Private hire driver fined over £1,000 for refusing to take a blind passenger and their guide dog

Image credit: Piqsels

A private hire driver who drove away from a pre-booked customer and their guide dog has been fined more than £1,100 under the Equality Act 2010 following an investigation by Milton Keynes Council.

On 5 October, Bubakarr Jalloh pleaded guilty by post for failing to take a guide dog under Section 170(3) of the Equality Act 2010. Milton Keynes Magistrates fined him £315 and he was also ordered to pay costs of £770 as well as a victim surcharge of £34.

At the time of the offence Jalloh’s vehicle was operated by Skyline Taxis. He is currently licensed by Buckinghamshire Council which will take appropriate action concerning his licence.

The Court heard that on 17 October 2019 Jalloh drove away from a pre-booked customer in Kingston after discovering they’d be travelling with their guide dog.

Cllr Mick Legg, chair of the MKC’s Regulatory Committee, said: “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.

“Milton Keynes Council has a zero-tolerance approach to offences under the Equality Act 2010 and this case clearly demonstrates our position.”