A cab driver has paid the price for driving off rather than pick up his pre-booked fare - a deaf person and her guide dog.
Muhammad Irfan, of Chetwode Avenue, Monkston, pleaded guilty by post to failing to collect a deaf person with an Assistance Dog under Section 170 of the Equality Act 2010.
On Friday (27th) Milton Keynes Magistrates fined him £223 in his absence for the offence and he was also ordered to pay costs of £540 as well as a victim surcharge of £30.
Mr Irfan’s vehicle is currently licensed by South Northamptonshire District Council, which will take appropriate action concerning his licence.
The court heard that on 29 January 2018 a local resident, who is deaf, booked a licensed vehicle and when the driver attended her home he saw the dog - and drove away without them.
Cllr Catriona Morris, chair of the MK Regulatory Committee, says: “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 an Assistance Dog.
“I would like to personally thank the complainant for coming forward and reporting this matter to us.
“Milton Keynes Council has a ‘Zero Tolerance’ approach to offences under the Equality Act 2010 and this case clearly demonstrates our position.”
