• Liverpool  wheelchair users denied access to modern, accessible taxis
• Research shows many journeys are unsafe for wheelchair passengers
• Allied Vehicles and local disability groups challenge Council  taxi licensing ruling

Leading disability groups across Liverpool are up in arms at their City Council’s refusal to license modern hackney taxis that can be safely used by the entire city’s estimated 12,000 wheelchair users.
If the current policy is maintained, many will have to continue travelling in traditional London-style cabs sitting sideways without wheelchair restraints or seatbelts.  A judicial review test case has been brought jointly by Alma Lunt, Chair of the Merseyside Coalition of Inclusive Living and Allied Vehicles. Allied manufactures the E7 Taxis that were controversially refused a license for Hackney Carriage use by the Council’s licensing committee in March this year.
Opponents say the Council’s decision flies in the face of its own Disability Equality Statement and is in breach of its duties under the Disability Discrimination Act to make “reasonable adjustments” to council policies and practices, so as to enable disabled people to lead a full life in the community on equal terms.
Allied manufactures a range of wheelchair accessible taxis and is the leading supplier of wheelchair accessible vehicles to the UK Motability Scheme.  Its E7 Taxi is licensed in 95% of local authorities around the country, including others in the Merseyside area. Local disability organisations claim the E7 Taxi offers a much more convenient, comfortable and safe transport option for most wheelchair users, particularly those with larger wheelchairs. While it is possible to push a wheelchair into a London-style taxi (the only new vehicle currently available for purchase in Liverpool), limited space in the rear of the vehicle makes it impossible to turn many wheelchairs into a rear facing position where the passenger can be secured. 
Mrs Lunt and Allied have put evidence before the court showing the problem to be endemic: a recent study by Lowland Market Research confirms that, in practice, wheelchair users in London-style cabs frequently travel sideways, in an unsecured wheelchair and with no seatbelt.  This situation presents a severe risk in the event of an accident, sudden stop or sharp turn. 

The Report also shows that in only four out of 100 sample taxi journeys taken in London-style black cabs was the wheelchair turned to face the correct direction of travel. Significantly, an EC directive (2005/39/EC) forbids side-facing seats in any category "M1" vehicles, which includes taxis. By default, many of Liverpool’s wheelchair users have to travel in a manner that would be prohibited were they not disabled.

Modern-style, purpose-built taxis, such as the E7, offer a ready-made and safer solution for disabled users.  Because of their larger and all-level rear passenger area, these vehicles make it much more practical to turn and secure a wheelchair passenger, once inside the taxi. Wheelchair using passengers also have the option of facing forward during travel and there is far more space for colleagues, friends, family members or carers to accompany them.

Liverpool Wheelchair User Group Chairman John Bruce is vigorously campaigning with others across the city for increased choice in taxi design.   “Most other cities can safely have this taxi, so why not us in Liverpool,” says John.  “The layout and facilities of the E7 allow for many more solutions for safe travelling”.

John stresses that the issue is not about driver training and adds: “What cab drivers need is the right tool for safely carrying wheelchair users – that is an alternative taxi.”

The Council claims the wider turning circle of modern cabs would make them dangerous to operate in Liverpool – despite the fact the E7 Taxi operates successfully across most of the UK and in many major cities including Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Newcastle, Southampton and Sheffield.  The Council also criticised sliding doors on modern hackney cabs as a potential danger – but oddly, is happy to license private hire taxis with sliding doors.

In conclusion, Donald Pow, General Manager at Allied Vehicles states, “We’re not seeking special treatment from Liverpool City Council, just a fair opportunity to offer a safer and more convenient solution to the local disabled community. We’re hoping common sense will prevail.”

www.alliedvehicles.com