Fancy a day out? If you have a disability, you’ll know organising a trip can come with a whole host of potential issues. Will there be accessible toilets? Will you be able to travel on public transport, or easily find an accessible taxi?
When it comes to taxis, the shocking fact is that 34% of local authorities don’t require all or part of taxi fleets to be wheelchair accessible. A recent study of government data revealed which English cities have the highest number of wheelchair-accessible taxis, and which have the lowest. Here’s our pick of the cities which have the most accessible taxis, and also make a great day out.
Liverpool
This buzzling northern city came top of the list, with 2.9 wheelchair accessible taxis per 1,000 people, and from culture to entertainment to history, it offers so much for the day tripper. Whether it’s to shop till you drop at Liverpool ONE, soak up the atmosphere at the iconic waterfront or indulge your love for The Beatles, spending just a day here might not be enough. It scores highly on other accessibility fronts, too, with plenty of attractions such as The Beatles Story offering lifts and accessible toilets.
London
As the nation’s capital, it’s important that London should score highly on the accessibility chart and it comes a close second behind Liverpool, with 2.3 taxis per 1,000 people. It has raised its game in other accessibility areas too; London Zoo, the Science Museum and the British Museum have enhanced accessibility standards such as accessible lifts, wheelchairs available to loan, ramps and wheelchair-friendly paths. If you want to see the city from on high, then a trip on the London Eye is not to be missed.
Manchester
With 2.0 taxis per 1,000 people, Manchester had the fifth highest number of accessible taxis. And with so much to do in this vibrant city, it’s definitely worth a visit. Whether you want to pay homage to the beautiful game at the National Football Museum, roam around the Whitworth’s spectacular gallery, gardens and sculpture terrace or indulge in some of the many top-class restaurants, Manchester is an easily accessible city with lots to enjoy.
Norwich
This charming East Anglian city has plenty to offer the disabled visitor and came just behind Manchester on the list of most accessible taxis. The eleventh century Norwich Castle is widely accessible to disabled visitors, where you can learn all about its storied history as well as enjoying its fine art gallery and other exhibitions. If art is your thing, you’ll find a host of exhibitions from Claude Monet to David Hockney and awe-inspiring sculptures at the Sainsbury Centre sculpture park.
…And ones that don’t do so well?
The historical cities of Lancaster, Canterbury and York were some of the places that had the least number of accessible taxis, with Lancaster and County Durham offering just 0.1 taxis per 1,000 people.
Don’t let these shockingly low numbers put you off visiting these places though. Allied Mobility offer a range of wheelchair accessible vehicles to help you maintain your independence and give you the freedom to explore wherever you like.
Wherever you decide to go on your day out, you’re sure to have a great time.