Wheelchair taxi list nears destination
A list of 17 wheelchair accessible vehicles for use in Argyll and Bute is set to be published by the council.
The authority has compiled a draft list of wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) after a consultation exercise which was first agreed in November for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010.
Seven wheelchair accessible taxis are located in Oban, Lorn and the Isles, while Bute and Cowal, and Helensburgh and Lomond, have three available each. One is located in Mid-Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands.
A further three private hire WAVs also feature in the draft list, and are listed as being available across Argyll and Bute.
Councillors will now be asked to approve the draft list, with the council intending to publish the final version in July. This will give a threemonth period for any further changes.
The list will be discussed by councillors at a virtual meeting of the council’s planning, protective services and licensing committee on Wednesday, April 20.
Drivers of WAVs will be duty bound to carry a wheelchair user in their wheelchair at no additional charge, or in a passenger seat if they choose to sit there.
They must also take steps to ensure the passenger travels in comfort and safety and to give the passenger mobility assistance as required.
In an earlier report before councillors in November, executive director Douglas Hendry explained: ‘The consequences of having a designated list of WAVs is that Section 165 of the 2010 Act imposes statutory duties on the drivers of these designated vehicles and failure to comply with these duties is an offence, unless exempt, liable to a fine of up to £1,000.
‘As Argyll and Bute Council does not currently maintain and publish a designated list of WAVs, an offence would not be committed under this piece of legislation.
‘Currently, if a wheelchair user feels they have been discriminated against, they would have to raise a civil court action themselves against the driver.
‘That is a lengthy and expensive process that puts many people off seeking legal redress for their rights being breached.
‘Secondly, it allows wheelchair users to see what WAV availability there is in their area.’