Guide dog case taxi driver gets warning (From Dudley News)

Guide dog case taxi driver gets warning

2:24pm Wednesday 26th November 2008

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

A TAXI driver who refused the fare of a blind lady and her guide dog has received a warning from Dudley Council about his actions.

Sheraz Younas, a driver at Beacon Taxi’s, was found guilty by Dudley Magistrates in September of an offence under the Disability Discrimination Act.

The court heard how 25-year-old Younas, of Buffery Road, refused to allow Lesley Elwell’s labrador retriever guide dog Freya in his car, despite knowing she was an assistance dog.

He was fined £150 and ordered to pay £1,475 costs by the three magistrates, one of which was partially sighted.

Following the successful conviction, Younas also had his private hire licence suspended by council officials “in the interest of public safety” until a meeting of the Taxi Committee last week.

During the meeting on Wednesday November 19, committee members reviewed Mr Younas’s licence and handed him a full written warning - which allows him to return back to work.

Under the Disability Discrimination Act, any taxi driver who refuses to take wheelchair users or passengers with a guide dog is committing a criminal offence.

Speaking after the two day trial back in September, Lesley Elwell said she hoped her case would bring to the attention of all private hire drivers that they need to be aware of the responsibilities of working dogs.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)