Taxis Trade
Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles and
Electric Vehicles Consultation
Project: Taxis
Trade Wheelchair
Accessible Vehicles and
Electric Vehicles
Consultation
Start: 15 August
2024
Project
manager: Martin
Seymour
Report summary
Brighton
& Hove City Council was seeking views from drivers,proprietors
and operators licensed by the councilas part of a consultation on
wheelchair accessible taxis and how the councilcan reduce taxi
vehicle emissions.
The
consultation was restricted to only licenseddrivers, proprietors,
and operators survey and covered taxis that are accessedvia one of
the city’staxi ranks, hailedas they drive along or booked
through a private hire operator in advance.
The
consultation was available on the CouncilsYour Voice websiteand was
availablefrom the 15 August 2024 until 13 October 2024.
The
results of the survey and subsequent proposals were discussed at a
special meeting with the Trade membersof The Brighton & Hove
Hackney Carriage& Private Hire Consultation Forumon the 26
November 2024.
Consultation results
The
results of the consultation can be seen below.
Participants timeline
Total participants
40
49
30
Participation rate 
20
51%
10
0
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Participants
Please tell us which
licence(s) you hold. Pleaseselect all that you hold
49/49- Multiple choice- choose many - required
HackneyCarriage and PrivateHire Driver
48.6% (35 choices)
HackneyCarriage Vehicle Proprietor
36.1% (26 choices)
PrivateHire Driver
6.9% (5 choices)
PrivateHire Driver
5.6% (4 choices)
PrivateHire Operator
2.8% (2 choices)
No answer
0% (0 choices)
What are your thoughts on
the current policy that requires operators with at least 100
vehicles working for them to have at least 20% wheelchair
accessible vehicles in Brighton & Hove
Respondents have mixed opinions about the current policy
requiring operators with at least 100 vehicles to have 20%
wheelchair-accessible vehicles(WAVs) in Brighton& Hove. Some
agree with the policy while others believe it is not effective or
necessary, pointing out that there is not enough demand for WAVs. Some respondents suggest that the percentage of WAVs should be lower, such as 5% while onesuggests
increasing it to 40%.
A common
concern is that having WAVs in the fleet does not guarantee
that drivers will accept wheelchair jobs and some respondents feel
that drivers should not be able to refuse these jobs. There are
also comments about the policy not being applied to companies like
Uber and the difficulty for operators to manage the required number of WAVs.
Some
respondents believe the policy is unfair or nonsensical, arguing
that it is discriminatory against potentialdrivers creates a
disincentive to license in Brighton & Hove and is
difficult for operators to meet due to challenges in
recruiting new drivers. Thereis also a sentiment that the number of
WAVs is not the problem,but rather ensuringthat they are utilized
properly.
Overall,
the responsesindicate a need for a review of the
policy'seffectiveness and possiblyits adjustment to bettermatch the
actual demand for WAVs and ensure that wheelchair users receive the
services they need.
Do you
think Operators shouldcontinue to be required to have 20%
wheelchair accessible vehicles once their fleet reaches 100
vehicles?
48/49- Multiple choice- choose one - optional
No
32.7% (16 choices)
Slidingscale from 10% to 20% of the fleet
28.6% (14 choices)
Yes - Remain at 20%
24.5% (12 choices)
Yes - Remainat 20% for the first 100 vehicles
only
12.2% (6 choices)
No answer
2% (1 choice)
4.Please explain your
reasoning for your answer.
Respondents have expressed varying opinions on the
proportion of wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) required in the
taxi trade, with suggestions ranging from 10% to 20%. A common
theme is the need to ensure that WAVs are used for their
intendedpurpose, with some respondents noting that drivers with WAVs often avoid or refuse wheelchair jobs. There is a perception that the demand for WAVs does not justify the
highercosts and maintenance associated with these vehicles. Some
respondents believe that there is a shortageof WAV drivers while
othersargue that the demand for WAVs is as low as 1-2%.
Environmentalconcerns were also raised, with some
pointingout that larger WAVs are less fuel- efficient and not good for the environment. The financial burden of operating WAVs is highlighted, with the costs of
purchasing and maintaining these vehicles being deemed not viable
by some drivers.
There is
also mention of the impact of ride-sharing services like Uber,
which operate with out-of- town cars. A few respondents suggest
that a certain percentage of WAVs should be mandated to ensure
service availability for wheelchair users. However, there's an
indication that some drivers would prefer to switch from WAVs to saloon cars due to the challenges associated with WAVs.
What % of the
HackneyCarriage fleet do you think should be wheelchair
accessible?
49/49- Multiple choice- choose many - optional
|
10%
|
38.8% (19 choices)
|
|
|
|
|
20%
|
24.5% (12 choices)
|
|
|
|
|
0%
|
14.3% (7 choices)
|
|
|
|
|
30%
|
14.3% (7 choices)
|
|
|
|
|
50%
|
6.1% (3 choices)
|
|
|
|
|
100%
|
2% (1 choice)
|
|
|
|
|
40%
|
0% (0 choices)
|
|
|
|
|
60%
|
0% (0 choices)
|
|
|
|
|
70%
|
0% (0 choices)
|
|
|
|
|
80%
|
0% (0 choices)
|
|
|
|
|
90%
|
0% (0 choices)
|
|
|
|
|
No answer
|
0% (0 choices)
|
6.How do you think the current policy impacts the
availability and accessibility of wheelchair- accessibletaxis in Brighton & Hove compared to private hire vehicles operating in other local authorities without similar
requirements?
Respondents generally feel that while there is a
sufficient number of wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs)in
Brighton &Hove, the main issue lies with driverswho are
reluctant to take on wheelchair jobs. Drivers cite reasons such as
the additional time required, potential for injury, and lackof
financial incentive as deterrents. There'sa sentiment that
the currentpolicy financially burdens drivers due to the
higher costs of WAVs compared to standard vehicles.Some suggest
that thepolicy should be revised to either not force driversto have
WAVs or to provide financial assistance to cover the extra
costs.
A few
respondents believe that Brighton & Hove's approach leads to
better service and that if drivers complied with the terms and
conditions for WAVs, the situation would improve. However, there's
also a perception that the policy may deter new drivers from
entering the trade due to the high cost of WAVs.
Some
respondents did not comment on thecomparison with other authorities
or simply affirmed the presence of enough vehicleswithout
further detail.There's also a suggestion that major towns and
cities should have WAVs available, especially for public
gatherings.
Overall, while
vehicle availability does
not seem
to be
a major
concern, driver
willingness and
financial implications of the currentpolicy are
significant issues that respondents feel need addressing.
7.How do
you think the council can work with taxi operatorsto improve the
overall qualityand availability of wheelchair-taxis services in our
community?
Respondents suggest that the council should enforce
penalties for taxi operators who refuse wheelchair jobs.
Collaboration betweenthe council and taxi operatorsis recommended,
with a focus on working together rather than the council
imposingregulations. Monitoring companiesto ensure they meet
requirements and provide good service is also mentioned. There is a
suggestion to standardise the vehicles used for betterservice while
anotherrespondent points out the economic challenge for operators
due to the cost of vehicles and low demand.One respondent is unsure
about the solution and another suggests offering drivers discounted
subscriptions for taking wheelchair jobs. There's also a
mentionthat multi-seater vehiclesshould be wheelchair accessible.
Do you
thinkthere should be standardised accessibility requirements for
wheelchair- accessible vehicles across different authorities to
ensure consistency and equal access to transportation services for
individuals with mobility impairments?
42/49- Multiple choice - chooseone - optional
Yes
61.2% (30 choices)
No
24.5% (12 choices)
No answer
14.3% (7 choices)
Do you think proprietors of Compulsory Wheelchair
Accessible Vehicles shouldbe allowed to change the licence type
to Compulsory Wheelchair Accessible Vehicleor Fully Electric
Vehicle?
47/49- Multiple choice- choose one - optional
Yes
55.1% (27 choices)
No
40.8% (20 choices)
No answer
4.1% (2 choices)
10.If yes, how could the %
of licensedwheelchair accessible in the fleet be maintained?
Respondentsto the 'Taxis Trade Wheelchair Accessible
Vehicles and Electric VehiclesConsultation' have expressed
concernsabout maintaining the percentage of licensed wheelchair
accessible vehicles
(WAVs) in the fleet. Some suggest that new licenses should be restricted to WAVs to meet demand while others believe it
may not be feasible to maintain the current percentage. There are
comments on the comfort and suitability of smaller WAVs, with a
preference for multiseater vehicles.
Financial
incentives are mentioned as a way to encourage the use of WAVs,
such as making thecompulsory wheelchair licencemore
financially viable orfunding WAVs through the council. Some
respondents feel that the focus onpercentages is not as critical as
ensuring minimumcoverage while others suggest that drivers with a
long history of using WAVs should be allowed to switch to saloon or
electric vehicles.
There is
also a sentimentthat maintaining the number of WAVs may not be
possible due to the high costs associated with these vehicles,
which discourages replacement when they become unusable. The idea
of standardising the fleet is briefly mentioned but
without detail on how this could be achieved. Overall, respondents
highlight financial challenges and suggest various incentives
and changes to licensingas potential solutionsto maintain or
improve WAV availability.
Do you
think proprietors of Compulsory Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles who
are unableto drive a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle due to a
medicalor physical reasons should be allowed to transfer their
Compulsory Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle and then be allocated a
new Compulsory Fully Electric or Plug in Hybrid plate?
48/49 - Multiple choice - chooseone - optional
Yes
73.5% (36 choices)
No
24.5% (12 choices)
No answer
2% (1 choice)
Do you
thinkthe council shouldcontinue to restrictthe number of Hackney
Carriage Vehicles?
49/49- Multiple choice- choose one - optional
Yes
77.6% (38choices)
No
22.4% (11 choices)
No answer
0% (0 choices)
13.Please give reasons for
your choice
Respondents are expressing concerns about the current
number of Hackney Carriages and the impact of out-of-town taxis on
the local taxi trade. A recurring theme is the belief that there
are already too many taxis in the city, whichis making it
difficult for drivers to earn a living, especially without
working excessive or antisocial hours.Respondents highlight the
financial hardshipdue to over-supply, high fuel, and
maintenance costs.
Many
suggest that the issue of out-of-town taxis needs to be addressed,
with calls to stop cross- border hiring.There is also a
concernabout the lack of rank space and the competition from ride-
hailing apps like Uber. Some respondents feel that the council
should control the numberof available vehicles more strictly and
suggest that unrestricted numberswould lead to a deterioration in
service quality.
A few
responsestouch on the cost of running a taxi and the investment
required for new vehicles, with one suggesting that licenses should
only be given to thosewilling to invest in new cabs.
Another
respondent proposesthat anyone presenting a suitable Wheelchair
Accessible Vehicle (WAV) should be allowed to licenseit as a
Hackney Carriage.
Overall,
the sentiment is that thereneeds to be better controland regulation
of taxi numbersto ensure
drivers can make a viable living and maintain service quality, with particular emphasis on addressing the issue of taxis from
outside the area operating locally.
Do you
believethere should be stronger enforcement mechanisms in place to
ensure that operators comply with the wheelchair-accessibility
requirements in Brighton & Hove, especiallyconsidering the impact on accessibility for local residents with mobility impairments?
48/49 - Multiple choice - chooseone - optional
Yes
51% (25 choices)
No
46.9% (23 choices)
No answer
2% (1 choice)
15.What suggestions do you
have for improvingthe current policyregarding wheelchair
accessiblevehicles to make it more effective and enforceable, taking into account the challenges associated with operators
working across different authorities?
Respondents have expressed a variety of opinions on the
current policy regarding wheelchair- accessible vehicles
(WAVs).Some believe the current systemis sufficient and that
no further enforcement is necessary. However, others suggestthat
there shouldbe consequences for drivers who avoid WAV jobs, such as
forfeiting their plates or licenses or being bannedfor a
period.
A few
respondents recommend monitoring systemsto track the number of WAV
jobs each driver is doing to ensure accountability. There are also
suggestions to make operating WAV licenses more financially
attractive and to ensurea certain percentage of WAVs in each
company'sfleet.
Some
respondents highlight the need for control, especially for
out-of-town cars, and penaltiesfor drivers who cherry-pick or
overcharge. Thereis also a mention of the ineffectiveness of
training courses, as drivers completethem only to obtain a license
withoutthe intention of serving WAV passengers.
Lastly,
one respondent suggests that drivers should be encouraged rather
than forced to take on wheelchairjobs. Overall, while there are differing views on enforcement and the necessity of policy changes, there is a
commontheme of ensuringthat WAV servicesare provided effectively
and that drivers are held accountable for serving passengers with
disabilities.
How important do you think it is for all
operators, regardless of their base location, to contribute to
improving wheelchair accessibility in transportation services
within Brighton & Hove?
47/49- Multiple choice- choose one - optional
VeryImportant
38.8% (19 choices)
Important
32.7% (16 choices)
Not Important
16.3% (8 choices)
Don't Know
8.2% (4 choices)
No answer
4.1% (2 choices)
17.Are thereany alternative
approaches or solutions you would recommend to address the
disparities in wheelchair-accessibility requirements for
operators between Brighton & Hove and other authorities, while
ensuing consistent access for all?
Respondentssuggest that there should be a standardisation
of policies across different authorities to ensure fairness and
consistency in wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) requirements.
Some believe that a set number of WAVs shouldbe mandated while
others questionthe necessity for all taxis to be wheelchair
accessible, suggesting that non-WAV drivers should not be compelled
to have a WAV. Thereis a call for more cooperation from WAV
driversand a willingness from at least one respondent to discuss
solutions with the council.
The
difficulty of implementing changes is acknowledged and there
is a suggestion for a collaborative hub for operators. One
respondent believesthat the requirements should apply only
toprivate hires, not hackney carriages. Concerns are raisedabout
the impactof regulations on taxi operators and drivers, with a call
for more supportand less frequentcompliance tests for
WAVs.
Finally,
there is a suggestion for guaranteed contractsfor operators
licensedby Brighton and Hove as an incentive.
Should
the council allow any applicant on the HackneyCarriage Waiting List
to licence a fully electric vehicle(EV)?
46/49- Multiple choice- choose one - optional
No
61.2% (30 choices)
Yes
32.7% (16 choices)
No answer
6.1% (3 choices)
Are you considering
switching to an EV?
49/49- Multiple choice- choose one - required
No
46.9% (23 choices)
Yes
28.6% (14 choices)
Don't Know
24.5% (12 choices)
No answer
0% (0 choices)
What factor/factors are preventing you from
buyingan EV?
35/49- Multiple choice- choose many - optional
Price of Vehicles
18.4% (30 choices)
Cost of Finance
15.3% (25 choices)
Lackof Range
14.7% (24 choices)
Lackof charging points
11% (18 choices)
Unable to Finance
10.4% (17 choices)
Smallchoice of vehicles
9.2% (15 choices)
No answer
8.6% (14 choices)
Cost of Charging
7.4% (12 choices)
Lackof Subsidy
4.9% (8 choices)
21.Are
there any other reasonspreventing you buyingan EV?
Respondents have expressed several concerns about
purchasing electric vehicles (EVs) for their taxi services. The
most frequently mentioned issue is the limited range of EVs, with
concernsthat a single chargewould not be sufficient for
longer jobs such as airport runs, and that using heatingor air
conditioning could further reducemileage. The cost of EVs is
anothersignificant concern, with respondents finding
them expensiveto purchase and maintain, particularly due to the
high renewal cost of batteries. Charginginfrastructure and the time
requiredto charge are also seen as barriers, with availability and convenience being questioned. Safety concerns, including the risk of fire, were noted as well as environmental
skepticism regarding the true benefits of EVs. Some
respondents also highlighted the difficulty in finding
suitable EVs for specific needs, such as wheelchair-
accessible or larger eight-seater vehicles. Additionally, insurance
costs and general maintenance concerns were mentioned as
disincentives with some respondents feeling uncertain about the
technology and its future. Overall,there is a sense of reluctance
to transition to EVs basedon financial, practical, and
technological grounds.
What would incentivise you to purchasean
EV?
30/49- Multiple choice- choose many - optional
Discounted EV Charging
25.8% (23 choices)
EVs licensed until15 years old from registration
21.3% (19 choices)
No answer
21.3% (19 choices)
EVs have a reduced licence fee
19.1% (17 choices)
Discounted Residents Permit
12.4% (11 choices)
23.What other incentives
would encourage you to purchasean EV?
Respondents have highlighted several key incentives that
would encourage them to purchase electric vehicles(EVs). The most
frequently mentioned factors include a reduction in the costsof
EVs, improved batterylife and range,and faster chargingpoints.
Grants or financial assistance to lower the purchase price of
EVs were also commonly suggested as significant incentives.
Some respondents are interested in technological advancements such
as self-charging technology and the possibility of having
wheelchair-accessible EVs. Other considerations include the
impacton the environment, insurance and licensing costs,and the
availability of larger vehicleslike 8-seaters.
However,
there are also respondents who express no interest in incentives or
purchasing EVs at all.
24.What year
do you
think that
all newly
licensed vehicles should
be EV,
given that
from 2035
it will not be possible to purchase a petrol or
diesel vehicle?
Respondentsto the 'Taxis Trade Wheelchair Accessible
Vehicles and Electric VehiclesConsultation' provided a range of
opinions on when all newly licensed vehicles should be electric
(EV). A few respondents believe that all newly licensed vehicles
should never be mandated to be EVs with one suggesting that hybrid
vehiclesare a perfect solution. Others expect changes or reversals
in policy before the 2035 deadline.
Some
respondents are aligned with the 2035 timeline whileothers suggest
laterdates such as 2040 or 2045. One respondent indicated a
preference for an earlier transition by 2028 while another
suggested 2030.A couple of respondents expressedindifference or
resignation to the 2035 targetand one was unsure but suggested
maybe2040. One responsewas unclear, simply answering
"Yes".
Overall,
there is no consensusamong respondents, with opinions varyingfrom
never transitioning to EVs to adhering to or even accelerating the
proposed 2035 timeline.
Do you think some ranks
should be solely for EVs, with dedicated charge points?
46/49- Multiple choice- choose one - optional
No
75.5% (37 choices)
Yes
18.4% (9 choices)
No answer
6.1% (3 choices)
Do you want to answer the following equalities
monitoring questions?
49/49- Multiple choice- choose one - required
Yes
63.3% (31 choices)
No
36.7% (18 choices)
No answer
0% (0 choices)
What gender are
you?
30/49- Multiple choice- choose one - optional
Male
61.2% (30 choices)
No answer
38.8% (19 choices)
Female
0% (0 choices)
Non-binary
0% (0 choices)
Prefer not to say
0% (0 choices)
Other
0% (0 choices)
Do you identify as the genderyou were assignedat
birth?
12/49- Multiple choice- choose one - optional
No
answer
75.5% (37 choices)
Yes
24.5% (12 choices)
No
0% (0 choices)
prefernot to say
0% (0 choices)
What is your age?
31/49- Multiple choice- choose one - optional
No
answer
36.7% (18 choices)
45 to 54
28.6% (14 choices)
55 to 64
16.3% (8 choices)
35 to 44
10.2% (5 choices)
25 to 34
6.1% (3 choices)
65 to 74
2% (1 choice)
0 to 15
0% (0 choices)
16 to 24
0% (0 choices)
75 to 84
0% (0 choices)
85 plus
0% (0 choices)
Prefer not to say
0% (0 choices)
Are your
day-to-day activities limited becauseof a health problem or
disability which has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12
months?
31/49- Multiple choice- choose one - required
No
53.1% (26 choices)
No answer
36.7% (18 choices)
Yes,alittle
6.1% (3 choices)
Prefer not to say
4.1% (2 choices)
Yes,alot
0% (0 choices)
If you
answered'yes' to the previous questionplease state the type of
impairment. If you have more than one please tick all that apply.
If noneapply, please mark Other
2/49- Multiple choice- choose many - optional
No
answer
95.9% (47 choices)
Physical Impairment
4.1% (2 choices)
Long-standing Illness
0% (0 choices)
MentalHealth Condition
0% (0 choices)
Learning Disability / Difficulty
0% (0 choices)
SensoryImpairment
0% (0 choices)
Developmental Condition
0% (0 choices)
Autistic Spectrum
0% (0 choices)
Prefer not to say
0% (0 choices)
Other
0% (0 choices)
Are you a carer?
31/49- Multiple choice- choose one - required
No
44.9% (22 choices)
No answer
36.7% (18 choices)
Yes
12.2% (6 choices)
Prefer not to say
6.1% (3 choices)
If you
answered'yes' above please state who you care for. If you care for
more than oneperson please tick all that apply. If none apply, please mark Other
5/49 - Multiplechoice - choosemany - optional
No
answer
88% (44 choices)
Parent
8% (4 choices)
Other family member
2% (1 choice)
Partner/ spouse
2% (1 choice)
Childwith special needs
0% (0 choices)
Friend
0% (0 choices)
Other
0% (0 choices)
What is your religion or
belief?
31/49- Multiple choice- choose one - optional
No
answer
36.7% (18 choices)
Christian
26.5% (13 choices)
I have no particular religion or belief
14.3% (7 choices)
Muslim
14.3% (7 choices)
Prefer not to say
4.1% (2 choices)
Agnostic
2% (1 choice)
Athiest
2% (1 choice)
Buddhist
0% (0 choices)
Hindu
0% (0 choices)
Jain
0% (0 choices)
Jewish
0% (0 choices)
Pagan
0% (0 choices)
Sikh
0% (0 choices)
Otherphilosophical belief
0% (0 choices)
Other
0% (0 choices)
Other
0% (0 choices)
Which of the following best
describes your sexual orientation?
31/49- Multiple choice- choose one - optional
Heterosexual / 'Straight'
51% (25 choices)
No answer
36.7% (18 choices)
Prefer not to say
8.2% (4 choices)
Bisexual
2% (1 choice)
Gay man
0% (0 choices)
Lesbian / Gay woman
0% (0 choices)
Queer
0% (0 choices)
Other
2% (1 choice)
How would you describe your
ethnic origin?
31/49- Multiple choice- choose one - optional
No
answer
36.7% (18 choices)
White:English, Welsh, Scottish, Northern Irish,
British20.4% (10
choices)
White: Other
8.2% (4 choices)
Other Ethnic Group
8.2% (4 choices)
Prefer not to say
6.1% (3 choices)
Asianor Asian British:Bangladeshi
6.1% (3 choices)
Asianor Asian British:Other
6.1% (3 choices)
Arab
4.1% (2 choices)
Mixed:Other
2% (1 choice)
Asianor Asian British:Chinese
2% (1 choice)
Asianor Asian British:Pakistani
0% (0 choices)
Asianor Asian British:Indian
0% (0 choices)
Mixed:Black African and White
0% (0 choices)
Mixed:Black Caribbean and White
0% (0 choices)
Blackor Black British:Other
0% (0 choices)
Blackor Black British:Caribbean
0% (0 choices)
Black or Black British: African
0% (0 choices)
White: Gypsy or Irish Traveller
0% (0 choices)
White: Irish
0% (0 choices)
Are you,
or have you been, lookedafter by a local authority for at least13
weeks since the age of 14?
31/49- Multiple choice- choose one - optional
No
61.2% (30 choices)
No answer
36.7% (18 choices)
Prefer not to say
2% (1 choice)
Yes
0% (0 choices)
Don't know
0% (0 choices)
Are you
currentlyserving in the UK armedforces? (this includesreservists or
part- time service, e.g. Territorial Army)
31/49- Multiple choice- choose one - required
No
63.3% (31 choices)
No answer
36.7% (18 choices)
Yes
0% (0 choices)
Prefer not to say
0% (0 choices)
Have you ever served in the
UK Armed Forces?
19/49- Multiple choice- choose one - optional
No
answer
61.2% (30 choices)
No
38.8% (19 choices)
Yes
0% (0 choices)
Prefer not to say
0% (0 choices)
Are you a
member of a currentor former servicepersonnel's immediate family/
household?
16/49- Multiple choice- choose one - optional
No
answer
67.3% (33 choices)
No
32.7% (16 choices)
Yes
0% (0 choices)
Prefer not to say
0% (0 choices)
Participants
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Gender
Year of birth
Unknown Female
Male Unspecified
Visitors
0 - 9 10 - 19 20
- 29
30 - 39 40 - 49
50 - 59 60 - 69
70 - 79
80 - 89 90+
Unknown
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some text. You can edit and format it by using the editor in the
panel on the right.
