Guide Dogs and Accessible Transport

 I know that a report by Guide Dogs found that 75% of all assistance dog owners had been refused access to a restaurant, shop or taxi because they had an assistance dog with them. According to the report, the most common refusal was for taxi and PHV services.

These statistics should concern us all and I pay tribute to the work that Guide Dogs has done to highlight this very important issue. I understand that refusals can have a devastating impact on the confidence and independence of disabled people. I believe it is clear that there is still more to be done to end this shameful discrimination.

In February 2019, the Department for Transport confirmed its support for mandating disability awareness training for taxi and PHV drivers as part of the introduction of national minimum standards. It has committed to bring forward legislation on this when Parliamentary time allows. I can assure you I will follow updates on the progression of this closely.

In addition, the Department for Transport has said it will publish a consultation on revised best practice guidance to support local licensing authorities to use their powers more effectively. It has also committed to conduct further research to identify why some taxi drivers continue to discriminate against assistance dog owners.

I firmly believe that we must reform the legislation governing taxis and PHVs and introduce national standards for licensing, as issues such as disabled access should not be at the discretion of localities, varying across the country. I also agree that licensing authorities should use their existing enforcement powers to take strong action where disability access refusals are reported, to deter further cases.

I believe that we must remove the barriers in society that restrict opportunities and choices for people with disabilities. I can assure you that I will follow updates on this closely