Rebecca Evans AM, Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales, is seeking action on the regulation of taxis and private hire cars following discussions with disabled people and disability organisations.
Speaking in the Senedd, Mrs Evans told AMs: “I had the pleasure of addressing a Disability Wales event last Friday, where I spoke about the framework for action on independent living. At that event I heard some stories about what seemed to be some pretty unfair practices on the part of some taxi firms in terms of the service that they provide for disabled people.”
Practices included charging excessive top-up fares for carrying wheelchairs. These concerns add to previous issues Mrs Evans had been made aware of, including refusal to take guide dogs and overcharging people who cannot see what money is changing hands.
Mrs Evans called on the Welsh Government to make a statement updating AMs on the work that the Welsh Government is doing with the Law Commission and with the UK Government to implement a new regulatory regime for taxis and private hire vehicles, which she said would “seek to raise standards across the industry.”
The Minister with responsibly for the Assembly’s business, Lesley Griffiths AM, said:
“The Welsh Government is aware of the report published by the Law Commission and is reviewing the proposals that the Law Commission has put forward. Obviously, we will consider those recommendations in the context of our findings and report in due course.”
Mrs Evans added: “It is important to recognise that the majority of taxi drivers and firms are entirely reputable and reliable. Indeed, many routinely go the extra mile for their disabled passengers in order to provide an excellent service. However, where poor practice or exploitation exists, it must be stamped out.”
