Taxi Driver Online

I agree; you want all local authorities to adopt a policy of mandatory cameras and shields for all licensed vehicles? Thereby making my vehicle illegal if I dont fit the aforementioned items.

CC

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Captain,

You know that is not true, you really disappoint me. If you really want to go over what has been said on the other side, carry on. But if you can't tell the difference between local and national policy, you must be in the wrong job.

BB

_________________
Mick Hildreth (07814 032002)
GMB PDB P39 Southern Region Branch Secretary
mick.hildreth@gmbtaxis.org.uk
www.gmbpdb.org.uk

I really disappoint you....christ can you imagine what my parents think

Ahh, I see its a local policy? Thats not what the advert said....but I apologise for any misconseption from your advert.

CC

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

BB??

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Justice for the 96. It has only taken 27 years...........repeat the same lies for 27 years and the truth sounds strange to people!

No, because his shirt isn't covered in your ex-wine.

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IDFIMH

I apologise for our leaflet confusing you

_________________
Mick Hildreth (07814 032002)
GMB PDB P39 Southern Region Branch Secretary
mick.hildreth@gmbtaxis.org.uk
www.gmbpdb.org.uk

Sorry for suggesting your local policy for the national mandatory of fitting of CCTV in licensed vehicles....thats what confused me

CC

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Good to see that some are begining to take this matter seriously. The text below is out for consultation, comments to the branch secretary


Staying safe:
guidance for PHV drivers

As a PHV driver you are dealing with strangers, often in isolated places and carrying cash. If you work at night you are likely to have to deal with people who have drunk too much alcohol. All this means you may be at risk of violence.

This guide is to help you to think of things that you can do to stay safe.

Bookings
• Your controller should make sure that they have all the passenger’s contact details for the booking, in particular their home address and telephone number if known.
• Controllers should keep a list of customers and locations that have been the source of violence and avoid taking bookings from them.
• Controllers should be clear with the passenger about exactly where you are taking them and what the fare will be.
• If the passenger changes the journey that they booked let them know what the revised fare will be to reduce the risk of a dispute later, when you are far from base and most at risk of violence.
• Let the controller know of any change to the booking.

Cash management
• If you can, drop off cash during your shift so that you carry as little in your car as you can. If you can’t, keep your cash hidden from view in a secure box.
• If you accept a long distance booking, you can ask for the fare up-front and if possible drop the cash off at your base office before leaving.
• Account work rather than cash fares can reduce the risks.

Adjustments to your vehicle
• Some drivers fit their car with a screen to protect them from assault. Screens are made from materials that withstand a knife attack or hard body impact, and can be fitted and taken out easily.
• Installing CCTV cameras has been shown to lead to reduced threats and violence against drivers. Signs in the vehicle can highlight the presence of CCTV to passengers. Cameras can be bought or rented, and the cost may be offset by reduced insurance premiums. They can be useful when there is a dispute with a passenger – it is not just your word against theirs.
• Fitting a convex mirror that gives you a full view of the rear of your car will help you to see what a passenger directly behind you is doing.

Carry with you
• A spare key, in case an assailant throws your keys away.
• A mobile phone.
• A note pad and pen to record incidents.
• An emergency card with your name, date of birth, blood group allergies and a contact number for emergencies.
• A statement explaining that it is against the law for you to take passengers other than those who have pre-booked.
• An explanation of the fare structure, so that you can explain it to a passenger who feels that you are over-charging them.

How your control room can help you
• You will need them to get help for you if you are in trouble.
• Have a pre-arranged code word that you can use if a passenger becomes threatening, so that you can call for help without making them suspicious.
• Some control rooms have GPS and can track the progress of all vehicles. Drivers have a silent button which they can activate in an emergency, which flags up their vehicle on the controller’s screen.

Staying safe
• You know that working at night carries most risks of violence, especially as many passengers will have been drinking. Make sure you are not tired – you need to be alert at all times.
• Trust your instinct – you have the right to refuse a passenger if you think they may present a risk.
• Only open the windows enough to speak to people without them being able to reach in. Only let them sit in the front of the car if you wish.
• Communication with the passenger is important. Be polite and pleasant.
• Use your radio to tell your controller that you have started your journey. This will mean that the passenger will know you are in contact with base.
• Make eye contact with the passenger when they get in the car. This helps to establish a relationship with the passenger. It also gives them the message that you could identify them.
• Explain the route you plan to take if you are going a long way round (for example in order to avoid road works) so as to prevent a dispute over the fare.

If you feel threatened
• Try to stay calm. Take slow, deep breaths – this may help.
• Be aware of your own actions and how they may be seen.
• If you can, drive to a brightly lit, busy place as these are often covered by CCTV.
• If you have a screen you are likely to be safer staying in your cab than getting out.
• Do not attempt to run after a passenger who owes you their fare. Your safety is more important than the money.

If you are attacked
• Do not try to fight back – it is most likely to make the violence worse for you.
• Use your horn and lights to attract attention.
• Contact your control room or call 999 to get help.
• Gather as much information about the person as you can (e.g. their clothes, accent).

After an incident
• Write down everything about the incident – a description of the passenger, what they said and did.
• If you did not call them at the time, report all violent incidents to the police. Be prepared to make a witness statement. It may take time but it may prevent the violence in the future – for you and other drivers.
• When sentencing offenders, courts have been advised to take particularly seriously assaults against people who are providing a public service, especially those who are vulnerable because they work alone at night.
• Bilking is a criminal offence. Report incidents to the police and be prepared to make a statement.
• You may be able to recover the costs of damage to your vehicle through the small claims system.

_________________
Mick Hildreth (07814 032002)
GMB PDB P39 Southern Region Branch Secretary
mick.hildreth@gmbtaxis.org.uk
www.gmbpdb.org.uk

Only a few hours late this time.

It's already been posted.

The GMB and British Rail share a lot in common.

It's nice to see we are on the same page occasionally

_________________
Mick Hildreth (07814 032002)
GMB PDB P39 Southern Region Branch Secretary
mick.hildreth@gmbtaxis.org.uk
www.gmbpdb.org.uk