To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to make taxis more accessible for disabled people.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to prevent taxi drivers from discriminating against people with disability assistance dogs.

In July 2018 the Department published its Inclusive Transport Strategy, with the intention of supporting a transport network which enables disabled people to travel easily, confidently and without additional cost. Disabled people make twice as many journeys by taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) as non-disabled people and it is essential that operators and authorities play their part in making this a reality.

The Government plans to update guidance to local licensing authorities on the provision of an inclusive service, including the appropriate treatment of passengers with assistance dogs.

In the meantime I urge authorities to ensure that drivers receive suitable disability awareness training and that robust action is taken against those who discriminate illegally against disabled passengers.