South Australian Uber driver refuses to let guide dog in car

A South Australian Uber driver is being slammed for refusing to let a a vision impaired woman bring her guide dog in the car.

Born with low vision, Ellen Fraser-Barbour relies on her guide dog Inca for safety and sight.

But on Wednesday when she was trying to catch an Uber home, Ms Fraser-Barbour says she was told Inca was an unwelcome passenger.

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She was able to capture footage of the exchange between herself and the Uber driver.

"This is an assistance dog, a guide dog," Ms Fraser-Barbour can be heard telling the driver.

"No. No. No. I can't do it. Sorry," he replied.

"It's an assistance dog, you can't refuse by law," Ms Fraser-Barbour added.

But the driver still refused, claiming he was not obliged to accept the ride, and leaving Ms Fraser-Barbour on the curb.

She says the experience is one that is common for people with a disability.

"I have a lot of blind friends and they all tell me about distressing experiences that they've had of being left on the curb. It's a really rampant issue," Ms Fraser-Barbour said.

Since the incident she has made a report to Uber and received an apology.

But Ms Fraser-Barbour says it should never have happened in the first place and is now calling for stricter penalties.

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"For example being able to fine drivers if they refuse," Ms Fraser-Barbour said.

In a statement Uber said a first offence will see a driver's account temporarily deactivated while they receive further education.

A second strike could see them permanently banned from the platform.

"Taking someone off the platform temporarily doesn't say zero tolerance approach. That says we'll give you another chance," Ms Fraser-Barbour said.