Written question asked by Neil Gerrard (Labour) on Monday, 7 December 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 9 December 2009. It was answered by Lord Khan of Tooting (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 December 2009 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Taxis: Guide Dogs

Question: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what steps he is taking to encourage licensing authorities to ensure that the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 for licensed taxi drivers to carry guide dogs with their owners are monitored and enforced.

Answer: Taxi drivers have a duty under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 to carry assistance dogs in their vehicles. These duties have been in effect since 31 March 2000. It is the responsibility of local licensing authorities to monitor and enforce the duties and should be incorporated into the licensing enforcement regime. The Department for Transport has issued guidance to licensing authorities outlining their duty to enforce the provisions.

Secondary information