A disabled man who had collapsed from exhaustion told the BBC he was refused taxi services because of his assistance dog.
Edward Jones, who has a long-term chronic illness which affects his mobility, said that on two occasions, he was ignored by “at least eight taxis” outside Chippenham Railway Station because of his dog.
BBC Online reported that Wiltshire Council said it was illegal for taxis to refuse to carry assistance dogs and the incident was being investigated.
Mr Jones said he was leaving Chippenham railway station when he collapsed on his way to the taxi rank due to severe fatigue. He said he was in pain and unable to move and began calling to nearby taxis and waving his walking stick in the air for help.
Mr Jones said the drivers refused to take him because of his dog – a two-year-old Teacup Shih Tzu named George – who helps him with his mental health.
He described the events as “devastating and humiliating” as he was unable to get up from the pavement.
He added: “The only thing that stops me breaking is being with my boy and getting out in fresh air. He’s saved my life, because he makes me get out every day.”
The Local Democracy Reporting Service said three members of the public attempted to intervene and reason with the taxi drivers, but were unsuccessful.
Mr Jones said he has since been too worried to attempt similar journeys and describes feeling trapped and isolated in a new town.
Councillor Caroline Thomas, cabinet member for transport at Wiltshire Council, said: “We are sorry to hear about this incident. Our taxi policy is clear that guide dogs and assistance dogs must be carried, and it is illegal to refuse to do so. We take this matter very seriously and are investigating this specific complaint.”
Great Western Railway told the media it was “disappointed” to hear of Mr Jones’ experience.
