Guide dog user warns taxi drivers to follow law

A man with a severe sight impairment has issued a warning to taxi drivers telling them they have to accept guide dogs by law.

Nathan Major-Kershaw, 29, from Hull, said he had experienced drivers complaining when he had brought his dog Jackson into their cars, with one saying he could refuse to accept him as a passenger.

The BBC has contacted the taxi firm he uses for a response.

In a social media post headed "this is a message for the city's taxi drivers", Mr Major-Kershaw said: "If you do refuse to take a guide dog, you can, and will if it happens to me, be reported to licensing and have your licence revoked."

Mr Major-Kershaw said, when he took a taxi in Hull, the driver complained he would have to clear dog hair from his vehicle after the journey.

He said the driver told him he had the right to refuse to take him as a passenger if he chose.

The Equality Act 2010 states taxis must carry guide dogs and other assistance dogs.

On its website, the charity Guide Dogs states: "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 to this is if the driver has a medical exemption certificate from the licensing authority due to a genuine medical condition that is aggravated by exposure to dogs."

Mr Major-Kershaw said he asked the taxi driver if he had an exemption certificate but he did not.

In his post he said: "If you're going to drive a taxi, learn your legal obligations when it comes to disabled passengers".

Mr Major-Kershaw said he had since got in touch with the taxi company which said it would talk to the driver.

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