We have an ongoing problem where customers will try to use the drive thru lanes without a car (as a walk up) during the hours that the drive thrus are open but not the walk up. Up until now, we have said no, but it looks like we may change the policy and add a note in the window basically saying that the lanes are for drive up and we can't be responsible for injuries... Anyone else have such policies?

We have a number of college kids that do this on a regular basis when the atm backs up. You are right about the risk but I am not sure putting a sign up will limit the liability if someone gets injured. Trial lawyers probably park around the drive throughs just salivating and waiting. We have no written procedures.

Unless the lobby is closed i don't see why anyone would walk up to the drive through. I find it extremly unfair to have drive throughs open longer than the lobby because 30% of the pouplation does not drive.

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I find it extremly unfair to have drive throughs open longer than the lobby because 30% of the pouplation does not drive.

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Recognizing this inequity, banks should shut down all drive-in windows and reuse the space for hitching posts and bicycle racks.

We have the same problem with walk-up both at the drive-up window and drive-up ATM. Although I don't know for sure if it will hold up in court, we were advised to place signage which states something to the effect that "for your safety walk-up customers are not permitted". With the drive-up window you can refuse to handle their transaction and do some redirection, but there's no control over the ATM.

If this happens often and would be cost effective, consider adding a walk-up window to be manned during the peak hours or add an ATM.

But I agree. One person hitting the gas instead of the break and hurting someone will be disastrous if you have allowed this to happen.

Richard, we have a hitching post at one of our branches. We have some Amish in the area.

People will use the drive up as a walk up just to save a couple of steps.

give me a break!

I actually walked through the drive-through at Walgreens. I needed to pick up a prescription refill... the dogs and I needed a walk... they wouldn't let the dogs in the store... there were no cars in the drive-through (there are hardly ever any cars in that drive-through). They gave me so much grief I've never even thought of doing it again.

Most fast food places in my area won't let people walk through their drive-throughs either. It was just a couple of years ago they started posting signs stating no walk-up service at drive thorogh window. My guess is that signs started showing up because one of the restaurant's customers got hit and sued.

I would also check you your insurance company. They would probably frown on the idea of allowing walk up customers to use use the drive thru.

You absolutely must check your insurance restriction/requirements on this issue. You would not want this type of newspaper headline: "Child Loses Arm In Bank Drive-up" when the teller did not see the small child, opened then closed the auto drawer.

Other than "feeling uncomfortable" by telling the customer "No" - this rule can be easly enforced: you don't open the drawer.

Can one assume that was a true headline? That is absolutely terrible.

Unfortunately, many tellers have tubes and the canisters await the next customer. Shutting them down between customers may not be an option. Though they shouldn't be as hazardous either. But I agree, simply not serving the customers needs will dissuade them. "I'll help you this one time sir, please don't do this again" is not necessarily good for the bank.

I agree, this is crazy. Tell them "No", the first time they do it and every time thereafter.

As a security officer I agree - just tell the customer NO. But I can already hear customer service wanting to help a customer "this one time only" and you've set a standard. There I sit in my office saying "I can't believe they did that!"