Page 14
Call Sign August 2011
Like many of those companies affected by the
Will Clifford Chance return?
recent global recession, Clifford Chance
took the opportunity of saving money. They
began by reducing the number of partners by
has bounced right back and is now looking to
around 15% and continued along the savings
expand into Asia.
route by switching their transport suppliers. It
The profitability per equity partner, which
seems unlikely that Dial-a-Cab would have
many consider to be the best barometer of a
been too delighted by the decision, but as
successful law firm, has now gone back to
Brian Rice told them at the time, we under-
previous heights of over £1million. This is the
stood their reasoning and offered to be of
first time the £1m per partner mark has been
assistance whenever they wanted us.
broached for over three years.
Although their origins can be traced back to
Their turnover up to April 30 increased up
the early days of the 19th century, Dial-a-Cab's
In 1987, the two companies merged and
to £1.2billion an increase of 2%. Clifford
eventually set up in Aldersgate Street on the
involvement with the Magic Circle law firm goes
Chance would be welcomed back at any time.
Rotunda. It is now based in Upper Bank
back to the 1970s when as Coward Chance
Whilst we may not be the cheapest transport
Street, Docklands.
they were based at Aldermanbury Square EC2
firm out there, our service is still unbeatable
Except for a short break when they moved
and were consistent users of our taxis. Some
and old friends are always welcomed back...
to ComCab, Clifford Chance had been with us
years later we began servicing another City law
Ron Yarborough
since those Coward Chance days and figures
firm Clifford Turner in New Bridge Street,
Call Sign online
where the Crowne Plaza is now.
released last month suggest that the law firm
Nuala Glavin answers some FAQs about PCNs...
Driver Services and PCN's
This is called a Charge Certificate. The Council
I've got a letter about a Court hearing
usually send one of these when they claim they
date, do I have to attend?
have not received our first appeal. Barrie Segal
No! Just bring, send, fax or email the letter to
sends everything by email and has a confirma-
Driver Services and we will send a representa-
tion to prove it has been recieved. So again
tive on your behalf.
bring, post, fax or email to Driver Services.
What Happens next?
I've got a Bailiff's Letter! Will they repos-
After the hearing date, you will receive a letter
sess my cab? My TV? My wife?
saying that the PCN has been cancelled or
Don't Panic!!! If you receive a Charge
that we have lost the case and the PCN needs
I've got a parking ticket (PCN), what
Certificate from Westminster Council, you may
to be paid. DO NOT pay the PCN, just bring
should I do?
receive a letter from a company called Philips -
or send it to Driver Services and we will pay it
Don't pay it! You need to get the PCN to
they are not Bailiffs, they are a debt recovery agent.
for you. If you receive a cancellation letter,
Driver Services asap. You can bring it into
They send out 3 letters and then refer the case
please contact Driver Services in the usual way
Driver Services between 9-5 or leave it with
back to Westminster Council. They have no rights,
or call us with the PCN number so we can
Driver's Reception 24 hours a day. Alternatively
it's just a scare tactic to make you pay. DO NOT at
update our records.
you can post it, fax it (0207 553 7295) or email
any stage panic and pay or contact Phillips.
it to nualag@dialacab.co.uk.
Do DaC dispute all PCNs?
Northampton County Court sent me some
Unfortunately not. We do not pay PCN's
What happens next?
forms, does this mean I will get a CCJ?
received for parking on ZigZags, two wheels
You probably won't hear anything for a few
No! The TE9 form they have sent you is simply
on the pavement or traffic
weeks and then you will receive a Notice of
to cancel the Charge Certificate. Just sign the
contraventions. Also please note we will no
Rejection. With the Notice of Rejection you
form and bring it to Driver Services. You will
longer reimburse drivers that have not followed
will receive an Appeal Form. Sign the back of
then receive a letter from Northampton County
the correct PCN procedure and who have paid a
the form and either post or bring both to Driver
Court cancelling the Charge Certificate and
PCN...
Services as we need the originals.
reducing the ticket back to £60 - although the
Nuala Glavin
Council may send the original PCN and start
Now they want £180! Help...!!
DaC Driver Services
the process all over again.
PENNY BLACK CABBY OFFER
If you read Eating out with Call Sign on page 28 of this issue, you will find a great offer from The Penny
Black Restaurant in Fulham Road. The restaurant, based opposite the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, is
offering a fantastic incentive scheme for all Licenced Taxi drivers.
If your passengers are looking for an excellent British restaurant, just drive them to The Penny Black at 212
Fulham Road. The tenth recommendation will get you a £50 voucher towards the cost of your dining experi-
ence at the restaurant. If you decide to continue without taking the voucher, then after the next ten they will
give you a further £100 to spend towards your meal (food and wine). Once twenty reservations have been
made you will have £150 in two vouchers and the reward scheme will reset itself.
Just contact the restaurant directly on 0845 838 8998 and register your driver details. Not only will you be
able to look forward to a wonderful evening, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that your passengers
will think you are wonderful! Don't believe us? Just read the review from Alex Constantinou (N05)...
