Private Hire Show 2012

  Don't forget people the annual Private Hire and Taxi Magazine annual show in coventry at the end of the month. There is still time to register, visit their website http://www.phtm.co.uk/exhibition.asp or ring 0161 688 7777.
   A great day out to meet with other companies. Firms from around the country, data and equipment suppliers, insurers, car dealers - it has it all.

Free Airport Parking

  Ever since the Leeds & Bradford Airport contract was awarded to Arrow Cars back in January 2008, the issue of dropping off customers has been a growing one. Recently a standard parking charge for simply pulling into the car park of £2.00 was introduced. The issue of who should pay this has probably caused more than one disagreement of opinions.
  Well stress no further a closer examination of the Leeds and Bradford Airport website will tell you that you can drop of and pickup passengers for free !!! It even gives you a little map showing where this free parking is.

"The On-Airport Long Stay Car Parks (1 and 2) can also be used for up to 60 minutes FREE of charge for dropping-off or picking-up of passengers. The Long Stay Car Parks are within walking distance of the terminal building, however, we do also provide a free 24/7 shuttle transfer to and from the terminal that takes between 3 and 4 minutes.
Please note that for stays of between 61 minutes and 2 hours, you will be charged at the standard Short Stay tariffs (as indicated above). Any stays in the Long Stay Car Parks over 2 hours will be charged at the minimum Long Stay tariff as above (ie £35 for up to 2 days)." direct quote from http://www.leedsbradfordairport.co.uk/parking/car-park-tariffs

  So drop your customers in the yellow or green zones for free parking and cheaper fares for all !!!

Parking Issues

  Parking is a constant issue for the private hire driver, unlike Taxi drivers who have public money spent on providing ranks throughout the city (yet on a Friday/Saturday night it's still impossible to find one), the private hire driver has the nightmare task of having to return to base or pre-defined satellite parking locations.

  It has become the situation that on becoming a private hire driver you lose the same basic rights that every other road user has. How did this situation manage to come about?

  Well it basically amounts to the fact that a few bad apples spoilt the barrel. There was a time not so long ago where no-one took offence at a driver been parked up outside their home or in the car park of their business. Unfortunately some didn't treat this privilege the way they should have, loud music, littering, abusive behaviour when asked to move, etc, etc. led to a nightmare scenario for all of us.

  As laid out by Leeds City Council it is the responsibility of the operating company to provide sufficient parking for all the vehicles it operates.Whether this is through owned land, rental agreements or non-written agreement for parking spaces, they are required to have enough to make sure every vehicle it operates can be parked up if needed. They also must inform their drivers where these spaces are.
  However it is Leeds City Council's responsibility to make sure these rules are enforced, as the licensing body they have the responsibility (if not legally then certainly morally) to make sure they are only licensing vehicles if sufficient parking exists.
  Now in theory there is probablly sufficient parking for all private hire vehicles that operate at any given time to park up, even if not with individual companies but probablly collectivley throughout the city. Now someone somewhere in a office in a dark corner may have these figures, given our experience we doubt these figures (if they exist) have ever seen the light of day.
  So this is the background of the senario, the day to day is the enforcement officers respond to a problem, they tell the operator to do something about it, the operator puts out a general warning message and tells the enforment officers it's their problem since they licensed them, the issue gets passed to and fro like this for weeks, months, years even and nothing changes.
  Moving forward....

What the general public could do...

Be a little more tolerent of drivers parking up outside their house, the drivers don't want to be parked up they want to be working and earning money, we all want a quick response when ordering a Taxi and as long as drivers aren't been a nuisance then what harm is it to have them parked outside your house.

What drivers could do...

Be more respectful, appreciate that not everyone wants a vehicle outside their house and if asked to move apologise and move, don't get into a argument about it. Be responsible, don't litter, don't be a nuisance, dim your lights at night so it's not shinning through someones front window when you turn around. If you have friends who own a business ask them to write a letter to your operator allowing them the use of their car park outside business hours or limited use during them.

What operators could do...

Find more parking would be the obvious answer, but it's not that simple, parking requires land which cost money this leads to increase fare prices at the end of the day. A far more cost effective solution would be to be more proactive, ask your contract customers for a letter allowing use of their car parks, be more vigilant with your drivers, speak to other operators about a mutual we can use any/all your parking in exchange you can use all ours, and get it in writing.

What the Council could do...

Be more lenient on non relevant issues, one driver parked up on an empty street is not the same issue as five parked up on a busy road and school kicking out time. Open up the many abandoned council owned land sites for use by private hire drivers. Be more controlled in their monitoring of the issue, introduce a system of fair and consistant tracking procedures that are put on a drivers record file (first offence, second offence, written warning, second written warning, disaplinary route/fines). Be more proactive in solving the problem instead of just relocating it. Work with operators to help combat the problem, offer appropriate land and planning contacts to help them obtain more land for parking, redirect drivers to appropriate locations. Use some of the £1million (at least) that is paid in badge/plate renewal fees to obtain land for use by all private hire companies (it can't all go on wages and running costs). Make it part of the operating license conditions that any operator must share it's parking locations with other operators. But whatever you do remember to be fair and a little bit of carrot not just all stick.

Data Problems - Touch Screens

  One of the biggest problems with modern data systems, like with mobile phones is the touch screen. Constant use and time leads to the screen becoming unresponsive to commands. Either that or the wrong action takes place when you press it.
  Fortunately this is something manufacturers have had the foresight to plan for and something that is relativly easy to fix.
  The biggest solution, like most problems is not to have the situation in the first place. Correct useage of your equipment with due care and dilegence prevents problems occuring.

Tips for not having Touch Screen Problems in the first place

1. Keep your touch screen clean, only use proper cleaning wipes/cloths as per manufacturers instructions
2. Only use fingers and/or the appropriate touch screen pens to use the data
3. Be gentle with the device. Touch screens are not indestructible. 

  If you are unfortunate enough to have a problem with your touch screen then the first thing we recommend is re-calibrate its settings.The methods are different depending on your device, check with your Operator and/or manufacturer for how to do it with yours.

How to with the Autocab Sigma Data

How to with a Cordic Data System 

A hard reset of a device will allow calibration of the touch screen.

Radio Problems - Power wiring

Another problem we frequently see is poorly fitted power cables. (The red and black wires that run from your battery). Poor power connections can lead to a whole host of problems, including loss of reception, inability to bid on jobs, inability to be heard on voice, and many more.
  The long and short of it is poor power connections lead to loss of work and income.

Top tips to prevent poor performance

Poor condition battery connection points

1. Ensure your battery is connection points are in good condition. The picture to the left shows you exactly what they shouldn't look like.
2. Make sure you connect your wires to the connection points using proper fittings, there are many different ways to do this depending on your vehicle but whatever you do don't just wrap the wire around. 
3. Be sure to use the correct wiring - there are many different sizes suitable for many different things. The size you will need is 2.5mm. Other sizes will work they just don't work properly long term.
4. Use a single piece of wire from your battery to your connector block as shown in the final diagram.
5. Make sure to fit an in line fuse.
6. Use a connector block to connect

   

   Connector Block

   
   

   . We recommend the use of a connector block rather than any other setup as different bases use different radios the use of a connector block makes it easier to change the radio connection if and when you move bases.
7. Keep your wiring tidy. Put your wiring in a position where it will not get caught on things in your car, you, the hinge of your door, your passengers, other equipment in the car. These can all pull on your wiring and reduce the effectiveness off your setup.

A final point of note: If you are unsure of any of the steps, get a professional involved. It usually costs a little as £30 for the fitting of your wiring and will ensure a good connection.

Through experience we have found Malborough Radio Services a good bet offering a first class service.

Stay up to date with the latest technology

  As you'll only be too aware as a Taxi/Private Hire driver various requirements mean you are constantly forking out money just to stay on the road. Base rent, insurance renewals, plate renewal, badge renewal, MOT, road tax, the list goes on.
  Many of these things require you to present paperwork for the others. Not to mention making sure you remember to renew them in time. To help you why not take advantage of the useful free technology there is out there.

Tip 1 - 

 Your phone, most people these days have a phone that can take photo's. Take a photo of each of your licenses, cover notes, etc and store them in a separate folder/collection on your phone. Each time you renew send a picture message to your operator so they can keep their records up to date and you don't have to make an unnecessary trip to the office.

Tip 2 - 

  Email - it's easy to get free email, sign up for a free hotmail or google mail account. You'll get free storage space so upload your documents to it. Handy when it comes to renewing your insurance. You can just email them all straight to your insurance company instead of 2/3 trips to the brokers to present documentation. Give your email to Leeds Vehicle Licensing, your Insurance company, your Operator, etc, doing this will help them keep you informed on latest developments.

Tip 3 -

 Calender function on your phone - unless you bought your phone pre-1990 your phone will have a calender, take advantage of it and store your expiry dates in it, set alarms for 1 month before so you don't forget to renew and don't have a last minute panic trying to get funds together in time.


At this point in the blog we'd like to offer a link to an app that would be able to do all this in one go, tragically we don't know of such an app and don't have the time to make one. But if you do please let us and we can pass this information to others.

Lazy Sundays

Another bank holiday Sunday, for many a chance to chill out and relax, so here's a selection of taxi based games to assist you relax. Taxi Games

Runners (Make of without payment)

 Another constant issue facing drivers (and operators) is the problem of "runners" (make off without payments). The usual senario results in the driver just clearing himself then complaining to the operator come rent day.
 Obviously this helps no-one, with such a time delay the operator can do little but barr the address. But this is not the only solution. Under the "Theft Act" the non-payment of goods or services is classed as theft and as such a police and legal matter. This includes the non-payment of a taxi fare (a service has be provided after all). The police are legally required to investigate the matter and if needed prosecute.
  So how do you go about getting it sorted?
(1) By phone - call the non-emergency west yorkshire switch board on 101 have a pen and paper handy as you will be guven a crime number, you'll need this number to follow up if needed.
(2) In person - go to your nearest police station and report the crime, remember to have all relevant information with you. (A point of note - we have found that some stations/officers will try to discard the matter by telling a driver "It's a civil matter and they can't do anything". As mentioned above it is a crime under the theft act. Politly remind the officer of this, this usually changes their response. If not don't get upset simply ask the officer for their name and badge number. Again this quickly changes their attitude. Again make sure you have have a pen and paper with you to record anything you might need to.
(3) Online - visit the west yorkshire police website and fill out the online crime report form

After reporting it to the police report it to your base so that your collegues don't have the same problem.

Summary

• Report to police, be polite and have as much information as possible
• Be patient, and responsible when reporting
• Report as near to the time of the event (don't wait a week to report it)
• Inform your operator, ask them to ban the address, pass crime number and relevant information to them when you can

• Patiently wait for a response, don't expect an instant response. As a rule of thumb it will take 3/4 days for the police to follow up on it. We have seen cases where it has been sorted within an hour, but also cases where it was never resolved. Rest assured however the police will do everything they can.

Always report runners, don't let them get away with yours and your collegues money.

Over Zealous Traffic Wardens and Yellow Lines

  Another all too frequent issue we see is the problem of picking up/dropping off on double yellow lines.

  Countless numbers of drivers have received PCN's when picking up or dropping off customers on double yellow lines.You've probablly seen this your self or at least heard of it. The result - drivers refuse to pick up jobs from certain (often busy/popular) locations.

  So let's clarify the matter:

Note it says NO WAITING. If you are dropping off or picking up a passenger then this is not classed as waiting this is classed as LOADING/UNLOADING. You may stop to load or unload (unless there are also loading restrictions) or while passengers board or alight.
 What this does not mean is you can wait for your passenger to arrive when you have a pickup at a location with double yellow lines. So if your passenger is not there circle around until they are or pull away and have your office re-book the job for a short time after. (5mins or so)
  If you are dropping something off for a customer, ie a package delivery what it does mean is you can do it there at the road side and stop on the yellow lines to do it. It does not mean you can stop your car on the yellow lines and go deliver the item(s). If you leave your car, you are parked/waiting and the fine will still apply.
  ***Remember these exemptions only apply for the duration of pickinh up/dropping off your customer and should be done in a resonable time - don't rush it but don't take advantage either***

What to do if you get a PCN whilst dropping off/picking up on yellow lines

1. Do not get into an argument with the Traffic Warden - make the assumption he/she is an idiot and accept the PCN. Get on with your job and wait for your PCN to be delivered.
2. Once you have your ticket/PCN write to the address stated on it giving your full details and the details of the fare you were collecting/dropping off.
3. In your letter make certain you use the phrase "I was on the yellow line(s) for the duration it took whilst my passenger boarded/alighted, and moved away immediatly after"
4. Send your letter recorded delivery.

For further clarrification visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/travelandtransport/highwaycode/signsandmarkings/index.htm and Download 'Road markings' (PDF, 715K)

Approved List of Saloon Vehicles for use for Private Hire in Leeds

CHEVROLET

CHEVROLET EPICA
1. 2.0 VCDi LS
2. 2.0 VCDi LT
3. 2.0 VCDi LT Auto

MERCEDES

MERCEDES E class
E200 CDI
E220 CDI
(Not sport model)

MERCEDES ‘C’ CLASS 29.

 FORD

FORD MONDEO

 HONDA

HONDA ACCORD

MAZDA

MAZDA 6 (not Sports Model)

NISSAN

NISSAN PRIMERA 

PEUGEOT

PEUGEOT 406 

ROVER

ROVER 45

SKODA

SKODA SUPERB

SKODA OCTAVIA

 

 

 

 

 

 

  TOYOTA

 TOYOTA AVENSIS

 

 VAUXHALL

 VAUXHALL VECTRA (except 2.5 24 valve)

VOLKSWAGEN

VOLKSWAGEN PASSATVOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2005
1.9 TDI S & SE model
2.0 TDI S & SE model

VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
1.6 TDI S & SE model
2.0 TDI S & SE model

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Claim Culture

  One of the biggest things effecting drivers and so in turn operators (in rents they receive/number of drivers) then customers (higher prices/poorer service) is the current claim culture of the UK.
  As taxi & private hire drivers are on the road more than your average driver they have a far greater chance of been involved in an accident.  A number of accident management companies (ambulance chasers) have sprung up out of this and make huge profits out of doing pretty much nothing. Their involvment means the payouts by insurance companies are higher and unfortunatly these are passed on to the policy holders in the way of higher premiums. Remember these increased premiums are not just for the bad/accident prone drivers but apply to everyone.
  Now we're not saying people aren't entitled to claim for injury, damages, etc when they're unfortunate to be in an accident, and likewise we don't want drivers out there with vehicles that are unsafe to drive because they got a cash in hand settlement and got some dodgy back street garage repair.
  We do however want to encourage people to take the sensible option.

Drivers:

1. Don't admit fault at the roadside
2. Take pictures at the scene - be sure to get a good picture of vehicle registrations and damage, do this even if it's only scratches cover yourself and still do it. We have heard of countless cases where a minor collision has occurred at minimum speeds then two weeks later a claim goes in because the other party now has a massive dint in their car door.
3. Report it to your insurers. If it's only minor still report it and make sure to mention that it is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY". This doesn't effect your claim history (correct us if we're wrong) and remember your insurers don't want to pay out if they can avoid it. Early reporting gives your insurers the best opportuntiy to defend a claim.
4. If it is worthy of a claim use your insurers, the goverment have already started to take steps to make this the only way to do it, cut out the middle men, it will save us all money in the long run

Passengers:

1. Get all the proper details at the time, like the drivers take photo's at the scene of the crime
2. If your not injured don't go trying to make a claim, it will only end up costing everyone more money in the long run
3. Use a reputable claim company or better still contact the insurers of one of the parties involved this cuts out admin costs and saves everyone money while at the same time gets appropriate payout for genine incidents.