Author: Shahzad Ali

Important Message

We have reported the issue of driver’s position changing and dropping down to Autocab. They replied this will only happen if the driver rejects a job from the same zone or if someone has had a no fare. We replied that drivers are saying this is happening even if they have not rejected a booking. They have escalated the matter to next line to investigate further.

The operators do not change your position. The operators do not give out the jobs. ALL the jobs are dispatched by the system (computer). The Operators only take calls.

The last few weeks have seen an increase in abuse by drivers towards staff who answer calls. If they could give you jobs, swearing at them is not going to make them do it.

We would like to clarify the role of ‘Dispatcher’. Drivers are calling and asking to speak to the ‘Dispatcher’. The dispatcher is the person who answers the driver messages. The dispatcher is not the person who is giving out the jobs. The computer gives out the jobs. When you call the Driver Line the person who answers the call will deal with you and not put you through to the dispatcher who actually cannot do anything more than the person you are speaking to already. The job title of ‘Dispatcher’ will be changed to message handler. Therefore at any time on shift there will be call handlers and message handlers only and no dispatcher.

If a job is booked incorrectly, for example from the wrong pick-up point or any other error then you need to report this by WhatsApp to 01902 247247 or email (Support@247-247.net). We will identify the call handler.

You cannot abuse anyone in the workplace. This workplace is no different. Any Driver abusing a call handler will have their activation deleted.

247 Customer Services Team

Changes to UK Lock Down Rules  Saturday 4th July 2020

This BBC Article Explains https://www.bbc.com/news/explainers-52530518

From tomorrow morning pubs will be allowed to reopen and we will carefully enter a period of returning to normality.

247 Drivers have bravely covered our work during these most difficult three months of our lives and 247 Cars was able to remain open throughout.

Drivers will already have noticed a gradual increase in work since this morning as many people are planning a party tomorrow night.

We urge drivers who are working to take necessary precautions and ensure your screens are clean and regularly checked and re-cleaned throughout any shift.

We predict that tomorrow night will be busy in away not witnessed before in a summer month.

We hope and pray that we are all kept safe and well and tomorrow is a beginning of better times I’A

Lock down Changes: Advice For 247 Drivers

Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has announced that lock down measures are to be relaxed in several Phases.

Step 1 will start on  Monday 11th May 2020 people will be able to go to work as long as they STAY ALERT and socially distance responsibly.

On Wednesday 13th May people will be able to go out freely in parks and open spaces as long as they STAY ALERT and socially distance responsibly.

This means taxi work is bound to pick up from tomorrow morning I’A and even more so on and after Wednesday.

You will need to remain alert and ensure your Anti Virus Screens remain fitted as long as your insurance company and local authority allow you to fit one.

Below is a diagram of how things will proceed

Step 1 is Now – allowed out and return to work

Step 2 No Earlier Than 1st June – shops and some school ages to return

Step 3 No Earlier Than 1st July – leisure premises like pubs restaurants could be reopen.

The Prime Minister is clear that this is a dynamic plan which means it is moving all the time.  It could change at any time if the “R” Number rises towards above 1.  Currently the “R” Number is at around 0.6

We realise many people have differing views about lifting of lock down, however we believe this is a very measured approach.  We are being led by the science and the government will be aware of the direction of what is likely to happen with the reduction of deaths from COVID-19.

We pray we are all kept safe from this pandemic and normality is restored soon I’A

Walsall Council have Issued advice to Taxi Drivers and we thought we would pass it on to you.

Also You can buy very cheap protection for your Cab from Ebay Click https://bit.ly/2wSjils to find out more.

COVID-19 prevention advice for Taxi Drivers

This guidance has been created in the interim, while awaiting further guidance from central government. Information is frequently changing and being updated and if you require further advice please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public 

COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus. This briefing explains some of the steps you can take to reduce the risk of transmitting and contracting COVID-19

Think about asking about symptoms before a passenger is picked up

In line with current guidance people with a new persistent cough or high temperature should stay at home. If potential passengers have symptoms, direct them to NHS 111 and advise them not to make the journey.

Where possible, ask all passengers to sit in the back of your vehicle.

Keep your vehicle clean to reduce the impact of the virus

• Regularly clean surfaces, such as card payment devices, steering wheels, handbrake, door handles, with normal cleaning products. (At the beginning, middle and end of a shift as a minimum)
• Carry a box of tissues and use tissues to catch coughs and sneezes
• Dispose of used tissues in the bin as soon as possible
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water (you can keep a bottle of water and a bar of soap in your vehicle) or use a sanitizer gel – do this for at least 20 seconds. Sanitizer gel should be a minimum 60% alcohol – hand washing guidance

What to do if someone develops symptoms of COVID-19

• If you become unwell with the symptoms of COVID-19 you should go home and follow the stay at home guidance.
• If you need advice go online to NHS 111 (or call 111 if they don’t have internet access). In an emergency, call 999 if seriously ill or injured or life is at risk. Do not visit the GP, pharmacy, urgent care centre or a hospital.
• If a passenger is taken unwell with symptoms of COVID-19, you do not need to go home unless you develop symptoms. You should wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds after any contact with someone who is unwell and clean your vehicle before the next passenger.

Latest Advice

If you, or anyone in your household, are experiencing either

• a new continuous cough, OR
• a high temperature (of 37.8 degrees centigrade or higher) Then members of your household are now advised to stay at home (self-isolate) for 14 days from the onset of symptoms following the current advice. Individuals are encouraged to ask for help from others for their daily essentials.

Everyone should do what they can to stop coronavirus spreading.

It is particularly important for people who:

• are 70 or over
• have a long-term condition
• are pregnant
• have a weakened immune system

Further information is available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/