‘Disabled people should be able to travel easily, confidently, and with dignity’ says transport minister
The Transport Minister has stated that disabled people should expect to be able to travel ‘easily, confidently, and with dignity’, as a shortage of wheelchair accessible taxis is highlighted.
Sarah Green MP raised concerns about the lack of wheelchair accessible taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs) in Buckinghamshire.
In response, Simon Lightwood MP, the Transport Minister, highlighted the Government’s commitment to ensuring that disabled people can travel with ease, dignity, and confidence. Lightwood acknowledged the challenges wheelchair users face when trying to secure suitable transport. He referred to best practice guidance, issued in November 2023, which advises local authorities to assess demand for wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) and work towards ensuring an adequate supply as part of a varied fleet that meets different passenger needs.
However, the Minister noted that the Department for Transport was unaware of any local loan or grant schemes to assist in the purchase of WAVs. The Government does offer an existing Plug-In Taxi Grant (PiTG), which offers up to £6,000 towards the cost of an eligible WAV, though he confirmed that the scheme is regularly reviewed to ensure value for money.
The discussion highlights ongoing concerns about accessible transport for wheelchair users, particularly outside major urban areas, where availability can be limited. Further action may be necessary to close the gap and ensure all passengers can access suitable services.
Simon Lightwood MP said: ”Disabled people should be able to travel easily, confidently, and with dignity.
“I know that in some areas it can be difficult for wheelchair users to obtain a suitable wheelchair accessible taxi or PHV when they need one. Best practice guidance, published in November 2023, recommends authorities assess the demand for wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) and take steps to ensure that there are sufficient available, as part of a “mixed fleet” of vehicles suitable for a range of passenger needs."
