Dogsey

A Hertfordshire taxi driver who refused to carry a blind man's guide dog has received ten penalty points on his taxi licence and a formal caution by North Herts District Council (NHDC). If he commits a further offence in the next two years, the driver, who works for Gary's Taxis in Letchworth Garden City, could have his licence revoked.

Sean Dilley had arranged for a taxi to pick him up from letchworth Sports and Tennis Club in January but said he was told he was welcome to use the taxi but his guide dog could not. He said he was told by the driver that he would not take his assistance dog, Chip, because he was a Muslim and it was against his Islamic beliefs. Mr Dilley subsequently complained to NHDC, which is responsible for taxi licences in the area.

At the disciplinary hearing, the taxi driver admitted he had refused to carry Chip. His explanation that he did not understand the council's Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy, the Equality act 2010 or the meaning of the word 'an assistance' dog was accepted by the council.

Andy Godman, head of housing and public protection for NHSC, said: “The council takes this issue very seriously and has thoroughly investigated all the legal and religious issues regarding Muslim drivers carrying assistance dogs. We hope that the penalty awarded will send a clear message that NHDC does not tolerate breaches of our policy on this matter, however we are satisfied that the case hinged on a misunderstanding on the driver’s part rather than an explicit refusal to assist a disabled person.”

Mr Dilly said he was satisfied that there was no malice intended by the driver, adding that he is: “happy to accept an unreserved apology from him. I am also satisfied that the council acted quickly to investigate the matter and that their judgement is fair.

“Ultimately, I hope that my case will highlight to other taxi drivers the legal position around carrying assistance dogs, so that this doesn’t happen to anyone else.”