Hackney Council introduces Taxicard automatic exemption for disabled taxi users through bus gates
In an effort to make Hackney’s streets more accessible for residents with disabilities, Hackney Council has launched a pilot scheme granting automatic exemptions for Black Taxis carrying passengers with long-term mobility difficulties or severe visual impairments. This exemption applies to six specific bus gates within Hackney’s low traffic neighbourhoods.
The trial, run in partnership with London Councils, ComCab, and enforcement camera operator Yunex Traffic, is designed to assess the potential for expanding the scheme across London. The scheme specifically benefits users of the Taxicard programme, which subsidises Black Taxi and private hire trips for those unable to easily use public transport.
When taking a Taxicard journey within Hackney, drivers can now pass through designated bus gates in areas marked with the HAC01 permit exemption. These gates are located on Stoke Newington Church Street, Shepherdess Walk, Downs Road, Lansdowne Drive, and two points on Richmond Road.
This exemption is applied automatically, and drivers providing Taxicard services are being updated on the new access arrangement. The council will monitor and assess the pilot to consider a possible expansion of this accessible transport solution across the capital.
Cllr Sarah Young, Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Transport, said: “Three years ago we introduced an exemption for Blue Badge and companion badge holders, allowing them to nominate a vehicle that could travel through bus gates in Hackney’s low traffic neighbourhoods.
“I’m really pleased to pilot this new scheme in Hackney, which will expand access to people on a taxicard journey and increase accessibility for those with long term mobility difficulties or visual impairments.”
Andy Rollock, Head of Mobility Services, London Councils, said: “This pilot will allow vulnerable and those with severe disabilities an improved experience when using the scheme and will greatly improve the door to door offering of the scheme. This will allow drivers to enter these LTN zones to collect our customers without fear of potentially receiving a penalty notice charge.
“It is hoped the positive outcome of this pilot in Hackney will allow other boroughs to implement the technology and allow the wider Taxicard users and drivers across London to benefit when undertaking Taxicard journeys.”
Alan McDonald, Taxicard Account Manager for ComCab London, said: “We are delighted to partner with Hackney for this trial to provide our long valued Taxicard customers with improved access to the Taxicard service by exempting vehicles that are fulfilling a Taxicard journey from being penalised when travelling through agreed low traffic neighbourhoods. We very much hope that the trial is successful, and in the future this exemption can be offered on Taxicard journeys in all boroughs so that all service users can benefit from the accessibility improvements it delivers.”
