Taxis first to change under regulations

Government proposals for new transport accessibility regulations are throwing up opportunities for taxi, bus and train redesigns.

The redesign of licensed cabs, the first vehicles to be affected, is under way. Manufacturer Asquith has its eye on London Taxis International, which launches the TX1 to the public this week.

“We wanted to gauge the weight of the opposition,” before launching a redesign, says Chris Humberstone, who handled Asquith’s design development.

Product designer Riley & Reay created the T-Cab for Asquith before the Government’s new proposals were announced.

These include a series of consultation exercises to take forward the transport provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act.

“We will not be requiring any one design of vehicle. We believe the specifications we are proposing will provide opportunities for new vehicle designs and conversions,” says transport minister Glenda Jackson.

See News Analysis, page 7