TAXI drivers could be handed certificates giving them the right to refuse to carry guide dogs on medical grounds.

Currently all taxis and private hires in Glasgow must - according to the terms of their licence - carry guide dogs, hearing dogs or assistance dogs alongside disabled passengers.

Their licences states that they cannot charge extra money for this.

Drivers can apply for dispensation from this condition if they have a medical illness which is aggravated by having a dog in the car.

They must have a letter from a doctor confirming this.

But there are now plans to issue these drivers with a certificate - to be displayed in the car - setting out that they can refuse entry to disabled people or those with visual or hearing impairment, if they have an assistance dog travelling with them.

The moves will be discussed at a meeting of Glasgow City Council's licensing committee on Wednesday.

A report on the plans, to be tabled at the committee, reads: "In order to more easily evidence to a member of the public who may wish to travel in a taxi or private hire car with their guide dog, hearing dog or assistance dog, that a driver has been granted dispensation on genuine medical grounds, it is recommended that any such driver is issued with a tactile certificate setting out the terms of the dispensation in writing and in braille.

"This will assist any member of the public in these circumstances who has visual impairment."

The report adds: "Where a taxi driver or a private hire car driver is unable to produce the tactile certificate then a member of the public is entitled to assume that the driver has not been granted a dispensation and that he or she is obliged to carry a guide dog, hearing dog or assistance dog in his or her vehicle.

"Where a hire is refused in these circumstances, members of the public are encouraged to report the matter to the licensing authority in order that it can be investigated."

Drivers who have not been granted dispensation but who refuse to carry a guide dog or assistance dog are in breach of their licence.

They will be referred to the licensing committee where councillors can consider suspending them.

There are currently no drivers who have been granted such dispensation, the report adds.