taxis and registered assistance dogs - Disability Discrimination

Dear Mr Heaton,

Ref: Freedom of Information Request - Ref: 43197

I refer to your information request dated 23/06/2009, which I received
on the 24/06/09 and I enclose the information under the Freedom of
Information Act 2000.

1. what arrangements you make to ensure that taxi drivers licensed by
the council do not refuse to carry a passenger who has a registered
assistance dog (you will I hope be aware that this
extends substantially beyond Guide Dogs).
Answer
Information imparted to trade via Private Hire Operators and Taxi
Newsletter

2. How many instances you are aware of where there have been such
refusals, and the reasons why
Answers
In five years, two refusals reported.

3. How many complaints you have had about this and how you have
dealt with them.
Answer
One in 2004 dealt with as a formal complaint and driver issued with a
Formal Caution from Head of Environmental Services.
In 2008 prosecution of Hackney Carriage driver for refusal, guilty
verdict.

4. How your council meets its obligations in this respect under
Disability Discrimination legislation, to ensure that people with
a
registered assistance dog are not refused by taxi drivers.
Answer
As in question 1 and also publicising result of complaints and
prosecutions

I must apologise for you not receiving an acknowledgment of your
Freedom of Information request and the late return of information. In
order for me to meet the 20 working day time frame of responding, the
information you requested should of been sent out to you no later than
the 21st July 2009. Unfortunately, due to an unforseen family illness I
was away from the office from the 20/07/09 until today and was
therefore unable to send you the information by this date. As a result
of the late return of information there will be an internal review
conducted by the Head of Environmental Services and the outcome of this
sent to you no later than the 10th August 2009.

If you are not happy with the way in which your request has been dealt
with please contact Mr Jas Lally, Head of Environmental Services,
Environment & Planning Department, The Guildhall, Cambridge, PO BOX
700.

You may also contact the Information Commissioner if you are still not
happy with the way your request has been dealt with. The Information
Commissioner’s address is: Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow,
Cheshire, SK9 5AF

Yours sincerely

Sean Cleary
Business Support Manager
Environmental Services
Cambridge City Council
PO Box 700
Cambridge
CB1 0JH
Tel: 01223 457882
Email: [email address]

Please consider the environment - do you really need to print this
e-mail?

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