North Yorkshire taxi policy criticised by disability campaigners

Disability Action Yorkshire (DAY) and the North Yorkshire Disability Forum (NYDF) have voiced concerns following North Yorkshire Council’s recent decision to adopt a taxi licensing policy. The decision stipulates new and replacement taxis must be zero-emission, hybrid electric, or wheelchair accessible, but campaigners argue it fails to adequately address the critical shortage of wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

Jackie Snape, Chief Executive of Disability Action Yorkshire, emphasised the necessity for equitable accessibility: "This decision is about whether disabled residents will have the same practical access to taxi services as everyone else. The council has treated accessibility and environmental progress as competing options rather than priorities that should move forward together. By adopting the option that wheelchair users ranked lowest in the consultation, the council has missed a vital opportunity to advance equality and ensure a fair service for all residents."

Ian Lawson, Chair of the NYDF Accessible Transport Group said: "To believe the shortage of wheelchair taxis will disappear under this policy is wishful thinking. Financially, it makes sense for drivers to replace their vehicles with second-hand Euro 6 wheelchair-accessible taxis, which are often well-maintained and cost-competitive with hybrid saloons. However, without a mandate requiring new licences to be wheelchair accessible, the trade will continue to choose non-accessible vehicles."

Disability Action Yorkshire and NYDF are urging the council to revisit the policy.

What do the Council say?

When the policy decision was made North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for licensing, Cllr Richard Foster, said: “We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, so the aim of the policy is to improve the access and availability of licensed vehicles across the county.

“Hackney carriage and private hire services play an important role in transporting members of the public safely, and our plans would ensure that there is a mixed fleet, which is in line with the Government’s guidance, and will help to reduce emissions and improve air quality.

“The aim of the new policy is to increase the number of WAVs on our roads whilst balancing its impact on the trade. We have consulted with the trade, wheelchair users and groups to help shape the updated policy.”

The Council add: 'A hackney carriage vehicle can be hailed by passengers on the roadside, stand on a rank, or be pre-booked. In contrast, private hire vehicles can only operate through pre-booking.'

'Under new plans, private hire operators would need to identify a passenger’s accessibility needs prior to taking a booking, to ensure that an appropriate vehicle is provided.'

'The proposals to increase the provision of WAVs have resulted in significant feedback from the trade, wheelchair users and groups that represent them.'

'There was agreement that it was important or very important that everyone has equal access to taxis and that there are enough WAVs to meet demand.'

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