Call Sign Editor Alan Fisher recently had a phone call from long-time Dial-a-Cab driver Bernie Silver (G08).
   "Guess who I just picked up," he asked, "and he agrees with your Editorial on Metrocabs and the Nissan conversion?"
   After several minutes of unsuccessful guesses ranging from Alan Fleming to Prince Phillip, the Editor admitted defeat.
   "It was Steve Norris," said Bernie, "he sends his regards and said that he agreed 100% with your sentiments on the PCO’s decision that it was ridiculous to force a new engine onto old Metrocabs."
   So Call Sign asked Steve Norris – the former Conservative Minister of Transport who spent much time dealing with taxis as well as the PCO – what the views he imparted to Bernie Silver were. He told Call Sign:
   "I was appalled to read your report (March Call Sign) that Metrocab drivers could be forced to pay many thousands of pounds to have their cabs brought up to the Mayor's imposed emissions standards without any assistance being offered and with no alternative

I HAD THAT STEVE NORRIS IN MY CAB

means of financing this punishing burden even being contemplated. 
   "We all know emissions need to be improved, so the idea of gradually ratcheting up standards over time is perfectly acceptable - provided it is done reasonably. Just assuming you can stick all the costs on the meter is naive. First, you have to pay up front rather than over several years and second, every time fares rise the cab trade has to fight even harder just to stand still." 
   Mr Norris went on: "I would give a far longer notice period