Under the Taxi and Private Hire (Disabled Persons) Act 2022, councils must publish a list of designated wheelchair accessible taxis and private hire vehicles.
If your vehicle is designated as wheelchair accessible, the following details will be published:
- make and model of the vehicle
- whether it is a taxi or a private hire vehicle
- the operator’s name
- the size and weight of wheelchair that can be carried (where relevant)
- whether larger-than-standard wheelchairs can be carried (where relevant)
View the list of designated wheelchair accessible vehicles.
Duties of drivers and operators
If you are a taxi or private hire driver, you must:
- carry a disabled passenger
- carry their wheelchair if they are in or have one with them
- carry any mobility aids the passenger uses
- take reasonable steps to ensure the passenger is safe and comfortable
- give the passenger any reasonable mobility assistance
- not make or suggest an additional charge for doing any of the above
Mobility aids means items used to assist with mobility, but not wheelchairs or assistance dogs (which are covered separately under other rules).
Mobility assistance includes helping the passenger get into or out of the vehicle, and loading or unloading luggage, wheelchairs or mobility aids.
Private hire operators must:
- accept bookings for or on behalf of any disabled person if they have a suitable vehicle available
- not make or suggest an additional charge for complying with these duties
Reference wheelchair
A “reference wheelchair” is defined as:
- total length: 1200mm (including extra-long footplates)
- total width: 700mm
- sitting height (from ground to top of head): 1350mm
Exemptions
If you need an exemption from these duties on medical grounds, email licensing@trafford.gov.uk.