Disability awareness
Changes to the Equality Act 2010
On 28 June 2022 substantial changes came into force that will have an impact on all Drivers and Operators. The new bill is called the 'Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Bill' and will impose duties on both drivers and operators to ensure that ALL disabled passengers, whether the disability is visible or not, are not discriminated against.
It is essential that Bradford as a whole community ensures that we are as inclusive as possible, and helping disabled passengers is a positive way of doing this. It will help not only our communities but our businesses as well.
It is already unlawful for a driver to refuse to transport a wheelchair user, or attempt to charge them extra. With effect from 28 June, the duties will address the inconsistencies in the current provision and expand the protection to all disabled people, regardless of the vehicle they travel in.
The duties will include:
- to carry the passenger
- if the passenger is in or has with them a wheelchair, to carry the wheelchair
- if the passenger has with them any mobility aids, to carry the mobility aids
- to take such steps as are reasonable to ensure that the passenger is carried in safety and reasonable comfort
- to give the passenger such mobility assistance as is reasonably required
- to take such steps as are reasonable to assist the passenger to identify and find the vehicle which has been hired
- to carry an assistance dog, and allow the dog to remain with the passenger
- not to make, or propose to make, any additional charge for complying with a duty mentioned in the above point
Customers
We maintain a list of wheelchair-accessible vehicles that is available on the following link.
Please let your local Operator know if you need any assistance getting in and out of the vehicle when you book it.
Drivers
These changes will have a significant impact on how you deal with customers, and if it is found that you are neglecting these duties, you may be prosecuted.
The changes that have been brought in aim to reduce discrimination against disabled people and address the barriers they face when accessing Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicles.
By ensuring that all our drivers are aware of the changes, it will help to ensure that our communities are as inclusive as possible.
If you have any questions regarding the changes or need further clarification please email us at taxi.testing@bradford.gov.uk and we will be happy to help.
Operators
All Operators will have a duty to ensure that when a vehicle is booked by, or on behalf of, a disabled person, or by someone wishing to travel with a disabled person, that the booking is accepted, and that no additional charge is made for the booking if they are made aware of the disability at the time of booking.
We would recommend that all booking staff double-check with the customer at the point of booking if any additional assistance is required.
Exemption certificate
Any drivers that hold an exemption certificate issued in accordance with section 166 of the Act will be exempt from the duties to give the passenger such mobility assistance as is reasonably required under sections 164A and 165.
Other duties, such as to carry the passenger and not propose additional charges, would therefore still apply to drivers who hold medical certificates.
If you would like to apply for an exemption certificate please email taxi.testing@bradford.gov.uk for the attention of our Enforcement Team. Please ensure that you include your contact details and badge number in the email.
Further information
Please find below some additional information that you may find useful:
- Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022 (legislation.gov.uk)
- Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) (parliament.uk) – Explanatory Notes
- Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles in Bradford – link to a list of all wheelchair-accessible Private Hire and Hackney Carriage vehicles in the Bradford district