Page 30
Call Sign October 2011
Should the radio
Louie Christian (A48) is in his
27th year with Dial-a-Cab and
has never been afraid to vent an
opinion in Call Sign, regardless
circuits merge???
of how controversial. Now he
asks a question that was first
asked in 1957 at a meeting
whilst at the same time being more competi-
tive and thus challenging the likes of Addison
between ODRTS and Radio Taxis
Lee? Or am I just dreaming and being totally
(Southern) and again in the mid-
unrealistic?
1980s. Whether unofficial
Love him or hate him (and I know there are
approaches have been made is
many in the cab trade that hate him), the
not something this magazine
Chairman of AL, John Griffin, is an astute,
would have been told, but now
aggressive businessman who is determined
Louie has asked the question
to achieve his goal of becoming the number
one provider of passenger carrying vehicles -
again. He writes:
and by any legal means necessary.
"With the debate raging on in Call Sign
So unless we wake up and do something...
about fixed fares and Addison Lee ever-pre-
well I think I have said enough!!!!"
sent and marching on without hindrance,
should we not be looking at the bigger picture?
be operational and legal difficulties, but noth-
We showed Louie's article to Brian Rice
Is it inconceivable that the licenced radio
ing in my view that could not be overcome.
and he has responded on page 4.
circuits could put their petty difference aside
Would that not put the licenced trade in a bet-
and sit in discussions with the view to a pos-
If readers have a view, send them to Call
ter position to tender for credit (and cash
sible merger of all of them? Yes, there would
Sign and we will publish them...
work for that matter) with account holders,
DAC DRIVERS AND THE LONDON OLYMPICS
A recent release from London Taxis and Private Hire regarding plans for taxis during next year's London
Olympic Games has brought some responses from Dial-a-Cab drivers to Call Sign. As most were similar in con-
tent, we are publishing this one from David Baker (D22). David, who has a BA (Hons), wrote directly to LTPH
and copied this magazine in...
"Thank you for your recent correspondence (Important information regarding London Taxis and the 2012 Games) which I must say I read with
some incredulity.
The key paragraphs I noted were as follows:
1. We are confident there will be a significant demand for taxis in the lead up to, and during the Games.
2. No contracts have been or will be awarded to taxi or private hire companies that will enable them to drive in Games lanes.
"The statements, as any right-minded individual can see, are wholly incompatible for providing any sensible taxi service to
and from the Games areas. I, like many of my colleagues, will be taking a break during the Games period as working within
the framework laid down for the trade by the Games organisers appear to be totally unworkable.
"Many London taxi drivers already realise as will eventually the general public also, that whilst the Games are taking place
London will suffer road transport chaos. I have also read in many recent newspaper publications that advice from the Olympic
Delivery Authority (ODA) and the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) to many
companies within the London area regarding the Olympic Route Network is to get sufficient supplies of goods into their busi-
nesses before the Games begin as there will be - in the words of the ODA - "some disruption!" This I believe is an open
David is angry
admission of what is to come.
"So thank you for your communication, but I am fairly certain that many us of in the licensed taxi trade see this type of letter
about the effect
the ORN will have for what it really is - a sop to keep as many cabs running as possible while the Games are in play. Even if many of us did con-
tinue working, our customers will not be happy to remain for long periods in hugely congested traffic queues.
on the taxi trade
"I do not blame LTPH/TfL, they are merely pawns in this whole media related hype, but I am certain that our great City and
its famous iconic black cab trade will suffer immeasurable damage for many years to come to our hard won image and reputation.
"I have recently heard of a group of individuals who are considering a challenge to the Olympic Route Network decision and possibly try to sue for loss
of earnings during the period of the Games..."
David Paul Baker (D22)
WHERE'S WOODY?
Keith Reading
Professional Toastmaster
Master of Ceremonies
Where was Woody in this issue's Call Sign en la belle
France...???
Tele: 01279 465 938
The answer was The Royal Courts of Justice - a wonder-
Mobile: 07774 860 374
ful example of 1870's Victorian Gothic architecture by
Email: kgr.2@virgin.net
George Edmond Street, a Woodford-born lad who was
also responsible for the impressive Parish Churches St
10% discount for DaC drivers and staff
James-the-Less in Pimlico and St Mary Magdalene in
Paddington.
Fellow of the Guild of
The reason for the badminton courts? This grand hall
Professional Toastmasters
gives way to the Civil Service Club in the evening.
