RADAR - the disability network

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Subject:  Communication from RADAR website user...

Basic Text Box Rich Text Box <p>Dear </p><p>I am concerned that despite the fact that the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 allowed for the Government to introduce specifications for accessibility to be implemented for trains, buses and taxis, 12 years on this is still yet to be done for taxis. </p><p>There is currently a postcode lottery for accessible taxis with some areas having very few, if any, licensed disabled accessible taxis. Rather than introducing regulations, the Government have recently indicated that they are considering a voluntary code of practice for local authorities over accessible taxis but we believe this will not lead to a significant improvement in the availability of accessible taxis in some areas. In fact, since the Government introduced its initial policy proposals in 2003 there has been a de facto voluntary code yet little improvement has been made towards a national fleet of accessible taxis so I do not believe that it is likely that a voluntary code will make much of a difference. </p><p>I would like to see a commitment from the Department of Transport to produce regulations for taxi accessibility. Regulations, in addition to driver training, and encouraging local authorities to offer subsidised travel schemes for disabled people, will produce a deliverable taxi trade that is sufficient for the needs for disabled people. </p><p>I would urge you to support me in this, and write to Rosie Winterton, Transport Minister, asking her&nbsp;to implement disability regulations under the DDA 1995.</p><p>I look forward to hearing from you. </p><p>Best wishes, </p><p>&nbsp;</p> Send a copy of this email to yourself?