NEW proposals to make taxis more accessible for wheelchair users will come under the scrutiny of Hyndburn councillors

The Government draft regulations aimed at making taxi journeys safer and more comfortable for disabled people went before the council's licensing sub-committee.

However, members deferred a decision on backing them and called for a special meeting to discuss the regulations in full.

The Government wants all taxis to be designed or adapted to take wheelchairs by 2012, but, in five years, all newly-licensed cabs must be wheelchair accessible.

Changes to vehicles will have take into account disabled people who want to remain in their wheelchair while they get in, out and travel in taxis

The plans are aimed at cutting down on discrimination against disabled people.

Local authorities are being consulted about the proposals before regulations are finalised next March.

Committee chairman Coun Len Dickinson said: "I would suggest we wait until the document comes out in full.

" It is very important to us and I suggest we have a special committee meeting to discuss this on its own."

Coun David Massey suggested the council contact local disabled groups to test their reaction to the proposals before holding the meeting.

Councillors will be asked to decide at the meeting whether they want the authority to apply for exemption from the regulations.

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