Cambridgeshire private hire driver SUSPENDED after cancelling blind passenger’s booking over guide dog
- Perry Richardson
- May 19
- 2 min read
A private hire driver in Cambridgeshire has had his licence suspended after cancelling a booking when he discovered the passenger was blind and travelling with a guide dog.
South Cambridgeshire District Council confirmed that Muhammad Ramiz, 39, received a three-month suspension following an appeal hearing at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court earlier this month.
The case centred on an incident in May 2025 when a blind passenger booked a private hire vehicle through an operator. The booking was accepted by Ramiz, who also confirmed through the app that he was on his way to collect the customer.
According to the council, the passenger later messaged Ramiz to explain that he was blind and travelling with an assistance dog. Shortly afterwards, the journey was cancelled without explanation.
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The complainant later submitted a formal complaint to the authority, stating he had previously experienced refusals and discrimination from drivers because of his guide dog.
The council launched an investigation into the incident, gathering evidence from the passenger, the operator and the driver.
During the investigation, Ramiz claimed he had accepted the booking by accident and later cancelled because of severe congestion on the A1, arguing another driver closer to the customer would be able to complete the trip more quickly.
However, the council said this account later changed, with Ramiz subsequently claiming localised traffic congestion was the reason for the cancellation.
GPS data supplied by the operator reportedly showed there was no significant congestion affecting the A505, A1 or surrounding local roads at the relevant time.
South Cambridgeshire District Council initially revoked Ramiz’s private hire driver licence after concluding the evidence supported the allegation and citing duties under the Equality Act 2010, which makes it a criminal offence for licensed drivers to refuse carriage to passengers travelling with assistance dogs without lawful exemption.
Ramiz appealed the revocation, with the matter heard at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court on 6 May 2026. The District Judge overturned the revocation itself but replaced it with a three-month suspension.
The court also awarded the council £2,000 in costs, while the complainant received £100 compensation.
South Cambridgeshire District Council warned that drivers who refuse bookings involving assistance dogs risk enforcement action, including suspension or loss of licence.
Cllr Natalie Warren Green, Lead Cabinet Member for Licensing for South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “If at any point Ramiz fails to comply with the court order his licence will be revoked.
“Licensed drivers should ensure that they are fully aware of their responsibilities and duties towards the public to ensure they do not discriminate against anyone; particularly those with disabilities. The council will not hesitate to pursue those licensed drivers who breach legislation, policy and conditions - and will take relevant enforcement action if needed.”
