Wirral driver Robert New lost his private-hire licence after refusing to carry a disabled passenger with an assistance dog. It was revoked before a 17 September hearing; New pleaded guilty in writing and was ordered to pay £1,120 in costs plus a £48 victim surcharge.
Wirral Council prosecuted New. Its licensing authority had ruled that he was no longer a “fit and proper person” to hold a private-hire licence. The Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful for a private-hire driver to refuse a fare because a disabled passenger is accompanied by an assistance dog.
