The London Evening Standard reported on 19th April:

Blind woman repeatedly snubbed by Uber drivers because of her guide...

and the topic was aired in a discussion on LBC

Transport for London published acampaign press release on 15th February 2016, entitled:

Dogs have a right to ride

Customers are being reminded that private hire drivers must allow their accredited assistance dogs to travel in the passenger compartment, and cannot refuse them or charge extra for their fare.

As well as educating customers, the campaign is also designed to inform drivers of their legal obligations. TfL will take action against private hire drivers who do not comply with the laws and has successfully prosecuted five drivers and three operators in the past six months.

TfL's general manager of taxi and private hire Helen Chapman said: 'We are committed to making our services accessible to all our customers. This includes ensuring that our licensees are aware of their responsibilities regarding passengers who require the vital service that assistance dogs provide.

'The education campaign, along with the increased compliance activity we will be carrying out to support it, will make a real, positive difference to the way people can get around the capital.'

Deliver the message

Rob Harris, engagement manager for Guide Dogs London, welcomed the campaign: 'Being denied access to a taxi or private hire vehicle is not just illegal, but can knock the confidence of our guide dog owners and be deeply upsetting.

'With TfL's fantastic campaign, we can now make sure that message gets out to every single licensed driver so that there is no excuse and that guide dog owners are entitled to the same freedom of movement as everyone else.'

• More than 7,000 people are assisted by dogs that are trained and accredited by the seven charities that form the Assistance Dogs UK organisation.
• As well as Guide Dogs, there are Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, Medical Detection Dogs for people with complex health issues and Dogs for Good, which assist people with physical disabilities and children with autism.

Section 37a of the Disability Discrimination Act came into force in March 2003 and makes it illegal for  minicab drivers (such as uber) to refuse to carry guide dog owners just because they are accompanied by their dogs. Medical exemptions are available if drivers have a certificate from their GPs, as is the case for licensed taxi drivers, just three of whom have exemptions in the whole of the UK. (For more info CLICK HERE). Exemptions can apply for medical reasons only, not religious/cultural belief/posh car. Drivers who need a medical  exemption form can call: 0343 222 4444

This is not a new issue, read the item from Daily Mirror dated 20th November 2015. 

Taxi and Private Hire has introduced a new customer comments hotline so anyone who has experienced problems with licensed vehicles operating private hire can contact it direct. Call 0343 222 4000 between 08:00 and 18:00, Monday to Friday excluding Bank Holidays; or report use the on-line form