Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to ensure that taxi operators and drivers in private hire vehicles are aware of their legal obligation to grant access to blind or partially-sighted people with guide dogs.

The Department for Transport has 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.

In addition to their ability to take appropriate action in the event that licensed drivers fail to comply with this duty, local licensing authorities can inform taxi and private hire drivers of all their responsibilities as licensed drivers.