Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what his policy is on (a) assistance for wheelchair users by taxis and private hire vehicles and (b) the charging of additional costs by taxi and hire vehicle owners; and if he will make a statement.

The Department for Transport is committed to ensuring that everyone has the same access to transport services and opportunities to travel.

Both taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs) are a particularly valuable form of transport for people with disabilities. I would strongly encourage all Taxi and PHV drivers to assist wheelchair users, wherever possible, and would also strongly discourage the practice of making additional charges to assist a disabled passenger. I would remind all Taxi and PHV operators of their obligations under the Equality Act 2010.