Severe Weather Emergency Provision

The weather is exceptionally hot. For guidance on what to do if you see someone sleeping on the streets of Buckinghamshire see Severe Weather Emergency Provision (SWEP).

Taxi and private hire duties for assisting disabled passengers

Drivers and operators of taxis and private hire vehicles have a duty to assist disabled passengers under the Equalities Act 2010.

Failure to comply with these duties is an offence and could result in a fine of up to £1,000.

You may also lose your licence.

Driver duties

As a driver you must:

  • carry any disabled passenger
  • provide disabled passengers with reasonable mobility assistance and carry their mobility aids or wheelchair (if safe to do so)
  • help disabled passengers to find or identify your vehicle at no extra charge
  • carry a disabled passenger's assistance dog and allow the dog to remain with them

If your vehicle is included on our list of designated wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) you must:

  • carry any passenger in their wheelchair or transport the wheelchair if the passenger chooses to sit in the vehicle
  • carry any mobility aids
  • provide reasonable assistance at no extra charge

You should never add or propose to add an extra charge for carrying or assisting a disabled passenger.

Exemptions for drivers with medical or physical conditions

You can apply for an exemption certificate if you have a condition that means you're unable to carry assistance dogs or provide mobility assistance.

View our page about applying for an exemption from duties.

Operator duties

As an operator you must

  • accept bookings for or on behalf of any disabled person, as long as you have a suitable vehicle available

You must not:

  • refuse any booking where a disabled passenger is accompanied by an assistance dog
  • add or propose to add an extra charge for bookings involving disabled passengers, including passengers in wheelchairs or with assistance dogs

Further information