A SEVERELY sight impaired woman has spoken out after a taxi driver refused to take her because of her guide dog.

Rosie Chandler, 68, attempted to board a minivan at a pick-up point near Cathedral Square, Worcester, with her guide dog Sally and son, Daniel Thompson.

Rosie, of Great Witley, said: “When I go out, I don’t anticipate getting refused travel.

“Having a sight issue is difficult enough without this added stress.”

Rosie was with her son in Worcester when the incident happened last Thursday (November 21).

Daniel pointed out Rosie’s disability and the taxi driver told him he would not take the dog as he did not think it was an assistance dog.

Sally was wearing her full harness and Guide Dog UK branded vest at the time.

Ms Chandler added: “Are taxi drivers being trained correctly and are checks being carried out?”

“I’m lucky Daniel was with me - if I was on my own I would have been more worried.”

However, the trio managed to get service with another taxi nearby, travelling to Daniel’s house in St Peters without any further issues.

Daniel Thompson, 45, said: “When I questioned him again he responded by asking why we didn’t take the saloon in front of him, to which I told him his style of vehicle is easier for mum and the dog. He said again he would not take the dog.”

A spokesman for Worcester Taxi Drivers Association said: “Drivers who do this need to have their licences looked at."

A spokesperson for Worcestershire Regulatory Services said: “I can confirm that a formal complaint has now been lodged.

“Officers will be investigating the allegations which have been made, with a view to taking formal action.

“Taxi drivers have a legal responsibility to carry any passengers accompanied by assistance dogs, unless the driver is exempt from doing so on certain medical grounds.”