LICENCE REVOKED: Taxi driver faces costs of over £3,500 after refusing mobility scooter user entry

A taxi driver has withdrawn his appeal against the decision by Stratford-on-Avon District Council to revoke his licence, following a discriminatory incident involving a member of the public in a mobility scooter.

Mr Parker, aged 69 and from Shipston-on-Stour, had lodged the appeal after the District Council's Licensing Panel took the decision to revoke his licence in March 2023.

The case dates back to January 2023 when a complaint was lodged by a member of the public who was denied transportation by Mr Parker while on a taxi rank in Stratford-upon-Avon town centre. The complainant, who was using a mobility scooter at the time, reported that Mr Parker refused to provide him with a ride in his Hackney Carriage vehicle, despite actively seeking hire.

The appeal hearing, which was scheduled for Monday 9 October 2023, will no longer take place as Mr Parker's licence revocation stands with immediate effect. As a result, he is no longer a licensed driver under Stratford-on-Avon District Council. The Magistrates' Court also ordered Mr Parker to pay £3,696 in costs to the District Council.

It should be noted that, since 1 January 2010, all Hackney Carriage vehicles licensed by Stratford-on-Avon District Council must be wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs). This requirement ensures that those in the community who have disabilities or mobility issues have reasonable access to transportation through a Hackney Carriage.

Cllr Lorraine Grocott, Environmental and Neighbourhood Services Portfolio at the District Council, said: "Under the Equality Act 2010, licensed taxi drivers using accessible vehicles must not discriminate against disabled passengers and they should also give them assistance when required.

"Actions such as these are inexcusable and certainly not the high standard that we expect from our licensed drivers who all undergo disability awareness training to ensure they are aware of their legal obligation."