TO BID OR NOT TO BID
Can you please confirm if anything was wrong with EC5 on Tuesday 19th December. I booked in on a Code 3 at 8.38 until I was booked off at 9.38. During that time I queried three times that the 'bids' were not coming through from EC5 but was assured that they were. I still don't think that was the case. This isn't the first time this has occurred, so I thought that I'd ask someone 'upstairs'. I look forward to hearing from you at you earliest opportunity.
John Rothery (F65)
Keith Cain replies: On the evening in question John, the notorious Christmas 'slow down' had just arrived and jobs were being covered very quickly. As soon as they appeared on EC5 they were covered, so only a few reached the bids. They usually stay in EC5 for four minutes before going to the 'bids'. However, when you see trips in EC5 and look again to see the same number, they are probably not the same jobs.

PAST AND FUTURE FOR METROCAB?
Having read Alan Howes (A94) letter in the January Call Sign attacking the Editor, I'd like to correct the impression Mr Howes gives as to how the LCDC carried on from the Metrocab Club. He uses the rather innocuous phrase: "The Metroclub, having fulfilled its initial function, decided that there were other issues that needed to be redressed." That isn't how I saw it at the time and I was the Metrocab Club Secretary, having been amongst two others who formed the Club in the first place.
   The original idea was to look after only Metrocab owner-drivers, who at the time were finding numerous difficulties from a variety of garages who had not been very well 'product trained' by the manufacturers. They were certainly not giving good service or attention to their buyers and had simply got in on the act because it was a new innovation and had it all worked out well, they could have made a financial profit without having to do much for it. Historically, this was one of the few occasions that a major group had opposed the more traditional FX4 vehicle and it was something to sit up and listen to. But it didn't quite work out...
   The-then manufacturer became rather 'wobbly' and was taken over by another buyer, which needless to say, had left us all in a state-of-panic being that we had paid out over £14000 for the Metrocab. The atmosphere became extremely uncertain and extended itself to unfriendliness from a surprising number of garages. To a degree, it was this type of happening that strengthened the Metrocab Club as there were many of us who had become firm believers in the vehicle from the very moment we set our eyes on it and once we had purchased it, we became even more fanatical and totally Metrocab orientated. We held several public meetings, which were well attended, and we started to make some impact within the trade. Obviously we had running expenses and so we levied a small subscription charge to every member and this helped us pay our way.
   I commenced the Legal Insurance Scheme because of the need to represent a number of drivers who were being unfairly treated by their-then garages and who were getting nowhere in their attempts to get service. At the time, we experienced quite a number of victories and it was soon evident that a significant number of garages had started to heed our warnings and assist the customers - our members. We also appointed a solicitor for the more complicated cases and in this respect too, we won through in the main. It was important to seek more members and I began to make contact with areas outside of London where Metrocab owners were operating. In speaking with many of these people, especially some of the medium size companies who were keen on the vehicle too, it was quite obvious to me that they were also experiencing problems from local garages. So we decided to extend our membership outside of London.
Suddenly there appeared some discontentment from a few committee members because they felt that the club should extend its interests even further and allow in any owner-driver irrespective of vehicle ie to allow in FX4's or any other type that may have been operating. I was very much against this because I had put an enormous amount of work and effort into getting the Club to tend to one particular section of the trade - Metrocab owners only. In my opinion, it was very much needed and was being threatened. We needed the Club then just as we certainly need it at this current frightening moment in time for the Metrocab owner. As the Editor said in his response to Alan Howes: "who is looking after those Metrocab Club members now?"
   They certainly need it at the moment. Returning to the past; coupled with the desire from some committee members to open up the club, was the apparent desire from the same members, especially one particular new member who had somehow been co-opted on, to commence a 'campaign of war' against the minicabs in London. Whilst I was not against this sort of action happening based on the entire Licensed trade enrolling with an existing organisation (ie LTDA or T&G), for the Metrocab Club to then turn towards the political arena, while at the same time to start making innuendos against the other long standing, reputable organisations, that was something I was not prepared to accept. The Club subsequently changed its name to The London Cab Drivers Club and I had no choice other than to resign!
   The proof of the pudding is in the eating because if you read about the Club today, many of their articles seems to be politically motivated and the aggressiveness of the whole thing has really gotten out of hand. Perhaps the 'Club' should shed some of its agitators!
   With the way things are today - and seem have been for quite some time - we need to all pull together and become one voice. Among the variety of people we have around within the trade and with their different talents, especially on the technology front, we should put our brains together and endeavour to find a common denominator and aim at solving problems which effect us all and go about it in a pleasant and business-like manner. If you show respect, you get respect...
   We are all small businessmen and in this respect we should all act like businessmen and not keep going on the offensive. Sensible and respectful negotiation is what is needed, combined with a good ability to communicate in a clear, easily understood manner. Has the trade ever done this? Perhaps every now and then, but not on a regular basis because each of us are individuals, each of us have our own beliefs. And of course as always, there are large contingents of drivers who can't be bothered and who will always leave it to others. They will never change.
   With 2001 now here and the fantastic new technology both in cabs and computers growing constantly around us, let us all strive to improve our image, our industry and push forwards in a respectful and responsible way in order that financially we can all prosper, which let's face it, is what it's all about.
Ron Colman (J9)
It never ceases to amaze me to how many DaC taxi drivers are either now, or were sometime in the past, in positions of authority within trade extensions - especially charities. Ron's work with the Metroclub was very much needed in the early days ...Ed

INTERNET QUERY
After a couple of disastrous attempts to go on the Internet, firstly with Freeserve and later on with Virgin which resulted in big problems with my system (Time 200), I am tempted to try again but this time through the television. If I do this, what are the limitations; am I restricted to a provider approved by the TV manufacturer and can I get printouts off the screen?
Eddie Lambert (V27)
Vince Chin responds:
I'm not surprised you're having problems with Freeserve, but Virgin are usually very good. If you send me an email to chinvb@taxicab.co.uk I'll do my best to help you resolve your problems. I'm afraid I've no experience with TV access to the net except for occasionally testing some web pages whilst working, but I'm sure the Internet access will be provided by companies like OnDigital who supply the set-top boxes. Sorry I can't be more helpful, I suppose I'd better go and do some investigation in the TV Internet access arena and write about it in a future article.I'll be back as usual next month.

NO PROPOSITIONS?
In the January 2001 issue of Call Sign, you publish Rule Changes that are to be presented at the AGM. I am wondering why the two propositions were not included. Did the members who are submitting the propositions not wish to inform their fellow members? Were they asked to submit a summary?
   I think that the members should have a longer lead time, than that being offered by the Board, to digest and discuss rule changes and propositions prior to the AGM. We have just over 4 weeks to the AGM. If the propositions were to be of a contentious nature we would not have an opportunity to write to Call Sign to have a say (to the postal voters) before the AGM.
Maurice Haben (G17)
I published all the rule change explanations that were sent to me exactly as they were sent. Any propositions that weren't published were because the drivers didn't send them. As the Editor, I try to act on what I hear when possible - although some suggestions would involve me being double jointed!
   I was asked by several subscribers at last year's AGM (the first for postal ballots) why drivers were not allowed to publish details of their propositions / rule changes earlier in Call Sign so as to give those not attending the chance to understand the reasoning behind any proposition / rule change. So this time I have given the opportunity to anyone who wanted to explain their reasoning should they wish to, in plenty of time before the meeting itself. Neither of the two proposition holders asked if they could present their case (both on Code 3) whereas the rule change proposers did ask.
   I also gave anyone standing for the BoM the chance to present their case even earlier so as to give postal voters the chance to question them (December issue). Several (rather bravely, in my view) put themselves forward, yet only one question came in. Even though it is now too late for postal voters to act on anything they read in the February issue, I have hardly been inundated with responses.
I'm afraid that I'm never going to please everybody, Maurice, but I do try to act on suggestions made ...Ed

THANKS FOR THE PLAYSTATION 2
I would just like to say thanks to you and Call Sign magazine for making the PlayStation 2 competition possible, of which my son Bradley was one of the lucky winners.

I would also like to thank Trevor Clarke for the guided tour of the Call Centre. It was very impressive! Thanks again...
Alan Dyer (A79)
I've always thought that a tour of the Call Centre could be useful in allowing drivers to see what's at the other end of the 'mike'. I'm sure that short tours for small groups would be possible and extremely interesting. If you are interested in a tour of the fourth floor, let either Call Sign or Mike Son know and we'll try to arrange it... However, it is unlikely that there would be a souvenir shop waiting at the end ...Ed

TO SMOKE OR NOT TO SMOKE...1
As an update on the article in the December Call Sign, I am still not smoking and it's all down to the seven-week course of 'Zyban' tablets that I wrote about. I went back to my GP to tell him how I'm doing and he was certainly very pleased. I did mention to him that I still get the odd urge but I still haven't had a cigarette and I don't think that I will be having one either. The doctor suggested that I take another two-month supply and that is where I am at the moment. After all, my New Year resolution was not to smoke again and I'm not going to break it...
Paul Shaw (B19)

TO SMOKE OR NOT TO SMOKE...2
I read the article by Paul Shaw in the December Call Sign 'Dacman gives up smoking' and his use of Zyban. I tried to give up the weed a couple of years ago, something which ended with a roadside argument and criminal charges as documented in Call Sign! Ever since that day, I was scared to try to give up again for fear of a similar loss of composure. That was until I met a young lady in my cab one day who worked for Wellcome Research. She told me of a new drug that she was testing at the time that helped you stop smoking. Initially, the drug was developed to treat soldiers with post battle trauma but when it was tested, they found that it didn't work. What they did find though, was that a high percentage of those tested, gave up smoking of their own free will and so Zyban, the anti smoking drug, was born. For me this was great news, I'd often wished for a pill that would stop you wanting to smoke, could this really be it?
   Well a month or so passed and I found myself watching Richard and Judy one morning (I must have been too ill to change channels!) when Dr Chris Steele came on with a revolutionary new drug called Zyban and said that it was available on the NHS. Eureka! My wish had come true and off I went to the doctor. The doc asked me what I know about Zyban, so I started with the bit about the soldiers and the post battle trauma, at which point she screamed, "OK, OK you know enough! You know enough..." A check up and a few questions later, I had my prescription.
   That was on the 10th of June this year, I had my last cigarette on the 17th and I haven't looked back, it worked for me and I don't miss it at all.
I went to the doctors again yesterday and she told me that I was now officially obese, but then fat I can lose, lung cancer isn't so easy!
Bill Kibble (K86)
Keep at it Paul and Bill. There are now at least two DaC drivers who have kicked the habit using Zyban. If anyone out there has had any success in giving up smoking or if you have a difficult New Year resolution that you are still sticking to, let Call Sign's knowledge-thirsty readers know about it ...Ed

'GOING HOME' AND CABOT SQUARE
Now that the busy Xmas period is over, we have a chance to reflect on any improvements that may be made to the working of the Society. I have two suggestions...
1.... The 'going home' facility to be re-examined: My observations tell me that it is favouring some drivers at busy times (the ones with distant home zones) whilst disenchanting and even demoralising drivers who are still working. In Forest Gump terms: 'The jobs are in a box of chocolates and the good ones are able to be selected by some.'
   Most of us enjoy a 'roader' and I'd like to think we all had equal chances. I appreciate that drivers should be encouraged to do 'one more job' when ending their shift, so here's my view..
   The term 'going home' is a misnomer anyway, the driver is 'finishing work' and would like something to take him/her in their home direction - reaching home would be a bonus. For example, if I'm at finished work at Tower Hill and heading home to East Ham, the system should offer anything east (ish). If a job is offered to me and it only goes as far as Cabot Square, no problem -I've done my one last job, keeping the customer happy and helping Dial-a-Cab cover the work and it hasn't gone in the wrong direction. Simple isn't it? If you use the same scenario and apply it to a driver who lives in Southend, I still see no problem. By going to Cabot Square, he has done his last job in the right direction and kept customer and Dial-a-Cab happy AND the working driver still has a chance of the roader. Almost total equality for all, whilst still offering the 'finishing' driver a job in the right direction, however long. In a nutshell, all jobs allocated by the system when a driver is finishing work should be based on the rough direction of the destination from the pick up zone, not home zones. So what about me (East Ham), if I got a Southend job, (sorry Southenders), when I've finished work. A straw poll amongst drivers gave me varying perspectives: "You only want a roader!" - Yes, I do! Where's the problem? Should I be penalised for not living right out? "But what about all the dead miles you'll be running back"? - You mean as opposed to all the dead miles I run back from Richmond and other places having gone in the wrong direction? Trust me, I much prefer cruising dead miles along a motorway than across London's traffic! "But what if the driver is too tired to do that longer job?" Well, in my experience drivers don't wait until they're on their last legs before starting for home, but if they are and it's such a long job, I'm sure that other drivers would welcome the job being recovered and thrown back into the pot. And anyway, the Finsbury rank doesn't entertain that argument - all jobs being non-rejectable regardless of destination!
By the way, the only 'going home' job I've had bought me back from Aspen Way to the pickup at E14 and then back to Commercial Street, my back up zone!!!
2.... E14C - Cabot Square: I'll get straight to the point; I would like a dedicated rank at E14C. I go there to cover account work. To speed up coverage, we have a local rank outside the account building. To book into this local rank, we must be on it - and thereby subject to walk-ups - sometimes large, baying crowds of walk-ups! I want to service the account work and have been instructed by a Board member to 'hang back from the point so long as you're on the rank'. This message seems to have only reached some drivers as others are feeling frustrated at seeing no one on the point of the rank yet cabs are booked into E14C and have grumbled about putting drivers on complaint. So can it be spelt out once and for all? How do we drivers book into E14C when there is a large crowd there? If the answer is don't book into E14C stay in E14, then will you justify having a local rank! As for having a dedicated rank - why not? I've been told some reasons ranging from drivers may make a nuisance of themselves, make a mess and even some kind of chicanery. But if this is true, why isn't it happening while we rank up now?
Sorry about the long letter - I hope it stimulates rational debate.
Doug Vogel (R5)

DAMAGED/SOILED TAXIS
I believe this Proposal to be right and proper because like others, I too have been affected in the past by someone deciding to 'cough-it-up'. Where a passenger is an account client and we have some form of 'control' over them in that instance, I believe that the actual account company should be held responsible and financially compensate the driver via the Dial-a-Cab Accounts department. I also tend to think that the actual individual's company is an excellent one to look to for compensation, because as the proposer says - with no disrespect whatsoever to our own organisation - it does then tend to be rather a 'hit-and-miss-affair'.
   This then, of course, becomes much more serious in the latter case, because if the passenger has in any way damaged the cab or interfered with the interior etc., then this becomes a criminal offence which the passenger could then become answerable to in a court of law and ultimately, would have to pay compensation. As has been indicated, these types of things thankfully do not happen that often, but by making it 'official', we can all be happy that we are automatically covered and protected in any future occurrences.
   The only matter that would have to be tied up would be the need for our Sales Representatives to 'sell' this aspect to both our existing account holders as well as the new ones in order to acquaint them with the situation should the need arise.
Ron Colman (J9)

AVRO LANCASTER BOMBER
Reading Alan Green's excellent article on the Avro Lancaster bomber and the Spitfire fighter (Jan Call Sign) certainly brought back memories. I remember seeing pictures of the damage done to the three German dams by Barnes Wallis's bouncing bomb (although it was revealed later that the damage was not as extensive as first thought) and later, whilst working at the Savoy, seeing the leader of the group Wing Commander Guy Gibson. A few weeks earlier, I had met James Stewart who was serving as a Colonel in the US Air Force, a real gent who gave me two autographs!
   We got used to seeing squadrons of Lancasters and their sister bombers, Halifax' and Sterlings each evening on their way to pound German defences in occupied France in preparation for D day - which was by that time just days away. What revenge we experienced following London's devastation by the so-called invincible Luftwaffe four years earlier, when we swept from the skies with our RAF's Spitfires and Hurricanes. The German Messershmidt M109 fighter was in some respects equal to our fighters, they could climb higher for one example, but we still defeated them. Now every year on the anniversary of Battle of Britain day, September 15th, a lone Spitfire flies over Bentley Priory. A large mansion standing on Stanmore Hill, this house was the headquarters of Fighter Command and where every Group of enemy aircraft crossing the South and South East Coast was plotted. Most of the plotters were members of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (known as Wafs).
   On a trip to the States some years ago, I was chatting to a couple of twin sisters who had lived there for many years, but who originally came from Stoke Newington. They had both been Sergeants and plotters at Stanmore. They visit London every year and I we always meet them. A couple of years back we took them up to Bentley Priory; it had all changed, nevertheless a nostalgic trip for them. Bentley Priory is not be confused with Stanmore Park RAF on Uxbridge Road, which has now been demolished.
   But back to the lone Spitfire: Each year we can distinctly hear the sound of the Rolls Royce Merlin engine as the plane approaches the area. We just have time to get up from the table and go on to the balcony to see the plane do three circuits over the old HQ.
   This yea r as usual, we stood and cheered. Our two grand 

daughters were with us and having explained the significance of the event, they also joined in and waved most excitedly just as we were - much to their amazement. The pilot must have seen us because he flew even lower and dipped his wings to acknowledge us. So another event goes into the old memory bank. Alan Green, thank you very much...
S.Harris (S95J)

OVERALL PICTURE?
As a cab driver of some 12 years, I would not like to put myself forward as one of the "I know everything" fraternity, but I am very worried about the future for our beloved trade. During the Xmas build-up, the frustrated voice of the once-a-year cab user could be heard on every local TV or radio station. The beloved Evening Standard ran story after story with headlines such as: "Not enough Black Cabs on the Streets of London." Or "Why Can't I Get a Cab Home" from Mr Peeved of Perivale following his 20 pints! I know we hear this every year, but where are those same punters in January? Indoors at 8 o'clock watching Eastenders with their dinner on their laps!
It's the proclamation from Uncle Ken at the GLA and MP's from both sides, debating and giving very serious consideration to the removal of radios from black cabs - just like New York - with just limos or private hire picking up radio booked jobs...hmmmm.
   I have been waiting for the three major radio circuits to reply, spitting blood: "What, kill off our very successful business?" But nothing has come... The biggest bone of contention on all three radio organisations must be cars on the circuit! The confrontation between drivers and Board members will run and run. But what if Uncle Ken at the GLA ruled on this one, the radio circuits could say: "Look chaps, it's not us, it's Mayor Ken at the GLA." Where would it leave us...?
   Like many drivers on DaC, I love doing credit work for many reasons. But what if we could only do credit work in an E class Merc? We have become too successful, a real victim of our own success - everyone wants us. But what worries me is will we throw away over 300 year of tradition for some lucrative account work?
I'd like to hear driver's views...
Grant Davis (L39)
Brian Rice replies: A very interesting letter and something that I have been concerned about for a long time, as you are probably aware from different pieces that I have written in Call Sign and hopefully your letter was stimulated by my most recent article in the magazine. Incidentally, you would have noticed in the same edition a picture of Dave Wetzel at our client lunch. That gave me an opportunity to talk to him about the very topic you mention and that lunch was then followed by a visit to Brunswick House some three weeks later - a visit lasting almost four hours. The three major radio circuits doing nothing? - We couldn't be lobbying harder. We are spending a lot of time and money endeavouring to protect the radio taxis in London. I believe that you are right to be concerned and aware of the situation, that has always been the purpose of my articles. Dial-a-Cab are undergoing a £6m investment programme and we employ 148 staff, the authorities should be made aware of the investment the radio taxi circuits have made over the years and the contribution that we make to London. Grant, although I said your letter was interesting, I must say that I was not over enamoured with your suggestion that the radio circuits would welcome a change in legislation. Obviously I can't speak for the other two, but nothing could be further from the truth at DaC, otherwise why would I have been trying for the past two years to draw everyone's attention to the situation as I see it? However, keep asking the questions and hopefully we can stimulate some interest from a trade that is renowned for its apathy.

DRESS CODE
I would like to offer another viewpoint to that put forward by Kupkake in the last issue regarding a Dress Code. As both a subscriber / driver and sometime representative of the Society through my photographic activities, I feel we need to promote a professional image in every respect, not only in our level of service but equally importantly in our attire. Corporate image is all-important.
   If I turned up on a photo assignment for Call Sign or DaC wearing torn jeans or Homer Simpson boxer shorts, it is unlikely I would be asked again, no matter how good the pictures! At some events, I am the sole representative of the Society and as such, am aware that my general demeanour is how we in the Society are judged.
And so it is when someone orders a cab. If I were a company chairman who had invited a guest to lunch, my embarrassment would be complete if someone whose face had not seen a razor in days drove the taxi outside my office door or he/she was sporting the latest fashion in string vests...
Kupkake is quite right regarding the condition of the cab, but why stop there? So may I respectfully suggest a Polo or white shirt with DaC logo for summertime and a DaC logo'd sweatshirt for winter wear. These would compliment our current raincoats and really look the business.
Alan Green (E52)

CABOT SQUARE RANK
I would like you to print the following in Call Sign as a message to the Board of Management...
   Now that the work has quietened down a bit, we are ranking on E14C more often. Yet still the Board of Management have not clarified the correct booking-in procedure.
   As the rules stand, we must pull onto the left side and not book in until we have moved onto the part of the rank, which is marked '5 taxis'. Simply booking in on the left is booking in early and liable to complaint and the shabby treatment that goes with that.
   The Marshals and drivers know that booking in on the left works perfectly well, yet if a complaint is filed then the BoM will be only too happy to quote you the rulebook and come down on you as if you were public enemy number one! So make up your minds, there are hundreds of drivers booking in on the left every day and they are all breaking your unworkable rules.
Mr. S. Donoghue (T53)
Tom Whitbread replies: You answer your own questions Mr Donoghue. You say that the booking-in procedure for E14C is not clarified yet go on to add what the 'rules' state. Messages on how to book in to E14C go out daily on your terminals - so frequently in fact that some drivers are fed up seeing them, explaining that they know the procedure without having it drummed in!
   All ranking procedures are subject to change if we think that it will improve the situation and we are currently looking at a suggestion to move E14C to the roadway opposite the Marshal's hut facing towards the square. It may even be done by the time you read this. Incidentally, we are also considering reverting EC5 to a physical rank during the quieter months. Your inference as to being "liable to complaint and the shabby treatment that goes with that" is an insult to the DaC subscribers who sit on the Complaints committee.

CASH v CREDIT
   I'm sorry Alan, but I cannot agree with you about drivers not doing street cash work for several reasons. Firstly, do you really feel that a driver that has taken a job from the Island or City to the other side of the West End should just blindly drive pass the general public on the street hoping to be lucky enough to catch a radio job whilst on route back to the City or the Island? It is these people standing on the street corners for long periods of time who write to the papers, their MP's and anyone else that they think could help change things to enhance the supply of taxis available for street hire particularly late Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Many of these people walk past long lines of taxis ranking up in the city waiting for radio work, who by their refusal to take them to their homes, clubs, stations etc force these people to use the ever present scum who lurk outside the bars, clubs and such like. I realise that the account clients can get a bit annoyed waiting for their cabs, but at least they are usually in the dry and warm, often with access to tea and coffee and safe from physical threat.
   Brian (Rice) quite rightly mentions the newest recruit to London's transport scene, Bob Kylie, who in his time in New York removed two-way radios from the Big Apples Taxis. Our old friend John Griffin (Addison Lee) is also believed to be funding the ROT (radios out of taxis) campaign though most people realise that he possibly has an ulterior motive, but this does not mean that his campaign will fail to attract public support. My personal feeling is that should this campaign get it's way, then it will actually make the situation worse, not better for the street hirer. The radio circuits will not just roll over and dispose of it's businesses, what they will do is enter into deals with upmarket vehicle suppliers be they, leasing companies, importers, or directly with manufacturers and a large percentage of radio drivers - particularly night drivers - will become Private Hire drivers and so possibly as many as 1,500 to 2,000 night drivers of taxis will be removed off the streets. This will then lead to great pressure on TfL and the government to allow minicabs to pick up off the streets.
   I actually don't have a problem with DaC having cars on the circuit with two provisos; 1... The drivers are hackney drivers who have done the Knowledge and 2... We are an Owner Driver Circuit and that should remain so. The Society could make arrangements with one or two approved vehicle suppliers to provide DaC drivers with vehicles, but the drivers must be responsible for the ownership, insurance and maintenance of the vehicle, as we are for our taxis. This also means no leasing deals unless it includes the right to purchase at the end to the lease period without crippling financial penalties.
   We must drive down a tightrope at the moment, balancing the account work on one side and street work on the other as at the present we have the best of both worlds but could easily end up with just one to service.
Eddie Lambert (V27)
I take your point Eddie and there is a huge problem to be faced. As I said in the Editorial, once PH licensing becomes fact, clients will have a choice of not just licensed taxis. You may be right about some of them being happy to wait in their warm, safe office, but I'd bet that most of them want to get home as quickly as possible. To expect these clients, who pay far more than their street counterparts, to wait while we service street work is, in my view, asking an awful lot. As I said, I usually only do account work and that is my choice. We also do have many night drivers who continually return to the City or Docklands once they have set down without looking for a cash ride. I do agree with you that it is imperative we keep both ways of working and I believe that our biggest problem is that those available for street hire are far too choosy. Unofficial ranks along Bishopsgate and other busy places while hundreds are searching for cabs, does far more damage than drivers who put themselves out for radio clients...Ed

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