New Wheelchair Accessibility Rules in South Glos May Drive Taxi Drivers Away

New Rules Could Lead to More Taxi Drivers Quitting in South Glos

New rules set to come into effect in South Gloucestershire next year are raising concerns that many taxi drivers may quit their roles, possibly switching to private hire vehicles such as Uber. Starting in July 2025, all hackney carriage taxis in the district will be required to be wheelchair accessible.

The new policy mandates that all hackney carriages in South Gloucestershire, the type of taxi that passengers can hail on the street or from a station rank, must accommodate wheelchair users. Private hire vehicles, by contrast, must be booked in advance, often via an app like Uber.

Impact of Wheelchair Accessibility Requirement

This change, approved by the South Gloucestershire Council on November 14, comes after years of delays. The council had originally planned to introduce the rules sooner but postponed them multiple times, primarily due to a shortage of wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs).

The policy is meant to ensure better accessibility for disabled individuals, but it is feared that it could further drive down the already dwindling number of hackney carriages in the district. Hackney carriages have decreased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, with many drivers switching to private hire vehicles.

Concerns from Transport Campaigners and Drivers

Transport campaigners, including David Redgewell, have expressed support for the new rules, citing the need for better accessibility, particularly in rural areas. Redgewell explained that villages such as Wotton-under-Edge and Charfield have limited public transport options, with residents often relying on taxis for mobility. He argued that without wheelchair accessibility, drivers would face the impractical task of dismantling and reassembling wheelchairs, which is unsafe and unacceptable for passengers.

However, local taxi operators are voicing concerns that the new rules could lead to a further decrease in the number of available hackney carriages. Shashikumar Bhurton, director of Bristol Parkway Taxis, pointed out the lack of sufficient data on the demand for wheelchair-accessible vehicles in the area. He questioned whether the new policy would be feasible, considering the apparent shortage of hackney carriages at key ranks such as Bristol Parkway and Kingswood High Street.

Delays and Surveys Left Unfinished

The council had promised to conduct a survey to better understand the demand for WAVs in the region, but this survey has not yet been completed. One council officer stated that they had been unable to find an external consultant to carry out the survey. As a result, the lack of proper data has left many in the local taxi industry unsure of the true need for accessible vehicles.

Conservative Councillor Keith Cranney expressed concerns about the fairness of the policy, arguing that it could unfairly hurt drivers' livelihoods. He noted that hackney carriage drivers were not at fault for the situation, as they were simply trying to earn a living while providing essential public transport. Cranney called for more transparency and clarity before the rules are enforced, suggesting that the policy should be deferred until a comprehensive survey could be conducted to gather relevant data.

Final Decision and Change of Opinion

After a lengthy discussion and a recess during the council meeting, Councillor Cranney appeared to change his stance. Initially calling for the policy to be deferred, he later withdrew his motion after further consultations with officers. He proposed that the council proceed with the policy to make all hackney carriages wheelchair accessible by July 2025.

In six months' time, the council will review the impact of the changes and assess how the policy has affected the local taxi industry. After the meeting, Cranney was asked what had influenced his decision to shift positions during the recess, but he did not provide an explanation.

The decision to implement the new rules has created a divide between those advocating for accessibility improvements and those concerned about the potential loss of local taxi services. It remains to be seen how the policy will impact both drivers and passengers in South Gloucestershire.

Related Issues: South Gloucestershire’s taxi industry faces challenges, including public safety risks from suspended drivers working during appeals. Learn more about the legal loopholes and safety concerns in the Public Safety Risks from Suspended Taxi Drivers amid Legal Gaps