Issue - meetings
Introduction of a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle list under the Equality Act 2010
Meeting: 12/10/2017 - Licensing Committee (Item 4)
4 Introduction of a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle list under the Equality Act 2010 
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To inform Members if changes introduced by the
Equality Act 2010 and to seek approval of a list of designated
wheelchair accessible vehicles
Decision:
(a) That the introduction of a published list of wheelchair accessible vehicles be approved; and
(a) That the Licensing Team Leader in consultation with the Community and Business Protection Manager, set the implementation date for publication of the designated list of wheelchair accessible vehicles.
Minutes:
The Community Protection Team Leader presented a report to inform of changes introduced by the Equality Act 2010 and to seek approval of a list of designated wheelchair accessible vehicles.
The Team Leader provided background information and advised that the Government had indicated that it expected Council’s to introduce and maintain a list of designated vehicles which, in turn, would create offences for breaches of the duties imposed. The Department for Transport had issued formal statutory guidance asking local authorities to introduce those parts of the Equality Act that provided protection for wheelchair users.
The Team Leader reported on the main considerations as detailed in the report around the duties imposed under Section 165 of the Equality Act 2010, mobility assistance, and exemption for drivers with a relevant condition. She explained that vehicles placed on the list would not be required to carry all wheelchairs but must be capable of carrying some. The Licensing Section proposed to contact owners of vehicles which would be included on the list. The Team Leader advised that should the Committee approve the introduction of a published list of wheelchair accessible vehicles it was proposed that the publication of the designated list would take place within six months. Following this date it would become an offence for a driver to fail to give reasonable assistance to a wheelchair passenger.
During discussion the Team Leader responded to the comments made and explained that whilst the service provided by wheelchair accessible vehicles was well known within local communities, the list would make it easier for individuals to identify which operators provided that facility.
RESOLVED:
(a) That the introduction of a published list of wheelchair accessible vehicles be approved; and
(a) That the Licensing Team Leader in consultation with the Community and Business Protection Manager, set the implementation date for publication of the designated list of wheelchair accessible vehicles.