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Ramp up costs
London's black cab drivers have been criticised for keeping the meter running while helping wheelchair users into their vehicles. A spokesperson for Transport for London described this as "very poor practice". She also warned that forthcoming legislation may make it unlawful for cabbies to do this.
Disability Now October 2005
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Cab catch 2005
A disabled man is considering legal action against an airport that says he must use expensive taxi services if he wants to be dropped off at the entrance.
Businessman and regular flyer David Gordon, who uses a walking stick, has been told by staff at Nottingham East Midlands Airport that he must travel in specified “checkered cabs” to its entrance.
These cost him £40 from his home in Leicester, compared to private cars that cost £32.
Problems began when the drop-off point was moved and only checkered cabs were allowed at the entrance, meaning Mr Gordon had to cross two roads to enter the airport.
After being blown over twice while crossing the roads, he wrote to the airport requesting special permission to be dropped off as close to the entrance as possible.
A reply from airport services co-ordinator Denyse Hall, said: “The only way you can do this is to arrive by an airport taxi.”
Ms Hall told DN: “The checkered cabs are the only authorised vehicles allowed to cross the barrier. It is a security measure and department of trade regulation; there is nothing we can do.”
But Mr Gordon said: “The suggestion from Ms Hall is revenue-motivated discrimination. I have contacted two solicitors who have told me I can sue.”
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Taxi rank turmoil 2002
Campaigners say disabled people's safety will be put at risk if transport bosses push ahead with plans to move a taxi rank outside a major rail station.
Members of the Access Committee for Leeds (ACL) claimed disabled people were not consulted by Metro, the passenger transport authority, about plans to improve bus services at Leeds railway station.
To reach the new taxi rank, disabled people would have to cross two lanes of traffic, which carry up to 120 buses an hour.
Tim McSharry, secretary of ACL, said: "It poses serious concerns that at peak-times and with the current layout, it could jeopardise pedestrian safety."
Metro said discussions were continuing, but declined to comment further.
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No cab to call 2005
A local authority has closed a loophole that allowed a firm to gain a taxi licence for an inaccessible saloon car. The licence was granted even though the council had ruled that new licences would only be given to wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
The taxi operator involved secured the licence in 2004 by offering a wheelchair accessible people carrier for inspection to Chiltern District Council officers, but the company then switched the licence to a non-accessible Ford Mondeo.
After hearing about the problem, the council changed its system and now makes it clear that licences are only valid on the vehicle for which they are granted.
The move has been welcomed by Barry Taylor (pictured), a wheelchair user from Chesham, who had complained about the firm’s actions.
Mr Taylor has difficulties travelling because there is no accessible taxi within 15 miles of his home. His case has highlighted the shortage of accessible taxis in rural locations. Disability Discrimination Act regulations for taxis are not due to be introduced until 2010.
Mr Taylor said it would cost £15 to travel two miles into town, so he has to make the journey in his powered wheelchair or ask his care worker to drive him.
He said: “It is very frustrating. The council are doing whatever they can to help, but they can’t do anything about the existing taxis (which are not wheelchair accessible).”
Neither the council nor the Department for Transport was aware of any similar cases in other parts of the country.
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Just one taxi in town 2006
BY ELIZABETH CHOPPIN
A disabled woman has criticised her council for refusing to ensure there is more than a single accessible taxi in her home town.
Wheelchair user Julie Whatley contacted South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) after finding there was only one taxi in Grantham, Lincolnshire, that could accommodate her needs – and that needs to be booked up to a week in advance.
Although she can use a Dial-a-Ride service during the day, it does not operate at night, so the shortage of accessible taxis makes it difficult to have an active social life.
Miss Whatley said the council told her the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) does not require more licensed accessible taxis until as late as 2020.
She said: “I’ve got a 21st birthday coming up and securing the taxi is hit and miss. I must book up to a week in advance.
“I asked the council why they don’t give these taxi blokes an incentive [to drive accessible taxis] by waiving the licence fee, but they said: ‘No way’.”
Tim Hand, of the mobility and inclusion unit at the Department for Transport, said: “In advance of national regulations, accessibility regulations are left for local licensing authorities. All we can do at this stage is advise and encourage.”
But a SKDC spokeswoman said the council was waiting for government guidelines about what would be expected when parts of the DDA relating to taxis become law between 2010 and 2020.
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