
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.”

Motoring campaigners and taxi drivers have fiercely criticised the steady fee increases, arguing that passengers will ultimately be forced to "shoulder the costs."

The petition argues that Slough’s cut-off is “stricter and more costly” than neighbouring authorities, adding that drivers and operators will be asked to “bear high costs” to upgrade their vehicles.

Licensed drivers in the Cotswolds are demanding a local ban on the Uber app, claiming they are losing "thousands of pounds" due to competition from drivers licensed in distant areas

London EV Company (LEVC) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, backing the city-region's £8m Hackney Support Fund.

The Government has issued a statement detailing its plans to overhaul taxi licensing under The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, specifically aiming to tackle the controversial issue of 'out-of-area' wor

New research analysing Reddit travel discussions has named Turkey as the country where tourists most frequently report falling victim to taxi scams.

Larisa Sumovskaja, 18, and Jasmine Orchard, 21, took a taxi home after a night out, but left the vehicle without paying the £38 fare. 

The unnamed driver's licence is suspended for three months, though she may return sooner if she completes training.

Glasgow taxi drivers could soon be required to accept card payments after the city's licensing committee officially agreed to hold a public consultation on the issue.

The move is being driven by "significant increases in the cost of vehicles and maintenance, fuel and the cost of living," according to a Shetland Islands Council (SIC) report.

The motion, spearheaded by Labour councillor Mohammed Jamil, requires the city council to write to the Secretary of State for Transport and two local MPs, urging their support.

Footage captured the vehicle entirely "enveloped in flames" as firefighters arrived on the scene to tackle the intense blaze.

The claimants, Miss O Akinleye and Mr A Olumade, pursued an employment tribunal against BDBC alleging sex discrimination, race discrimination, harassment, and victimisation.

Several members of the Wakefield taxi & private hire trade were at the meeting and one was so angry and concerned at what was said by this licensing officer that he has lodged the complaint.


Wolverhampton has revealed 17 reports of alleged sexual assault or rape against its licensed drivers within a three-month period.

Jordan Roberts, 27, of Wrexham, appeared at Mold Crown Court on November 25, where he pleaded guilty to robbery.

The Taxi Centre has stepped up to support Glasgow’s taxi trade and a local charity, raising a further £2,600 for a cancer charity, bringing the total raised for the charity this year to £4,300.

Malik Paracha’s licence was taken away in March 2025 when Buckinghamshire Council officers became aware that he had committed ‘multiple motoring offences’.

Under the new rules, taxi use for medical travel will be restricted to "exceptional" cases such as physical disability, pregnancy or serious illness - and these will require government approval.
