Lincolnshire guide dog owner ‘illegally refused access’ to taxi
A guide dog owner in Lincolnshire[1] has opened up about the hidden discrimination he faces – including being refused entry into a private hire car[2]. Brian Lawson, 63, started losing his eyesight at the age of 50 and says he can only see to about a foot in front of him.
Having been diagnosed with a macular tumor in his left eye and macular degeneration in his right, the Navenby[3] resident now relies on his guide dog, Giles, to help him get about in his day-to-day life. He said that while he is still capable at getting by, he is often met with unneccessary difficulties from people who ‘don’t know enough’ about people with guide dogs.
Last June, Mr Lawson was visiting his former home of Manchester to say goodbye to his brother, Dennis, then 75, who was dying from cancer. After a sad reunion, he left and called a private hire company to take him back to his son’s house, where he was staying for the night.
Poll: What’s the worst road in Lincolnshire for traffic?[4]
He let the controller know he had a guide dog with him and said he was told him that would be perfectly fine. However, when the driver arrived, it was a different story.
The former printer’s engineer and airport worker said: “The taxi turned up and immediately the driver leaned out the window and said, ‘not taking him,’ referring to my guide dog Giles. I asked what he meant and explained that Giles was a guide dog and that we could not be turned away.
“The driver repeated, ‘not taking him,’ and said he would call his boss. He then reversed and drove off without saying anything.”
He added: “I was left stranded with my guide dog in the boiling heat for 10 minutes.” Though the company quickly arranged for another driver to collect Mr Lawson, he said he still felt discriminated against.
Under the Equality Act 2010, it is illegal for a private hire driver to refuse a booking that has already been accepted if the reason is that the passenger is accompanied by a guide dog. Mr Lawson reported the incident to Manchester City Council, after he was reportedly told by the company he would need to in order to escalate his complaint.
A spokesperson named the driver as Shams Ur Rehman, of Stockport, and said: “The investigation we undertook of the incident revealed sufficient evidence to bring criminal proceedings for an offence under the Equality Act 2010. No reasonable excuse was offered by the driver for his refusal. Crucial evidence was provided by the passenger without whom we could not have proceeded.
“A summons was issued and at Manchester City Magistrates on May 18, the driver pleaded guilty. Credit was given by the court for an early guilty plea.”
Rehman was fined £107, with £300 in prosecution costs awarded to the city council, before the court imposed a further victim surcharge of £43. Mr Lawson said he has also been refused entry to shops in the past, much to his frustration.
He said: “It’s like you’re telling people what’s allowed. It’s ridiculous, and it makes you feel like a second-class citizen. It is absolutely a form of discrimination. It’s not my fault I’m going blind.”
He added: “I’m fortunate in that I still have some sight, but I can’t imagine how tough it would be for someone who is fully blind.” According to the charity Guide Dogs, the ‘vast majority’ of guide dogs have had similar experiences to Mr Lawson.
More than 80 per cent have reportedly been refused access to various venues because they have been accompanied by their dog. Eleanor Briggs, the head of policy, public affairs and campaigns at the charity, said: “Guide dog owners deserve to be able to live the lives they want and feel confident, independent, and supported in the world.
“However, too many guide dog owners continue to face discrimination and are turned away because they have their guide dog with them.” Last year, the charity launched their Open Doors campaign with a new free to use app that allows guide dog owners to easily and quickly report illegal access refusals.
Mr Lawson said the reasons came down to ignorance. He said: “Companies just don’t train their staff properly.
“Most people are great, but you get those few people who make life a lot harder for someone like me. They can be cruel.”
He added: “I don’t want people to feel sorry because I can get by on my own. The dog helps me find things in the shop and there’s a routine.
“It’s when people don’t let you go in somewhere, that’s when it gets awkward – because what’s next? You need to work out where you can go next, and you have to do things in that routine.
“Big companies, big shopping precincts, need to train people to a higher standard – and not just over blind people, but for anyone who needs that bit of help.
“I’m not moaning – it’s my right to go into that place.”
References
- ^ Lincolnshire (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
- ^ private hire car (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Navenby (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
- ^ What’s the worst road in Lincolnshire for traffic? (xd.wayin.com)