Guide Dogs urges government to take ‘opportunity’ to mandate taxi and private hire driver training as part of Devolution Bill
- Perry Richardson
- May 13
- 2 min read
Guide Dogs charity has said the upcoming English Devolution Bill offers a critical opportunity to address widespread discrimination against guide dog owners using taxis and private hire vehicles.
Adam Marsh, Regional Policy and Campaigns Manager for Guide Dogs, highlighted the ongoing issue facing visually impaired passengers. “Sadly, all too many guide dog owners know from experience the failings of England’s licensing system. 58% of guide dog owners have been turned away by a taxi or minicab driver, despite it being against the law,” he said.
Current legislation already makes it a criminal offence to deny access to passengers accompanied by an assistance dog without a medical exemption. Offenders can face a fine of up to £1,000. Despite this, Marsh says enforcement and awareness remain low.
Guide Dogs is pushing for a national requirement for all taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers to complete disability equality training as part of their licensing conditions. This training would ensure drivers fully understand their legal obligations and how to assist disabled passengers appropriately.
The charity had previously welcomed commitments from government to introduce national minimum standards for licensing, including disability training. However, little progress has followed. With the Devolution Bill on the horizon, Guide Dogs sees an opportunity to embed consistent standards across all local authorities in England.
Marsh added: “Guide Dogs has been calling for a national requirement for taxi and minicab drivers to take part in disability equality training as part of the licensing process, so they understand their legal obligations, and how to assist all their passengers.
“The previous government committed to introducing training in national minimum standards as part of taxi reform, but no progress has been made. The upcoming English Devolution Bill is an opportunity to make sure that drivers know the law, and prevent debilitating access refusals.”
This call for change forms part of the charity’s broader ‘Open Doors’ campaign. The initiative aims to eliminate illegal access refusals by educating the taxi and PHV sector about the rights of guide dog owners. As part of the campaign, Guide Dogs offers guidance and free online training for drivers and operators, including practical advice on assisting passengers with sight loss.
Guide Dogs stresses that guide dogs are highly trained working animals, not pets. They are trained to behave calmly in vehicles and pose no hygiene risk. The charity has also addressed concerns around religion, allergies, and cultural sensitivities, pointing out that these cannot be used to justify access refusals unless backed by a valid exemption certificate.
As the Bill progresses, Guide Dogs is calling on local and national policymakers to use devolution powers to improve access and equality for disabled people.
