UPDATE - Action Line: More cash registers when paying for gas Published May 14, 2010 By Col. Jay B. Silveria 48th Fighter Wing commander ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Updated action line response: AAFES apologizes for the delay in completing this work. Since the time of publication, AAFES has encountered unforeseen challenges in adding another payment window at Lakenheath Shoppette with Gas. All work for the additional register to include adding additional communication lines was completed on schedule. However, the last step, hiring a contractor to do the work, has proven to be the most challenging due to the small scope of work and low monetary value of the project. AAFES recognizes the importance of adding the additional window to improve speed of service for our customers. Very recently, a contractor agreed to do the work and has informed AAFES that the window is now on the production line. This means we will hopefully be seeing this additional window installed in the near future. Thanks for your support and patience while we work to make RAFL a better place to live and work! Original complaint: I am probably not the first person to pose these questions. I was wondering if there are any plans to add any other cash registers to accommodate more than one person paying for gas at a time. It seems that when the 15 or so gas pumps were installed, provisions would have included more than one pay point for credit/ Star card payments. Original response: Thank you for highlighting this important issue. We are a busy Wing and no one likes to wait in line. As the weather turns colder, it certainly doesn't get any easier to wait in line. When the shoppette facility was built it was designed to accommodate gasoline payment both inside and outside, hence only one outdoor window. However, a few years ago, the base commander directed AAFES to mandate payment at the outside window only. This policy change was initiated primarily to reduce customer wait time by expediting the flow of traffic at the fuel dispensers. At the time, AAFES was experiencing a large number of customers shopping inside the store while their vehicles blocked the fuel lanes. Additionally, this change aimed to reduce the number of gasoline drive-offs that were frequently occurring at the time. The policy change has achieved the intended positive effect on both issues. With the amount of traffic at the pumps, it makes sense to add another outdoor payment window. The good news is this is already in the works. AAFES has informed me they're currently in the process of adding a second outdoor payment window with register at the Shoppette. The project is projected to be complete by the end of this year. Great news for all members of our Liberty Wing family! As always, thank you for taking the time to voice your concern and contributing to making our home a better place to live, work and play ******************************************* The Action Line is your direct link to the commander for complaints, suggestions or comments. It's not intended to replace the chain of command. When normal command agency channels haven't been able to resolve your concerns, call 226-2324, e-mail Action.Line@lakenheath.af.mil , send through distribution (48 FW/PA), mail (48FW/PA, Unit 5210 Box 215 APO AE 09461-0215) or hand carry your Action Line to the public affairs office (Building 1063). You may remain anonymous; however, to receive a reply, please leave your name, unit, duty or home phone number and full APO mailing address. Names are confidential.