CABBIE TO PAY OVER £1,000 FOR FOR REFUSING TO TAKE DISABLED PASSENGERS WITH GUIDE DOGS

A cabbie has been hit with a significant court penalty after refusing to transport disabled passengers because of their assistance dogs.

Pouya Tajari, 28, was brought before North Staffordshire Justice Centre following an incident in March 2024, when he declined to pick up two residents and their guide dogs for a journey between Abbey Hulton and Basford.

Despite the fare being £8.20, the driver claimed the dogs would "dirty his cab" and attempted to charge £15 to cover the cost of cleaning his car when challenged by the passengers.

Tajari, who holds a licence with Wolverhampton City Council, was found guilty of an offence under the Equality Act.

The court ordered him to pay a £200 fine and an £80 victim surcharge, along with a hefty £1,000 in costs.

Following the ruling, Councillor Amjid Wazir OBE of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, emphasised the severity of the case, stating: “It is a serious offence under the Equality Act for a taxi driver to refuse assistance or guide dogs accompanying a disabled passenger.”

He warned that the city has "robust checks in place" to ensure fair treatment for all, adding: “Let this be a clear warning – we will not tolerate discrimination against those with disabilities in our city.”

The council reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing lawbreakers through the courts to ensure that passengers "feel safe and comfortable on their journey."

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