Call Sign May 2008 - Page 25 - COMPLIANCE OFFICERS REPORT

COMPLIANCE OFFICERS REPORT

Hello ladies and gents,

E140
I’m sure that you have noticed over the past month the numerous warning messages sent from the Call Centre reminding you of the procedures on E140 (Canary Wharf) during the evening and night time periods and that it is being strictly monitored via GPS.
   Quite simply, unless you are otherwise instructed, before booking into E140 you must be within the security barriers at any of the four entry points.
   A number of you have contacted either Keith Cain or myself complaining that some drivers are still breaking the procedure rules on this rank and have pretty much demanded that we take relevant action on those that still choose to disregard the guidelines that are in place. Over the next few weeks, there will be a number of complaint hearings taking place specifically for those drivers caught on GPS as not having been within the security zone when booking into E140.
   As the messages have stated,

there are no excuses and no more warnings will be given – it will be straight into a complaints meeting to be judged by your fellow members. Those that feel that they can continually flaunt the rules will sadly be in for a surprise and I am sure that the committee members will be strict in their judgement.
Over the last six months, I have listed a number of issues that may lead to a complaint and as you will see from the results of the last complaints hearing, the committee quite rightly judge all grievances in a fair, but firm manner. In my previous Call Sign articles, I’ve always endeavoured to keep you

up to date with many of the
problems that raise their heads in
the hope that it will prevent similar issues recurring. I am a driver myself and believe that I am also a fair-minded person. Sadly, there is a very small minority that spoil it for the rest – and they can harm our Society. Sometimes actions speak louder than words…please be warned.

Run-in reminder…
Can I again remind you that run-ins are in place to assist you if you are a distance from the pick up address and unless authorised by the Call Centre, you must not exceed the present amount of Ł4.20 at the booked time.
I am sure that you are all aware that if you arrive at the pick up with less than the authorised amount, the difference must not be added on as an extra or at the end of the journey.
If you have any queries on any of the above, please feel free to contact me on 0207 553 7222.

Allan Evans
Allane@Dialacab.co.uk

PARKING AND SMART CARS… Westminster Council responds
Dial-a-Cab driver, Mike Holleyoake (M06), recently wrote to his MP, Charles Walker (Broxbourne), complaining about the apparent zero tolerance of Westminster Council Mobile Surveillance Vehicles towards taxi drivers after receiving three Ł120 parking tickets within the space of just four weeks. In his letter, Mike suggested that those operating the Smart cars had "cottoned on" to the fact that London taxi drivers were "easy targets" and also suggested that they were paid by results. Mike was concerned that eventually the feeling among taxi drivers would become so strong that French-style militancy would be called for. Mr Walker passed on Mike’s feelings to Westminster Council and below is their response to him… Licensed London Taxi Drivers and Westminster Parking Regulations Thank you for your letter, which was addressed to Mr Peter Rogers, the Chief Executive Officer of the Westminster City Council (WCC). Mr Rogers has passed this letter to me in order for a full response to be given. I understand your constituent, Mr Holleyoake, has made	representation to you regarding his concerns that the WCC is deliberately hampering licensed taxi drivers from carrying out their legitimate business. This accusation is not accepted. The council’s Parking Services team (PST) do hold public forums on regular bases. These meetings can be focused on particular user groups such as taxis, coaches, trades vehicles, private motorists etc or can be open to a broader spectrum of users. The principal objectives of these meetings are twofold; to allow the different users to express their concerns and suggestions and secondly they afford an opportunity for the PST team to assess what changes the motorists would like to see implemented. The last such forum which was focused on the taxi industry was extremely useful for both the PST and those in the taxi business, including drivers. Mr Holleyoake has stated his objections to the council’s use of mobile surveillance vehicles and that the drivers of these vehicles are paid on productivity related to the number of offences reported. This latter statement is untrue. The primary purpose of these vehicles, as of Parking Attendants, is to assist in traffic management in Westminster in accordance with	the 1991 Road Traffic Act. The demands by all motorist living within, or visiting the area, are varied. It is in everyone’s interest that the PST takes appropriate measures to ensure that the regulations within the Act are enforced. In Westminster, taxi drivers have the freedom to stop in many places that other vehicles cannot, this covers only the period while the passengers are boarding or alighting. There is no set time limit and taxi drivers can stop for as long as is necessary for the passengers to get in or out. For instance, if ramps or a lift are needed to be used to allow a wheelchair user into the vehicle, the time taken to secure these is acceptable. Thank you for bringing this matter to my attention and affording me the opportunity to address Mr Holleyoake’s concerns personally. In conclusion, I would assure you that the City Council is committed to providing customer care to the highest standard possible at all times. We value feedback from our customers and endeavour to use this to improve continuously the quality of our service. Kevin Goad Head of Parking Operations

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