
Two private hire drivers have been hit with nearly £1,900 in combined penalties after separate incidents where they refused to transport passengers with assistance dogs.
The rulings, delivered at Milton Keynes Magistrates’ Court, follow a robust investigation by Milton Keynes City Council into breaches of the Equality Act 2010.
The court heard that both drivers failed in their legal duty to provide accessible transport to residents who rely on service animals.
In the first instance, Onyekwelu Davidson - a driver licensed by Buckinghamshire Council - was found to have driven past a customer and her assistance dog outside a city centre restaurant without attempting to stop. He was ordered to pay £1,144 in fines and costs. His licensing authority has been notified and is currently reviewing his right to operate.
The second case involved Amir Dahab, a Milton Keynes-licensed driver, who accepted a booking to take a resident to the local hospital.
Upon arrival, he refused the fare because the passenger was accompanied by an assistance dog. He was ordered to pay £734.
Under Section 170(3) of the Equality Act, it is illegal for taxi or private hire drivers to refuse a booking based on the presence of an assistance dog or to charge extra for the service.
Councillor Mick Legg, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, emphasised that such actions undermine the independence of vulnerable residents. “Residents who use assistance dogs depend on them every day, and they should never be put in a position where they feel excluded or discriminated against," Cllr Legg stated.
"The law is there to protect their independence and ensure they can travel safely. If anyone experiences this kind of treatment, please get in touch so we can investigate.”

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