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If any wheelchair passenger wants to travel sideways in your cab against regulations be aware of the possible repercussions should you have an accident and the passenger is injured.
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Liverpool Daily Echo
April 3, 2008, Thursday
CAB HOPES DASHED;
Disappointment at council taxi decision I can do that! In association with Merseytravel
LIVERPOOL wheelchair users have been left bitterly disappointed by a council decision not to allowa new, more wheelchair-friendly taxi onto the city streets.
The decision to reject the adapted Peugeot E7 came in spite of pleas from many leading wheelchair-user groups, who say the traditional black cab is too small, difficult - and "unsafe" to use - with the majority of wheelchair users having to sit sideways without seatbelts and restraints.
They say that the new-style cab - already a big hit in most other local authorities across the country, including Sefton, St Helens and Wirral - would have provided wheelchair users with easier access and a safer, more comfortable option.
Wheelchair passengers would also have been able to sit facing the front of the vehicle and be properly secured.
A council spokesman said the licensing committee rejected the application by Glasgow-based Allied Vehicles because they felt that the vehicle's sliding doors were difficult to operate and that other users might step out of the cab and into the road.
However, an irate John Bruce, chair of Liverpool Wheelchair User Group, who was at the meeting, said: "These vehicles are already being used very successfully and safely in most British cities.
"At the meeting, person after person stood up and painted a picture that allowing the Peugeot E7 as a choice would be unleashing a juggernaut in the hands of maniacs who would career all over the pavements, with people diving out recklessly, just because it is slightly longer and has sliding doors "The E7's bigger layout clearly allows quicker and easier access for wheelchair passengers and drivers, and by being properly secured, is much safer.
"We are not saying that we no longer want the traditional black cabs on our streets. All we want is for people to have a choice.
"Currently, we don't - and many people are either forced to make unsafe and uncomfortable journeys or stay at home."
"We all know, too, that sometimes cabbies simply ignore us when we try to flag them down on the streets. It is just too difficult trying to get us into their cabs."
An independent study, submitted with the application, revealed that 96% of wheelchair users travelled sideways in black cabs - against Department of Transport guidelines - unsecured, without restraints or a seatbelt.
"What would happen if an accident happened and the wheelchair user was seriously injured? It really is frustrating," said Mr Bruce.
"We know many cabbies who are in favour of this new vehicle, accessible for all, which is what Accessible Transport Plans and the Disability Discrimination Act are meant to be about.
"Having this alternative taxi makes sense for all commuters. The rest of the country can't be wrong. We just can't understand why it has been rejected in Liverpool." Allied Vehicles, who had been told their bid had failed on Friday, are waiting to receive a full explanation from the council.
All we want is for people to have a choice - John Bruce
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