§ Mr. AllasonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to introduce regulations requiring taxis to be accessible for wheelchairs. [2104]
§ Mr. NorrisThe Disability Discrimination Act 1995 gives the Secretary of State power to make regulations for that purpose. My right hon. Friend will be preparing regulations and will consult interested parties before laying regulations before the House. One subject of the consultation will be when the regulations should come into effect.
In London, all taxis will have to be wheelchair accessible by 1 January 2000 following a decision announced in December 1988. Outside London some local authorities have already set their own dates for wheelchair accessibility.