Plans to boost accessible taxis across North Yorkshire

Plans to improve access to taxis for people with additional needs across North Yorkshire are set to be discussed by councillors next week.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive will consider an updated taxi licensing policy and a new Inclusive Service Plan on Tuesday 17 March.

The proposals aim to increase the number of wheelchair-accessible vehicles, with the council currently licensing 60 across the county – around one for every 10,250 residents.

Under the plans, all new hackney carriage licence applications would need to be for a wheelchair-accessible, zero-emission or hybrid vehicle, while existing vehicles could continue operating under current rules.

The council says the changes are designed to improve accessibility while also helping reduce emissions.