A taxi driver who drove away from a pre-booked customer and their guide dog has been given an 18 month conditional discharge under the Equality Act 2010.
This follows an investigation by Milton Keynes Council.
On 16 October 2020, Sardar Nisar Rashid Khan of Tinkers Bridge, Milton Keynes pleaded guilty for failing to take a guide dog under Section 170(3) of the Equality Act 2010. Milton Keynes Magistrates’ issued an 18-month condition discharge and £200 costs as well as a victim surcharge of £21.
At the time of the offence Sardar Khan’s vehicle was operated by Skyline Taxis. He is no longer licensed by South Northants Council.
The Court heard that on 30 September 2019 Sardar Khan 7drove away from a pre-booked customer at Kents Hill Conference Centre, Milton Keynes after discovering they’d be travelling with their guide dog. Mr Khan stated that he was allergic to dogs but did not have an exemption certificate from South Northants Council.
Councillor Mick Legg, chair of MKC’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.”
“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.”
