Call Sign March 2010 - Page 25 - Compliance Officer’s update

Compliance Officer’s update
Hello Ladies & Gents, Driving conditions in the capital seem to be getting more and more difficult, the Blackwall Tunnel is partially closed until 2012 and now Albert Bridge is undergoing extensive repairs that will restrict vehicle access for the next eighteen months. Other major river crossings are also under repair at the moment, so the timing seems ludicrous. If you take into account the roadworks and temporary lights, our job is certainly not easy. From experience, I believe it is always worth mentioning any traffic problems at the beginning of a journey that may cause delays and if you are about to take an alternative route that may confuse the client, it is also worth mentioning it to them. You may even wish to ask them if they have a preferred route... Repetitive articles? Every month I try to highlight the types of problems that occur on an almost daily basis, and again I must point out how important it is to follow the guidelines and procedures that are laid down. I know that those of you who read these articles may feel that they are too repetitive, but as you can see	from the list of complaint results in this issue of Call Sign, the same procedures are regularly violated and you can also see that they come with a cost to those members who do not work within the rules that are there to make it fair for all of us. Clients are rightly very vigilant and cost conscious and with so much competition, it is up to all of us to use our discretion and show professionalism at all times. The reports that clients receive are highly accurate; run-ins and meter fares are readily captured and any anomalies are highlighted. It is important that you press your arrival button when you have actually arrived at the pick up and not on route and that if you are unable to park exactly outside of the account address, please notify the call centre of your true location.	Credit Cards I have once more been asked to mention that if you are not able to swipe a Credit Card through the terminal, you must make alternative means of payment. If at the end of the trip you are unable to print a receipt through the terminal, it is essential that you take a rubbing of the card on a manual receipt and ask the passenger for a valid signature, matching the one on the card. Banks will honour the payment if you have proof that the card was physically in your possession at the end of the journey. It is even more important on a longer journey when you may be out of signal range. Finally on a personal note, I would like to sincerely thank those of you that have either phoned, text or sent your condolences by card or email regarding the sad loss of my dear mum just before Christmas. To see workmates and members from Dial-a-Cab attending the funeral was really touching. Many friends and colleagues have told me that you only have one mum – how true that is. Thank you once again... Allan Evans DaC Compliance Officer

DaC at WCHCD Pancake Day!

As usual, Dial-a-Cab were well represented within the Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers team for the 6th Inter Livery Pancake Race. The event is organised annually by the Poulters Company and takes place in The Guildhall Yard. Pancake races are held all over England on Shrove

Tuesday. Those racing must toss the pancake so that it returns to the pan in one piece before crossing the finish line.
   Teams of four liverymen/women race for the prize of an engraved frying pan! There is also a novelty hat race to raise funds for the Lord Mayor’s chosencharity – this year’s theme was musicals.
   The Gunmakers Company started the races, while contestants wore gloves from the Glovers. DaC’s John Dixon (B67) and Pat Graves (L53) joined Tony Norris and WCHCD Master, Michael Davis, but failed to win any of their races!
   John Dixon told Call Sign after the event: "I think they gave me a heavier pancake than everyone else! But it was great fun – even in the rain!"

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