Telford councillor claims taxi drivers reluctant to take disabled passengers
Taxi drivers are often reluctant to take disabled passengers and their mobility equipment, despite being required to take awareness training when they apply to operate, a Telford councillor has claimed.
The claim came after a report from independent consumer group Healthwatch Telford and Wrekin found that suitable public transport is often lacking and taxis give users with impairments a “varied experience”, with some drivers sometimes “unsympathetic”.
The report, presented to Telford & Wrekin Council’s health and adult care scrutiny committee, stated: “There is often a lack of, or provision of unsuitable, public transport and people cannot afford taxis. Those who do access taxis can have a varied experience, especially people with dementia can often find taxis drivers unsympathetic.”
Committee member Councillor Veronica Fletcher said: “I was chairman of the licensing committee for three years and I was on there for 10 or 11. We brought in lots of training for taxi drivers and private hire drivers and I understand the training is an essential part of their duty.
“But I know from other people that they are even reluctant to take frames into taxis.”
The borough’s licensing policy requires the applicants attend awareness training.
Report by Alex Moore local democracy reporter
