A TAXI driver has bought his second wheelchair accessible cab after a council splashed out on new licenses.

Braintree Council bought six vehicle licenses to improve accessibility in the fleet.

Perry Everitt, owner of Perry’s Taxi, in Braintree, bought his second vehicle for £20,000, which is now used by an employee, and was given his licence for free.

He said: “I have been an owner-driver for nine years and this is the second wheelchair accessible cab I’ve got.

“It was great the council gave me my second licence for free, I’ve got so much work from wheelchair users since.

“Last Friday, I did ten wheelchair jobs in one day.

“I also have a contract for one user and I have regular jobs from people at care homes and things.

“My first cab cost me £32,000, so I have invested heavily.

“Some weeks, 40 per cent of my work is wheelchair jobs now “People are grateful.

When people in wheelchairs find a driver who they trust and caters for their needs, they are more than grateful.”

This comes after two taxi drivers, Saleh Attia and Ramesh Krishnan, were prosecuted by the authority after they refused entry to Philip Lee and his black labrador, Nan, at the Manor Street taxi rank in Braintree on February 12.