Essex taxi driver refused to carry blind person and their guide doghttps://www.essexlive.news/news/essex-n ... y-10384184An Essex taxi driver who refused to carry a guide dog and their blind owner has been ordered to pay a fine. The driver's actions at a taxi rank in Witham were in breach of the Equalities Act.
Ovidiu Budulan, a licensed Hackney Carriage driver, appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on July 24 where they admitted to refusing to carry an assistance dog and their owner to an address in Witham. Braintree District Council brought the prosecution against the driver following an incident which took place in August last year.
A registered blind member of the public approached Mr Budulan's vehicle at a taxi rank on Albert Road in Witham. They asked to be taken to an address in town, but the driver refused to allow the guide dog into their vehicle.
After the refusal, the passenger was assisted by a second Hackney Carriage driver who agreed to take them both to their destination. The court imposed a £325 fine and ordered Mr Budulan to pay a surcharge of £130 and costs of £600 to Braintree District Council, totalling more than £1,000.
Cllr Mary [edited by admin] (Cons.), Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities at Braintree District Council, stressed that most taxi drivers in Witham are helpful and responsible. She added: "This case sends a clear message that discrimination against passengers with a disability will not be tolerated. Guide dogs are essential companions and refusing service in this way is both unlawful and unfair. We expect all licensed taxi drivers within our district to understand and comply with their legal obligations and responsibilities."
The Guide Dogs charity says taxi drivers can refuse to carry a guide dog and their owner if the driver has a medical exemption certificate due to a genuine medical condition that is aggravated by exposure to dogs. If this is the case, you or your company should help find the passenger another taxi/minicab.
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