Not enough accessible taxis in Worcester, says wheelchair user

Lewis Bishop relies on his electric wheelchair to get around independently but says multiple taxi firms have been unable to accommodate him because of it.

He even booked ahead before a recent outing only for the taxi to be cancelled at the last minute.

However, a Worcester City Council spokesman said of the 319 taxis and private hire vehicles licensed by the authority, 232 were accessible for non-electric wheelchairs.

Mr Bishop and his wife Amanda enjoy a weekly trip to the Thursday Activities Club held at Barbourne Ex-Services Club.

Lewis Bishop and wife Amanda struggle to find suitable taxis (Image: NQ)

“It’s our only night out each week, really,” said Mr Bishop. “And we’re always advised to book taxis in advance.

“We’d booked an accessible taxi for 9.30pm, then at 9.20pm the company phoned to cancel, saying they didn’t have any accessible vehicles available.

“I tried calling every other taxi firm I could think of - probably 10 companies - but none of them could help. In the end we had to get a relative to come and pick us up in his work van and put my wheelchair in the back.

“And when we left, we saw an accessible taxi picking up two people who weren’t in wheelchairs.”

READ MORE: Drink driving charge after car crashes into lamppost

Mr Bishop said he has been in touch with Worcester City Council, which is responsible for the licensing of taxis in the city, as the problems getting a suitable taxi have worsened.

“It’s making me feel like I don’t want to go out,” he said.

“I feel like a recluse. I’ve got a manual wheelchair as well but my wife has to push me in that and she has disabilities, too.”

Mr Bishop praised the support he has had from SpeakEasy NOW, a self-advocacy charity in Worcester run by people with learning disabilities.

The Thursday Activities Club is a social club for people with learning difficulties based at Barbourne Ex-Services Club in Worcester.

A Worcester City Council spokesman said: “Of the 319 taxis and private hire vehicles licensed by Worcester City Council, 232 are accessible for non-electric wheelchairs.

"A proportion of those will also be able to take electric wheelchairs, although it will depend on the chair’s size and shape. This is in line with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and the council’s taxi policy.

“The council is investigating reports that some taxi drivers have refused to take passengers in wheelchairs.”