Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he plans to bring forward legislative proposals to introduce mandatory disability equality training for taxi and private hire vehicle drivers.

The Government wants disabled people to be able to travel easily and confidently and considers that ensuring taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers complete effective disability awareness training is an important step in making this a reality.

In our response to the Chair of the Task and Finish Group on Taxi and PHV Licensing in 2019, we committed to mandate the completion by drivers of such training when Parliamentary time allowed. This remains our position.

In the meantime, we expect local licencing authorities to use their existing powers to ensure that all taxi and PHV drivers have the knowledge and skills necessary to assist every passenger.