Taxi driver fined for refusing to take guide dog

A taxi driver was fined at court after he refused to allow a potential passenger's guide dog in his vehicle

A taxi driver has been fined after refusing to carry a guide dog in his vehicle.

The incident happened at a taxi rank in Witham in Essex in August and a prosecution was brought by Braintree District Council.

Ovidiu Budulan, a 40-year-old licensed Hackney Carriage driver from Braintree, admitted failing to comply with the 2010 Equality Act and was fined £325 at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court.

Sharon Schaffer, chief executive officer at Support4Sight, said: "It really needs to be embraced that guide dog owners must have access to the same public transport as anyone else."

Budulan, who was also ordered to pay a £130 victim surcharge, was approached by a person who was registered blind.

However, a second Hackney Carriage driver did agree to take them.

Mary Cunningham, Conservative cabinet member for stronger communities at the council, stressed that most taxi drivers in Witham were helpful.

"This case sends a clear message that discrimination against passengers with a disability will not be tolerated," she said.

"We expect all licensed taxi drivers to understand and comply with their legal obligations and responsibilities."

Budulan was also ordered to pay costs of £600 to the council.

Rachel Dale, a taxi industry specialist in Essex, said: "The issue with this is it is a Hackney Carriage driver who is not monitored - he is his own boss.

"Paying a large sum of money is one thing, but they should be aware they could lose their licence."

She added that drivers should have "compassion for people" and provide "a professional service".

Ms Schaffer added: "When you are refused [a ride], the impact is really damaging both practically and emotionally."

She added that guide dogs "are never going to be a threat" on any form of public transport but she understood some people might have medical reasons for not allowing animals in their taxis.

She emphasised that for people with assistance animals "the law is on your side".