Identify guilty taxi drivers
Disabled people need more protection from discrimination when being refused travel, a charity has demanded.
Muscular Dysrophy UK has called for Renfrewshire to create a register of taxi drivers to hold those turning down passengers to account.
The region has not committed to drawing- up the ‘Section 167’ list detailing motorists.
They face a fine of up to £ 1,000 if they refused to transport wheelchair users or try to charge them extra.
Nic Bungay, director of campaigns, care and information at Muscular Dystrophy UK, has lobbied for years for the law change.
She said: “Taxis are often the only way that disabled people can get from A to B when public transport isn’t an option.
“But the new legislation simply isn’t working to help ensure they can do so safely and fairly.
“Research robustly demonstrates the impossible situation that many disabled people find themselves in.
“Passengers, taxi drivers and councils alike are crying out for clearer guidance, and we need to see the taxi lists made mandatory, to make this well- intentioned law workable.”
Westminster brought in a new law last April, but only seven Scottish council have compiled a list – despite a deadline of last October.
Only drivers on the register can be punished for discrimination, but local authorities must take the lead.
Passengers warn they have been told ramps do not work, there is no space for wheelchairs or have been overcharged for journeys.
A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: “We will include this list as part of a package of taxi-related policy reviews we are undertaking.
“Renfrewshire benefits from a huge fleet of 230 wheelchair accessible taxis serving the public and there has never been a single complaint about overcharging or failing to provide assistance to a disabled passenger.
“We are committed to supporting the provision of a high quality transport service accessible by all and in 2002 we were one of the first Councils to pioneer the policy that all Renfrewshire taxis must be wheelchair accessible and private hire car operators who wish to licence a multi-person vehicle must have a wheelchair accessible vehicle.”