North London taxis

Taxi travel overview

London is known for its black cabs (hackney carriages) which are wheelchair accessible.

Black cabs can be hailed in the street or from taxi ranks – many of which are outside train stations. Black cabs can also be pre-booked for eligible Taxicard holders. Fares are set and regulated by Transport for London (TfL).

London black cabs have a wheelchair ramp, induction hearing loop, grab handles, swivel seat and an intermediate step. It is worth noting that not all wheelchairs can fit into a black cab. It may be necessary for drivers to undertake a risk assessment for some mobility equipment.

Private hire vehicles, licensed by TfL or local authorities, can be booked in advanced. Find out more about what to expect from your taxi journey on the TfL website.

Selected accessible taxi companies

The Transport for London (TfL) website provides contact details for some London taxi services, as well as a search form to find a local operator.

Uber 

www.uber.com

Uber Access vehicles have a rear ramp for wheelchairs whilst Uber Assist is an option for people who may need some additional support including sensory impairments, anxiety, and bringing an assistance dog.

Wheelchair Taxis

wheelchair-taxis.co.uk

All vehicles are wheelchair accessible and provide fold out wheelchair ramps, swivel seats and four-point wheelchair restraint belts. They can collect from any London address. Services include transfers to all London airports.

Contact: 0203 6331777

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.
• London residents with mobility impairments may be able to get a number of subsidised licensed taxis fares, through the London Taxicard scheme. For details on the eligibility criteria, visit the London Councils website or contact 0207 934 9791.
• If you are comfortable with smart phone technology, you may prefer to use mobile apps to book cabs on demand, for instance, via Uber or Bolt.

Keeping safe when travelling

Black cabs are licensed with TfL and have card machines for payment, as well as accepting cash. They can be hailed off the street or from over 600 ranks in London.

Drivers must have a green or yellow badge and wear it while working. A badge shows that they have passed the Knowledge of London exam. A green badge signifies a driver is licensed to pick up passengers in London and a yellow badge signifies the driver specialises in local suburban areas.

Likewise, a green or yellow licence should be displayed in the front and rear windscreens of the taxi which shows the driver’s badge number.

When using a minicab, it’s safer to pre-book with a licensed company as you will receive a booking confirmation with the driver’s details and vehicle registration number. 

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.