From 8th June 2010, in order to obtain a licence to operate a vehicle as a wheelchair accessible taxi, or wheelchair accessible hackney, you must ensure that the vehicle meets a new set of standards set out by the Taxi Regulator.
Primo builds all taxis with these regulations in mind and can also retrospectively bring older, previously licensed vehicles up to the current standards.
In addition to the standards for taxis, wheelchair accessible taxis must:
- Have specialist equipment including ramps, wheelchair anchorages and suitable seatbelts;
- Have the accessibility symbol displayed on their roof sign;
- Accommodate at least one person seated in their wheelchair and at least three other passengers; and
- Give priority to bookings for people with disabilities.
It will be necessary to demonstate that requirements are met in respect of the following:
- Seat belts
- Wheelchair occupant seat belts
- Wheelchair restraints (tie-downs)
- Seatbelt anchorages
- Wheelchair and wheelchair occupant restraint anchorages
- Seat and belt anchorages
- Headroom