Two Ashford Taxi Drivers Fined for Refusing Blind Passenger and Assistance Dog
Two Ashford taxi drivers have been slammed and successfully prosecuted for turning away a visually impaired passenger and their assistance dog. Despite clear legal duties under the Equality Act 2010, both drivers refused service outside Ashford railway station, leaving the passenger stranded.
Blind Passenger Rejected Twice at Ashford Station
On the evening of 21 March 2019, Jamshed Nasir of Oakland, Ashford, refused to carry a passenger with an assistance dog. Shortly after, another driver, Kemal Yalcin from Ploughmans Way, Ashford, also said no. This blatant discrimination forced the passenger to struggle getting home.
Magistrates Court Delivers Justice
Following a thorough investigation by Ashford Borough Council’s licensing team, both drivers faced trial at Folkestone Magistrates Court on 24 February. Both denied the charges, leading to a full trial. District Judge Justin Barron didn’t hold back:
“The taxi drivers knowingly turned the passenger away. Parliament’s intention was clear – disabled people with assistance dogs must be treated equally and not turned away. To interpret the law otherwise would ‘drive a coach and horses’ through the Equality Act.”
“This offence is a matter of public policy to ensure disabled people are not discriminated against.”
Yalcin was slapped with a £180 fine, plus £30 victim surcharge and £1,200 costs. Nasir received a heftier £270 fine, the same surcharge, and £1,200 in costs.
Licenses Revoked — No Appeal Pending
The council had already revoked both drivers’ Carriage and Private Hire licenses in a prior hearing. Neither driver is fighting the decision. Ashford Borough Council’s Licensing Committee Chair, Cllr Peter Feacey, said:
“I hope this sends a strong message that we deal firmly with taxi drivers who fail their legal duties and put vulnerable passengers at risk.”
Guide Dogs Group Backs Council Action
Siobhan Meade, Guide Dogs for the Blind Association’s Guide Engagement Officer, praised the prosecution:
“Refusing to carry someone with a guide dog attacks their independence. Each refusal leaves a lasting mental scar. We welcome Ashford Borough Council’s tough action and will keep offering advice, support, and test-purchasing to protect those who rely on guide dogs.”
This verdict sends a warning to taxi drivers across the UK: discrimination against disabled passengers won’t be tolerated.
