An Inverness taxi firm has been accused of discriminating against people with disabilities by refusing to take bookings in advance.
It has been said the policy makes it “impossible” for people to keep medical appointments or to enjoy a social life.
Inverness Taxis has been criticised for allowing able-bodied customers to book ahead, but wheelchair users are told they must call on the day.
James Steele, 43, of Inverness, said he regularly had problems getting a taxi for his mother, Nan, 76, who has been disabled since suffering a stroke.
He said he had tried to book taxis to take her to hospital appointments and theatre visits. But the taxi firm was unable to guarantee that a car would be available.
Mr Steele said: “I can’t understand why disabled people are being treated as second-class citizens.” He argued that Highland Council should insist that taxi firms offer the same service to all.
Inverness Taxis director Paul Thatcher confirmed able-bodied passengers could book well in advance, but this was not possible for wheelchair users.
He strongly denied this was discrimination. Mr Thatcher said: “Everyone has the same rights. It makes no difference, disabled or able-bodied.
“But we can’t guarantee there will be a disabled vehicle at a certain time so we tell them to call on the day to make sure there is a vehicle available.”
He added that all their drivers were self-employed. “We cannot dictate the hours they work and we don’t know where they will be on any particular day.
“We can send any taxi for able-bodied customers, but not all our taxis can take wheelchairs.
“Particularly electric wheelchairs which can be too heavy for some of the ramps,” he added.