The Government recognise the vital role that taxis play in the transportation of disabled people and we are committed to delivering more accessible taxis. We need to choose the best way in which to deliver an increased number of taxis that are accessible to people with all types of disability.
Under sections 32 to 36 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, the Government have powers to regulate in this area. There are, however, advantages and disadvantages associated with regulation and, in light of the Government's better regulation agenda, I am currently re-evaluating all the options, both regulatory and non-regulatory. I will announce our proposals shortly.
In the meantime, we are encouraging taxi licensing authorities to ensure that local policies take account of the needs of all taxi users. The Department issued best practice guidance to local authorities in 2006. Part 3 of the Disability Discrimination Act also now applies to both hackney cabs and private hire vehicles and it gives disabled people a “right of access” to goods, services and facilities.
Taxi drivers now have to take reasonable steps to ensure that disabled people are able to use their vehicles, but they do not have to modify the vehicle itself. The Disability Rights Commission (now superseded by the Equality and Human Rights Commission) issued guidance in 2007 on what may be considered reasonable in relation to disabled people and access to taxis.