Hello, this is my first post. I own a 2014 Skoda octavia octavia estate 4x4. I use it as a hackney carriage taxi and have done successfully for the past two years. I would like some help to try and solve a problem I am facing currently. 
I have a screen fitted in my car, closing off the rear seating in a attempt to keep myself and others safe from you know what. The problem is people keep trying to get in the front next to me, I can’t lock the front passenger door, and have the rear doors unlocked. Is there a way of disabling the door lock temporarily? I basically would like to have the front passenger door locked at all times. Any thoughts or ideas greatly appreciated. I wasn’t sure I was supposed to start a new topic so apologies if I’ve done it wrong. 
 

thank you for reading. 

I don’t know how to do it, and I would guess there is a safety/legal issue with disconnecting or disabling the handle especially as your car is a taxi.

I have to use taxis a lot and the mind boggles that anyone would try and get in the front with the current global pandemic......

 

In all seriousness I would get a blow up doll, large teddy bear or shop window dummy, put a mask (officially approved face covering, not gimp😬) on it and strap it into the front passenger seat. Or pile a load of stuff on the front seat so it’s obvious it can’t be sat in. Tape over the outside handle with Duck tape in a big cross, just in case they don’t spot whatever is strapped in the front.
 

Edited 26 July, 20205 yr by classic

I like classic's answer! 😎

 

If it were me, I'd probably disconnect the outer door handles connections, leaving it inoperative, while leaving the inner handle still functional.  Taping over it is quite a good, simple solution, maybe with a no entry sign.

 

A switch in the wiring loom, to simply break power to the lock(s) would also do it.  Lock the doors, activate the switch, unlock and the NSF remains locked.  A switch could be added to one of the blanks in your centre console.

 

Gaz

Edited 26 July, 20205 yr by IamGaz

Thanks for your replies, I never thought about putting stuff on the seat. I could put a bag there or something. I’ve been amazed by how many people just don’t take any of it seriously at all, especially when they have a few drinks in them. I will look into the lock disabling, my dad is coming round tomorrow to help. I Will let you know how I get on. Thanks again for your ideas 👍

Some sort of mannequin sounds like a good idea to me - using a bit of humour, depending on how you dress it up, it could be a good talking point. Could have a speech bubble coming from it reminding customers to get in the back and wear a face mask. 

Ive gone with a bag on the seat and keeping my doors locked until I’ve directed said drunks to the rear seats.