Taxi drivers who refuse to pick up wheelchair users or attempt to charge more for transporting them could be fined up to £1,000 under new laws tackling discrimination.
The penalties will come into force from 6 April and will oblige taxi and private hire cars to take wheelchair users in their wheelchair if their vehicles are able to, as well as providing appropriate assistance. It will be an offense to charge any additional fare for the service. The rules will apply across Britain for taxis and private hire vehicles designated as wheelchair accessible including all black cabs in London and taxis in many other cities.
Drivers discriminating against wheelchair users face fines of up to £1,000 and could lose their licence, unless they have an exemption for medical reasons.
Announcing the legislation, the transport minister, Andrew Jones, said: “We want to build a country that works for everyone, and part of that is ensuring disabled people have the same access to services and opportunities as anyone else – including when it comes to travel.
“People who use wheelchairs are often heavily reliant on taxis and private hire vehicles and this change to the law will mean fair and equal treatment for all.”
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