A private hire driver in Wirral has been prosecuted after refusing to transport a passenger with an assistance dog. The case addresses illegal discrimination under disability access laws.
What the law says
The Equality Act 2010 requires private hire vehicle operators and drivers to carry assistance dogs and their handlers without refusing service or charging extra fees. Drivers who refuse can face prosecution under Section 36 of the Act, which makes it unlawful to discriminate against disabled people in the provision of goods and services.
If this happens to you
If a private hire driver refuses your assistance dog, report the incident to the driver's licensing authority (usually the local council's taxi licensing team) and consider reporting to your local Citizens Advice for support in pursuing a formal complaint or legal action.
Source: | Wirral View
Free answers to any UK assistance dog rights question: ask the Rights Assistant.