sagart
Guest
There have been some posts in the Scotland forums about the ability of tax exempt vehicles(on the grounds of disability) to get a 50% discount on Caledonian MacBrayne ferries.
I thought this general information might help any one in that category planning a trip.
Calmac are quite weird about procedures. formally it is as http://www.calmac.co.uk/customers-requiring-assistance.html says, but experiences vary. Mallaig to Armadale & back are efficient and now issue a special badge to display in the window, are well marshalled and well informed.
Uig to Lochmaddy seem not to read their own literature and offer no assistance unless you push for it(did that route last week), ignore hazard flashers and are poor at marshalling.
The ship crews are superb with an embarrasment of help, it's the shore staff who are often uncertain.
When you book make sure you push the "tax exempt" status...you should be asked about the need for a lift, if you need a wheelchair and if you need additional space to get a wheelchair out of the van....this is the procedure laid down, but not every staff member seems to know it, so push them and remember to make the point again when you collect tickets at the terminal and to the car marshall.
Also, the 50% only applies to the van and not to anything being towed by it and be exact over vehicle length. If the marshall is not convinced, you will be measured very precisely. Spot checks are also being done to ensure all gas supplies are shut off at main valves, not just inside the van..there have been incidents lately where this has been ignored.
Calmac are my local taxi firm and, you may gather, I am involved with their procedures in this matter + having a disabled wife.
I thought this general information might help any one in that category planning a trip.
swingsandroundabouts said:
Calmac are quite weird about procedures. formally it is as http://www.calmac.co.uk/customers-requiring-assistance.html says, but experiences vary. Mallaig to Armadale & back are efficient and now issue a special badge to display in the window, are well marshalled and well informed.
Uig to Lochmaddy seem not to read their own literature and offer no assistance unless you push for it(did that route last week), ignore hazard flashers and are poor at marshalling.
The ship crews are superb with an embarrasment of help, it's the shore staff who are often uncertain.
When you book make sure you push the "tax exempt" status...you should be asked about the need for a lift, if you need a wheelchair and if you need additional space to get a wheelchair out of the van....this is the procedure laid down, but not every staff member seems to know it, so push them and remember to make the point again when you collect tickets at the terminal and to the car marshall.
Also, the 50% only applies to the van and not to anything being towed by it and be exact over vehicle length. If the marshall is not convinced, you will be measured very precisely. Spot checks are also being done to ensure all gas supplies are shut off at main valves, not just inside the van..there have been incidents lately where this has been ignored.
Calmac are my local taxi firm and, you may gather, I am involved with their procedures in this matter + having a disabled wife.