WHEELCHAIR users are being invited to run the rule over different models of disabled-friendly taxis.

Durham City Council is considering whether to increase the number of Hackney carriage licences it issues.

The council is looking at whether the licences should be for disabled-adapted vehicles.

Councillors will today inspect wheelchair accessible taxis and have invited members of local disabled groups to give their views.

The event is being held at Sherburn Leisure Centre, Sherburn Village, between 1.30pm and 4pm.

Other disabled people are also welcome to attend and give their opinions.

"We are looking for views regarding the easy access and exiting of these types of taxi from wheelchair users," said Councillor Roger Pape, chairman of the council's economic scrutiny panel.

"We will also be interested in the comfort the users have in the different types of taxi.

"The information will be of great value to the economic scrutiny panel of the city council when it makes recommendations to the cabinet on the granting of new licences."

Representatives from Durham City Access for All, which comments on issues of disabled access, and Durham Shopmobility, which hires out scooters and wheelchairs in the city centre, have been invited to take part.

A council spokesman said the authority was looking at the issue of allowing more taxis to operate in the city.

"It is likely that additional Hackney or taxi licences will be issued. One option is that additional licences will only be granted for wheelchair-friendly vehicles.''

The Disability Discrimination Act now requires that service providers take steps to ensure that they can accessed by people with disabilities.