What we have done
This section outlines progress to date in implementing the taxi accessibility regulations and the legislation already in place covering the carriage of assistance dogs in taxis and private hire vehicles.
Taxi Accessibility Regulations
The Government recognises the important role taxis have in providing a door-to-door service to disabled people, and the Department is committed to delivering more accessible taxis.
Under the Disability Discrimination Act, it is unlawful for taxi drivers to discriminate against disabled people and they do need to respect what is an obligation on them to provide a proper service.
Disabled people can take civil action under the Disability Discrimination Act against taxi drivers who discriminate against them.
In 2003, Ministers announced an intention to set standards for wheelchair accessible taxis and to introduce regulations applying to local authorities, that would include the possibility of criminal proceedings against licensed drivers who discriminate.
Since this date, the Department has been in discussions with local authorities and interest groups, and it has now agreed with Ministers that there is a need to decide how best to meet the needs of a broad range of disabled people, not just wheelchair users, before any regulations are made.
The Department will be publishing a consultation on the issue of accessible taxis in summer 2008.
Carriage of Assistance Dogs in Taxis and PHVs
Taxis and PHVs are a vital link in the accessible transport chain and it is important that disabled people who use guide, hearing and other assistance dogs have confidence that they can book a vehicle that will carry them and their dog at no extra charge.
Section 37 of the DDA imposes a duty on all licensed taxi drivers to carry assistance dogs in their taxis and to do so without charge. This was necessary to deal with the refusal of some taxi drivers to accept such animals and has been in force since 31 March 2001. Drivers can apply for an exemption from the duty on medical grounds if they have a condition that is aggravated by contact with dogs to allow them to continue in the trade.
A suite of literature aimed at licensing authorities, drivers and disabled people was produced to explain the new obligations and rights (see 'Publications and Other Resources').
Originally the DDA provided no powers to extend this duty to drivers of PHVs. However, following a successful Private Members Bill introduced by Neil Gerrard MP, the DDA was amended and these powers became available under Section 37A of the Act. As well as a duty on PHV drivers, Section 37A also imposes a duty on operators to accept bookings made by or on behalf of a disabled person accompanied by an assistance dog.
Regulations have been made and a similar exemption procedure for PHV drivers with medical conditions aggravated by contact with dogs is also in place (there are no exemptions available to operators). The duty came into force on 31 March 2004.
A similar suite of literature has been produced for licensing authorities, operators and drivers and disabled people (see 'Publications and other resources').
For related documents, pages and internet links, see the column on the right.
