A TAXI driver who refused to take a disabled customer and their assistance dog in his cab has been fined £215.

Sher Gul, 59, of West Park Road, Girlington, pleaded guilty to refusing to accept the persons booking which had been requested by his private hire operator.

On January 13, 2020, he refused to transport the disabled person in Leeds because the person would be accompanied by an assistance dog, which is in breach of the Equality Act.

He was ordered to pay £215; a fine of £83, costs of £100 and a victim surcharge of £32 at a hearing on Monday, October 18, at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court.

If the passenger is a guide dog owner, it is a criminal offence to refuse to carry their dog, or to charge extra for doing so.

The only exception is if the driver has a medical exemption certificate from the local council due to a genuine medical condition aggravated by exposure to dogs, and in that case the driver should help the passenger find another driver.

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk