Disabled groups plan fight over taxi licence ruling

Jul 18 2008 by Richard Down, Liverpool Daily Post
http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2008/07/18/disabled-groups-plan-fight-over-taxi-licence-ruling-64375-21362985/
LIVERPOOL City Council is being taken to the High Court over its taxi licensing policy that “discriminates” against the disabled.

Cab manufacturer Allied Vehicles Group was refused a Hackney Carriage licence for its E7 Taxis by the council’s licensing committee in March this year.

Liverpool Wheelchair User Group (LWUG) is backing a judicial review test case at the High Court being brought jointly by Alma Lunt, chair of the Merseyside Coalition of Inclusive Living, and Allied Vehicles.

They will argue travelling sideways without wheelchair restraints or seatbelts in the city’s black cabs is dangerous.

Now papers have been lodged with the High Court and barristers instructed.

All other Merseyside authorities have granted licences to the E7 cab, except Knowsley, where Allied is going through the licence application process.

The campaigners say the council’s decision flies in the face of its own Disability Equality Statement. They are also alleging the ruling is a 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.

Liverpool Wheelchair User Group chairman John Bruce is vigorously campaigning with others across the city for increased choice in taxi design. He said: “Most other cities can safely have this taxi, so why not us in Liverpool?”

However, an irate John Bruce, chair of LWUG, who was at the meeting, said: “These vehicles are already being used very successfully and safely in most British cities.

“At the licensing meeting, person after person stood up and painted a false picture of the Peugeot E7. They suggested it would be unleashing a juggernaut in the hands of maniacs who would career all over the pavements, with people diving out recklessly. Their justification is that it is slightly longer and has sliding doors

“We are not saying that we no longer want the traditional black cabs on our streets. All we want is for people to have a choice.”

A council spokesman said: “We are aware that an application has been made for leave to appeal against a decision made by the licensing committee.

“It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage because there is a legal case pending.”

richarddown@dailypost.co.uk