Cabbies’ plain speaking guide

BLIND taxi passengers in East Cambridgeshire can expect cabbies to speak directly to them – not their guide dogs. They can also expect them to speak at a normal tone and volume and they should not be asked to give directions. Deaf passengers have been tol

BLIND taxi passengers in East Cambridgeshire can expect cabbies to speak directly to them - not their guide dogs.

They can also expect them to speak at a normal tone and volume and they should not be asked to give directions.

Deaf passengers have been told taxi drivers will speak clearly without chewing gum or cigarettes in their mouths.

The assurances come in a new guide designed to tell cabbies how to behave and passengers what to expect from the service.

The Taxi and Private Hire Guide, produced by East Cambridgeshire District Council, is designed to cover all areas of the taxi trade.

Cabbies asked to give physical support to the elderly should not grab them by the elbow and apply a vice-like grip, says the guide.

The passenger should not be patronised in any way and drivers should be polite at all times.

Bumps and potholes in the road should be driven over slowly and there should be no sudden acceleration or cornering, advises the guide.

Liz Knox, head of the council's 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.

"By making sure everyone knows where they stand, we can ensure the levels of service remain high throughout the district."

East Cambridgeshire District Council issues licences for hackney carriage vehicles and drivers and for private hire vehicles, drivers and operators.