Can Taxi Drivers Legally Refuse A Guide Dog? Rules and Regulations Explained
Ever since the Equality Act 2010, businesses have been required to make allowances for those with disabilities to avoid discrimination. But what about when it comes to taxis and guide dogs?
- In the UK, taxi drivers are not obligated to allow pets inside their vehicles
- However, it is illegal for a taxi driver to refuse assistance or guide dogs accompanying a disabled passenger under the Equality Act 2010
- There are different types of discrimination that the Act aims to prevent, including direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, and failure to make reasonable adjustments
- If you refuse a disabled person with a guide dog, you could be fined up to £1,000 and risk having your private hire licence revoked
- Guide dogs provide assistance to 360,000 people who are registered as blind or partially sighted, according to Guide Dogs London. Highly trained to anticipate and assist with the needs of disabled people, they allow their users to regain some independence with everyday tasks.
Table of Contents
1. Equality Act 2010 and assistance dogs
2. Types of unlawful discrimination
3. Are guide dogs allowed in taxis?
4. Fines and convictions regarding guide dogs
5. Get more for your business at The Taxi Centre
Many people in the UK rely on the assistance of a guide dog. These specially trained animals help those with disabilities regain some of their independence with daily tasks.
Tasks that we often take for granted ourselves, and therefore can’t even begin to appreciate or understand.
When the Equality Act 2010 was enforced, it changed the way that businesses operate when it comes to accommodating the needs of people with disabilities. Let’s take a look at how this affects the taxi industry.
Equality Act 2010 and assistance dogs
According to the Equality Act 2010, taxis must welcome guide dogs and other assistance dogs, unless they have a medical exemption certificate.
This should be done at no extra cost, and the dog should be allowed to remain with the owner during the journey.
If refused, this is classed as unlawful discrimination, which the Act aims to prevent. The Equality and Human Rights Commission explains the Act’s implications, saying:
“A disability is defined by the Equality Act 2010 as ‘a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on the ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.’”
“It would be unlawful to refuse access to a disabled person accompanied by a guide dog except in the most exceptional circumstances.”
Types of unlawful discrimination
The Commission then lists several instances where it is unlawful for any kind of service provider to discriminate against a disabled person, including:
- Direct discrimination - treating someone differently due to a disability (for example, refusing entry to disabled people even without a guide a dog)
- Indirect discrimination - where a specific policy negatively impacts disabled people more than those without a disability (for example, implementing a ‘no dogs’ policy as this is more likely to affect those with disabilities)
- Discrimination arising from disability - unfavourable treatment due to a connection between a person and their disability (for example, refusing to provide them with the same level of service because they have a guide dog)
- Failure to make reasonable adjustments - where businesses do not make allowances to certain policies to help provide access for disabled people this could also be unlawful discrimination (for example, not allowing them exemption from a ‘no dog’ policy) Disability harassment - treating a person with a disability in a way that humiliates, degrades, or offends them
- Direct discrimination by association - treating a person who is associated with a disabled person differently, even though they may not be disabled themselves
- I'm a list item with a bullet point Victimisation - treating a person unfavourably because they have made a discrimination complaint or given their support to a disabled person who has made the complaint
- Discriminatory advertisements - stating in an advertisement that disabled people will be treated unfairly (for example, by not welcoming assistance dogs on the premises)
- Positive discrimination - the law allows for disabled people to be treated more favourably than those without disabilities due to the difficulties they face
If you are a taxi driver and refuse to take a disabled person because they have a guide dog, you could be guilty of indirect discrimination or failure to make reasonable adjustments.
In summary, the Equality Act 2010 exists to ensure that those with disabilities are not discriminated against in any way, and that businesses make all provisions needed to welcome them.
Are guide dogs allowed in taxis?
Yes – they are. While they are not obliged to take all dogs, taxi drivers can face legal prosecution or even lose their license if they refuse assistance or guide dogs.
Many taxi drivers will not want to carry just any dog as they can be unpredictable when it comes to behaviour, can shed fur and hair on the seats, and can leave other messes.
Assistance and guide dogs however are exceptionally trained, so it’s unlikely that they would ever behave badly or leave a mess inside a taxi.
If you have a disabled passenger with a guide dog, you should make any reasonable adjustments necessary to accommodate them in your taxi.
Consider having seat covers over your upholstery if you are expecting a disabled passenger with a guide dog and ensure there is plenty of room for the dog to stay near them during the journey.
Some other tips for communicating with passengers accompanied by guide dogs:
- Ask if they would like any assistance or help getting into your taxi
- Always address the vision impaired person directly and not through a third person if they are traveling with someone
- Be clear when giving instructions for a route or any direction changes
- Describe the area to the passenger before they leave your taxi to help them get orientated (for example, tell them you are now pulling up on the left-hand side and where the entrance to their destination is located)
- Warn passengers of any surface changes in their path (tactile paving, gravel, grass etc) or of any trip hazards when entering or exiting your vehicle
- Say goodbye to the passenger once you are confident they are able to go on their way safely so they know you are leaving them
- Ask passengers for feedback and if there is anything else you could do to improve their experience next time
By going the extra mile, you may even gain a loyal customer and canine friend!
Fines and convictions regarding guide dogs
If you refuse to take a disabled passenger and their guide dog, you could be fined up to £1,000 as this is considered to be breaking the law.
Or even worse, if you are a private hire taxi driver you could even risk having your licence revoked, which would leave you unable to work.
With this in mind, it’s definitely not worth risking a fine or losing your licence entirely for disobeying the law.
You should also think about the impact that refusing assistance dogs could have on your business. If word spreads around about an inhospitable driver refusing to take a disabled person and their guide dog, then this could be extremely bad for business.
Customers will not want to travel in your taxi if you have a reputation for bad customer service. Read our blog on tips for improving your customer service, so you always know how to provide a great experience.
Get more for your business at The Taxi Centre
Now you know about the rules and regulations surrounding guide dogs and taxis, you can make sure you make all reasonable adjustments for your passengers.
At The Taxi Centre, we offer expert advice on everything from finding a new taxi to suit your needs, to helpful tips and insights from our newsroom to help you stand out from the rest.
Looking for wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) to make your taxi service more friendly to those with disabilities? We stock the LEVC TX taxi which is available with a range of adaptions to suit different needs. Plus, with its hybrid technology, it’s super eco-friendly!