Former Students' Union President Bal Deol has done something amazing and has been a catalyst in the changing of the law.
From today, it is now illegal for a taxi driver to charge extra for a wheelchair used and they cannot refuse to take or assist a wheelchair passenger.
A year or so ago, Bal went undercover for BBC Radio Stoke after speaking to her University friend Alice Bentley.
After speaking to Alice, they pitched it to the BBC who were on board and provided her with the camera and microphone to go undercover and gain evidence.
“I’ve never done anything like it before”
“It was so scary in case the drivers found that I was recording”
“Digging and investigating as to why was so interesting, I felt like an Mi5 agent.”
Bal wasn’t alone in pushing for the law to be changed either, as she posted on social media calling for disabled friends within the student movement to tell their stories so that it was a huge effort rather than just her voice.
“I had a taxi this morning to go and speak to BBC Stoke about the law being changed, as well as a taxi back”
“The first driver wasn’t aware of the law, whereas the second driver on the way back was and charged a normal price.”
Bal is using this success and her voice to now push for more changes in private commercial transport and the vehicles they use.
“Most taxis have two ramps which can accommodate a number of wheelchairs”
“However, some can’t accommodate the bigger chairs as the wheels get stuck”
“My next goal is to make taxis accessible for all”