According to a report by the Milton Keynes Citizen, two private hire drivers have been fined a combined total of almost £2,000 after refusing to carry passengers accompanied by assistance dogs in Milton Keynes.
The article explains that both cases were brought following investigations by the local authority, with each driver admitting offences under equality legislation that protects disabled passengers who rely on assistance dogs.
In the first case, a driver licensed by Buckinghamshire Council was found to have driven past a passenger and her assistance dog without stopping. He pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay £1,144, made up of a fine, costs, and compensation. His licensing authority has since been notified and will consider the matter further.
In the second case, a Milton Keynes City Council-licensed driver accepted a booking to take a passenger to hospital but later refused to carry her after discovering she had an assistance dog. He also pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay £734 in fines and costs.
The report highlights that drivers are legally required to carry assistance dogs and must not refuse bookings or treat passengers less favourably because of them. The council said the prosecutions send a clear message that discrimination of this kind will not be tolerated.
DM Commentary
This case is a strong reminder that accessibility rules are not optional extras for taxi and private hire drivers — they are a legal requirement. Assistance dogs are essential for many passengers, and refusing service can have serious consequences for their independence and wellbeing.
For drivers, these prosecutions underline the importance of understanding licensing conditions and equality laws. Fines, court costs, and potential licence reviews can quickly outweigh any perceived inconvenience, and repeated incidents like this risk damaging trust in the wider trade.
Thanks for visiting DM News! If you’ve got a question, a story tip, or anything you’d like to share, head over to DriverMatty.com — I’d love to hear from you.
While you’re there, don’t forget to check out my other websites and social media channels.
