A taxi driver has been fined more than £1,000 after refusing to pick-up a blind passenger because they had a guide-dog.
Hackney carriage driver Emmanuel Osayande, age 56 of Chatwell Close, Salford, was booked to collect a passenger from Wythenshawe, Manchester on the 12 February. However after arriving at the collection point and seeing the passenger had a guide dog the driver refused to allow the passenger into his vehicle.
The refusal was in contravention of the Equality Act 2010, which specifically requires taxi and private hire drivers to carry guide dogs (and other assistance dogs).
The passenger reminded him of his legal obligation to carry the guide dog but he still refused and drove away.
The passenger complained about Osayande’s conduct to Manchester City Council, prompting an investigation. Osayande was invited to an interview to discuss the incident but failed to attend.
The case was then heard at Manchester Magistrates Court, again he failed to attend and was fined £500 in his absence with costs of £500 and a surcharge of £50.
Councillor Nigel Murphy, Manchester City Council executive member for neighbourhoods (pictured) said: “We expect the highest standards from all taxi and private hire drivers operating in Manchester and will not tolerate anything less that exemplary behaviour.”
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