Irish Taxi Forum

Public Area => Taxi Talk => Topic started by: Rat Catcher on July 27, 2020, 02:03:50 pm

Title: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Rat Catcher on July 27, 2020, 02:03:50 pm
Anyone else got any complaints regarding NTAs handling of the pandemic as far as our trade is concerned.

They seem to be making me give Axa money that Axa don't want with their 3 month limit on plate suspensions.

They've issued no advice to those still operating as far as social distancing goes.

I might write to Richard Boyd Barrett (SPBP) later in the week setting out the levels of incompetence we have to deal with so please add anything you feel may be relevant.

Thanks.
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Shallowhal on July 27, 2020, 02:06:58 pm
Different information from different operators on different days!!
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: stonethecrows on July 27, 2020, 02:08:29 pm
Yeah tell him "Its all a load of bollx"
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Rat Catcher on July 27, 2020, 02:10:32 pm
Yes, I have the inconsistent advice covered in my own situation. I'll ask for call transcripts/recordings when they call me back, assuming they do call me back.
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Shallowhal on July 27, 2020, 02:11:26 pm
Yeah tell him "Its all a load of bollx"

Plagiarist.
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: mercenary for hire on July 27, 2020, 02:17:34 pm
Make sure to get the call reference numbers on any important discussions with them.They've been alright to me I've no complaints.
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: john m on July 27, 2020, 02:19:37 pm
If you notice you will notice that this notice gives notice that it has noticed that the other notice was incorrect or you might also notice that the preceding notice gave notice that this notice was going to be issued to give you notification of the other notice .
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Shallowhal on July 27, 2020, 02:32:39 pm
I'd say Anne has a list of names under the heading of P45 if and when things might get sticky that she could throw under a bus...or taxi.
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Rat Catcher on July 27, 2020, 02:34:45 pm
Make sure to get the call reference numbers on any important discussions with them.They've been alright to me I've no complaints.

I didn't get one for today's call as the operator terminated it prematurely during a full and frank discussion...fuckin' prick!
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: mercenary for hire on July 27, 2020, 02:41:04 pm
Ha Rc I can only imagine the shit they hear every day.
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Rat Catcher on July 27, 2020, 02:42:26 pm
... not to mention the shit they talk.
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: john m on July 27, 2020, 02:55:04 pm
Whats wrong with this cunt it keeps timing me out cant post cant log off .Had to log on with a different device .
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Rat Catcher on July 27, 2020, 02:59:00 pm
Try turning it off and on again. Failing that delete the cookies from your browser.
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Shallowhal on July 27, 2020, 03:16:44 pm
Whats wrong with this cunt it keeps timing me out cant post cant log off .Had to log on with a different device .

Boxroom internet being interfered with!!
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Belker on July 27, 2020, 04:17:30 pm
Anyone else got any complaints regarding NTAs handling of the pandemic as far as our trade is concerned.

They seem to be making me give Axa money that Axa don't want with their 3 month limit on plate suspensions.

They've issued no advice to those still operating as far as social distancing goes.

I might write to Richard Boyd Barrett (SPBP) later in the week setting out the levels of incompetence we have to deal with so please add anything you feel may be relevant.

Thanks.
I'm taking it that you have read my NTA problems last month when they re-opened, they gave me a near impossible task of completing NCT and Suitability within 7 working days or be put off the road as a PSV driver. After talking to a supervisor on a call back, no leeway was given at all.
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Theoneandonly on July 27, 2020, 04:34:38 pm
Whilst the NTA is itself incapable of operating normally during the current crisis they expect us to operate to their regulations as normal without any leeway, despite most of the problems being on their side.
For example The Gardai issued my paper licence on the 2nd of July
The NTA  still haven't processed it or supplied me with dashboard ID
They still expect me to be linked to the vehicle which I cannot do until they update the licence at their end.
Similarly there are lads struggling to get suitability because the NTA insisted they lapse their licence, others trying to get back working but cannot, others wanting to stay on the PUP but the NTA want them to reinstate their insurance /licence
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Shallowhal on July 27, 2020, 05:14:40 pm
They just treated all licence holders like criminals cos they couldn't be seen to target just the criminal element and created the mess that exists and clearly employed inexperienced operators to deal with us shower of fuks....the criminal element just do what they always do.
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: watty on July 27, 2020, 05:39:06 pm
- The fact that the NTA had to put out 2 notices to tell people to stop phoning them says it all.  They've clearly failed on their policies and communicating them to us.
- They fukked up with the disconnect between the NCT & the suitability.  They shoulda seen that coming.
- And it's a month since they said masks would be compulsory in taxis and they would update us...

My favourite if true.  Someone on here said the NTA sent the staff to work from home but forget about taking payments over the phone.  So almost nobody could pay their various fees/renewals. 
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: silverbullet on July 27, 2020, 08:21:12 pm
Remember how hard it is working from home AND keeping up to date with the daytime soaps.
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Shallowhal on July 27, 2020, 11:09:05 pm
My favourite if true.  Someone on here said the NTA sent the staff to work from home but forget about taking payments over the phone.  So almost nobody could pay their various fees/renewals.

AXA sent their staff home to work but they could process payments,anyone i've dealt with by phone in the NTA seem to rely on some sort of autocue,they don't really know themselves what they want you to know.
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Theoneandonly on July 27, 2020, 11:18:00 pm
My favourite if true.  Someone on here said the NTA sent the staff to work from home but forget about taking payments over the phone.  So almost nobody could pay their various fees/renewals.

AXA sent their staff home to work but they could process payments,anyone i've dealt with by phone in the NTA seem to rely on some sort of autocue,they don't really know themselves what they want you to know.
100% true, I tried to renew my drivers licence but they couldn't take the payment from home, eventually (about 5 weeks later) when they returned to the office but weren't open to the public I was made send the payment to a PO box in Galway,  they still weren't taking payment over the phone, I believe because they didn't have the manpower to answer the phones, everything was being dealt with via email.
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Rat Catcher on July 29, 2020, 11:46:49 am
I've emailed my request to restore my already restored licence and asked for a transcript and recording of the contradictory call as follows:

Case Reference CA******.

Taxi Licence Number: T*****.

Dear Sir / Madam,

Further to our telephone conversation of 27 July and contrary to our telephone conversation of 14 July I would like to reinstate my vehicle licence as above, notwithstanding the fact that I was advised that said licence was reinstated on 14 July.

Please find attached undefined chit confirming reinstatement of SPSV insurance in respect of the relevant vehicle and a copy of the certificate of insurance as defined in law. As advised the tamper proof discs are still on the vehicle.

I would be obliged if you could confirm that you still intend to contact me regarding call reference ****** and I would like to request a transcript and a copy of the audio recording of the same.

Your attention to the above is much appreciated and I look forward to your response.

Yours Faithfully,

Stephen O’Connell.

089-*******.
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: john m on July 29, 2020, 11:56:45 am
Good morning Stephen Could I canvass your opinion re Licence renewal and the cancellation of late renewal fees due to Covid 19 ..The guidelines are somewhat opaque it says your renewal was delayed  due to Covid 19 .I doubt your car or Licence was susceptible to the actual virus .So was the actual meaning of the waiver of fees limited to the time the NTA were unable to facilitate such a test and now that the test centers have long reopened does the criteria or due to covid 19 still apply to out of date non renewed licences .I would appreciate your enlightened opinion on this issue .Thanks .
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Shallowhal on July 29, 2020, 11:57:49 am
Sit tight....they'll be right back!! rofl
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Rat Catcher on July 29, 2020, 12:01:51 pm
The phrase they included in a email to me is:

Any SPSV vehicle licence holder who is unable to complete a licence renewal due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will not be subject to any ‘late renewal fee’.

I would interpret that as the licence holder being unable not the licence issuer.
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: john m on July 29, 2020, 12:03:39 pm
The phrase they included in a email to me is:

Any SPSV vehicle licence holder who is unable to complete a licence renewal due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will not be subject to any ‘late renewal fee’.

I would interpret that as the licence holder being unable not the licence issuer.

So if you are bed ridden due to covid you will be exempt from penelty ,can you give any other examples .
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Rat Catcher on July 29, 2020, 12:04:53 pm
Flat battery?
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Theoneandonly on July 29, 2020, 12:14:41 pm
Flat battery?

Lapsing your insurance?
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: john m on July 29, 2020, 12:18:26 pm
Lads thought the 90 day NCT was disgarded for Suitability .Its a goalpost moving exercise .Due to Covid 19 could mean something or nothing .
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Shallowhal on July 29, 2020, 12:29:18 pm
It means whatever the NTA deem it to mean at any particular time.....primarily to fuk over as many licence holders as they can.
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Rat Catcher on July 29, 2020, 12:31:00 pm
I'm taking it that you have read my NTA problems last month when they re-opened, they gave me a near impossible task of completing NCT and Suitability within 7 working days or be put off the road as a PSV driver. After talking to a supervisor on a call back, no leeway was given at all.

I would say improbable rather than impossible. However, the level of probability naturally increased once you complied, thereby proving it to be not only possible but also probable?
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Rat Catcher on August 12, 2020, 05:46:31 pm
They rang me yesterday to tell me that my licence is active again. It has been described as active on their database since I first phoned them on learning that 3 months was the limit on suspensions, a few weeks ago. She said the transcript of that call that I requested is in the post. Anywaysanall no need for an appointment to replace the stickers that I never removed.
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Golfer14 on August 12, 2020, 11:11:53 pm
Looks like they trying to get you to give up the €350 and return to the ranks !!!!!
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Shallowhal on August 12, 2020, 11:15:28 pm
Looks like they trying to get you to give up the €350 and return to the ranks !!!!!

There'll be more kickin n screamin....and cars burnt out before that happens!!
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Rat Catcher on August 13, 2020, 12:27:04 am
I heard Revenue are investigating everyone with a valid (i.e. not suspended) vehicle licence with a view to recouping any PUP payments made to licensees.
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Octavia1 on August 13, 2020, 05:18:04 am
I heard Revenue are investigating everyone with a valid (i.e. not suspended) vehicle licence with a view to recouping any PUP payments made to licensees.

Supprised at yu ratti
....
I dont know who's worse ....taxi drivers spreading rumours  to scare the shite out of each other and cause worry and panic .... or the nta tellin them  to remove stickers .....
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Theoneandonly on August 13, 2020, 07:20:58 am
I heard Revenue are investigating everyone with a valid (i.e. not suspended) vehicle licence with a view to recouping any PUP payments made to licensees.

Seems strange in that the only reason for suspending the licence was to enable the reduction in insurance premium, I'm not sure all insurers gave that option or that all drivers bothered to avail of the reduced premium, therefore a non suspended licence is proof of nothing.
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Shallowhal on August 13, 2020, 09:16:51 am
And given that the NTA were only facilitating a 3 month suspension in total,my licence would still be suspended only for those clowns.
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Rat Catcher on August 13, 2020, 09:27:27 am
I guess an active licence is proof that you had work to go to while you were allegedly looking for work to go to. Posts on here suggest that full-time men suffered no significant loss of income hence ought not to have been entitled to PUP?
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Octavia1 on August 13, 2020, 09:54:30 am
I guess an active licence is proof that you had work to go to while you were allegedly looking for work to go to. Posts on here suggest that full-time men suffered no significant loss of income hence ought not to have been entitled to PUP?

It helps in these unprecedented times to be a bit thick like meself rattles .......firstly I phoned the nta and informed them to take me off the taxi tingy ......secondly I phoned the insurance tellin them I wont be working and using the car only for domestic disputes and social distancing.....
Now that's all yu have to do cause legally yu have informed them and yu are not insured ....why do so many complicate it
? Wen i am ready to go back I will reverse the phone calls ..the one to the insurance being essential before I work ...the one to nta only if they answer the phone within a reasonable time of 30 seconds ...otherwise they have a systmn failure that has nuttin to do with me and everything to do with a rediculous demand to remove stickers an blokes desperate tryin to get them back on .......
Fucking madness
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Octavia1 on August 13, 2020, 09:59:51 am
As regards 3 months only suspension......wat fuking mystic meg medium crystal ball staring cnut came up with the idea that the flu be gone in 3 months? 
Talk about red tape , bureaucracy and civil serpants blinkered up to ther eye balls .......
No wonder the fukin country is goin down the shite pipe
Madness  :P >:( ::)
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Shallowhal on August 13, 2020, 10:03:55 am
I'm surprised some of these bureaucrats can wipe their own arses tbh.
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Theoneandonly on August 13, 2020, 10:11:02 am
I guess an active licence is proof that you had work to go to while you were allegedly looking for work to go to. Posts on here suggest that full-time men suffered no significant loss of income hence ought not to have been entitled to PUP?

I guess an active licence suggests you are actively waiting for business to resume, whereas a suspended one would suggest you couldn't be arsed?
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Rat Catcher on August 13, 2020, 01:18:56 pm
The terms of PUP suggest we should be actively looking for work rather than waiting for work to actively look for us. However, truth be known, most of us would sleep on the floor if there was work in the bed.
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Shallowhal on August 13, 2020, 01:22:44 pm
I've applied for a couple of driver jobs....no replies...i'm thinking they're thinking i'm over qualified....or i'm too bleedin old...when they see 55yr old taxi driver on a cv they're thinking fat bastard with early onset alzheimer's who knows a few drivers on the spectrum.
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Rat Catcher on August 13, 2020, 01:25:43 pm
In idling I've finally found something I enjoy!
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Rat Catcher on August 13, 2020, 01:31:43 pm
Probably assume you'd have no interest in minimum wage for maximum stress... immigrants is what they want.
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Shallowhal on August 13, 2020, 01:33:42 pm
Probably assume you'd have no interest in minimum wage for maximum stress... immigrants is what they want.

They'd be assuming correctly.
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Rat Catcher on August 13, 2020, 01:40:19 pm
The likes of DPD and Fastway have the game fucked... can't be anything in it for what they charge. Dunno how Amazon work these days but a couple of weeks ago the younger young lad got a parcel delivered by Lynk taxis and other times they've come via An Post in private cars and other times Paddy (the regular postman) brings them.
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Shallowhal on August 13, 2020, 01:45:33 pm
On top of the stress of up to 150 deliveries per day...and collections also,it might have settled down a bit but the Fastway and DPD drivers used to around here at lunchtime pre covid,it's  4pm on when they're arriving these days.
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Octavia1 on August 13, 2020, 02:49:02 pm
€1.75 a delivery is all they get for owner driver ....
That's 200 delivery to make 350 using it?
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Shallowhal on August 13, 2020, 04:10:59 pm
As an owner driver you wouldn't be guaranteed that work either....if you were an employee you'd be on your fukin knees by the time you finished at 10pm!!
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Justin Time on August 13, 2020, 04:49:08 pm
They rang me yesterday to tell me that my licence is active again. It has been described as active on their database since I first phoned them on learning that 3 months was the limit on suspensions, a few weeks ago. She said the transcript of that call that I requested is in the post. Anywaysanall no need for an appointment to replace the stickers that I never removed.

This afternoon I got passed out by the suitability test centre. Does that mean now, that I "HAVE" to go back to work?
If I don't am I still entitled to get the Covid Payment?

I'm a nit confused, as I was talking with another driver at the centre and he said wasnt going back yet and told me that you are still entitled to get the payment,even though your car is offically back as a working taxi.
One other thing,even though I got my SPSV licence this afternoon,I am still according to the "driver app" not registered to my vehicle.

Hope you can advise , thanks
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Shallowhal on August 13, 2020, 04:56:05 pm
Stay unlinked from the driver app if you're not returning to work.
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Octavia1 on August 13, 2020, 05:04:03 pm
They rang me yesterday to tell me that my licence is active again. It has been described as active on their database since I first phoned them on learning that 3 months was the limit on suspensions, a few weeks ago. She said the transcript of that call that I requested is in the post. Anywaysanall no need for an appointment to replace the stickers that I never removed.

This afternoon I got passed out by the suitability test centre. Does that mean now, that I "HAVE" to go back to work?
If I don't am I still entitled to get the Covid Payment?

I'm a nit confused, as I was talking with another driver at the centre and he said wasnt going back yet and told me that you are still entitled to get the payment,even though your car is offically back as a working taxi.
One other thing,even though I got my SPSV licence this afternoon,I am still according to the "driver app" not registered to my vehicle.

Hope you can advise , thanks

If yur  suitability test is up ...yu phone them an  get insured for the test as a taxi ...then after test you ring them back and go social domestic insurance again  if yu are not going back to work .....
Would that not be correct ?
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Shallowhal on August 13, 2020, 05:08:38 pm
After my 3 month suspension and subsequent daisy refitting a couple of weeks back i haven't gone SD&P with my insurance...yet....but i'm seriuosly thinking about it.
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Justin Time on August 13, 2020, 05:13:45 pm
Stay unlinked from the driver app if you're not returning to work.

Thanks, does that mean I can still claim the Covid payment?
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Rat Catcher on August 13, 2020, 05:15:39 pm
Be careful claiming PUP if your licence is active.
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Justin Time on August 13, 2020, 05:16:31 pm
They rang me yesterday to tell me that my licence is active again. It has been described as active on their database since I first phoned them on learning that 3 months was the limit on suspensions, a few weeks ago. She said the transcript of that call that I requested is in the post. Anywaysanall no need for an appointment to replace the stickers that I never removed.

This afternoon I got passed out by the suitability test centre. Does that mean now, that I "HAVE" to go back to work?
If I don't am I still entitled to get the Covid Payment?

I'm a nit confused, as I was talking with another driver at the centre and he said wasnt going back yet and told me that you are still entitled to get the payment,even though your car is offically back as a working taxi.
One other thing,even though I got my SPSV licence this afternoon,I am still according to the "driver app" not registered to my vehicle.

Hope you can advise , thanks

If yur  suitability test is up ...yu phone them an  get insured for the test as a taxi ...then after test you ring them back and go social domestic insurance again  if yu are not going back to work .....
Would that not be correct ?

No, I already got passed out by the suitability centre.
ASAIK, you cannot go back on domestic insurance,at least thats what i was told by AXA. They said that since u cannot suspend your licence again,you wont be able to go on domestic insurance.
My main concern though is the covid payment, as in am i still entitled to claim it.
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Rat Catcher on August 13, 2020, 05:18:39 pm
Probably... but expect questions to be asked and be prepared to answer them honestly.
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Justin Time on August 13, 2020, 05:18:47 pm
Be careful claiming PUP if your licence is active.

Thats my concern.

Given that none of us can keep our licence on suspension for more than 3 mths, does that mean ,every taxi in the country will be back on the road "officially" in the  next week or so ?

Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Rat Catcher on August 13, 2020, 05:19:41 pm
Not necessarily. You can claim PUP if you are actively looking for work.
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: watty on August 13, 2020, 05:19:53 pm
Congrats on getting your taxi passed out but it's you that gets the virus, not the taxi.  The PUP is for you, not your taxi.  So what if your taxi is raring to go?  Until Ireland is disease-free and you put the key in the ignition, it ain't going anywhere :)
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Justin Time on August 13, 2020, 05:20:29 pm
Probably... but expect questions to be asked and be prepared to answer them honestly.

Ive nothing to hide.

My honest answer is , theres no work out there, plus my main area of work is the airport and that's not exactly hopping
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Justin Time on August 13, 2020, 05:22:04 pm
Congrats on getting your taxi passed out but it's you that gets the virus, not the taxi.  The PUP is for you, not your taxi.  So what if your taxi is raring to go?  Until Ireland is disease-free and you put the key in the ignition, it ain't going anywhere :)

Completely agree, thats my line of thought
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Justin Time on August 13, 2020, 05:24:11 pm
Not necessarily. You can claim PUP if you are actively looking for work.

Ok, so how do I (or other taxi drivers out there prove that) Send CVs out to transport companys?

Take my taxi for a driver for an hour and say "Im looking for work"?

How can I prove i am looking for work, and presumably the powers that be will say , your taxi is active ,GO WORK!
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Rat Catcher on August 13, 2020, 05:25:39 pm
I dunno... maybe get a letter from Free Now saying you clocked in for 8 hours a day 5 days a week?
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Shallowhal on August 13, 2020, 05:29:07 pm
I've already applied for driver jobs...not multidrop deliveries...been there done that...but something a bit different,i've had no replies from any of them....probably over qualified!! lol
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Bob Shillin on August 13, 2020, 05:34:54 pm
Eamo's on the case to fix the NTA, it's all good.
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Shallowhal on August 13, 2020, 06:00:43 pm
Eamo's on the case to fix the NTA, it's all good.

Do tell Bob?
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Justin Time on August 13, 2020, 09:40:29 pm
Eamo's on the case to fix the NTA, it's all good.

For real?
Title: Re: NTA COVID '19 Arrangements
Post by: Shallowhal on August 13, 2020, 09:46:50 pm
When a politician tries to fix something it generally exacerbates the problem.