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Gloucestershire taxis
Taxi travel overview
Many taxi companies in Gloucestershire now offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
Wheelchair-accessible taxis are usually black cabs, wheelchair-adapted vehicles, people carriers, minibuses or converted small vans.
They may have a ramp or a passenger lift to assist a wheelchair user with getting into the vehicle, which is far easier than transferring from a wheelchair to a car seat and dismantling the wheelchair for the journey.
Hackney carriages
These vehicles generally look like London style cabs and all have an illuminated TAXI sign on the roof. Taxis can be hailed in the street or they can be hired at taxi ranks.
All hackney carriages are wheelchair-accessible vehicles, although drivers may not be able to carry all types of wheelchairs. Drivers will perform a risk assessment for less standard wheelchairs to establish if they are able to transport them safely.
Selected accessible taxi companies
Associated Taxis
www.associated-taxisgloucester.co.uk
Available from Gloucester to Stoud. The fleet includes wheelchair-accessible vehicles with ramp access.
Contact: 01452 311700, 01452 382020 or Freephone 0800 262048
Dial A Cab
Based in Cheltenham, providing services in Gloucestershire. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available. Passengers travelling in a wheelchair or scooter should be accompanied by a family member or carer.
Contact: 01242 242424 or info@dacchelt.com
Five Star Taxis
The fleet includes wheelchair-accessible taxis. Operating in Gloucester & Cheltenham and surrounding areas.
Contact: 01452 555 555 or info@fivestartaxis.co.uk
A Star Taxis
Based in the city of Gloucester and offering some availability for wheelchair-accessible taxis.
Contact: 01452 555 222
Cam and Dursley Taxis
Based in Dursley and offering wheelchair-accessible taxis.
Contact: 07577 7535 530
Andy Cars
Based in Gloucester city centre, the fleet includes wheelchair-accessible taxis.
Contact: 01452 523 000, 0800 917 7945 or info@andycarsgloucester.co.uk
CDS taxis and private hire
Based in The Forest of Dean. They offer a wheelchair-accessible vehicle for up to 4 wheelchairs at any one time.
Contact: 01594 834 834 or info@cdshire.com
Robertsons Transport (Gloucester) Ltd
Offer services for elderly and disabled passengers. Vehicles are available with tail lifts and drop-down steps.
Contact: 01452 381490 or robertsonstransportltd@outlook.com
Apollo taxis
Offer some wheelchair-accessible taxis, covering Stonehouse and Stroud.
Contact: 01453 823 344, 01453 76 71 11, or apollotaxisstr@aol.com
Surty’s Private Hire
Operate a range of vehicles with wheelchair access. Based in Gloucester.
Contact: 01452 537 993 or ish@surtys.co.uk
Planning a journey
- Book your taxi in advance, especially at busy times.
- If you are booking a Private Hire Vehicle, you can request the price in advance.
- If you need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, ensure that you specify any access requirements and your mobility equipment at the time of booking.
Keeping safe when travelling
As wheelchairs are carefully designed to support a disabled person, wheelchair-accessible taxis allow disabled people to stay in the position that is best for their body and posture.
Wheelchair-accessible taxis must be equipped to secure the wheelchair when the cab is in motion. Seat belts or lap belts should be available to keep the wheelchair user steady.
Wheelchair-accessible taxis are also adding different forms of lighting to help the visually impaired.
All the equipment in a wheelchair taxi should be regularly tested by the driver to ensure it remains in good repair.
Operator obligations
The law states that to comply with the Equalities Act 2010, licensed drivers are under a legal duty to carry wheelchair users, guide, hearing and other prescribed assistance dogs in their vehicles without additional charge.
The law expects drivers:
- to carry the passenger while in a wheelchair and not to make any additional charge for doing so
- if the passenger chooses to sit in a passenger seat, to carry the wheelchair
- to take such steps as are necessary to ensure that the passenger is carried in safety and reasonable comfort; and
- to give the passenger such mobility assistance as is reasonable
Sections 168 and 170 of the Equality Act 2010, requires non-exempt drivers of taxis and PHVs to accept the carriage of assistance dogs and to refrain from charging extra for them.
All taxi and minicab drivers must make sure they do not discriminate against disabled people and should not treat them less favourably than non-disabled customers.
They should also make reasonable adjustments to ensure you receive the same services, as far as this is possible, as someone who is not disabled.
If a taxi driver does discriminate against you, you should complain to your local authority’s Licencing Department.
Disclaimer
Any advice or information given by the Hubs Mobility Advice Service is impartial and correct at the time it is provided. However, as operators may change their services or equipment prior to your journey or booking, you are strongly advised to check any details directly with them shortly before you expect to travel.
Contact your local Hub
Get in touch with the West of England Hub for personal mobility advice and accessible travel information. Your Hub can help with local, national and international accessible travel advice.