Call Sign February 2010 - Page 27 - COMPLIANCE OFFICER’S UPDATE

COMPLIANCE OFFICER’S UPDATE
*Hello Ladies & Gents, Christmas seems an age away and with the snow at the beginning of the year and perhaps with a proper winter, we can look forward to a better summer than we have experienced in recent years, with more and more tourists visiting our shores. Over the festive season, when increased volumes of work can lead to a possible rise in customer complaints, this year was gratifying in that no serious issues were reported, which is a testament to you, the members, and the professionalism shown over a period of high demand when tensions can become strained. So well done! Recent problems* In each of my recent reports, I have usually mentioned some of the problems that continually occur and this report will be no different. The Call Centre is frequently monitoring the system and although I know I am repeating myself, the most common rule violations are still those listed below... E14: This zone is physical between 9pm and 6am (Monday to Friday) and at all times on weekends. Please be aware that	the furthest part west in E14 is Commercial Road, adjacent to the Rotherhithe Tunnel and from the east, the boundary starts at Leamouth Road, so you must be west of this point before booking in. Outlying zones on either side of the M25 that do not have a London postal zone are at all times physical. There are trips in outlying zones that have increased lead-in times, but if you are not in the actual trip zone (e.g. SE50, S99, NN99 etc) please do not book into these zones to gain an unfair advantage over fellow members. As I have mentioned a number of times, if there is no one in the trip zone, these trips will be offered to back-up zones and if still unmatched, they will appear on the bid trip screen. Regular Bookings: It is not in the true spirit of the Society and is	a procedure rule violation to book into a zone and wait for a long period of time prior to a regular trip being dispatched in order to maintain a queue position. This is deemed to be hanging up and again is a big bone of contention with drivers who see a taxi that appears to be booked in to a rather obscure zone for an unusually long length of time. Please be aware that the Call Centre is monitoring these trips and it is surprising how they come to light. Euston ‘shouts’ There were many Euston shouts during the bad weather and many of you did an excellent job in extremely testing conditions. I have been asked to mention that you are advised to stay in your taxis at all times whilst the Marshals are organising and marrying up the trips. It looks much more professional and please be assured that no driver will be treated differently from any other. The first trip goes in the first taxi... I hope to see many of you at the AGM, drive safely and keep up the good work... Allan Evans DaC Compliance Officer

Did you know...

...that Lindsey House in Cheyne Walk is the only 17th century aristocratic property left in Chelsea. It was built in 1674 by the third Earl of Lindsey, the Lord Chamberlain to Charles II. It was built on a former farmhouse site, once part of Thomas More’s estate and home to the leader of the Moravian Church, Count ZinZendorf . As is the way of life in Chelsea, the building at 96 – 100 Cheyne Walk in now divided into apartments...

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