North Yorkshire Taxi Drivers Issue Warning Regarding Accessible Vehicle Regulations

Councillors in North Yorkshire have received a warning that proposed modifications to the region’s taxi licensing regulations could compel drivers to exit the profession. North Yorkshire Council is currently reviewing its policies for hackney carriages with the aim of boosting the availability of wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) and complying with equality legislation. A draft proposal, slated for public consultation next year, suggests that the council intends to restrict new taxi registrations exclusively to wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs), electric vehicles, or potentially hybrid vehicles. Nevertheless, a representative for drivers cautioned councillors that restricting the types of vehicles they could acquire would, in their view, diminish the number of WAVs actively operating. Richard Fieldman, based in Ripon and representing approximately 100 individuals from the North Yorkshire Taxi Drivers group, stated: “Many drivers have already expressed that if this policy is adopted, they will simply leave the trade and seek employment elsewhere due to the constant restrictions you are putting in place.” The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported that Mr. Fieldman indicated the policy would lead to local taxi drivers being supplanted by drivers from companies like Uber, who are registered beyond the county’s borders. He added: “We are already being swamped and overtaken by a massive influx of Uber cars in North Yorkshire.” He further asserted: “They have a distinct advantage over us regarding licensing conditions and we must be able to have equal choice of vehicle over them.” On Tuesday, Ian Lawson, a wheelchair user and chair of the North Yorkshire Disability Forum’s Accessible Transport Group, spoke before the council’s executive, pressing the authority to intensify efforts to boost the presence of WAVs on the county’s roadways. He noted that prior initiatives by North Yorkshire’s local authorities spanning multiple decades had proven unsuccessful in resolving the issue. Lawson stated: “From personal experience and countless conversations with other wheelchair users, I know the devastating impact of this accessibility barrier.” He continued: “Medical and dental appointments are missed, as are work commitments, and lives are stifled by social isolation, all because we cannot access a basic mode of transport.” Gareth Dadd, the authority’s deputy leader, expressed his understanding for both the taxi drivers and individuals advocating for an increase in operational WAV taxis. Dadd remarked: “It’s a really hard circle to square and I don’t think there is a single solution to it.” He added: “I’m keen for this to be a very genuine, open consultation where all options are on the table to be considered.” A 12-week consultation period regarding the plan is scheduled to commence in January. Further information and related content from North Yorkshire can be accessed via BBC Sounds, or by viewing the latest episode of Look North, with opportunities to submit story ideas also available. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Details regarding their approach to external linking are available.