Ipswich: Taxi Driver Fined For Refusing Blind Couple

28 February 2013, 17:22

A blind couple from Ipswich have been speaking to Heart after a taxi driver refused to take them and their guide dogs in his car.

Metin Akin, 32, has been fined £1,400 for breaking discrimination laws.

He turned Martin Roberts and partner Claire away because he said he didn't want their guide dogs messing up the leather seats.

The couple reported him to Ipswich Borough Council's taxi licencing team and they say Akin refused to take them despite the operator at the taxi firm insisting he had to.

Martin and Claire have told Heart they don't blame the company as they tried to help as much as they could, but they say they hope the fine sends a message to other drivers.