Dress Code
The question isn’t to be or not to be, but to be dressed or not to be dressed. Do Boris Johnson or Brian Rice or Bob Oddy have the bottle to bring in a dress code for the Licensed taxi trade? We need to face up to this question because I think it’s about time we started to present a professional image. What’s the point of working for such a professional company like DaC if so many drive around like tramps? The time for deciding is here because the competition isn’t hanging around!
Gary Cox (O46)
Allen Togwell responds: By me answering Gary Cox’s letter, there will I’m sure be a number of our older members groaning ‘Oh no don’t start Togwell off again’. I say older members because those that have read Call Sign for the past 20 odd years would have seen numerous articles by me about the necessity for the cab trade to change its image if it is to regain the increasing avalanche of work being lost to PH. And in many instances the change in question was not so drastic as to just to look smart, God forbid, but to at least give the impression that a visit to the bathroom is occasionally made. And I do refer the to the trade as a whole, not specifically those on Dial-a-Cab. In the early days my articles were aimed primarily at our members, because quite a few really were an embarrassment to the point it was affecting our business, clients were actually complaining. But over the years I’m pleased to say and particularly since all of our fleet have been carrying our logo, the vast majority of our members are conscious of the importance of appearance. Not all I would hasten to add, but the majority. We don’t have a dress code on Dial-a-Cab and it has nothing to do with having ‘bottle’ as Gary puts it, but for the simple reason it is unenforceable. How can we possibly check every driver is adequately dressed? Every new driver I interview will confirm that I make a big issue over the importance of looking presentable and how as a member of Dial-a-Cab driving a taxi carrying our corporate logo, they will be compared by our clients to the smartly dressed drivers of PH. What surprises me, particularly those members who rely on a high volume of credit work, is how reluctant they are to say anything to those on this circuit whose scruffy appearance could jeopardize their very living, which as a shareholder they surely have the right to do, or at least make a note and inform the board.
   When I stood for the board over twenty years ago, I did so in the hope of changing our image, especially at board level and specifically in the sales dept, where the person responsible for sales considered it perfectly acceptable to visit clients dressed in jeans, open necked shirt, leather jacket and trainers. Within six months of being on the board and taking over the role of sales executive, Call Sign became inundated with letters castigating and resenting me for the manner in which I was dressed and my opinion on how I felt the members should dress, a resentment that still exists in some quarters to this very day.
   As a tailor by trade and having run my own fashion business for over twenty years, I know first hand the power of dress. Most of you know how immaculately smart our Chairman Brian Rice dresses. When BR goes into any meeting, be it with clients or at the various business associations or when for example networking or representing our Society in the UK or abroad, he is noticed, approached and listened to by people who he has never met in his life, for one simple reason - the manner in which he is dressed. Apart from being impressive, it gives off an air of authority and I know because I have on many occasions been with him. I defy any man to put on a dinner suit, sparkling white shirt, bow tie and look in a mirror and then not to feel that he looks the dog’s cajones! Conversely, how many of you whilst out working would stop for four guys wearing hoods? Such is the power of dress. In last months Call Sign, editor Alan Fisher started his article by questioning Mayor Boris Johnson’s pre-election promises concerning the cab trade. Alan please, how many broken promises have you experienced from politicians since you have held a badge, let alone been editor? How sincere could you honestly believe Mr Johnson was and how much credibility do you really believe he was giving the various groups of cabmen whilst on his campaign trail, the majority of whom were happy to appear on TV dressed like dockers? Over the years, I have heard many drivers say they never go to a taxi watering hole because many of those that use them are an embarrassment, which represents an awful lot of drivers. What chance then, if the masses they are referring to, including certain known faces who speak on behalf of the trade, have of convincing the powers that be that they are a professional body deserving to be listened to? No chance and what’s truly sad and remarkable is they cannot understand why…

Passenger privacy?
After reading Alan Green’s article in last month’s Call Sign, it left me thinking about people’s privacy. A few years ago, I was waiting for an account job in Harley Street when I noticed a lady (actress Elizabeth Hurley) running down the road with her baby son in her arms being chased by the paparazzi. When she reached what I presume was her doctor’s office as we were in Harley Street, she rang the doorbell for entry. Whilst waiting for someone to answer the door, the paparazzi persisted in shoving their cameras in her face as well as her young son’s face until someone let them in. I must say, it was a disgusting scene to witness. Her son must have been terribly frightened.
   I then wondered whether, once inside, did her doctor say to her something like: "I’m a great fan of yours, can I take a photo of you for my company’s magazine?" I don’t think so! It would be against his professional ethic to do so.
   I think we, as cab drivers, should follow the same professional ethic. Don’t you think these celebrities get fed up with being pursued day in, day out and treated as public property?
   Everyone has a right to privacy be it a celebrity or everyday Joe. Give them the privacy they deserve!
Peter Hallett (S01)
Peter is referring to an article last month where Call Sign’s photographer Alan Green had Sienna Miller in his taxi – although he originally thought she was someone else. Following a phone call to me, I suggested he ask the person he thought it was if she would mind posing with a copy of Call Sign. In my defence, if I were to follow Peter’s suggested code of professional ethics, I wouldn’t have a magazine whereas the doctor would still be a doctor. I think there is a difference in asking a celebrity politely if they would mind posing or answering a question in the back of your taxi whilst being prepared to accept no as an answer, as against chasing them down the street as Peter’s paparazzi were doing. But that’s just my view and if anyone wants to disagree, feel free …Ed

Keep up the good work…
With regard to the economic climate - and it doesn’t look like its getting better – it’s nice to see what a great job the BoM and Sales team are doing. In spite of strong competition from others, we have managed to stay in the forefront plus, of course, our new investment in technology, so things can only get better. The increase in subs is justified, I can’t think for the life of me why you didn’t make it 20 quid.
   My full congratulations to all at DaC House for all your efforts. Keep up the good work.... Patrick Noble (S55)
Brian Rice responds: Well, well, well, you seem to be mellowing Patrick, not the normal derogatory letter you usually write to the magazine! Could it have been prompted because you read last month that we have won back the 'House'? Anyway, the staff here are thrilled that you have recognised their efforts. Regarding subs, I know they were not increased during the last financial year, but to have increased them by £20p.m, even though you did go a year without an increase, could not possibly be justified. But we are glad that you are happy for the moment!

Mercedes taxi
I must admit that I quite fancied the Mercedes taxi when it first appeared, but now having seen two of them in action and spoken to other drivers, I now agree with your editorial that they are more like minicabs than taxis. One

And again…
I agree entirely with your Editorial on the new Mercedes Vito. It is a van and not a taxi. Call it a minicab if you want, but never a taxi. A van is a van is a van. In fact, with its increased size over a real taxi, had it been any bigger we could almost call it a lorry! If I really wanted to drive a van I’d have bought a Ford Transit!
Sid Nathan (K88)

Six-month safety check and the Vito
I read your editorial (Aug Call Sign); well done for bringing it to the notice of drivers that we must make our feelings felt to the TfL/PCO to abolish the 6 monthly check. The problem is that once you’ve allowed these things to go through, it’s always a battle to get rid of them. But you can rest assured I will be writing to them.
   I also echo your thoughts on the Mercedes Vito, but what puzzles me is why our trade representatives (and no, I’m not pointing any fingers) have not challenged the PCO as to why the Act of 1853 has to be changed to allow instant stops? Well I’ll tell you why the PCO are doing it… it’s because they can. Many of us now own our own vehicles and they wouldn’t take on the London General when Geoffrey Trotter was in charge, or Nelson’s, Levy’s or any of the large garages. It was more than they dare do! But divided we fall. If only drivers would show more courage and unite. Vehicles today are safer, more reliable and far in advance of those of yesteryear. If it worked then, why does it need to be changed?
Mike Pollington (K17)
Thanks for your support, Mike. Whilst you are correct and reinforce something I have said many times in Call Sign – that everyone should join just one trade organisation – the fact is that it will never happen unless membership is free and compulsory. And that seems rather unlikely! I’ve been a member of the LTDA for many years and consider it to be money very well spent – even if it means I am subsidising those that can’t be bothered …Ed

The Royal Mail and Call Sign
I had a note from the Royal mail to go and collect some post from them that had not been delivered because there was money owing on the postage. After paying £1 for parking and £1.24 to the Royal Mail, they handed me my copy off Call Sign. This has never happened before so I am a bit confused. Was this just a one-off?
Thad Carter (P21)

£1.24 to retrieve my Call Sign from my local sorting office. I hope it’s worth it!
Terry Meares (M63)

I told my wife I was going down to the post office to pay extra postage for my Call Sign. She didn’t believe me and now thinks I’ve got a bird on the side! Can you please send me a large piece of steak for my eye…
Gary Cox (O46)

Doreen Freeborn
I would just like to thank everyone who contacted me before and after Doreen passed away and to have such nice comments in Call Sign. It is so good to have such friends at such a hard time. Of course I am not the first or the last to have to go through this, but after over 35
years on DaC, I can only say that we have made so many friends.
   Gents, we are THE best circuit. You have to do your bit - clean cab, dress, politeness ,etc to keep it at the top.
My best wishes to all… 
Martin Freeborn (C67)

Where are the Marshals?
I’ve noticed of late that on several occasions there have been no marshals at DB on London Wall but that when someone queries the fact, a message goes out to say that a substitute Marshal will be on the way. I appreciate that August was quiet and there were a substantial number of cars outside – although word was that more than a few were just parking and waiting for a trip. If that was the case, it certainly gave the impression that the cars were busy whilst we weren’t. But is there a reason why our Marshals are not there regularly?
   If it is the case that cars are getting more work than us – and I don’t suppose we can force them to use us - would it not be feasible to charge DB more for using Concierge? Dial-a-Cab is by far the best radio circuit and the most reasonable when it comes to subscriptions and I enjoy doing account work from it, but it does strike me that while the £5 subs hike wasn’t unreasonable in percentage terms, the organisation at London Wall should pay more if they are using our facilities but choose not to give us the work. Perhaps they could even have subsidised part of the subs increase?
   Of course, now that August and September have gone, it could be that they will be giving us more work again and the above comments will become irrelevant. I certainly hope so.
Mark Tiller (K90)
Brian Rice replies: There should be one of our Marshals at DB every night between 9pm and midnight! However, on the odd occasion we have a situation where a Marshal does not turn up or is unwell etc, then of course a second Marshal has to be sent.  For example, what happened on one particular occasion was our Marshal was unwell and sent a text message to a landline in this building, the young lady that should have dealt with the text was on holiday - so never heard the text - and of course the person that sent the text never heard the recorded voicemail on the landline stating the person who was intended to receive the text was on holiday! Hence, there was not a Marshal at DB until we were informed and could send a substitute, but rest assured Mark there will always be a Marshal at DB.
   Regarding the remainder of your letter, it is nice to see you have thought things through and understand the situation. As you can no doubt understand, I cannot go into too much detail in the magazine regarding pricing, suffice to say everything is taken care of and there are sliding scales in place. I am not endeavouring to be evasive, but neither am I too keen on our competitors knowing how I charge, as they might endeavour to copy - after all they copy everything else we do! However, if you wish to give me a ring or pop in to see me, then I will be more than happy to explain the situation to you! I’m sure you can understand that although the magazine is totally uncensored, some things should be kept confidential. 

Call Sign catfight
Re Call Sign Catfight (Sept Call Sign), as a regular reader of my uncle's Call Sign magazine, I have been following the story of Love on the Internet from Jenny and wonder if you would be kind enough to print a letter from a non-taxi driver. In a way it made compulsive reading, but rather in the manner of a painful tooth; you keep testing to see if it’s still sore, but it just gets worse! The embarrassment factor was so high and I could not believe that she ended up writing a poem that was more treacle than sickly. However, your columnist Poppy, who is always erudite and entertaining, also has a sense of humour; something Jenny clearly lacks.
   Your magazine is always well produced and the articles that are not strictly related to the taxi trade bring welcome relief to what could otherwise be a platform for endless moans and groans!
Boh Taylor
Chislehurst, Kent
What really amazed me was the number of people who were hooked by the love story. Although most claimed "it was their wives that read it," they all seemed to know everything that had happened! Even Chairman Brian’s wife Brenda admitted that was the first page she looked for! And actually for the record, both Poppy and Jenny have a sense

Bob Oddy
Although Bob Oddy and I do not see eye to eye over certain issues, I wish him the best of luck following his election onto the TfL board. He will speak up for us because we have waited a long time for this moment…Stanley Roth (Y53)

And here they come!
It didn't take long! I saw a Peugeot people carrier tonight in the SW6 area. I  think it was an E7 but can't be sure. Anyway it was black and along the sides written in orange were the words EURO BUS in the same style as a Mercedes Vito has the words TAXI on the side. I'm sure I could see PCO roundels in the back window making it a minicab! You said this would happen when we spoke. Next time I see it I will try for a picture…
Jon Robinson (E88)
Thanks for that Jon. My belief is that Allied Direct who put out the E7, only supply them as licensed taxis. However, another van conversion - the Peugeot Expert – is available to anyone and that may be what you saw. The thing that amazes me is that the TAXI flash you mentioned on the Vito is not compulsory …Ed

Yellow badge drivers beware!
Dear Alan
Please see the letter below, which details a complaint I have made regarding yellow badge drivers. I would be grateful if you could publish this in the Mailshot column of Call Sign under the heading Yellow Badge drivers beware. I have withheld my details as I do not want then published, but have given my full name and address on the original complaints letter. I will, of course, let you have a copy of any reply that I receive…

My husband is a licensed London taxi driver (green badge) and therefore has completed the full London Knowledge. We also have friends who have gained the same green badge to become taxi drivers and have the authority and knowledge to work in central London. It has come to our attention over the last 6 months or so that many yellow badge suburban drivers are illegally working in central London when they only have the authority and knowledge to work in the suburbs. It appears that many yellow badge drivers are waiting until about 8 or 9 o'clock in the evening when the carriage officers are off of duty before going into central London to ply for hire. They are in effect stealing work from the men and women who have put many years of hard work into gaining a green badge and the privilege of working in central London. I am sure that I am not the only person who has written to you complaining about this and would like to know if TfL, the PCO or The Mayor of London have put into place any procedures to combat these illegal drivers? Are there plans to introduce a one strike and out policy as with touting, or do the drivers need to be convicted on more than one occasion before having their licence revoked?
   Because of the current economy (credit crunch) many would-be passengers are not taking cabs and for that reason and the recent rise in the price of fuel, taxi drivers are seeing a loss in their takings. Predictions are that there is unlikely to be any improvement in the near future.
   There does not seem to be enough work for green badge drivers in central London, let alone yellow badge drivers going into Central London and taking fares that should be picked up by green badge drivers.
   If we have the details of specific yellow badge drivers who are working in Central London, what procedure would we need to follow to report them? We feel very strongly about this and are sure that other green badge drivers would feel the same if they were aware of the problem.
Name and address withheld
I do not usually publish letters with no name and wasn’t sure whether I should publish this one. It lacks any explanation as to who it is written to as the address in Southwark rang no bells to me. However, putting the address into Google, up came the London Development Agency who I believe have what they refer to as a ‘Whistleblowing Policy’. Former Minister of Transport for London, Steve Norris, is the man responsible for linking the LDA to TfL. I can only assume that the lady who has written the letter knows the name or names of some yellow badge drivers who are illegally working in the green badge zone and intends blowing the whistle on them. If those drivers are reading this online, I suggest they think twice before continuing this activity …Ed

W101
Bring back W101, it’s popular with many drivers and gives an even better service to our customers. Instead of throwing in the towel, why not contact the hotel, explain our concerns and offer to improve on the deal they have with their current suppliers? It's got to be better than driving round in circles empty!
John Smithen (C03)
Thanks for that John. The last issue saw a letter from Pat Keefe (G01) which told of the shenanigans that go on at Edwardian Radisson Mayfair – a situation that you can plainly see while sitting on the rank. I told Keith Cain about Pat’s letter, he spoke to the Board and they then agreed to disband the rank. Then I get your letter! I’m not sure I like the sound of your suggestion to "improve on the deal they have with their current suppliers." Are you suggesting we should pay to sit there? Sorry John, if hotel concierge services were open to the highest offer, then your suggestion would only last until a minicab outbid you. The best chance of fair play at the hotel is to pull your service because when it gets busy again and they can’t cover the locals, they’ll have to change or be inundated with complaints from clients. In the meantime, you can still book into W1SW and put onto the hotel giving you a shot at both …Ed

How to make it busy!
Has anyone else noticed it is a tad quiet out on the streets? It is time to start fighting back and I have a couple of suggestions. A large private hire company gave £25,000 to Boris Johnson's campaign when he was standing for election. Now maybe the radio circuits can send donations to the unions who represent bus and tube drivers. This would give them extra reserves, which could be used to enable them to call members out on strike. This invariably creates extra work for us. In Beijing, the authorities diverted clouds away from the opening ceremony to ensure that it remained dry. Business for us often picks up when there are a few showers and the taxi trade organisations could unite to fund weather adjustments in London when we need some more customers!
   On a separate subject, I saw this line on the TfL website advertising for drivers: "Women, put your career in gear and get behind the wheel of a London bus." Nothing exceptional in that and if it works to get the extra needed drivers of the right quality, then fine. But this is not so different from the campaign aimed at ‘ethnic minorities’ pointing out that the Knowledge is open to them as well as everyone else. Too many pundits in the trade press took offence and expressed their views in an unpleasant manner when there are more important issues facing us. There are certainly sufficient taxis in London at the moment and I am not advocating that there should be more drivers of any particular race, gender or religion. But let's keep things in perspective.
Laurence Kelvin (W88)
Your suggestions on union donations have been noted! For those who wonder what Laurence is on about, Brian Rice recently revealed in his Chairman’s Report that Addison Lee had donated 25K to Boris’s election fund.
   As for your next piece, personally I think you are wrong. Why should anyone advertise for women in a job that either sex can do? And like many others, I believed that Ken’s ethnic Knowledge was just as wrong. But hey, that’s why Mailshot is here! …Ed

Camden rip-off?
I read with interest the article in the Sept Call Sign on the Camden rip-off merchants, as I was one of those caught when the new u-turn restriction at the top of Southampton Row started. I still have details and sent off an email to Camden requesting my money back as the signage was now agreed to be inadequate. Needless to say they declined to reimburse me, even though I quoted Bob Stafford’s PCN details from the article. Camden state that the charge has been paid in full, so they are not responsible as the charge was not contested at the time. Anyone know where I should go from here?
Are there any other drivers who requested their money back and failed, or even succeeded in getting it? Surely if the signage is wrong and agreed to be so, then Camden should be charged with extortion.
Steve Hassan (P95)
Did anyone out there attempt to get their money back? Please let us know …Ed