Asked by: Baroness Deech (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the progress by local authorities in drawing up lists under section 167 of the Equality Act 2010 of wheelchair accessible taxis and private hire vehicles in their areas.
Answered by Baroness Sugg
It is vital that taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) services are accessible to passengers wishing to use them, which is why, in April 2017, we commenced the outstanding provisions of S165 and 167 of the Equality Act 2010, requiring drivers of designated vehicles to provide wheelchair users with appropriate assistance and refrain from charging them extra.
The law applies to drivers only where their vehicle has been designated as wheelchair accessible by the local licensing authority. We are encouraged that around a third of authorities have or are planning to designate vehicles, but believe that every authority should take this important step to protect wheelchair users travelling in their area.
We have provided authorities with guidance to support their implementation of the new requirements, and have reminded them in writing of their role in eliminating discrimination against disabled taxi and PHV passengers. We will continue to remind authorities of their responsibilities so that wheelchair users and other disabled people can travel, free from the fear of discrimination.
Asked by: Baroness Deech (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effectiveness of laws imposing fines on taxi and private hire vehicle drivers who refuse to accept wheelchair users.
Answered by Baroness Sugg
It is vital that taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) services are accessible to passengers wishing to use them, which is why, in April 2017, we commenced the outstanding provisions of S165 and 167 of the Equality Act 2010, requiring drivers of designated vehicles to provide wheelchair users with appropriate assistance and refrain from charging them extra.
The law applies to drivers only where their vehicle has been designated as wheelchair accessible by the local licensing authority. We are encouraged that around a third of authorities have or are planning to designate vehicles, but believe that every authority should take this important step to protect wheelchair users travelling in their area.
We have provided authorities with guidance to support their implementation of the new requirements, and have reminded them in writing of their role in eliminating discrimination against disabled taxi and PHV passengers. We will continue to remind authorities of their responsibilities so that wheelchair users and other disabled people can travel, free from the fear of discrimination.
Asked by: Baroness Deech (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that shared space schemes address the needs of disabled people; and whether they intend to commit, in the Department for Transport Accessibility Action Plan, to update the 2011 Local Transport Note, as recommended by the Select Committee on the Equality Act 2010 and Disability (Session 2015–16).
Answered by Baroness Sugg
Local authorities are responsible for the design of their public spaces and have a duty to take account of the needs of disabled people. The Government is absolutely clear that the needs of the whole community should be considered when councils are looking to introduce any public realm scheme, including shared space.
The Department for Transport has been working with the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) on its review of shared space and other street design schemes. The review has considered a wide range of issues regarding shared space, and we expect CIHT’s report to make recommendations for further work, including in relation to current guidance. The Government will respond to those recommendations in due course.
Asked by: Baroness Deech (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the updated version of the Department for Transport Accessibility Action Plan addresses the recommendations of the Select Committee on the Equality Act 2010 and Disability (Session 2015–16) regarding audio-visual announcements on buses.
Answered by Baroness Sugg
The Government’s consultation on the draft transport Accessibility Action Plan closed on Wednesday 22nd November. The final version will be published in 2018 and will set out the Government’s ambitions in this area based on the feedback provided. The final Plan will also set out the Government’s timescale for delivery.
The Government remains committed to introducing an Accessible Information Requirement, expanding the provision of audible and visible information to local bus services across Great Britain, so helping passengers to travel with greater confidence.