Penny Mordaunt latest to assure MPs of Government ‘commitment’ to mandatory taxi disability training

Penny Mordaunt is the latest Minister to assure MPs that the Government remains ‘committed’ to introducing mandatory disability awareness training for taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers.

Under the Equality Act 2010 the law states that all taxi and private hire drivers are obliged to carry guide dogs and assistance dogs at no extra cost to the passenger.

Only drivers who have a medical condition that means they are unable to carry dogs in their vehicle may apply for an exemption from these duties.

Unfortunately licensing authorities are still having to prosecute drivers for denying access to assistance dogs despite repeated warnings.

Janet Daby, a Labour MP for Lewisham East, asked the Leader of the House what the timescale is for introducing mandatory disability awareness training for taxi and minicab drivers.

Penny Mordaunt, Leader of the House of Commons, responded: “The Government is committed to requiring drivers to complete disability awareness training and I will announce future business in the usual way. I would encourage the hon. member to continue speaking to ministers in the Department for Transport (DfT).”