Two UK Drivers Fined Over Guide Dog Refusals in Chester, Bradford

Two taxi drivers in the UK were fined for refusing to transport visually impaired passengers accompanied by guide dogs, violating legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010. Nozir Rahman, a Chester-based taxi driver, refused to carry two blind customers and their assistance dogs despite prior notification to his company, resulting in a £200 fine plus additional costs and a pending review of his taxi license. Similarly, Uber driver Yasar Rehman Butt, of Bradford, refused to accept a visually impaired passenger with her guide dog, despite being informed multiple times that this was illegal; he was fined £200 and ordered to pay substantial prosecution costs totaling £1,640. Butt admitted to being confused about company policy but acknowledged his wrongdoing in court. Both cases highlight the legal requirement for taxi and private hire drivers to accept passengers with assistance dogs unless they have a specific medical exemption, with authorities emphasizing the importance of driver awareness and compliance. These enforcement actions underscore the ongoing challenges faced by disabled passengers seeking equal access to transportation services.