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Posted on the 11th June 2025 in PHTM News
NELSON TAXI DRIVER ORDERED TO PAY OVER £500 OVER ASSISTANCE DOG REFUSAL
A Nelson taxi driver has been ordered to pay over £500 after refusing to transport a disabled passenger and her assistance dog, in a breach of the Equality Act 2010.
Mohammed Sohail Akram pleaded guilty at Burnley Magistrates’ Court to the offence.
The court heard that Victoria Morris had booked a taxi with Apollo Taxis from Burnley Manchester Road railway station to her home, accompanied by her assistance dog, Molly. Upon the taxi's arrival, Akram "was rude and refused to let Victoria and Molly in the vehicle," asserting he did not carry dogs and that a "pet-friendly taxi" should have been booked.
He then "sped off, leaving Victoria and Molly at the station."
In his defence, Akram claimed his employer was aware of his fear of large dogs, stemming from his youth. While acknowledging he could not legally refuse an assistance dog, he stated that Victoria had not mentioned Molly when booking.
When questioned why he departed without explanation or arranging alternative transport, Akram claimed he spoke to Victoria but drove off due to fear of an argument, and that he subsequently called the office to cancel the job.
The court imposed a fine of £40 on Akram, along with £475 in costs and a £16 victim surcharge, totalling £531.
The incident, which occurred in February, prompted a swift response from Apollo Taxis. A spokesperson for the company confirmed that another vehicle was dispatched within six minutes to complete Victoria's journey.
They also stated: "Apollo Taxis has dismissed a driver following an incident involving a passenger with an assistance dog." Emphasising a "zero-tolerance approach to discrimination," the company added: "While the passenger was ultimately picked up and taken to their destination, the driver’s initial refusal was unacceptable and breached both company policy and the Equality Act 2010.
"We are reinforcing training to ensure all drivers uphold our commitment to accessible, inclusive transport for all."
Victoria, 33, who lives in Burnley, had chosen to take a taxi due to fatigue and the cold weather after visiting a new house. A video shared with the Lancashire Telegraph reportedly shows the driver immediately questioning why she hadn't specified an assistance dog when booking, despite her explanation that assistance dogs are legally permitted in any taxi.
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