Taxi driver suspended for refusing guide dog (From Dudley News)

Taxi driver suspended for refusing guide dog

1:00pm Wednesday 8th October 2008

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THE taxi driver who refused to take the fare of a blind lady because she had a guide dog has had his licence suspended by Dudley Council.

As reported in last week’s Dudley News, Beacon Taxi driver Sheraz Younas was found guilty by Dudley Magistrates Court of an offence under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

The two day hearing heard how 25-year-old Younas, of Buffery Road, refused to allow Lesley Elwell’s guide dog Freya in his car on December 1 last year, despite knowing she was an assistance dog.

He was fined £150 and ordered to pay £1,475 costs.

At a hearing at Dudley Council on September 30, Younas also had his licence suspended pending a referral to the taxis committee on October 22, when his private hire driver licence could be further suspended or revoked.

Phil Tart, assistant director for law and property at Dudley Council, said: “We take this offence very seriously. Following the successful prosecution, the driver will now be referred to the taxis committee where he could face losing his licence.

“In the meantime we have decided to suspend his licence in the interest of public safety.”

Under the Disability Discrimination Act any drivers who refuses to take wheelchair users or passengers with a assistance dog is committing a criminal offence.

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