The Front Row

[logicbob]

Might even be the driver in question.

I wndered the same thing my self.

[HampshireRich]

Sitting on the fence here, I think pppp does make a valid point.

Widge obviously had a very poor experience with First Row and has complained to the company. If First Row has not acknowledged his complaint, then that is a poor attitude from them - if they have then its a different matter - and I don't know as of today what that situation is.

However, widge has posted it on here - which is a public forum - so First Row should have the right to respond should they wish to and hopefully the matter will be resolved (or locked by the Mods if comments go over the top).

Patience may be required folks - try to be nice!

[snowytheboy]

I don't understand how pppp can be so adamant widge's accusation is false when he has no first hand knowledge of the incident - he is solely relying on what others have told him. No company is going to admit to a third party (and customer) if one of their drivers has behaved or driven badly during a transfer.

Nor can I understand why the MD of the company was apparently so quick to apply to join the forum to respond to the accusation but, it would appear, be in no hurry to respond to widge directly. I would also like to think that if widge receives a response that he will update the forum.

[5Star]

Dear Mr. Peter Aldridge (Widge)

As Managing Director of Front Row - Lda, I take exception to your unfounded and unjustified accusations. As you are aware, every story has two sides and we deserve the courtesy of stating ours. It is in my opinion, most unfortunate, that I must have to do so in this manner.

After what I can only refer to as an unusual occurrence taking place on the afternoon of Sunday the 22nd of April, you telephoned our office in what I can only describe as an hysterical manner yelling at me over the telephone claiming that "one of our drivers had tried to run you off the road at the roundabout between Albufeira and Faro". We took this complaint very seriously as it is the first time we have actually ever had a complaint, and proceeded to bring the driver in to ascertain the facts. I would like to make mention of the fact that I did not call you back for two reasons. 1) You were extremely rude and abrupt on the telephone with me. 2) After careful consideration I felt that having reviewed both our conversation and your telephone manner with me, as well as my driver's version, I did not feel a call back was warranted as the driver in question has an impeccable record both with respect to driving and his professionalism.

It seems that whilst driving along the EN125 on the way to Faro Airport there was a vehicle travelling at an exceptionally slow pace thus causing a significant queue of vehicles behind him. This vehicle was in fact being driven by your good self. Upon reaching the two lane section of the road, this vehicle proceeded to stay in the passing lane (continuing to drive at a slow speed), despite there being numerous signs indicating that the minimum speed allowed in the passing lane is 60km/h.

As you can imagine, this caused a large amount of consternation amongst all the vehicles following the said car with a lot of light flashing, horn blowing and shouting. Once on the single lane section, our driver could not find a safe area to overtake so stayed behind until reaching the Quatro Estradas Roundabout, where he finally managed to safely overtake. He then proceeded en route to Faro Airport, with you in fact tailgating him and following him all the way to the car park. Upon arriving at the car park, you pulled alongside him and began shouting obscenities at him, to which he regretfully responded in kind. It was at this stage that you called and spoke to me. I recall you saying that you were at the Faro Airport having come from Albufeira and that one of our drivers was walking towards you and shouting. I would like to point out that whilst you were on the telephone with me I never heard so much as a sound from anyone or anything else. What I can say is that I personally spoke to the driver later on that same afternoon and after establishing what had transpired made the decision to reprimand him for any statements he might have made to you albeit, in response to your callous behaviour.

I can also say that this driver as do the rest of our drivers have flawless driving records, are Expats living here, with families, paying into the system and who take their work very seriously and are always professional and above all courteous. How you can make these entirely false accusations, on a public forum, without so much as a single thought to the consequences of what you are doing, simply on a whim, or as I can only describe as a rant, is utterly astonishing. Furthermore, how you can say our driver has "regular bouts of road rage and drives at excess speeds tailgating all who stand in his way" is utterly False and Misleading. All our drivers are vetted to the highest standards and none have so much as a single penalty on their drivers license. Perhaps it is you who should take the time to familiarise yourself with road safety and codes here in Portugal and take into consideration drivers travelling at the speed limit are not maniacs. The EN125 is a dangerous enough road without vehicles blatantly crawling and hogging the road. I would like to also say that it is a shame that you did not have your telephone number printed on your vehicle as I am sure you would have been inundated with calls with regards your unsafe driving and complete disregard for other drivers who are more apt to be driving at the speed limit and respectful of other road users.

Given the current Economic climate here in Portugal your comments are totally unacceptable. For the record, we run a legitimate company, proudly providing what our clients refer to as a 5 Star Service, I work seven days a week to provide for my family which includes 3 small children, rarely having the opportunity to enjoy so much as one day at the beach, I pay all the fees and insurances necessary to ensure that we are 100% legal unlike others, our vehicles are always immaculate inside and out and you come along and decide to what I can only refer to as "Trash" what we have worked so hard to build and maintain because you feel like it, and on a public forum?

Sir, with all due respect I would think carefully before making any accusations publicly or otherwise, as the consequences and or penalties can be severe and make no mistake, should you continue on this course you will leave me no choice but to start legal proceedings against you. I take my livelihood very seriously as it affects, those who work for me, my reputation, my family and our clients, in short all that I/We stand for, and this is not something that I take lightly.

Respectfully

Anne Christine Xufre-Perez
Managing Director
Front Row Lda

[Bruce Wallis]

Mrs Xufre-Perez obviously feels aggrieved.......

I have driven with Widge, and know him quite well, and I certainly do not recognise that description of his driving, or subsequent behaviour.
He is a very laid back person, and not given to the outbursts as described.

I can understand misunderstandings on the telephone, certainly if language makes the flow of the conversation difficult.

I can understand Mrs Perez defending her employee....but if he is the first saint ever to drive on the N125, I congratulate her on her fortunate choice of exemplary driver.

[Sinkie]

Now that's what I call a full and frank response!

[laserblazer]

It seems that whilst driving along the EN125 on the way to Faro Airport there was a vehicle travelling at an exceptionally slow pace

The speed limit possibly? I don't know about the Portuguese police but I do know what the UK coppers normally think about the "he was driving too slow" defence.

I can see why the MD of said company has felt it necessary to defend the company she obviously works hard to make successful but I wonder if her post has done her any favours.

What this incident does highlight, is the dangers we face travelling on the N-125, with busy business people in a great rush and reluctant to pay the tolls.

[Aldo]

Widge
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. It has been interesting to see how the scenario has unfolded. I will continue to recommend Yellow Fish

[snowytheboy]

I'm driving to the airport to drop off friends. Wait a minute - who's this idiot in front of me - he's only doing 80 or 90 km/h - I'll never get there in time. I know, I'll overtake him on the dual lane bit up ahead - why is he crawling up it at 100 km/h in the passing lane. I'll toot my horn, flash my lights and shout - I don't understand, why hasn't he pulled off the road to let me pass? Wait a minute, there's a roundabout up ahead - I'll straight line it and get in front of him. Perfect I'm in front now I can travel at a sensible speed - shame I nearly took the front of his car off but it is his own fault for driving so slow. I'm sure when I relate the story everyone will agree with me.

[Michael Crane]

.... I'm sure when I relate the story everyone will agree with me.

How can two people (widge and the 'offending' driver) have such differing views of the same incident? Was Mrs Widge in the car? Was the other driver travelling alone?

[widge]

This company operates mini bus transfers from Faro airport. At least one of their drivers is a maniac who suffers from regular bouts of road rage and drives at excess speed tailgating all who stand in his way.If you value your life or that of a loved one avoid them because you might be unlucky and get him as your driver.

For the record - above my original post.

I would like to thank the managing director of The Front Row for replying to my complaint. I had been anticipating a personal phone call, which is why I gave her my contact details, but when no response was forthcoming I assumed she did not intend to take up my complaint and the driver, to which I refer above, would not be called to account. Hence my advice above.

Also for the record.

The incident did not occur on Sunday 22nd April.

I have never used the Front Row & have no interest in any company associated with airport transfers.

I am of sound mind & am not prone to fabricating stories in order to cause problems for innocent employees going about their normal business in a responsible manner.

I have been followed at a safe distance on the N125 thousands of times over 8 years and overtaken safely numerous times, & can differentiate between safe & dangerous driving.

Many companies (including the Front Row) exploit the internet and social networks to promote their business. The travel business is regularly reviewed by the public on sites such as Trip Advisor, some comments are favourable others are not. It's how the net works & the threat of litigation in response to a specific criticism seems a bit OTT. However if you can ascertain the facts (including the day the event took place) & you want to sue me I look forward to receiving your writ!

[sunman]

well let's face it, this whole scenario is entirely plausible on the 125 isn't it?

if you leave 2 or 3 car lengths of space in front of you somebody will try to fill it regardless of whether they can get anywhere after that

and whether you're in a queue or not it's likely that the car or van behind you will fill your rear view mirror

an old friend used to turn her mirror the wrong way round because what she saw in it upset her and put her off her driving, so I can understand it upsetting Widge

this situation is the fall out of putting tolls on the motorway, the 125 will go back to how many of us remember it, a very dangerous road with daily crashes and deaths

overall,I don't think it's appropriate to single out one Front Row driver, tailgating and poor driving discipline is endemic on the Algarve, always has been

[Bruce Wallis]

I was coming back from Faro, this morning on the N125.
We were in a queue of traffic near Boliquime.
A transit type minibus over took me on the hill. Totally recklessly, and he had at least 4 passengers.

The only reason I mention this, is that this was not an isolated occurance. Alot of these drivers do act in a dangerous manner, and have little passenger consideration. Not all...but some.

I'm sure that Front Row drivers never behave in this way........................
I'm also sure that the MD of Front Row should just shut up. She is making herself, and her company, look a little silly.

We all use the N125 and are totally aware of how macho many Portuguese drivers are.

[Aitch]

Widge, have you asked for and filled in their Complaints Book. If you genuinely feel the public are being endangered you should feel duty bound to do so.

[HampshireRich]

Perhaps the answer to avoiding the dangerous N125 is to pay the toll and use the motorway - simple really! Of course, if your life is not worth a few euros, take your chance