Disabled people in Oswestry have criticised taxi firms charging extra for people travelling with wheelchairs. The overcharging, by a minority of firms in the town, was highlighted in a debate to decide whether meters should be installed in Oswestry cabs.

James McKune, 31, a policeman from Warrington, who has been based at Gobowen’s Orthopaedic Hospital since a motorbike accident in July, was charged 50 per cent more for being in a wheelchair.

He said: “My partner wanted us to go out for a meal just to get me used to being out of the hospital environment. We ordered a taxi and told them we needed wheelchair access.

“They turned up and said it was £9.50 one-way. They said it was because wheelchair users get charged 50 per cent extra on top of the normal charge.

“I queried it with them and the reason the driver gave at the time was the fact I am taking up a six-seater taxi. Also, they had to buy a specially-adapted taxi so someone has got to end up paying for it. As far as I am aware it is discrimination.”

David Cox, secretary of the Oswestry Access Group, which represents people with disabilities said: “Overcharging like this is illegal and should be reported to the Disability Rights Commission.

“It is difficult anyway to get a taxi in Oswestry if you have a wheelchair. There are very few firms in the area that have vehicles able to take wheelchairs.”

Henry Pugh, of Burgess Taxis, speaking after Oswestry Borough Council decided against meters, said he had been told of some taxi firms charging a fare and a half for disabled passengers.

“We would not dream of discriminating against our disabled passengers. But they have told us some firms have quoted much higher charges for people with wheelchairs.

“I used to be against meters. But I now think they would be a good idea if they prevented such overcharging.”

The town’s taxi drivers association recently lost its bid to get Oswestry Borough Council to insist on meters in hackney carriage vehicles.

Councillors decided that they would not reconsider ordering meters to be inst- alled in cabs for at least 18 months.

By Suzanne Roberts