Call Sign December 2006 - Page 28 - DAC CUSTOMER SERVICES / SPECIAL PROJECTS

DAC CUSTOMER SERVICES / SPECIAL PROJECTS

PCO event
Together with Brian Rice and other members of the taxi trade, I attended a celebratory event at the PCO recently. I must say it was a very nice evening.
   There were two aspects of the evening; one was celebrating 40 years of service to the taxi industry from Penton Street, while the other was due to Roy Ellis - the long-serving Principal of The Public Carriage - retiring shortly. The evening was also dedicated to Roy and an appreciation of the work he has done during his time at the PCO. I believe there is an article on the event in this issue of Call Sign.
   We all know there have been many changes within our industry in recent years. Some have been controversial and they include the licensing of minicabs and of course the reduction of emissions. Changes to the Knowledge of London examinations have also been a bone of contention to some.
   And soon to come, ‘fit for service’ taxi testing by outside sources. It’s a far cry from when I became a cab driver 41 years ago and received my badge and Bill at Lambeth PCO, where the Met Police were the overseeing licensing authority.
   Transport for London has also embarked on some good things for those that live, work and visit London. However, there have also been changes that some could say are contrary to that which is considered sacred to our lifestyle and what many, during

time of war, have died for… and that is freedom of choice.
   With so much more camera enforcement legislation, being penalised for working as taxi drivers, having to pay unacceptable fines just to pick up our passengers, security cameras watching our very movement both on the roads and in the streets allegedly due to terrorist threats and extending the boundary to bring evermore numbers into Congestion Charging, the job has certainly changed!
   With charges the authorities invoke increasing like a rash, I have no doubt that it will be just a matter of time before some commercial enterprises consider relocating to other less expensive and restrictive cities in the UK.
   But enough of the political side, what I really wanted to say is thank you to Roy Ellis for his diligence in what is a most difficult and demanding job - trying to please all of the people all of the time is impossible.
   Both Roy and his wife Geraldine have been tremendous supporters of The London Taxidrivers’ Fund for Underprivileged

Children as they were with all the trade charities. Personally, I wish them both well for the future and look forward in continuing to see them at both taxi and charity trade events.

Southampton Buildings
You will notice that there is a temporary closure of Southampton Buildings from High Holborn. With this in mind, it will involve a change to the normal pick up address for some of our clients.
   There is an alternative pick up point to Holborn Gate - which you can temporarily access via Chancery Lane - and that is at 330 High Holborn. There is a single yellow line that will give you 5 minutes observation time instead of the 2 minutes you would get on double yellow lines.
   It is important to keep an eye on your on-board terminal instructions. As with many account clients, there could be a second page of further important information. Some drivers are not looking at the subsequent page, which often results in the driver going to the wrong pick up address. It’s no good moaning that you’ve had to reset the meter because you went to the wrong address when that change is detailed on page 2…
   As this is my last column before the New Year, can I send you all season’s greetings and wish both you and your families a happy and healthy New Year...

Mike Son
DaC Customer Services / Special Projects

PCO XMAS / NEW YEAR OPENING TIMES

The Public Carriage Office vehicle licensing inspection
service will be open during the festive season as follows:

Thursday 21 December 2006 Normal Opening Hours

Friday 22 December 2006 Open 08:00 – 12:00

(Vehicle Inspections 07:45 – 11:15)

Monday 25 December 2006 CLOSED (Christmas Day)

Tuesday 26 December 2006 CLOSED (Boxing Day)

Wednesday 27 December 2006 Normal Opening Hours

Thursday 28 December 2006 Normal Opening Hours

Friday 29 December 2006 Normal Opening Hours

Monday 1 January 2007 CLOSED (New Years Day)

Tuesday 2 January 2007 Normal Opening Hours

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