Cab drivers are legally prohibited from refusing assistance dogs.
A city taxi driver has been penalized for denying a ride to a blind passenger and his guide dog. Krishnasamy Ananthan admitted guilt and was ordered by Milton Keynes magistrates to pay a total of £324, which includes fines and legal fees.
Buckinghamshire Council is set to review Mr. Ananthan’s taxi license.
The court concluded that Mr. Ananthan deliberately avoided picking up the passenger with his assistance dog. The magistrates highlighted that the booking clearly showed the passenger was accompanied by a guide dog, meaning the driver could have been aware of this before accepting the fare.
This gave Mr. Ananthan the chance to refuse the booking ahead of time if there was a valid medical reason, such as having an exemption certificate.
The fine issued to Mr. Ananthan was £135, alongside an order to pay £135 towards trial costs and an additional £54 victim surcharge.
Cllr Mick Legg, the Cabinet member for Regulatory Services, commented: “Refusing to take passengers with assistance dogs is not only illegal, but also deeply discriminatory. Everyone has the right to access the same services and I hope this case serves as a reminder that all taxi drivers are expected to comply with the law and accommodate passengers according to their needs.”
According to the law, assistance dogs must be allowed on any form of public transportation when their owner has mobility impairments or conditions like epilepsy. Drivers with valid medical exemptions are required to display a ‘notice of exemption’ on their vehicle’s windshield.
