§ Mr. Peter BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the need for disability and mobility awareness training for taxi and private hire car drivers.
§ Mr. NorrisThe Department attaches the greatest importance to disability awareness training for all transport operators.
Following consultation with both licensing authorities and the taxi trade, the Department of Transport has produced a video aimed at taxi drivers which deals specifically with disability awareness issues. Much of the information is directed to drivers of wheelchair accessible vehicles, but much of the practical advice is also applicable to drivers of saloon cars, for example on how to assist people with sensory impairments. The video is entitled "Call A Cab" and is available on free loan from the Department of Transport's mobility unit.
The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee which advises the Secretary of State on transport issues affecting disabled people has recently set up a sub-committee to look specifically at the issue of accessible taxis. I know that one of the first topics it will be tackling is driver training and I look forward with interest to receiving its proposals.