A TEMPORARY relaxation of rules for wheelchair-accessible taxis in Denbighshire has been made permanent after councillors voted in favour of the move, hoping to increase vehicle availability.
At June’s Denbighshire County Council licensing committee, councillors commented on the “positive impact” of a 12-month trial introduced in June last year, which removed vehicle age limits for wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs).
This has led to an increase in taxi numbers for people who use wheelchairs, prompting councillors to vote in favour of making the change permanent.
Since the temporary change came into effect, the council has received a total of seven WAV applications.
Under the revised rules, vehicles are instead required to meet Euro 6 emissions standards and undergo increased compliance testing once they reach 12 years of age.
During the meeting, Cllr Andrea Tomlin said: “I find it quite distressing sometimes when you read reports of passengers who have not been able to get the appropriate transport, so this can only be a positive step for this council.”
Whilst a report highlighted the benefits of the scheme in improving access to WAVs, it also noted potential risks linked to the continued use of older vehicles.
Cllr Andrea Tomlin proposed councillors introduce the policy permanently. Cllr Joan Butterfield seconded the proposal, and the committee voted unanimously in favour of the change in policy.
