A Bradford private hire driver has been fined after refusing to take a passenger accompanied by her guide dog, in what magistrates heard was a clear breach of disability discrimination law.
Khurram Mukhtar, 44, had his licence revoked by Bradford Council after the incident in March 2024 and has now been convicted of failing to accept a booking from a disabled passenger.
Video Evidence Shown in Court
The case centred on an encounter on 4 March 2024, when Mukhtar accepted an Uber booking from the Yorkshire Building Society headquarters in Rooley Lane. When he arrived, his passenger — a woman who relies on her guide dog — informed him that it was illegal to refuse her service.
Footage played in court showed Mukhtar responding, “No, no, no. I can’t allow dogs. You need to order a pet Uber,” before driving away and leaving the passenger stranded.
The woman reported the incident immediately, and Bradford Council launched an investigation.
Defence: “I Was Confused”
Appearing unrepresented, Mukhtar admitted the charge, claiming he had “forgotten” the law. “I was so confused. I forgot you have to take guide dogs. I know taking a guide dog is very important,” he told magistrates.
He added that he had received no previous bookings involving guide dogs and only realised his mistake the following day. “I’ve suffered from this. I’ve got no job,” he said.
Council Response
Prosecutor Waseem Raja, acting for Bradford Council, said all drivers receive training on disability rights and responsibilities. “He was only licensed in 2022, so any training should be fresh in his mind,” Mr Raja told the court.
He added that the complainant, who relies heavily on taxis for travel, was left “quite upset” and felt “treated unfairly” by Mukhtar’s actions.
Sentence and Costs
Magistrates fined Mukhtar £80 and ordered him to pay a £32 surcharge, along with £150 towards the Council’s £1,360 investigation and prosecution costs, citing his limited income. His private hire licence has already been revoked.
Reminder of the Law
Under the Equality Act 2010 (and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 in Northern Ireland), it is unlawful for taxi and private hire drivers to refuse passengers with assistance dogs, except in exceptional circumstances.
- Refusing a guide dog user is a criminal offence, carrying a fine of up to £1,000.
- Drivers cannot charge extra fees or insist that passengers use “pet-friendly” services.
- The Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022 further requires drivers to provide reasonable assistance, such as helping visually impaired passengers locate their vehicle.
- Drivers may only refuse if they hold a valid medical exemption certificate, which must be displayed in the vehicle.
This case serves as a reminder that failing to comply with disability rights legislation can result in prosecution, fines, and the loss of a private hire licence.
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