MORPETH’S taxis are being targeted in a new scheme to drive up standards.
A voluntary code of conduct is being put together by the Morpeth and District Chamber of Trade, which aims to stamp out drivers’ bad habits and encourage a smart appearance.
And four companies which operate in the town – Rusty’s Taxis, Castle Taxis, A.B.T Taxis and Henley Taxis – are set to sign up for an initial six-month period.
The document was drawn up by the business group following complaints from members of the public about the conduct of some taxi drivers.
It has worked closely with the local Taxi Drivers Liaison Group on its plans.
Chamber Chairman John Beynon said: “This is all about getting the taxis in Morpeth up to being among the best in the North East.
“Under this voluntary code, the taxi companies will have a sign on their vehicles saying they have been recommended by the Chamber of Trade and people can contact our website if there are any complaints about a driver.
“Hopefully, other taxi firms will up their game when they see this and want to get on board.
“At this stage, we don’t want to run before we can walk, but having four companies ready to sign up for six months is a very positive step and it’s important to say this is a voluntary measure that they agree with as well.
“We are getting the final draft drawn up and hopefully it will be signed in the next week.”
The items in the code include drivers having clean and smart clothing, shirts or tops that cover the shoulders, paying attention to personal hygiene and not wearing tracksuits and/or shorts.
It also asks drivers to make sure vehicles are in a safe and clean condition, as well as assist passengers where necessary with getting in and out of the vehicle and with luggage.
Dave Routledge, a member of the Taxi Drivers Liaison Group, said: “I feel a bit sad that we are telling people this is how to have a successful business.
“There have been a mixture of responses and some feel there’s a bit of interference, but if this starts growing and standards improve we will have many more of the lads signing up.
“These things are not hard to carry out. We have problems like in any industry but if we can iron them out in Morpeth it will be good for everyone who operates here.”
He added that broadly speaking, 60 percent of the taxis in Morpeth are run independently which would pose a challenge for getting the vast majority on board with the code.
The measure was welcomed by Chamber members including Geoff Proudlock who said: “It’s really about making the town better and of course it’s in the drivers’ own interests even if they don’t realise it.”
Fellow member Graham Cook asked if smoking could be added to the list in the code, saying: “The biggest issue is taxi drivers smoking as people approach the cab, for me that’s more offensive than body odour.”
Taxi Drivers Liaison Group Chairman Barry Sisterson said drivers are not supposed to smoke at a taxi rank.
source:
http://www.morpethherald.co.uk/
Login
Register
FAQ
