A TEMPORARY relaxation of rules for wheelchair-accessible taxis in Denbighshire has led to an increase in availability.
Now Denbighshire County Council’s licensing committee will meet next week to consider making the changes permanent.
The proposals follow officers’ reporting that the temporary relaxation of the rules had a “positive impact” on the number of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) entering the licensed fleet.
In June last year, the committee agreed a 12-month trial removing vehicle age limits for WAVs.
Vehicles were instead required to meet “Euro 6 emission requirements” and undergo “increased compliance testing once a vehicle reaches 12 years of age”.
Since the temporary change came into effect, the council has received a total of seven WAV applications.
Whilst three of these were withdrawn because the applicants did not meet the licensing requirements, the remaining four applications “represent a significant improvement when compared with the previous year, when no new applications were received”.
But despite the proposed move to increase taxis for people in wheelchairs, councillors will be told there are some risks to consider.
The report stated: “The main risk relates to the continued use of older vehicles, which may naturally require closer monitoring as they age. However, this risk is effectively managed through the enhanced testing regime, which ensures regular safety checks and early identification of any issues.”
The licensing committee will meet on Tuesday, June 9, at the council’s Ruthin County Hall HQ.
