A Wirral taxi driver has been prosecuted and stripped of his licence after refusing to carry a disabled customer with an assistance dog. Robert New has been ordered to pay costs totalling £1,120 together with a victim surcharge of £48.
Offence under the Equality Act 2010
It is an offence for the driver of a private hire vehicle to fail or refuse to carry out a booking accepted by an operator because a disabled person is joined by an assistance dog, under Section 170 of the Equality Act 2010. Mr New entered a guilty plea in writing when the case went before Wirral Magistrates Court on September 17.
Prior to the court date, the council's licensing authority had determined that Mr New was no longer a fit and proper person to hold a private hire driver's licence and his licence was revoked. The licensing authority regards offences of this nature as extremely serious, as such behaviour creates unnecessary barriers for disabled people and undermines their ability to live active, meaningful and fulfilling lives.
Council urges reporting of discrimination
The council encourages anyone who believes they have experienced discrimination by a licensed driver to report the matter so that it can be appropriately investigated.
Cllr Cherry Povall, chair of the Regulatory and General Purposes Committee, said: "Disabled people should be able to access transport services with confidence and without fear of discrimination. Assistance dogs provide invaluable support to their owners and play a critical role in helping them maintain their independence.
"There is no place for discriminatory behaviour within the licensed trade. This case demonstrates that Wirral Council will take decisive action where licensed drivers fail to meet the standards expected of them.
"We hope this prosecution sends a clear message that refusing to carry a passenger because they are accompanied by an assistance dog is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
"Licensed drivers provide an important public service and are entrusted with the responsibility of transporting members of the public safely and fairly. The overwhelming majority of drivers understand and comply with their legal obligations under equality legislation.
"However, where there is evidence that a driver has unlawfully discriminated against a disabled passenger, the Licensing Authority will investigate thoroughly and take robust enforcement action where appropriate."
