PRIVATE hire drivers in Blackburn will have to carry guide dogs when driving blind people as council bosses try to get tough on discrimination.

Amendments to the conditions of licence are being drawn up by Blackburn with Darwen Council which will mean private hire drivers can no longer refuse to carry blind people if they have guide dogs.

Hackney carriage drivers in Blackburn have already had the condition attached to their licence, but private hire drivers can still pick and choose.

Some firms charge extra to carry guide dogs.

But lobbying from the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association has led to council bosses to consider adding an extra clause in private hire drivers' licences. Drivers with allergies or acute fear of dogs would have to produce medical evidence to be exempt.

A report to Blackburn with Darwen's executive board said that 270 councils across the have included a condition in their private hire licences. It would cover guide dogs and other 'assistance dogs'.

The report said: "The new condition would mean a private hire vehicle must carry a guide dog belonging to a passenger, free of charge, unless the driver has a medical condition that would preclude such an action."

The move has been welcomed by most private hire drivers, saying they appreciate cabs can often be the only form of travel for blind people.