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Wirral private hire driver loses licence after refusing passenger with assistance dog
A Wirral private hire driver has been prosecuted and had his licence revoked after refusing to carry a disabled passenger accompanied by an assistance dog.
Robert New entered a guilty plea in writing when the case came before Wirral Magistrates’ Court on 17 September 2026.
The prosecution was brought under Section 170 of the Equality Act 2010, which makes it an offence for a private hire driver to refuse a booking accepted by an operator because a disabled passenger is accompanied by an assistance dog.
The court imposed a financial penalty and ordered New to pay £1,120 in costs and a £48 victim surcharge. The amount of the financial penalty was not provided.
Wirral Council’s Licensing Authority had reviewed the incident in July, ahead of the court hearing. It concluded that New was no longer a fit and proper person to hold a private hire driver’s licence and revoked it.
The authority said it treats offences involving assistance dogs as extremely serious. The dogs provide essential support that enables disabled people to travel independently and access work, education and healthcare.
The case highlights two potential consequences for drivers who refuse an assistance dog booking: prosecution under the Equality Act and a separate review of their fitness to hold a licence.
Cllr Cherry Povall, Chair of the Regulatory and General Purposes Committee, Wirral Council, said: “Disabled people should be able to access transport services with confidence and without fear of discrimination. Assistance dogs provide invaluable support to their owners and play a critical role in helping them maintain their independence.
“There is no place for discriminatory behaviour within the licensed trade. This case demonstrates that Wirral Council will take decisive action where licensed drivers fail to meet the standards expected of them.
“We hope this prosecution sends a clear message that refusing to carry a passenger because they are accompanied by an assistance dog is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
“Licensed drivers provide an important public service and are entrusted with the responsibility of transporting members of the public safely and fairly. The overwhelming majority of drivers understand and comply with their legal obligations under equality legislation.
“However, where there is evidence that a driver has unlawfully discriminated against a disabled passenger, the Licensing Authority will investigate thoroughly and take robust enforcement action where appropriate.”
