STOKE

Some taxi drivers in Stoke-on-Trent have been charging wheelchair users more than able-bodied passengers, a BBC investigation has discovered.

The city council has said no extra charge is permitted for wheelchair accessibility.

But undercover filming revealed a woman was told by one cab driver she had to pay more than "normal" people because her wheelchair "was heavy".

On average, the cost was about two-thirds more for wheelchair users.

A team from Inside Out West Midlands took black-cab journeys across Stoke-on-Trent city centre with Baljeevan Deol, a 22-year-old student, who has generalised dystonia.

The condition means she cannot control her muscles, and she agreed to take part in secretly filming drivers after suspecting she was regularly charged more than her able-bodied friends.

Ms Deol and Inside Out programme production staff made 12 identical trips.

Programme producer Qasa Alom said: "Obviously we are not saying every taxi in Stoke will overcharge, but our investigation found of the 12 journeys we took, Bal was charged more every single time."

Ms Deol said: "I feel sad and angry. I'm so annoyed this happens and how much money over the last few years I've spent extra that I shouldn't have.

"They can't get away with this. I feel like I'm being discriminated against and it's just not fair."



http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b051v9wc/inside-out-west-midlands-09022015