Posted on the 18th March 2026 in PHTM News

NORTH YORKSHIRE APPROVES NEW TAXI RULES TO INCREASE WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES

North Yorkshire council leaders have approved a new policy designed to increase the number of wheelchair-accessible taxis, even as critics warn the move could hurt rural communities and the elderly.

Under the new rules, any new application for a hackney carriage licence must be for a vehicle that is either wheelchair-accessible, zero-emission, or a hybrid.

The council is pushing the change to fix a major shortage, noting that only 60 wheelchair-accessible hackney carriages are currently licensed across the entire county.

Councillor Richard Foster, who oversees environmental management, described the policy as a compromise meant to reflect the "modern world."

He acknowledged the difficulties facing the industry, stating: “We have an issue around disability and access to vehicles, but we also realise there are challenges to the trade, especially the hackney carriage trade from app-based firms, both in our county and from across borders.”

However, taxi operators have hit back, claiming the high cost of these specific vehicles will drive drivers out of business.

Lisa Ridsdale, of the Take Me Group, argued that the policy is “out of touch with rural reality.” She pointed out that while a standard car costs around £20,000, whereas WAVs or electric vehicles can cost up to £90,000 when financed.

“Requiring all new or replacement taxis to be wheelchair accessible, electric or hybrid might work in cities, but here it’s impractical and potentially devastating," she said. She warned that the financial burden would lead to fewer drivers and longer waits for the very people the council aims to help.

Richard Fieldman, representing the North Yorkshire Taxi Drivers group, had expressed disbelief at the proposal, stating: “The taxi trade is already in a massive decline due to Uber and one thing and another, and what they’re trying to do will just finish us off.”

He warned that the financial and operational burden would lead to a mass exodus from the profession, adding: “There’s absolutely no way... that I would have a wheelchair vehicle or an electric vehicle, so myself, like many others, will just pack in.”

On the other side of the debate, disability advocates feel the council should have been even stricter. Jackie Snape, chief executive of Disability Action Yorkshire, asked the council to require all new taxis to be wheelchair-accessible. She argued that the current shortage prevents people from living spontaneous lives.

Beyond vehicle types, the policy introduces new requirements for private hire companies to identify a passenger’s accessibility needs before a booking is confirmed.

The council is also ditching the old 10-year age limit for taxis and PHVs, replacing it with a requirement to meet Euro 6 emission standards.

To help fulfil school and social care travel, the council will also offer restricted private hire licences for drivers who only work those specific contracts.

Officials plan to review the policy in one year to see if the number of accessible taxis has actually grown.


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