We believe that our pool of drivers is among the finest in the country – possessing a wealth of experience, knowledge and enthusiasm. To help uphold those standards, all drivers undertaking Red Dot transfers (except in emergency) will have a copy of the Red Dot drivers’ code.

Passenger safety:

Passenger safety is the no 1 priority. This means:

• Driving responsibly and within speed limits at all times.
• Ensuring vehicle is regularly serviced.
• Checking vehicle daily.
• Mandatory fitting of front seat belts.
• Avoiding itineraries with excessive driving hours.
• No alcohol during working hours.
• Appropriate rest stops.
• Drivers should carry a basic first aid kit and have basic first-aid knowledge.

Note: Official drivers' quarters in a minority of hotels can be inadequate or non-existent. Our commitment to responsible travel means that, in these few cases, we make modest provision for drivers' quarters (US$15 per night). You will be advised of this at the time of booking. This commitment upholds basic minimum standards for our valued team of drivers as well as treating your safety seriously.

Compulsory safety checks:

Red Dot follows these procedures on all its transport for the additional safeguards of its clients and drivers. These safety checks are compulsory:

• Transport must be locked if ever unmanned.
• Luggage must only be loaded into vehicles by clients, Red Dot representatives or employees of the hotel/villa.
• Clients should pack suitcase themselves and keep supervised at all times after packing, or store in official hotel areas.
• Transport must be routinely checked before every journey or part-journey.


Relationship with fellow passengers:

Drivers and passengers should seek to develop a relationship appropriate to each individual. This means:

• Acting as a tour guide – only when required.
• Offering general advice – only when required.
• Respecting passengers’ wish for quiet times.
• That all parties recognise the right to mutual politeness and respect.

Tips and gifts:

Red Dot encourages its customers, whenever they wish, to offer drivers tips or gifts for satisfactory services. Tipping drivers is accepted practice, and it is especially beneficial on long tours when drivers may be away from home for long periods. However, drivers must under no circumstances request a tip or gift for work undertaken on a Red Dot itinerary.

Itineraries and flexibility:

Red Dot drivers should:

• Arrive at least 15 minutes before scheduled departure time (excepting extreme circumstances, such as major road accidents).
• Maintain good standards of appearance including personal hygiene.
• Provide a mobile phone number, where possible.
• Discuss suitable starting times with passengers for each day’s itinerary and be responsive to the occasional need for last-minute changes.
• Respond flexibly to occasional requests for route changes or additional excursions, if these do not compromise safety and acceptable arrival times. (Note: These may incur an extra cost).
• Feel free to offer interesting excursions, but always immediately respect the fact that "no" means precisely that.

Purchases and commission:

Red Dot, or any ground-agent company that it might use, does not seek or obtain any commissions from any shops that it might recommend or where its customers might shop. We strongly oppose the most dishonest aspects of the "commission culture," which can lead travellers to receive bad advice. When we offer shopping fact-sheets, we do so purely as a helpful guide about where to shop. We recognise, however, that drivers may earn commission from some purchases by holidaymakers and accept that this has long been common practice. This arrangement, when it exists, should be clearly understood by all. Drivers should:

• Only recommend places that they truly believe are of good standard.
• Respond briefly and honestly if asked if they are receiving commission or if the outlet is owned by a relative or friend.
• Never suggest, under any circumstances, that any shop, factory or product is recommended by Red Dot. Red Dot gives no guarantees.
• Always advise travellers that they are shopping at their own risk and that, in the case of items that have to be shipped, they are clear about any additional charges that might be imposed.
• Ensure, where possible, that travellers have necessary receipts and contact numbers in case of problems with their purchase.

Additional support:

Red Dot drivers can assist further by:

• Acting as a go-between between clients and Red Dot agents in the event of problems or complaints.
• Assisting with hotel check-in (remaining for 10 minutes after check-in in case of problems) and check-outs.
• Advising on minor problems.
• Advising Red Dot on newly-discovered hotels or changes to known hotels.

Red Dot Tours Ltd, March 2007.

Our customer feedback pages tell just how highly our drivers are regarded. They can help make your holiday in Sri Lanka that extra bit special.