First we had the announcement that there would be no further cash payments once the Blue Voucher scheme was introduced on November 5th, 2010, and then there WOULD be cash payments after HALTS (Heathrow Taxis) was put under pressure the weekend before the launch. This was followed by yet another announcement that the cash payments would only be a temporary measure until they could cut a deal to have a credit card style system set up for drivers with no bank account.
The latest development in this sorry fiasco is the CASH ONLY payment method, wait for it......because of the SNOW!!!
The picture above was taken from the HALT notice board, and as I've said in the past, HALTS have no right to put any of their literature in the HALT notice board; it belongs to HALT members, not Colin Evans or anyone else. This picture may not be readable because of its size, so I have reproduced the text below, it states;
"Heathrow Taxis Blue Voucher Scheme
To all Heathrow drivers
The current adverse weather conditions are obviously having a negative impact on journey times and fares which is reflecting badly on our service to passengers at Heathrow, therefore, to try to alleviate the situation we have decided to implement the following payment process for all Blue Vouchers:
Cash will be paid immediately on any voucher with a value under £100. Vouchers with a value over £100 will be paid five days from the date of the voucher.
This process will apply to all driver so no bank payments will be made during this time.
This is a temporary measure until the snow and ice has cleared and we will notify you when payment for vouchers will return to normal.
We thank you in advance for your cooperation during this difficult time.
Heathrow Taxis"
What is going on here? This process will apply to ALL drivers so no bank payments will be made during this time???
Has Heathrow Taxis (HALTS) got a problem with its banking system? They claim to have signed up over 200 drivers, so why is the snow stopping payments into their accounts? I've heard some excuses in my time, but this one really does take the biscuit!!!
Any driver that takes a Blue Voucher may be taking the risk that they may never receive payment. I have previously stated that any work that comes out of the taxi desks is the property of the drivers on the rank, and I stand by that claim, but I have to say that I will personally have to think very hard whether I want to take the risk of accepting one of these vouchers when I consider the bad credit card history that certain members of the Heathrow Taxis committee have entered into. JourneyPay is just one example, and HALTPAY is another.
I have documentation that clearly shows that these people are not capable of running a secure credit card operation. So, my advice to any driver presented with a Blue Voucher is, be very careful, take it at your own risk.
I look forward to the next change of goal posts with interest. Meanwhile, keep checking RMT notices in the canteen area for further developments.
Be very lucky,
Mick Moran.
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