Carrot Driver News

Face Coverings

It is important, now more than ever, that taxi and private hire drivers and passengers wear face coverings at all times when in taxi or private hire vehicles, unless they are exempt from doing so.

From 22 September 2020, it became a legal requirement for passengers travelling in taxi or private hire vehicles (PHVs) to wear a face covering for the duration of their journey.

Transport for London (TfL) Compliance Officers continue to carry out engagement and enforcement of this legal requirement across the transport network including taxi and private hire vehicles. There is also a role for licensees to play in helping to improve compliance, keeping themselves and their customers safe.

Guidance for managing a passenger not wearing a face covering

Some passengers could become frustrated or confrontational if you refuse to take them or you insist they wear a face covering before you start the journey. The following advice may help you in these circumstances:

Can a taxi or PHV driver refuse a job if a passenger refuses to wear a face covering?

The regulations enable taxi and private hire vehicle drivers to deny access to their services if a passenger is not wearing a face covering, or to direct them to wear one or leave a vehicle if they are not wearing a face covering. Drivers are reminded that some passengers may have an exemption to this regulation. These are set out by the Government here

Please be mindful and respectful of such circumstances, noting that some people are less able to wear face coverings, and that the reasons for this may not be visible to others. This includes (but is not limited to):

• Children under the age of 11 (Public Health England does not recommend face coverings for children under the age of 3 for health and safety reasons)
• People who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
• Where putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress
• If you are speaking to or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading, clear sound or facial expressions to communicate
• To avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others ‒ including if it would negatively impact on your ability to exercise or participate in a strenuous activity
• Police officers and other emergency workers, given that this may interfere with their ability to serve the public

What if the passenger gets in the vehicle and then removes their face covering?

If a passenger has already entered the vehicle and then takes off their face covering, the driver should encourage the passenger to wear the face covering and remind them that it is a legal requirement. In most cases, passengers will comply. However, in the small number of cases where the passenger fails to comply with the driver’s encouragement and request, without a legitimate exemption, the driver has the option of asking the passenger to leave the vehicle. If TfL and/or the police identify a passenger not wearing a face covering – and they don’t have an exemption – they could receive a fixed penalty notice (£200 fine) for not complying with the regulations.

What if the passenger becomes aggressive?

If the passenger becomes aggressive or refuses to pay, then the driver should contact the police on 101 or 999 depending on the severity of aggression displayed. Please note that the driver cannot demand that the passenger remains in the vehicle until the police arrives.

The Government has provided guidance using a 6 step process for escalation which you should consider for these situations.

Does the passenger have to provide any evidence to show that they have an exemption?

Passengers do not have to provide any proof of an exemption.

Face covering exemption badges 

There are some circumstances where people may not be able to wear a face covering. We ask that drivers be mindful and respectful of such circumstances. Some people may feel more comfortable showing something that says they do not have to wear a face covering. This could be in the form of an exemption card or badge, both of which are available from TfL: www.tfl.gov.uk/campaign/face-coverings

The Government also distributes face covering exemption cards (some of which can be displayed on a mobile phone) and badges, further details can be found on the gov.uk website.

We hope that everyone is well!

From Wednesday, 06th January 2021, our customers can start booking COVID-19 tested drivers. This means that before executing the job, the driver must come by the office, and complete 15 minutes rapid Corona test.

The test is painless and uses swabs that are inserted to nostrils. Unlike the NHS test, this test does not require to insert the swabs deep into the nostrils; hence, it is not unplesent!

Similar to the collection of the baby seats, the driver will be getting paid £10 extra for coming to the office and completing the test. Plus you’ll get the free test as it will be paid by a customer.

The test results will be only shared with a customer that paid for it, and our office staff. However, if any drivers are refusing to take the test when the job is coming in, then they will be locked out for the next 10 days. This is not a punishment, but there will be a reason to believe that the driver may want to hide his symptoms of COVID. Obviously, in the case of the positive test, the additional procedures that are in place, will be executed.

If you like to purchase the test for yourself, then we managed to secure a 50% discount for Carrot Cars drivers. Please contact driver managers for more information!

We are hoping that this new option will make people feel safer about our service and will create more hype, which we desperately need at those difficult times!

If anyone has any concerns, suggestions or questions, then please comment below, or contact Driver Managers!

Stay safe!

#carrotcars is expanding & your help is required!

We are building our next stronghold at Kensington, Chelsea, Fulham & Pimlico. If you know anyone or have any leads at hotels, restaurants, bars, private firms, hospitals, government departments or even private customers that live at those locations and are looking for a reliable cab company, with top-notch service, then please email ivo@carrotcars.co.uk
Your help won’t be forgotten!

Dear Drivers,

We have been urged by the Marriott to inform you guys that they will not allow drivers to use there toilets until further notice for the safety of their guests. This is due to the crisis (Covid-19) which has affected every industry, therefore i would like to formally request you guys not to go into the Marriott unless you have a job from them.

Thank You

Dear Drivers,

As you guys are well aware of this crisis that we have all been hit by, we must follow government guidelines by minimizing contact as much as possible. Therefore we will be stopping all cash payments after this week until further notice. To all those who are on cash payments, you will be put onto accounts so you still receive payments into your bank account.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call a Driver Relations Manager.

Thank You

Some of the Carrot Cars drivers have shown the increasing concern about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) that has lately shaken the world. Here we would like to share some advice and procedures to give you the pice of mind.

Don’t panic!

Statistically, you have a much much bigger chance to win a lottery’s jackpot, than catch the Coronavirus; therefore, do not panic. Even if there is a larger-scale outbreak in the UK, then remember that you are in the country that has the best medical establishment in the world!

What can you do to minimise the risk?

• Wash your hands and use Anti-bacterial sanitizer gel (Available to buy at the Driver Managers’ office)
• Avoid shaking people’s hands. If a customer wants to shake your hand, then politely tell them that unfortunately, it is a company’s policy not to allow any drivers to shake hands, until the Coronavirus in under the control. Please apologize and tell then that you don’t mean to be rude in any way!
• Use the antibacterial spray and towels, to clean your vehicle’s door handles after every time a customer leaves the car.

What are the symptoms of the Coronavirus? 

• Cough
• High-temperature
• Shortness of breath

But these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.

However, if you do have those symptoms then you only need to stay away from public places (self-isolate) if advised to by the 111 online coronavirus service or a medical professional. Please do not come to work!

Dear driver,

As many of you are already aware from the 25th October 2021 there will be tighter emissions standards on diesel and petrol vehicles with the ULEZ boundary set to expand to the North and South Circular Roads. If you have considered moving to an electric vehicle now is a great time to start. Mini-cab drivers now have a choice when it comes to electric cars however finding a charging point in London can sometimes be a challenge.

In order to help locate these charging points you can now easily download the ‘Zap-Map‘ on Apple App store (iOS) or from Google Play (Android). Navigating your way to the nearest charging point using the Zap-Map saves you time and keeps you moving on the road.