Reading Borough Council licensing officers recently partnered with The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association for a special test purchasing exercise.
Their goal was to ensure that their taxi and private hire drivers comply with non-discrimination regulations, especially regarding passengers travelling with their assistance dogs
Every private hire vehicle should be able and willing to carry disabled passengers. This includes a legal responsibility for drivers to carry assistance dogs without charging extra when travelling with their disabled owner
During this exercise, they conducted seven test purchases. They booked multiple taxi trips in advance, with a volunteer from Guide Dogs UK posing as a passenger with their guide dog.
This allowed them to identify any private hire vehicles refusing access to passengers with guide dogs
Out of the seven vehicles tested, six were licensed by Reading BC, and one was licensed by a neighbouring authority.
All six Reading council vehicles passed the test, although there was one area of non-compliance noted.
Unfortunately, the out-of-area vehicle failed the exercise.
Since then, penalty points and warning letters have been issued to non-compliant drivers, and an investigation is ongoing into the out-of-area driver.
Reading council confirms they will continue their partnership with Guide Dogs UK, distributing more information about the importance of this legislation to private hire operators.
"Our mission is to ensure a fair and inclusive taxi service for everyone."
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