On 01/12/2014 10:33, Robin9 wrote:
[...]
Certainly it is the case that there are some really awful minicab
drivers in London who drive dangerously, are rude and/or unhelpful,
overcharge and keep neither their cars not themselves clean.

Almost every minicab firm in the London area has at least some drivers
who do not fit the above description. The prudent customer, when booking

the cab, asks that "a nice driver" is allocated to them. If the cab firm
is any
good, the controller will understand what the customer is worrying about
and
will provide a decent driver.-

That is laughably ridiculous even if it might work. I shouldn't have
to request a driver who complies fully with the law and their contract
with their company regarding fares, nor a clean car in a good state of
repair. Every driver should do that without being asked. If they
don't, they deserve the sack or to be prosecuted, depending on whether
they have breached the law or merely their contract.

We're not discussing what should be the case. We're discussing what is
the case; and it is definitely the case that most minicab firms in London
London are so concerned to have as many drivers as possible that they
ignore other considerations.

In London it is quite common for customers to request a civilized driver
when booking a car for a non-local journey.

Is it? This is a bit of a new concept to me - "don't send me the psycho
please"!