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Posted on the 8th December 2025 in PHTM News

CHARITY DEMANDS LICENCE REVOCATION FOR COVENTRY CABBIES WHO REFUSE GUIDE DOGS

The charity Guide Dogs is urging Coventry City Council to adopt a "zero tolerance" policy towards taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers who illegally refuse to carry assistance dogs, calling the service an essential “lifeline” for people with sight loss.

The charity highlighted that 9,410 people in Coventry currently live with sight loss, a figure predicted to rise to 10,800 by 2032.

In a submission to the council's licensing policy consultation, Guide Dogs regional policy and campaigns manager, Jessica Luke, detailed the significant barriers faced by assistance dog owners.

She reported that almost "60 per cent [are] being refused access and 40 per cent reporting that the taxi or PHV drove away when the driver saw their guide dog.

Refusing an assistance dog is a criminal offence under the Equality Act 2010, unless the driver has a valid medical exemption certificate.

Ms. Luke submitted a number of recommendations, including mandatory disability equality training for all drivers to address widespread ignorance of the law.

She noted: “A Guide Dogs survey found that many taxi drivers are unaware of their legal obligation to carry an assistance dog and of the impact refusals have on assistance dog owners.

“Many of the positive experiences disabled people report when using taxis and PHVs are a result of drivers attending disability equality training. Councils that have made this training a condition of licensing report very positive results, with fewer refusals and drivers feeling more confident in assisting disabled people.”

Most strongly, she called for severe penalties for violations: “The policy should state that the council will investigate all reported violations of the Equality Act 2010 in a timely manner, with a view to pursuing a conviction, and that failure to carry an assistance dog will lead to automatic revocation of a taxi or PHV licence.”

Luke stressed the emotional toll of illegal refusals on owners, explaining they “take a significant toll on assistance dog owners.

Apart from feelings of anger and embarrassment, refusals can undermine the independence that assistance dogs bring to their owners.”

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