BURY Council has no plans in place to deal with a law change supporting disabled taxi users, it has been revealed.

A change in the Equality Act enacted in April this year means that taxi drivers face a fine of up to £1,000 if they refuse to transport wheelchair users or attempt to charge them extra.

However, the law only applies to drivers registered on council lists of wheelchair accessible taxis, known as Section 167 lists.

But research from disability activists found that Bury Council is one of eight local authorities in the North West which has no current plans to create such a list.

The other seven are: South Lakeland, Blackburn with Darwen, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Tameside, Cheshire East and Halton.

Disability activist Doug Paulley conducted Freedom of Information research with all councils in England, Scotland and Wales.

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.”

Mr Paulley and charity Muscular Dystrophy UK, which campaigns for disability rights, are calling on the government to make councils take their responsibilities seriously, and for all councils to set a deadline for creating a list.

Nic Bungay, director of campaigns, care and information at Muscular Dystrophy UK, which lobbied for years for the law change, said: “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.

“Doug’s research comprehensively demonstrates how many councils are failing to ensure that disabled passengers are not penalised.

“We need them all to implement lists now as per the government’s recommendations, and for the Department for Transport to promote the lists as a matter of urgency.”

Bury council was approached for comment.