§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to produce further proposals for taxi accessibility; what discussions he has held with(a) vehicle manufacturers and (b) suppliers to ensure the availability of vehicles which conform with taxi accessibility regulations; and if he will make a statement. [68641]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonWe have held extensive consultation on our proposals for taxi accessibility under the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 with manufacturers, operators, local authorities and with organisations representing disabled people.
469WWe are reviewing our proposals in the light of this consultation and we will be publishing a further round of consultation, including draft regulations and a regulatory impact assessment, later this year.
My Department is also in close and regular touch with vehicle manufacturers and converters and we believe that a range of vehicles which meet the regulations will become available to address the new market which will be created.