LOOKING FOR NEW TAXI NUMBER 34

With cab 33 up for sale…!
Call Sign does not accept ads from drivers wanting to sell their old cabs. That isn’t because we don’t want to help, but purely because we come out monthly and as such, anyone advertising their cab in this mag could possibly expect calls for up to a month after publication – and that could seriously aggravate some who just want a peaceful life with no hassle, especially when they have already sold the droshky!
   However, we are making an exception on this occasion because Martin Freeborn (C67) is now selling his cab for the 33^rd time and is about to buy taxi number 34 from Mann & Overton! Martin keeps his TXII taxis for just 12 months before selling them and buying a replacement. He has a regular buyer for every other year, but this year is an in-between one so it is going up for sale.
   The cab is fitted for Dial-a-Cab, is a Nightfire Red Gold model, currently has 20,000 miles on the clock and will be available from 24 October. All Martin’s taxis are well looked after! This one has reversing sensors, DAB radio and a driver’s window deflector plus the usual Gold features.
   Any driver who is seriously interested can call Martin on 020 8922 0547 (evenings). The first driver to give a deposit will secure the October sale.
   If you are unlucky, then Martin’s next in-between sale will be in 2008!

Call Sign has been contacted by mybookyourbook.co.uk to explain to our drivers and staff just what their online library facility is all about.
   This co-operative online library is for the exchange and re-cycling of paperback books and already has thousands of books in its catalogue that are obtainable for just the cost of a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
   The site, unlike some book sharing schemes, does not rely on the chance finding of books, nor is there a need to provide a matching swap when you find a book you want to read. The ability to order envelopes at a low cost price through the site also means big savings on packaging too.
   To join mybookyourbook.co.uk, members must simply submit details of 10 paperbacks they own and pay a sign-up fee. They then have access to the library and can start requesting books from other members via the easy to use automated emailing system. Once received and after a reading period has elapsed, each book stays on the member’s "bookshelf" until another member requests it and sends a stamped addressed envelope so that it can be despatched.
   One user of mybookyourbook.co.uk is DaC’s Network Administrator, Jonathen Winterburn. He has been using the facility since its launch in 2005. He told Call Sign:
   "Mybookyourbook.co.uk is a non-profit company and the low membership fee covers hosting and other such costs. This is a great community to join if you're a book-lover."
   Call Sign has been sent a number of bookmarks advertising the website. These are available in the Driver’s Reception on a first-come, first served basis.
  
   Call Sign readers are also offered a discounted first year’s membership fee of £6.99 (normally £8.95) simply by using the code DAC7441 when signing up. Happy reading!

Priority for cyclists?
The PCO has informed Call Sign that they have been advised there is to be increased enforcement of the regulations regarding Advanced Stop Lines (ASLs). The City of London Police have produced a leaflet setting out the ASL regulations and copies of this leaflet are available from PCO’s reception. The following summarises the leaflet…
   * Advanced stop lines are a set of transverse white lines placed at certain junctions, which are controlled by automatic traffic lights. They have been created to allow a safe haven (Advanced Stop Box) for cyclists at the head of a queue of traffic waiting for the traffic lights to change to green.
   * Cyclists are required to enter this advanced stop box by the prescribed cycle lane.
   * When a vehicle approaches an advanced stop line system and the traffic lights at the junction change from green to amber, the vehicle must stop before the first stop line, ie the first line a vehicle crosses on the approach to the traffic lights. Only if the vehicle is either on the first stop line or so close to the stop line that it would be unsafe to stop prior to it, may the vehicle cross the first stop line, but it must stop before the second stop line.
   * If drivers fail to obey the advanced stop line and traffic light regulations, they are liable to a fine and their licence being endorsed.