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Posted on the 4th November 2026 in PHTM News

ABERDEEN TAXI DRIVER WARNED OVER DISABLED PASSENGER REFUSALS AND CHARITY WORKER ROW

Aberdeen taxi driver Saltheesh Nirupakaran, who has 11 years of experience, has received a two-year formal warning from the city council’s licensing committee following three complaints within a month. 

Mr Nirupakaran previously faced committee scrutiny in May after receiving nine points on his DVLA licence for striking a pedestrian while driving at night in 2023.

The first two complaints occurred on 6 August and 9 August at the railway station rank, where he refused two wheelchair users. His medical exemption certificate had expired last July, leaving him legally obligated to accept the fares. 

Defence solicitor Dean Purdie explained that a back condition prevented his client from lifting safely, stating that "heavy lifting,including assisting disabled passengers, onto a taxi could create a risk not only to my client’s health", but admitted that "my client has to take responsibility" for failing to renew the paperwork promptly.

The third complaint involved a 21 August dispute with a ScotRail charity collector over a meter charge and route choice.The passenger alleged Mr Nirupakaran shouted, "F*****g get out now", driving off before she could shut the door or collect her luggage. 

Mr Nirupakaran denied the allegation, claiming the passenger was "bad-tempered from the start" and noting: "I don’t know what happened, maybe she’s stressed or anything."

Councillor Neil MacGregor expressed concern,stating that leaving luggage behind "sounds as if they are or possibly were really upset."

The warning will remain on his record for two years, should any further valid complaints be made against him, he will face a further review by council officials.

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