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| Wirral PH driver guilty for refusing to carry assistance dog http://www.taxi-driver.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=42918 |
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| Author: | Sussex [ Thu Sep 24, 2026 7:06 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Wirral PH driver guilty for refusing to carry assistance dog |
Private hire driver prosecuted after refusing to carry assistance dog https://wirralview.com/communities/priv ... stance-dog A Wirral man has been prosecuted and stripped of his licence to operate as a private hire driver after refusing to carry a disabled customer with their assistance dog. The driver entered guilty a plea in writing when his case went before Wirral Magistrates Court on September 17 2026. The action was taken under Section 170 of the Equality Act 2010 which makes it an offence for the driver of a private hire vehicle to fail or refuse to carry out a booking accepted by an operator because a disabled person is accompanied by an assistance dog. The court imposed a financial penalty and ordered Robert New to pay costs totalling £1,120 together with a victim surcharge of £48. Wirral Council's Licensing Authority had already considered Mr New's conduct in July as part of its responsibility to protect the public and maintain confidence in the licensed trade. Following a review of the circumstances of the incident - where he failed or refused to carry out a booking accepted by an operator because the disabled person was accompanied by an assistance dog - the Licensing Authority determined that Mr New was no longer a fit and proper person to hold a private hire driver's licence and his licence was revoked. The Licensing Authority regards offences of this nature as extremely serious. Assistance dogs are not pets; they provide essential support to disabled people, enabling them to travel independently, access employment, education and healthcare, and participate fully in community life. Refusing to carry a passenger because they are accompanied by an assistance dog can have a profound impact on an individual's independence and dignity. Such behaviour creates unnecessary barriers for disabled people and undermines their ability to live active, meaningful and fulfilling lives. Disabled people should be able to access transport services with confidence and without fear of discrimination. Assistance dogs provide invaluable support to their owners and play a critical role in helping them maintain their independence. There is no place for discriminatory behaviour within the licensed trade. This case demonstrates that Wirral Council will take decisive action where licensed drivers fail to meet the standards expected of them. We hope this prosecution sends a clear message that refusing to carry a passenger because they are accompanied by an assistance dog is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Licensed drivers provide an important public service and are entrusted with the responsibility of transporting members of the public safely and fairly. The overwhelming majority of drivers understand and comply with their legal obligations under equality legislation. However, where there is evidence that a driver has unlawfully discriminated against a disabled passenger, the Licensing Authority will investigate thoroughly and take robust enforcement action where appropriate. Cllr Cherry Povall, Chair of the Regulatory and General Purposes Committee, Wirral Council Wirral Council is committed to ensuring that licensed transport services are safe, accessible and inclusive for all residents and visitors. The Authority encourages anyone who believes they have experienced discrimination by a licensed driver to report the matter so that it can be appropriately investigated. Licensed drivers are required to comply with their obligations under equality legislation unless a lawful exemption applies. |
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