The Government has confirmed that planned reforms to taxi and private hire vehicle regulation will include measures intended to improve services for disabled passengers.
Simon Lightwood, minister at Department for Transport, said ministers would bring forward a draft taxi and PHV bill for pre-legislative scrutiny, reports TaxiPoint.
The confirmation came in response to a parliamentary question from Plaid Cymru MP Ben Lake, who asked what action the Department for Transport was taking to improve accessible transport in rural and coastal communities.
Mr Lightwood said:
“We recognise that taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs) provide a vital door-to-door service for disabled people, including in rural and coastal communities where other transport options may be limited. The Department is continuing to consider, holistically, how the regulation of taxis and PHVs could be reformed. We will be bringing forward a draft taxi and PHV bill for pre-legislative scrutiny.”
The proposed legislation will set out how the Government intends to deliver more accessible taxi and private hire services. Lightwood said this would be achieved by “strengthening existing protections and removing barriers to travel”.
No publication date for the draft bill was provided in the parliamentary response.
Accessibility remains a significant operational issue across the sector. Taxi and PHV services can be particularly important in areas with limited bus and rail provision, while disabled passengers may depend on door-to-door transport for medical appointments, employment and essential journeys.
(Picture: LEVC)
