The Equality Act 2010 came into force in October 2010. The Act contains provisions that relate to Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles. Certain parts of the Act do not become law until the Government makes commencement to bring them into force.

The Act is due to place duties on drivers of designated Wheelchair Accessible Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles in which the driver is required to provide Physical Assistance to passengers in wheelchairs. The Authority is awaiting further announcement of when the duties will come into force.

The duties will apply to drivers of any wheelchair accessible Taxi or Private Hire Vehicles.

If a driver suffers from a disability or a condition which would make it difficult for them to provide physical assistance, the driver can apply for an exemption from the duties to offer assistance. Exemption entitlement began on 1 October 2010.

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is maintaining a list of designated vehicles. Drivers of vehicles on the list will be required to carry out the duties to assist wheelchair passengers.

List of wheelchair accessible vehicles (pdf - 116kb)

The Duties

Drivers of the accessible vehicles must:

• carry the passenger while in the wheelchair, or if the passenger chooses to sit in the passenger seat, to carry the wheelchair
• not make any additional charge for doing so
• take such steps as are necessary to ensure that the passenger is carried in safety and reasonable comfort
• give the passenger such mobility assistance as is reasonably required.

Further Information

Telephone: 01372 732000
email: contactus@epsom-ewell.gov.uk