General information

Assistance Dog Information for Taxis

Taxis provide an important mode of transport for people with disabilities. It is important that disabled people who use guide and other assistance dogs have confidence that they can hire a taxi, which will carry them and their dog at no extra charge An assistance dog is a dog which provides help and support to a disabled person. These can include guide dogs, hearing dogs and support dogs. The Equality Act 2010 is totally clear that no driver can refuse a dog on any grounds - cleanliness of the dog, does not like dogs, fear of dogs, cultural or religious reasons. A refusal leaves you open to investigation by Licensing which could result in the withdrawal of your licence, or to a legal claim against you.

A medical exemption can be issued by Breckland Council if you have a genuine medical reason why you cannot have an assistance dog in your taxi. You need to display the exemption openly in your taxi.

For more information on the law and carrying guide or other assistance dogs, please visit the Guide Dog website (opens new window) or the Sight Loss Councils website. (opens new window)

Electronic Cigarettes

We have been asked about the use of electronic cigarettes in licensed vehicles. The advice/information we are currently giving is that:

While they are not illegal it would be hard to prove that they are not a real cigarette if seen by an enforcement officer passing by.
It does not send the correct message to the customers and could lead to abuse of the legislation.
Our policy states that drivers should not smoke in their vehicles.

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide information when necessary.