Decision - Taxis & Private Hire Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Consultation

RESOLVED: 2.1 That Members agree the following: 2.2 Remove the requirement for Operators to have 20% of the fleet wheelchair accessible when their fleet reaches 100 vehicles. 2.3 To be considered suitable to hold a Brighton & Hove Operator Licence, operators must provide wheelchair accessible services to disabled passengers in wheelchairs. 2.4 Allow proprietors with a compulsory wheelchair accessible vehicle who are unable to drive a wheelchair vehicle due to a medical or physical reason to transfer their compulsory wheelchair accessible vehicle and then be issued new plate for a Compulsory Fully Electric, Plug in Hybrid or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle. 2.5 Wheelchair accessible vehicles may exceed the normal age limit for a maximum of 4 years until 1st April 2027. 2.6 Fully electric vehicles to be licensed up to 15 years from date of first registration.

The report summarises feedback from Brighton & Hove taxi drivers on switching to electric taxis, highlighting cost, charging infrastructure and vehicle range as key considerations. It also provides information on chargepoint availability, e-taxi discounts and the operational advantages of electric vehicles.