcement will be made on when the duties will come into force, but it will not be before April 2011.
The duties will apply to the driver of any wheelchair accessible taxi or PHV. Eastbourne Borough Council is preparing a list of purpose built wheelchair accessible vehicles which it has designated. All licensed drivers of these designated vehicles have a duty to assist passengers who are in a wheelchair.
Before the duties are brought into force, any drivers who suffer from a disability or a condition which would make it difficult for them to provide physical assistance, can apply for an exemption from the duties to offer assistance.
The opportunity to apply for exemptions began on 1 October 2010.
What are the Duties?
The duties being placed on the drivers of designated wheelchair accessible taxis and PHVs are:
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To carry the passenger while in a wheelchair
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Not to make any additional charge for doing so
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If the passenger chooses to sit in a passenger seat, to carry the wheelchair
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To take such steps as are necessary to ensure that the passenger is carried in safety and reasonable comfort
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To give the passenger such mobility assistance as is reasonably required
What Do I Need to Do?
Eastbourne Borough Council intends to maintain a list of designated vehicles.
If your wheelchair accessible vehicle is to be included on the list, you will be required to carry out the duties above to assist wheelchair users.
Further Information
