Taxi Driver Online

VIDEO: Letchworth taxi driver refuses to take guide dog


A BLIND man has said he was unable to get a pre-booked taxi home because the driver would not allow his guide dog into the car.

Sean Dilley, from Stevenage, had arranged for Letchworth GC cab firm Gary’s Taxis to pick him up from Letchworth Sports and Tennis Club after being invited to play a game of blind tennis on Sunday evening but on arrival was refused entry because he was accompanied by his guide dog Chipp.

Mr Dilley, who was accompanied by a friend who filmed the incident (above), explained to the driver that it was against the law but to no avail.

“He outright refused so I asked why and he told me it’s because he’s a Muslim so he won’t breath in dog hairs,” said the 29-year-old, who was born partially sighted and has been blind for 15 years.

“I tried to persuade him and said he was breaking the law but he just wouldn’t do it.”

Mr Dilley, who works as a freelance political broadcaster, made a film last year for the BBC’s Daily Politics show to highlight how many businesses refused entry for guide dogs and said it was something he has experienced “often”.

“It’s just really upsetting that it happens, it’s not so much for my own sake that I want to highlight it but for people who may be intimidated and stop going out because it’s not worth the hassle,” he said.

Mr Dilley has made a complaint to North Hertfordshire District Council, which licenses taxis in the district, and said he would pursue the matter himself if necessary.

Cllr Bernard Lovewell, NHDC’s portfolio holder for housing and environmental health, said: “We are currently investigating a complaint regarding an alleged incident with a North Herts licensed hackney carriage driver and a customer with a guide dog. Until we have concluded the investigation we cannot comment further.

“We would like to reassure residents that NHDC-licensed taxi drivers should not refuse a blind or partially sighted person from getting in to their taxi on the grounds that they wish an assistance dog to accompany them.”

The Comet contacted Gary’s Taxis but the business was unavailable for comment.

http://www.thecomet.net/news/video_letc ... _1_1197304

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Don't we know a song about this?
Another one bites the dust.

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Grandad,

He refused the dog refused to give his badge number if they don't take his license off him I would be surprised but theres no telling these days. There must be one of these cases every week !!!!!

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

Dear Sir would you please remove this scumbag from the roads as he is not fit and proper

Now that Idea Intrigues me

I echo all the sentiments being expressed, but...

It does look they set the driver up.

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IDFIMH

He shouldn't have refused. End of.

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http://wingsoverscotland.com/ http://www.newsnetscotland.com/

I'm waiting for the exception certificates to be issued on the grounds of religious belief and the freedom to practise their religion without interference or bias

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Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

they'll be in the same postbag as the deportation ones

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Wonderful.......

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Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

Same old same old..................
Knew who the driver would be...................

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stressed controller!!!

That would have to go through parliament first.

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IDFIMH

I think you'll find they use a special ball with a bell inside it.

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Kind regards,

Brummie Cabbie.

Type a message, post your news,
Disagree with other members' views;
But please, do have some decorum,
When debating on the TDO Forum.

I used to work eith a chap who was quite good at bowls. He was well pi55ed off when he lost to a blind chap.

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Grandad,

Makes my blood boil. If they can't / wont take assistance dogs they shouldn't be doing the job.