A blind woman from Broughty Ferry has spoken of her anger after the driver of a Dundee Private Hire cab refused to transport her guide dog.
Mhairi Thurston (49) told The Courier she felt “humiliated” and was “in tears” following the incident which left her stranded in the rain on Dundee University’s campus.
The counsellor for student services had expected the vehicle to take her home at 5pm last Wednesday but was told by the driver her guide dog was not allowed in the vehicle.
“He said he had just had his car valeted at a cost of £50,” said Mhairi.
“My guide dog was clearly identifiable as such, wearing its very distinctive bright yellow assistance harness and lead.
“The driver said he would not order me another car and that I would have to go inside and phone for one.”
The car had been booked specifically to transport Mhairi and her guide dog Wanda as part of her Access to Work assistance from the Department for Work and Pensions.
“I assumed because the firm has a disabled taxi-card licence that they would be expecting disabled persons to use their firm,” she continued.Helpful in past”They are supposed to be a flagship company for disabled people.
“To be fair, I’ve used them before and had wonderful, helpful drivers and I understand that it must be difficult for owners to keep track of everyone who is working for them.”
Mhairi said the episode made her feel alienated but added that they had “messed with the wrong girl.”
“Initially I was devastated and distraught. But the more I thought about it the madder I got.
“This was a real rejection and what blind people have to deal with every day.
“It is illegal and wrong and goes against part of the strategy which aims to enhance the inclusion, participation and independence of blind and partially-sighted people.
“Taxi drivers need to realise they have a responsibility to the vulnerable in society we depend on them to enable us to get about.”
Mhairi has since written to Dundee City Council’s licensing committee on the advice of the Disability Discrimination Act legal team, and to her local MSP’s office, to make an official complaint against Dundee Private Hire.DiscriminationShe explained that the incident was a “blatant case of discrimination” and “in direct contravention of the Disability Act 2005.”
Chief executive of Dundee Private Hire, David Young said he was very concerned about the complaint.
“I spoke to Mhairi and apologised, ” he said.
“The policy at Private Hire is if you press the button to do the job, you do it and then come to me afterwards if you have any questions or queries.
“The driver has been suspended until further notice.”