HC Deb 13 December 1988 vol 143 cc520-1W
Sir David Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to improve the accessibility of taxis for the mobility-handicapped in London.

Mr. Portillo

This morning I hosted a press conference at my Department at which I was pleased to announce a new development for wheelchair-accessible taxis. Following discussions with the Metropolitan police, which is responsible for day-to-day taxi licensing questions, from 1 Feburary 1989 all newly licensed London taxis will need to be able to carry a passenger in a wheelchair and from 1 January 2000 every taxi operating in London will be required to take wheelchairs.