Most complaints are once again about drivers not adhering to procedure and I am having to call them in with a quiet word in their ear. If that does not suffice, then obviously the next step would be an official complaint. No one likes to put people on complaint, but there does have to be discipline otherwise it would result in chaos.
HEATHROW
During a recent meeting at Heathrow which I attended, the position of the
radio pick-up ranks was discussed and they are being marked out so that there is no
mistaking as to what they are there for. In addition, at the head of each rank there will
be a notice as to the conditions of use for that rank. These are for straight-away
pick-ups allocated via the system and nothing else. Any misuse could endanger the facility
and if there are complaints, they will go immediately to a complaints hearing. If you find
that there is a flight delay once you rank, then you must inform control and if you are
asked to wait then you must go to a car park.
I must further remind you again that if you book in whilst in the feeder
park, you must be able to get to the pick-up within fifteen
minutes. Failure to do so because you cannot get out of the park is not an excuse and will render you liable to a complaint. Also, remember the automatic ,25 scrub does not apply when you book in from the park or anywhere in the zone.
MARSHALLED RANKS
Where there are designated Marshalled ranks, it is very important that
drivers obey the instructions of the Marshals who are there on behalf of the Society to
make sure that things run smoothly and fairly. They are also in attendance to liaise with
the account client. Do not, however well intentioned you may be, take matters into your
own hands as this could well be misconstrued by your fellow drivers and could lead to a
complaint.
CODE 21.
There are still a number of drivers not doing a code 21 when arriving at
the pick-up. It is an important function that must be adhered to, so please bear this in
mind.
WESTMINSTER SPECIAL NEEDS
I would like to remind drivers that it is particularly important that any
change to the allocated journey, either because of no contact or a scrub or the journey is
not fully completed, must be communicated to the voice channel. Of course, if the journey
is not completed then the full fixed price is not payable and must not be cleared for that
amount.
TAXI RANK: ITN BUILDING, GRAYS INN ROAD
We have had a letter from the Cab Rank Liaison Officer of the Public
Carriage Office regarding radio taxis who are picking up booked jobs using the taxi rank
outside ITN whilst waiting for their passengers. I do not know if our drivers are the
culprits, but we have been asked to remind our drivers not to use the rank unless they are
available to be hired. A member of the public has complained to the authorities about
this, and I would not like to see our drivers put in to difficulties if there is a purge
one day. So please park nearby in Coley St and advise as to where you are.
Aubrey Siteman
