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Disabled 'ripped off' by NI taxis Disabled 'ripped off' by NI taxis
(30 minutes later)
Disabled people are regularly ripped off by Northern Ireland taxi drivers, an assembly committee has heard.Disabled people are regularly ripped off by Northern Ireland taxi drivers, an assembly committee has heard.
Those with visual and hearing problems and wheelchair users have been charged "extortionate fares, insulted and in some cases refused rides". Those with sight and hearing problems and wheelchair users have been charged "extortionate fares, insulted and in some cases refused rides".
The comments were made by the Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee during a Taxis Bill debate.The comments were made by the Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee during a Taxis Bill debate.
The chairman of Belfast Private Hire Association said the disabled should be treated to same as anyone else. The chairman of Belfast Private Hire Association said the disabled should be treated the same as anyone else.
Barbara Fleming, who uses a wheelchair, told the assembly's environment committee while some drivers catered for the needs of disabled people, it was common to face discrimination.Barbara Fleming, who uses a wheelchair, told the assembly's environment committee while some drivers catered for the needs of disabled people, it was common to face discrimination.
She said drivers had shouted and swore at her and even shoved her into a taxi.She said drivers had shouted and swore at her and even shoved her into a taxi.
"I was going to a function in a bowling club on the Malone Road," she said."I was going to a function in a bowling club on the Malone Road," she said.
"I knew taxis cost one-and-a-half times the fare and I worked out the ride would cost £15. I was charged £35 one way and that left me with no money to get home. "I knew taxis cost one-and-a-half times the fare and I worked out the ride would cost £15. I was charged £35 one way and that left me with no money to get home."
Disabled people are treated with a lack of dignity by taxi drivers Michael LorimerInclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory CommitteeDisabled people are treated with a lack of dignity by taxi drivers Michael LorimerInclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee
"I have a heart condition and I had the stress of not knowing how I was going to get home that night."
Ms Fleming said in some cases people with guide dogs had been refused taxis because drivers claimed they were allergic to dogs.Ms Fleming said in some cases people with guide dogs had been refused taxis because drivers claimed they were allergic to dogs.
Deaf people had been overcharged and had been fearful about complaining in case they were refused a ride. Deaf people had been overcharged and had been afraid about complaining in case they were refused a ride.
Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee executive secretary Michael Lorimer said drivers had also taken advantage of people with visual impairments. Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee executive secretary Michael Lorimer said one wheelchair user was charged £70 for a quarter of a mile trip in Londonderry.
He said one wheelchair user was charged £70 for a quarter of a mile trip in Londonderry.
One tier systemOne tier system
"Disabled people are treated with a lack of dignity by taxi drivers," he said."Disabled people are treated with a lack of dignity by taxi drivers," he said.
Mr Lorimer also said there were very few cabs available to disabled visitors who arrive at Belfast International Airport.Mr Lorimer also said there were very few cabs available to disabled visitors who arrive at Belfast International Airport.
The Department of the Environment was urged to set vehicle accessibility standards.The Department of the Environment was urged to set vehicle accessibility standards.
Committee chairman Patsy McGlone said the discrimination experienced by people with disabilities was shocking and inexcusable". Committee chairman Patsy McGlone said the discrimination experienced by people with disabilities was "shocking and inexcusable".
Peter Weir, DUP, said: "What you have said shows at least a need for some degree of reform of the current system to ensure disabled people are put on the same level playing field as everybody else."Peter Weir, DUP, said: "What you have said shows at least a need for some degree of reform of the current system to ensure disabled people are put on the same level playing field as everybody else."
William McCausland of the Belfast Private Hire Association, who also owns Fonacab, said its drivers were given a lot of training in dealing with disabled people.
"On cash fares we charge the same for wheelchair users as non wheelchair users," he said. "We do not charge any extras.
"We also do quite a lot of work with the blind association. Guide dogs are accepted on our vehicles. If a driver refused a guide dog he would not be working for us.
"Drivers who are driving the large vehicles for disability access get a reduction in their rent. We welcome the disabled on board."