The AVH workshop already provides fleet, leasing and rental companies with a rental vehicle adapted to meet disabled drivers' exact requirements. With the latest enhancements, new facilities have been installed at the Workshop and the mechanics workforce has been doubled.

'A key focus of our Adaptations Workshop is being able to fit the exact adaptations required for the disabled driver the vehicle will be going to,' explained Jon Reynolds, AVH. 'With increasing demand for our fleet of adapted vehicles, as more and more organisations recognise the importance of being able to address the needs of disabled drivers, we also need to achieve the most efficient turn-around for our vehicles. We have therefore made significant investment in all the latest adaptations for our fleet, as well as doubled our mechanics head-count to get returned vehicles valeted and refitted as quickly as possible.'

The company also operates a fleet with a mix of cars with driving adaptations and wheelchair accessible vehicles for one or more wheelchairs.

'This is an incredibly specialist area of vehicle rental,' continued Mr Reynolds. 'Every booking is discussed direct with the disabled user or driver to ensure that we can supply a vehicle that is precisely "fit for purpose". Plus our delivery drivers are trained to provide detailed handovers – often taking up to an hour – to ensure the customer fully understands the functionality of the vehicle supplied.  

'The enhancements to the Adaptations Workshop further reinforce the quality of this specialised service.'

The news follows last week's call from rental industry guru, and disabled motorist, Professor Peter Cooke for the rental industry to meet disabled drivers' needs. He commented: 'My research of the UK vehicle rental market suggests that some rental providers do not appear to be geared up to deal with disabled customers and this could present a serious risk to their customer service and brand reputation.'