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Written question asked by Faisal Rashid (Labour) on Thursday, 16 May 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 May 2019. It was answered by Nusrat Ghani (Conservative) on Thursday, 23 May 2019 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Taxis: Guide Dogs

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans he has to prevent taxi drivers from refusing to take passengers with guide dogs.

Answer

Sections 168 and 170 of the Equality Act 2010 already require taxi and PHV drivers to accept passengers accompanied by assistance dogs without charging them extra. The Government expects drivers to comply with the law and encourages local licensing authorities to take robust action against those unwilling to do so. Drivers convicted of a relevant offence face fines of up to £1000.

The Government is considering what further action might be required to eliminate illegal discrimination against assistance dog owners, and has accepted the recommendation of the Chair of the Task and Finish Group on Taxi and PHV licensing that drivers should be required to complete disability awareness training through the introduction of National Minimum Standards. We will bring forward legislation when Parliamentary time permits.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
255388
Session
2017-19
Subjects
Guide dogs Passengers Taxis
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk