Council crack down on taxi and private hire operators overcharging wheelchair users

North Tyneside Council have promised to take action against taxi and private hire operators who overcharge disabled passengers for journeys.

The local authority’s licensing team has warned drivers and operators their licences could be revoled if they are found to charging wheelchair users more, or refusing bookings.

Council workers will make “test calls” to operators, posing as wheelchair users and information signage will be provided for wheelchair accessible vehicles.

Norma Redfearn said: “Taxis are literally lifeline to many disabled people who rely on them to get out and about socially, to do their shopping or to attend medical appointments.

“Personally I find most taxi drivers in the borough are really friendly and helpful. They are always happy to help their passengers with little errands and many go above and beyond what’s expected of them to make life easier for disabled and vulnerable people – in fact I often call them the fourth emergency service!

“However I’ve recently received complaints that a small minority are overcharging disabled people because it takes them longer to get in and out of the taxi.

“Others are refusing to send a larger wheelchair-accessible vehicle for just one person or demanding a high cost for it. This practice really is disgraceful – fares must be fair and this form of direct discrimination is contrary to the Equalities Act 2010 and will not be tolerated here in North Tyneside.”

Ian McKee, speaking on behalf of North Tyneside Coalition of Disabled People’s Executive Management Committee said: “To discriminate against disabled people by overcharging for a private hire journey is totally unacceptable and illegal under current legislation.

“We fully support the council’s actions as we have had numerous complaints of overcharging on lots of occasions and they seem to be on the increase.”