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A Wirral taxi driver has been fined more than £1,100 and had his licence revoked after refusing to carry a disabled passenger with an assistance dog.
As reported by the Wirral Globe, taxi driver Robert New pleaded guilty to the offence at Wirral Magistrates Court on 17 September.
The case was brought under Section 170 of the Equality Act 2010, which makes it illegal for private hire drivers to refuse bookings involving disabled passengers accompanied by assistance dogs.
New was ordered to pay a total of £1,120 in costs, along with a £48 victim surcharge.
Wirral Council's Licensing Authority reviewed the incident back in July. They found that New was no longer an acceptable person to hold a private hire driver's licence. The authority subsequently revoked his licence.
A statement from the council read: "The Licensing Authority regards offences of this nature as extremely serious. Assistance dogs are not pets; they provide essential support to disabled people, enabling them to travel independently, access employment, education and healthcare, and participate fully in community life.
The council added that refusing to carry a person's service dog can "have a profound impact on an individual's independence and dignity".
Councillor Cherry Povall, chair of Wirral Council's Regulatory and General Purposes Committee, said in a statement, "Disabled people should be able to access transport services with confidence and without fear of discrimination.
"Assistance dogs provide invaluable support to their owners and play a critical role in helping them maintain their independence. There is no place for discriminatory behaviour within the licensed trade."
She said the case shows the council will take "decisive action" against drivers if they fail to meet expected standards. Relating to the specific incident, she said not carrying a passenger and their assistance dog is unacceptable.
Councillor Povall added: "Licensed drivers provide an important public service and are entrusted with the responsibility of transporting members of the public safely and fairly. The overwhelming majority of drivers understand and comply with their legal obligations under equality legislation.
"However, where there is evidence that a driver has unlawfully discriminated against a disabled passenger, the Licensing Authority will investigate thoroughly and take robust enforcement action where appropriate."
