Taxi driver who refused to carry guide dogs fined

A taxi driver has been fined after refusing to take guide dogs along with disabled passengers.

Pouya Tajari, 28, refused to pick up the two residents with their dogs for a journey from Abbey Hulton, Stoke-on-Trent, to Basford, Staffordshire, claiming the dogs would dirty his vehicle.

When the passengers challenged him, he tried to charge them a fee to cover the cost of cleaning his car, a Stoke-on-Trent City Council spokesperson said. The fare was £8.20 and Tajari attempted to charge them £15.

He was found guilty of an offence under the Equality Act at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre, fined £200, ordered to pay an £80 victim surcharge and £1,000 in costs.

Tajari, licensed by the City of Wolverhampton Council, refused the passengers in March 2024.

"It is a serious offence under the Equality Act for a taxi driver to refuse assistance or guide dogs accompanying a disabled passenger," Stoke-on-Trent councillor Amjid Wazir said.

"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."

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