Source:
http://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/4795084 ... _children/
CONCERNS have been raised over the safety of taxis to take children with special needs to school.
Southend Council has awarded a contract to an Uttlesford-based company for its home-to-school scheme.
Specially-adapted cars will be used for the service, which will include transporting children with disabilities.
Senior councillors say the contract will save the taxpayer £400,000 a year.
But questions have been raised by opposition councillors over whether the vehicles are suitable.
The Southend Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association and the Hackney Carriage Association are unhappy the council has gone outside the borough to award the contract, which starts in January.
They believe there are problems with how the seats and doors are arranged in the Fiat Scudo Combi multi-purpose vehicles which, they claim, could prevent children being rescued in the event of an accident.
Graham Hutchinson, secretary of the Hackney Carriage Association, said the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, raised concerns about the suitability of some multi-purpose vehicles in respect of passengers being able to get in and out safely.
But Roger Hadley, councillor responsible for children and learning, said the vehicles were safe.
He added: “The vehicles meet Southend licensing standards.
“The original design is for abroad, but the vehicles can be reconfigured, which is what the company is planning to do. The seating will be re-arranged, so it meets the requirements.”
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