Sheffield City Council is dedicated to making transport services accessible for everyone, in line with the goals of the Equality Act 2010.
We want everyone to be well informed about the accessibility of designated taxis and private hire vehicles and to feel confident that they will receive the assistance they need to travel safely.
As a driver or operator, it is your responsibility to comply with your duties under the Equality Act 2010. To help you understand these duties, we've summarised them here.
Assist
If the passenger stays in the wheelchair, you must help them get in and out of your vehicle and offer to load the passenger’s luggage into and out of your vehicle.
Choice
If the passenger prefers to sit in a passenger seat, you must help them transfer from the wheelchair to the seat and back and load the wheelchair into your vehicle.
No extra charge
You cannot charge extra for carrying a passenger in a wheelchair. This includes only starting a meter once you have helped them into your taxi.
Safety and comfort
You must ensure that the passenger and their wheelchair are transported safely and comfortably.
Assistance dogs
All hackney and private hire drivers must carry assistance dogs in their licensed vehicles, even if the vehicle isn't wheelchair accessible.
Failure to comply
It is an offence if you don’t have a medical exemption and fail to help a passenger. We will investigate all complaints and take appropriate action.
Medical exemptions
If you have a medical reason that prevents you from fulfilling these duties, you can apply for a medical exemption.