Battersea Park
You will by now be aware that for the first time in five years, Dial-a-Cab do not have a presence at Battersea Park. Over the past year there have been a number of serious issues that needed urgent attention before we could provide our services once again, which incidentally was second to none.
   This year, on more than one occasion, a senior Marshal was physically attacked by a drink fuelled passenger, many were verbally abused and one or two of our members were bilked on long distance fares. I met with the Director of Battersea Park Events and initially he agreed with me to make the necessary changes, then the following day decided against it. I am in no doubt that they will be the big losers, but it is only right and proper to give you a true account of the reasons why we withdrew our services. This was

Drivers Operations

originally put in place for the benefits of our members and the Licensed Taxi trade as a whole, but none of our members should be subject to this type of treatment, it was totally unacceptable.
   This year as a good alternative, we are once again on site at the ‘Bull Ring’ (Chelsea Embankment) throughout December, so if you are over in West London please pop in and support our Marshals – it will be much appreciated.

And signals…
I hope you have experienced a noticeable improvement in signals, especially in times when a very large volume of work is dispatched through the system and many of you are signed on. This time last year it did create problems and the work carried out over the past twelve months shows significant improvements in error rates from the various base stations.
   The Board of Management will continue to explore further ways to increase channel capacity in all areas which will help to further reduce the number of resends, especially in certain areas. We will, as soon as it is physically possible, reuse a frequency west

of Heathrow that will enhance coverage at the airport and in the southwest. Unfortunately, these sites are very difficult to acquire and to obtain the radio licenses is even more difficult - Rest assured that everything possible is still being done, and that this project is high priority.

Bonjour Dial-a-Cab. c’est Paris…!
As you know, the BoM are always looking at ways to improve the performance and coverage of our radio system, but the events of 7 November show that you can only take this so far!
   What happened was that freak reception caused by the particular weather conditions of that day meant that some of our base stations were suddenly able to receive signals from within Central Europe! The FM broadcast band was also affected with French and Dutch stations being heard in some areas. Channel 8 suffered the worst problems due to a continental data transmission blocking our signals for much of the afternoon and evening. Fortunately, these freak conditions are quite rare, but it is a stark reminder that radio waves don’t always behave predictably and that problems can sometimes occur even though the equipment itself is all working perfectly.
   Before I finish, may I please wish you and your families a very happy Christmas and prosperous New Year…

Allan Evans
Tel:0207 607 6403
Allane@Dialacab.co.uk