Taxis: Guide Dogs

(asked on 8th December 2017) - View Source

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will amend the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (Taxis) (Carrying of Guide Dogs etc) (England and Wales) Regulations 2000 and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (Private Hire Vehicles) (Carriage of Guide Dogs etc) (England and Wales) Regulations 2003 to enable notices of exemption to be displayed in large print or with tactile features incorporated.


Answered by
John Hayes Portrait
John Hayes
This question was answered on 13th December 2017

Sections 68 and 70 of the Equality Act 2010 confirm the right of assistance dog owners to travel by taxi or private hire vehicle free from the fear of discrimination.

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (Taxis) (Carrying of Guide Dogs etc) (England and Wales) Regulations 2000 and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (Private Hire Vehicles) (Carriage of Guide Dogs etc) (England and Wales) Regulations 2003 specify the form of exemption notices displayed by taxsi and private hire vehicle drivers who are medically unfit to fulfil the related duties.

I understand that it can be difficult for visually impaired people to identify genuine exemption notices presented to them, and officials have discussed with the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association alternative options, including the provision by licensing authorities of an additional non-statutory notice in Braille and large print.

We currently have no plans to amend Regulations.

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