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Written question asked by Mark Hendrick (Labour) on Monday, 28 February 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 March 2022. It was answered by Trudy Harrison (Conservative) on Monday, 7 March 2022 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Bus Services and Taxis: Assistance Animals and Wheelchairs

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking in response to reports of discrimination by (a) bus, (b) taxi and (c) minicab drivers against (i) assistance dog owners and (ii) wheelchair users.

Answer

All drivers of regular bus and coach services have been legally required to undertake disability awareness training since 2018. We expect all operators to comply with this requirement and the DVSA is responsible for identifying and investigating non-compliance.

We also remain committed to introducing mandatory disability awareness training for taxi and PHV drivers through new National Minimum Standards for licensing authorities when Parliamentary time allows. In the meantime, we will shortly publish for consultation updated best practice guidance for local licensing authorities, including a strengthened recommendation to require all taxi and PHV drivers to complete such training.

In December 2020, we launched the REAL disability equality training package to improve the transport sector’s confidence and skills in delivering inclusive journeys for disabled passengers.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
131066
Session
2021-22
Related items
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Bus services Discrimination Taxis Wheelchairs Assistance animals
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk