Call Sign April 2012

Page 3

from the editor’s desk

survey. The survey was far more detailed and

Taxi demo for what

included such aspects as administration, but in

general the results were glowingly in favour of

reason?

DaC. Michael Dwemoh was quoted in the maga-

On 29th February, a demonstration was held in

zine as saying:

Stratford attended mainly by Suburban drivers

“The aim of the scheme is to afford people with

and organised by the RMT union. If the purpose

disabilities, greater mobility and increased inde-

of the demo was to bring East London to a stand-

pendence. One of the schemes’ objectives is to

still, then it succeeded magnificently. But the real

question is why it was held.

ensure that people have the confidence to go out,

Well, there’s the question of taxis having no

because they are guaranteed a reliable service

access to the Olympic Route Network and of

that will get them home again. This comfortable,

course drivers in that part of town will be ferrying

safe and affordable service has revolutionised the

passengers from Stratford Station to the Olympic

lives of many disabled people who previously had

stadium so the question is legitimate - even if a

to depend on the goodwill of family, friends and

demo was somewhat pointless as it is doubtful that

charities and statutory providers.”

anyone on the International Olympic Committee

Now it has gone and I will miss seeing some of

even knew there was one. And judging by what we

the TaxiCard passengers. Over the years, many of

know of the IOC, they probably couldn’t care less

them got to recognise me and cheekily asked if I

anyway so long as their 5star hotels together with

that was a bit less removerable, but the principle

had a spare Call Sign in the cab with me! I have

their unlimited and free of any charge room service

is there…

also published many letters over the years from

in Mayfair are ready.

card holders - often praising the service but occa-

The drivers were also demonstrating about the

sionally passing on a complaint. But they rarely

Westminster TaxiCard

lack of representation at Transport for London - the

moaned and often spoke as though you were a

Well, it looks as though the Westminster

so-called Taxi Engagement Policy - and the apparent

TaxiCard is moving home. I remember doing one

member of their family!

removal of taxi ranks by Newham Council. That third

of the first-ever TaxiCard trips back in the early

Yes, I know that as an account, DaC actually lost

issue is certainly worthy of a demo.

80s when it was still experimental and based at

money on it and I believe that this Society

But then we come to the fourth issue on the

Camberwell Green taxi rank and when we shared

deserves praise for never quibbling about the

Stratford driver’s agenda and the one that many

it with ComCab. The passenger paid just £1 out of

financial side, happy in the knowledge that we

suspect was the real reason for the demo - the

a £6 fare. Since then, the non-statutory scheme for

were doing something good for a group of people

issue of Identifiers being implemented.

people with disabilities that prohibit their use of

that needed that help.

Well, as Call Sign has published from Dial-a-

public transport, has grown to cover much of

Perhaps the highlight was when the DaC Board

Cab drivers many times over the years, a substan-

London with the largest borough, Westminster,

made an afternoon tea for regular TaxiCard user,

tial number of Green badge drivers are fed up

being exclusively with Dial-a-Cab. This Society

100-year old Eileen Pattison. Eileen was the

with yellow suburban drivers working in town on

spent a considerable amount of money in making

Goddaughter of Hollywood legend Fred Astaire

Friday and Saturday evenings. RMT drivers may

sure it ran as well as it possibly could and even

and had often told drivers that one of her ambi-

ask whether those “few” drivers are worth worry-

manufactured the cards in-house. But over the

tions was to visit DaC House to meet the calltaker

ing about when there is so much touting going on

years, Westminster has been cutting back on

she had spoken to so many times over the years,

by so-called legitimate PH companies flagrantly

TaxiCard as one of the prices for keeping the bor-

Irene Russ, who was in charge of day shift

breaking the rules of their satellite office licenses?

ough’s council taxi low.

Westminster trips in the Call Centre. Eileen told

The answer is yes! They may not be as important

2000, together with the account’s then-

Call Sign afterwards that this was the happiest

to catch, but if the Identifiers work then that

Transport Contracts Manager, Michael Dwemoh -

day she could remember in many years. Eileen has

becomes one less problem to worry about.

who sadly died several years back - Call Sign ran

now joined her Godfather up there somewhere in

This magazine has already been told that the

a survey of Westminster TaxiCard user’s satisfac-

dancing Heaven, while Irene retired several years

regulation will cause much suffering to some yel-

tion or otherwise with the way the account was

ago. But through it all, the account went on. But

low badges who rely on their weekend “extra”

run. Believe it or not, there were 6000 issued

money. Well we have news for them. If you do the

now it is no longer a DaC account.

Westminster TaxiCards back then and taking its

All London Knowledge, you can work in town

Although I’m sad to see the Westminster

leave from the Millennium year, the survey took in

24x7!

TaxiCard depart, I am genuinely glad that it has

2000 of them. I doubt there are anywhere near

The driver who came out with the ridiculous

remained within the licensed taxi trade and hope

2000 actually out there nowadays, with the num-

notion that having to have yellow identifiers

that ComCab take care of “our” people. The num-

bers still shrinking as shown in the March Call

would upset Jewish suburban drivers and bring

bers may have shrunk considerably over the years,

Sign when Mrs H.P.Raines wrote in to say thank

back memories of the SS death camps at

the faces may have changed and yes, we may even

you to DaC drivers and staff after her card was

Auschwitz, Treblinka and Sobibor among other

save money by not having it, but it became a part

cancelled by Westminster. Mrs Raines is 88 and

hell-holes, probably brought home the stupidity of

registered blind.

of Dial-a-Cab and it will be missed. If Westminster

the request, with responses such as DaC’s David

But back to the survey from the 2000 Call

ever change their mind, then the TaxiCard will

Kupler (Y74) who sarcastically wrote in response

Sign. Of the

2000 questioned, around

450

always be welcomed back…

that he didn’t want a green identifier as it would

responded. They were asked questions such as did

signify that he wanted to become green and save

they feel the TaxiCard service was the most suit-

New terminals

the world!

able form of transport for their needs and 98.5%

There is an interesting article from DaC’s IT

Suburban drivers do a good job in maintaining

answered yes. As for were the telephonists help-

Director John Bankes inside this issue. Call Sign

the notion of licensed taxis covering London, but

ful, 94% answered that they were. It wasn’t quite

still has a DVD of the Call Centre way back in

let’s not forget that for whatever reason they

such a resounding yes to whether the taxis always

November 1988 when our original MDI terminal

declined to undertake a full KoL and as a result

arrived on time, but considering the journeys

went live to make us the first radio circuit in

cannot ply for hire outside of their allocated areas.

were often going just around the corner, then 82%

Europe to leave voice dispatch. Many drivers of

And that is still the case even if it suddenly

answering yes was pretty good. Were the drivers

the time had never used a computer before and

becomes busy. They have no more right to do it

understanding of their disabilities? Well

85%

asked how they would ever get the hang of it! So

than minicabs.

answered yes and I doubt that number ever

we wonder what those same drivers - quite a

The view of this magazine may well have been

dropped below that figure. According to 86% of

number who are still on DaC - would have

coloured over the years by DaC drivers going into

the TaxiCard users of the time, DaC drivers were

thought about getting a terminal that even tells

print and asking for Identifiers and although we

very friendly with just 1% actually claiming we

you the way to go! That’s life for you!

know that not every DaC driver believes in the

were rude. When it came to the DaC TaxiCard

Alan Fisher

policy, we are now in favour of it. That doesn’t

account manager, Carol Carpenter, she had

mean we wouldn’t have preferred an Identifier

almost 100% respect from tho-se completing the

callsignmag@aol.com

Call Sign April 2012

Page 4

reflections of the chairman

30th March, but obviously it makes more sense

Westminster TaxiCard…

to pay for an extra day on the old system and

Many of you are aware that Westminster City

commence with the new system the following

Council has been reducing the amount spent

day.

on their TaxiCard scheme. There have been sev-

As you can imagine, it will be a nervous peri-

eral letters to Call Sign from residents of the

od for some of us because the new system not

Borough thanking our members for the service

only pays members, but it also invoices your

they have received from them before their sub-

clients. So let’s all hope it passes without too

sidised trips were withdrawn.

many glitches!

In the past, a resident would have needed to

We have also received the first prototypes of

get a letter from their GP stating they were in

the new Driver Terminal. This is bespoke to

need of the TaxiCard scheme and the Borough

Dial-a-Cab and far exceeds anything that is out

would then allow them the subsidised travel.

there in the market place, but of course we do

That has changed and I am now led to believe

need to test it in an endeavour to eradicate as

that every resident requiring a card is means-

many bugs as possible.

tested and that the number of rides allowed to

You will also read in this issue of Call Sign

those accepted has been reduced dramatically.

that we have decided to go with Knowledge

At the scheme’s peak, we were doing in excess

Master who will supply Dial-a-Cab with their

of 500 trips a day. However, that has gradually

Cabbie’s Mate SatNav and mapping facility. This

dwindled to fewer than 100 trips a day, a great

aware of, because I know there is not an organ-

will be fully integrated in the new terminal and

pity for the residents of the Borough and for the

isation anywhere that could surpass the service

I believe members will love the new addition,

handful of Dial-a-Cab members who liked to ser-

we gave to Westminster. You can rest assured

as in my opinion it is far in advance of anything

vice the Westminster account.

that the only reason Westminster have merged

currently available.

Consequently, it came as no surprise to me

with the All London scheme is as a cost-cutting

Although the terminal will be new and have fea-

exercise and nothing more.

tures the current one does not possess, it will just

when we received a letter from Westminster

be a continuation of the current terminal that all

stating they would be joining the All London

members will be able to decipher without the

scheme as from 1st April. There was no sugges-

First of the new projects

need for extra training. So for any amongst us who

tion of the account going out to tender or com-

You will read elsewhere in the magazine that

consider themselves to perhaps be less than com-

plaint about any aspect of our service.

all the new projects are in place and will be

puter literate, there is absolutely nothing to worry

Westminster had no intention for any organisa-

installed in the coming months. It will undoubt-

about. However, if any of you do have any con-

tion to tender for their business; they just

edly be a busy and exciting time for everyone

cerns about its use, we will have two trainers on

wished to merge it in with all the other London

concerned.

site who will be delighted to help.

Boroughs, which is what they did.

We will commence on 1st April with our

ComCab service the All London scheme and they

new accounting system that has been designed

Brian Rice

will now also service the Borough of Westminster in

and built totally in-house. Consequently, we will

with their scheme - but with one major exception.

be paying members up until 31st March on our

Chairman

The Boroughs - including Westminster - will no

old accounting system, which means an extra

Dial-a-Cab

longer be paying for a run-in for the taxi in order to

day as the ‘cut off’ would normally have been

help service their residents.

This will undoubtedly lead to a deterioration

in service for the residents; I know how difficult

it was on some occasions to cover their work

THE SALIERI RESTAURANT

and the situation will just become more difficult

in the future with no run-ins to assist drivers.

376 Strand, WC2

I know some suburban drivers rely on

TaxiCard work; I am not quite so sure that the

All London green badge driver is in the same

We Invite Dial-a-Cab drivers and their guests to our

predicament. Consequently, I’m convinced that

restaurant where you can partake of the finest food and wine

the service given by taxis to the inner London

Boroughs can only deteriorate in the future

And as a thank-you for helping our clients come

without a run-in. The new situation must beg

and go over the years, we are happy to be able to

the question as to whether there is something

offer you a genuine 25% discount on your bill

on the agenda for the future that we are not

We are certain that you will be delighted

Call Sign

April 2012

Editor: Alan Fisher

Address: 39 - 47 East Rd, London N1 6AH

Tel: 0207 251 0581 Fax: 0207 553 7293

Email: callsignmag@aol.com

Website:-www.dac-callsign.co.uk

Printers: Premier Print Group

25 - 31 Violet Rd, London E3

Design: Aldan Publications

Please bring along your badge or Bill as ID

Tel: 07958 300 428

Email: dfdannyfresco@gmail.com

Salieri Restaurant

Views and opinion expressed in Call Sign must

376 Strand, WC2

not be assumed to represent those of the Editor or

Board.No part of Call Sign may be reproduced

Reservations: 020 7836 1318

either manually or electronically without the express

permission of the Editor.

Call Sign April 2012

Page 5

To see or not to see, that’s…

The Yellow Box Question

I suspect more than one or two members have

information on the PCN is in the ‘How to Pay’ tear-

been invited to contribute to Westminster’s flag-

off section, which is unacceptable. The words ‘shot’

ship ‘Yellow “Money” Box’ fund at Piccadilly and

and ‘foot’ sprang to mind.

Berkeley Street. It was whilst reviewing the video

My appeal highlighted the 2007 legislation and

of the alleged offence on their website that it

the Harrow case, and I attached the “sufficient” let-

occurred to me that the information on how to

ter. Two weeks later, PATAS advised that the council

access it wasn’t displayed on the PCN, as is normal

wouldn’t contest the appeal and the PCN was

on parking PCNs. We, as veterans, know that it’s

therefore cancelled. Could it be that the council are

accessible, but naive victims may not. (Surely they

unsure of their position and weren’t prepared to

want us to look at the evidence?) So why is the

let an adjudicator loose on it? I’ll probably never

CCTV link on a parking PCN but not on a moving

know. Will they alter the format of their PCNs? I

traffic offence one?

hope not.

Hidden deep within a piece of legislation with

These PCNs are designed to contain the bare

the grand title ‘The Civil Enforcement of Parking

act, I suspect councils believe there is no direction

minimum of information (a photo that is meaning-

Contraventions

(England) Representations and

relating to PCNs. My view is that a PCN is a PCN,

less, and so on). It is vital to check on the video that

Appeals Regulations 2007’ (which amongst other

and as the video is clearly available, the council

the operator has picked up the vehicle before it

things directs councils to the procedures relating

should be directed to comply with the right regard-

enters the box that you’re not turning right and

to the Traffic Management Act 2004, under which

less. There could also be an argument for the

that the vehicle is stationery in the box (the opera-

parking tickets are generally issued) is a clause stat-

Freedom of Information Act to apply. The question

tor sometimes plays tricks with the zoom). Write to

ing the recipient’s right to view evidence generat-

is, is the right wrong or have they got it wrong with

the council requesting lots more information; they

ed by an approved device. However, it doesn’t state

the right?

must respond if it’s reasonable. It doesn’t constitute

the right must be made clear on a PCN. In 2008,

I asked Westminster why the link wasn’t indicat-

a challenge - that comes later. If there is more than

adjudicator Mr Edward Houghton took the view

ed on the PCN and what legislation - if any - they

one box in the street, the council should make it

that if one has that right, it must be indicated on

were applying. They replied with details of their

clear which one they refer to (another possible

the notice, and as it wasn’t on a notice issued by

website. I asked again and the same reply came

procedural error, but that’s for another day).

Harrow Council, he ordered it to be cancelled, thus

back. For the third time, “If you don’t give me the

Finally, as the one-stop shops have now closed,

setting a precedent.

information I’m requesting, I’ll assume you’re refus-

and if you don’t have access to a PC, the evidence

The 2004 act generally replaced the old 1991

ing to answer and it will be noted on a PATAS

can still be viewed at one of the council’s libraries,

Road Traffic Act. Some traffic offences - including

appeal.” The reply: “All our PCNs give details of the

where assistants must help if required.

yellow box ones - remain under this act and as the

council’s website, and we feel this is sufficient.”

2007 legislation doesn’t seem to mention the 1991

With reference to what, I wondered... The only

Philip Benjamin (K20)

CardSave: Credit Card usage on the up!

Business payments specialists CardSave has launched a Small Business Payments Inde

which includes data from 493 small, independent Taxi, PH and limousine firms. They told

Call Sign that card spending was up 12% in 2011 compared to 2010, with the average

card turnover increasing from £22,062.62 to £24,779.24. While the average amount

spent on cards in February 2012 decreased slightly from the same month last year,

CardSave believe that this is because more people are paying for even shorter journeys

with a card.

With 62% of the population carrying only £20 or less in their wallet (according to a

recent YouGov poll), most people could not pay larger sums in cash. Taxi and limousine

companies who do not accept cards are therefore likely to be missing out on high-value

customers.

The YouGov poll shows that nearly 30% of the UK public have been inconvenienced in the last year by a company not taking cards.

In fact, 16% of people have walked away from an intended purchase or ride because cards were not accepted, while 22% have been

forced to leave to seek out a cash point.

The survey suggests the days of carrying large amounts of cash are over. 62% of people carry £20 or less in cash on them on aver-

age. 48% carry £15 or less and 35% carry up to £10. Yet almost everyone (93%) carries a credit or debit card.

Clive Kahn, Chief Executive of CardSave, which enables small businesses to accept payments more easily, comments: “The days

when consumers wanted to pay by cash are over. They increasingly expect to pay by card for everything!”

Fever taxi spares at the Liver

Fever Cab Spares have been around for many years with the man behind

up with Dave Williams, whose dry cleaning and key cutting service is

it, Ilyas Karim, having been seen so often on the old Dial-a-Cab

based next to the Liverpool Street taxi rank at number 28. If you need

Finsbury Square rank in his mobile cab shop, that many must have

something fairly easy such as a bulb, badge holder, account book, new

thought he was actually a driver!

leather bag etc, then the chances are that Dave will have it at 28

But no, Ilyas is the man who has for all those years provided licensed

Liverpool Street providing it’s between 7am and 6pm on Tuesday to

taxi drivers with the spare parts that you couldn’t get anywhere else

Thursday or till 11pm on Monday and Friday.

because those establishments inconveniently closed at around 5pm. Ilyas

If the part is one that isn’t usually stocked, then just phone Ilyas on

has been seen at all times through the evening and even into the night.

07984 473 111 and he will get the part for you and it will be in Dave’s

Now he has taken his taxi spares business one step further and joined

shop by the next day. That’s what we call service…

Call Sign April 2012

Page 6

Jery’s World

Rush Hour Chaos likely for Olympics

TfL has set out its road event plans for the London 2012 Olympic Games and much

of it is set to cause rush hour chaos!

We already have the problem of traffic being excluded from the Olympic Route Network - at least at busy times - but events to be held on London’s streets

are set to add to the disruption and cause the ultimate grief to drivers on Dial-a-Cab as they attempt to cover client’s account trips.

Events such as road cycling, triathlon, marathon and race walking events will entail a huge road clos-

ing programme on seven of the sixteen days of the Games and

on one day of the Paralympic Games. Information will be sent

to residents and businesses along the affected routes about

how they can avoid the obvious problems. Call Sign was told

that praying has been ruled out as an option and that the only

way round the traffic problem will be to change the times that

the trips are usually made or just to avoid making them!

Unfortunately, taxi drivers do not have that luxury.

Road events will take place on routes passing through

Westminster, the City, Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith

& Fulham, Wandsworth and Putney in addition to much of

Surrey. Closures will include Park Lane and Hyde Park

Corner in addition to the already announced closure of The

Mall and Constitution Hill. Between them, they cut off all

• Roadside repair

routes between Strand and Kensington.

TfL told us that where possible, roads would be

• Roadside assistance

reopened and restrictions lifted by late afternoon or early

• Running repair recovery

evening. No roads would be closed overnight apart from

• Accident recovery

those needed to build the Cycle Time Trial venue at Hampton

Leon Daniels, TfL’s MD Surface Transport told Call Sign: “The world’s top athletes will be com-

• Pay as you go to membership

peting on London’s streets this summer. We need to ensure their safety, that of the spectators and

• Credit card taken at roadside

provide the best possible field of play. We’re working closely with London 2012 and boroughs to

ensure all affected residents and businesses are informed of where and when roads will be closed or

impacted on event days.”

Traffic conditions may well be horrendous, but as this magazine has pointed out before, it will

0845 094 5307

also be a once in a lifetime opportunity to sample the feel and smell of the world’s greatest sporting

occasion. Do we want to miss it just for some horrendous traffic? So long as it doesn’t get worse

We make wheels turn

than horrendous!

so you can earn.

Road event routes are at http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/london2012/22487.aspx

Call Sign April 2012

Page 7

Call Sign is having trouble keeping up with

the number of PCNs for non-Dial-a-Cab

offences where the driver is responsible for

PCN MADNESS!

the ticket. And yes, it does appear that coun-

cils/boroughs are targeting those considered as

Following a look at supplied photos of the

an easy nick!

incident, Russell appealed by saying he hadn’t

Philip Benjamin (K20) has had several PCN

believed it to be illegal to stop on “cross hatch-

battles with the relevant authorities, but none

ing” when turning left or right out of a side

as amusing as one he had with Westminster fol-

street and onto a main road. He also said that a

lowing a parking offence in Devonshire Street

white van had been cut-up by another taxi and

W1.

had to go into the space Russell would have

He told us: “The ticket history relates to my

wait for a disabled passenger outside the

taken. He added that it had been borne out by

Devonshire Hospital and then driving off

the CCTV images.

before the warden could fix the ticket onto the

Russell continued his appeal by writing that

cab. The malfunction para refers to me asking

there should have been a junction other than

whether his camera wouldn’t function as the

had been with ‘ello ‘ello, that would not have

just Piccadilly on the PCN and that the camera

passenger, supported by crutches, boarded the

had any bearing on the PCN outcome! They

numbers were not displayed. The council again

taxi. So who says our friends at Dingwall

also claimed no camera malfunction took place

responded that numbers were available on the

(Westminster Debt Collecting Department and

and that no pick-up was observed! Perhaps the

website!

other sections…Ed) don’t have a sense of

passenger’s crutches obscured the actual per-

However, the PCN was cancelled due to a

humour? Or do they?”

son???

“procedural error” blaming that on an incorrect

So what was it that Philip referred to when he

time being shown. Russell believes that other

asked whether the warden had previously

Russell Bamber (N27) also doesn’t give into

DaC drivers could use his lead to challenge the

worked as a scriptwriter for ‘ello ‘ello! This was

council threats and recently secured a victory

yellow box PCNs.

the warden’s actual report on Philip’s cab…

against Westminster at the infamous Berkeley

‘Driver said he can parked anywhere he

Street/Piccadilly yellow box junction. His beef

Then there was Gerry Tobin (L32) who

want. Driver is british . a white man in his

was that on the PCN it gave the position as

popped into the opticians only to see a warden

50s. height 5.7 foot. Very insultive. Driver was

Piccadilly, whereas on the CCTV evidence -

sniffing around outside. He went out and drove

told he got pcn before he drove out. Driver was

provided only if you have internet access - it

off only to be told by letter that the parking

stoping me from photos making.’

adds the location of Berkeley Street. Russell

attendant had placed a PCN on his windscreen.

Philip’s message to Call Sign was:

told Call Sign:

Gerry got a letter written by the optician to say

“I felt deeply hurt at being accused of stop-

“Surely that should be specified on the PCN

that no PCN had been written and attached, yet

ing anybody while they were photos making. I

and not just on the CCTV footage? What about

the council didn’t accept the appeal.

find the insinuation to be quite insultive!”

those people who do not have access to a com-

“What chance do we have,” said Gerry “if they

Westminster had responded when refusing

puter - or as in my case, just cannot use one!”

don’t believe what an optician says he saw!”

to cancel the PCN by saying that if the warden

Martin Cordell & Co.

ACCOUNTANTS

Does your accountant supply you with the following?

Over forty years of experience with the Licensed London Taxi Trade.

Processing of self-assessment returns.

Advice on trading as a Limited Company with its tax advantages and potential pitfalls.

Preparation of accounts.

Initial consultation dealing with loss of earnings claims (due to accidents on the road etc.)

Letters to banks, building societies

and other lenders.

Specialist in-house facilities to deal with Inland Revenue enquiry cases.

(This is expensive and time consuming. Ask your accountant how much he will charge should this

unpredictable event occur).

A three hundred and sixty five days a year service.

A ‘nightshift’

service.

Offices in North and East London.

First consultation free of charge.

Martin Cordell & Co . . . Do!

All for one yearly fee

The London Taxi Trades Premier Accountants

(24 hour answering service for prompt service)

020 8980 7161

(24 hour answering service for prompt service)

1-5 Alfred Street, Bow, London E3 2BE also at

Front Office, First Floor, 9 Church Road, Stanmore, Middlesex HA7 4AS

www.martin-cordell.co.uk

Call Sign April 2012

Page 8

Memories of Bonnie as

Bermuda beckons

The Bermuda Department of Tourism is launch-

ship were 12 Austin A55s, each fitted with Pye

ing a twelve month multi-format outdoor adver-

Reporter radios and which were going to be

tising campaign in London with specialist

the beginnings of Bermuda Taxi Radio Cabs.

agency Out of Home International, appointed

After the successful launch of Bermuda

by their UK based consumer and trade PR

Taxis and making sure that it was on a sound

agency, Publicasity. The campaign is to promote

footing, Bonnie returned to London and

Britain’s love affair with Bermuda and encourage

ODRTS as a Board member. But his sudden

further visits to the Island.

departure to Bermuda had caused friction

That gives Call Sign the opportunity to men-

with some other Board members and it was a

tion a Bermuda taxi company to which we will

short-lived return visit to Pentonville Road.

forever be linked - whether we know it or not!

But time is a great healer and many years

It was way back in 1957, ODRTS (now DaC)

later Call Sign tracked down Bonnie and he

Founder-Chairman Bonnie Martyn had created a

became an honoured guest at many DaC func-

huge sensation at the tim

tions. His love affair with Dial-a-Cab had been

following the successful

rekindled and Chairman Brian Rice even

launch of this Society at

went to Bonnie’s home to surprise him on his

Pentonville Road severa

90th birthday. Bonnie referred to it as finally

years earlier, he was aske

coming home. He died at the age of 93 in

to go to the beautif

August 2002 - still in love with DaC.

Caribbean / Atlantic islan

But his Caribbean legacy, Bermuda Taxi

of Bermuda to set up

Radio Cabs, still operate from Trott Road in

radio-taxi organisation si

Bonnie and Brian at the Founder -

Hamilton - although we doubt they will be

lar to the one with Owner Drivers Radio Taxi

Chairman’s 90th birthday

advertising on the side of London buses!

Service he had launched in London in 1952.

Inset: Bermuda flag

Money, Bonnie was told, was no object!

Ron Yarborough

So Bonnie resigned from ODRTS, something for which many never

forgave him and on 28 December 1957 travelled to Bermuda via New

York on the original Queen Mary. Sent at the same time on a freight

Operation

Condor swoops

over London

The Metropolitan Police Service Safer Transport Command, fund-

ed by TfL, made a total of 115 arrests for touting over one recent

weekend as part of Operation Condor, the largest MPS opera-

tion of the year to crack down on unlicensed activity.

In addition to minicab touting, the operation covered all

aspects of licensing irregularities including pubs and clubs, bet-

ting shops, driving licence fraud and many others.

Working with the STC Cab Enforcement Unit, all 32 borough-

based Safer Transport Teams were mobilised to tackle illegal mini-

cabs on their boroughs.

Helen Chapman, Deputy Director of London Taxi and Private

Hire, said:

“TfL is pleased to have had the opportunity to support the Met

Police as part of Operation Condor. Our compliance officers

worked in partnership with the Safer Transport teams across

London to check all aspects of taxi and private hire licensing for

the duration of the operation. We take the issue of touting

extremely seriously as it puts the travelling public at risk and

undermines the legitimate and law abiding taxi and private hire

trades. In this operation, the Safer Transport Cab Enforcement

Unit with support from the taxi and private hire compliance team

has been successful in cracking down on touting to enhance the

safety of the travelling public.”

Call Sign April 2012

Page 10

DaC's Director of IT, John Bankes, writes for Call Sign to say that

there are now...

NEW TERMINALS

AT DAC HOUSE

Communications

As you know, our current system runs on 12

VHF private radio channels based at 7 sites

around London. These sites provide radio cov-

erage within the M25 but not much beyond.

The new system will be based on GPRS/3G

from 02 with widespread coverage throughout

The terminals that we currently

the UK. We have been considering going this

route for some years, but only in the last few

have installed in our vehicles

years has the cost and reliability points reached

have been in service for nearly

a stage where we feel comfortable with it.

12 years, but they still stack up

I want to add a note of caution to this sec-

The new terminal/printer/card reader

tion. I have been aware that some are consider-

well against the competition

and fitted with Knowledge Master

ing the move to 3G to be the end of all signals

today. When they were first

problems. It will not be. We expect the radio

information, we shortlisted 5. One was based in

coverage and signal quality to be significantly

installed, they were state-of-the

London, one in Canada, one in California, one in

improved with 3G, however, be cautious about

art. They were the only touch-

Italy and one - Microbus - in High Wycombe.

believing signal problems will be a thing of the

screens in use in a taxi any-

After further evaluation and testing, we

past. Just as you sometimes can't get a signal on

reduced the list to just two companies, both

your 3G smart phone, there will be places

where in the world. The termi-

based in the UK. We very much liked both

where the signal is weak on your new terminal.

nals were designed and manu-

products and the people. In the end we decid-

We will try to mitigate the effect of these black

factured in High Wycombe by

ed to award business to both.

spots with our software but there is no such

The contract to design and build the termi-

thing as 100% signal coverage in any mobile

Microbus Ltd.

nal hardware was awarded to Microbus. Their

data system.

The quest-for a

price was comparable to the foreign competi-

tion and all work, including manufacturing,

Credit and charge

replacement...

would take place in England. Microbus had a

I wrote the original Request for Information

cards

great track record for quality and reliability and

(RFI) document in January 2008. Chairman

their location made it easy to have regular

The old card reader we currently have has

Brian Rice was travelling to the Taxicab,

served us well, however, in this age of credit

meetings throughout the development cycle.

Limousine and Paratransit Association (TPLA)

card fraud it is now imperative that we move to

This locality of design and build has proven

meeting in the US that month and we knew

a chip and pin solution. We have chosen Pin

invaluable during the development time. I have

that there would be many taxi system suppliers

Entry Devices (PEDs) from a company based in

been able to make regular trips to Microbus to

at this worldwide event. Our RFI was distrib-

Scotland called Ingenico. Ingenico is a leading

discuss various options and evaluate various

uted to several companies at the conference

provider of payment, transaction and business

different components.

who were interested in tendering for the

solutions with over

15 million terminals

The remaining company, Knowledge Master

replacement terminal project and Brian held a

deployed in more than 125 countries. Just look

UK, who tendered for the terminal business

number of initial meetings while he was there.

next time you pay by credit card. The PED was

also offered an excellent mapping and SatNav

In the second quarter of 2008, we began to

to be either a Verifone or an Ingenico. We had

solution, which has been specifically designed

notice our revenues deteriorating. As you all

detailed discussions with both and in the end

for London Taxi drivers. We have awarded

know, we are a very good barometer of what

decided that the commercial deal with

Knowledge Master UK the contract to provide

lies ahead for the economy in general and our

Ingenico and Barclaycard was the best for the

the CabbiesMate A-Z and SatNav solution,

barometer was reading 'Heavy Storms Ahead'!

Society. The PED will be mounted in the driver

which will run on the terminal manufactured

When Lehman Brothers collapsed in

compartment and handed through to the cus-

by Microbus. The CabbiesMate software will be

September of that year, the world economy

tomer for payment. This may involve a slight

completely integrated into our software. You

went into a nose-dive. No one knew how far

non-permanent mod to TX2s, but we will sort

can read more about it elsewhere in this issue.

down it would go and how long it would last.

that out for you.

We decided to keep our powder dry, weather

The hardware

We chose this approach rather than mount-

the storm and revive the project when the eco-

The terminal itself will run the full Windows 7

ing the PED in the passenger compartment for

nomic climate was more stable.

operating system as opposed to the cut down

security reasons. If the PED is mounted in the

A number of factors led to the project being

version of Windows CE used by our competi-

back and there is a problem during payment,

revived in 2011. Firstly, the economy had sta-

tors. The unit will again include an integrated

the driver may be lured into the back to help the

bilised somewhat. Secondly, our terminals were

printer and a touch screen. It will be slightly

passenger. We want our drivers to be able to

stay in the relative safety of their compartment

now 3 years older and we began to see an

smaller than our current unit, but will contain a

increase in the failure rate of the devices.

larger touch screen. The new touch screen will

throughout the trip. I will write a separate arti-

cle about the new credit card procedures in a

Thirdly, the explosion of mobile devices cou-

be a 10.4" TFT XGA glare diffuser. The proces-

pled with an increase in the cost of running

sor will be a 1.6Ghz with 2 Gig of Ram. It will

future edition of Call Sign.

our VHF network revealed a significant cost

contain a 32Gig Solid State Drive (SSD). The

A glaring issue

saving potential that could be realised by mov-

main failure point in our current terminal is the

Whenever I speak to drivers about their termi-

ing from Private Mobile Radio to public 3G.

mechanical disk drive. SSDs have no moving

nals, the number one comment is always about

I contacted the suppliers that had responded

parts, which makes them faster and more reli-

glare on the screen. Whenever you put a screen

to the original RFI and asked them to send

able. The unit pictured is only a prototype. The

into a vehicle, there is always going to be some

updated specifications and pricing informa-

final model may be slightly different depending

tion. From the initial 8 companies that sent

upon the results of our tests etc.

continued next page

Call Sign April 2012

Page 11

Another true story from Geoff Levene…

The nuisance known as Abbey Road?

One Saturday evening in March 1963, I sat down with my father and an

older brother to watch Brian Matthew introduce Thank Your Lucky Stars

on ITV. This was the programme in which pop stars sang (or rather

mimed) their latest recordings. There was also a slot where a strange new

breed of young people called teenagers gave their opinions on some of

these tracks and a girl from the Midlands achieved nationwide fame for

her Birmingham accent, when Janice Nichols expressed approval by

declaring: “Oi’ll give it foive!”

At some stage that evening, on came four boys who did their latest

number… and the world changed forever! “That's going to number

one," I said still singing it as I went up to bed.

The following week I bought the record during my lunch hour. But I was

wrong, Please please me by The Beatles only got to number two thanks to

Cliff Richard and Summer Holiday which jumped up from number 20 to

number 1 and delayed John, George, Paul and Ringo’s first number 1 until

May, when From me to you went straight to the top of the charts. But

from that day, nothing in music was ever going to be the same again.

I bought more singles and at the end of the year saw The Beatles

Christmas show at the Astoria in Finsbury Park. But over the years and

whilst always a fan, my tastes changed. Blues, r&b, heavy metal -

then there was Cream, Stevie Wonder, Queen and so on. Now it's

Beethoven, Mozart and Schubert etc.

But some people never seem to change. I was in HMV recently

and noticed Status Quo were due to make a personal appearance.

The fans were gathering. Fifty and sixty year olds with beards, moustaches and

beer bellies - and the men weren't much better!

So where am I going with all this? Well it's that zebra crossing in Abbey Road. I suppose there must be a time - maybe at 3am - when a

group of people aren’t walking and posing in the middle of the road or writing something pretentious on the wall of the studios!

So it was one wet and cold Sunday morning when I saw a man accompanied by his bemused young son take off his shoes and socks while

his wife took the obligatory photo to re-create Paul McCartney's crossing on the famous 1969 Abbey Road album cover. Yes, ok, but his shoes

and socks as well?

I reckon every US citizen except Charles Manson has turned up in St John's Wood at some time or other - which is tough on old Charlie

because it's thought he was influenced to carry out his nefarious deeds by a song called Helter Skelter - which comes from The White

Album… by The Beatles!

Geoff Levene (W32)

NEW TERMINALS AT DAC HOUSE! continued

glare. However, there are a few things that can

the wiring. We will need to mount a PED hol-

The big question -

be done to improve the situation somewhat.

ster on the wall by your left shoulder. TX2s

Firstly there is the screen itself. We have cho-

will require the tray in the window to be

WHEN?

sen a screen that has the best anti-glare char-

replaced by a flatter unit to allow the PED to

We have just taken possession of the first pro-

acteristics that we could find. We sacrifice a

be passed through to the customer. We esti-

totype and need to do some vigorous testing

little clarity for this, but I'm sure you will all

mate that the refit will take no more than 1

with this unit before approving it. Once it is

agree that the glare issue takes precedence.

hour per cab.

approved, we are looking at a further

Secondly, we are developing a sun visor that

months before production units start flowing

will clip onto the terminal and which can be

The software

off the line. Our best estimate at the moment

used on those all too rare bright London days.

The software has been pretty much com-

is that we will begin fitting by the beginning

pletely re-written in-house by our own pro-

of July 2012.

Meter compatibility

grammers. The task to uplift the software from

When the last terminals were developed, the

VB6 on Windows 98 to the latest .Net on

Society supported pretty much every meter

Upcoming IT projects

Windows 7 has been challenging. The soft-

out there. We will not be doing that this time.

We are coming to the conclusion of another

ware is quite different under the covers, but

We will support the three most prolific

huge project, which is the complete replace-

we've made it look and feel very similar on the

meters and any other meters that conform to

ment of our billing and accounting system.

outside. The new software will be very familiar

the electronic and software protocols of the

When this goes in at the end of this month,

to you. We have basically carried on from

big three. Currently supported meters are

we will be able to provide our drivers with

where the previous release left off. We are con-

Digitax, Cygnus, Sheriff Ultima, Hale and

online confidential access to their trips and

sidering this first release of software to be a

Viking. We hope that this list will grow as

driver statements.

new starting point. The emphasis is more on

meter suppliers validate their devices with

We are also planning to release our iPhone

reliability and signal handling than flashy user

our new terminal. Please see future editions of

booking app to the general public. I will elab-

interfaces.

Call Sign for some excellent deals on these

orate on both these projects in a future Call

We are planning to deliver most future

supported meters.

Sign article.

updates over the air, which will reduce the

Refitting

need to visit Roman Way for software updates,

John Bankes

Refitting your cab should be straightforward.

although large software updates will still

We will use the same pole as well as some of

require a Roman Way visit.

DaC Director of IT

Call Sign April 2012

Page 12

DaC’s new accounting system...

A Note to Drivers

As you may be aware, Dial-a-Cab is implement-

quickly and easier than in the past. You will also

ing a new and more sophisticated Accounting

see this number as part of the file name of your

and Driver systems on 1st April. From that date,

PDF when you receive your E-Statement.

any driver who has a new / changed badge can

For all those of you who have still not sent us your

come into Driver Services for us to update the

e-mail address for E-Statements please do so now by

system as every driver now has a unique iden-

e-mailing driverservices@ dialacab.co.uk with your

tifier.

Badge and Call Sign in the subject field.

You will still be known by your Badge and

Call Sign, but this new unique number allows

Warren Smith

us to change these if necessary, much more

DaC Financial Controller

New Smarter Driving Courses Dates

More dates for the smarter driving taxi driver courses that many Dial-a-Cab drivers have now taken have been made available, so if you are interested

then book now. Completing the course could help you reduce your fuel consumption, save money and improve air quality in London.

Booking is easy and can be done via the Energy Saving Trust (EST) website by following these easy steps:

* Visit the EST website at www.smarterdriving.net/est

* Login using your own email address

* The password is ‘savings’

* Select the date and time that suits you

You’ll then be sent an email confirming the date, time and location of your course. When you go for your course you will need to take your DVLA

licence with you, including your photocard - if you have one - and your taxi driver’s licence.

The course is held at The London Taxi Company office in Brewery Road N7 and only takes 90 minutes to complete. The course is completed in a

licensed taxi and you do not have to pass a test or sit an exam.

The courses have proved very popular with all the DaC drivers who have already completed them and the results have been impressive with drivers

managing to reduce their fuel consumption by an average of 25%.

The courses have been arranged with the EST for taxi drivers in London and are being funded as part of the Cleaner Air for London ini-

tiative.

Former fireman Richard Potter and life behind the

POTTER’S WHEEL

Visiting

the severity of the chest infection placed

have reached your destination” coming from

upon me by that passenger. But is it really

her phone. Aaahhh, so she was using her

Room

necessary for someone to go to work so

mobile as a satnav! That explained it. Not

101???

clearly sick and why did he not have the

trusting my judgement, she used an incor-

After taking some time off sick, for the first

courtesy to open the taxi windows? Next

rect satnav. Where have you heard that

time in many moons I was looking forward

time I will politely ask…

before?

to coming back to work! However that feel-

Secondly, over the years I’ve got used to

ing soon went and there’s nothing like taxi

the public questioning my routes etc and

The former Wandsworth

driving as a leveller. I am not a moaner and

have a number of answers up my sleeve

Parks police!

in the early days of my taxi-driving career I

such as that I am just following the signs. Or

Most of us don’t go into Battersea Park very

have often said to myself that if you don’t

if I get asked whether I can make Kings X by

often unless it’s for a break or to service one

like this job then go and find one you do

8.30 and its not looking good, I will ask the

of the events that take place there, especially

like. You usually forget the moans - but not

punter what time the following train is. But

at Christmas time. And then you may well

always. But of all the things we have to put

sometimes someone who simply hasn’t a

have bumped into one of the Wandsworth

up with, the following two would go into

clue, questions you and his or her alternative

Parks police officers at an event directing

my Room 101…

leaves you staring into the rear view mirror.

traffic or sorting out drunks. A very friendly

Firstly, feeling good and fresh I picked up

Here’s a good example…

lot they were, but as of 1st April, the whole

a fella who coughed, sneezed and wheezed

I picked up a lady in Kingsland Road who

section is being disbanded and sadly

and then coughed again all the way from

wanted to go to New Street Square. No

Wandsworth Parks police will be no more.

Wandsworth to Pall Mall. I began feeling

problem; off I went along Old Street, turn-

The axe has fallen on them as part of

sick after about 10 minutes, but I was too

ing left into Goswell Road then making a

Wandsworth Council`s cutbacks and speak-

English and polite to ask him to open his

right into Long Lane. From there it was

ing personally, I think that cutting frontline

windows. Instead I opened the front ones,

straight through West Smithfield and left

services - not to mention slaughtering the

which makes things worse as all the germs

into Farringdon Road. As we passed

come from the back to the front via yours

Stonecutter Street there was a tap on the

Westminster TaxiCard - is part of a Tory

truly’s nostrils.

window and the passenger called out to ask

agenda, even though David Cameron says

otherwise.

Well, what can you do? I haven’t tried

why I hadn’t turned right there?

A sad day, but well done to all the police

holding my breath for half an hour or more

Speechless, I looked around. Was she seri-

since I was a bored teenager during the

ous? It’s one way from the other way, com-

officers at Wandsworth Parks for a sterling

summer holidays with the result that for the

plete with no entry signs! So I just said

job done under difficult circumstances and

following 10 days I struggled into work,

nothing, continuing to turn right into Fleet

good luck at finding future employment…

careful not to pass on my illness even

Street and then Fetter Lane etc. As I

though I could hardly breathe because of

dropped the lady off, I heard the words “you

Richard Potter (T51)

Call Sign April 2012

Page 14

Allen Togwell’s Marketing Place

Waldorf Hilton for £12,998 that will include entry

First aid?

to four Olympic events to which Thomas Cook

Are cyclists really that dim or have they got a

say that they have been ‘inundated’ with bookings

death wish? I encountered three incidents on the

since launching the package. Proof it seems that

same morning recently, the first when I was dri-

nobody is forcing people to pay these prices.

ving through Greenwich Park; it was pitch dark

Why then I wonder are there so many in the

and raining heavily when a cyclist suddenly

cab trade against increasing taxi fares. The

appeared in front of me that I must have missed

Olympics is a once in a lifetime event and for

colliding with by inches. The idiot was dressed

many, especially the self-employed, it’s a golden

completely in black, the bike was black plus it had

opportunity to recoup some of the income lost in

no lights or reflectors. Absolutely madness and

the aftermath of the greatest recession of the last

people wonder why cyclists get injured.

75 years. As a point of interest I know of people

The second incident was in Three Colts Lane, a

who go to Newcastle each year for the Great

cyclist took the corner too sharp, toppled over

North Run and they always expect to pay consid-

and I narrowly missed running over his bike. Then

erably more for their hotel than normal and they

just 15 minutes later as I was driving up Pitfield

do so willingly. Last year I took my grandson to

Street - which is one-way except for cyclists - I

London 2012 and a

watch an Arsenal game at the Emirates. It’s a ter-

came across a female lying in the road having

fares increase?

rific stadium and the tickets cost a fortune. But as

come off her bike. Exactly how long she had been

As you receive this copy of Call Sign, it will be

it was a ‘one off’ special occasion I was happy to

lying there I don’t know, but what surprised me

less than four months to the start of the 2012

pay the price, including £7 for a Hot Dog and

was the amount of cyclists coming in the oppo-

Olympic Games on 27 July until 9 September. No

Coke. I shouldn’t think for one moment there will

site direction down the bike lane, all looking at

doubt some of you will be following the advice of

be many visitors coming to London for the 2012

the fallen woman, yet not one of these selfish

the organisers and taking a six week sabbatical at

Olympics on a low budget. To do so really would

lycra louts having the decency to stop and offer

your regular bolt hole in Miami, the Caribbean,

be naïve. I envisage many tourists on their first

assistance. This says it all about the mentality of

Seychelles, Butlins or wherever and leave the rest

visit to London are going to be looking forward to

these pedal pushers. I parked to check if she was

of your colleagues to scratch a living on streets

riding on a London bus and especially riding in a

OK, but as I was putting on my raincoat she got

heaving at the seams with traffic and tourists vis-

London taxi, whatever the cost. Many of you

back on her bike and rode away. I mention the

iting London for the Olympics.

would have seen in the press the news that DLR

above because since the advent of Boris’s Bikes

It is forecast that the 2012 London Olympics is

staff are to receive a £2500 bonus just for turning

and cycling in London being on the increase,

expected to generate £12bn in revenue for the

up to work as normal during the Olympics. In fact

there has naturally been a considerable increase

British economy, of which £2.1bn is to come from

this isn’t far different to the taxi surcharge for

in accidents involving cyclists. Many of you, I

tourists. All very nice for those who’ve got their

working Christmas and New Year, a period when

would guess, have witnessed cycling accidents

greedy sticky fingers in that £12bn pie, but not

many of you work anyway. Is that morally wrong?

and possibly in some instances been directly

much I would guess is going to those in the cab

If not, then why not a surcharge during the

involved. This being so, how many of you carry an

trade who intend working. If history is anything

Olympics, which if it did apply then those drivers

adequate first aid kit and how many of you are

to go by, then I can well envisage when it’s all

that adamantly oppose it would have the oppor-

able to administer first aid including CPR?

over and everything is back to normal, we will be

tunity to waive the surcharge if their professional

Much has been discussed recently about what

hearing countless stories of those in the service

ethics weighed too heavily on their conscience.

can be done to protect our client base as well as

industry hiking up their charges, including hotels

generating new business. At Board level, attempts

and private hire laughing all the way to the bank

Satnavs and memory loss

are being made where possible to make costs

while many in the cab trade will be moaning as

In the past I have mentioned my having used a

more competitive without affecting the quality of

usual about the income they could have generat-

dozen or so taxis off the street to the UCH and

our service. Dial-a-Cab is still technologically the

ed but didn’t because they felt it morally wrong to

ENT Hospital in Grays Inn Road and back to the

most advanced taxi circuit in Europe. Older cabs

up the price of taxi fares during the Olympics

office of which the vast majority of those taxis

will soon be officially taken out of service, and

games. Personally, I fail to understand what rele-

had satnavs on display, which gives a fair indica-

with newer vehicles replacing them, it will

vance morals have to self-employed cab drivers,

tion of how popular satnavs are amongst green

increase the quality of our fleet and your Sales

unless it applies to doing something unlawful.

badge drivers who were once proud of being the

department are as active as they can possibly be

As I write this piece, I have just read an article

most knowledgeable (geographically) cab drivers

in a very difficult market place.

in a Sunday national with a strap line saying ‘Hotel

in the world. When asked why they had a need to

As regards you the members, we rely on you to

prices soar by 300% for Games’. In the article,

use a satnav particularly for a local destination

cover as much work as possible, efficiently and

research undertaken by shadow Olympics secre-

such as East Road, the answer was: Why not? It

without delay. Poor service is the worst reason to

tary, Tessa Jowell, reveals that on average prices

makes life easy. Why stretch your brain

lose a client because once gone it’s usually gone

will rise by 315% during the Games compared

when a satnav will do it for you. Well a recent

forever. Arriving promptly in a clean cab is essen-

with now. Tessa Jowell specifically names hotels

survey has just been published that claims too

tial. Arriving promptly looking smart, courteous

whose charges in December 2011 were £124 for

much use of satnavs can result in memory loss.

and helpful leaves a lasting impression. And even

a double room, but on the night of August 3 when

This is supported by facts already established that

more so in my opinion, if for example our mem-

the games have begun will increase to £584.

people who don’t use their brain regularly, for

bers were equipped with basic first aid and resus-

Another example is a room normally

£150

example to do crosswords, Sudoku, read or play

citation skills. Apart from raising your image, it

increasing even further to £830. Exactly why Ms

chess etc are more likely to suffer dementia than

would appeal enormously to the general public

Jowell is wasting time researching the obvious I

those that do. So my advice, for what it’s worth is

and particularly the business sector, especially in

don’t know, because as one Hotelier who admits

this: If you have a satnav, resist using it unless it’s

the UK which has one of the worst heart attack

to charging £1,100 for a room that normally goes

absolutely necessary. You did the Knowledge so

rates in the world. Our older members might

£250, said when criticised about the increase:

it’s all in your head somewhere. So force yourself

laugh, but the cab trade has changed considerably

‘Don’t be so naïve, London is being no different to

to use it or lose it, together with everything else

since the cloth cap and muffler era. Today’s cab

other Olympic cities’ And to support that view,

in your brain…

drivers are younger, conscientious and are well

Thomas Cook, a long established reputable com-

aware that skills in addition to the Knowledge are

pany, is apparently using the Olympic occasion to

Allen Togwell

desperately needed if they are to compete suc-

cessfully with PH.

offer a three night package for two people to the

DaC Marketing

Call Sign April 2012

Page 15

This issue of Call Sign contains an extremely

Welcome to Cabbies Mate - built specially for taxi drivers!

informative article from Dial-a-Cab IT Director

John Bankes about the new terminals that will

be fitted into DaC taxis within a few months.

WHAT DAC DRIVERS HAVE

But the article doesn’t talk too much about the

fully integrated Knowledge Master Cabbie’s

ON THEIR NEW TERMINALS

Mate system that will come with the new ter-

minal. So Call Sign asked Knowledge Master’s

Cotton line drawn

Sales and Marketing Manager Lindsay Todd for

from start point to

a rundown on what DaC drivers can expect -

destination.

in addition to a hopeful large amount of work.

Extended Greater

But what there is not, is a large TV set in the

London search data-

back!

base.

Lindsay told us: “Firstly, let me say that

Search on Address,

Knowledge Master UK Ltd are proud and

Post Code or Point of

delighted to have been chosen by Dial-a-Cab to

Interest.

provide Cabbie’s Mate’ A-Z Maps and

Automatic route

Navigation Software for inclusion in the new

planning in

terminals soon to be fitted to your fleet.

Navigation when

destination selected

DaC drivers will benefit from the follow-

in A-Z.

ing features:-

Favourite destina-

A-Z+ Cabbie’s Mate Mapping GPS enabled,

tion storing facility.

which includes:

History of previous

Central London Super Scale Map

destinations.

Greater London Map at Street Level

Named roads in

Extended Arterial Road Greater London Map

voice direction.

Great Britain Road Atlas

Database of almost

Search on Street Name, Post Code or Point

500,000 UK points of interest.

London maps contain 24,000+ specially

of Interest.

Speed and Traffic Light camera warnings.

selected points of interest.

LINKED DIRECTLY TO AND CAN BE

All maps can be ‘toggled’ at press of button.

Go to the website at www.navigationmaster.com

‘TOGGLED’ BETWEEN…

All maps can be zoomed in and out four

for full user instructions on our software. A video

Knowledge Master UK Ltd specially creat-

levels at touch of a button.

demonstration is also available there.

ed United Kingdom Navigation System

All maps can be scrolled.

The Knowledge Master UK Ltd team are confi-

which has:-

Speed and Traffic Light Camera warnings.

dent that DaC drivers will enjoy using and receive

Automatic navigation to pick-up location

‘Cotton line’ drawn between location and

a great benefit from the installation of our soft-

and destination location through DaC

selected destination.

ware in your terminals.”

despatch system.

Trace facility on route being driven.

Call Sign April 2012

Page 16

Online magazine London Loves Business

recently conducted a fascinating interview

with Addison Lee boss John Griffin.

He turns out to be anti-Olympics, explaining

AL boss slags

that he doesn’t consider the Games as a serious

business opportunity and is determined to

remain faithful to his regular customers. He

says it would be foolish to sacrifice the good-

will he has built up for over 30 years with his

customers for “two petty weeks.” Mr Griffin

off real taxis!

also said that suggestions he has a contract

allowing AL cars into the Games ORN lanes are

rubbish and that they declined an invitation to

ver Imran Raja who apparently wouldn’t even

tender.

have stopped had not his four passengers

He also confirmed a £50,000 donation to the

screamed at him that he had just run over a

Conservative party in 2009/10 but failed to

pedestrian - even though they all felt the bump

mention a £25,000 donation said to have been

as Raja drove over 58-year old homeless man,

given towards the election funds of Boris

Robin Scott - who had splashed some drink

Johnson during the last Mayoral elections. He

over the minicab before also banging on the

describes Ken Livingstone as being left of left

windscreen. Raja was then said to have

of left, calling him dangerous, too radical and

knocked Mr Scott over and driven over his

not good for London. But his love affair with

body. He told the court at the Old Bailey that he

Boris isn’t as red-hot as it was last time, with

had been unaware of hitting anyone and that

Griffin’s claim that the Mayor is quite visible by

he wouldn’t have known had his passengers

his absence around him! Perhaps he doesn’t

not screamed. Raja was found guilty of

need the money this time round, although

manslaughter and jailed for three years and

someone does as AL have just taken a £12M

nine months. The court accepted that he did

Barclays loan.

not intend to cause serious harm and perhaps

He is also against the suggestion that electric

AL would claim that the person Raja ran over

cars are the way forward, describing them to

John Griffin claims no Addison Lee dri-

didn’t count as a passenger?

London Loves Business as the biggest nonsense

ver has ever been charged with any

His driver turnover is astronomical, so it is

ever! He queried where the power was, adding

offence

doubtful that we would ever know the truth

that the UK was buying electricity from France,

about his statement of 100% driver innocence.

had no fossil fuels and the analogy that we

according to her, he raped her in the back of

But rumours of flying pigs still abound.

could rely on windmills “was a complete farce.”

the taxi. How could he possibly have kept his

Having said all that, it’s hard not to show

But of course he couldn’t resist having a dig

foot on the brake while getting out? The driver

some admiration for a minicab driver who

at the industry he obviously admires far more

always swore that there was no rape and that it

started with just the one car in 1975 and who

than his own business - licensed taxis. His

was consensual. According to taxi editor of the

now claims to have a fleet of 4,000 who give

decision to make all his vehicles black says it

time, Al Fresco, who studied the case, the girl’s

him a 2011 turnover of aprox £200million. That

all.

evidence just didn’t add up. However, Mr

has all come with no educational qualifications

Once again he compared his prices to those

Welton was still found guilty. When almost at

and without having taken a single exam in his

of the taxi industry and stuck to his assertion

the end of his prison sentence, Frank Welton

life. We don’t have to like him, but we cannot

that AL were 30% cheaper. He says we com-

hung himself.

deny his business acumen even if he doesn’t

plained to the Office of Fair Trading about

So yes, in 350 years we have had a handful of

seem to know what 100% actually means!

Addison Lee’s claim, but lost the case and

offences committed by taxi drivers, but to

according to him, shot ourselves in the foot. He

claim that Addison Lee drivers have never been

Alan Fisher

claims that taxi clocks “almost double as soon

found guilty of any offence with any passenger?

as you go more than six miles and they can’t

Call Sign calls that claim bunkum! We do not

match up to our impeccably dressed driver

keep records of any offences committed by

wearing a collar and tie and opening the door

their drivers because nothing they do particu-

for you.” Of course we all know - as do many

larly surprises us. With a tiny ad in a national

SAVINGS!

clients

- that although they are obviously

newspaper we could probably find at least

cheaper on some longer trips, the reverse is the

1000 passengers who would complain that

★ KITCHENS

case on shorter ones and that added together,

their AL driver got lost because he couldn’t

his 30% suggestion is obviously incorrect. And

understand English well enough. I don’t think

& APPLIANCES

of course, his drivers undoubtedly dress

you’d ever find that with a licensed taxi driver.

★ BEDROOMS

smarter than ours… if only they knew the way

But AL could rightly claim that getting lost hard-

★ WORKTOPS

and all spoke English, they’d be reasonable!

ly compares with rape and they would, of

But he saves his biggest anti-taxi remark to

course, be right in that. So Call Sign went back

★ DOOR & DRAW REPLACMENTS

the end. He says: “No Addison Lee driver

to see if we could find anything that would

★ PLANTATION SHUTTERS

has been found guilty of any offence with

contradict John Griffin’s submission of his dri-

★ ALL TYPES OF BLINDS

any passenger ever. Can the black taxis

ver’s 100% innocence.

★ AWNINGS

declare the same?”

We could write about our February 2010

Well, we cannot deny history and the indis-

issue when one of their drivers tried to run

You are welcome to visit

putable fact that in 2009, John Warboys was

over DaC driver Marc Turner (R97) at the

our showroom at:

found guilty of assaulting 12 women, drugging

Holiday Inn Forum Hotel in South Kensington

19 and raping one during an 18-month reign of

after Marc got out of his taxi and asked the AL

Unit 8 Tripes Farm,

terror. In fact, if you went back another 20+

driver to pull off the rank. His response was to

Chelsfield Lane,

years then another licensed taxi driver, Frank

try to run Marc over.

Orpington, Kent BR6 7RS

Welton, was found guilty of raping his passen-

Could there be some form of pattern Mr

Instant Kitchen and

ger. That occasion was said to have taken place

Griffin, because we only have to go back two

Bedroom & Blinds UK

in Earls Court with a Spanish female student

months to our February 2012 issue. The head-

who claimed the driver kept his foot on the

line shouted out: Addy Lee driver guilty of

Call Ian (R50) on 01689 897111…

brake so that she couldn’t leave the cab. Yet

manslaughter followed by the story of AL dri-

Call Sign April 2012

Page 17

Up until September 2006, Call Sign had been

sponsoring the Dial-a-Cab Call Centre's blonde

Bombshell, Donna Merry and her Mirkou

A BUD FOR LEE

MK30 shotgun as she battled into the European

and World skeet shooting championships.

When she left, we transferred our sponsorship

over to DaC driver and Wembley FC goalkeep-

AND WEMBLEY

er, Lee Pearce (J71). In return, Wembley became

DaC Wembley with the Society's name embla-

zoned on the team's shirts as well as being on

commitment to grassroots football, champi-

banners around the ground. Chairman Brian

oning clubs at all levels and bringing the

Rice provided the team with our fleece tops so

romance and heritage of the tournament closer

that even in training, the DaC name was on

to the fans.

show!

Budweiser say they will be working closely

Our sponsorship paid up in trumps the fol-

with Wembley FC to bring forward infrastruc-

lowing season when DaC Wembley were

ture improvements to enhance the club and

selected by the BBC's Football Focus and

player facilities. They will include the imple-

Match of the Day to be the team they would

mentation of a new responsible drinking pro-

follow in the FA Cup of that season - the idea

gramme as well as promotion of the club in the

being that once Wembley were

wider Wembley community.

knocked out, they would cont

Jason Warner, Global VP Budweiser, told Call

ue to follow the team that be

Sign: “We believe that the best way to champi-

them until eventually the

2006: Lee holds the

on the FA Cup is to celebrate its uniqueness

reached the Final. Former Spur

FA Cup as Call Sign

from the grassroots up. Wembley FC has an

legend Garth Crooks and a BBC

ponsors Wembley.

incredible heritage and story to tell. We look

team turned up at Wembley

and Football Focus did a piece

ow it’s Budweiser

forward to helping fulfil their dreams.”

Budweiser's continued support of local

on the team, including posin

teams in the FA Cup follows on from last year's

with the cup itself. The DaC ba

success with the first-ever live streaming of a

eral appearances as they showed the team

Wembley had made some much-needed funds

sporting event on Facebook, which saw over

training. Then came the match against Thame

while DaC got tons of publicity.

30,000 people worldwide view the extra-pre-

United, who were in the league above

Call Sign still follows Lee Pearce and after

liminary round match between Wembley FC

Wembley and clear favourites to move onto the

moving around to several different clubs, the

and Ascot United.

next round. But DaC Wembley was buzzing and

goalkeeper is once again back between the

Lee Pearce added: “This news is brilliant for a

as the cameras rolled, Jumo Mitchell, Steve

sticks at Wembley.

small team like Wembley. It gives us the encour-

Augustine and Paul Shelton each scored a goal

And now a new sponsor for the team has

agement to want to succeed - and I really think

to take the team through. In the next round, the

been announced - no less than FA Cup lead

we will!”

Beeb were joined by Sky TV - again with DaC

sponsor, Budweiser. The iconic global beer

For more information on the FA Cup with

banners on show. They failed to beat Redbridge

brand will now sponsor Wembley FC. The deal

Budweiser

visit

www.Facebook.com/

and the adventure ended, but not before

forms part of Budweiser's long-term FA Cup

BudweiserUK.

Areti triumph in first pro bout!

Last month's Call Sign told of Dial-a-Cab driver Alex Wilkey (W83), who in addition to driving a taxi,

is also a licensed boxing trainer. The story wrote of Alex' latest acquisition, female boxer Areti

Mastrodouka who left her native Greece to come to London where female boxers are licensed.

Alex has now led Areti to victory in her professional debut fight against experienced opponent Kristine

Shergold at Bethnal Green's York Hall on 4 March.

The knowledgeable York Hall crowd took to their seats for the super-featherweight female match-up,

which was to be the first fight of the afternoon. Areti - who recently joined the TKO Gym in Canning

Town to team up with trainer Alex Wilkey and manager Johnny Eames looked calm and confident

before the bout and walking to the ring showed no evident signs of nerves before her first appearance

in the professional ranks. But Areti, nicknamed The Master, looked like an established pro throughout

the fight as she outscored Shergold over the scheduled 6 rounds on an afternoon featuring eight bouts.

But it was still a tough test for Mastrodouka against the 31-year-old Shergold, an oppo-

nent with 9 pro fights behind her. Residing from Exeter, Shergold came in with a 4 wins and

5 losses record to her name, having turned pro back in April 2008.

Shergold showed straightaway that she wasn't there just to make up the numbers and was not

going to give Areti an easy debut. She put immediate pressure on Areti throwing some big shots in the

first round. But once southpaw Areti settled into her rhythm, she began landing her own left hands.

The Greek contingent were making themselves heard from the upper level as Areti produced some

smart boxing in the 2nd and 3rd rounds, working off the jab and producing some eye catching com-

binations. Areti was displaying the sharper footwork of the pair and landed some good body shots in

the 4th round, yet Shergold was still a threat and had success in spells. But it was clear to see that

Areti's experience in the amateur ranks in both boxing and kickboxing was prevailing as she proved she had the capability to produce a

good performance in the professional game.

In the 5th round, The Master landed some effective straight lefts and it was becoming evident that Shergold was tiring and becoming frustrated as she tried

to hold and smother the work of her opponent. But the 6th and final round was to be the most entertaining with both fighters trading heavy blows, but with

Shergold - obviously aware she was behind on points - beginning to take risks. But Mastrodouka continued to dominate the exchanges.

It was no surprise when referee Jeff Hinds raised Areti's hand after the bout with a score of 60 - 55. Areti told Call Sign after the fight: “I'm really pleased

with the way the fight went with everything going to plan. Alex gave me good instructions and I listened to them. I fought a good fight against a good oppo-

nent. I'd also like to thank Ken at Boxfit for his great support.”

Trainer Alex Wilkey added: “I'm very happy with the way Areti boxed, she took everything on board and executed our fight plan well.”

Also winning on the bill was fellow TKO Gym fighter Eddie Corcoran, who beat experienced Duncan Cottier convincingly in a one sided bout, winning all 4

of the 3 minute rounds.

Trainer Alex Wilkey is available for private training sessions. If you are interested, you can contact him on 07944 791 360.

Call Sign April 2012

Page 18

Nash's Numbers has long been one of Call

Sign's most popular pages, but over the past

year or so our page two author Alan Nash

(A95) has been writing about the MyFav web-

Nash's Numbers and

site - one that has been actually designed by

Alan - so we asked him what it was all about.

Alan told us...

"I made a rather silly comment in 1997 when

the MyFav website

Alan Fisher took on the role of Call Sign edi-

…and how you can also win £100 each month!

tor:

"I've got a fare table; do you want to publish it?"

Not only did he say yes, but he also asked if I

could do something every month as well! Well,

165 issues later and Nash's Numbers is still going

strong and I hope that the articles have been of

some use to you. They don't cost anyone on Dial-

a-Cab a bean.

In December

2003,1 set up the Nash's

Numbers website containing all the back issues

so that you could print them off rather than tear

the magazine to bits. Many are now out of date -

after all, a 2006 fare chart is of little use in 2012!

Over the years I've come across drivers with

files of just page twos, whilst in turn I carried a

folder of useful info and bits of snippets with

me in the cab that I had picked up over a period

of time. So I thought it a good idea to put this

together with old Call Sign issues into a docu-

ment that all DaC drivers could share. It took

me ages to think up the name of the Useful

Information Document - or the UID as I call

it. I didn't really want it to be too easily available

to private hire, so to keep it at least semi-secure

from PH eyes, you needed to register to go onto

www.myfav.co.uk (a global TLD comparable to

gets, search engine, retailer search

bar, clock

the mailing list.

.com).

face, set the start up your favourite icon grid- and

Necessity is the mother of invention (Plato

So what's it all about? Well, I put the UID and

this is very important - because your preferences

427 BC - 347 BC) and in an internet cafe whilst

other useful taxi related websites as icons on a

are stored online, every time you log on from

on holiday I accessed a number of different

Locked MyFav page. Again, to keep prying PH

any internet connected computer in the world,

websites and thought how useful it would be if

eyes from the UID is the reason that you need to

your personalised MyFav page will appear.

I could just call up a single site with all the sites

A few of you have also realised that you can

I needed. Hence in

2007 I registered

has been designed to be used as a launch pad to

win a £100 monthly prize just for recommend-

www.myfav.co.uk to be my launch pad to the

the rest of the internet by everyone and not just

ing the site. This is in order to expand the num-

rest of the internet. Initially it was just for my

for the taxi trade. All new pages are launched

ber of users, but sadly no recommendees have

personal use, but hey, wouldn't it be a great

from MyFav and the MyFav page is always there

yet registered and therefore the monthly prize

launch pad for everyone, thought I? My initial

for launching a new site. Some browsers launch

has yet to be won. All you need do is just regis-

list of requirements were for a search bar, icons

new full size pages, others create new tabs. The

ter using the word taxi as the unlock code. You

of the most used general sites and files of my

basic MyFav page is useful, but to get the most

will be emailed a temporary password, log in,

personal favourites (bookmarks). MyFav was

from it you need to register. It's free, secure, your

personalise, recommend and not only will you

picked as a short name (shorter than Google,

details are not passed to any third parties and

have an extensive and powerful launch area to

Facebook and Twitter etc). Obviously it was an

you will only get an occasional email from me

quickly launch any website, but you could be

abbreviation for My Favourite bookmarks,

with information on MyFav updates. Once regis-

richer by £100 - and on a monthly basis! And

homepage, iconic most generally used sites etc.

tered, you can create your own personal

that's not too bad value for nothing!"

And now it's available with the even shorter

favourite bookmarks, create notes, set the gad-

LONDON TAXI COMPANY GENUINE PARTS

The professional driver’s choice…

The Euro 5 version of the TX4 is now available for purchase across the UK

and testing that correct spec or ‘genuine’ branded parts have been

and The London Taxi Company is taking the opportunity to reiterate the

through. This could result in incorrect tolerances, poor fitment, cor-

importance to the taxi trade of using quality parts when it comes to main-

rosion implications and even safety concerns. Braking components

taining your vehicle and to reinforce the potential dangers of using low

are a specific example where stopping distances / collision avoid-

grade or non-specification parts.

ance could be adversely affected by the use of non-specification

The London Taxi Company supplies genuine parts for all TX models to its

parts. Use of non-compliant parts also affects warranty claims.

UK network of more than 60 Approved Service Dealers, as well as direct to

“We strongly recommend drivers ensure their chosen garage uses

the group’s six main retail outlets in London, Coventry, Manchester, Leeds,

only the correct quality of oil, parts and diagnostic equipment on

Edinburgh and Glasgow. Parts Sales & Marketing Manager, Jamie

their vehicle. It’s an investment not just in the product, but also in

MacMasters-Green, told Call Sign:

the longevity and durability of their business.”

“We’re passionate about the importance of using the right specifi-

To find your nearest London Taxi Company Approved Service Dealer and

cation parts for a reason. Lower spec parts produced by alternative

guarantee access to genuine parts, oils and lubricants, visit www.london-

suppliers are unlikely to have been through the rigorous checking

taxis.co.uk and click on the Servicing tab for more information.

Call Sign April 2012

Page 19

London Taxi and Private Hire has confirmed

that from next year a number of substantial

LTPH records computerised

improvements will be made to the licensing

process for taxi and private hire vehicles, dri-

ability and desire to provide our customers

vers and operators. All records will be com-

with the quality of service they

puterised and a simple online account system

deserve. Following a very thorough and com-

will be set up so users can keep track of their

prehensive procurement exercise, I am delight-

applications or book vehicle inspections.

ed to announce the great many improvements

A contract to run the new system has been

that will be delivered to our customers through

awarded to NSL. As well as providing the taxi

this new contract. The delivery of the end to

and private hire vehicle licensing and inspec-

end IT system through this contract will enable

tion service, NSL will also be responsible for

us to significantly improve the quality of ser-

the provision of an end to end IT system, which

vice we provide. Throughout this process, we

will be used by TfL staff for all other licensing

have actively engaged with the taxi and private

and compliance activities.

hire trades and the unions.We will continue to

Some of the improvements include the com-

engage with them, particularly with regards to

puterisation of all driver and vehicle records,

the location of new inspection centres.”

new and existing drivers and operators being

It is anticipated that the new vehicle licens-

able to apply and renew online through a sim-

ing and inspections service, as well as the new

ple and easy to use account system that will

Helen Chapman

system, will be up and running by early 2013.

also enable them to track progress of their

TfL will continue to hold decision making pow-

application at any time and a simple on-line

ers on all licensing applications as well as be

booking for vehicle inspections.

said: “We have made no secret of how the lack

the key contact for all trade engagement and

Helen Chapman, Deputy Director of LTPH

of good quality IT systems have hindered our

issue resolution.

Call Sign Comment

Are NSL safe to run LTPH IT system?

London Taxi and Private Hire have announced that a contract to run their new IT system has been awarded to NSL. This includes providing a

taxi and private hire vehicle licensing and inspection service in addition to the computerisation of all driver and vehicle records. Undoubtedly this

is something that has long needed doing and Call Sign is delighted that LTPH has finally arrived in the 21st century.

However, NSL were the company revealed in last month’s Call Sign as also running the Parking Enforcement wardens service for

Westminster Council and who recently lost in London’s High Court when Judge Burns found in favour of former Parking

Attendant Hakim Berkani. Mr Berkani claimed he was sacked from his job as a warden for not issuing at least 10 PCNs a day -

which he claimed was NSL policy.

The company denied the claim but had to pay Mr Berkani the sum of £20,000 after Judge Burns believed the former warden rather than

NSL.

This case doesn’t bode well so far as trust is concerned, because any traffic enforcement organisation that is found guilty of

insisting wardens issue a minimum number of tickets regardless of whether they see any infringements or not, does not endear

itself to this magazine.

No doubt the trade will now be watching NSL very closely, because trust is something earned and NSL are starting with a minus score. If it

were up to us, NSL would not be a company we would feel happy with having access to taxi driver’s records…

Alan Fisher

Visiting Gordon Poluck...

Several drivers enquired about former Dial-a-Cab driver and Board member Gordon Poluck (ex-R 34) following mention in last month’s Call Sign.

Many also remember Gordon from having attended a social function where he was the red-jacketed Master of Ceremonies, a role for which he was

well known and respected. He also served for many years as a councillor for the borough of Croydon.

Gordon is now in a Jewish Care residential home and when we recently spoke to his wife Shirley, she told us that he would be delighted to see any of

his Dial-a-Cab friends.

Gordon is at Rubens House, 184 Ballards Lane, Finchley N3 2NB Tel: 0208 349 9879…

Call Sign April 2012

Page 20

DaC driver Mike Pollington says yellow badges aren’t the problem…

WHY ARE WE WASTING

TIME WITH ID STICKERS?

countries down to the lowest common denomi-

for it? Wake up! In recent years politicians, Lords

nator and then slowly strip away level by

of the realm, journalists and police officers have

level until a mass of struggling workers sweat for

been sent to prison and you want more legisla-

a small group of unelected elites.

tion for cab drivers.

Whenever trades and organisations are

So back to the CRB checks. It was announced

grouped under the same heading, that is always

that the organisation carrying out the CRB

the intention. Try getting anything done by

checks thought it no longer necessary to include

your MEP. I have over the emissions; he wasn’t

taxi and private hire drivers (see, they put us

interested and palmed me off. When I threat-

together again) in their checks. However, the arti-

ened a complaint, a more senior official sent

I have to disagree with Alan Nash (A95) in his

cle also stated that Boris lobbied Minister Lynne

me a letter saying how hard he had worked for

February Call Sign letter regarding the ID

Featherstone to ensure that we continued to be

me. No he hadn’t. When I emailed twice more

stickers. What’s so great about the green stick-

caught in the net. Maybe he would like to explain

he just ignored me. Think about your future and

ers we are now forced to display?

remember the old saying: “Be careful what you

why? Private hire, yes. When a person can turn

I noticed how many misguided drivers

wish for, you might just get it!” Small organisa-

up at our borders and show a piece of paper that

jumped the gun and displayed what they obvi-

tions and local councils are accountable, that’s

says I’m a good person and can drive, that does-

ously believed to be a Medal of Honour on

why everything is now big.

n’t give them the right to masquerade as a taxi

their taxis way ahead of the 1 March start date.

Do cab drivers really believe that a few subur-

I also noticed that a website appeared

driver. We are different. We have been vetted and

whereby a member of the public could tap in

ban drivers slipping into town were the big

processed back to our birth and should be treat-

your badge number and reveal your name,

threat to this trade? I’m not suggesting that it’s

ed as such. Amongst other lobbyists to ask for our

which could then easily reveal your address via

right, but it could have been stopped by those

inclusion was the Suzy Lamplugh Trust. I under-

other means. Mayor Boris promised to close it

being caught incurring stringent penalties such

stand that, but organisations must learn to distin-

down, but for how long? Once one of these

as a long suspension of their licenses.

guish between who may be and those who

websites has been set up, they usually reappear

This ID scheme has been a Godsend to the

in a similar format. Even if it didn’t, hackers

won’t be threats, you cannot go through life

control freaks that now run our country. We

have got into the Pentagon’s website, so don’t

thinking everyone is a threat - that diminishes all

now have cctv photographing every individual

think for a second that they can’t get into TfL’s

our lives. But the surprising admission was that

that goes out to work - probably at least 300

website revealing who you are and where you

the taxi trade also lobbied for it to be kept. Who

times a day - and there is no evidence to sup-

port that more police on the beat wouldn’t do

live. Even John Mason admitted it was antiquat-

on earth could that be I wondered, so I rang the

ed.

a better job. In fact Big Brother Watch has cost-

LTDA to see if they could shed some light on it.

Have you ever had an argument with some-

ed the cctv implementation as equivalent to

Not being a member, I was reluctantly put

one you know could be trouble? Would you

having 4,000 more police officers on the beat.

through to Chairman John Thomas. I’m sure he

want them knocking on your door one day or

But that would mean more jobs and a stronger

has many friends, but his aggressive manner to

night when you’re not at home - but your wife

economy - the last thing our real masters, the

me made it clear I wasn’t one of them. I asked the

is? It could also be ideal for burglars; they can

EU, want for us.

take note of your badge number while you’re

question of which trade organisation would have

We also have the three yearly ridiculous

out working, knowing you were not at home so

wanted to keep the CRB check and the only

Criminal Records Bureau check for taxi drivers,

that they could “pop round” to see if anyone’s

words I got from him were that he didn’t have to

which should have no place in this trade. I’ll

in! They already know you aren’t! It is a dan-

speak to me and that he only had to speak to his

come to that later. But back to the stickers…

gerous violation of our lives and because of this

members. I asked again and received the same

If you want to know the real threat to this

unnecessary new legislation, TfL cannot now

trade, then it’s two-fold - private hire and TfL

reply, to which I told him I thought he had a bel-

guarantee your protection or the protection of

itself. Why do you think we have been herded

ligerent attitude. He just said he didn’t have to

your family. Boris needs to answer why such a

in with PH in a transport unit referred to as

speak to me, he represent his members. Just in

website was up and running in the first place?

London Taxi and Private Hire? We are closer

case I hadn’t understood that he didn’t want to

It also means that a programme was written to

together already and as time goes by we will be

get it up and running. Why? What happens if

speak to me, the phone was put down. I now see

lost as it moulds into one. Yes, suburban drivers

there is a leak or a loss of a file containing all our

in his latest statement that he speaks to people

have been a nuisance, but never a real threat.

names and addresses linked to the badge num-

who don’t give their name, that must be where I

I hear RMT leader Bob Crowe may be chal-

bers now staring up to seven million people in

went wrong. I gave mine!

the face. The only person allowed to see your

So what was the organisation representing you

lenging the legality of these stickers and he

badge number should be the passenger in the

and I that lobbied for the CRB check to be kept,

should be commended for that. Reading John

back of your cab.

or did Boris add it for more effect because he was

Mason’s reply to Alan Nash in Call Sign, he states:

Having done the Knowledge, what do we

given a nod and a wink from someone in the

“The stickers will assist the police and our com-

have to prove to anyone? Does the passenger

trade that it was the feeling of the drivers. Hands

pliance officers with enforcement.” I’d rather he

show you an ID card before they get in to

up please. Please don’t anyone reply that if

tackled the touts and the illegal touting by PH dri-

prove they’re ok? No, nor would you want to go

you’ve got nothing to hide then you have noth-

vers with more alacrity. He then goes on to use

down that route. Look around you; 99 percent

ing to fear. I’ll be looking for a rope and a nearby

TfL speak to defend the licence cost that used to

of people you meet are decent people, do we

tree! If those that carry out the CRB checks think

be done by the old Met police for nothing. John

need all this continual harassment and security

it unnecessary to include the taxi trade and it has

Mason, no doubt, is sincere in believing that he is

checks to prove our worthiness to be alive?

never been thought necessary before in our 400

Divide and Rule, the tried and tested formula

year history, why the hell are we and what right

doing a good job with the limited resources he

to turn people’s heads at others has a new part-

does any trade organisation have to make deci-

has, but it’s the old Russian doll scenario. As you

ner - group together those that don’t match.

sions - if one did and without consulting or

take the outside cover off, there’s another under-

Anything to make you take your eye off the ball

informing all drivers of their intentions?

neath and those on the outside are never aware of

and not see the bigger picture - which is to

I emailed Minister Lynne Featherstone to ask

what the next layer knows. As you get to the cen-

make people happy to have more legislation

which trade organisation lobbied her without

tre of the doll, I have no doubt the real power

that will slowly remove more of our civil liber-

asking the trade and as yet have received no

knows that TfL plans for this trade are to be

ties.

reply. If I get one I will let Call Sign know.

reduced to the lowest common denominator, just

So how easy has this nonsense been to impose

as the aim of the European Union is to bring all

on the trade when drivers themselves have asked

Michael Pollington (K17)

Call Sign April 2012

Page 21

One of the less tasteful aspects of the recently

My green badge identifier

introduced Green or Yellow Badge Identifiers

has been that they seem to have become a tar-

get for those folk of a somewhat less than hon-

est nature!

AND THERE IT WAS …GONE!

There have been reports both in the trade

press in addition to Dial-a-Cab fleet messages

someone suggested to Call Sign, a ‘post-it note

flashed up on terminals with increasing regu-

sticker attached to the cab dash as a reminder

larity, of ID thefts from cabs displaying Green

should jog the memory and help assure the

Badge identifiers. Strangely, no one seems to be

extended life cycle of an otherwise thin piece

going for the yellow ones!

of card! You can always encapsulate each iden-

Here in the Call Sign office, we can only

tifier in plastic for added protection from

speculate as to the reason for these thefts. After

scratches and scrapes as they are inserted or

all, they are only made from card, so it’s not like

removed from their outer sleeve on a regular

the actual cab licence plate. But one thing is for

basis!

sure; it leaves a mess of broken glass after the

That could help you as you explain to LTPH:

event, the grief of getting the front or rear

“And there it was…gone!”

windshield replaced and of course the loss of

time and money involved. That far outweighs

minutes - unless you’re in a secure area.

Dennis Latchett

the simple act of removing the IDs whenever

True, it’s easy to forget about them when

the cab is left unattended - even for just a few

other things are on your mind, so perhaps as

Calling DaC dads with single daughters!

Once again Dial-a-Cab has been asked to help turn our drivers into TV stars - but this time their

daughters will become “stars” too!

A brand new TV show for E4 is in the early stages of casting and IWC Media are looking for fun, out-

going and interesting characters to star in it. At present they are looking for fathers with single daugh-

ters (who must be over the age of 18).

This will be a fun and exciting new dating show where Dad helps his daughter to find love. The produc-

ers are looking for a range of characters to appear on the show and after seeing Call Sign, they

believe that there must be some great DaC taxi drivers out there that would be perfect for the show!

To find out more, email to: takepart@IWCmedia.co.uk or call 020 7013 4325. Send them your

name, age, email address, contact numbers and location.

If BARRIE SEGAL HAS HELPED YOU...

Many Dial-a-Cab drivers have been helped

by our PCN expert Barrie Segal. Although

You may not need us now, but cut us out for when you do!

he is DaC’s expert and is really employed

to assist only PCNs gained through DaC

trips, many Call Sign readers have been

LOCKHOUSE SECURITY

helped after writing in with PCN problems

and although he can’t always be of assis-

tance, he is always happy to try to help

All types of locks, opened, repaired and replaced

and has often given the advice that gets a

PCN cancelled. As a result, drivers often

10% discount on keys and locks for DaC drivers

ask if they can offer Barrie anything as a

Transponders / chipped keys

thank you.

On site key cutting services including taxis

The answer is always no, but if anyone

Locks replaced / fitted to insurance specifications (BS3621

wants to help Barrie try to raise money for

his favourite charity, the Nightingale

Burglary repairs / boarding up

Home, there is a link at www.nightin-

Additional security / security upgrades

gale.org.uk/support-us/donate.php. If

Safes opened, repaired and serviced

you would like to help Barrie raise funds

Grilles and security gates

for The Nightingale and decide to make a

donation - no matter how small - please

Specialists in UPVC doors and windows / patio doors

put the words Parking Ticket Appeal in the

Free estimates / no call out charge

message box and tick the Gift Aid

24hr service

Declaration box beneath that. This increas-

es the value of your donation as the chari-

ty can then claim a refund of tax at no

You can find us at:

cost to standard rate taxpayers.

8-10 The Arcade, Farnham Road, Harold Hill

On behalf of Barrie, thanks…

Tel: 01708 371115

Call Sign April 2012

Page 22

In the August 2010 issue of Call Sign, Dial-a-

Cab driver Terry Catherall (Y90) told how he

TERRY CYCLING TO PARIS

cycled to Brighton to raise money for the British

Heart Foundation. Well in his words, he is on the

'earhole' again when on 30 August he takes a

FOR BRITISH LEGION

slightly longer ride - this time cycling to Paris,

while raising money for a charity that has a long

tie-up to the taxi trade

- The Royal British

Legion. After WW2, the Legion helped many of

those who had fought for their country but who

then had no jobs to return to. That help involved

financial support as well as assisting them in

going onto the Knowledge.

Terry's red and black bike

- nicknamed

Poppy - was made especially for the event by

Russell Coe of Vandome Cycles.

"It will be quite an adventure for me," Terry

told Call Sign, "and a chance to pay respect to

fallen heroes with a service of remembrance at

the Calais war memorial and another at the war

memorial in Beauvais. The ride finishes on day

four at The Arc de Triomphe with a poignant

wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the

Unknown Soldier."

Terry has been in training since February in

Terry has been training for almost 4 months. Can you help him raise funds for the legion?

preparation for the event and if anyone in DaC-

land would like to help him in his fund-raising

enterprise, then even the smallest donation

quickly processed and passed onto the charity.

"I would really appreciate any support with

would help the Legion continue its good work.

Virgin Money Giving is a not-for-profit organisa-

donations," said Terry as Poppy cycled away...

Through Virgin Money Giving, you can sponsor

tion and will claim gift aid on a charity's behalf

You can donate at:

Terry and his aim to reach £1000. Donations are

where the donor is eligible for it.

www.virginmoneygiving.com/terrycatherall

Taxi drivers & Owners Legal Protection Ltd

www.taxidriverslegalprotection.co.uk

About us…

Taxi drivers Legal Protection Ltd was formed in 2009 by former LCDC Chairman Alan Fleming and DaC driver Dave

Cohen. We now operate in London and throughout the UK.

Taxi drivers Legal Protection is not a political organisation but provides vital legal representation for members.

We offer cover for all Hackney Carriage, motoring offences and representation for revocations and suspensions

of your cab driver’s licence. They could arise from health issues, malicious, spurious or unfounded complaints.

We retain a team of Legal Appointees who specialise in motoring and Hackney Carriage law.

Subscription Rate

Our subscriptions now start at just £8 a month, which are payable by Standing Order. Alternatively, subscriptions can be

paid quarterly at £24 or a one off annual payment of £96. You can also submit one cheque for £32 and two post-dated cheques dated one

month apart for the same amounts.

Joining Taxi drivers Legal Protection Ltd could not be simpler. Complete the application form on this page and send it to; TOPS, PO Box 439,

Stanmore, HA7 9EY. Alternatively, take a look at our website, www.taxidriverslegalprotection.co.uk where you will find a printable applica-

tion form and further information regarding benefits.

If you have any questions, you can contact us via our electronic online Mailing Form, which can also be located on our website. You can also

Dave Cohen (E94)

APPLICATION TO JOIN TAXI DRIVERS & OWNERS LEGAL PROTECTION LTD

Please complete this form in BLOCK CAPITALS. The annual subscription rate is £96. You can spread your payments by

sending a currently dated cheque for £32 and two post-dated cheques dated one month apart for the same amount (£32)

Make cheques payable to: TAXI DRIVERS LEGAL PROTECTION LTD. Please return the completed form to: The Secretary,

TOPS, PO Box 439, Stanmore, HA7 9EY

First name…………….…………………………………….. Surname……………………………………………………………

Address………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………

Post Code………………………………………………………….

Telephone………………………………………………………. Badge No………………………………………

Signed…………………………………….………………………………………………………………. Date………………………

Call Sign April 2012

Page 23

Another batch of views from Tom that do not necessarily reflect the views of DaC…

THE WORLD ACCORDING TO TOM WHITBREAD

Taxis v private hire

with substantial amounts of money, if you

become ill and are hospitalised, you could die

After all the years that Allen Togwell and I have

remonstrated with drivers over the standard of

because of lack of the correct care and attention

- which is criminal. The bureaucrats in charge of

their attire during working hours, it still seems

that it has fallen on deaf ears. Surely now our

these hospitals just have to say they are sorry and

will investigate and they never seem to face crim-

drivers will have realised the amount of work

lost to Addison Lee and other private hire com-

inal charges. These people should be charged

with corporate manslaughter, but we know that

panies who insists that their drivers present

themselves in a manner to which the client

will never happen because we also know that

governments run scared of PC correctness,

expects for the money they are paying for a

journey. I'm not saying all drivers dress in a way

health and safety regulations and any other mem-

ber of the bobble hatted, bearded, woolly socked

that you’d expect to see them whilst lounging

around the house before having a wash or

brigade.

We are now told that police forces in Britain

shave. I am, of course, not including our

women drivers in that sentence!

want to hand over more work to private indus-

tries, this will once again allow for more cor-

It only takes a few minutes more to put on a

ruption as we have seen over the past years

clean shirt and trousers, as opposed to a stain

within councils and government. The people

ridden pair of track suit trousers and smelly

ones. They want others to make the effort to draw

who commit these fraudulent claims or go in

trainers. That’s not to mention T-shirts I have

in more clients, but do not realise that when the

for corruption, very rarely get taken to task as

seen with a menu of the last eating establish-

client gets in their taxi, it only increases the rea-

we have seen with people like Baroness Uddin

ment they visited down the front. Do these dri-

son they want to transfer their account to a com-

who was caught fraudulently abusing her

vers not yet realise that when a client comes out

pany that supplies a clean driver and vehicle

Parliamentary second home allowance to the

of their office and views a clean shiny vehicle

every time.

tune of £125,000, but never appeared in court.

and smart driver wearing a clean shirt and tie,

After spending over

30 years as the

If those in charge of the country are never

they will be pleased. On entering a vehicle that

Complaints / Compliance officer, I must have

made to pay for their crimes, why should nor-

has been cleaned and smells accordingly, the

heard every reason for clients to complain

mal working people bother? This is when you

first thing to go through the person's mind is

about the service we give them. If we do not

find our society falling apart with more and

that they will use that company again. They also

address this situation now and continue to

more people trying to cheat the system, ie ben-

remember that on most journeys a licensed taxi

sweep it under the carpet, in a few years you

efit fraudsters.

is more expensive due to the meter still clocking

will have allowed PH to walk all over you while

As I rapidly approach the twilight years of

up a fare whilst standing in traffic. This being the

you will be going about like chickens in the

my life, I feel sorry for my children and grand-

case, the vehicle and driver should be of a better

yard searching for scraps.

children for the country and life I am leaving

standard.

Over all of the years I have been on the DaC

them as a legacy. It seems that we do not have

What taxi drivers often say is that private

Board, I have never been one to hold back on

one politician or prospective politician who

hire drivers do not know their way about. But

my comments if I deem them justified. During

has the courage to stand up and bring in radi-

with the aid of satellite navigation and quite

this time I have been ridiculed over some of

cal changes to bring this country back to a law-

often with directions offered, it eradicates the

them, but with the passing of time I have been

abiding society.

difference between a licensed taxi driver with

proved right in making them. I hope that the

the Knowledge and the private hire driver. If

majority of intelligent drivers on the circuit can

Olympics heliport?

you have not seen private hire fleets expanding

now see exactly what I am saying and start

On yet another different subject; for the money

on the roads of London and more of our pas-

addressing the problem before it is too late.

that this country is going to lose due to the

sengers getting into them, then you really do

Olympics mainly due to road closures during the

need to go to Specsavers!

Sick in the UK?

Olympics and Paralympics, why did they not

If you fall into the category of one of the bet-

Moving to a different subject; after reading past

build a heliport in the Olympic site? Then they

ter dressed drivers on our fleet, then you should

issues of Call Sign I must congratulate the dri-

could house officials outside of London near

encourage the scruffs not to destroy your work.

vers who have pushed themselves to the limit

another heliport and fly them in every morning

I know it’s hard but you should try and find a

to raise money for the different well-deserving

and out in the evening with no congestion being

way to get these drivers to smarten themselves

charities. It is a shame that the Government

caused to Londoners going about their daily

up and then perhaps you will see a slowing

sees fit to send so much money abroad when

duties. The athletes are being housed within the

down of our disappearing passengers.

there is so much that the money could do to

Olympic site, so the only reason I can see that the

As we approach summer and warmer weath-

prolong the lives of many suffering people in

officials are being put up in the centre of London

er (we hope), it is more cooling to wear a short

the UK. I can only think that the BBC (Blair,

is so they can go on one big freebie drink-up

sleeve cotton shirt than a tight clinging T-shirt or

Brown and Cameron) are to blame for their

with their pals at our expense.

polo shirt. In many newspapers you will find

spineless way of addressing problems. They

By keeping the roads free of congestion, if

lightweight, hard wearing summer trousers

never seemed to want to upset anybody in case

God forbid a terrorist did cause a bomb explo-

advertised, which are cheaper than track suit

they don’t vote for them again. So now we give

sion, then the emergency services would be able

trousers. Wearing trainers in warm weather,

money to countries that want to fight us

to move between the site and hospitals much

which make your feet sweat, will cause you

(Argentina) and because of our lack of keeping

more easily. But then maybe I am silly just look-

more problems as time progresses.

its citizens as law-abiding people, we encour-

ing for a simple solution; also I am sure Lord

Maybe the other two radio circuits were on the

age immigrant criminals from far-flung coun-

Sebastian Coe will feel like he is royalty going

right lines when they had two tiers of taxis - ones

tries.

along empty lanes in the heavily burdened roads

that were kept in an immaculate condition and

These criminals include murderers, rapists,

of London. I wonder if he will wave like royalty

ones that only got a wash when it rained! If we

paedophiles, fraudsters, pickpockets and any

as he speeds down the lanes to his luxury free

were to start this idea, I am sure clients would

other general wasters. They come through our

seat to view the Olympics.

continually ask for the clean taxis which they

borders, which are quite often unmanned, know-

I hope that during the weeks of these

were acquiring for the same fare. We’d then get

ing full well that if they get caught committing a

Olympics you can still earn a living to support

scruffy drivers screaming that they pay the same

crime there is only a slim chance that they may

your family, without them falling into hardship.

subscriptions and are entitled to compete for all

be incarcerated. With the amount of lawlessness

of the work, even though they are the ones that

in this country now, I cannot see the reason for

Tom Whitbread

are losing you your clients - they are the greedy

any persons with savings staying in the UK. Even

DaC Board member

Call Sign April 2012

Page 24

Not a Flashback column because for whatever reason - although no

prizes for guessing - it was never published! Nevertheless, we

know our readers like the occasional smile, so we’ve dug out for

2012 readers the text and photo that those in October 1993 never

got to see! And yes, we feel certain that the offer no longer

applies and that the club is ultra-respectable now…

DaC and the strip club!

ever since the mid-1960s the club has re-

offer! Drivers taking clients to the club will be

launched in a far more respectable mode -

given a card that will be stamped each time

Five trips and you get to meet Mari

although of course the girls still end up fully

they drop someone off.

Call Sign has been contacted by the Sunset

naked after performing their high class

Then, when you have five stamps, you will be

Strip club at 30 Dean Street where they are

striptease.

given free access to the club on any weekday

offering a special deal for Dial a Cab taxi dri-

As many of you know, the club are happy to

evening when not only will you be able to

vers. Older drivers will remember the original

reward drivers who take their passengers to

watch the entertainment, but Mari will do her

club from St Anne’s Court in the late 1950s, but

Sunset Strip, but now they have extended that

best to make you a part of it!

Former Dial-a-Cab driver, Bob Woodford, writes a regular column for Call Sign from his home in

Languedoc, France and his taxi somewhere in London…

CALL SIGN EN LA BELLE FRANCE

I was wondering what to do with all the vinyl records that I found up in the attic recently, when I suddenly

received an invitation to attend a gig where former Sex Pistol John Lydon was to launch 2012’s Record

Store Day with a secret basement gig in Richmond

Independent record shops across London will be selling exclusive vinyl releases by many artists going back

over 40 years. London stores taking part include Rough Trade East in Brick Lane - a place where I saw

Wilko Johnson play a gig last summer.

The launch party saw Lydon’s Public Image Limited band play an eight-song set including This is not a

love song, Rise and the new single One drop. Despite claiming to have the flu, Lydon managed to amaze

the 250 or so gathered - including music media hacks - with his almost operatic voice.

After the set, Lydon spoke about his love of vinyl and the need to prevent internet piracy and support struggling artists through

Record Store Day.

He told Call Sign in the green room afterwards: “It was a good job many of the record labels folded, they were nothing but

corrupt and no good for up and coming bands.”

He added: “It’s a very difficult position to be in now because if you have an original idea, someone on the internet will

steal it off you in a second. Somebody has to go to the effort of putting it all together. If you want free pies from the pie

and mash shop round the corner, guess what? The standard’s gonna drop! And that’s what’s happening with music."

I've decided to keep my vinyl - for a little longer anyway!

A bientot…

Bob Woodford (Ex-P49)

Saint Genies de Fontedit, Languedoc, France

Spare DaC taxis

Drivers often ask about taxi garages where Dial-

a-Cab taxis are available for use while your cab

is off the road, so if you need a DaC-fitted termi-

nal try phoning one of the following garages for

availability…

For any non-fault accidents try either:

Chief Taxis: -------------------0800 055 6221

Cab Aid: -----------------------0800 028 3253

Overhauls or accident repairs:

Cricklewood Carriers: -----

0208 452 5461

KPM: --------------------------

0207 375 1179

Justcabs (formerly L&P):-- 0207 739 0210

Howard Kott of Justcabs is also happy to rent out a

DaC taxi if not being used as a loan cab

Call Sign April 2012

Page 25

We at Call Sign haven't quite worked out the

Diana to carry the Olympic torch and complete a 60-year old

magic bond yet, but there seems to be a connec-

amazing coincidence..

tion between centenarians and the London

Taxidrivers' Fund for Underprivileged Children.

Millie, the mother of LTFUC committee member

and DaC driver Gerry Dunn MBE (S84), recently

AT THE AGE OF

celebrated her 100th birthday and now we've

heard of another link.

Former LTFUC Chairman, current Treasurer and

Dial-a-Cab driver since

1995, David Lessman

(D19), told this magazine about his sister, Naomi's,

amazing mother-in-law.

100!

Diana Gould will be 100 on May 23 and like

Millie Dunn, receive that very special birthday

card from The Queen. But before Her Maj nips out

to catch the postman, she may even spot Diana as

she heads towards the Games stadium in Stratford

- carrying the Olympic torch! Yes, Diana has been

nominated by LloydsTSB to be one of - and not

surprisingly the oldest - of 8000 Olympic Torch

Bearers on the nationwide relay of the torch

around the country as it heads south on its final

stretch towards the Olympic flame lighting cere-

mony. On July 25, somewhere between Harrow

and Haringey and for 300 meters, Diana will carry

the flame that left Beijing in 2008. It shouldn't be

too much of a problem for Diana as she takes

‘senior folk’ for keep-fit sessions! However, just to

be on the safe side, she's usi

the services of a personal

trainer to strengthen her arms

so she doesn't drop the flame

"I don't want to get a bur

mark my new track suit," th

mazing coincidence! Ted was with York Way Radiocabs in 1952 (above)

amazing Diana told us!

and 60 years later wife Diana (inset) will carry the Olympic torch!

Back to David who told C

Sign: "The whole family will

husband Edward (Ted) Gould. He had

Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee year after 60 years on

cheering Diana on. This is suc

been a licensed London taxi driver

the throne, but on that date in 1952 the-then

great honour that there is no

r and in the early 1950s was a mem-

Princess Elizabeth was at the Royal hunting lodge

we could possibly miss it!"

ber of the first real radio circuit, being Able 54

in Kenya when news came through of her father’s

David then went on to tell us about Diana's late

with York Way Radio Cabs, which was run from

death. She returned as Queen at the age of 25.

York Way by Lou Levy. Ted had been driving a pas-

The newspapers of the day were filled with sto-

senger past Buckingham Palace on 6 February

ries of the King's death, but the first report that

Black Cab

1952 and noticed that the flag atop the building

the King had died came from Ted Gould, Able 54

was flying at half-mast. He sent a radio message to

on York way Radio Cabs! And on her 60th anniver-

York Way that something must have happened at

sary, Ted’s wife is to carry the Olympic torch to a

Buck House and did they know what it was? But

ceremony where no less but The Queen will be

Collection

no one did as the news hadn't yet been released.

the guest of honour!

The Black Cab

Then within minutes, a notice went up on the

So it is only fitting that a taxi magazine - Call Sign

Collection is the

gates to say that His Majesty, King George VI, had

- and its online version should reveal to the world the

only range of pro-

died peacefully in his sleep at Sandringham House.

amazing connection between Ted and Diana Gould,

motional mer-

The world now knows that this is Queen

even though the events are 60 years apart!

chandise sold by

The London

Taxi Company

and is available

to anyone, any-

where in the

world. To see

their collection

of gifts, which

include model

taxis to keyrings, baseball caps to travel

mugs and umbrellas to various items of

• Preparation of wills and codicils

• Advice for

clothing, just go to

• Elderly Client Advisers

executors/trustees/attorneys

www.blackcabgifts.co.uk.

• Inheritance Tax/advice about trust

• Lifetime tax planning

Each item is printed or embroidered with a

• Lasting Power of Attorney

• Family & Matrimonial matters

unique Black Cab Collection logo which

• Conveyancing and all property issues

depicts the front of the iconic Black Cab, the

only London Taxi recognised globally.

We rely on you to get us from A to B so you can rely on us to

You can buy part of the Black Cab Collection

protect you with our legal expertise

for as little as £1.49 and ordering couldn’t

Contact Anna Coakes or Julian Hay on 0207 637 0661

be simpler, so check out their website today.

Or email acoakes@moonbeever.com or jhay@moonbeever.com

For Call Sign Online readers who would

To discuss Wills, Inheritance Tax planning or any of the above range of legal issues.

like to offer their customers or visitors the

Black Cab Collection range, then just contact

Moon Beever Solicitors

Maria Holmes on +44 24 7657 2246 and

24-25 Bloomsbury Square, London WC1A 2PL

she will be happy to discuss a business

Website www.moonbeever.com • email: info@moonbeever.com

account with you.

Call Sign April 2012

Page 26

COMPLIANCE OFFICER’S REPORT

asks you to travel a certain way, please try your

are being implemented to help you, and to aid

best to follow their instructions. If you choose

coverage throughout the day. The number of

a route that may not be known to the client, it

trip rejects from a primary zone has now been

is well worth explaining why at the start of the

reduced from five (5) to three (3), which the

journey. Traffic conditions and road works are

BoM hope will speed coverage up and cut

diabolical and avoiding any type of congestion

down on the number of late arrivals and delays

will not only help to speed the journey up, but

that we are still experiencing.

can also have a positive impact on the final

We have also decided to unmask as

fare. But please make the clients aware.

many As Directed accounts as possible, so

As you know, the TfL fare chart clearly states:

you will now see the actual destinations

The driver can charge the hirer a soiling

on the trip offer - the main two account

charge of up to £40 for soiling that

addresses being London Wall and Canary

requires the taxi to be taken out of ser-

Wharf. But the onus will still be on you,

vice for cleaning. This sometimes causes an

the member, to cover all work that is gen-

issue with account clients, especially if there is

erated from these accounts. As I stated

no mention of the problem during or at the

earlier, it is imperative we maintain the

Hello ladies & gents,

end of the journey. It is very important to noti-

highest levels of service.

With competition in the market place as fierce

fy the Call Centre of these types of issues so

However all airports, locals, genuine ADs and

as at any time I can remember, it shouldn’t need

that they can make a note on the trip logger. It

wait and return trips will be offered in the nor-

me to remind you that high levels of customer

is a lot easier to deal successfully with the

mal manner just as they have been for many

care and levels of service should be second to

client or account if we have the relevant infor-

years ie As Directed.

none. Neither is there a need to tell me how

mation - taking a photo on your mobile and

The above mentioned procedure changes

tough conditions are across the board, I do

issuing a receipt makes it even easier - I am

will be closely monitored for a trial period, so

know and understand that. But as I have men-

sure you know where I am coming from.

please help us to help you.

tioned so many times previously, that’s why it is

Drive safely and be very lucky…

so important to go that extra mile when clients

are in the back of your taxi.

Procedure changes

Raising your voice to a passenger can easily

Over the past few weeks, I am sure you have

Allan Evans

be misunderstood and may come across as

seen the terminal messages from Keith Cain

rudeness or even aggressiveness. If a passenger

detailing a number of procedure changes that

DaC Compliance Officer

PANCAKES AND CALL SIGN AT THE GUILDHALL…

But who is the mysterious le Masque Bleu???

Barts Hospital and the Trauma Unit at The

L-R: Sandra Cox,

Royal London Hospital.

Clive Kilmartin, a

A very worthwhile day - although which

silly man trying

of the two charities Bob Woodford and his

to humiliate Call

blue mask represented, we will never know

Sign and Master

unless he chooses to impart the info in his

Eddie Crossley!

next column. For our part, we’ve never seen

him look so good!!!

Ok we’re joking

about the silly

bit!

On a lovely sunny day, the Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers were once

again entered into the pancake race at the Guildhall. Each team consisted of a Master,

Freeman, Liveryman and a Lady from the Company. This year saw WCHCD Master Eddie

Crossley along with Liverymen Clive Kilmartin and female representative Sandra Cox make

up the race team, whilst the Freeman whose task it was to run in the novelty race was no less

than Call Sign’s homme de la France, Bob Woodford (ex-P49) - aka Le Masque Bleu!

The rules meant that a time penalty would be imposed on any team member who had not

stopped and tossed their pancakes at the given point, with a further penalty being imposed

on anyone not ending the race wearing their chef’s hat - having begun the race wearing a

Livery gown, apron, hat and gloves. And no, the WCHCD didn’t win the coveted engraved fry-

ing pan but were shown to be true tossers in the correct sense of the vernacular, helping to

raise funds for the Mayor’s chosen charity.

In the Novelty race, gowns were not worn but the novelty outfit had to be in keeping with

the Mayor’s chosen charity for the year and entrants were all judged for their costumes before

their race began.

Races began at noon with a loud bang from the Gunmakers Company, with the Clockmakers

being responsible for timing, Glovers for the white gloves, Fruiterers for providing lemons,

Cutlers for the cutlery aka plastic forks and of course the Poulters Company for the eggs.

The Cooks and Butlers Companies shared the catering for the charity, which this year was St

Call Sign April 2012

Page 27

With all the media hype over the recent iPad

Has DaC’s Jon Winterburn played one game too many? Maybe,

HD release, you may have missed the news

because this is…

about a less conspicuous but far more exciting

gadget. During the first week of March, the

Raspberry Pi foundation - a charity based in the

University of Cambridge - announced that the

Jon and some

Raspberry Pi was being manufactured and that

pre-orders were available from two UK elec-

tronics suppliers (RS Components and Farnell

UK).

If you haven't already read about the

Raspberry Pi…

Raspberry Pi, you might think I'm talking gib-

berish about a dessert! Alas, as

tasty as raspberry pie is, the

seen as wonderful devices which,

hugely popular and this is only going to

Raspberry Pi is anything but a

when they go wrong, become a

increase. Pre-orders were selling on the

dessert. The Raspberry Pi is in

mystery box which only masters

launch day at 700 units per second! There is

fact a credit card sized computer

of the dark arts can fix. This is

a massive waiting list to get one and as of

board; a fully-functional com-

simply not true! Anyone can pro-

writing this, I'm still waiting for mine. All

puter that fits in your pocket.

gram a computer, and if you give

the software for it is Linux-based which

Whilst this may not sound

it a chance, you will find that it's

means it's free. All the information you

ground-breaking (after all, any-

not as difficult as your local PC repair store

could ever need on the device and how to

one with a smartphone already has a computer

would have you believe to fix your computer

program for it is readily (and freely) avail-

in their pocket), it really is amazing, for two

and keep it in good health.

able on the Internet.

major reasons:

3. Connect it to your TV and stream HD

More information, including tech specs and

1. It will cost you about £20.

video (and just about any content) through

where to buy is available at: www.raspber-

2. You can connect a keyboard, mouse and

your TV.

rypi.org or on Twitter at @Raspberry_Pi

monitor or TV to it and connect it to the

4. Install a Window manager (there are many

Internet via Wi-Fi or LAN and run a complete

Linux variants which do the same thing as

Jon Winterburn

operating system straight off an SD card (the

Microsoft Windows) and run applications for

same kind of card your digital camera uses for

word processing, spreadsheets and play games

DaC Network Administrator

storing photos).

- just like a regular

computer.

Now don't misunderstand me, this little gad-

5. Build robots. This

Keith Reading

get is not designed to replace your desktop/lap-

might sound far-

top/tablet computer. Nor is it designed as a

Professional Toastmaster

fetched, but it's true!

user-friendly consumer item which just works

Once you master the

Master of Ceremonies

out of the box. The Raspberry Pi has been

programming

lan-

developed for one main reason: to encourage

guage, the Raspberry

Tele: 01279 465 938

children (and adults too, if they're interested!)

Pi can become the

Mobile: 07774 860 374

to delve into the exciting world of computer

"brain" of any robotic

Email: kgr.2@virgin.net

programming.

device you wish to

The Raspberry Pi community is huge and is

create. People in the

10% discount for DaC drivers and staff

all about helping people to learn how to go

community

are

already doing this!

Fellow of the Guild of

from being a computer user to becoming a

Professional Toastmasters

computer programmer. This is all in line with

Believe it or not,

the government's recent drive to replace ICT

the Raspberry Pi is

(teaching children how to word process) with

Computer Science (teaching children how to

design programs and understand how comput-

ers actually work rather than being totally at a

Dial-a-Cab Credit Union

loss when it "crashes").

So no, it won't run Windows. It will run

Ever needed money quickly but were anxious about variable

Raspberry Pi Fedora Remix (amongst other

bank interest rates?

similar Linux distributions), a version of the

popular Fedora Linux operating system that is

Well wonder no more! If you are a subscriber, journeyman or mem-

designed for the Raspberry Pi. There are sever-

ber of staff at Dial-a-Cab, then you qualify to join the Dial-a-Cab

al pre-configured disk images specifically

Credit Union. Any member of your family residing at your address

designed for the Raspberry Pi on their website

available for free download, including Arch

also qualifies for membership!

Linux ARM (if you want the smallest, cleanest

Then if you are over 18, have been a member of the Credit Union for

operating system).

over 3 months and have established regular savings, you can borrow up

So what can you or your children do

to 3 times your total savings…

with this thing, if you bought it? Here are

a few possibilities:

The cost?

1. Learn to program. Python is a mature pro-

Just 1% per month on the outstanding balance (or APR of 12.68%).

gramming language that is easy to learn but

Loans can be paid back early AND there is usually an annual dividend on

powerful enough to build applications to suit

hobbyists right up to enterprises, and this lan-

your savings.

guage is installed by default within Linux.

The question is: Can you afford NOT to be in it…?

2. Learn how computers actually work, what

makes them tick and what causes them to

Call us on 020 7729 8171 or 020 7749 0585

"crash". For too long, computers have been

Call Sign April 2012

Page 28

Former Dial-a-Cab driver Andy Cannell (ex-

The APPs debate…

S61) put - or should that be threw - the cat

among the pidgeons recently when writing

what he termed as an open letter to the trade

in Taxi Globe. Courtesy of Editor Sandie

Should we just

Goodwin, we reproduce it here. Andy wrote:

“Hooray at last - a system for customers to

book taxis without getting charged over the

odds. The recent mobile phone APPs that have

become minicabs?

been introduced to our trade are innovative,

refreshing and easy to use. For too many years

our leading radio circuits have been jogging

Is this the way

along servicing the big fish corporate client, as

APPs are taking

the fewer and fewer firms jump from one cir-

us?

cuit to another depending on who will trim

their cost the most. Meanwhile the cash cus-

tomer or personal user that wants a taxi to col-

lect them from their door is consigned to the

knows, perhaps we’d

scrap heap. All the time this is going on,

have been a totally dif-

Addison Lee etc have been casting into our

ferent company had

pond and not only clearing up all the tiddlers

we gone in that direc-

but hooking some very juicy accounts, the

tion. But it’s his open

media industry for example. Their APP is slick

letter that takes Andy’s

and the marketing has been excellent (just ask

As for the radio circuits, this modem

ideas to a whole new level. He tells of no run-

some of your punters). But maybe their time is

approach has got to be embraced or it is only

ins and swallowing credit card charges and

up because I and many other cab drivers

a matter of time before your excellent sales

adds that after the Apps take over there will be

realise if we have no run-ins, slash the admin-

teams will be fishing for business only to find

fewer people waiting on the streets. In other

istration charges and absorb the credit card

everyone swimming in the other direction to

words there will be no difference between us

fee instead of asking 10-12% above the meter

find better, more attractive bait!”

and the minicab fraternity.

then the customer will come back. It's a tough

I remember Andy as a nice guy who con-

So that begs the question: Why bother doing

world out there and we can't rely on the old

tributed several interesting and always con-

the Knowledge if you are doing the same as a

saying that our product is the best - it's not

structive letters to Call Sign. He is, of course,

minicab. And that would signal the beginning

enough anymore!

free to say what he likes and Andy was never

of the end of the world famous London taxi dri-

I have made my choice of APP and am

afraid of being controversial in his ideas, but his

ver. And THAT would be nothing short of a

watching it grow by up to 30% week on week.

views in the “open letter” do concern me.

national disaster.

I believe it will shape the future of ordering

In 2002, Andy wrote in Mailshot as part of a

As I said earlier, Andy is entitled to his view,

taxis in London. So I urge all drivers to make

much longer letter: “I believe that DaC should

all I can say is that he should think very care-

your choice and join one of the growing taxi

be operating a complete transport system to

fully what he wishes for because if it comes

APPs on the market and let's make a differ-

offer our clients: Knowledge Boys on bikes,

about, it’s drivers such as Andy who will cop

ence. When these APPs become successful, you

employed drivers in OUR vans, trucks and

out!

will find less people standing on the street

dare I say it, Limos…!”

waiting to hail a cab.

Alan Fisher

That was a legitimate suggestion and who

NVQ for DaC drivers?

Mad Hatters

Throughout 2012, Knowledge Point School - the training arm of Taxi Trade Promotions -

party video

will be delivering courses in 'Level 2 NVQ in Road Passenger Vehicle Driving'.

The NVQ is a nationally recognised, government-funded qualification provided through the

Sunday 15 January 2012, the London

City of London, thus enabling KPS to offer the course to drivers free of charge. The NVQs are

Taxidrivers’ Fund for Underprivileged

delivered by training staff that are all vocationally competent working taxi drivers qualified to

Children held their 40th Mad Hatter’s Tea

teach in the Life-long Learning Sector (PTLLS Grade 3/4). The course requires you to attend

Party in the Great Room of the JW Marriott

Knowledge Point School and is delivered via interactive group sessions and workshops.

Hotel Grosvenor House hotel in Park Lane

You will be required to dedicate approximately 16 hours to the workshops over a period of

where the Fund were hosts to 650 special

several weeks with additional self-study to be completed in your own time.

needs and underprivileged children.

Topics covered by the NVQ Qualification include:

* Drive a taxi in a professional manner

The party was nothing less than brilliant

* Ensure health & safety of the taxi driver and passengers

with four hours of non-stop entertainment.

* Provide professional customer service in the taxi industry

The chances are that you have never seen

* Provide a safe and legal vehicle for transporting passengers

this super event, but now, thanks to a bril-

* Provide a taxi service for customers who require assistance

liant video by Maurice Gilliam, the LTFUC

* Transport children and young persons by taxi

have put a 90 minute version on their web-

* Plan routes in the taxi industry

site at www.ltfuc.org.uk.

Since they started delivering NVQ courses in 2009, KPS have had over 200 people going on

If you would like to watch a brilliant day

to achieve their Level 2 NVQ Certification. If you should be interested in taking part in these

unfold while seeing performances from

upcoming courses, email peter@taxitradepromotions.co.uk for further details.

stars such as The Cheeky Girls, Stravros

DaC's Training Manager, Daren Morley, told Call Sign;

Flatley in a sensational Blues Brothers duo

“In an ever increasingly competitive market, anything that provides us with an edge against

other taxi/private hire companies has got to be a positive way forward. As some may be

with Elvis (Schmelvis), the brilliant Diversity

aware, we established NVQs in our Contact Centre over five years ago and recently our NVQ

and much more, then on an afternoon

training schedule has spread to IT and Account Managers. NVQ's are a great way of bench-

when you’re struggling to find anything to

marking performance against the industry standards. The qualification both enables staff to

watch on TV that doesn’t involve tat in your

be assessed on their existing skills and hone those skills farther. It also provides Dial-a-Cab

attic or moving to Australia, just click on

with performance standards and a clear structure to support on-going process improvements

www.ltfuc.org.uk, go to videos and click on

within the Contact Centre and the rest of the business. It would be fantastic to have a num-

the Grosvenor House tag. This is a real feel-

ber of drivers achieve the qualification.”

good 90 minutes…

Call Sign April 2012

Page 29

DaC Board member Allan Evans recently cele-

As he turns 60...

brated his 60th birthday when he and wife Gill

hosted a magnificent party for 110 friends and

relatives at the Kelvedon Suite of the

ALLAN EVANS COLLECTS

Birchwood Park Golf Centre.

This gave Allan the opportunity to cash in

HIS PRIZE!

the prize he won in last year's Call Sign com-

petition: Win a toastmaster for your function!

Allan with toastmas-

The toastmaster concerned was Dial-a-Cab dri-

ter Keith

ver Keith Reading (W76), whose other job

involves donning the red tunic. And of the small

having a toastmaster is a

number of entrants - after all, the prize was of

real boon when you have a

little use if you had no function planned -

sizeable bash. It turned out

Allan's name was first out the hat!

to be a great prize and

At the time of winning, Allan had said that

both Gill and I would like

although his party date and venue was set, he

to thank Keith for doing

couldn't imagine that he would need a toast-

such a good job in such a

master, after all, weren't they really just for

calm fashion. The only

show? After the party had ended, Allan had

thing he couldn't do was

changed his mind.

to make me 50 again!"

"Keith was a brilliant help doing the things

Keith Reading adver-

that Gill or I would have had to do," Allan said,

tises in every issue of

"this way we had nothing to worry about,

Call Sign and if you

knowing that everything was under control

need a toastmaster, he

from organising toasts, to getting everyone to

sound like little things, but if it means you can

is well worth a phone

sit down for dinner at the same time. They may

just concentrate on enjoying the night, then

call...

TAXI-SPECIFIC OIL!

Morris Lubricants launch first taxi-specific oil to trade

Morris Lubricants, one of the Europe’s largest privately-owned lubricants companies, has joined forces with the London Taxi Company to develop a

fully synthetic diesel oil formulated to ensure full compatibility with Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs).

Commenting on the venture to Call Sign, LTC sales director Rob Laidler told us:

“The utilisation of the right oils and parts is critical to ensuring the longevity and optimum performance of our vehicles, so we were

keen to ensure we sought expert technical guidance when it came to developing our own oil. We’re pleased to be able to offer the trade a

DPF specific oil to support the TX4 (Euro 5) vehicle at a fantastic price.”

Adrian Hill, Morris Lubricants’ product and marketing manager added:

“We’re delighted to be working with the London Taxi Company on this product. Our joint expertise has allowed us to create an oil that

protects the advanced technology of the latest Euro 5 VM Motori Engine fitted in the latest TX4 model, as well as being robust enough to

support the vehicle’s gruelling duty cycle.”

The dual-branded lubricant, Ultra 10W/40, is formulated to ensure maximum DPF efficiency and life time. It is available from all London Taxi Company

retail outlets and approved service dealers at a recommended retail price of just £5.95 per litre.

Morris Lubricants is a UK family business established 143 years ago in Shrewsbury. It serves the home market as well as exporting to more than 65

countries worldwide. Today the company is run by descendants of the founder, James Kent Morris and headed up by Managing Director, Andrew

Goddard, a fifth generation family member.

Morris is a company with a sense of history and tradition, manufacturing high performance quality products, whilst at the same time providing uncom-

promising customer service. The company actively pursues technical excellence through innovation, close liaison with original equipment manufacturers

and individual customer needs.

To ensure that products are consistent in quality and performance, a state of the art laboratory forms the quality control heart of the

operation. Extensive physical and chemical testing ensures that every batch manufactured complies, without exception, with strict production tolerances

and ultimately to international specifications.

Call Sign recently met up with the Commercial Director of the OKP group,

who are instrumental in the launch of a new magazine for those on the

HELP FOR

Knowledge. Colin Snoop was given a tour of Dial-a-Cab House by

Compliance Officer Allan Evans.

Whilst here, Colin showed both Allan and Alan Fisher copies of the new

KNOWLEDGE

magazine CallOver. Unlike previous attempts at magazines aimed at student

taxi drivers, this one wasn’t just a copy of the usual taxi papers but was gen-

uinely aimed at Knowledge students, giving runs and points etc plus articles

BOYS!

from those currently undertaking the KoL.

We asked Colin if Editor Frankie Peel or Sub Editor Kat Tucker would

mind putting DaC House onto the list of places where the monthly mag is

left. If you have a son, daughter or even a neighbour who is doing the KoL

then keep a look out for CallOver in Driver Reception and pass a copy along

to them. Believe Call Sign when we say it will be a very welcome addition to

all the stuff Knowledge students accumulate.

Baghwat Singh

Call Sign Online

Call Sign April 2012

Page 30

LOOKING AT (TAXI) LIFE

with Tom Quigley (Y33)

the old types of telly, so off to the dumps they

Englebert, with his massive fan club reputed

go!

to be one of the largest in the world - has some

Can it really be a true switchover with many

impressive stats; he has sold over 130 million

cars still to receive digital audio channels or is

records, including 23 platinum and 64 gold

TV switchover…

this the beginning of the crunching of cars for

releases in addition to being a Golden Globe

So this month is the TV digital switchover. But I

another reason… and more landfill?

Entertainer of the Year.

wonder who the switchover is really aimed at

The BBC can expect bumper sales and view-

and whether it’s just a waste of money while

Englebert for Europe

ing figures during the run-up with its promo-

putting a strain on our landfill sites?

So Englebert Humperdinck is the choice for the

tional work and record releases .Englebert will

Firstly, there can’t be many households with

next raid on the prize of the Eurovision Song

also hopefully re-release his classics in modern

children under the age of 25 that do not have

Contest.

digital sound and further boost his career. That

access to one of the broadband, Sky or Virgin

Well I like Englebert, though really he is a

is usually reserved for a star after their death -

cable packages; the same could be said for the

decade before my time. He is a total true-life

never mind The Last Waltz!

next generation of couples or singles who in

5star Las Vegas act, a great singer and entertain-

The competition has for many years been

their first homes will probably have total access.

er. With his worldwide fame and superstar sta-

accused of biased voting where for political

So they won’t be required to do anything.

tus he should do well and can hopefully bring

and other reasons, countries favour each other

Also there is the joint BBC and ITV Freesat

back the prize, as for too long we’ve fared

and the UK, rightly or wrongly, have felt the

project that has given many households HD

brunt of it. We have been accused of not send-

appallingly in the marks and ratings. For one

digital TV for the single price of a box and

ing our star acts or just being voted against

night each year our name has become United

direct plug-in to a satellite dish. But there is

because some just don’t like us. Whilst there

Kingdom nil point!

probably one generation that still have the old

may be truth in some of that, it seems strange

But I suspect that the real winners will be

CRT type TVs (big fat ones) and not the sleek

that we have not had a United Kingdom pre-

the BBC who will hope to go better than last

flat screen HD types - they being the over 60s.

senter on the show for many years, because

year, when the boy/men band Blue, finished

With the government once more searching

technically Sir Terry Wogan and Graham

outside the top ten but generated enough inter-

to prise money out of their disposable income,

Norton are from Ireland. But loving their

est to help the BBC record viewing figures

we know that our parents won’t want a little

humour and wit, which certainly boosts the

peaking at over 13million, the highest for over

add-on box, but a new modern telly “just like

entertainment value, surely they can’t be also

a decade. It was last matched by Scooch

Rene next door or that Auntie Sylvie’s got!” So

blamed for our results???

(remember them, last seen as a couple on

it’s lucky that the price of TVs have gone down.

Coach Trip) who in 2007 peaked at 10.9 mil-

But it does put a strain on our landfills as it’s

Tom Quigley (Y33)

lion when finishing 22nd.

been a long time since charity shops took in

My Karate Kid Champ

"Yes, I'm immensely proud," Stuart Reason (B26) told Call Sign

referring to his 13 year old son Danny's successes in the martial art

sport of Karate. "He started at around 5 years old and took to it

immediately. Since then he has been practising and achieved junior

grade Black Belt 1st Dan."

Danny recently won yet another prestigious award, the Rochford

District Council sponsored Young Sports Personality of the Year. He

was presented with a glass trophy, a large shield with his name

engraved, a framed certificate and a cheque for £100 towards his

training expenses. The presentation was made by Councillor

Simon Smith, Chairman of Rochford District Council in recogni-

Stuart on his way to Europe

tion of Danny's achievements in Karate.

and pic above with son

"I hold a Karate Black Belt grade, though obviously Adult,"

Danny

Stuart added. "I also teach and run a karate club in Dagenham -

Elite - which follows the Tangsoo do Korean discipline. I've been run-

ning it since 2003 and we've built up quite a strong membership.

Then at the end of May, I will be taking a group to Hagen near

Dortmund in Germany for the European Championships. It's a week-

end event with many European nationals taking part. I hope to

come back with at least some medals - hopefully gold - although

with 15 or 20 countries participating, the challenges will be tough!"

If any Dial-a-Cab driver out there would like more information

about the club or if they would like to offer some sponsorship for

the trip to Germany - even if it's only to cover the cost of the fuel -

Stuart would be very grateful. Just contact him at stureason@hot-

mail.co.uk. Use the same address for further info on Stuart's Elite

Karate Club.

Good luck in Germany, Stuart...

Jamie Corum

Call Sign April 2012

Page 31

Views on life as seen through the

eyes of David Kupler (Y74) at...

100 year

Kupkake’s

young Millie

Korner

says thanks!

Rickshaw Rumpus!

Well I almost crushed a bandit

on a Rickshaw in Soho.

To be honest, I couldn't stand it,

he was peddling just so slow.

He refused to let me pass him,

there were cars parked either side.

He ignored the hooters blasting

as he continued with his ride!

His passengers were enjoying

Millie with her DaC bouquet and her Birthday card from the Queen

the frustration we endured,

and the scum they were employing

of course was not insured.

Millie Dunn is the mother of Dial-a-Cab driver

Gerry Dunn MBE (S84) and if you read the

Up Wardour Street he sauntered,

January Call Sign, you will know that she

that's when I overtook,

reached the milestone age of 100 on January 2

he pulled sharp right, I braked hard,

Millie will always be intrinsically involved

he snarled a spiteful look.

with the London taxi business, not just because

Gerry is a DaC driver and Committee member

The police, it seems, lack power

of the LTFUC, but because in 1952 her late hus

to stop this evil plague,

band Lou together with several other drivers

I'd send them to the Tower,

formed the Radio Owner Drivers Association.

if I could have my way!

This was the circuit that Bonnie Martyn joined

and left soon after in order to form the Owner

When questioned on the issue

Drivers Radio Taxi Service -later to become

We get the curt reply:

Dial-a-Cab.

"There's nothing we cops can do

In May 2003, Lou and Millie were guests at

in fact our hands are tied..."

DaC’s fiftieth anniversary celebrations. Lou

was 93 and told Call Sign at the time that

"We have no rules or regulations

they’d had such a wonderful time. Just three weeks later, Lou

for these stage coach sons of whores,

passed away with Gerry proclaiming that there should be no mourning but a celebra-

we've asked for registration...

tion of his life. Millie was still a young 91 and those who thought she would not have

But we've yet to draught new laws!"

been able to cope were so very wrong!

We'll have tourists from all over

Now she is 100 and this circuit was in good company when it sent her a bouquet to

help Millie celebrate this special event, because she also received a birthday greeting

this year 'cos of the Games.

from Her Majesty the Queen! This has been a very special celebration for a very spe-

In town they'll soon discover

cial lady with Millie’s family coming from around the world - including Australia and

these riders without brains!

Canada - to help her celebrate.

So why the hesitation?

Gerry told Call Sign:

Why such long delay?

“On behalf of my mother, I really would like to thank DaC so much for the beautiful

bouquet of flowers that they sent to Mum on her 100th birthday. She was thrilled to

Start some legislation...

receive them and asked me to thank everyone via Call Sign. As HM probably reads it

There are more of them each day!

too, thanks for the card your majesty!”

Kopyrlght Kupkake 2012

And to Millie, we all look forward to your 101st…

Call Sign April 2012

Page 32

Bill Tyzack (C06) is the longest serving driver

Bill Tyzack says Call Sign is an excellent magazine…

on Dial-a-Cab having joined the circuit in

September 1962 - a year that also plays a signif-

icant part in this story. Bill takes up the story:

BUT IT ISN’T PERFECT!

“I think this circuit is so lucky to have such

take fifty children on the outing! This was the

an excellent magazine as Call Sign delivered to

same year that UK women had their voting age

drivers free every month. Yes, it supports the

reduced from 30 to 21, Alexander Fleming dis-

circuit, but it also supports drivers and I’ve read

covered penicillin, Herbert Hoover was elect-

so many stories over the years where they get

the opportunity to explain their problems and

ed US President and the LTFUC itself was

founded at the Leicester Square taxi shelter.

should that problem involve DaC, it still seems

to go in - unlike other magazines where the

Three years later, the Fund made their first

Southend outing and 34 years on down the

host’s integrity is paramount and no one must

dare criticise it. In Call Sign, even the

line I was in the Grosvenor House Hotel’s new

Chairman will answer a driver’s letter! I have

café speaking to this guy whose next question

not seen that anywhere else. But, however

was whether there was anything the hotel

good our magazine is, it isn’t perfect and it

could do to help the charity?

made an error in the February issue!

I told him about our outings and mentioned

It was in early 1962 when I heard of a new

that we’d love to be able to throw a Christmas

upmarket café opening in Park Lane that was

party for underprivileged children. The next

offering taxi drivers free tea and cake when

thing we knew was that the hotel’s ballroom

passing, just to help spread the word. The café

Bill showing that being an Hon prez

was handed over to the Fund for a day! That

was part of the Grosvenor House Hotel - nowa-

isn’t just hard work!

became a yearly event, the only difference

days rebranded as the JW Marriot Grosvenor

being that a few years later we moved to the

House - and the place where the LTFUC hold

even back then was already over 40 years old.

hotel’s magnificent Great Room and we have

their yearly Children’s Mad Hatters party. Back

I gave him a brief résumé of our history. It was

been there every year since - courtesy of this

in 1962, I was the Secretary of the London

something I had repeated so many times to so

hotel’s wonderful gesture.

Taxidriver’s Fund for Underprivileged Children

many people over the years. I told him about

So Call Sign, as you can now see, your report

and as I was in the area, I popped along to the

taxi driver and former Norwood orphanage

in the February issue was incorrect in referring

café for my free tea.

boy Mick Cohen, who in 1928 fulfilled his

to our 2012 party as the twentieth - it was the

Whilst in there, a suited and booted gentle-

ambition of one day returning to the Norwood

fortieth! We’ll have to keep an eye on you!”

man who was obviously representing the hotel

home to take some of the children on an out-

went round and began chatting to drivers.

ing in his cab. Mick’s idea was to find 2 or 3

Bill Tyzack BEM (C06)

When he reached me, he asked the usual ques-

other cabbies to join him and take a few kids

tions such as was it busy out etc so I took the

on an outing to the zoo. He had mentioned the

LTFUC Hon President

opportunity of mentioning the Fund, which

idea to a few other drivers and 12 turned up to

Every issue of Call Sign takes a look back at ODRTS history through the pages of the magazines of

the time with a flashback

DIAL-A-CAB FLASHBACK

This month we go back to

dom to hear a complaints appeal. In my

rude subscriber if

opinion (and I’m not alone) the count

he required an

1977 and a report on that

was against the proposition. But again

answer to his

year’s AGM...

those in the gallery (are they afraid to

question.

come downstairs to the main auditori-

The balance

From ODRTS News and Views,

um) began barracking and swearing so

sheet brought

December 1977

much so that eventually another vote

out just mild

was called for. This time it looked about

interest, but then again

The 1977 ODRTS

50 - 50 so yet a third vote was requested

it was a good one and even

and granted. This time the ‘yes’ voters

the barrackers couldn’t find much

AGM

to shout out about - although that didn’t

were asked to stand against one wall,

I’ll get right to the point. I thought the

with the ‘no’ voters perched against the

stop one almost paralytic driver shouting

out that the figures had been fixed. So

meeting was spoiled by those few ‘heav-

other. The count ended up as being in

upset was he that he almost spilled his

ies’ in the gallery who seemed bent on

favour of the proposition.

beer over the driver sitting next to him

destroying what should have been a

Believe me, I am not complaining

amidst much laughter! However, many

good meeting. There was so much to dis-

about the result, it was the way in which

didn’t think it was funny and suggested

cuss of real importance but which had to

it was conducted that upset me. If you

that no one be allowed to bring in alcohol

be left out because of the attitude of

believe in democracy, then be democrat-

for future meetings.

some members

- several of whom

ic. The bullies are getting away with it

The Board were returned comfortably

seemed to have come straight from the

too much. We must not let them ruin our

with Kenny Burns getting a popular 259

pub and bought their filled glasses with

Society.

votes but failing to get elected. The votes

them. One subscriber has written in to

The rest of the meeting continued with

were: J.Saunders

431, J.Taylor

411,

say he felt ashamed to think that these

an agreement from members to imple-

M.Gellman 407, F.Gee 391, P.Messias 358

people represented ODRTS. If this type

ment a 20 pence booking fee. The sug-

and P.Emden 340.

of thing happens again, real Society men

gestion that doubled cabs should pay

will just lose interest completely.

more was rejected. Chairman Peter

Phil Emden (C84)

A vote was taken on a proposition to

Fennymore gave everyone time to speak

N&V Editor

have three subscribers called in at ran-

- in fact he even asked one extremely

Call Sign April 2012

Page 33

Mailshot

Either write to Call Sign at

our radio company earns its money.

Jon Robinson (E88)

Dial-a-Cab House

Jon, there is no rule forbidding an acquisi-

or email us at

tion, just as there is no rule saying you can. It

callsignmag@aol.com

would come down to a legal challenge. The

mutual status has no bearing on the subject.

In the meantime, the next letter has a differ-

Survey?

ent slant on the topic …Ed

Dear Alan

Sad day

My thanks to you and for attempting to

Hi Alan

answer my questions in the February issue of

DaC: Who is it for?

Losing the Westminster TaxiCard is a sad day

Hello Alan

Call Sign and your answer about PLC. You

for this Society - not just because it repre-

say that under our system we can’t purchase

An account customer made an interesting

sents a lost account but because it provided

comment to me recently. He said he thinks

another company; is that because of our rules

work for those drivers who did most of the

or legislation because of our mutual status?

that Dial-a-Cab is a service for the drivers and

coverage. But more relevant for the rest of us

not its customers. He felt aggrieved that dri-

My thanks also to Keith Cain for attempting

is the apparent way private hire is eating into

to answer some of my questions in the same

vers could pick and choose the jobs rather

our account (and cash) work. They obviously

than put customer’s needs first. He said he

reply. In answer to one question that drivers

don’t do it by service because we are very

won’t accept trips because they are not going

had been let down too many times.

good at what we do, they achieve it by under-

With this in mind, is there no other way to go

very far, so do you know why drivers won’t

cutting us. I am unashamedly a long-standing

accept these trips? You will probably say they

than all trips A/D (asap account work only)?

admirer of everything Dial-a-Cab, but situa-

We need to make service a priority or else

perceive no profit in these trips or perhaps

tions change and I sincerely believe that it’s

the writing will be on the wall. Cost is not

time we considered changing the way we

they are greedy? Soon to clear (STC) in EC2

always the primary issue if a cab is outside

mid-morning or afternoon gets you a QP of

operate. Some of those ways would include

the customer’s premises within minutes and

lower run-ins, no gratuities unless the passen-

around 40, clear the trip at around QP 30, sit

the driver is trained to get the passenger to

around or rank up for around 25 / 35 minutes,

ger offers it and cutting our administration

their destination in the best way possible

charges. How many out there agree with me?

get offer of a credit ride going local in 10 / 12

(without the use of a satnav). Let's play to our

minutes, clear trip for £8 and wait around

Antony Hizer (E63)

strengths and come out of our comfort zone

According to Brian Rice’s article, the

again for another 30 minutes.

or we will regret it.

Keith says about admin charges not being

Westminster TaxiCard account will no longer

James Whiting (E83)

have any run-in when it transfers to the All

added to longer journeys may increase work,

Any comments on James letter? Also see

but will also lead to an increase in subs. Well

London scheme with ComCab, so it will be

Allan Evans’ article in this issue on the sub-

interesting to see what the coverage is like

subs will increase anyway with longer jour-

ject of As Directed …Ed

neys decreasing after being lost to the PH

…Ed

trade and our fleet getting smaller. And with

inflation, subs increase. So why a monthly

Westminster account

Covering work in EC2

increase? Why not surcharge each long trip to

Hi Al

Dear Alan

the driver, maybe £1 per trip if accepted? No

If it is true that we have lost the Westminster

Can you explain why I sometimes see mes-

work done, no surcharge. With the PH trade

account, then it is a shame. I didn't do mas-

sages to cover a trip in EC2 when there is no

offering a service at around our metered fare

sive amounts, but there had been some good

job for that zone in the bids? Just yesterday a

on some of our typical journeys without the

work in the account. I think it lost its appeal

message went for someone to please cover

DaC add-ons, why would you use DaC? Keith

to many drivers when Westminster changed

an EC2 trip with a premium added, yet when

dismissed my suggestion of a Cash Club.

the card payment ceiling to £8.30 from £9.30

I went to the bids, there was no sign of it.

When I was a journeyman on DataCab they

as each ride then became less significant to

Can you also do something about the no

had a cash club with a yearly admin fee and a

driver’s weekly account totals.

right turns all the way from Old Street round-

booking fee that got their customers nothing

Eddie Lambert (V37)

about to Gresham Street when travelling

extra in return. Drivers got a small scrub and

I think that one letter in last month’s mag

southbound along Moorgate. I have faith in

the trips got covered. Keith, you say I may like

said it all, Eddie. It came from Mrs

your ability to get things done!

to survey passengers about my ideas, but in

H.P.Raines who lives in the SW1 area. She

I also have another two points to make.

25 years of driving a taxi - 18 of them with

wrote in to tell Call Sign that: “Due to their

Firstly, why do European tourists insist on

DaC - I have spoken to a lot of punters but

financial cutbacks, Westminster’s

telling you where they are going only after

stopped short of giving them a questionnaire

Transport Department will not be

they get in? Often you can’t understand their

and prepaid envelope! It’s just like our own

renewing my TaxiCard despite my being

accent from the back and once in, even if

Natalie Ezekiel says - service and cost. So if

88 years old and completely blind. So I

they didn’t need a cab it becomes a hassle for

you can get that service at around the cost of

am writing to thank Dial-a-Cab for all

them to get out. An example happened to me

our metered fare, why would you use DaC?

the wonderful service I have had from

at Paddington Station recently on a particu-

Maybe there is a market for some of my

you over the years. My regular weekly

larly quiet afternoon. It had taken around 25

ideas?

return journey from Waitrose in Kings

minutes to reach the point and obviously you

Keith could always polish up his badge and

Road to my flat in the Westminster Alms

hope to get a reasonable job - but even if it

hire a DaC cab for a few weeks just to remind

houses has been full of interesting con-

isn’t, I will still always be as pleasant as it is

himself what it’s like to have overheads of

versation with your drivers and I shall

possible for an irritated Israeli to be!

several hundred pounds a week, spend hours

miss them very much. Please convey my

My passenger jumped in and said where she

hanging around waiting for trips that clear

gratitude and best wishes to your staff

was going but I couldn’t understand, so she

for the minimum fare, and after a long day

and all your taxi drivers.”

looked for a piece of screwed up paper appar-

drive home from the other side of town after

Although the account has moved to a com-

ently buried deep within her handbag only to

accepting an ‘as directed’ trip. I’m sure Easter

petitor, at least it is a taxi competitor - how-

find that it said Sheldon Square - around 100

time would give you plenty of time to survey

ever, its value is obviously dropping signifi-

metres away! Had she said where she was

our members on very long taxi ranks. With

cantly. Sadly, nothing lasts forever. There is a

going through the luggage door as everyone

private hire, other radio taxi companies and

more detailed explanation in Brian Rice’s

else does, I would have given her the option of

now the app brigade after our customers, I

Chairman’s Report on page 4 of this issue

saving money - her ‘legal’ showed that she had

think we may have to think again about how

…Ed

no intention of giving it away.

Call Sign April 2012

Page 34

Mailshot

Continued from page 33

charge, just send us as much info as possible

on the person you would like Hans to visit on

your behalf …Ed

Secondly, last year I asked Allan Evans if he

please set out your reasons in writing and

could get permission from the Carriage

send to:

My EGR was blocked!

Office to allow us to put a notice on the par-

Customer Relations, PO Box

396,

Hi Al

tition that reads: If you would like to go a

Warrington, WA55 1EL. Phone 0207 641

I read the interesting article All Blocked Up in

particular way, please inform the driver at

1743 or Fax 0207 641 1744.

the March Call Sign regarding EGR valves

the beginning of the trip. Any news on that?

Email: parkingservices@westminster.gov.uk.

getting blocked up. It certainly sounded like

And by the way, I loved the March cover

my cab! However, I went to my local car

photo of the AGM in the snow…

accessories shop and bought a fluid manu-

And speaking of

Sid Nathan (K88)

factured by Wynns that is said to specifically

So far as the EC2 job is concerned, dispatch-

clean injectors and EGR valves. I had never

PCNs…

ers are asking drivers to accept trips in the

used it before but thought I’d try it. So far it

Hi Alan

system as they make their way through the

has been like an ‘effing miracle! All traces of

I read with interest page 7 of the March Call

zones before reaching the bids if possible.

black smoke have gone, been deceased, are

Sign, re NSL (Wardens operate PCN quota

I spoke to John Mason at LTPH about your

no more! Yep, an ‘effing miracle!

system). In Sept 2011 I received a parking

sign and while there is no such official sign

Mickey Lappin (E46)

ticket from NSL/Royal Parks for returning 5

available, they have no objection to you

Are you trying to say something Mick!!! ...Ed

minutes late to my cab at the Inner Circle,

putting one up

- preferably in English

Regents Park. I wrote a letter to NSL to appeal

though! Hopefully you will now be in posses-

Buses caught in yel-

without success and duly paid £40. One rea-

sion of a sign I made earlier! As for

son I gave for appealing was that the web

Moorgate, I’ll say a prayer. Let me know if

low boxes?

address quoted on my Excess Charge Notice

that works! …Ed

Alan

for checking parking terms and conditions

Having just read Stephen Hassan’s (P95) let-

on the Royal Parks website was wrong. I left

Thanks to a fellow

ter in the March Call Sign regarding

the matter a while before deciding last

PCNs and yellow box junction fines, he asks

month to write a FOI request to the Royal

driver

how many buses receive PCNs for stopping

Parks, asking how many ECNs have been

Hi Alan

in box junctions? Well I can answer this for

issued with the incorrect web address?

I would like to thank Tony Fairey (C44) for

him because after receiving a box junction

Thinking it might be a handful, I was sur-

his assistance recently to change the rear

PCN where my rear tyres were in the last two

prised this morning when I received a reply

wheel on my cab which had suffered a punc-

feet of a box for five seconds and then seem-

stating that over the last 3 years aprox 18,500

ture that left me immobile - even though I

ing to have every junction blocked by a bus

ECNs have been issued with the incorrect

was stopped in DaC’s car park! His timely

for the next few days, I decided to ask

website

address!

intervention was most appreciated and

Westminster Council how many buses had

No wonder they also add that it isn’t a statu-

helped stop a weak back from giving me fur-

received a PCN for box junction offences in

tory obligation to publish the web address on

ther grief as he nimbly swapped over the duff

the last year? This was done under a Freedom

the ECN...

tyre for the spare wheel, saving me the task of

of Information request. I attach their

Steve Thomas (N10)

struggling alone. Who said DaC camaraderie

response, which shows just one PCN in the

Read Philip Benjamin’s article on the subject

was extinct? Don’t believe a word of it. It’s

previous year was issued to a bus company!

of PCNs and websites inside this issue…Ed

alive and well! Again, many thanks…

So the next time that you are sitting at a junc-

Alan Green (E52)

tion and find your path blocked by that

I’m surprised you didn’t take a photo of him

inconsiderate bus driver, just remember that

Identifiers and the

sweating whilst you finished your coffee!

it’s one rule for them and another for us!

…Ed

Dean Mussett (M40)

difference…

This is the answer Dean received. We have to

Hi Alan

say he was extremely fortunate because many

It was surprising to find on 1 March when ID

And thanks for Call

drivers over the years have attempted to get

stickers became compulsory, just how many

Sign to the LVTA!

this information with the standard response

taxis risked a hefty fine by not having them

Hello Hans

being that councils do not keep records about

on display. Even today (14 March) there are

Thank you for sending the latest edition of

individual types of vehicle. Apparently they

still a sprinkling of taxis without them. What

Call Sign Online my way. Amongst others,

were lying, so very well done Dean …Ed

these IDs show is the startling difference

the article on page

16 about our

between us being identified and minicabs.

Dear Mr Mussett,

Presidential hopeful, Mitt Romney, was well

The ID numbers on taxis are clearly dis-

Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000:

written by Josie Allison and well received by

played in large figures on both front and rear

Request for information:

this writer. Only time will tell if he goes from

of the taxi behind clear glass on a green or

Thank you for your request for informa-

hopeful to winner.

yellow background for all and sundry to see -

tion. You have requested the following infor-

Lloyd Powell

which brings me to the IDs displayed on

mation:

Palm Beach, Florida

minicabs. Minicab ID or licence stickers are

How many CCTV PCNs have been issued

Based in Holland, Hans Dooren is the PR

displayed on the front and rear of their vehi-

to buses for yellow box junction offences

man of the London Vintage Taxi Association

cles with absolutely no chance of reading the

from 2 December 2010 until 2 December

and forwards a copy of Call Sign Online to all

2011? In response to your request I can

details unless you are within six inches from

LVTA members. Hans has an ongoing offer

advise you of the following: One vehicle has

where the sticker is displayed. In addition,

to all Dial-a-Cab drivers to visit the war grave

been issued with a PCN under the above cri-

the rear windows on many of these vehicles

of any driver’s relative who is buried at any of

teria.

are at such an angle that a low flying aircraft

the Netherlands war grave sites. There is no

If you are not satisfied with this response,

has more chance of reading the licence stick-

Call Sign April 2012

Page 35

Mailshot

Continued from page 34

plaining about drivers still not displaying ID

stickers. I don’t think they are too concerned

er than a pedestrian. And if it is behind tinted

if it’s just a case of forgetting to display them

glass, then there is no chance.

man was described as a cab driver. Surely

when they come out, but there is some con-

The 'pre-booked only private hire' sign

this newspaper should know that the

cern that these may be yellow badge drivers

seems to be displayed only on a very arbitory

expression ‘cab driver’ doesn’t apply to peo-

and anyone who says that we’re all taxi drivers

basis, so I shall be writing to TfL asking for

ple such as Bhatti. Even AL would be totally

so why worry, is in a tiny minority.

the following changes to minicabs:-

ashamed of that man and would not want to

Anyway Mike, let Call Sign know if you

be described in the same category as him.

1. Tinted glass should be banned on mini-

get a response from TfL re the stickers, but if

John Dixon (B67)

cabs.

that response says they will change the little

I understand what you are saying John, but

2. Size of identity to be the same as

people’s identifiers, then there won’t be a

the TAXI article was a police press release -

licensed taxis.

May issue of Call Sign because I’ll eat it - as

although one that Call Sign declined to pub-

3. When the rear glass is severely angled to

I don’t own a hat! …Ed

lish as it had already appeared in several taxi

the sky, further licence stickers to be dis-

magazines with the same wording. So it was-

played on side window.

Cabs or cabs?

n’t just TAXI that suddenly decided to

4. Green background/surround, which is

Hi Alan

describe this person as a cabby …Ed

a remarkably similar shade of green to taxi

On page 8 of TAXI Newspaper dated 6

IDs, to be changed to another coloured back-

March, there was an article headlined as

ground other than yellow.

Tout jailed for sexual assaults. Several times

118 118 not for me

Changing tack, can I also say well done to

in the article it describes the perpetrator,

Stephen Hassan (P95) for getting Westminster

anymore!

Amir Bhatti, as being a cab driver although it

Council to withdraw their PCN against him for

Hello Alan

begins by describing him as unlicensed. It

parking on the yellow lines by the RAF church.

I recently used directory service 118 118 to get

also says that just a few days before the

Unfortunately, the smart car that caught me

the number of LTPH. After they give it to you,

offence of sexually assaulting his female pas-

was parked on a yellow line, which they are

they also send a text with the number on - except

senger, he had groped another female pas-

allowed to do, and not behind road work barri-

that it also came with an ad for “taxi company”

senger. Both women also had money taken

ers. My thanks for his offer of help anyway. I

Addison Lee! There are many of these directory

via their cash cards on the same night they

also admitted stopping to use the loo and I

services and in future I shall be using one of the

were assaulted. A detective was quoted as

don't think going for a pee is classed as a com-

saying that the case should serve as a

others who know the difference between Taxis

mercial delivery - although some smart lawyer

reminder to women to take sensible precau-

and PH…

may argue the case.

tions when planning

a night out and to

Russell Walsh (P06)

Michael Lyons (Y52)

ensure they had a safe

way of getting home.

Perhaps the moustaches are getting in their

We have had quite a number of emails com-

And yet throughout the TAXI article, this

eyes! …Ed

0207 474 6592

CHECK OUT OUR REDUCED PRICES!

MAJOR £112.50

TX4:

10K

£95.00

20K

£110.00

30K

£105.00

40K

£230.00

50K

£95.00

60K

£120.00

70K

£415.00

80K

£230.00

90K

£105.00

Prices are exclusive of VAT

No hidden extras!

Rental cab available by arrangement

Some of our services include:-

✓ Overhauls ✓ Tracking/4 wheel alignment

✓ MOT testing on Class 4 vehicles ✓ Smoke test

✓ TX11timing chains/belts ✓ TX11 heater control valves ✓ TX4 servicing & engine rebuilds ✓ Tyres supplied & fitted

To book: Ring Chris on 0207 474 6592

E3 Taxis

Unit 3D Standard Industrial Estate, Henley Road, E16 2ES

Open Monday-Friday 8.30am-5.30pm, Saturday 9am-1pm