Cemil Guclu, a hackney carriage driver, has been fined by Harrogate Magistrates’ Court after he pleaded guilty to a charge of failing to carry an assistance dog in his taxi.
Mr Guclu flouted section 168 of the Equality Act 2010 when he refused to let the guide dog into his car at the Station Parade taxi rank in Harrogate.
The court heard that the guide dog’s owner informed Mr Guclu that he had a legal obligation to transport the animal, but, after the latter continued to refuse, the former reported the incident to Harrogate Borough Council’s Taxi Licensing team.
Mr Guclu also reported the incident to the same team and justified his actions by informing the council that he had a fear of dogs.
He was fined £100, as well as being ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20 and £325 towards the council’s prosecution costs, totalling £445.
John Ennis, Harrogate Borough Council’s Licensing Committee Chairman, said: “Assistance dogs enable people who are blind or partially sighted to travel independently and if a taxi driver refuses to carry such an animal it can have a serious impact on the owner’s freedom of movement.
“I hope this conviction sends out a strong message to taxi drivers.
“Refusing to carry an assistance dog, unless you have a valid medical exemption certificate, is simply not an option.
“Anyone doing so will face a large fine and their action could have a serious impact on their livelihood.”