Surrey taxis

Taxi travel overview  

Each Surrey ward has a mixture of licenced taxi cabs and private hire mini cab companies. 

Some operators have wheelchair-accessible vehicles which consist of people carriers, minibuses, or adapted vans. As many wheelchairs-accessible vehicles are used during school drop-off and pick-up times, it is always best to pre-book travel if you have accessibility requirements.

A 2022 amendment to the Equality Act has passed a duty for local authorities to identify wheelchair-accessible vehicles in the taxi fleets they licence. You can access this local authority information on our Accessible Taxi Companies webpage.

Accessible Taxi Companies

You can find details below of Surrey district council licencing departments which will allow you to identify wheelchair-accessible taxis in your area.

In addition, we have provided details for some private companies with wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

Elmbridge

Elmbridge Borough Council lists wheelchair-accessible taxis online.

https://www.elmbridge.gov.uk/licensing/policies-and-information-for-passengers/           Contact: 01372 474474

Epsom and Ewell

You can contact Epsom and Ewell Borough Council for information on wheelchair-accessible vehicles on 01372 732000 or licensing@epsom-ewell.gov.uk

Ladysafe and Sons are based in Epsom, with wheelchair accessible taxis.   http://www.ladysafeandsons.co.uk/  Contact: 0208 393 8100.

Guildford

Guildford Borough Council lists wheelchair-accessible taxis online.

https://www.guildford.gov.uk/article/25189/Wheelchair-accessible-vehicles

Contact: 01483 505050

Mole Valley 

Mole Valley District council lists wheelchair-accessible taxis online. 

Contact: 01306 879234 (Licensing) 

A-Star Taxis based in Dorking operate wheelchair-accessible taxis. https://astartaxi.co.uk/  Contact: 01306 882299

Reigate and Banstead            

For information regarding wheelchair-accessible vehicles within this area, contact:  licensing@reigate-banstead.gov.uk or 01737 276000.

Runnymede                

Runnymede Borough Council provides separate lists of licensed vehicles and drivers online. 

Contact: licensing@runnymede.gov.uk or 01932 838383.

Spelthorne                  

For information regarding wheelchair-accessible taxis, contact: licensing@spelthorne.gov.uk  or 01784 444213 Option 3.

Surrey Heath  

Surrey Health Borough Council lists wheelchair-accessible taxis online. Or contact: 01276 707100 

Eurotaxis are based in Camberley with wheelchair-accessible taxis. Contact: 01276 700777

Tandridge

Tandridge District Council lists wheelchair-accessible taxis online. Or contact: 01883 722000

Waverley        

Waverley Borough Council lists wheelchair-accessible taxis online. Or contact: 01483 523333 

Woking

Woking Borough Council lists wheelchair-accessible taxis online. Or contact: 01483 755855. 

Sprint Travel are based in Woking with wheelchair-accessible taxis.

Planning a journey   

Each Surrey district has designated taxi ranks. Check with your taxi operator when booking to make sure they can accommodate your needs. 

Wheelchair-accessible vehicles have undergone a rigorous process to ensure adaptations meet regulations. However, accessibility will vary according to the vehicle.

Taxi and private hires are obliged to carry assistance dogs at no extra charge.

Companionship services

The following organisations provide companionship services for older/disabled people as part of their wheelchair accessible vehicle offering. 

• Karens’ Angels are based in Chessington and cover Epsom and the Ewell part of Surrey.   
  Contact: 0208 2247848 or 07760220604 
• Driving Miss Daisy Farnham
  Contact: 0333 014 6211  

Keeping safe when travelling

Wheelchair-accessible taxis may have a ramp or a passenger lift to assist the wheelchair user with getting into the vehicle, which is far easier than transferring from a wheelchair to a car seat and dismantling the wheelchair for the journey. 

As wheelchairs are carefully designed to support a disabled person, wheelchair-accessible taxis allow disabled people to stay in the position that is best for their body and posture.

Wheelchair-accessible taxis must also be equipped to secure the wheelchair when the cab is in motion. Seat belts or lap belts should be available to keep the wheelchair user steady.

It is always recommended to book a taxi in advance. 

Operator obligations  

Under the Equality Act 2010, operators have a legal duty to carry a disabled passenger and provide mobility assistance without making an additional charge. 

They can only refuse to carry a disabled passenger if there is a valid safety concern – or if passengers have a medical exemption or condition that makes it impossible for a driver to comply with the above. 

Taxi drivers can be fined up to £1000 for refusing to comply. If you have felt discriminated against by a taxi driver you can complain to your Local Authority Licensing department.