Taxi firm fined over guide dogs

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Paul and Susan Nicholls called for a taxi after attending a party in Aldridge, near Walsall, last year to celebrate their daughter's wedding, magistrates were told.

A member of staff at the ABS Aldridge taxi company refused to pick up the couple when they first rang, and when they rang again he tried to charge them more than double the usual fare for a minibus, Walsall Magistrates' Court heard.

Company boss Suhil Dad, of Miner Street, Walsall, made attempts to find out who took the call last June but failed, magistrates were told.

He admitted contravening section 31A of the Disability Act and was ordered to pay £665 in fines, costs and compensation.

Councillor Rachel Walker, portfolio holder for environment at Walsall Council, said: "These two people were treated very unfairly by the taxi firm just because they had guide dogs with them.

"Trading Standards successfully put together a case against the firm which led to a prosecution.

"We're very pleased that this couple have received some compensation for this."

Mr and Mrs Nicholls, of Great Barr, West Midlands, have pledged to give the £100 compensation awarded to them to the charity Guide Dogs for the Blind, according to Walsall Council.