COVENTRY COUNCILLOR PROPOSES DEDICATED WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY TAXI RANKS

A Coventry councillor is advocating for designated spaces at city taxi ranks for wheelchair-accessible vehicles. The proposal comes as part of a wider effort to improve taxi services for people with disabilities.

During a meeting of Coventry City Council's licensing and regulatory committee, Councillor Christine Thomas, who chairs the Disability Equality Action Partnership, praised the council's work to increase the number of accessible vehicles.

However, she highlighted an ongoing issue, stating: "We seem to have a problem at the moment with a lot of drivers refusing to take wheelchairs."

She recalled a recent incident where "a gentleman in a wheelchair at a rank and the first four taxis said they all had exemption certificates, but not all had a sticker in the window."

Councillor Thomas's comments followed a report outlining changes to the city's licensing policy, including the removal of the London Conditions of Fitness, a rule that previously restricted the types of vehicles used as taxis.

Thomas described the removal of the rule as "absolutely brilliant," noting that it will allow for a greater variety of vehicles, including more wheelchair-accessible models.

To further support these vehicles and their passengers, Councillor Thomas suggested creating specific spots at taxi ranks for accessible taxis.

She explained that vehicles with rear ramps would need more space, and that this measure would help prevent "a person with a disability who is constantly being told by drivers that they cannot take them" from being humiliated.

Councillors were told that while the suggestion could be explored, legal experts might need to be consulted to ensure such a move would not be viewed as discriminatory.

The updated policy, which also included changes to emissions rules and the permitted age of vehicles, was approved by councillors and will now go before the council’s cabinet later this month.

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