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Somerset taxis
Taxi travel overview
Many taxi companies in Somerset 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
Taunton Taxi Service
Wheelchair-accessible taxis for trips including airport transfers, shopping trips and medical appointments. Electric and manual wheelchairs can be accommodated. A flat-folding ramp, anchor points, safety belts and a winch are available. Drivers are fully trained to assist.
Contact: 01823 248 248
Leo Taxis Taunton
A wheelchair-accessible taxi with a rear ramp is available.
Contact: 01823 924 400
Our Taxis Taunton
The fleet includes wheelchair-accessible and easy-access vehicles.
Contact 01823 333 667 or ourtaxis@sky.com
BW Private Hire
Based in South Somerset. The fleet includes wheelchair-accessible taxis.
Contact: 01458 250511 or info@bwprivatehire.co.uk
AJ Taxis
www.ajtaxisstreetglastonbury.co.uk
Operating in Street, Glastonbury and further afield. They can accommodate one or two wheelchairs.
Contact: 07877 886 797 or 01823 924 403 (Help and support.)
TLC Taxis, Taunton
Wheelchair-accessible vehicles with up to five passengers.
Contact: 01823 44 44 44
Archie’s Cabs, Wellington
Based in Wellington. They offer a wide range of 6 passenger people carriers with wheelchair access.
Contact: 01823 42 88 44 or archies.cabs@btconnect.com
Yeovil Cabs
Vehicles with wheelchair access can be booked with trained drivers.
Contact: 01935 700000 or 01935 578 007
Anchor Taxis Minehead
A wheelchair-accessible taxi company serving Minehead, Porlock, Exmoor and surrounding areas.
Contact: 01643 70 42 40 or 07557 132 122
Maia Travel Group
Can provide wheelchair-accessible services for Street and Glastonbury.
Contact 01458 441 163
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.