Mid Sussex council faces call to address shortage of wheelchair-accessible taxis
The Mid Sussex District Council is gearing up for a crucial review addressing the shortage of wheelchair-accessible taxis (WAVs) in the region.
This comes in response to growing concerns from the public and a recent petition highlighting the inadequate availability of such services, particularly in Burgess Hill.
A petition with 137 signatures has shed light on the limited access to WAVs, significantly impacting the mobility of disabled residents. Currently, only 31 out of 154 licensed hackney carriages are wheelchair accessible, making up just over 20% of the fleet. This limited number fails to meet the needs of those dependent on these services, prompting the council to propose a review and potential changes to the existing policies.
Several options are under consideration to enhance the availability of WAVs. One suggestion is to extend the age limit for these vehicles from 10 to 12 years, with additional fitness tests required in the final two years. Another option involves removing the cap on hackney carriage numbers, allowing new licences only for WAVs, with the goal of increasing their presence.
The issue of restricted WAV availability is exacerbated by the concentration of these vehicles around Haywards Heath Railway Station, leaving other areas underserved. The council's Licensing Committee will consider these proposals and is set to launch an eight-week public consultation to gather broader feedback.
The council's current policy, last revised in May 2021, imposes a 10-year age limit on vehicles, with the aim of maintaining a modern and safe fleet. However, the high costs of WAVs and the limited lifespan for licensing pose challenges for drivers and operators.
The forthcoming consultation will seek input from various stakeholders, including local authorities, disability groups, and the public. The final policy, expected to be recommended for adoption in December 2024, aims to balance the needs of disabled passengers with the practicalities faced by taxi operators.
