MP CALLS FOR GREATER SAFEGUARDS FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS

10.04.00am GMT Thu 15th Dec 2005

Solihull's MP, Lorely Burt is calling for tighter regulation to ensure that private hire drivers will carry disabled people with fold-up wheelchairs on request following complaints from two disabled friends.

Sandra Daniels from Shirley and Jacqui Robinson from Hall Green say there were requested to pay an extra charge of £2 each way before the company would agree to pick them up.

Jacqui Robinson has also complained to Solihull Council that she was left alone at night, in a secluded spot in darkness, by a taxi driver who refused to take her wheelchair.

Lorely Burt MP said:

"I am extremely concerned to hear that any driver would refuse to carry a disabled woman with a foldaway wheelchair and leave her in a vulnerable position at night. I know that it is simply illegal to request an extra charge for carrying wheelchairs, and I would expect Solihull as the licensing authority to bring any offenders before the licensing committee to answer complaints.

"I will be writing to the Licensing Manager and asking him to have a fresh look at these complaints and will suggest they mount an information and publicity campaign to ensure that all private hire drivers and companies are fully aware of their obligations to disabled people in line with the spirit of the Disability Discrimination Act, soon to come into force.

"I have also asked the Council to consider a licensing condition that would require all private hire drivers to transport people with fold down wheelchairs that can be stored in the boot of the vehicle.

"It is a grave concern to me that in this day and age people with disabilities still appear to be suffering from discrimination in their access to basic services that others take for granted."