Taxi drivers face a fine of up to £1,000 if they refuse to transport wheelchair users or attempt to charge them extra.
Transport minister Andrew Jones announced a change to the law that will come into force on 6 April.
Under the new measures, taxi and private hire vehicle drivers will be obliged to transport wheelchair users in their wheelchair; provide passengers in wheelchairs with appropriate assistance; and charge wheelchair users the same as non-wheelchair users.
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Mr Jones said: ‘We want to build a country that works for everyone, and part of that is ensuring disabled people have the same access to services and opportunities as anyone else – including when it comes to travel.'
Robert Meadowcroft, chief executive of Muscular Dystrophy UK, said: ‘Being able to get from A to B is usually very easy for most people, however we know that this can be a challenge that affects a disabled person’s entire life, including their ability to have a job and play an active part in society.
‘This is a positive and very welcome step in the right direction which we hope will not affect the number of accessible taxis being made available by companies because of the duties now being placed on to drivers.’
Drivers found to be discriminating against wheelchair users face fines of up to £1,000 as part of provisions being enacted from the Equality Act.
Drivers may also face having their taxi or private hire vehicle licence suspended or revoked by their licensing authority.
The new rules will apply in England, Wales and Scotland, affecting both taxis and private hire vehicles that are designated as wheelchair accessible.
All taxis in London and a significant number in most major urban centres are wheelchair accessible.
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