Taxi pledge after branded a "disgrace" (From Watford Observer)

Taxi pledge after branded a "disgrace"

2:46pm Monday 10th May 2004 in

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MANAGERS at Watford Junction have pledged to do more to help blind and disabled people after a disabled rights campaigner branded the taxi situation at the station "a disgrace".

Mr Michael Insole, who is blind, claimed the station's new contract with a private hire taxi firm, which means passengers must get a ticket before waiting in line for a cab, discriminated against people with disabilities and the visually impaired.

The retired 57-year-old said the new system was particularly confusing for people with sight problems after trying to get a taxi from the station on Friday.

Mr Insole said: "It was just crazy. I have been coming to the station for years and have been able to step outside, wait on the pavement and get in a taxi.

"How was I supposed to know I had to get a ticket?

"It is not easy to wait in a queue when you're blind as you never know who is pushing in front of you. Then when you get to the front you find out you need a ticket."

A spokesman for Silverlink said station management would speak to all members of staff and ask them to be more alert to blind and disabled people's needs.

He said: "The electronic barrier is always staffed and in future when they see a blind person they are going to ask them if they would like a taxi.

"If they do they will assist with the ticketing system and help them with the new procedure."