Justin Tomlinson MP

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State

Department for Work and Pensions

Caxton House

Tothill St

Westminster

London

SW1H 9NA

Date: 4^th August 2015

Dear Justin,

I am writing to you about a recent survey conducted by Guide Dogs UK.

Guide Dogs UK found that nearly half (49%) of guide dog owners surveyed reported an access to service refusal in the last year. Worryingly, 75% of guide dog owners surveyed also reported that they had been refused access to a taxi or private hire vehicle because the drivers refused to carry guide dogs.

Although it is already illegal to refuse to carry an assistance dog in your taxi, unless you have a medical exemption certificate, many guide dog owners are still encountering drivers who refuse to carry their dog. It is of the utmost importance that the needs of those with visual impairments are met, and that they do not experience any barriers to accessing vital services.

It is my understanding that there are no sentencing guidelines for magistrates who process these cases. I would, therefore, like to reiterate Guide Dogs UK’s call for the Government to introduce sentencing guidelines which recommend strict penalties for drivers found guilty of refusing access to assistance dogs.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this matter.

Yours sincerely,