Taxis hit by new rules

The number of taxis in the Wyre Forest district could plummet because of new rules over wheelchair access.

Drivers say it will mean drivers facing bills of up to £25,000 to replace cabs when their taxi licence is due for renewal. The drivers have already protested at an age limit imposed on taxis.

Councillors say the latest rules about wheelchair access are backed by the Department of Transport.

They will consider a report from the department on March 26 which says that of the 85,000 licensed hackney carriages across the country, less than half are classed as wheelchair accessible.

Officials want to discuss the feasibility of introducing wheelchair accessible taxis which suit everyone.

But drivers in the Wyre Forest say the move will involve owner drivers buying expensive new vehicles which would not necessarily suit the needs of all disabled people.

Since introducing the policy in 2005, the council has come under fire from cabbies who do not want to move to costly specially-built ones when their licence is renewed.

Trevor Owen, owner of Regency Taxis, based in Kidderminster, said: "No-one has discussed the feasibility of wheelchairs accessible vehicles with taxi owners. The problem is that the council has consistently ignored the fact that the existing ones do not suit every disabled person.

"This is where the problem lies, how to make a taxi to suit everyone. We think this is simply unworkable until a vehicle is designed to cater for everyone."

Councillor Anne Hingley, the council spokesman said: "The council remains firmly committed to offering equal access to hackney carriages by making them wheelchair accessible. People who find those vehicles difficult to get into will still be able to book private hire saloon vehicles as part of the mixed fleet being promoted."