FINED: Trafford minicab driver refused to pick up blind customer with guide dogA TRAFFORD minicab driver has been slapped with a fine after refusing to pick up a blind customer because he didn’t want the man’s guide dog in his car.
Asif Raza Syed was prosecuted under equalities legislation at Trafford Magistrates Court on April 8.
Syed, a private hire driver, had refused to carry out a booking accepted by the operator, because the blind customer was accompanied by a guide dog.
He pleaded guilty to the offence and was fined £270, ordered to pay £580 in court costs.
Helen Jones, Trafford Council’s deputy chief executive, said: “The council is committed to protecting all local residents, especially those who may be more vulnerable. We take our responsibilities extremely seriously and ensure that private hire drivers receiving licences are fit and proper and behave in a safe and appropriate manner.
"It is paramount that anyone using our registered private hire drivers should feel confident in the standard of service they receive.
“It is completely unacceptable for such passengers to be left, stranded, inconvenienced and potentially more vulnerable by the actions of someone in whom the council has placed trust.
“This case must act as a warning to all drivers. The council investigates all complaints it receives and will take the strongest possible action, including prosecuting any drivers who fail to carry out their responsibilities.”
While drivers with a genuine medical condition have the right to apply to the council for an exemption from the duty to convey passengers with an assistance dog, Syed had never applied.
This is the second similar prosecution in recent months by Trafford Council.
source:
http://www.messengernewspapers.co.uk/ne ... guide_dog/
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