Taxi firm used ‘systematic and discriminatory pricing’ against disabled customers in Rossendale

A taxi firm has been prosecuted after systematic and discriminatory pricing against disabled customers was uncovered. Rossendale Borough Council’s Licensing and Enforcement Office launched an investigation in response to a complaint about unfair pricing.

The enquiry found several instances of excessive overcharging of a wheelchair-bound passenger for short journeys compared to able-bodied passengers using the same service. It revealed Connections Taxis of Bacup Road, Rawtenstall, overcharged a wheelchair-bound passenger on two separate occasions in 2023.

The wheelchair-bound passenger was charged £8 for a half-mile journey which should have cost £3.50. The same vehicle charged an able-bodied passenger £4.50 for a 2.1-mile journey just 30 minutes before the overcharged journey.

Further investigations showed the same wheelchair-bound passenger was charged £12 for a 2.7-mile journey when the journey should have cost £8.50. The return journey cost the wheelchair-bound passenger another £12.

The investigation confirmed able-bodied passengers were charged standard fares, exposing clear evidence of discriminatory pricing against disabled customers, says the council. As a result, the private hire operator’s and the involved driver’s licences were revoked by the council’s Licensing Sub-Committee.

Mohsen Saddique, 31, who served as the taxi firm’s manager and was responsible for setting fare prices, appeared at Blackburn Magistrates Court last month. He pleaded guilty to overcharging the wheelchair-bound passenger.

The court ordered Mr Saddique to pay a total penalty of £636, which includes a victim surcharge of £110.

Lead Member for Environment and Corporate Services, Cllr Adrian Lythgoe

Lead Member for Environment and Corporate Services, Cllr Adrian Lythgoe, said: “This case highlights our commitment to ensuring equality and fairness for all members of our community, particularly those who are most vulnerable. Overcharging disabled passengers is not only illegal but entirely unacceptable.

“The outcome of this investigation sends a clear message to all operators and drivers that discriminatory practices will not be tolerated. We thank the complainant for coming forward and would encourage others to report any similar concerns.”

Rossendale Borough Council urges residents to report any concern regarding taxi licenses to the Licensing and Enforcement Team.

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