Fragrant, well-spoken cabbies from now on

Fragrant, well-spoken cabbies from now on

http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/region_wide/2007/11/19/71878665-4d10-4fa9-a7c7-647b3b09c8e4.lpf

CABBIES are being banned from using bad language, wearing vests or shorts, and letting their vehicles smell of body odour.

East Cambridgeshire District Council's new guide for taxi and private hire drivers also includes a reminder for those with blind passengers: "When you talk to someone who uses a guide dog, speak directly to the person - not the dog."

The council tells drivers in Ely, Littleport and Soham to use "appropriate language, being careful not to offend", that "wearing of shorts and vests will not normally be permitted" and that they must be "smart, with a wellgroomed appearance and good personal hygiene". Cabs must also be clean and "odour free".

Antony Orchard, owner of 1st Call Taxi Service, believes the advice on personal appearance is useful. He said: "Hopefully, it will smarten up taxi drivers in Ely. It is good advice, because you do see one or two drivers about who are not clean.

"All my drivers are always appropriately dressed in shirts and trousers."

Mr Orchard and his drivers have already been through a council course on taxi etiquette.

He said: "It was all common sense, on making sure you do not rush disabled passengers and not beeping outside people's houses - but you do still see some people do that."

The guide also covers the qualifications drivers need and tells drivers how to assist their passengers throughout their journey. Drivers must complete a knowledge test on routes and will be trained to understand the needs of disabled passengers.

Liz Knox, the council's head of environmental services and housing, said: "The aim of the guide is to be as transparent as possible so everyone knows what is expected of them as taxi operators, drivers and passengers.

After speaking to taxi operators, it was clear that we needed to give them better clarity about what was expected from them, and this is what we have done."
19 November 2007

We could do that here and get rid of the costume parade

HA HA HA!!!
I can't believe it, they can actually offer advice like this.
East Cambridgeshire District Council's new guide for taxi and private hire drivers also includes a reminder for those with blind passengers: "When you talk to someone who uses a guide dog, speak directly to the person - not the dog."
Some councils do employ morons.