TAXI drivers in Conwy have started a petition campaigning for the relaxation of the rules on wheelchair accessible seven-seater vehicles.
The petition says that Hackney Carriage legislation in Conwy means seven-seater vehicles are “extremely expensive”, reduce the number of disability-friendly taxis in circulation and are bad for the environment.
Started by Patryk Majeran, the petition to “amend and review Hackney Carriage vehicle licensing” says, by imposing stricter rules, seven-seaters are not affordable for companies and reduce the number of disability vehicles available.
The petition on change.org reads: “While we fully support ensuring accessibility for wheelchair users, the current regulations are causing serious problems for drivers, businesses, and passengers alike.
“These rules mandate extremely expensive seven-seater wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) with side wheelchair access.
“This solution, while intended to help wheelchair users, is counterproductive as it limits the number of WAV taxis available on the roads.
“The high cost and restrictive requirements discourage drivers from entering or staying in the trade, ultimately reducing accessibility for wheelchair users and creating significant challenges.”
The letter goes on to say: “Drivers are struggling financially, often unable to replace their vehicles, leading to an increase in older, less safe cars on the roads.
“Passengers are being underserved.
“Elderly and less mobile residents often struggle to use large vehicles, preferring smaller, safer cars.
“The environment is suffering.
“Larger vehicles consume more fuel, release more emissions, and current regulations make it impossible to license eco-friendly electric taxis due to the side-access requirement.”
The petition goes on to suggest the council should consider allowing “rear-access WAVs, permitting smaller vehicles, and ensuring all businesses meet proportional WAV requirements”.
The petition reads: “The specific requirement for side wheelchair access is overly restrictive.
“Most electric vehicles (EVs) have batteries installed under the floor, making side access ramps impossible to install.
“As a result, electric WAVs cannot currently be manufactured to meet the council’s licensing requirements, eliminating eco-friendly options from the market.”
The petition instead advocates for “rear-access WAVs, which are widely available, more cost-effective, and equally functional for wheelchair users” to be “excluded under current regulations” as it “limits the number of WAVs on the roads”.
The petition adds: “Many elderly passengers or those with mobility challenges find it difficult to board large WAVs, which are higher off the ground than standard cars.
“These individuals prefer smaller vehicles that are easier to enter and exit, safer, and more comfortable.
“By mandating large WAVs, the Council unintentionally excludes a significant portion of the population who rely on taxis for safe and convenient transportation.
“The cost of purchasing a WAV with side wheelchair access starts at £52,000, with some models exceeding £60,000.
“Financing options require hefty deposits and monthly payments over £1,800.”
The petition concludes: “The current regulations are inequitable, unsustainable, and fail to meet the diverse needs of Conwy’s residents.
“We urge Conwy Borough Council to act now and modernize taxi/hackney carriage licensing regulations for a more accessible and equitable future.”
A Conwy County Council spokeswoman commented: “The council welcomes petitions and recognises that petitions are one way in which people can let us know their concerns.
“Petitions are taken seriously by council officers and members as a measure of local interest in a given matter.”
The petition is available https://www.change.org/p/petition-to-conwy-borough-council-for-fair-and-inclusive-taxi-licensing-regulations?utm_medium=custom_url&utm_source=share_petition&recruited_by_id=52453070-0382-11eb-b88f-5d464dda5bb7
