Battle goes to Knowsley over licence for new ‘disability’ taxis

Aug 27 2008 by Richard Down, Liverpool Daily Post

DISABILITY campaigners who are taking Liverpool City Council to the High Court over its taxi licensing policy will take their battle to Knowsley tonight.

Knowsley’s licensing committee will decide whether to approve a Hackney Carriage licence for Allied Vehicles Group to use its E7 taxis in the borough.

When Liverpool’s licensing committee refused a similar application in March it sparked a backlash from disability campaigners.

Liverpool Wheelchair User Group (LWUG) has backed a judicial review test case at the High Court against Liverpool because they claim refusing to use these cabs is an act of discrimination.

They argue that it is only possible to travel sideways in an traditional black cab and this is done without wheelchair restraints or seatbelts creating a substantial risk for disabled users.

They also allege refusing the application would be a breach of the council’s duties under the Disability Discrimination Act to make “reasonable adjustments” to its policies and practices, so as to enable disabled people to lead a full life in the community on equal terms.

Knowsley Wheelchair User Group will make its representations to the council committee in person tonight.

However, a risk assessment by borough solicitor Beryl Heath that will be put before members at the meeting in Huyton, points out this is not clear-cut.

The report said: “To move away from the council’s existing policy could potentially reduce the standard of hackney carriages achieved using the conditions of fitness as the benchmark.”

Billy Ellery, chairman of the Hackney Carriage Badge Holders Association, has also expressed the association’s concern regarding the possible relaxation or removal of conditions of fitness for cabs.

The council report also reveals there are concerns over the E7’s turning circle which led to it being refused in London.

But, the report admits: “It is clear that the E7 is working and working well as a hackney in many areas of the country.”

Refusing the application could lead to expensive legal repercussions.

The report said: “There is no specific right of appeal in this matter although there is a risk that an aggrieved party could challenge a decision by way of judicial review or via the Local Government Ombudsman.”

All other Merseyside authorities apart from Liverpool have granted licences to the E7 cab.

richarddown