Posted on the 6th February 2026 in PHTM News

NORTH AYRSHIRE TAXI DRIVER SUSPENDED FOR REFUSING BLIND PENSIONER AND GUIDE DOG

A North Ayrshire taxi driver has been handed a two-week suspension after refusing to pick up a 71-year-old blind man and his guide dog, Lawrence.

Abdulsalam Idlebi was found in breach of discrimination policies following the incident at a taxi rank on Irvine’s Bank Street last November.

The licensing committee heard that when the pensioner’s wife attempted to help the dog into the vehicle, Mr Idlebi told them, “I cannot take you. I am allergic to dogs.”

The driver later admitted to a licensing officer that he was not actually allergic but claimed he was frightened of dogs.

He also told the committee he was confused because the car’s owner had told him the vehicle was pet-free. Apologising for the incident, Mr Idlebi said: “I am so sorry and apologise about what happened. I didn’t notice any sign on the dog. They never told me it was a guide dog. If I knew they had a guide dog I would have served them, 100 per cent.”

The victim, who has been blind for 12 years, explained that such refusals have become a distressing pattern. His family shared the emotional toll of the discrimination, stating: “Every time we walk round that corner, we are thinking who is going to say no. Who’s not going to take us this time, because of the dog.”

They added: “I get frustrated, I’m just looking for a taxi to take me home. Not the hassle. It’s not right.”

The committee took a firm stance on the matter, emphasising that taxi services must be accessible to everyone.

Chair Councillor Eleanor Collier expressed the council's frustration, telling the driver: “We’re very disappointed at what happened and that you put our constituents through such an experience of feeling unequal and not valued.”

She concluded by warning: “We’ve got a zero tolerance on this. We don’t want to see you back. Next time, please check the status of the dog.”


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