LICENSED PH SHOCK – ALMOST HALF BREAK THE RULES!
   is that they do try to help with genuine queries.
   But first, we checked with the Cab Enforcement Section and the driver Paul was referring to wasn’t arrested, so it is unknown as to exactly what he was stopped for. In all fairness, he may have been just warned or possibly was really looking for his passenger. However, a representative of the tout squad told Call Sign after we showed them Paul’s letter, that while they disclose to the PCO every conviction for taxi touting, they don’t actually keep a record of those that are licensed.
   But to give Call Sign some idea of the situation, of the 4 they had arrested over a recent two-night period, 3 were licensed or were driving licensed cars!
   We then asked Roy Ellis, Head of the PCO, about the number of touts that had been in trouble with the PCO? He told us:
   "About 56% of touts to date have not been known to the PCO (ie they were not licensees or permit holders). About 44%, therefore, were known to us. Licensees and temporary permit holders can expect to have their licence suspended for one month, but each case is considered on its merits and there are variations on this guideline. Sentencing by the courts is obviously variable, depending on the surrounding circumstances and what, if any, other offences are reported at the same time. Action known to us ranges from disqualifications of between 7 days and 18 months, points on licences, cautions and conditional discharge."
   What the above means is that almost half of all Private Hire drivers who are licensed, get into trouble for flouting the conditions of their licenses. Certainly a very worrying series of events and one that shows how important Brian Rice’s campaign to not allow PH cars to use signage is.

Alan Fisher

Taxi Drivers Charity Football Match
Sunday, 14^th May 2006
East London Stadium (Mile End Park), Rhodeswell Road E14
The Seyhan Ali Memorial Cup
Home Team: Fairway Vets
-V-
Away Team: Chelsea Diamond Vets
Generously sponsored by: Call Sign Magazine

Seyhan Ali was at the tender age of 14 when his brave battle with cancer finally came to an end in January 2005. Seyhan’s father, Emin, has worked at M & H Taxis (known as Mehmet’s) in Chapman St E1 for over 20 years and when a regular driver at the garage, (Stephen Powell), heard of Emin and his wife Sener’s tragedy, he decided to raise money for cancer related charities by means of a football match in memory of Seyhan.
Stephen’s team are mainly cab drivers and are appropriately named ‘Fairway Vets’. All proceeds from the match will be divided between Cancer Research UK and Make a Wish Foundation UK.
Seyhan was very brave throughout his treatment and right to the end, Seyhan talked about helping people and often wished that a better treatment had been found for his illness. Seyhan and his family planned to raise as much money as they could for these causes when he was better. Sadly Seyhan never lived to see his wish - to help others in the same situation.
Seyhan is dearly missed by his parents, brothers, family and friends. By helping to raise money for these charities you will be helping to ease the pain in the lives of other children with this life-threatening illness and hopefully make their wishes come true.
Donations are welcomed on the day or directly to www.make-a-wish.org.uk or www.cancerresearchuk.org