Middlesboro

Boro Taxis in wheelchair fare row U-turn

Teesside's biggest taxi company has reversed its decision to stop picking up people in wheelchairs.

Boro Taxis had said it could no longer afford to transport them as it was unable to charge higher fees due to anti-discrimination laws.

It said using an eight-seater minibus for one person, and only being able to charge the same price as a four-seater car, was not economically viable.

After an outcry, and calls to boycott the firm, it has changed its policy.

The issue was raised in a report to Middlesbrough Council's licensing committee following complaints that a number of private hire businesses were operating differential pricing policies for wheelchair users and the disabled.

Boro Taxis said most of its cabs were not adapted for wheelchair users, but some minibuses were.

'Subsidise service'
Drivers rent the vehicles, and those operating minibuses expected to be paid fares around twice as much as drivers operating cars, but charging disabled people more would break the Equality Act.

The firm said in a statement: "Boro do not believe that the drivers should bear the responsibility and cost in the circumstances,

"As a temporary measure, until such time as the council sees sense, Boro will subsidise this service.

"If a customer has to be provided with a minibus for reasons of disability the driver will charge the same fare as for a smaller car and Boro will compensate the driver for their loss."

Middlesbrough's deputy mayor, councillor Dave Budd, said: "I am pleased that this threatened withdrawal has now been removed.

"Middlesbrough Council is always happy to talk to the taxi trade to ensure the best possible service for all users, but it should go without saying that issues of equality are not open to discussion or negotiation."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tees-25715968?
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Edinburgh

Cars will be banned from Edinburgh's Waverley Station from next Monday.

It follows the completion of three years of work to refurbish and upgrade the station's entrances.

Only taxis with permits and security clearance will be allowed into the station. Access will also be granted to a number of dedicated disabled travel service vehicles.

Network Rail said the move was aimed at reducing congestion and increasing passenger safety.

Passengers will be able to be dropped off at Market Street and Calton Road.

Free, short-term parking for up to 30 minutes will also be available in New Street car park to the south of the station.

Security guidance
David Dickson, acting route managing director for Network Rail Scotland, said: "The station has seen the number of vehicles using the south ramp access road increase steadily in recent years, resulting in regular congestion within the station and an increasing level of risk to passengers crossing from the concourse to 

It is our job to balance convenience with the safety and best interests of all of our station users”

David Dickson. Network Rail Scotland

"The changes which are now being implemented will help reduce congestion, reduce the risk to passengers circulating on the south side of the station and improve air quality for all station users and staff.

"The restrictions will also help to increase capacity for the forecast growth of the station and enable the station to comply with security guidance provided by the Department for Transport."

Mr Dickson said Waverley Station was the last major station in Scotland to allow vehicles access to the concourse due to the fact it was situated in a location which makes access "challenging".

However, he said improvements to station entrances had made it more accessible.

He added: "We understand that removing private vehicles from the station will do away with a convenience that people have become used to, however; it is our job to balance convenience with the safety and best interests of all of our station users."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-25716086?