Taxi Driver Online

Bucks Herald

June 13, 2007

HEADLINE: Taxi would not take my guide dog

I came to Aylesbury to visit family and was appalled to find that no taxi service would let me use them as I am blind and have a guide dog.

In particular one taxi firm told me 'I know it is law but we do not take dogs as they will leave hair on the floor and other customers may complain'.

For me this meant I was stuck as I do not know where the buses are and do not know my way around the area.

I explained that this was against the disability regulations to no avail. To me public transport is a lifeline vital for me and the many other guide dog users in this area.

If someone who is not disbled parks in a disabled spot they get told it is discrimination, the same as if a school won't let a Muslim wear a hijab they get in trouble for discrimination so why am I being discriminated for being blind?

I d not choose to be yet it seems that Iam penalised for it. The council needs to take this matter seriously,as do the inconsiderate taxi drivers.

Siobhan Meade

Great Yarmouth
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I would dearly like that firm to be named.

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IDFIMH