IN THE NEWS...IN THE NEWS.. NOTTINGHAM TAXI DRIVER LOSES LICENCE


AFTER REFUSING TO PICK UP BLIND MAN AND HIS GUIDE DOG


A Nottingham taxi driver has lost his licence after he refused to pick up a blind man and his guide dog. Nottinghamshire- Live reports that private hire driver Mohammed Saghir, 59, arrived at a pub near Trent Bridge to take Mark Whittle and his wife home. The driver sent a text to tell them he was waiting. Howev- er, when Mr and Mrs Whittle


emerged


from the pub along- side Archer, their guide dog, he drove off. He pleaded guilty to failing to pick up a customer and ac-


cept a fare at Derby Justice Centre in December, and he lost his licence after a review was con- ducted by Notting- ham City Council. The investigation was launched after Mr Whittle rang the council to complain, and Mr Saghir was handed


a


firm and they got the driver on the phone but despite them saying to him that he had to take us, he was adamant that he wouldn’t have the dog in his car. “I’m sorry that he’s lost his


licence bill


totalling £476.17. He was fined £210 with a victim sur- charge of £30 and was ordered to pay costs of £236.17. Mr Whittle said: "I was really angry about what hap- pened. We’d gone outside and it was only when a mem- ber of the public


Mark Whittle with his wife Catherine and dog Archer


approached to ask if we were waiting for a taxi – and told us it was driving away – that we realised the driver had left. “I called the cab


because that’s his livelihood, but he’s only got himself to blame. When he signed up to be- come a taxi driver, he should know the rules and regula- tions – in this case, he can’t refuse to accept an assistance dog. “I’m keen to raise awareness of this because I don’t


want it to happen to anyone else.” Upon the review of his hackney carriage and private hire driver’s licence, it was revoked indefi- nitely and he will only be able to obtain one in the future if he can demonstrate he is fit to return to driving a taxi. Councillor


Toby


Neal, portfolio hold- er for community protection at Not- tingham


City


Council, said: “We were shocked to hear of Mr Whittle’s experience


and


immediately investi- gated. Under the Equality Act, guide


dog and other assis- tance dog owners have the right to enter the majority of services, premises and vehicles with their dog. This includes taxis, and for Mr Whittle and his wife to be left standing at the side of the road is totally unacceptable. “This prosecution is an important result for the City Council and reinforces a strong message to taxi drivers that we expect the highest standards at all times.” Mmmm......This


is


exactly what should happen every single time - Ed.


66


MARCH 2019


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