If you run a taxi business then it is quite likely that you will be asked to pick up and drop off somebody who has a disability at some point. It is perhaps worth mentioning a few things in this respect.

For instance, you would be breaking the law if you have a vehicle available and refused to take someone with a disability or who wants to bring an assistance dog with him or her. It is also illegal if you do not accept a booking for a taxi because the passenger is disabled. You could face a fine of up to £1,000 or loose your license.

You have to accept assistance dogs such as guide dogs and hearing dogs unless you have an exemption certificate if the passenger has an impairment that has an effect on their mobility, your passenger is epileptic or has an impairment that has an effect on his or her dexterity.

Unless you have an exemption, you are obliged to provide a disabled passenger with help such as assisting the passenger to get into and out of the vehicle, placing a mobility aid such as a wheelchair in the boot, assist with locating your taxi, advising what route you are taking and informing the passenger of the total amount on the taximeter. It is worth noting that you are not permitted to charge extra for providing additional support. An exemption to the providing of physical assistance could be due to you having a medical condition that means you are unable to place a mobility aid into the boot of your taxi.

It is worth noting that in some areas licensed taxis must be accessible by wheelchairs. In this respect, the taxi licensing office at the local council will have a list of taxis that are wheelchair accessible.

We do hope that the above proves of interest. It will not come as a surprise to read that further information can of course be found on the Internet.