Under the Equality Act 2010, drivers of Hackney carriage and private hire vehicles have a legal obligation to carry passengers and assistance dogs and disabled persons. When carrying these passengers, drivers cannot charge any more than the metered fare; must allow the assistance dog to remain with the passenger and afford all reasonable assistance. The term “assistance dogs” refer to more than just guide dogs for blind people. It includes:
- Guide dogs for the blind – white harness with yellow fluorescent strips
- Hearing dogs for the deaf – burgundy jacket
- Dogs for the disabled (seven years to adult) – yellow jacket
- Dogs for the disabled (to work with children) – blue harness
- Canine partners (people with physical impairments) – purple jacket
- Support dogs (physical and other impairments) – blue jacket.
Under the Act, it is an offence for any operator or driver to refuse to carry assistance dogs. On conviction for such an offence, drivers can be fined up to £1,000.
Where a driver has an allergy to dogs, the driver must apply for an exemption from carrying assistance dogs.
To apply for an exemption, a driver must fill in an Exemption application form [PDF, 41Kb].
If no exemption has been applied for and subsequently granted, then drivers are still required to carry assistance dogs. Where an application is made to us for an exemption, it must be supported by medical evidence. The driver with the allergy should be under the care of a specialist consultant and will be required to produce reports from their consultant.
Mobility Assistance
The Equality Act 2010 places duties on drivers when carrying disabled passengers. Drivers must carry the passenger, carry the wheelchair or mobility aids they have, take reasonable steps to ensure they are safe and comfortable, provide mobility assistance and take reasonable steps to help the passenger identify and find the vehicle.
Drivers must also not make, or propose to make, any additional charge for the above.
Mobility assistance includes to enable the passenger to get into or out of the vehicle, and to load the passenger’s luggage, wheelchair, or mobility aids into or out of the vehicle.
Where driver has medical grounds or a physical condition that makes it impossible or unreasonably difficult to perform this mobility assistance, they must apply for an exemption from these duties.
To apply for an exemption, drivers must complete and submit a Mobility Assistance Exemption Application Form [PDF, 120Kb]. An exemption only applies to the mobility assistance duties, and not to any other duties.
If no exemption has been applied for and subsequently granted, then drivers are still required to provide mobility assistance. Where an application is made to us for an exemption, it must be supported by medical evidence. The driver would be expected to be under the care of a specialist consultant and will be required to produce reports from their consultant in the first instance.