Forum Topic

Automated Ealing Council...Grrr

Is it possible to speak to a human being or, are we blighted by the robotic voice of doom and gloom.  Press 1 for this, press 2 for that, press 3 etc.  If you have a query that requires speaking to something other than, it's getting on my T**s robot, would it be a miracle?  I'm sure it's Council policy to make our lives more difficult than is necessary, with this stupid automated service.Come on Ealing Council, wise up, there are times when the robot fails, (or should I say every time) to give the option to speak to a human.

Nikki Howard ● 4808d9 Comments

You might be interested to know that it costs and average of twenty five pounds to have to meet with an officer face to face, average of ten pounds to have a telephone conversation and ten pence per transaction through automated services. If you think there should always be the option to connect with an officer, where else would you find savings? I'd be interested in your ideas.

Maire Lowe ● 4808d

As, what I presume is a paper saving initiative, they recently sent out a form to fill in, headed with the slogan 'Do It On Line'. Visit the website, only to discover there is no facility to 'Do It On Line'.Phone up to ask whether there actually is an on-line version of the form tucked away somewhere,  the recorded voice presents you with such a limited loop of options,  it's impossible to get the answer to what you actually phoned for.The pre-recorded voice seems to assume, . . .A) You're inquiring about options on how to pay B) You're have difficulties payingC) You're an idiot that doesn't know they have a website.

Fred Bray ● 4808d

You really couldn't make it up.For parking services to speak to a human, about parking permits.Dial the number, listen to all the crap.Press option 3 then option 2 then option 1 and option 1 again.  After you have entered all your details and contact phone number, a HUMAN will call you back.  Then they are not that helpful.  I posted my renewal at the end of June, only to be told that they have just got round to 7 July.  What's happened to those applications before that date?Couldn't even be bothered to check if they had received the application.  We pay, for this sort of service!  Help!!

Nikki Howard ● 4808d

check this very good idea out:http://www.pleasepress1.com/Basically, this guy has worked out the sequence of numbers to press on automated services so as to save you the waiting and fiddling about.Carl

Carl Tamboli ● 4808d

Are the right questions on there?  If something is urgent or the programme of questions does not match yours I think you can be stuck.

Philippa Bond ● 4808d

Had a phone call from Gina at Parking Services this morning.  Have been informed that they have received my renewal application and, it will be processed tomorrow.

Nikki Howard ● 4807d

I renewed mine online, cheaper (no postage) and faster.

Pete Grist ● 4807d

If what you want to do is straightforward and you have access to the internet then renewing things including car tax are easy and you get a receipt really promptly.  However as soon things are not straightforward you do tend to have problems.Lots of people don't have the internet.  Lots of people don't have office IT departments to sort their internet out and keep their internet banking safe and some companies don't allow personal use.With a growing elderly population many of whom have trouble with hearing and seeing Councils MUST make appropriate provision for communication with everyone.

Philippa Bond ● 4807d

I find sometimes just not pressing any button gets you put through to a human.  You have to listen to the "press 1 for..." message maybe twice, but then usually it gives up and puts you through.  Worth a try.

Sarah Harris ● 4806d