Taxi Drivers Fined for Refusing Visually Impaired Passenger and Guide Dog
Two Ashford taxi drivers have been slammed and prosecuted for refusing to carry a visually impaired passenger with an assistance dog. Despite clear legal duties, the drivers turned away the passenger outside Ashford railway station on 21 March 2019, leaving them stranded.
Legal Duty Ignored – Drivers Face Court and Fines
Jamshed Nasir of Oakland and Kemal Yalcin of Ploughmans Way both refused to take the disabled passenger and their guide dog. Ashford Borough Council’s licensing team launched an investigation, leading to prosecution under the Equality Act 2010.
On 24 February at Folkestone Magistrates Court, both men were found guilty after denying the charges and facing a full trial. District Judge Justin Barron slammed the drivers for knowingly turning the passenger away, calling it a clear breach of public policy aimed at protecting disabled people from discrimination.
Fines, Costs, and Licence Revocations
- Kemal Yalcin fined £180, plus £30 victim surcharge and £1,200 costs.
- Jamshed Nasir fined £270, plus £30 victim surcharge and £1,200 costs.
- Both had their Carriage and Private Hire Drivers licences revoked by the council and are not appealing.
Council and Guide Dogs Group Praise Tough Action
Cllr Peter Feacey, Chair of Ashford Borough Council’s Licensing Committee, said: “I hope that our action following these incidents shows how robustly we will deal with taxi drivers who fail to comply with their legal obligations and leave a potentially vulnerable person at risk.”
Siobhan Meade, Guide Dogs for the Blind Association’s Guide Engagement Officer, added: “Refusing to carry someone who is blind or visually impaired simply because they work with a guide dog strikes at the very independence we exist to provide. Each refusal feels like an assault from which the mental scars remain. We welcome Ashford Borough Council’s actions and will continue to support with test-purchasing, advice, and support.”
