Finchley guide dog owner Angus McKenzie MBE is playing a key role in pushing a Bill through Parliament to make it illegal for minicab drivers to refuse to carry a guide dog.
Mr McKenzie, from Fitzalan Road, has been an advisor to Walthamstow MP Neil Gerrard who successfully tabled a Ten Minute Rule Bill, which passed its first reading unopposed.
Mr McKenzie, who has been blind since 1959, said he often finds himself stranded when minicab drivers refuse to take his dog, Ward. On one occasion earlier this year, he could not get a minicab after shopping at Tesco in Ballards Lane, Finchley.
"They tried 12 different ranks," he said. "I had £120 worth of frozen foods and other bits and pieces. I couldn't get any kind of transport."
In the end, the manager of Tesco's got the assistant manageress to take me home, which was wonderful."
He said people misunderstand how well-trained, intelligent and clean guide dogs are.
"When the blind person books the minicab we don't want to have to say 'I have got a guide dog'. I don't have to say I have got an umbrella or I have got a baby with me. Why should I have to say I have got a guide dog when it's part of me."
The second reading of the proposed extension of the Disability Discrimination Act is due on January 25.
"Not being able to rely on minicabs makes getting out and about very difficult and a change in the law would definitely improve the quality of my life," Mr McKenzie said.
December 18, 2001 17:03
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