Service Levels
The quietest month of the year has now passed and we must now get ready for the onslaught that will take place from now through to Christmas. You should have read during the past few months of the new accounts that we have opened and which will come 'on-line' during October. We must all be extremely vigilant in order to maintain our service levels during this period and to preserve our client base. However, the size of our fleet is being increased and the size of the increase will depend purely on our service levels.
   Last year for the first time, Dial-a-Cab introduced an incentive scheme during the run up to Christmas. Whether it will be necessary this year is at the moment undecided. However, you can be assured that if something is introduced, it will be completely different to last year so don't hold off on those 'accept' buttons during September / October hoping that it will pay dividends during November and December!
   Whilst on the subject of service, we have had a couple of complaints from one of our major Corporate accounts that a minority of our members are not waiting until their female passenger has safely entered her premises before driving off. So please, if you are one of those

drivers could you please wait the few extra seconds until the passenger is safe and sound and then you can get your foot down to return to EC5...!
   Secondly, there are some complaints that again a minority of members are using their mobile phone whilst in transit. Please don't do this, as it is very dangerous and extremely unnerving for the passenger, unless of course it is a 'hands free'.

Heathrow Airport
I was recently summoned to Heathrow together with the other two main radio circuits as there is some concern by the police that the radio taxis pickup point is being abused by some drivers. They originally suggested that the facility may be withdrawn, but have now agreed to continue with the same 'pickup' points.
However, they will be monitoring the situation.
   I am convinced that if indeed there is anything occurring as was suggested, the majority of the

perpetrators would be non-radio men because I believe that subscribers to radio taxi circuits are aware of the benefits of those pick up points.
   The criterion for picking up radio work at Heathrow has been explained to the police and they will be enforcing the rules. If there are any prosecutions, please do not be amongst them.
   As a reminder of the procedure, you can only stop on the 'pick up' points if you are there to pick up a bona-fide radio job, not a personal job or indeed friends and relations. Please heed this warning and if any of you are doing something you shouldn't, then please stop as prosecutions are imminent.

Taxi Driver of the Year
The Taxi Driver of the Year Show will take place at Battersea Park on Sunday 10th September. We have taken a stand and will be displaying our new terminal together with our Internet booking system plus one or two other items.
   If you have not seen the new terminal, the show will give you the perfect opportunity to sneak a preview before it is fitted to your vehicle. The show will also give you the opportunity to ask any questions that you might have. It promises to be a good day and if you can make it with your family and friends then we will see you there.

Brian Rice