Taxi Driver Online

Blind Dave Heeley wins taxi dog ban equality case

Blind marathon runner Dave Heeley has won a legal victory after his guide dog Wicksie was barred from a taxi. The offence happened in Sandwell within a week of the Equalities Act coming into force in October 2010.

Taxi driver Wali Khan, 28, of Lewisham Road, Smethwick, was ordered to pay a total of £665. He admitted refusing to take a disabled person in his cab, after the booking had been accepted, on the basis that he would be accompanied by a guide dog.

Mr Heeley, 53, speaking after the ruling at Warley Magistrates Court, said: "I think it was important to take this case to court. "It is a victory for all other blind, deaf and physically disabled people.

"I'm big and ugly enough to handle most situations - but what if it had been someone who wouldn't have stood up for themselves? They would have been left in a very vulnerable situation indeed."
'Fantastic drivers'

The runner, who is known in his home town of West Bromwich as "Blind Dave Heeley", is best known for completing seven marathons on seven continents in seven days for charity in 2008.

He said: "The vast majority of taxi drivers are fantastic but the small number who don't stick to the law must be reminded how their actions can affect a blind or deaf person's quality of life. "I've used this particular taxi company for years and still do. I've no complaints against them."

Marc Rowley, owner of XL, a private hire firm in Wednesbury, said Mr Khan no longer worked for the company. He said: "We do a lot of business for people with visual impairments and this was an isolated incident which upset everyone here at XL.

"We take our responsibilities to people with disabilities very seriously. "Dave is one of our top customers and we are pleased he continues to use our services."

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IDFIMH

Before I even clicked on this thread, I knew the answer.

Again.

How does he know? He's blind!

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Grandad,

When will these muppets learn?

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http://wingsoverscotland.com/ http://www.newsnetscotland.com/

Muslims don't like dogs do they?? They think they are dirty due to Allah. The best punishment is, cover them in Pedigree Chum and let the dog lick it off.

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Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.

Believe me, don't get Mercury X2

I know of a woman who allegedly used to put marmite on her bits and pieces and get the dog to lick it off, but that wasn't as a punishment.

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Grandad,

'Blind Dave' as most people in the West Midlands know him as, because most don't know his surname, is quite a cult figure in these parts.

He's been on local BBC Radio WM many times (great speaker) and has been nominated by loads of people, and I mean loads of people, and his nomination has been accepted to be one of the Olympic torch bearers when the torch comes to our region next year.

His nomination has yet to be approved and confirmed, but if he doesn't get a berth in the Olympic Torch Relay, there's gonna be some sh*t flying around these parts, I can tell you!!!

He even has his own website, so just spend a few minutes looking at this guys acheivements; they are absolutely amazing!!

Here's his website;

http://www.blinddaveheeley.co.uk/index.html

And here are some of his Olympic Torch Relay support webpages;

http://birmingham.myvillage.com/news/su ... mpic-torch

http://www.wba.co.uk/page/CommunityLate ... 93,00.html

http://www.lloydstsblondon2012.co.uk/en ... 1f3de3bbe9

http://www.voice21.co.uk/news/blind-dav ... pic-torch/

http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/news/article ... mpic_torch

http://www.spaghettigazetti.com/2011/06 ... ve-to.html

http://olympicdave.blogspot.com/

http://www.idealforall.co.uk/index.php? ... &Itemid=56

And here's his Olympic Torch Relay Facebook voting site;

http://www.facebook.com/BlindDaveOlympicTorch

So let's all vote for him to carry the Olympic Torch as the 'Taxi' trades way of saying, 'Sorry 'Blind Dave' that you had a bad experience with a licensed driver!"

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Kind regards,

Brummie Cabbie.

Type a message, post your news,
Disagree with other members' views;
But please, do have some decorum,
When debating on the TDO Forum.

And here's his latest challenge for August this year;

http://www.blinddaveheeley.co.uk/top2toe/

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Kind regards,

Brummie Cabbie.

Type a message, post your news,
Disagree with other members' views;
But please, do have some decorum,
When debating on the TDO Forum.

Blind Dave?

He was also Little Britain Character.

+1

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stressed controller!!!

Ah Rambo !

What are you doing nowadays?

How come?....it was only about carrying a guide dog!

The blind aren't the only people who use assistance dogs.

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http://wingsoverscotland.com/ http://www.newsnetscotland.com/

I do not like taking Labradores. They are the most dangerous dogs alive........wait for it....have you seen how many of thier owners go blind.

We did our first assistance dog job today after 8 years in the game. We are only a small town but the owner did say that there are a couple of drivers here that have refused him and his dog. I told him to ring us first in future, his dog will always be welcome.

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Grandad,