Out-of-area Wolverhampton licensed private hire driver fined after refusing to carry guide dogs following council investigation
- Perry Richardson
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
A Wolverhampton licensed taxi driver has been fined after a council investigation found he unlawfully refused to carry guide dogs accompanying disabled passengers.
Mr Pouya Tajari was found guilty at North Staffordshire Magistrates Court and ordered to pay a £200 fine, an £80 victim surcharge and £1,000 in prosecution costs. The case followed action taken by City of Wolverhampton Council after complaints were raised by disabled residents.
The court heard that in March 2024 Mr Tajari refused to carry two passengers with guide dogs for a journey from Abbey Hulton to Basford. He told the passengers the dogs would dirty his vehicle and declined to take them.
When challenged, the driver attempted to impose an additional charge to cover the alleged cost of cleaning the car. The agreed fare for the journey was £8.20, but Mr Tajari sought to charge £15 if the passengers wished to travel with their guide dogs.
City of Wolverhampton Council says the case highlights enforcement of disability access rules as wider licensing reforms take effect.
Under equality legislation, taxi and private hire drivers are required to carry disabled passengers accompanied by assistance dogs and must not make any additional charge for doing so. Councils have enforcement powers where breaches are identified following complaints or investigations.
Councillor Amjid Wazir OBE, cabinet member for enforcement and city pride at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “It is a serious offence under the Equality Act for a taxi driver to refuse assistance or guide dogs accompanying a disabled passenger.
“Let this be a clear warning – we will not tolerate discrimination against those with disabilities in our city. We have robust checks in place to make sure taxi companies in the city are operating legally and fairly and we will pursue those who break the law through the courts where necessary.”
“We don’t want people to just get from ‘A to B’, we want passengers to feel safe and comfortable on their journey. The taxi firms play a vital part in building a safer city for all, with more than 1,870 city council licensed vehicles now operating in the city each year.”
Josef Cannon, Cornerstone Barristers, representing Stoke-on-Trent City Council said “It was great to help Stoke-on-Trent secure this outcome, and in particular encouraging to see the two victims attend, give evidence and be believed, despite the long time it has taken to bring this matter to court. The victims showed exceptional bravery to do so.”
