Rebecca Harris MP visited a Guide Dogs event in Parliament in November to show her support for taxi and minicab drivers receiving disability equality training when getting their licence. A Private Member’s Bill that sought to introduce such training was debated on 18th November but was not voted on due to a lack of time.

At the event, Rebecca met Stephen Anderson with his guide dog Barney and was told how taxi and minicab drivers refused to carry him because he had his guide dog with him. Stephen explained that he had missed important appointments due to the refusals and how it had left him anxious and reluctant to use taxis and minicabs again.

Although the Equality Act 2010 makes it illegal for a taxi or minicab driver to refuse to carry an assistance dog, Guide Dogs research found that 42% of people living with sight loss were turned away by a taxi or minicab in the last year because of their guide dog. The research also uncovered that 38% of assistance dog owners have illegally been asked to pay an extra fare for carrying their dog.

Stephen told Rebecca that he had been refused access 5 times in the last 6 months. He had been given various excuses, some saying they didn’t want hairs in their car or some refusing on grounds of religion, which is still illegal. 

Guide Dogs is calling for disability equality training to be made a requirement for all taxi and minicab drivers to help them understand the rights and needs of disabled people and how to welcome assistance dog owners.

Rebecca Harris MP commented:

“It is shameful to hear from so many people who are illegally turned away from taxis and minicabs because they travel with an assistance dog. I’m asking the Government to act to ensure all taxi and minicab drivers receive disability equality training so they are aware of the law and how to assist their disabled customers in the right way.”

James White, Senior Campaigns Manager at Guide Dogs, commented:

“Imagine you were turned away by a taxi driver or asked to pay an extra fare, for no good reason. Despite legal protection, this regularly happens to people living with sight loss because they are travelling with a guide dog. This discrimination is not only illegal, it knocks people’s confidence and can stop them doing everyday things that most people take for granted. We are very disappointed that we didn’t see a vote on the Disability Equality Training Bill. We were encouraged by the Government’s supportive comments and hope they will take action to introduce training for all taxi and minicab drivers.”