TAXI DRIVER TRAINING: MP questions Transport Minister over disability national minimum standards training for cabbies
Updated: 2 days ago
The ongoing debate over the provision of disability equality training for taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers has intensified, with fresh calls for government action to ensure consistency across the sector.
Sureena Brackenridge, Labour MP for Wolverhampton North East, pressed the issue via Parliament written question. She asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether there would be a commitment to set a national minimum standard for disability equality training for drivers in the industry.
Responding on behalf of the Government, Simon Lightwood, Transport Minister, acknowledged that significant concerns remain. He stated that the Government is aware of complaints from disabled passengers who continue to experience inadequate or discriminatory treatment.
Lightwood highlighted the ongoing need for comprehensive and effective disability awareness training for all drivers.
Lightwood said: “The Government keeps all policies under review and is aware that disabled people continue to report facing inadequate or discriminatory treatment when using taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs). We recognise the need for quality disability awareness training and the latest guidance issued to all licensing authorities in England confirms our expectation that all drivers undergo such training.
“The Government continues to consider how to improve the regulation of the sector to enable the provision of safe and accessible services that meet a wide range of passenger needs.”
