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Nelson taxi driver fined over assistance dog refusal
A Nelson taxi driver has been ordered to pay more than £500 after refusing to carry a disabled passenger and her assistance dog.
Mohammed Sohail Akram, of Smith Street, pleaded guilty to breaching the Equality Act 2019 when he appeared at Burnley Magistrates Court.
The court heard how the passenger, Victoria Morris, had booked a cab with Apollo Taxis from Burnley Manchester Road railway station to her home address with her assistance dog, Molly.
When the taxi arrived, Akram was rude and refused to let Victoria and Molly in the vehicle.
He stated he did not carry dogs and Victoria needed to book a pet-friendly taxi.
He then sped off, leaving Victoria and Molly at the station.
In his defence, Akram told the court his employer knew he would not carry large dogs, having had a fear of the animals since his youth.
He said he knew he could not refuse an assistance dog, but that Victoria had not mentioned it when she booked the taxi.
Akram was asked why he sped off without explaining his fear of large dogs and arranging for another taxi.
He said he did speak to Victoria but could not explain to her due to the fear she would argue with him, so he thought it best to drive away.
He also said he called the office and cancelled the job.
The court fined Akram £40 and ordered him to pay £475 costs and a £16 victim surcharge, totalling £531.
Back in February when the incident took place, Apollo Taxis said another car was sent within six minutes so Victoria could complete her journey, and will no longer use the driver in question as it has a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination.
Victoria, 33, who lives in Burnley, had been on the train to Accrington to visit a new house she was moving to, and she said she decided to get a taxi because she was tired and it was cold.
A video shared with the Lancashire Telegraph shows Victoria approaching the cab outside the station.
Straight away, the driver says Victoria should have explained when booking the taxi that she has an assistance dog.
The driver also said should have made this clear because they have special cars for dogs.
Victoria then explained that because Molly is an assistance dog, she can go in any taxi and legally the driver has to complete the journey.
Apollo Taxis said the driver was not directly employed by them but that he would not be working for them again.
A spokesperson said at the time: “Apollo Taxis has dismissed a driver following an incident involving a passenger with an assistance dog.
“While the passenger was ultimately picked up and taken to their destination, the driver’s initial refusal was unacceptable and breached both company policy and the Equality Act 2010.
“We have a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and are reinforcing training to ensure all drivers uphold our commitment to accessible, inclusive transport for all.”
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