Sight Loss Councils have launched new English and Urdu audio and written guides for taxi, private-hire vehicle and mini cab staff to ensure they feel confident when travelling with blind and partially sighted people with their guide dogs.

The Pocklington Trust, a charity for blind and partially sighted people, wrote to licensing authorities, saying:

"Throughout the year, we run projects with our Sight Loss Council members to advocate the needs of visually impaired people in their communities and work to improve access to goods and services at a local and national level.

"Accessible taxis, mini cabs and private hire vehicles (PHV) are a vital form of transport for blind and partially sighted people. This is because we are unable to drive, and often face barriers accessing public transport. They can also provide us with essential assistance and door-to-door services.

"Drivers refusing to transport guide dogs is a criminal offence, unless staff have an exemption certificate from their licencing authority. We hope this guide will help build driver confidence in transporting guide dogs and help raise awareness and understanding of living with sight loss."

Transcripts for the English and Urdu guides are also available.