Article
Wheelchair accessible taxis in Wales
Every council in Wales maintains a list of wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) in their fleet. Drivers of designated WAVs have a legal duty to carry wheelchair users and assist them — this is not optional.
The law
Under Section 165 of the Equality Act 2010, drivers of designated wheelchair accessible hackney carriages and private hire vehicles must:
- Carry the passenger while in the wheelchair
- Not make any additional charge for doing so
- Carry the wheelchair if the passenger chooses to sit in a passenger seat
- Take reasonable steps to ensure the passenger is carried safely and comfortably
How to find a WAV
- Hackney ranks — in most Welsh towns, at least some vehicles on the rank will be wheelchair accessible. Cardiff, Swansea, and Wrexham all have WAV-capable hackney fleets.
- Pre-book — call the operator and request a wheelchair accessible vehicle. Give notice if possible.
- Council lists — each council publishes a list of designated vehicles on their website.
The reality
There is a national shortage of wheelchair accessible taxis. In some rural areas of Wales, WAVs may be limited. Councils have introduced incentives — allowing rear-loading vehicles, relaxing age policies, and permitting additional per-passenger charges for larger WAVs — to encourage drivers to operate accessible vehicles.
No extra charge
The tariff is the tariff. A wheelchair user should pay exactly the same metered fare as any other passenger for the same journey. If you are charged extra, report it to the council.
Useful contacts
- Disability Wales — 029 2088 7325
- Your local council licensing department (see our complaints guide)