Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they are taking to increase the provision of wheelchair accessible taxis and private hire vehicles in non-metropolitan and rural areas.

Local licensing authorities are best placed to understand the needs of local residents, and they already have powers to determine the composition of their taxi and private hire vehicle fleets. We encourage them to ensure that the vehicles available reflect the needs of all passengers, including those who use wheelchairs.

Our upcoming consultation on revised best practice guidance for licensing authorities will include proposals for strengthened recommendations on supporting an inclusive taxi and private hire vehicle service.