Guide Dogs Campaigns

Together we campaign for equal mobility and genuine independence for blind and partially sighted people. Find out more at www. guidedogs.org. uk /campaigns.

We have three main campaign priorities at present:

Talking Buses:

We have been campaigning since 2010 to ensure that all buses are accessible to people with sight loss using on-board next-stop and final-destination announcements. In October 2016 we had a major breakthrough when the Government agreed to make an amendment to the Bus Services Bill to say that in future all buses will have to provide accessible information to help people with sight and hearing loss travel independently. Fantastic news! The Bill is currently progressing through Parliament and is due to be finalised in 2017.

Streets Ahead:

We found from a survey in 2014 that cars parked on pavements causing an obstruction was the number one problem faced by people when trying to get out and about. The current legal situation is very confusing, and many drivers are not sure whether it is legal for them to park on pavements or not. We are campaigning to change the law to make it a general presumption that you can't park on the pavement unless you are in an area that the council has specifically exempted.

We are also campaigning for better licencing and enforcement of keeping our pavements clear of clutter such as wheelie bins, advertising boards and cafe furniture.

Access All Areas:

In 2015 we found in a survey that nearly three quarters of all assistance dog owners have been illegally turned away from a shop or business just because they have their dog with them. The biggest problem turned out to be taxi and private hire vehicles, which accounted for nearly half of all refusals. We are campaigning to make disability equality training a requirement for all taxi and minicab drivers so that they understand their rights and obligations under the law.

To find out more or get involved in any of our campaigns go to www. guidedogs.org. uk /campaigns, or email us on campaigns@guidedogs.org. uk.