Public Urged To Engage With Consultation On Wheelchair-accessible Taxis
Yorkshire charity Disability Action Yorkshire and North Yorkshire Disability Forum Accessible Transport Group are urging the public to contribute to a consultation on wheelchair-accessible taxis. Organised by North Yorkshire Council, the consultation closes on Wednesday, April 30th.
Commenting on the consultation, Jackie Snape, Chief Executive of Disability Action Yorkshire (DAY) says: “We’re working closely with North Yorkshire Disability Forum Accessible Transport Group to ensure that the needs of disabled people, their families and carers are represented in this important consultation.”
She continues: “For many of us, calling a taxi is the answer to a simple need. We want a convenient, economic service that will take us to our destination. However, for disabled people, the provision of wheelchair-accessible licensed taxis across the district is low, and the alternatives are expensive specialist private hire vehicles which are beyond the means of most disabled people.”
Jackie explains that wheelchair users face a daily challenge when they want to travel by taxi. “Imagine that when you called for a taxi, you were told none were available for you - despite plenty being available for others. Imagine if every taxi company gave you the same response. You’d likely feel frustrated, upset, and stranded.
“Now take it further - imagine the taxi was essential for a medical appointment, a job interview, or visiting a critically ill relative in hospital. For wheelchair users who rely on wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs), this isn’t an isolated incident, it’s an ongoing reality. It happens not only when trying to book a taxi at short notice, but also when booking well in advance. As advocates of change for disabled people, we want to do something about this unmet need.”
Ian Lawson, Chair of North Yorkshire Disability Forum Accessible Transport Group adds: “Research shows that there is a shortage of wheelchair-accessible licensed taxis in North Yorkshire. The council licenses about 70 vehicles, which is equal to one accessible taxi per 9,000 residents. However, the best-performing rural authorities make provision for one wheelchair-accessible vehicle for every 2,000 – 3,000 people. So, to reach a similar level, North Yorkshire Council would need to licence about 200 more wheelchair accessible-vehicles taking the total to 270. This means quadrupling the current level of coverage.”
Ian says: “The council has identified several options to increase the number of wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) across the county, and is inviting people’s views on what they believe might be the most suitable. We’re pleased that the consultation is taking place, and we urge people to contribute before the deadline on Wednesday 30 April 2025.
“This is an opportunity for those with an interest in this matter to contribute their thoughts and ideas. We’re encouraging disabled people, their carers and families, and members of the public to provide their opinions. We can offer practical support to disabled people who want to take part in the consultation including those who do not use the internet.
“Some people may prefer to respond in brief, others may want to provide a more comprehensive contribution. Whatever people choose, the consultation requires a range of opinions and ideas.”
Jackie explains how to find the consultation and how people can take part. “The details are shown on the North Yorkshire Council website under Consultations and Engagement. The title of the consultation is ‘Inclusive Service Plan and Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy Consultation.’ “
Disability Action Yorkshire: what we do
- We support disabled people in achieving their life aspirations, whatever they may be. We are a charity and social enterprise, providing services that create opportunities for disabled people to live the lifestyle of their choosing.
- Established in 1937, we have been providing quality services for over 80 years. As a Disability Confident Leader, we celebrate and promote diversity at every level of our organisation. We are committed to the development of new services where there is a need, and where we believe we have the ability and resources to meet that need.
- Our Vision is to empower disabled people to live the lifestyle of their choosing, through our training, preparation and other living skills.
- Our Aim is to provide a range of high-quality services which support disabled people, such as residential care, home care and more.
- Our core principles are important to us. We provide an excellent service for the disabled people we work for, driven by their needs and wishes.
- We value our staff, so as an organisation we celebrate our successes and learn from our challenges.
How we have made a difference
- Since 1937, we've been empowering disabled people to live the lifestyle of their choosing.
