Taxi driver is prosecuted after refusing to take a guide dog in his cab in Milton Keynes

A taxi driver who drove away from a pre-booked customer and their guide dog has been given an 18 month conditional discharge in court.
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Skyline driver Sardar Nisar Rashid Khan was booked to pick up a passenger at Kents Hill Conference Centre.

But when he discovered the customer had a guide dog he drove away, stating that he was allergic to dogs, Milton Keynes Magistrates heard.

The customer reported the matter and Rashid was prosecuted by MK Council under Section 170(3) of the Equality Act 2010. He pleaded guilty to failing to taking a guide dog.

It is against the law to refuse entry to a guide dogIt is against the law to refuse entry to a guide dog
It is against the law to refuse entry to a guide dog

Magistrates issued an 18 month condition discharge and £200 costs as well as a victim surcharge of £21.

Rashid is no longer licensed by Skyline's licensing authority, South Northants Council after the offence, which took place in September last year.

Councillor Mick Legg, chair of MK Council’s Regulatory Committee, said: “Milton Keynes Council has a zero-tolerance approach to offences under the Equality Act 2010 and this case clearly demonstrates our position.”

He added: “This is an excellent result and demonstrates quite clearly that it is unlawful for a private hire driver to refuse to pick up a properly booked person with a guide dog.

“I would like to personally thank the complainant for coming forward and reporting this matter to us.”