A blind man has claimed that he has been refused trips in private hire vehicles at least 30 times because of his guide dog.

Stephen Anderson, from Rayners Lane in Harrow, now films on his phone every time he is set to be picked up with his guide dog, Barney, because he has been refused so many times.

Under section 170 of the Equality Act 2010 it is illegal for private hire vehicle drivers to refuse to transport a guide dog and its owner. 

Transport for London (TfL) says on its website that any taxi or private hire driver who refuses a fare who charges extra to those with an assistance dog "risks prosecution and the possible loss of their licence".

Stephen said: “I think we need across the country a much better way of people knowing to go to the local licensing authority, in this case Transport for London, if there are problems like the ones I’ve experienced.

“There’s a lack of awareness, I think. Disabled people have not been given the tools to succeed and that’s very sad.”

Stephen has had Barney as his guide dog since 2016, and claims he has had issues with private hire vehicle drivers refusing him since 2018.

He added that despite his experiences he will continue to take Barney into private hire vehicles, as it is his legal right.

Stephen said: “It has made me think very seriously about getting another dog in the future, but I will not be bullied into submission.”

A spokesperson for TfL said: “Private hire drivers can't refuse a passenger because they have an assistance dog.

“Between February 2015 and December 2022, TfL successfully prosecuted 109 private hire vehicle drivers for failing or refusing to carry passengers accompanied by assistance dogs.”

They added: “TfL works closely with disability charities including Guide Dogs, RNIB and London Vision to help improve the network for visually impaired people.”