A Liverpool private hire vehicle (PHV) driver has been convicted at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court after refusing to take a passenger accompanied by an assistance dog.
The driver, who has not been named, was ordered to pay a total of £318 in fines and costs following the case earlier this week.
Under the Equality Act 2010, it is a criminal offence for licensed taxi or private hire drivers to refuse transport to assistance dogs. Drivers must carry passengers with guide dogs, hearing dogs, and other registered assistance animals without charging extra fees.
Liverpool City Council’s Licensing team highlighted the ruling as a clear reminder to drivers of their legal obligations.
“Licensed drivers must not refuse assistance dogs. This is not just council policy – it is the law. Refusing a passenger with an assistance animal is discrimination and will be dealt with through the courts,” a council spokesperson said.
The council also urged passengers who experience refusals to report incidents so that enforcement action can be taken.
Assistance dog refusals – a recurring problem
Cases of drivers turning away passengers with assistance dogs have been reported across the UK, often leading to prosecutions and licence revocations. Advocacy groups, including Guide Dogs UK, continue to raise concerns about disabled passengers being left stranded or humiliated due to unlawful refusals.
This latest conviction in Liverpool reinforces the message that drivers risk both financial penalties and possible licensing consequences if they break the law.
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