A visually impaired Lee man has spoken about the difficulty of using taxis with a guide dog, ahead of a mass lobby at parliament to increase penalties on those who turn away passengers.

The Guide Dogs Charity are campaigning for harsher punishments and more convictions for drivers who do not allow passengers with guide dogs to use their service.

More than 100 guide dog owners will visit parliament tomorrow (May 25).

David Stewart, a 47-year-old guide dog owner from Lee Green, said: “On several occasions I’ve been refused access to taxis and private hire cabs.

"When I phoned and made a booking I’ve been told they don’t carry guide dogs.

"I also have had a taxi turn up for me and then refuse to take me when they’ve realised I’ve got a guide dog.

“It makes me feel disheartened and frustrated.”

The charity say they are trying to change the fact that the fines that can be imposed are no higher than those who dodge train fares or evade TV licences. 

James White, senior campaigns manager at Guide Dogs, said: “Imagine you were turned away by a driver.

"This happens to people living with sight loss with shocking regularity just because they are accompanied by a guide dog.

"It’s not only illegal, it knocks people’s confidence and stops them doing the everyday things that most people take for granted."

“Licencing authorities and magistrates aren’t effectively using the powers they have to prosecute taxi and minicab drivers who flout the law.

“In most cases drivers are simply given a warning and, on the rare occasions the cases go to court, fines are woefully inadequate.

“We want tougher sentences for drivers who turn away assistance dog owners."

The lobby is part of Guide Dogs campaign, Access All Areas, to ensure people with guide dogs are not refused entry to taxis, businesses, services or public places.

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