The Equality Act 2010 imposes a duty on drivers of designated vehicles (both hackney carriage and private hire) when dealing with passengers travelling in wheelchairs.
Under section 167 of The Equality Act 2010, this public register shows all designated wheelchair-accessible vehicles that are approved by us and are capable of carrying a reference-size wheelchair:
- total length of 1200mm, including extra-long footplates
- total width of 700mm
- sitting height (from ground to top of head) of 1350mm
- height of footrest above floor 150mm
To the best of our knowledge, the vehicles on the designated list are capable of carrying those wheelchairs which accord with the ‘Reference wheelchair’ as defined in the Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 2000.
Any driver of one of the designated vehicles on our list must:
- not refuse to carry passengers sitting in their wheelchairs
- not refuse assistance to those passengers
- not charge passengers in wheelchairs extra for their journey
Failure to comply with these requirements would mean a driver would commit an offence under The Equality Act 2010, which on summary of conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding £1000.
We can exempt drivers from duties to assist passengers in wheelchairs if they are satisfied that it is appropriate to do so on medical grounds or because the driver’s physical condition makes it impossible or unreasonably difficult for them to comply with the duties.
Statutory guidance
GOV.UK statutory guidance for wheelchair users of private hire vehicles and taxis.
Public register
A list of designated wheelchair-accessible vehicles, designated for the purposes of S165 of the Equality Act 2010.