Survey to check taxis in West Suffolk are accessible for all

08 Jul 2024

A survey has been launched as part of a check to ensure the taxi trade in West Suffolk is accessible and meets all needs including for people with disabilities.

In July 2022 West Suffolk Council removed the requirement for all new and replacement to be wheelchair accessible vehicles. At the time this decision was made the council committed to carrying out an unmet demand survey to assess the impact of this change.

Now the council has launched a survey aimed at the customers of taxis, as well as businesses, health professionals and community and charity organisations working with people with mobility needs or disabilities. It is also open to anyone who doesn’t use taxis due to difficulties around access to give feedback on their experience. The council has already written to taxi drivers and operators to seek their views through a similar survey.

Cllr Gerald Kelly, Cabinet Member for Governance, Regulatory and Environment at West Suffolk Council said: “The taxi trade in West Suffolk plays a significant role in supporting our local economy, including leisure, tourism and education.

“The purpose of this passenger and public survey is to establish whether people, including passengers with mobility needs or disabilities, can get a taxi when they need it. This includes looking at where the ranks are to establish if they are still in the right locations, the number of bays on those ranks as well as the vehicles themselves to ensure for instance that people whatever their mobility or disability needs may be, can access a taxi when and where they need to. We are also seeking the views of the taxi trade through a similar survey.

“The outcome of these surveys will then be discussed with the trade alongside evidence, data, benchmarking and national guidance, as we look to engage and work with them around any improvement and our strategic priorities for sustainable growth, thriving communities and environmental resilience. Through this we will work to ensure we have a taxi fleet that is thriving, with drivers able to earn a decent living, that is safe both in terms of the vehicles on the road and the drivers behind the wheel, that is accessible to people of all needs right across our district, and has a reduced impact in terms of carbon emissions as we work toward net zero.”

The passenger and public Smart Survey is available online and will run until 11 August. Anyone unable to take part online, can contact licensing@westsuffolk.gov.uk or phone 01284 758050 to request a paper copy.

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