And how you can protect yourself…

A new Bill is currently going through the House of Commons, which if successful would mean that any offence against the 1934 London Cab Order or Hackney Carriage offences will carry a Fixed Penalty Notice with it – and that could also involve points on your licence.
   If you belong to a trade organisation such as the LTDA, the chances are that you would be protected via their legal side. However, if like the majority of drivers you belong to no trade organisation at all and come up against a possible suspension or revocation of your licence, or even those three points that could take you closer to losing your DVLA licence, you will find yourself out on your own.
   You would, of course, have the option of contacting legal advice at your own expense, but how much would they know about the 1934

Although Lewis Hymanson Small LLP is also based in EC3, it is the Manchester office that has all the details.
   Just ask someone who has lost their licence - even for a short period - how difficult life becomes. For such a small monthly charge, is it worth taking the risk…?

Views on life as seen through the eyes of David Kupler (Y74) at…

KUPKAKE’S
 KORNER

The Touting Game…
In Cornhill near the Bank, they wait beside the bars, it's like they have a rank, not Taxis, but saloon cars. With no police in sight, they have it all their way, every Thursday night, they lurk and seek their prey.
   The drivers stand outside, each one looks the same, offering cheap rides, this is the touting game.
   As punters stumble forth, they approach in a creep, "we go south and north, and we do it very cheap."
   It happens all so blatantly and I find it very odd, it’s plain for all to see… except the Cab Tout Squad.
   They seem to have the skill, to trap cabbies seeking loos, is that not overkill… why do they pick and choose?
   As usual, when it’s us - the Licensed Taxi Institution - they know there'll be no fuss… just an easy prosecution…

Kopyright Kupkake 2008

The combined efforts of Dial-a-Cab and the Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers ensured an excellent day’s golf for the 18 teams competing at the Nazeing Golf Club in Essex, even though the weather turned out to be almost identical to that of the following day when the British Open Golf Championship took place at Royal Birkdale - strong, gusty winds together with dark, threatening clouds and the occasional squally shower. But no one seemed to be put off their game, everyone playing with determination to enjoy the day while raising a considerable sum of money for the WCHCD General Fund.
   Before the evening Dinner, DaC Chairman Brian Rice welcomed the golfers and their guests. These consisted of drivers, account clients and guests from throughout the trade in addition to their partners. Brian also took the opportunity to thank the numerous sponsors whose generosity had helped make the event possible.
   Among DaC subscribers who won trophies for their golfing expertise were Peter Boxall (B89) for ‘nearest the pin’ and Jim Cunningham (S88) for ‘longest drive’. The individual trophy was won by Daniel Stokes, captain of the PSS Ltd team - who also took the team trophy.
   There was also a raffle with some excellent prizes up for grabs. That raised a very healthy £3675 and amid hearty applause from the audience, Brian Rice announced that Dial-a-Cab would round the total up to £4000.
   Comedian Joe Goodman, who had played the course himself during the day, entertained the audience after dinner. His non-stop stream of jokes and ad-libbing kept the diners in fits of laughter!
   As the evening drew to a close, everyone agreed it had been a most pleasant day’s golf, a successful social event and most importantly, a profitable fund-raiser for the Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers…