Taxi drivers in Bath and North East Somerset who drive wheelchair accessible vehicles could be exempt from clean air zone charges for a limited period so vulnerable people can continue to use taxi services.

A report before the licensing committee says the Council’s taxi licensing policy needs to be amended to ensure it reflects a proposed concession in Bath’s charging Clean Air Zone.

The proposal is to exempt non-compliant wheelchair accessible licensed vehicles from charges until 31st December 2022.

The Full Business Case (FBC) for the Clean Air Zone, which includes the concession, will go before the Council’s cabinet on 16th January prior to submission to the Joint Air Quality Unit (JAQU) for formal approval.

The report before the licensing committee says that, following consultation and looking at the impact on equalities, the need for a concession for wheelchair accessible taxi vehicles emerged.

It will ensure that vulnerable people who rely on taxis can continue to access facilities and attend medical appointments while not being detrimentally impacted by the introduction of the CAZ.

Councillor Sarah Warren, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services and Climate Emergency, said: “We have consulted widely about the clean air zone and we have listened. In this instance we are looking at bringing our taxi policy in line with the proposed concession in our charging clean air zone, and this will now be considered by the licensing committee before the full business case is taken to cabinet for a final decision on the zone.”

The licensing committee meets on January 8th, for details follow this link: https://democracy.bathnes.gov.uk/ ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=218&MId=5410