CABBIES FACE 'CODE OF CONDUCT' OVER SERVICE
6 readers have commented on this story. Click here to read their views.
BY TERRY HALL
10:30 - 11 July 2008
When you hire a taxi, you do not immediately expect a chauffeur-style service.
However, drivers working in Oadby and Wigston could soon have to offer first class treatment to all customers - or face a penalty.
Council bosses in the borough are preparing to introduce a code of conduct to make sure taxi customers get the best possible service on journeys.
Drivers will be handed penalty points for things like playing their radio without asking the passenger's permission or failing to help loading bags.
Council bosses would keep a tally of complaints on drivers' records.
If a driver reaches 12 points, they face having their taxi licence revoked or suspended and a possible fine.
Oadby and Wigston Borough Council's licensing committee has discussed plans for the new rules.
Pete Hassle, from Wigston Taxis, believes the idea will improve the conduct of many of the district's self-employed drivers.
He said the majority of firms in the area employ drivers who pay for their own taxi licence, and as such, there are difficulties in enforcing stricter guidelines.
He said: "I think this is a great idea. I get sick of receiving complaints from the public about driver conduct.
"We do have a set of rules for the drivers to follow, and most do, but some drivers can be bad at times.
"The penalty points scheme would give the poor drivers a bit of a kick because they pay for their own licences and if they lost it they would be hit hard."
Imran Hussein, who owns Stage Taxis, in Wigston, said it would be important for the public to know about the points scheme.
He said: "We expect all our drivers to help with luggage and we already carry out random checks to ensure our cars are clean and fit for use.
"The conduct of our drivers reflects on us as a company, so I would hope that the introduction of the scheme would let passengers know what standards should be met. The taxi trade overall will benefit from this."
Helen Bryant, 46, from South Wigston, uses taxis on a weekly basis and believes the plans will work.
She said: "I've sat in taxis before when the driver will just ignore me for the whole journey and it's uncomfortable."
Gary Waterfield, the council's leading licensing officer, said the plans will be discussed with the taxi companies and members of the public before they come into force.
The proposals also include strict checks on foreign drivers to ensure they meet with EU standards.
They must be issued a certificate of good conduct from their native country and also display a good standard of English.
Licence costs will also reduce if drivers can display provisions to carry disabled passengers by fitting hand rails and ramps. The next meeting by the council will take place in October where it is hoped the proposals will get the go-ahead.作者: yanny 时间: 2008-7-12 22:21