Taxi Driver Online

Lancashire Evening Post

May 28, 2008

Cabbies offered grooming tips

Lancashire taxi drivers who have been plying their trade for decades are to be encouraged to take courses in how to lift luggage and comb their hair.

The 160 existing hackney cab drivers in Wyre, along with private hire firms and any new drivers who join the trade, could be urged to take up the BTEC level two qualification in Transporting Passengers by Taxi and Private Hire vehicles.

The qualification, which will be offered for free by Blackpool and the Fylde College, has led to protests from drivers in some parts of the UK.

The scheme, due to be debated at a meeting of Wyre Council's licensing committee on Thursday, will "initially" be a voluntary course, a report to Wyre Council states.

It includes sections on how to risk assess luggage and how to talk to the public.

Textbooks provide hints about personal grooming, including hair, shaving, clean teeth and body odour.

Today, one private hire driver in Garstang, who declined to be named but who has been driving for more than 20 years, said: "They try to introduce all sorts of silly rules and regulations.

"I was in the pub trade for 30 years and this trade for 20; I think I know how to talk to the general public."

John Swannie, head of School For Leisure, Tourism and Hospitality at the college said many of the 180 drivers who have already taken the course have learned new skills, even after years of driving.

He said: "It is the qualification, we believe, that will best serve drivers and taxi companies and a course that will prepare new and existing drivers to deliver excellence in terms of the passenger comfort, safety and customer service."

Malcolm Reece, Wyre Borough Council's health and safety and licensing manager, said: "The introduction of formal training, leading to a recognised qualification, is seen as a way of ensuring that drivers are following best practice, particularly in respect of diversity issues.

"We see the scheme as a potentially positive way for drivers to enhance their skills and boost public confidence in the service they provide."
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What if you are as bald as a coot, do you get lessons on polishing it?

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IDFIMH

Another leech grabbing what they can out of the trade.

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IDFIMH

And is a great idea if all who take the course get a reduction in licence fees as an incentive.

But won't hold my breath

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