Asked by: Laura Smith (Labour - Crewe and Nantwich)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to prevent taxi drivers from refusing to carry passengers with guide dogs.
Answered by John Hayes
It is unacceptable that drivers continue to refuse assistance dogs and I strongly encourage licensing authorities to take robust action against those who are unwilling to comply. Under the Equality Act 2010 it is illegal for the driver of a taxi or Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) to refuse to carry an assistance dog unless they hold a medical exemption certificate issued by the local licensing authority.
As part of the draft Accessibility Action Plan which is currently subject to a public consultation, we have committed to strengthen the best practice guidance on the provision of driver training, and what needs to be done to prevent refusals.