A taxi driver has been sentenced after refusing to carry guide dogs accompanying disabled passengers.

Following a council investigation, Pouya Tajari, licensed by Wolverhampton City Council, was found guilty at North Staffordshire Magistrates Court.

He was ordered to pay a £200 fine, £80 victim surcharge and £1000 costs.

Councillor Amjid Wazir OBE, cabinet member for enforcement and city pride at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "It is a serious offence under the Equality Act for a taxi driver to refuse assistance or guide dogs accompanying a disabled passenger.

"Let this be a clear warning – we will not tolerate discrimination against those with disabilities in our city.

"We have robust checks in place to make sure taxi companies in the city are operating legally and fairly and we will pursue those who break the law through the courts where necessary."

Stoke-on-Trent City Council explained that in March 2024, the driver refused two residents with guide dogs for a journey from Abbey Hulton to Basford.

He claimed that the dogs would dirty his vehicle and when the passengers challenged him, he attempted to charge a fee to cover the cost of cleaning his car.

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The fare was £8.20 and Tajari attempted to charge £15.

A spokesperson for Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: "The case comes as the council has introduced new rules to make the city's taxis safer and fairer.

"Last year, the city council's cabinet approved changes that will mean all taxi owners must have DBS checks for unspent convictions and cautions."

Councillor Amjid Wazir OBE added: "We don't want people to just get from 'A to B', we want passengers to feel safe and comfortable on their journey.

"The taxi firms play a vital part in building a safer city for all, with more than 1,870 city council licensed vehicles now operating in the city each year."

Josef Cannon, Cornerstone Barristers, representing Stoke-on-Trent City Council said "It was great to help Stoke-on-Trent secure this outcome, and in particular encouraging to see the two victims attend, give evidence and be believed, despite the long time it has taken to bring this matter to court.

"The victims showed exceptional bravery to do so."