MAILSHOT

Charlie Rubin

Dear Alan
   Whilst I endorse the Tony Arnold (F03) comments about Charlie Rubin, who was a real gentleman and one of the most understanding people I have had the privilege to work under at Dial-a-Cab, had there been Human Resources been around at the time, he would have been the greatest!
   As for Tony’s comments about his own dispatching, I think his spelling is off when he spells ‘mundane’ as ‘finest’…!
Ivor Belkin (C97)
I think Tony was remembering Charlie’s fun side. He did say that Charlie told every dispatcher the same thing …Ed

Dear Alan
    I must have been in overhaul when the sad news about Charlie Rubin appeared on our terminals, because otherwise I most certainly would have been at his funeral. As it was, I received a huge shock when the first I knew was after reading the August Call Sign. Even then I found it so hard to believe. Charlie was a really lovely man whom I had known for over 30 years. In addition to being so good at his job of call centre manager, just hearing his voice could calm down any argument. He will also be greatly missed as a person.
   I wish long life to his family…
Sid Nathan (K88)
Well said, Sid …Ed

In answer to…
Dear Alan,
   In answer to Michael Beevor (N76 April Call Sign), I agree that a list of petrol stations with ATMs and WCs would be great. You summed it up well in your answer, but as with many of Call Sign’s regular articles from contributors, these are done for the love of it and therefore the amount of time the contributors take is key. Back in 1997, I had a collection of useful cuttings and wrote a DOS programme (anyone remember DOS) to calculate a distance/fare chart. I offered this to the Editor, which he published and said 6 words to which I agreed: "Can you do one each month!" The editor named it Nash’s Numbers and I have now clocked up 134 issues. As I say, time is key and I need driver’s input for some of the 'out of the ordinary' articles. In January 1998, I asked for input of your favourite toilets as I was going to produce a Urinals of London issue; sadly there was not one reply.
   I contacted JCDecoux for a list of their automatic loos, but they refused. So sadly, Michael, whilst I would like to oblige, that type of list is too time-consuming to produce at present. I have wanted to list toilets since 1998 and Alan Fisher has wanted station platform numbering article since around the same time. So come on drivers; if you have any sought after info that will be useful to others, email me at alan@nashsnumbers.co.uk.
   And my thanks to Laurence Kelvin (W88) in the July Mailshot for his kind words…
Alan Nash (A95)

DaC surplus?
Dear Alan,
   In his article in the May issue, Allen Togwell - not for the first time - wrote about the growth of minicabs and the Licensed Trade’s failure to "regain the initiative." I couldn’t fail to smile at that comment. Is this the same Allen Togwell who, when asked at the AGM, agreed that DaC should share accounts with minicab companies? Is this the same Allen Togwell who as a Board Member has overseen the setting up of accounts to cover the work these companies can’t or won’t cover? Whilst I agree that there is a lot we could do, especially in respect of appearance and how we present ourselves, the fault doesn’t lie solely with the drivers. All of the radio circuits have been only too keen to jump into bed with the opposition and are now reaping the rewards. He goes on to ask what the Trade organisations have done to combat this threat? In truth, Allen, the answer is not a lot. But as a Board Member for a number of years, you have represented DaC on JRTA and latterly the London Taxi Board. What have they done to safeguard the interests of their members? Can you name one initiative in the last year put forward by the London Taxi Board that has benefited the working driver and have they made any enquiries with the PCO to question why your good friends at Lewis Day are still able to operate, even though they have admitted to defrauding the NHS out of £250,000?
   Talking of your article, it’s supposed to be about marketing, but there is nothing in it to say what DaC is doing to soften the effects of the downturn. Do we card-up any more? Whatever happened to the Dial-a-Cab Charge Card? How much of the revenue generated by the implementation of the cash booking fee and credit card charges has been used to promote our service and in what form has that promotion been? Why is it that although DaC was the first to have the foresight to bring in an online booking facility, there is nowhere on the exterior of our vehicles to promote this, especially in the light that many people now have internet access on their mobile phones? Is it not time to bring in a decent incentive for drivers to generate leads for accounts, after all they are the ones who meet the travelling public face to face? If you want my ideas on this, I’ll be happy to present them to the Board although from the articles written immediately prior to the AGM, I got the impression that the only people capable of making any worthwhile policy decisions on the running of this great company were the incumbents.
   As someone who takes part nightly in the 8.50 stampede for EC5, when you can count yourself lucky if you get in with a QP under 75, I don’t need telling that this recession has had a far greater effect on us than the last downturn. The membership were told that we needed Board Members with experience to see us through this recession, so when can we start to see the benefit of this experience? We have built up a considerable surplus over the good years, so isn’t it about time we started to use some of it so that DaC can fulfil it’s primary function - to provide a service to our customers and work for it’s subscribers?
Paul Jenner (L19)
Allen Togwell has responded to Paul in a separate article within this issue …Ed

Surveys
Hi Alan
Any chance you can investigate who is behind (and why) the telephone survey about "the environment" undertaken on behalf of the PCO by a company (I think they said MRSA, but isn't that a bug)? I have just spent ages being asked questions about braking, accelerating, stopping and starting, waiting and God knows what else! It felt like everything except questions on cabbing! It got to the point where I became so fed up that I declined to answer any more and asked who was responsible for the questions. I wonder what this is costing and what they hope to achieve. Have you had any comments from others?
Robert Donald (O47)
Two points here Robert; surveys are a fact of life and keep the possibly unemployed in a form of gainful employment. And those called could always say no thank you. However, a far more pertinent question is how this company managed to get all these taxi driver’s phone numbers (you are far from the only person to be called)? After all, our PC society is firmly hand-tied when it comes to disclosing info to outside sources. They are not part of TfL, but seem to have

all the relevant info. I wonder how that came about? The words Data and Protection spring to mind. MRSA - the superbugs! …Ed

Spurs?
Dear Alan, In your Al Fresco article in the July issue, you mentioned that you have been at Call Sign "since 1997, during which time Spurs have won nothing." Er . . . what about the Carling Cup win in 2008?Robert Richland (ex-N94 and another Spurs fan)
Sadly, Robert, I don’t consider that cup to be a major win, just one that gave me pleasure for one single day! There are only two titles worth winning and they are the Premiership and the Champions League. However, I will always remember 1961/2 when Tottenham won both the cup and league and I saw 41 of their 42 matches – my mum wouldn’t let me travel to St James Park, Newcastle as I had a bad cold (we won that game 4 – 3). I have to remember those heady days ‘cos there isn’t much else! …Ed

The sad tale of Frank and the bailiff…!
Hi Alan,
Thanks for the mention in the July Call Sign. I’m now famous in my own lounge! I also have a 100% success rate with my ‘parking’ appeals, with one still pending. It’s an interesting one. I got it in Portman Square and appealed it. Appeal refused. Sent back the form requesting a hearing. Nothing happened for a while, then I got a letter from the bailiff. I rang them up to see what was what and was told to call Nottingham County Court, who did not have the case file. So I rang Parking Services and was told I would receive a ‘statement of truth’ - basically a form saying I had sent the original appeal in.
In the meantime I received two further letters from the bailiff, including one stating they would be sending someone round to recover the monies. I explained that the process was ongoing and if they sent someone round, I would invite them in for a cup of tea and to meet my very large (and unfriendly dog), Frank, who is a very mean rotweiller/ labrador cross. So far no one has appeared! The statement letter did arrive around one month later and was returned the same day. It is now two months since it went back and I have heard nothing. Frank is very upset, having been promised a tasty new friend who has not materialised!
   For all you drivers who just cough up, please don’t! The PCN fine remains at £60 until the final appeal and even if you lose, you have stopped the ‘robbers’ from using YOUR earnings for at least 3 to 6 months. You also get to practice your letter writing skills…
Steve Hassan (P95)
Steve was in the July issue of Call Sign after getting his money back from Camden Council in regard to having done a U-turn in Southampton Row some six months previous. On that occasion he used the services of the local Ombudsman as Frank was off his food! …Ed

Editing a great mag, but…!!!
Dear Alan,
   You edit a great magazine and I eagerly await my copy every month. I don’t know you personally and have not had the pleasure of meeting you on the street, but from reading your editorials you strike me as an honest man and a man with integrity. Which is why I found your article entitled Wasted Website a strange addition to your editorial page. Call Sign is read not only by drivers, but also by account holders and passengers. Should our company magazine be mocking another person’s ability to spell correctly? I understand that you yourself might have been on the receiving end of some negative publicity in the past, but  should a magazine of Call Sign’s stature lower itself by entering into this type of article?
   I might add that I subscribe to the LTDF and find many of the topics interesting and helpful.  I agree that certain posts are hijacked by persons that have an anti-DaC agenda, but they too are entitled to their opinions and you have a right of reply by way of joining the forum.
   Thank you for producing a great magazine…
Paul Smyth (R11)
Thanks for the letter Paul. I agree with you 100% about what you refer to as my mocking another person’s ability to spell correctly. My only excuse is that it was meant in fun. However, I accept your criticism. As for the rest of that piece, I only said that it was a pity about the new list in response to a driver who originally asked me to publicise it, but later changed his mind. He wrote: "I recently wrote you a letter regarding the London Taxi Drivers Forum and asked if you could publicise it. Can I withdraw that request please? The whole forum has been taken over by the likes of your old buddies *** and *** etc (I withheld the names…Ed). It has turned into nothing short of an anti-LTDA machine and anti-DaC / ComCab diatribe. I refuse to post there as it's like a witch hunt with the above trying to disclose posters, personal details and because of that I don't wish to publicise it any further."
   I’m not in a position to criticise something I haven’t used – although I should add that I have joined the LTDF …Ed

Martin and his amazing Technicality Dream Court!
Greeting PCN Warriors,
   I, along with everybody, have been delighted with the alliance and subsequent success of Barrie Segal, who has really taken the war against the 'Evil Empire' to a new level. Not least because as Dial-a-Cab are now contesting all PCNs issued whilst on credit work, I don’t need to spend my valuable time in parking tribunals, when I could be out there earning more money for my wife to spend on that fifth handbag that she 'really needed'! Thanks to Barrie, I now only have to fight my personal PCNs. However, just before Barrie joined us, I initiated an appeal against Lambeth council for a PCN issued against me for parking in a suspended parking bay. As I explained on my initial appeal to Lambeth Parking services, my delivery was for 91 Waterloo Road SE1, which is located on the corner of Waterloo Road and Sandell Street. Waterloo Road has bus lanes on both sides of the road plus zigzag lines, as there is a traffic light/pedestrian crossing outside No 91. I would happily have parked in Sandell Street if not for the fact that the entire length of the station side had road works, meaning that to park would block the whole street, it being quite narrow. I was therefore forced to park in Cornwell Road, where there were even more roadworks! I parked in the loading bay as I thought it would be better than on the yellow lines and also because I was getting further away from my delivery, causing me to be away from my vehicle even longer than necessary, meaning an even higher meter fare for my customer.
   Anyhow, an appointment was made for me to go to the new office of PATAS (Parking and Traffic Appeals Service) at Angel Square on the corner of Islington High Street and City Road, which replaces New Zealand House. And so I was sat in front of the adjudicator, one Edward Houghton. For those of you who are familiar with comedian Paul Whitehouse's brilliant character, Rowley Birkin QC from The Fast Show, I have no further need to explain how he spoke, but the plum in his mouth was so large, I had to concentrate to decipher his mumblings! Long story cut short, I was guilty as when the bay is suspended you don’t park there, whereas if you stop on double yellows you have legal dispensation to deliver! However, despite the warden having taken a photo of the sign showing the bay as being suspended, Lambeth Council failed to present PATAS with the

official documentation showing the bay as suspended. Therefore in their words, the contravention did not occur!
   So thanks Lambeth for assigning the cream of your staff to my case! Anyway, a win is a win - even on a technicality. I now retire from fighting Society PCNs unbeaten and feeling very tempted to change my name to Marciano. Nonetheless, we still have to fight the personal PCNs being issued when using loos or grabbing refreshment and I remain available to all for advice. I thank you!
   Be Lucky, Be strong!
Martin Hizer (M47)
It’s impossible to give an accurate assessment of the success DaC have had fighting PCNs since Barrie Segal came onboard, as many appeals take place some considerable time after the ‘offence’. However, according to DaC Financial Controller Warren Smith, it does appear that the number of paid tickets has dropped significantly and according to Barrie himself, at the time of writing DaC had yet to lose an appeal!
   If you get a PCN while on a DaC trip, hand it to Nuala in Driver Services and it will be appealed. As for old Martin changing his name to Marciano, younger DaC drivers may not know that the former world heavyweight boxing champion, Rocky Marciano, retired undefeated and is still the only champion boxer to have never lost a pro contest. He even "defeated" Muhammad Ali when in 1969, just before his death, Marciano took part in a fantasy fight known as the Superfight: Marciano vs Ali. The two boxers were filmed sparring, then the film was edited to match a computer simulation of a hypothetical fight between them, each in their prime. Marciano won by knockout in round 13 …Ed

Oldies… but goodies!
Hi Alan
   My name is Michael Walsh (H63J but C77 for many years). I’m just dropping you a line to correct what is on page 28 of July’s issue of Call Sign (Ray Sorene - 40 years with DaC).
   I joined on 9th April 1961 when in Pentonville Rd at the corner of Affleck Street. I drove for Board member David "Sailor" Papier. Also on the Board were Bernie Lyons, Joe Assenheim, Maxi Fishel and of course Trixie Solomons. I’ve been on the circuit as an owner, partner and journeyman without a break. There is also Ivor Belkin who joined a few months before and I’m sure there are others who predate Alan Lewis and Bill Tyzack.
Michael Walsh (H63J)
Thanks for an interesting letter Michael. I have to be honest and say that although I take more than a passing interest in DaC’s history, your letter was the first time I had heard of a Board member called Maxi Fishel. If anyone can tell me anything about him, I’d be interested in hearing it. As for your main points, although you have indeed been with DaC since 1961, the list of longest serving drivers only counts those who are still owner-driving members in their own right rather than journeyman. As for Ivor Belkin – who was already dispatching in 1961 - I asked him and he had a two-year break in service returning in 1972, so the records show that as his commencement date. So far as unbroken service as a member is concerned, it’s still Alan Lewis and Bill Tyzack – unless someone out there can show me I’m wrong …Ed

Pedicab – and a taxi - rip-off
Hello Alan
   I recently picked up two guys at the mini-roundabout on Long Acre who wanted to go to the Bermondsey Square Hotel by Long Lane SE1. They asked how much it would be, as they had just been quoted £25 by pedicab! I told them it was via the meter, but would be far less than the £25. It actually went £11 and they gave me a very nice £4 tip on top. Is it not about time that someone did something about these three-wheeled menaces both to safety and the public pocket?
Gerry Tobin (L32)

Hi Alan
   I was happily waiting on the rank at the Wyndham Hotel on Chelsea Harbour when a non-radio taxi pulled up, got loaded with luggage and then went merrily on his way. Never mind minicabs or pedicabs, I was done over by a fellow cabby!Divyesh Ruparelia (V59)
I guess some things will never change …Ed

Insurance and non-fault accidents…
   There is a myth that if you have a non-fault accident and you are not making a claim under your own policy, then you do not need to notify your own motor insurers if you are using a "Non-Fault Scheme."
   I would like to advise Call Sign readers that this is not correct, as even when you are not making a claim under your own policy, recoveries for the repairs to your vehicle will be made from the negligent party and as such, the claim will be recorded on the Claims and Underwriting Exchange (CUE). By just reporting the claim, you should not receive an increase in premium. Also, all claims have to be reported to the insurer on any vehicle where you are a driver be it your wife’s car, your own car etc. And finally, I would suggest that if in doubt, speak to your insurance broker or advisor.
Jason Beazley,
Emrose (Insurance Brokers) Ltd, 606 High Road, Seven Kings

Thanks from Brum!
   I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to the Dial-a-Cab operator who helped a stranded friend of mine during the early hours of Monday morning. He was stranded in Shoreditch and totally lost. But after a phone call from myself in Birmingham, your operator and drivers located him and delivered him safely to Victoria Station. We would very much like to thank the DaC operator, but all I know is that she had a foreign accent. I would very much like to send her some flowers. Many thanks for customer service, which is unheard of in Birmingham
Martin Miley
Birmingham
Thanks for taking the time to write. No doubt the call taker thought your Brummie accent also sounded foreign! …Ed

Berk in a Merc?
Dear Editor
   I am writing this letter, not in envy but anger and dismay against Mercedes taxi drivers who spend £34,000 on a minicab. Don’t they realise the damage they are creating for the trade? I am not on my own in thinking this; the public will soon not be able to tell the difference between us and them (ie PH) if we all look alike. How many times has a driver been flagged down when his for hire light is off? It happens all the time. If the public don’t know any different, it isn’t their fault if they then flag down a PH vehicle by mistake. But the PH driver won’t miss the chance to nick a job from us. More work lost to them! In the end, it will become the norm for them to pick up our work and then they will fight to legally pick up off the street and probably win - and that will all be caused by berks in Mercs. They just don’t get it, nor does the Merc driver who writes for a trade paper as the Mole in the Merc – aka the berk in the Merc! Sorry Mole in the Merc who loves his Merc and slags off all other cabs. We don’t care, so get a life mate… after all, it’s only a van!
Jimmy Smith (D09)
Thanks for the letter Jim. I don’t think I need to reiterate my position on this …Ed