Taxis are essential for many disabled people, and drivers are required to make reasonable adjustments for disabled passengers by the Equality Act 2010. This Act places duties on taxi and private hire vehicle drivers to carry assistance dogs at no additional charge. The Department for Transport has also issued guidance to the licensed trade on the provisions in the Equality Act that require taxis and private hire vehicles to carry guide and other assistance dogs.
Failure to comply with this requirement can result in prosecution and a fine on conviction of up to £1,000. A driver was recently fined £1,546 for refusing access to a guide dog; that figure included legal costs as well as the fine.
I am pleased to hear that Guide Dogs is raising awareness of this important issue and will endeavour to attend the lobby.