Published on:
20
August 2003
Local taxis could become more accessible to the disabled community as a result of a pot of cash - potentially worth £25,000 over the next five years.
The cash will allow local taxi drivers to apply for a grant of £5,000, paid over five years. Those who successfully secure a grant will also have access to free training opportunities.
And its all part of a bid by the Council to take positive action to increase the fleet of purpose built or adapted taxi vehicles in the area. As additional taxi licenses become available, they will be awarded to owners of purpose built or adapted vehicles before being opened up to prospective licence holders whose cars have no adaptations.
The proposals to implement the new scheme were approved at Clackmannanshire's first full council meeting to take place after the summer recess.
Provost Derek Stewart said: "This is a good scheme that could make a real difference to the County's disabled community. We hope that local taxi drivers will be encouraged to purchase or adapt their vehicles to an approved standard which will meet the transport needs of customers with special needs."
The Council's Code of Practice on the safe transportation of passengers in wheelchairs is available to all public transport operators.