DISABLED taxi passengers face further discrimination in Dorset with councils failing to implement new laws to combat it.

They are among a quarter of local authorities across the UK with no plans to introduce changes in the Equality Act which would mean taxi drivers face a fine of up to £1,000 if they refuse to transport wheelchair users or attempt to charge them extra.

Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, East Dorset, North Dorset and Purbeck are all on the list of those with no plans to create a list of wheelchair accessible taxis, known as a Section 167 list.

The new law can only apply to drivers registered in Section 167 lists.

The government has recommended that all councils should have a list by October.

The failings were uncovered when disability activist Doug Paulley conducted Freedom of Information research with all councils in England, Scotland and Wales.

Mr Paulley has joined forces with charity Muscular Dystrophy UK to campaign on the issue.

He said: "It is disappointing that the government’s intent in bringing in this legislation is being undermined by the failure of many councils to undertake the required office work, meaning that taxi drivers can continue to discriminate against wheelchair users with impunity.

"While conducting this research, it became clear that many councils simply didn’t think to create them until prompted. I recommend disabled people and their allies raise the issue with their local council.”

Nic Bungay from Muscular Dystrophy UK added: "Taxis are not a luxury for disabled people – they often represent the only way to get from A to B when public transport isn’t accessible."

Research shows that a quarter of disabled people have been refused service by a taxi driver, purely because they are disabled.

A spokesman for Poole council said: "Borough of Poole does not currently have a formal Section 167 list in place. However, our website gives full details of all licensed taxi operators in Poole, highlighting those which have wheelchair accessible vehicles available so that disabled residents can select the most appropriate operator for their needs."

Keith Evans, Licensing Officer at Bournemouth council, said: "The recently published guidance strongly recommends that local authorities maintain a list of wheelchair accessible vehicles but does not make this a binding duty.

"The guidance also recognises that local authorities will need time to produce a policy regarding the publishing and maintaining of the list and then also inform drivers of the duties imposed on them, the appeal process and how to apply for an exemption certificate. This process will be lengthy and will require several months to complete. It is unlikely that this process will be completed by October however this is high priority and we will endeavour to complete as soon as practically possible."

Sean Whitney, Public Health and Protection Manager at Christchurch and East Dorset Councils said “Christchurch and East Dorset Councils publish a list of wheelchair vehicles and their companies on our website. We also prohibit taxis from charging extra for the carriage of wheelchairs.

"We intend to formally designate a number of vehicles within the next 3 - 6 months, following a consultation process with licensees.”