Views sought on the number of wheelchair accessible taxis in the Highlands

24th June 2013

The Highland Council is consulting with local disability and access groups and the taxi trade to find out their views on a change of licensing policy that could lead to an increase in the numbers of wheelchair accessible vehicles in the Highlands.

At present, in Highland, only around 5% of the overall taxi and private hire car fleet are wheelchair accessible.

Concerns have been raised in relation to the current provision of taxi and private hire car vehicles that are suitable for disabled people to use. As part of the consultation letters and questionnaires have gone out to disability groups and taxi and private hire car operators and drivers. Councillors have asked for feedback and will look at the responses from the consultation before making a decision whether to change the current policy or not.

The consultation questionnaire is also available online, and anyone who wishes to take part can do so by visiting http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/usersaccessibletaxis

Completed questionnaires along with any comments or suggestions should be returned by Friday 23 August. Responses can be e-mailed to licensing[AT]highland.gov.uk