Aberdeen Council tightens criteria for taxi drivers looking to obtain Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle medical exemptions
Aberdeen City Council’s Licensing Committee has revised its approach to granting medical exemptions from its Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) policy, introducing stricter requirements for supporting medical evidence.
This move comes in response to an increase in exemption applications, prompting the committee to prioritise consistency and fairness in its decision-making.
The current policy mandates that all new taxi vehicle licences must be for WAVs, ensuring accessibility for all passengers, including those with mobility challenges. However, the Licensing Committee has provisions to consider exemptions on medical grounds for drivers whose health conditions are affected by the specific requirements of WAV operation.
Under the new rules, any medical evidence submitted must explicitly state that the operation of a WAV is either causing or exacerbating a medical condition. This clear link must be confirmed by a medical professional. The committee aims to eliminate ambiguities in applications and ensure that exemptions are granted only where the medical impact justifies it.
This measure also ensures that exemptions are not used as a way to bypass other WAV-related responsibilities, such as assisting passengers or fulfilling the operational requirements associated with WAV licences. Drivers seeking exemptions for personal preference or convenience will not be considered under these tightened rules.
