Taxi Driver Online

Private hire driver refused to take blind woman because she had a guide dog

https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/wes ... e-15484039

Driver Mohammed Sarfraz, from Batley, has been fined for breaking Equality Act 2010

A private hire driver has been fined for refusing to carry a blind woman because she had a guide dog with her.

Mohammed Sarfraz, who works for Eastern Cars, was caught in a Kirklees Council "sting" operation in June.

Kirklees Magistrates' Court heard that 66-year-old Sarfraz arrived to collect the fare at McDonald's in Heckmondwike on Saturday June 23.

When the woman approached Sarfraz he refused to take her because she had an assistance dog with her, the court was told by Tahir Hanif, prosecuting.

Sarfraz, who did not attend court, pleaded guilty to failing to carry out a booking for a disabled person accompanied by an assistance dog.

The prosecution was brought under the Equality Act 2010.

Mr Hanif confirmed that the case had been brought following a "sting" operation.

He said Sarfraz, of Woodsome estate, Batley, was an experienced cab driver who hadn't been in trouble in the past.

"He seems to be a long-standing driver without any problems."

Magistrates ordered Sarfraz to pay £484 in fines and costs.

This similar case from Kirklees in 2015 says they're doing regular sting ops:

“Officers from the licensing service for Kirklees conduct operations every now and then to ensure that the laws relating to taxis are complied with.”

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=28028

Easiest way to catch out those that believe they can discriminate against the disabled.

Quite amazed more councils don't operate these stings.

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IDFIMH

There's a video doing the rounds where a PH Driver in Yorkshire pulled up at a train station and drove off because the passenger had a guide dog. He said, "because there's 4 of you plus the dog I'm overloaded."

Well should his licensing authority come calling I hope he has a far better reason than that for refusal.

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IDFIMH

What if there were 4 blind people and 4 guide dogs, do you still have to take them in a saloon ?

I think you would have a reasonable excuse.

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IDFIMH