Door to Door: a travel guide for disabled peopleGoing by road: Taxis and private hireFor many disabled people, especially those who are unable to drive or use conventional public transport, taxis and private hire vehicles (minicabs) are a very important means of getting around. Both can be booked in advance for a door-to-door service, but only licensed taxis can be hired in the street or at taxi ranks. Although there are currently no agreed accessibility standards for Taxis, the Government is committed to introducing them in due course. More information about the timetable for full taxi accessibility is given in the Legislation section. However, In London all licensed taxis ('black cabs') are already wheelchair accessible. Some other licensing authorities, mainly those in larger cities, also require all licensed taxis to be wheelchair accessible. Outside these areas many taxis and minicabs are large saloon cars which are not wheelchair accessible but, if you can transfer from your wheelchair, most will take a folded wheelchair in the boot. Some taxi and private hire operators have larger 'people mover' or multi-purpose vehicles' (MPV's) with access for wheelchair users. You can find out whether there are wheelchair accessible taxis available in your area by contacting the taxi licensing office at your local council or unitary authority. You should never travel sideways, or at an angle as this is not safe and could be dangerous if the taxi brakes sharply or is in an accident. Once in position, make sure that your brakes are on. If you have a powered wheelchair, make sure that you switch you power unit off, powered wheelchairs should never be left in freewheel mode. If you travel in a wheelchair, using a wheelchair accessible taxi is the obvious choice. If you have difficulty climbing steps or holding handrails you may prefer to use a taxi company which still uses saloon cars. However, the more modern London-style 'black cabs' have an extra step and a swivel seat so you can sit down before swinging yourself round into the vehicle. If you are visually impaired the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) (www.rnib.org.uk) can supply a TAXI sign to help with hailing a taxi. For hearing impaired people who use a hearing aid the new TX1 and TX2 'black cab' taxis have an induction loop fitted. By law both taxis and private hire vehicles (minicabs) are required to carry Guide and Hearing Dogs as well as dogs trained by Dogs for the Disabled, Support Dogs and Canine Partners. The dog must be allowed to stay with their owners and be carried at no extra charge. Drivers are told how to identify these dogs, so it is important that they wear their harness or jacket showing the name of the training charity. The only drivers who are exempt from this law are those with a proven medical condition, such as Asthma, which is made worse by contact with dogs. In these cases the licensing Authority will issue the driver with an 'Notice of Exemption' certificate which must be displayed on the windscreen or dashboard of the vehicle. This notice will have a large ED (for Exemption Dogs) printed on it and will show the drivers licence number.Updated: 13.01.05 | Contact: dptac@dft.gsi.gov.uk |