14 August 2009 Accessibites - Positive result for Liverpool's disabled public transport users
With the assistance of the EHRC (Equality and Human Rights Commission), the High Court has overturned a decision made by Liverpool City Council regarding the licensing of a certain type of accessible taxi.
More than 400 authorities in the country have licensed the Peugeot E7 Class taxi as it is considered to be safer and more comfortable than the TX2 taxi. However Liverpool City Council’s decision-making Committee had previously decided not to issue a licence to the E7 taxi.
It was after Alma Lunt, who is a wheelchair user, brought the claim against the Council that the High Court ruled for Liverpool City Council to begin its decision making process again as ‘errors of fundamental fact had been made’ by the Council.
The EHRC stated that the Council’s decision discriminated against disabled people and that their Equality Impact Assessment was flawed. The High Court was in agreement and acknowledged the Commissions assistance in highlighting the applicable Codes of Practice.
Susie Uppal, Director of Legal Enforcement at the Commission, said:
For many years, disabled people in cities such as Birmingham, Glasgow and Cardiff have been able to travel in safe, efficient and convenient E7 taxis. It is only right that the people of Liverpool may now have that same opportunity.
This is a great example of how people can really bring about change; by taking action, the lady in this news article (Alma Lunt) has brought about a positive result.
Read the full story.
By Jagdeep Kaur Sehmbi
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