Part 4General provisions relating to passenger transport

Use of taxis and hire cars to provide local services

55Carrying of passengers in wheelchairs in vehicles providing local services

1

Section 36 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (c. 50) (carrying of passengers in wheelchairs) is amended as follows.

2

In subsection (1)(b) for “taxi” substitute “ vehicle ”.

3

After subsection (1) insert—

1A

This section also imposes duties on the driver of a designated vehicle other than a regulated taxi if—

a

the designated vehicle is being used to provide a local service (within the meaning of section 2 of the Transport Act 1985), and

b

a person falling within paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (1) has indicated to the driver that he wishes to travel on the service.

4

In each of subsections (2), (3) and (4) for “taxi” (wherever occurring) substitute “ vehicle ”.

5

In subsection (5) after “a regulated taxi” insert “ or designated vehicle ”.

6

In subsection (6)—

a

after “at the time of the alleged offence” insert—

a

in the case of a regulated taxi,

b

after “it was required to conform,” insert—

b

in the case of a designated vehicle, the vehicle conformed to the accessibility requirements which applied to it,

c

for the word “taxi” (in the last place where it appears) substitute “ vehicle ”.

7

After subsection (9) insert—

10

The driver of a designated vehicle is exempt from the duties imposed by this section if—

a

a certificate of exemption issued to him under this section is in force; and

b

he is carrying the certificate on the vehicle.

11

The driver of a designated vehicle who is exempt under subsection (10) must show the certificate, on request, to a person falling within paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (1).

8

After subsection (11) insert—

12

In this section—

  • designated vehicle” means a vehicle which appears on a list maintained under section 36A;

  • licensing authority” has the meaning given by section 36A.