Subscriptions
I hope you are all aware of the alteration to the monthly subscription rate that became effective as of 1st June 2000. I will not go into too much detail, as I understand from the Editor that Tom Whitbread has written about the subject in his article. However, there are a couple of points that I believe are quite important. The onus will be on the member to ensure his attributes are correct and that our database carries the correct 'O' attribute for his callsign assuming, of course, that his vehicle has the correct logos.
   I know that you are now asking why we use 'O' as the attribute letter? The reason is that 'L' is used for a layout trip, consequently we take the second letter in logo...!
   In future, you will find that more and more accounts will carry the 'O' attribute, so it will be in your interest to ensure your attributes are correct. It also means that you will pay the lower subscription and of course, promote your company. I think it fair to say that more of our taxis are now carrying the company logo than at any time in the past, so you can imagine my delight when I realised that since I announced last month that there will be a lower subscription in the future for logo'd vehicles, in excess of two hundred new vehicles have been fitted with logos in just ten days.

IRU
Again, I won't go into too much detail, as I understand from the Editor that Allen Togwell has written something on the subject - these Board members! I believe it has become apparent to most members that in the past few years DaC has become very prominent not only in the UK, but also worldwide. This is due in no small way to DaC's membership of the ITLA and the IRU (Int. Road Users).
   The IRU has several conferences each year, most of

which will not be of any use to DaC. However, from time to time there are meetings that are quite significant to taxi companies, this years meeting was one and certainly of interest to us. So for the first time, both Allen Togwell and myself attended. There were nearly 1700 delegates present from fifty odd countries, with the venue being the Heysel conference centre in Brussels (we all remember the Heysel Stadium with sadness).
   The meeting was addressed by dignitaries from all over the world including Eastern Europe and as far away as China. As we were sitting in the auditorium which held 2000 people, on either side of the speaker were two giant video screens, so you can imagine our delight as the DaC logo was flashed onto the screens on several occasions.
   A lot of work is done by people within the licensed trade that most taxi drivers are unaware of, lobbying MP's and Euro members is just a start and given the significance nowadays of DaC, we have a voice that is listened to.
   I had a very grave concern regarding the impact that the Working Time Directive (48hour week) would have on the London licensed trade, I am now fairly happy to report that due to various representations, the 48hr week will not (hopefully) be imposed on the London taxi trade. However, we'll still have to wait and see.

Figures
There are thirteen four-week periods in Dial-a-Cab's financial year and after eight periods, I am

very pleased to report that our figures once again are looking very good. I would expect us to be around the £1m surplus again this year and considering that there has not been an increase in subscriptions during the past four years, it makes the above all the more pleasing.
   In order that DaC gives an outstanding service to both its' members and account clients, it is imperative that we give an unequalled service during busy periods. To this end, it has become apparent that we must improve our service during the evening period - both in the City and on the Island. So if any of you can work a little later and our service improves, that will help determine how many vehicles the fleet will be increased by during the coming months.

Code 77
I know that Code 77 is a bone of contention with many of you night men, however, I would like to remind you that the membership voted by a two-to-one majority to have it re-instated. If the members pass a rule change or proposition, then their word is law - who am I to argue with that? There is no way that I can overrule the members, it is the same as if a Carriage Officer gave you a 'stop' because there was a problem with your cab, would you ignore the 'stop' - I don't think so. I am in exactly the same position, my hands are tied by the membership.
   What has become obvious to me is that members should not submit propositions regarding procedures. Members quite understandably submit propositions that they consider are in their own interest and popular, but more often than not are detrimental to the company and damaging to the members in the long term.
   It is a subject that I would like you all to think about, the Board of Management are elected to run the company - please let us do it.

Brian Rice