SERU TEST: London taxi drivers to face fresh assessment on responsibilities to disabled black cab users, says Mayor of London
London’s black cab drivers will soon be required to complete new assessments on handling wheelchair users and other disabled passengers, according to the Mayor of London.
The move comes as Transport for London (TfL) prepares to introduce a mandatory assessment on safety, equality, and regulatory responsibilities for both new and existing drivers.
The comments followed a question from London Assembly Member Gareth Roberts, who asked what training taxi drivers currently receive regarding wheelchair users.
The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, confirmed that when drivers collect their taxi licence, they are informed of their legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010. They also receive written guidance in their licence documentation and the Taxi Driver Handbook. Further advice is available on TfL’s website, including manufacturer-specific instructions on securing wheelchairs in vehicles.
Under current rules, taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers must ensure that disabled passengers can use services without discrimination or extra charges.
The new mandatory assessment, set to be introduced later this year, will reinforce these legal obligations. The test will cover key sections from the Taxi Driver Handbook, ensuring drivers fully understand their responsibilities towards disabled passengers.
TfL’s decision aligns with the Department for Transport’s Statutory Standards, which aim to improve safety and accessibility in the taxi and PHV industry.
Sir Sadiq Khan, said: “When drivers are given their ‘badge’, which they collect in person, the responsibilities that apply to them under the Equality Act 2010 are explained to them. Written material as to their responsibilities is also provided with licence issue documentation (when they are first licensed and on renewal) and is set out in the Taxi Driver Handbook. Transport for London (TfL) also provides specific guidance to existing licensees on its website (www.tfl.gov.uk/tph-access) and further guidance on supporting passengers who are wheelchair users or who have an assistance dog.
“Taxi drivers are responsible for operating their vehicle. Vehicle manufacturers have provided information on how to load and secure a wheelchair in their vehicles online.
“As set out in TPH Notice 08/22, taxi drivers (alongside private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers and PHV operators) are legally responsible for ensuring that disabled passengers can use taxi and PHV services without discrimination and that they receive appropriate assistance, wherever they travel, without being charged extra.
“Later this year, TfL, in line with the Department for Transport’s Statutory Standards, will be introducing a mandatory Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding assessment for all new and existing taxi drivers. This assessment will include context from the Taxi Driver Handbook on a taxi driver’s responsibilities to disabled passengers.”
