Call Sign January 2012

Page 3

from the editor’s desk

Welcome to 2012

ing and I had already waited 15 minutes for this

Ok, if everything goes to plan - and knowing the

passenger to come out. But would I have said any-

post office at holiday time when even the best laid

thing? Of course not! I’d have smiled and said

ones often go astray - then it’s not quite 2012 yet

thank you as he got out - probably I’m sure, like

and you are just getting over Christmas! In fact, for

most of our drivers. Would demutualisation stop

some it may only be Christmas Eve. However, at

that? Probably not, but it may be the way we have

worst you will be just days away from the year that

to go although I should add that I’m not afraid of

sees London host the Olympic Games and that

Addison Lee’s march. As one driver points out in

hopefully means the millions (and millions!) of peo-

Mailshot, if they took over every minicab company

ple who will be thinking of travelling to our city to

it would mean there were just four circuits and

watch it - and hopefully use our taxis!

numerically, it would put taxi radio circuits back in

Call Sign has been writing about the London

front! Could I also add that this view is purely mine

Olympics since

2005 when then-Mayor Ken

and no one has put me up to it - including mem-

Livingstone organised a Back the Bid parade to try

bers of the DaC Board.

to win the Games. The Beijing Games were still over

I am also republishing an article in this issue

two years into the future, but the London parade

from 1997, where the late Cecil Selwyn gave

saw thousands of spectators turning out to congrat-

some clues as to what demutualisation meant then.

ulate our medallists from the Athens Games, many

Fifteen years on and his words are still pertinent.

of them riding in London taxis. The parade gave the

Cecil went on to become a Board member and

capital an opportunity to show that London really

Both, it turned out, had been on Radio Taxis when

sadly died in 2003. …

wanted the 2012 Games. One year later, it became

they demutualised and had owned the shares that

reality and now we’re just months away from the

they were told would provide them with a “nest

Blackfriars and the City Corp?

biggest sporting spectacle in the world and

egg.” As one of the drivers so eloquently added:

A Dial-a-Cab driver contacted me in October to ask

whether you wanted it or not is now irrelevant.

“The money the shares were worth wouldn’t have

if I knew when the new Blackfriars Station would

The chances of us getting use of the Olympic

paid enough to line that nest with some old

open and whether the no left turn into Queen

Route Network is somewhere between 0 and

leaves!”

Victoria Street from New Bridge Street would be

0.0005% but whatever happens, the London taxi

Well, that was one way of looking at it! Several

lifted? Well I didn’t know but I thought I’d ask

trade owes our great city the respect it deserves and

drivers also pointed to the disastrous Northern

someone. It shouldn’t really be a problem. Big mis-

that means showing why we are the best in the

Rock fiasco following their demutualisation, but

take! I began with Transport for London who in all

world.

the majority inferred that although it wasn’t some-

fairness came back in under a week, thanked me

If a demo against the International Olympic

thing they would have chosen, our options without

for my interest and informed me that the situation

Committee between now and July helps our ORN

it were nil. We could never compete against com-

was being operated by Network Rail. So I contact-

cause in any way, then ok - but we must not threat-

panies such as Addy Lee because we couldn’t real-

ed NR. They emailed me immediately thanking me

en to disrupt the Games themselves because the

ly grow in the sense of possibly taking over or even

for my interest and said they’d get an answer “with-

world will be watching and we will be in the shop

merging with another successful company.

in 10 days”. A fortnight went by and after numerous

window. Ok, it won’t do any harm for us to keep our

However, unless there has been a dramatic

emails and phone calls - where if you hung on for

fingers crossed that traffic conditions don’t get any

change of mind, then following the failure of the

less than fifteen minutes then you’d had a result -

worse than horrendous, because we’ve shown

1997 vote - which gained a 53 - 47% majority but

they finally came back and said that my query came

many times that we can cope with a small problem

needed 75% - the Chairman announced that the

under the remit of the City of London!

like that. Oh… and good luck!

Board would not propose it again in its lifetime,

But then a Network Rail spokesperson came

although he did add that he would always inform

back to me to say he had good news! Well I was

Addy Lee and demutualisation?

the membership if a bidder came in for DaC, such

ripe for that as I was already beginning to regret

As we said in the last issue, Addison Lee’s acquisi-

as happened several years later. If such a suggestion

saying I’d get the answer to the driver’s query!

tion of the Lewis Day minicab department left a few

did come about, I believe it would have to come

“The City of London is responsible for the taxis

shock waves out there and sent Call Sign’s phone

from the floor.

in this area,” he said, “and so this is a question that

into meltdown mode. I was somewhat taken back

My view? Well demutualisation isn’t a mark of

they should answer. However, I have a meeting

by the nature of some of the calls - the most popu-

guaranteed success but it would give this Society a

with them today and will ask them about your

lar suggestion being that we should start our own

chance to expand and a circuit boasting some 4500

query!”

minicab section. That isn’t a road I have ever want-

taxis would certainly make itself more attractive to

That represented some progress - until an email

ed to go down and I’m not sure that I do now. But I

clients. That, of course, would do nothing so far as

from Network Rail arrived saying that the meeting

do sometimes wonder what would have happened

private hire’s two biggest advantages are con-

did not go ahead and I would have to contact them

had we taken the advice that Brian Rice put forward

cerned - they are cheaper and have drivers who do

myself! Easy come, easy go…

on behalf of the Board in 1997 - that was for this

what they are told. We will never be cheaper and

So I contacted Tony Halmos at the City of

Society to demutualise.

most certainly not do what we are told unless it

London. After an email promising me an answer

I was very much on the fence in those days, see-

suits us!

“within 10 days” and following some three weeks

ing both advantages and what I perceived as being

That brings me onto something that hap-

of waiting, I just gave up. So no, Bernie, I don’t

disadvantages - drivers losing control being the

pened soon after the last issue came out. I

know what’s happening and if you so much as

main one. It was a number of years later when it hit

don’t know who the driver was but I hope

mention it again, I may well scream!

me that Dial-a-Cab drivers have as much control

that he had a reason for the way he behaved.

But I wish you all a really happy and healthy

over this Society as I have over Spurs with my one

DaC recently opened an account with a large

2012 - excluding TfL, NR and CoL…!

share. And that amounts to zilch.

company in Bunhill Row. I don’t get told how these

We make no decisions, we put no money in, we

things work but I happen to know that Brian Rice

Get well Edna…

do nothing to run the circuit and on the one day

personally went there twice to sell our services,

In this issue, Mike Son writes of the sad closing of

when we have a chance to have our say - the AGM

taking with him John Bankes from our IT depart-

the Jack Taylor School in NW8. Jack was a former

- we’re lucky if 80 people turn up! So would it have

ment to show how technologically advanced we

DaC and LTFUC Chairman and someone who the

made a difference had the demutualisation vote in

are. Soon after the account opened, I was speaking

word ‘character’ was designed for. Now I hear that

1997 gone through? Well we’ll never know because

to the guy who orders the taxis and he told me

his wife Edna had a fall in the street recently and

it didn’t, but I have to assume that had it done so,

they already had two complaints. One driver was

broke her hip. She is now home again after almost

we would have been very different to what we are

rude to the staff when they asked him for an exten-

6 weeks in hospital. From everyone at DaC, best

now and almost certainly much bigger.

sion number whilst a second driver refused to take

wishes for a complete recovery, Edna…

I was surprised when mentioning those views in

a job to EC2 because the passenger had to change

conversation to the drivers phoning me, that only

it from the original W1 destination. Yep, I’d have felt

Alan Fisher

two were vehemently against even talking about it.

a bit miffed at 6pm when business is hardly boom-

callsignmag@aol.com

Call Sign January 2012

Page 4

reflections of the chairman

with cash work too. But it will not re-invent the

New Year

cab trade as some would have us believe.

Quite amazing! I’m sitting here typing this

At the moment it is not our priority as we are

report ten days before Christmas

- 13th

installing chip and pin and contactless, produc-

December to be precise - because the Editor

ing the software and testing new terminals,

keeps putting pressure on me to complete an

installing a new in-house designed accounting

article as the printers will be closed during the

system and also producing our own e-billing to

Christmas period. He wants to have the maga-

clients, thereby eliminating a third party. We

zine produced before Christmas so that it’s

have plenty on our immediate agenda, howev-

ready printed to post on December 23rd for

er I believe our Director of IT will be produc-

you to read before January. Consequently, it

ing an article on this very topic in the not too

appears to me that I have just finished my last

distant future.

report and I am now endeavouring to find

Finally Richard, whatever way we dress it up

something to write about for January! Perhaps

we will always find it difficult to compete with

there is a case for not having a Call Sign in

the likes of Addison Lee for two major reasons.

January due to the Christmas holidays?

Firstly the minicab driver is prepared to work

Probably more pressure now from the Editor!

for a lesser amount of money than a taxi driver

(Ed’s note: At least you can now enjoy some

do not have a particular reason to remember it!

- and so he should as he has not had the train-

time off to explain to your two gorgeous

However, I do remember Richard as a polite,

ing of a taxi driver and becomes the cheaper

grandchildren how misunderstood Scrooge

articulate young man as his letter shows. I also

option. Secondly

- and probably the most

was! Me? I’ve got to also fill another 35 pages!)

noted after looking at our records that he

important of the two - taxi drivers have a

seems to have parted company with the Gold

choice while a minicab driver does not and just

cab he won and has now invested in a newer

does as he is told. I am not advocating the BoM

Chip and Pin… and

model. I hope the cab you won served you

should become despots, but whilst the above

Edinburgh!

well, Richard.

prevails it is difficult to compete against a

Getting back to his letter, which I

workforce that does exactly as they are

I recently went to the producers of our Pin

believe the Editor has published as an

instructed to do whilst we in the taxi trade do

Entry Device (PED), Ingenico, together with

article in its own right, there is not much

exactly as we wish and will not take instruc-

our Director of IT John Bankes. He is now

I have to disagree with. However I’d like

tions from anyone if it does not suit us.

happy the system is working well, so we went

to clear up one or two small points.

to Edinburgh to have a look at their premises

A rather depressing point to end the year on,

Regarding the cash booking fee of £2; as you

and finalise details of the purchase. It all went

but we can hope that as 2012 kicks in with all

are no doubt aware it is part of the tariff and

very well.

the excitement it looks like producing, things

charged by all three of the radio circuits for

Whilst in Edinburgh we used four taxis and

may well improve. Let’s hope so and I would

continuity. One of the reasons is that all three

as most of you probably know, they only use

like to take this opportunity to wish you and

are part of the One number programme and it

‘purpose built’ vehicles in the Scottish capital.

your families a happy and healthy year

would be quite confusing for customers if

One of the taxis we hired was a four week old

ahead…

some circuits charged the fee and others did-

Vito that the driver told me had been pur-

n’t. As you are aware, £1.50 of that fee goes to

chased from KPM. It so happened that the taxi

Brian Rice

Dial-a-Cab and if we were to forfeit that

was on radio, in fact one of the ComCab fleet

income, there would have to be a small

Chairman

operating in Edinburgh. However, what did sur-

increase in subscriptions to accommodate the

prise me was the monthly subscription the dri-

Dial-a-Cab

shortfall. Also, the other two circuits would

ver told me he paid - and that was £410 per

have to conform with us or we would have to

month!

leave the One number scheme. Incidentally,

The driver also told us that there were two

when a customer telephones One number, the

other taxi radio circuits in Edinburgh, both of

call is distributed to one of the three radio cir-

which were co-operatives similar to Dial-a-Cab.

SAVINGS!

cuits on a round robin basis.

He explained that one of the companies was

This now brings me onto Richard’s point

called Central and on joining it, the driver has

regarding waiting time and gratuities; I person-

to purchase a share - much as we purchase our

★ KITCHENS

ally agree with him on both points. If a client is

£50 share. However, the difference is that to

& APPLIANCES

looking for a reduction in his taxi charges, the

join Central, it actually costs the driver £7000!

first thing I look at is the waiting time and if he

★ BEDROOMS

I have to assume that the above information

is paying extra waiting time then I will scrap

is correct, after all, I was told it by a taxi dri-

★ WORKTOPS

that charge immediately. Secondly, I am a firm

ver…!

★ DOOR & DRAW REPLACMENTS

believer in paying gratuities. However, if a

client is looking for a reduction, I believe there

★ PLANTATION SHUTTERS

Richard’s Call Sign

is scope to ‘cap’ the gratuity in certain instances

★ ALL TYPES OF BLINDS

and I know

most members will understand

article…

★ AWNINGS

that.

Elsewhere in the magazine you will find a letter

Finally, regarding the ‘Applications’ (Apps);

You are welcome to visit

from Richard Barford (R39) called My views

over 98% of the work we do is account work

our showroom at:

on DaC. The Editor sent me the letter to see

for our credit customers and it appears this is

whether I wanted to respond. Richard’s name

what most members wish to do. To have an App

Unit 8 Tripes Farm,

rang a bell but I just wasn’t sure where I knew

for these customers, when some clients require

Chelsfield Lane,

it from. But on further investigation, it would

up to eight reference questions would be quite

Orpington, Kent BR6 7RS

appear that Richard was the lucky member

a formidable task and very difficult to imple-

Instant Kitchen and

who won the new TXII Gold taxi in the

ment. It does sometimes seem to appear that

Christmas 2005 incentive scheme. It is always a

many believe an App is the answer to all our

Bedroom & Blinds UK

good sign if a member’s name and call sign do

problems. Yes, it may help with credit card

Call Ian (R50) on 01689 897111…

not readily come to my mind - it just proves I

bookings and if you wish to take the chance,

Call Sign January 2012

Page 5

TfL / DfT combine to save cabbies money and the first 200 applicants will get…

Free Eco Driving Lessons

Last July, Call Sign was invited to participate in an

same and on his two runs our reporter aver-

Eco-Driving instruction course which LTPH say

aged 21.2mpg on the first one and after

may become part of the driving test requirement

being shown how he had “wasted” fuel, he

for new taxi-drivers in the not too distant future.

went out on the same run and averaged

The course was operated via the Energy Saving

28.2! The saving was close to 30 percent!

Trust and TfL and was designed to help bring a

No one earns anything out of this offer. TfL and

greater awareness of how to drive more econom-

the DfT together with the Energy Saving Trust plus

ically, together with the benefits such advanced

the kind offer from the London Taxi Company to

skills bring in terms of reduced fuel bills, less wear

provide the cab are doing it to help the trade at a

on your taxi, improved passenger comfort and of

time when fuel prices are horrendous. But it will

Computers measure your fuel saving

course to help bring about a better environment.

only be for the first 200 drivers who apply!

At the time of Call Sign’s lesson, Energy

Interested? Then email smarterdriving@est.

be totally free to the first 200 drivers. There are no

Saving Trust had trained over 20,000 drivers

org.uk and put taxi lessons in the subject space

strings attached.

from over 500 organisations - and now,

with your name in the main writing area. You will

London Taxi Company General Manager

courtesy of Transport for London and the

be contacted as soon as possible. If you want to

Mark Brown told Call Sign that the lessons

Department for Transport in conjunction

sounded like a really useful idea and in the spirit

read about smarter driving, go to:

with the Energy Saving Trust, it’s the turn of

of the occasion, they would be happy to provide

www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/england/Tra

the London taxi driver!

you with hot drinks while you waited and even

nsport/Business/Fleet-consultancy-and-

The free course will only be offered to the first

give your own cab a quick wash while you are out

certification/Smarter-Driving

200 drivers applying, it lasts 90 minutes and all

in the adapted TX4!

For those interested but who are not online,

lessons will take place between January 12 and 26

When Call Sign’s reporter went on the test

send your contact details (name, callsign and

March. They will begin from The London Taxi

last year, we had to use a Viano as no taxis

contact phone number) to Call Sign and we will

Company’s (former M&O) London dealership at

had the correct computers fitted, but now

apply on your behalf. There is also a direct link

Brewery Road and take place in a TX4 specially fit-

thanks to the London Taxi Company kind

at the Nash’s Numbers website. Go to:

ted with the computers needed to measure the

offer the lessons are in a TX4. However,

www.nashsnumbers.co.uk

before and after fuel usage readings. And they will

whichever vehicle is used the driving is the

The Retail Motor Industry represents the interests of operators

in England, Wales and Northern Ireland providing sales and ser-

AGM

vices to motorists and businesses…

REMINDER

NO FUEL DUTY RISE

WAS RIGHT DECISION

RMI Petrol Chairman, Brian Madderson,

told Call Sign that the Chancellor’s decisi

in his Autumn statement to cancel the fue

duty increase planned for 1 January was t

All members should have received the

right one.

Notice of Annual General Meeting

He claimed that the increase would hav

2011 advising that the meeting will

raised prices at the pump by 4p per litre

again be held at The HAC, Armoury

within days and that based on current

House, City Road on Sunday 5

average UK pricing, this would have

pushed diesel to a new record high of

February 2012 at 11am.

over 145p per litre. Mr Madderson added

The meeting this year will consider

that even with this standstill, the UK still

an agenda excluding the election of

levied the highest duty on diesel in the

officers, but including as usual, pro-

European Union.

posed Rule Changes and Propositions.

“Duty needs to be cut by 26p per

Any proposed Rule Changes and

litre to achieve parity with average

Propositions must have been received

diesel rates across the EU,” he said.

at Dial-a-Cab House by 2nd December

“Foreign HGV’s and other diesel powered

2011 as per the Notice of Annual

vehicles are still entering the UK with full tanks up to 1500 litre

General Meeting 2011 letter.

capacity. RMI Petrol estimates this duty disparity loses HM Treasury at least £1.2bn a

Please remember that if you do not

year in fuel tax as well as continuing to threaten our small/medium size hauliers. This

vote by post then you should attend.

needs to be urgently addressed by the Government because fuel tax unfairly penalises

If you do not attend or vote by post,

the low income earners, single families and rural communities that often have poor

you will be liable for a £50 fine.

public transport alternatives. Mr Madderson ended by saying that RMI Petrol would

continue to lobby Government and their officials to defer the duty increase still

Howard Pears

planned for 1 August next year.

Company Secretary

Call Sign January 2012

Page 6

Jery’s World

Enjoy yourselves lads; you can have what you like - it's election year!

“WHO HACKED BOB

CROW’S PHONE?”

The RMT union, which claims taxi drivers as members, has written

to lawyers for News International demanding to know which

journalists were involved in instructing an undercover sur-

veillance operation against RMT General Secretary Bob

Crow. The RMT is calling for a full disclosure of informa-

tion relating to the News International surveillance and to

any blagging and hacking operation against the union

and its General Secretary, whose name was said to

have been among those on the operative’s surveillance

list.

In evidence to the Leveson Inquiry, the RMT have outlined

details of a long and sustained campaign against the union by

• Roadside repair

News International titles and the Mail on Sunday dating back to

• Roadside assistance

2002.

• Running repair recovery

These are said to include the illegal sourcing of data on the

union and its officials from the DVLA and Police National Computer

• Accident recovery

by an investigator, who was then alleged to have sold the informa-

• Pay as you go to membership

tion to the Mail on Sunday. Also alleged is the trawling of bins by News International

• Credit card taken at roadside

operatives at the union’s national conference last year, currently subject to police investi-

gations.

A union spokesperson said: “RMT lawyers have written to News Internationals lawyers

0845 094 5307

demanding information on the surveillance operation mounted against the union and

asking for the names of those involved. RMT has also submitted a full dossier of informa-

We make wheels turn

tion to the Leveson Inquiry dating back almost a decade and we expect to be called to

give further evidence in the near future.”

so you can earn.

Call Sign January 2012

Page 7

Mark Sherlock (W41) has been on Dial-a-

Cab for around 8 years and up until November

2011, had kept his upper lip clear of anything

remotely looking like a moustache - especially

Mark’s Movember

after his one brief attempt caused his wife Tina

to compare him to a walrus! So why has he

now grown something under his nose that

resembles a sleeping caterpillar and become a

member of the strangely-named Mo Bros?

‘Tache!

Mark explained to Call Sign the reason and

good cause that is benefitting from his sudden

follicle expansion…

“The reason is Movember. During November

each year, Movember is responsible for the sprout-

ing of moustaches on thousands of faces in the

UK and around the world. The aim of the sudden

growth on upper lips is to raise vital funds while

creating awareness for men’s health - specifically

prostate cancer and other cancers that affect

men.

I first noticed a pal of mine sporting a

moustache this time last year and enquired

why? He explained that it was for charity.

You shave on 31st October and then spend

November fashioning the best moustache

that you can.

So I made a mental note to do it this year and

when the time came, like a fool I refused to chick-

en out! Friends have given me no end of abuse

and the good lady wife can't look at me without

Mark before and after becoming one of the Mo Bros!

breaking out into fits of laughter - at least there’s

no change there! But the ends justify the means

their pockets to help and added to sponsorship

again will you see me with a moustache! The gen-

and hopefully I aimed for £300 by the end of

from friends and family, I managed to raise a total

eral mockery and pitying glances from complete

November.

of £353 for the charity. I shaved the ‘tache off at

strangers, in addition to the awful itching won't

I have been sponsored by friends, family and

12.01am on 1st December and by the time you

be missed in the slightest! Not one bit! Well I

cab drivers including many on DaC. Even Call

read this I will be looking like my normal self

don’t think so.”

Sign and Brian Rice have contributed. So a big

again…shut it!

thank you to everyone who put their hands in

So will I do it again next year? No, never ever

Mark Sherlock (W41)

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 January 2012

Page 8

On the night of 7 November

Call Sign Survey

2010 - around 14 months ago -

Call Sign asked 132 drivers the

same question: If trading condi-

THE OLYMPICS

tions remain as they are, do you

expect to work over the four-

week period covering the 2012

London Olympic Games?

Out of the 132 drivers, 103 said that they

AND RATE 2

would be working, leaving just 29 who said

they wouldn’t. If we were to retake that

survey, we suspect that percentage-wise

John Connor (Y11):

be sorted out. But if I had been working I

the numbers would be similar.

“I won’t be working

would be totally against the suggestion of

So this time we have asked a much smaller

during the Olympics

putting our fares up when the eyes of the

number if they intend working and what they

because the traffic

world are on us. The term ‘greedy’ would cer-

thought of the idea of the meter staying on

will kill business and

tainly fit well and the resulting publicity would

Rate 2 for the period?

the hassle we get

kill the name we have spent 350 years in build-

Whilst some were blaming the LTDA for ask-

from passengers in a

ing up!”

ing at a Games trade meeting, Call Sign under-

hurry to get to

stands that the Rate 2 suggestion was made in

watch their event

Richard Bond

response to a TfL question asking what would

that has probably

(P03):

make London taxi drivers work throughout the

cost them a fortune,

“I’ll definitely be

Olympics? With no ideas coming in, the LTDA

will be manic. Rate 2

working during the

suggested that a higher rate meter would prob-

certainly wouldn’t make me work as the idea of

Olympics as it will

ably help but were not attempting to force the

passengers watching the meter shoot up in

be busy and I still

idea through. The problem then occurred

those traffic conditions is just awful. Dial-a-

have to pay the

when someone went to the Evening Standard

Cab would take so much flack that it would

mortgage! But I’m

with the “story” of greedy drivers. What that did

take years to recover.”

really disappointed

wasn’t to the detriment of the LTDA, but to this

that the ORN lanes

trade as a whole. Who told the press? We can

Dean Suett (V44):

won’t be open to us. Had they allowed us in

only guess, but it is now irrelevant because the

“I will test the water

and we could skate round, then an increase

‘greedy cabbies’ slur has stuck having been

by working for the

wouldn’t have been too terrible, but as they

picked up by news agencies around the world.

first week or so, but

aren’t then fares will be horrendously high and

Call Sign responded to newspapers from the

if traffic conditions

quite honestly Rate 2 would become an embar-

USA to India to New Zealand with the CBC net-

become unbearable,

rassment.”

work in Canada even asking us whether

I may just stop and

London Taxidrivers could ever “recover from

wait for the Games

Rob James (O45):

this slur!”

to finish. I certainly

“I will definitely give

So we picked eight Dial-a-Cab drivers

don’t want to do

it a go, but I’m sad

from our photo library and phoned them

that because it will

that we aren’t con-

to ask whether they intended working

cost us such a lot financially, but if the condi-

sidered important

and would they want to have Rate 2

tions are as bad as I think they will be, then it

enough to be

throughout the Games tenure?

just won’t be worth it, Rate 2? You’re having a

allowed access into

laugh! No one will be able to afford it with

the ORN lanes

Colin Jenkins (Y22):

fares costing far more than the tickets!”

which will probably

be under-used any-

“Yes, I’ll probably work through what will

Len Ahearn (T62):

way. I don’t think Rate 2 is a good idea at all, it

undoubtedly be hor-

“I’ll definitely be

will create ridiculously high fares that some

rendous traffic con-

working throughout

won’t even be able to afford.”

ditions, but do I

the Olympics as it

want Rate 2 to be

Call Sign can say in reasonable safety that

should be busy.

there all day? No, no,

our survey shows a large majority of London

However, the traffic

no! The negative

taxi drivers would be against the introduction

conditions will be

publicity would take

of Rate

2 throughout the

2012 London

horrendous. As for

this trade back years

Olympics…

Rate 2, I think that is

and the greedy slur

a terrible idea

will become a mill-

especially when the

Call Sign

stone around our necks!”

Paralympics take

January 2012

Bernie Silver (G08):

over. Some of the passengers at that time will

Editor: Alan Fisher

“I’m not sure about working, but if the Olympic

have no choice but to use taxis and if we are

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

committees want to

not allowed to use the Olympic Route

Tel: 0207 251 0581 Fax: 0207 553 7293

do something use-

Network, then fare prices will be horrendous.

Email: callsignmag@aol.com

ful, then they should

We don’t need pub-

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

ban cars from cen-

licity like that…”

Printers: Premier Print Group

25 - 31 Violet Rd, London E3

tral London during

Design: Aldan Publications

the Games unless

Ray Sorene (A53):

Tel: 07958 300 428

they have a legiti-

“I won’t be working

Email: dfdannyfresco@gmail.com

mate reason for

during the Games as

Views and opinion expressed in Call Sign must

being there. Rate 2?

I’m not sure how my

not be assumed to represent those of the Editor or

You must be joking!

Board.No part of Call Sign may be reproduced

health will be and I

either manually or electronically without the express

Many consider us to be too expensive as it is!”

currently have some

permission of the Editor.

issues that need to

Call Sign January 2012

Page 10

Dial-a-Cab driver Gerry Dunn MBE (S84)

will always be intrinsically involved with the

London taxi business - not just as a driver or

GERRY’S

long term committee member of the London

Taxidrivers’ Fund for Underprivileged

Children, but also through his parents Millie

and Lou, who were married for 68 happy

MUM IS 100

years. Now Millie will reach the magical age of

100 on January 27.

Gerry and mum

“She still looks remarkably well,” Gerry

told Call Sign, “she still lives at home and

enjoys life. There is never a shortage of

visitors.”

Both Millie and Lou were special guests at

the DaC fiftieth anniversary ball held in 2003.

Both Lou and Millie

Sadly, Lou died soon afterwards, leaving

were always full of fun

Chairman Brian Rice to wonder aloud to Call

and during Lou’s DaC

Sign exactly where DaC would have been

visit he decided to leave

without people like Lou Dunn in our past.

the-then

91 year old

Millie may have stayed in the background in

Millie at home. As the

1952, but Lou told Call Sign during a visit to

Chairman showed Lou

Brunswick House - at the age of 93 - in January

around, Brian asked

2003 that he couldn’t have done what he did

where Millie was?

without her constantly supporting him in his

“Someone has to do

efforts to put radios into taxis. What was it he

Known as RODA, word got around quickly

the cleaning,” Lou replied with a smile,

did? Well it is quite feasible that without Lou

and it soon had enough drivers to operate.

“besides,” he added,

“Millie wouldn’t

Dunn, Dial-a-Cab may not even have existed.

Sadly, problems - mainly financial - beset it

understand your amazing computerisa-

It was 1952 and in order to get on to the

and it folded in the face of the new oncoming

tion, it is just so amazing… as are many of

radio, you had to be a fleet driver with either

ODRTS. However, it was the RODA lead that

your female operatives!”

York Way Motors or the London General

Bonnie Martyn used as an example when

He said it with a twinkle in his eye and all the

Cab Company, both of whom ran their own

the following year he began the process of

young ladies he had admired gave the 93-year

radio circuits. There was no such thing as an

founding our company. Bonnie often said that

old a friendly wave! Now he is undoubtedly

owner-driver’s circuit - with ODRTS still a year

had the RODA committee all been as honest

looking down on Millie with that same twinkle

away. So several drivers got together and the

and straightforward as Lou Dunn, there may

in his eye! So a very happy birthday to Millie

Radio Owner Drivers Association was

not have been a need for a new owner-driver’s

Dunn from all at Dial-a-Cab and our grateful

born.

circuit.

thanks to you and Lou…

Bye, bye bendies!

THE SALIERI RESTAURANT

376 Strand, WC2

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

restaurant where you can partake of the finest food and wine

Bendy catches fire!

And as a thank-you for helping our clients come

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

With just a few sad goodbyes, the last

bendy bus made its way back into the

offer you a genuine 25% discount on your bill

garage on the evening of Friday 9

December, fulfilling one of Mayor Boris

Johnson’s promises to rid London of the

We are certain that you will be delighted

lengthy red beasts.

The only disappointed comments came

from disability groups who had praised the

buses ease of boarding. Most drivers hated

them - especially when they travelled in

groups of three or four, making them virtu-

ally impossible to pass.

Over the years, several of the buses

caught fire - the latest being in September

outside Victoria Station. A campaign to

Please bring along your badge or Bill as ID

have them taken off the road due to their

poor safety record failed - until that Friday

Salieri Restaurant

when the last one vanished!

Transport for London claim that taking

376 Strand, WC2

the bendy buses off the road will save them

over £7million in lost fares with some pas-

Reservations: 020 7836 1318

sengers “escaping” before paying.

Call Sign January 2012

Page 11

TAXI DRIVER

OF THE YEAR

Dinner and Dance

Bill and Grace Tyzack

The Holiday Inn London Kensington Forum

recently saw the 39th annual Taxi Driver of

the Year Charity’s dinner and dance, with all

funds collected being equally shared by the

trade’s charities. They are the London

Taxidrivers Fund for Underprivileged Children,

East London Cabbies Outing, the London Taxi

Benevolent Association for War Disabled, the

Albany and the Southend Taxi Drivers Charity

Fund for Children. All received a four-figure

sum for their respective charities.

Guest of honour was Helen Chapman,

Deputy Director of TfL’s Taxi and Private Hire

Office and with Call Sign watching, we couldn’t

help but notice that she was a constant visitor to

the dance floor - even grabbing one dance with

DaC’s Chairman! But with an excellent

Christmas dinner and dancing to Fraternity, it

would have been difficult for guests not to enjoy

themselves - with laughter and a full dance floor

seeming to suggest that aim was achieved!

Russell Poluck MBE

(T55), Honorary

Chairman of the TDOY Charity Fund and his

wife Barbara work really hard every year to

organise this event and it was good to see that

Russell seems to have fully recovered from his

heart by-pass operation of last year. With next

year marking the Charity’s 40th anniversary, the

next 12 months will fly by and demand for tick-

ets will be hot. So look out for the announce-

ment of them going on sale!

There were a number of Dial-a-Cab drivers

there including the always irrepressible duo of

Bill Tyzack

(C06) and wife Grace. Last

September saw Bill celebrate 50 years on DaC

and of course he was also there in his official

position with the charity! As always, DaC took

a table with places taken by Brian Rice, Allan

Evans, Mike Son, Shelagh Adkins and part-

ners. Editor Alan Fisher, his wife Linda and

trusty camera Bertrand McGee Number 3

were also there. Sadly, no other circuits were

represented again but the unanimous verdict

by those there was to bring on next year! If you

weren’t there but purchased a raffle ticket, the

winners were:

1st: A 4 day Europe trip - Martin (JJ

Autoteck):

2nd: Overnight stay at the

Connaught Hotel

Dave

(London

Airport): 3rd: iPod ‘touch’ - Mr Hutch:

4th: Food Processor - Lyn Brown: 5th:

Overnight stay at The Berkley Hotel (Ray

Ali): 6th: Hostess Tray - Lyn Brown: 7th:

Water Feature - Mr Cash:

8th: Coffee

maker - Ian (South Holmwood): 9th: £50

Ocado voucher - Derek Casey…

Call Sign January 2012

Page 12

The first Christchurch earthquake (September

Last year saw shocking images from Christchurch, New Zealand,

2010) had a magnitude of 7.0 on the Richter scale

where the city was struck by three major earthquakes. There are

and caused much structural damage to the centre

many stories about taxi drivers following the quakes and courtesy

of the city. Then in February 2011, a second quake

hit the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South

of Call Sign’s friends at the New Zealand Taxi Federation, this is

Island, around 6 miles south-east of the centre of

just one of them…

Christchurch exacerbating damage to already

weakened buildings that had not yet been

repaired. A total of 181 people were killed in that

second earthquake. A state of emergency was

declared, which stayed in force until April 2011. A

A taxi driver’s life

further powerful 5.2 aftershock in June made the

situation even worse.

One of many taxi drivers who suffered

from the quakes was Christchurch driver

Lindsay Hooper. He and wife Elizabeth had

after an earthquake!

recently moved into the retirement home

they saved up for, for 42 years. It was demol-

ished in the September quake. This is his

story…

Lindsay's taxi driving career goes back 30 years

to when he first joined Blue Star Taxis. He has

been driving taxis ever since and still has a cab on

the road, although he has another driver at the

wheel most of the time. Like thousands of others

in Christchurch, life had not been easy as the city

got struck by a series of major earthquakes but

they still moved into the house they had built for

their retirement just months before the first

quake struck. It now has to be demolished, along

with many others around it.

The government’s offer to buy it will leave

Lindsay and Elizabeth with NZ$80,000 (£40,000)

less than they paid and the prospect of going

along to the bank to try to get a mortgage. Their

home was in the heart of what became known as

liquefaction city, where the earthquakes came

through in waves. The first big one picked up the

back of their house and pushed it forward about

7inches, then as the wave moved on, the house

Despite losing his home, Lindsay spends time after the quake helping others with

moved some of the way back again leaving a gap

food parcels etc

at the back of the house, cutting off power, water and sewerage. The con-

crete floor broke in three places and one wall was left leaning dangerously.

Then the big shake in February pushed the house forward again, leaving it

almost 7feet off its surveyed site.

“The roads around our area were badly damaged,” said Lindsay, “and it was

dangerous to drive, so I didn't take my taxi out. You just could not be sure

that the car wasn’t going to end up head first in a deep hole filled with water

and mud!”

The Hoopers went into survival mode with no money coming in and by

the time the taxi finally went out again, the couple’s income was well down.

Elizabeth had been involved with the Salvation Army and despite their own

hardships, they began helping provide assistance in the form of food, cloth-

ing, bedding and heating to needy families. Lindsay drives the church's heavy

truck to pick up and deliver supplies. The couple spend most days at the

Sally Army centre making up food parcels and providing other help.

Lindsay continued by saying: “Keeping busy has taken our minds off all

the other hassles. We’ve had five visits from the Earthquake Commission and

three from the insurance company, but we are still waiting for them to tell

us what they are going to do. We had always planned to spend the rest of our

days at this house and agreed the only way we were going out would have

been in a wooden box! We put in the best of what we could afford and were

insured for full replacement value. But the insurance companies don't seem

to want to know about that. You ring them and get someone in Brisbane,

who puts you through to someone in Auckland who is not really interested.

“Our house lost all its services and if you try to get a plumber or electri-

cian, they want to know how you're going to pay. They won't accept send-

ing the bill to the insurance because they have to wait too long to get their

money back. So you end up paying it yourself, then claiming it back - less the

policy excess.”

Lindsay and Elizabeth have been looking out of town for something they

can still afford.

“It has been a really traumatic and trying time. It's just so hard to get

answers out of anyone. They are spending a lot of money in town trying to

get businesses up and running again but should be spending more of it try-

ing to get people back into their homes. There's a big pit full of money, but

it's not going to the right people...”

Call Sign January 2012

Page 14

In this issue, the Editor has raised the topic of demutualisation. In

1997, Brian Rice and his Board offered drivers a vote on the subject

and Cecil Selwyn gave his views in Call Sign. We are republishing

that article for no other reason other than it explained exactly

what demutualisation meant in a clear and concise way. Cecil sadly

died in 2003…

SELWYN VIEW ON

DEMUTUALISATION

Cecil answers some of

their shares, but we cannot have it both ways.

Marks & Spencers have been running staff

the questions…

If we want to continue to have a say in the

share schemes for years. Some of our staff have

I read with interest the Chairman’s report in

business, we should leave our equity in the

been with us for over a decade having served

which he makes recommendations to turn the

company. In any case, history shows that over

us loyally and are dedicated to the business.

Society into a PLC. There is no doubt that these

a long period of time, shares in commercial

proposals, although not yet formal, are the most

companies generally show a better return than

Will our competitors be able

radical in our history.

savings in banks or building societies.

to buy our shares?

Since the news was published, several mem-

bers have asked me for my views and to

Yes, if they are available on the market.

The drive for profits will be

explain various aspects of what is on offer as at

Perhaps if they do they may learn something

this stage it IS only an offer and the members

made at the expense of the

about running a radio circuit!

will finally decide. Let me say first of all that in

driver’s earnings?

principle I am in favour of what is being sug-

Any board of directors would be foolish to try

Will we still have to leave our

gested. I am sure that some will be surprised at

this, as the drivers are the most important asset

my support considering that I have been a

Rollerbond in?

the company has. Drivers are very quick to

severe critic of ComCab’s attempt to float on

I believe that if we call for further Capital above

realise when their pockets are being picked!

the AIM, but I must point out that what Brian

the initial issue to members, that the

Treat the drivers unfairly and your profits go

wishes to do is poles apart from the LTDA

Rollerbond should be refunded. Either we cap-

down not up. The way to growth and prof-

scheme. The LTDA stated that members would

italise our business by market capital or we

itability is by investment, expansion, incentive

not receive any free shares, only a 10% dis-

don’t.

and internal efficiency. One of the ways to

count. This was adding insult to injury as the

protect interests of the drivers is to ensure there

ComCab drivers were contributing a Capital

sum of £1260 + VAT towards the cost of

are non-executive directors who are working

Will all this affect our normal

cab drivers. Non-exec directors attend Board

Mobistar. In our case, we are being offered the

working practices?

meetings and have an equal vote, but do not

complete equity of the business without any

I do not anticipate that it should. As I have

further charge to the member.

actually manage.

already said, without the co-operation of the

ComCab needed the money raised in the

drivers we do not have a business.

float to reduce debt and to complete the devel-

We will have non-taxi drivers

opment of their AVL system. We on the other

on our Board?

hand have a strong balance sheet, no cash flow

Will our existing Board be

problems and no high capital commitments.

I have never had any problem with this. I believe

offered extra shares or share

This begs the question: Why bother with it at

the ideal management set up for us is a mix of

all?

taxi drivers experience together with outside

options?

I believe there are two main reasons why we

expertise of commerce and technology. It has

On the initial issue, they can only receive the

should go for it. At present, no matter how long

been suggested that if we require outside exper-

same amount of shares as other members of

a member has been in the Society, he/she

tise, we should simply employ them. But what is

the society. Any other offers can only be made

comes out with the same £50 that he/she put in

a company director if not a high level employee?

with the approval of the shareholders.

when starting, irrespective that the business

could have grown tenfold during their mem-

I was a journeyman for six

Will I have to leave the cir-

bership. The other reason is that the financial

years and then bought my

cuit if I sell my shares?

situation of one of our major competitors has

changed and we are now competing with a

own cab six months ago. If

No.

company that has vast capital resources.

bonus shares are given for

Therefore we must be in a position to raise

Are there any other options

length of service, how long

money should we need to, both for expansion

open to us whereby we can

and for new equipment. It is far better if we

have I been here?

have an alternative to borrowing. We must be

Your length of service in that respect would

have the advantage of being

prepared for any new government legislation

be for the time you were given your single £50

able to share the value of the

on licensing, which may make competition

share. You cannot have that share as a jour-

even tougher leaving only the financially strong

neyman, only as an owner. Therefore your

business without some of the

and well managed circuits to survive.

length of service so far as a share issue is con-

risks such as losing control?

Several members have expressed some

cerned would be six months.

That’s a difficult one to answer. I have been

concern regarding both their own person-

giving a lot of thought to this and may have a

al future on the circuit and the future of

Will our staff be entitled to shares?

few ideas, but I need to do some more research

the circuit in general, so I will now

As they are not members of the Society, they

to see if what I may suggest is both legal and

attempt to deal with some of these fears…

have no entitlement from the initial issue. But

feasible. If there are developments from my

I believe that if we do become a PLC, the staff

research, I will publish them in a future issue

Will we lose control?

should share in the success of the company.

of Call Sign…

Yes, we might if the members decide to sell

Most successful companies such as Boots and

Cecil Selwyn (V76)

Call Sign January 2012

Page 15

LOOKING AT (TAXI) LIFE

with Tom Quigley (Y33)

Age UK estimate that half of all fuel poverty is among the over 65s.

Who can judge?

Whilst government cold weather grants have helped towards keeping

As you read this, we will know

pensioners warm, it is still a long way short of what is required. Recently

the winners of both X Factor and

released figures show that in the winter of 2009/10 there were 25,400

Strictly Come Dancing, although

cold-related deaths with 20,600 of those among people aged 75 and

speaking personally I’m tone

over.

deaf and can’t dance, except like

Whilst this is fewer than previous years, it is still unacceptable that

a drunken uncle at a wedding!

tens of thousands older people die in this country every winter from the

But the one thing I am good at, and I’m probably not alone, is being an

effects of the cold weather. I feel there are other ways that society and

expert at judging others from the comfort of my sofa.

the large energy firms and supermarket conglomerates could introduce

As we are now into the official Olympics Year, I cannot wait to show off

schemes and incentives to reduce the burden.

my keen eye and athletic knowledge! They will stand me in good stead as

When I pay my energy bills, I notice that I gain Nectar or Clubcard

I become an expert in the Pool events such as High Diving, awarding

points towards vouchers to spend or receive other benefits in my shop-

points to gymnasts and ice skaters, boxing is a forte and how dare that

ping trips. I would be more than happy give up these points in a scheme

judge contradict my 5.4 mark in synchronised swimming! I can also spot

to subsidise a pensioner’s fuel bill. Why not have a Cold Air Miles scheme

a false start before the gun has gone off, should a runner break their lane

as opposed to the other one? Every supermarket will run schemes

before the set marker I will spot it, I don’t need Steve Cram, Brendan

throughout the year to collect vouchers for schools to provide comput-

Foster or any other expert to cloud my sense of judgement.

ers, gardening equipment and many other projects.

But not content with just being an ‘expert’ in sport, I have even gained

Ironically, it is the pensioners you see collecting these vouchers as

an ESP in the art of being able to taste food on TV, sampling the texture

they spend their meagre pensions. Surely it would be more beneficial

and smell on Masterchef - sorry Torode and Wallace. It’s my opinion that

and rewarding if every time a youngster bought a computer game or toy,

counts, not your years of being in the industry, a wine expert to put

they could collect vouchers to be redeemed against a pensioner’s heat-

Floyd (RIP) - never mind Goolden - to shame.

ing bill. I would go as far as to say that the whole voucher schemes

I can also give valuations on property, antiques and boot fair items. Yet

should be dedicated towards assisting residential care homes and other

in spite of all this, I count myself as not a judgemental person. You be the

elderly sheltered accommodation.

judge…

Perhaps in addition to heating bills, a few computers wouldn’t go

amiss with lessons to teach pensioners how to fill out on-line forms, send

Low price heating for pensioners…

emails, search the web etc. I believe that a society should be judged on

With all the seasonal cheer now passed and a long winter ahead with

how we treat our old and young. Sadly we are failing in our Elder section.

energy prices soaring to increase heating bills, there is the shocking sta-

A very happy and healthy New Year to all taxi drivers everywhere…

tistic that 3.5 million older people live in fuel poverty. Households are

classified as ‘fuel poor’ when they spend a tenth or more of their income

Tom Quigley (Y33)

on their energy bill.

Call Sign January 2012

Page 16

“It was quite a while ago now,” Colin Brown

With memories of James Cagney, this is the story of DaC’s Colin

(K66) told Call Sign, “but the memory lingers

Brown and…

on.” He smiled as he recounted his tale to our

apprentice reporter out on his first story.

“I live quite close to a golf course and the

wide open spaces associated with such places,

so I guess it was going to happen sooner or

Yoo doyty rat!

later.” At this stage he hadn’t actually described

the problem he had with his Dial-a-Cab taxi.

loom in Colin’s TX4 and that’s why it wouldn’t

“It was a cold morning as I tried to start the

start! Call Sign’s reporter recoiled after briefly

cab and I was fully expecting it to burst into life

feeling relieved that there were no signs of extra-

as it always did. But, nothing! I made several

terrestrial activities or apparitions, because he

more attempts to get it running so that I could

wasn’t that keen on rats either!

get out to work, but it became obvious the cab

Colin continued with his tale. “I’m usually the

wouldn’t start and didn’t want to know! So

last person home at night, so my taxi engine is

eventually I had to call the recovery service to

still warm for quite some time after I have fin-

get me to my garage. When they came and

ished work. That’s probably when Roger Rodent

opened the bonnet to check things out, they

seized his chance and made himself at home

noticed part of the electrical wiring loom had

under my bonnet. It cost quite a bit of money to

been eaten through! The tiny teeth marks were

replace sections of the wiring loom and I have

quite clearly visible!”

now taken precautions to prevent any recur-

Call Sign’s young reporter covering his first

rence of unwelcome visitors, but it still amazes

story for the magazine stepped back in apparent

me when I think back to the whole saga.”

fear! Were we talking of aliens or ghosties here?

Feeling sorry for our reporter, Colin ended his

He was just a cab driver and didn’t fancy either!

story: “The moral of the story is to park in a

His fear was broken by Colin’s voice.

garage or other secure place whenever possible

“Can you believe that,” he queried, “eaten

- or move next door to a cat sanctuary!”

right through!”

Colin and new “friend”

Note: No plague carrying, flea

On closer inspection around the engine bay,

ridden, disease-spreading, cable-knawing

the breakdown service mechanic had spotted

and dry, rather than sleep out on a frosty golf

rodents were hurt during the relating of

rat droppings and that’s when he realised it must

course! The rat, although safely tucked up in the

this story!

have been a rodent that had crawled up into the

warm, was obviously also feeling peckish - so

warm space near the engine to stay comfortable

hungry in fact that it ate through the wiring

The London Taxi Company’s Winter Sale…

Yellow badge

UP TO £2750 OFF

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online check!

ou can

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If you’re looking for a great deal on a used TX2 or TX4, then

on...

look no further! The London Taxi Company has teamed up

with Black Horse Taxi Finance to offer finance deposits of up

Dial-a-Cab drivers have long complained to Call Sign about

to a fantastic £2,750 off selected used vehicles, all available to

seeing yellow badge drivers picking up fares inside the green

see on www.london-taxis.co.uk.

badge areas. In addition to the promised yellow and green

There are a variety of vehicles selected as part of the Winter

stickers, LTPH will now be enhancing the current functionality

Sale event, offering business users the chance to snap up a

available on the TfL website for checking active driver and vehi-

great deal with finance at 3.99% and a finance deposit of up to

cle licences.

£2,750.

All active private hire driver, operator and vehicle licences can

Rob Laidler, LTC Sales Director, told Call Sign:

currently be checked on the website, but with effect from

“There are a range of vehicles in the sale from TXII to TX4, with

sometime in December, the licensing authority are hoping to

a mix of mileages and ages. We’re clearing the decks ready for

extend this to include taxi driver and vehicle licences and it will

the New Year, so some of our customers are going to snap up

also confirm whether the licence is for an All London green

London Taxis at a low rate of 3.99% fixed for five years through

badge or a Suburban yellow badge driver when the badge

Black Horse Taxi Finance. If a customer sees a vehicle they want

number is entered. It will also confirm whether the licence is

to buy, no matter where in the country it is, we’ll bring it to

currently active.

their nearest dealership for them - free of charge!”

According to LTPH, the data on the licence checker is fre-

There are over 50 vehicles included in the Winter Sale, with

quently refreshed, but if anyone discovers an anomaly, then

finance deposits of between £750 and £2,750 available.

please notify them via www.tph.enquiries@tfl.gov.uk. The

To view the entire Winter Sale stock selection, visit www.lon-

licence checker is at www.tfl.gov.uk/tph.

don-taxis.co.uk or alternatively visit any of The London Taxi

If you have not yet registered to receive updates from LTPH,

Company’s dealerships in London, Coventry, Manchester,

just send your email address to www.tph.enquiries@tfl.gov.uk.

Edinburgh or Glasgow to find out more.

Call Sign January 2012

Page 17

The Dial-a-Cab Credit Union

THE TAXMAN COMETH -

IT MUST BE LOAN TIME!

Tiger Tyres may not be able to beat their prices,

Harp Credit Union

but what Jamie can do is to get your new tyres

As I have already mentioned, the Harp CU is

on with a smile, save you having to walk

open to all non-Dial-a-Cab people as the

around a Costco store spending dosh on things

FSA have loosened the noose on what they

you don’t really need, get your tyre fitted and

call the common bond. For those who are

Hello again, it’s that time of year again when

be back on the road whilst still booked into the

not sure what that means, a common bond is

our thoughts are turning to whether we could

system! Bet Costco can’t beat that!

all DaC members or staff members or rela-

Tiger do tyres for all budgets from really

really afford the recent Xmas and upcoming

tives who live at that person’s address. Most

good remoulds to the Continental for the Vito.

New Year festivities? I know as well as you that

people who save with the Dial-a-Cab Credit

Also, if you require a tyre or tyres for you or

things are tight on the work front and with the

Union know how easy it is to save either via

your friends or relatives car, give Jamie a call

January tax bills just around the corner, this

your credit work or standing order. Someone

and he will call you back with a price. If you

could be the ideal time to take a loan to tide

recently asked me why we only use standing

like what he tells you, he will order them in and

you over. As taxi drivers, we could have done

orders and not direct debits. Firstly, it costs

they’ll be in the workshop usually by the next

extra hours in order to try and save some

us to do a direct debit and secondly, with a

day; prices quoted will be fitted, balanced and

money for the hols, but it does get harder to

standing order YOU have control on what

include VAT.

goes out of your account, whereas with a

motivate oneself when sitting on a rank for

And before I go, the beauty of being a

direct debit - at least in theory - we could

ages or driving round in circles! The lead-up to

Credit Union member is that you can even

take what we wanted! I hope that clears the

Christmas was the time to get your money

pay for your tyres either by a loan or from

query up.

together to get you through January, but I can’t

your savings! It’s that simple, so now you

So don’t be shy, give Lily a call on 0207

remember the last time I saw people arguing to

know you can come on down to Unit 14,

033 9434 and join up either DACCU or

get into my cab… can you?

Peterley Business Centre, 472 Hackney

HARP. She’s not fussy! If you can’t get to

Still, let’s not dwell too much on that.

Road, E2 9EQ or call either the Credit

the office, she will happily post you out a

Onwards and upwards and back to the thing I

Union number on 0207 729 8171 or Tiger

form.

began with - LOANS! At the moment, your

Tyres on 0207 729 5237.

credit union has money to lend and if you’re

On behalf of everyone from the Credit Union

Tiger Tyres

struggling with credit card payments or if you

and Tiger Tyres, I would like to take this oppor-

Last but not least, DACCU’s downstairs

want to pay off your cab, give us a call at the

tunity of hoping that you all had a very merry

neighbours Tiger Tyres. It’s good to see all

office in Hackney Road and we may be able to

Christmas and to wish you a happy and healthy

you DaC drivers coming down for your tyres

New Year.

help. You’ll never know if you don’t ask. I’ve

because - and I’m not sure if you know this -

Be lucky… but above be very careful out

found that some drivers are a little embarrassed

as we share the unit, they help us pay the

there.

to ask, but do need our help. So pluck up the

rent so it makes it nice and easy for you to

courage - come in and see us. You will soon

visit, with us being so close to the square

John Riley (K38)

realise after a chat that there really is nothing to

mile.

be embarrassed about as we’re all cab drivers.

I get occasional comments about Costco and

DACCU Vice-President.

We’re just the same as you with the same aggro

that they are cheaper for Michelin tyres. Ok,

- except Lil, who as most regulars know is 4-

foot nothing and all smiles!

If you have friends or relatives with some

kind of monetary problem, well we have a way

to help them as well with the other Credit

Union we run called The Harp. This CU is the

one we were asked to help out and run by the

FSA no less… and we have! With help of new

members, we have turned it around from being

EARLY TREATMENT MEANS SPEEDY RECOVERY

in the red to being in the black, so I’m sure if

Treatment for pain & discomfort doesn’t have to be expensive

you want help - either big or small - we could

accommodate you, but unless you ask you will

The Centre offers fully qualified therapists in Physiotherapy,

never know.

Osteopathy, Sports Massage, Reflexology, Shiatsu, Remedial

Massage, Indian Head Massage, Hydrotherm, Massage

High interest account…

Therapy, Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.

Don’t get excited all you investors out there,

we are NOT opening our high interest account

Call us on 020 8507 8169

just yet and people do constantly phone to ask

when it will be re-opening, but don’t worry,

or mobile 07973 639 473 for an early appointment

you will be notified via your terminal and also

Email: andy@bptconline.co.uk or fax: 020 8507 9650

Call Sign when it does. As you know, we at

Out of hours enquiries welcome

DACCU are licensed deposit takers by the FSA

and are duty bound by their rules and regula-

Barking Physical Therapy Centre

tions. At the moment we have money to lend

90 Longbridge Road, Barking, Essex, IG11 8SF

out; therefore we have no reason to open it just

Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 9am till 8pm and Saturday 9am till 2pm

yet, but hopefully sometime next year. I hope

www.bptconline.co.uk

this helps…

Call Sign January 2012

Page 18

Board Members usually get a page to write, drivers get a piece on

the Mailshot page. So for once Call Sign is giving a page to a dri-

ver. Richard Barford (R39) gives his views on DaC…

MY VIEWS ON DIAL-A-CAB

account and they have asked about them, as

the price for a TX4 will be going up by £3,000

opposed to volunteering the info. I have always

with the Euro V modifications. We should have all

thought that every job coming back into town

vetoed (sic) the Vito, so that they had to bring the

from the airport should be on an F/P with an extra

price down!

supplement during peak hours. I don't work

Our biggest problem is that we don't have just

Heathrow very often, but it would be interesting

the one voice, unlike A/L. We need the licensed

to see whether we are covering more or less trips

taxi trade to sit down together, but until that hap-

Recent issues of Call Sign have contained several

from there over the past 5 years. I personally think

pens nothing will change and I’m not holding my

controversial points. I would like to give my views

that one day we will lose the airport to private hire

breath! I’m just another cab driver who has an

as a Dial-a-Cab driver on some of them. Let me

and that there will then be an extra 500 cabs in

opinion. Right or wrong, that's certainly one thing

start by saying I believe the DaC Board do a great

town looking for work.

we cab drivers are good at - we have 25,000 opin-

job in difficult circumstances and I’m pleased to

ions between us!

read that they are trying different ways to win

We have to remain positive and hope that

Dress code???

new and old accounts back. I realised that was

I had a radio job from T5 a few weeks ago and was

things get busier, but it was nice to get some pos-

more than just words when I picked up at an

itive news from Keith Cain in Call Sign when he

surrounded by a multitude of minicab drivers -

account in Bunhill Row that I believe had left us

many of them from Tristar. They might have all

said that a large account was looking to come

some years ago…

back to us, but as Board members often point out,

been speaking in their native tongues, but one

thing you couldn't knock them for was their dress

it is really up to us as to where our destiny lies! We

Gratuities, waiting time and

code! I agree with Allen Togwell; we do need to

have to stick together and make changes where

phone booking fees…

smarten ourselves up. I wear trousers and a shirt -

we don't want to, but I honestly feel that if we

But I do have a few points to make, so let’s start

not a tie, but would do so if needed. I'm often

don't at least begin to make these changes now, it

with gratuities, which I believe we should keep.

embarrassed by the way some taxi drivers dress. I

just might be too late in the future. We’re part of

If the average cab driver takes £100 on 5 radio

think if you are going to have to meet a client at

London, but then again so were red telephone

jobs in a day, that’s an extra £10 we will lose. If we

an airport, you should be wearing trousers and a

boxes and Routemaster buses. But I don't see

are going to do something, then why not forsake

shirt - not track suit bottoms and trainers. I had a

many of either around London now.

the run-in? This would also work out at

radio job from City Airport a few months back

I meant to send this letter a few months ago but

around £10 and I'm sure would be a better selling

when the weather was still warm and felt embar-

decided against it. Since then things seem to have

point, but personally I would stick to the way

rassed standing next to the other two taxi drivers

got worse. We could be a sinking ship and every-

things are. But I would definitely get rid of extra

who were dressed in their shorts and sandals. I

one in our trade has to realise that unless we

waiting time. I remember Allen Togwell asking

was only standing with them as I knew one of

change, account work could be a thing of the

around a year ago for any cab driver to write to

them. The only consolation was that they were

past. We know it’s quiet at the moment, but this is

him and state why we should get waiting time on

not on Dial-a-Cab.

a period where we should be swept of our feet.

top of the meter? Apparently he didn't get one

God knows what January will be like! All you have

reply! I assume that the Board could make or

DaC courier service?

to do is read this month’s Call Sign magazine to

request this change.

Perhaps even more controversially, I would

see how far business has fallen. As Brian Rice said

I would also get rid of the £2 phone booking

look at trying to set up our own courier service.

in a recent issue of the magazine, it was just 4

fee. Just because the other circuits do it, that does-

We have Knowledge boys who would probably

years ago that our Society gave away £521,000 in

n't mean we have to. Remember, we are trying to

enjoy the opportunity of earning extra money

Christmas bonuses! Now we have a £500 compe-

win work but by charging this extra cost, we are

whilst learning London. We already have the call

tition. John Griffin must be laughing, it certainly

virtually asking customers to use car companies

takers and I'm sure we have account customers

breaks my heart! (Ed’s note: The competition was

such as Addison Lee. It would be interesting to

who would be happy to use a courier service in

nothing to do with DaC; it was purely some Xmas

see how many cash / credit card bookings a day

addition to our taxis. If we could make a profit

fun from Call Sign).

we get. I'm sure it's not enough to employ sepa-

from this, then we could use that to help bring

rate call takers! I don't get the argument where

our service charges to clients down.

DaC app?

account customers would then change to credit

Why not even try and sell the advertising space

On top of A/L, we now have GetTaxi and Hailo.

card / cash bookings to avoid our charges, after

on one of our tip-up seats? We have 2,000 Dial-a-

I'm not into today's technology, but why can't we

all, if they wanted to avoid those charges, plus a

Cab drivers working all over London and a com-

have our own app? Perhaps it could be linked to

£4.20 run in, plus 10% gratuity, then why not just

pany like Foxtons could be interested?

our new terminals? Every account client has a

hail a cab off the street?

choice and as Brian Rice pointed out, at a cheap-

Addison Lee and Rate 3…

er price too. We have to make that extra effort to

Fixed prices…

Regarding the situation with Addison Lee that

cover account work in busy periods - even when

With regards to fixed prices, I work days and

we read of in last month’s Call Sign, I think we

it's raining or on Thursday evenings - in addition

think it unfair to have to cover them during the

have to realise they are a big danger to our future.

to watching our run-ins. I'm sure our Sales depart-

hours of 7.30 - 9.30. This is the period where day

I had a conversation with my best mate who

ment’s job is even harder now that A/L have taken

drivers have to make as much money as we pos-

works for a City bank. It broke my heart when he

over Lewis Day. We, as a Society, need to make

sibly can. With traffic the way it is in the morn-

said how good Addison Lee were and how they

changes and I'm sure I’m not the only driver wor-

ings, it doesn't make any sort of financial sense to

now use them regularly. Yes, DaC are cheaper than

ried about the future. If we bury our heads in the

take an F/P job during the rush hour. However, I

them on some fares, but dearer in others. Where

sand and don't change, then we will only have

do agree with Brian Rice and believe we should

we can't compete is on rate 3. I personally think

ourselves to blame.

offer F/P jobs on longer journeys and I would be

that is too high and not good for the trade. It

And finally, in response to Alan Fisher’s edito-

quite happy to do an F/P trip to Heathrow for £57

could even be our downfall in the end.

rial last month, no I wouldn't sell my share for

from Berkley Square as opposed to an £8 job to

Another reason we are more expensive is that

£20,000. Mind you I wouldn't have played for

Paddington.

our vehicles are virtually double the price of the

Spurs either! It's not always about money - unless

I don't mind covering F/Ps outside rush hours

opposition. When I heard that Mercedes were

you are Emmanuel Adebayor of course!

once I know the traffic has calmed down. Although

making a taxi, I thought it was excellent as the

many don't believe it's a path we should go down,

price to buy a cab would then come down. But it’s

Richard Barford (R39)

it is obviously an option to perhaps use if it is a big

had the opposite effect with the £42K Vito! Also

Call Sign January 2012

Page 19

“I STIR MY OWN!”

“It gives my left arm and leg

rently checking the fuel consumption and bear-

ing in mind that the cab is still new and the

some exercise and something to

engine is hardly ‘run-in’, I’m getting between 32

do,” Fred Cooper (Z18) told Call

and 34 MPG with a mix of driving conditions

Sign with a smile when we

both around town and on longer runs, so things

spotted the manual gear lever

are looking quite reasonable!

on his new TX4.

“The initial cost of the cab is cheaper than the

“I did my Knowledge and Drive on an FX4R

automatic version and with the added advantage

manual, plus I’ve owned a Metro TTT manual,

of greater fuel economy, I’m hopefully con-

so you can see where I’m coming from,” Fred

tributing to less pollution and better air quality.

asserted. “It’s probably something of a rarity in

Well that’s what I would like to think!”

this day and age, but for me it’s just fine. I live

Fred grinned broadly before adding: “I do

down in Chatham, Kent and usually start work

accept that ‘stirring your own’ up and down

from City Airport or E14, which is about 38

the gearbox all the time is not everyone’s idea

miles from home so the gear changing does not

of fun as it does involve a lot of leg work, but it

works well enough for me.”

really bother me unduly, although I accept that

Call Sign asked Mark Brown, London

for drivers who live and work predominantly in

Taxi Company GM how many manuals

town it might not be the best idea!”

Fred is one of just a handful of London

they sell and whilst out-of-towners still

Fred admitted that the gear change was still

drivers still using a manual cab

buy them, so far as London Green Badges

a bit ‘notchy’, not like the silky smooth gear-

knock up considerable mileages just getting to

are concerned, he thought they num-

boxes of his previous cabs, but he expected

and from work, so for me with the cost of fuel

bered just 4 or 5 a year!

that to improve after the cab had been well

being what it is, fuel consumption is a major

run-in.

“Living in the Garden of England means I

factor in my overall running costs. I am cur-

Mike Son writes about a sad day…

JACK TAYLOR SCHOOL TO CLOSE

Some members who have been with Dial-a-Cab for many years will remem

one of our previous Chairmen, Jack Taylor. As well as being DaC Chairman

from 1964 - 1969, he was also for many years a committee member and t

Chairman of the London Taxidrivers’ Fund for Underprivileged childre

Jack passed away in 1988 after a long battle with cancer.

Because of Jack’s commitment to both the taxi industry and the LTFUC, the

committee wanted to create a lasting legacy in Jacks name. So in 1990, the

LTFUC approached the Governors of Alexandra Priory School as it was

then known in Ainsworth Way NW8, about changing the school's name in

memory of the much respected founder member of the Fund.

On Thursday 19th September 1991, the school was renamed the Jack

Taylor School. At a special ceremony, Jack's widow Edna unveiled a

portrait of Jack, which hangs in the foyer to this day.

Sadly however, in 2012 the school will close and the children will reallocate

to the Swiss Cottage Specialist School.

The LTFUC has supported the school during all these many years with the

purchase of recreational and medical equipment. There have also been

many outings including, just before Christmas, when the LTFUC took the

children to Clarence House to meet the Duchess of Cornwall (see report

elsewhere in this issue).

It is also depressing that many of the teachers and staff who have served

the school and children in some cases for 25 years, will lose their jobs.

Having recently had a meeting at the school, it is hoped to maintain the

historical links with the LTFUC and the cab industry by keeping the name

of Jack Taylor in the new school, perhaps as a special room or library. I

am sure there will be discussions between the school’s senior manage-

ment and the appropriate authorities.

The mixed faith day school teaches children and young people with

severe, profound and multiple learning difficulties and is the only school of its type in

Camden. Some of the subjects taught include art, design technology, humanities and modern foreign languages. They

are taught through topics or modules on a termly basis. But sadly, this will be the school’s last year…

Mike Son

DaC Special Projects

Call Sign January 2012

Page 20

Theatre review ****** Theatre review ***

*** Theatre review

Views on life as seen through the

eyes of David Kupler (Y74) at...

Kupkake’s

The Ladykillers

I was recently at the opening of T

Ladykillers at Shaftsbury Avenu

Gielgud Theatre and I’m pleased to

Korner

that this new show does exactly wha

says on the tin - it entertains!

Reading my reviews, you’ll know

believe the hardest job in the theatre

to carry across humour and comed

from the stage to an audience that ma

have just come in from a cold winter’

evening. This comedy achieves tha

task by using a cast of well know

actors at their finest.

The show is an original adaptation -

with affectionate similarities to the

1955 Ealing comedy starring Alec

Overweight and over here???

Guinness and Peter Sellers.

Transferring any show from film to

I know I was right

stage is a difficult job at the best of

know what I saw,

times, but this show brilliantly repro-

late Thursday night

duces the film fun, robbery, police

in an old Rickshaw!

car chase and much more on the

stage in front of you!

The driver bloke

Marcia Warren puts in a wonderful performance as the frail Mrs

(from who knows where),

Wilberforce. She is the fantasist who believes the story four prospective robbers spin her of being

was sweating buckets

musicians whilst plainly unable to hit a correct chord between them! After a performance like

near Leicester Square!

this, Marcia should be first in the queue for any future Miss Marples mysteries!

A variety of excellent actors appear in The Ladykillers. They include Peter Capaldi (Professor

Whist in the back

Marcus), James Fleet (Major Courtney) - the well-known soppy boyfriend in Vicar of Dibley -

wedged really tight,

Ben Miller (Louis Harvey) who was seen recently on television in Death in Paradise, Clive Rowe

sat 6 young women

who plays ex-boxer One Round who many will recognise as the panto dame at London’s Hackney

out for the night.

Empire and Harry Peacock (Constable MacDonald) who has appearances in Doctor Who and

Jonathan Creek amongst his credits. The whole cast portray their characters with such believable

Slowly as he pushed that bike

charm that you really do not want the show to finish! The revolving stage, which gives views of

the wheels were buckling

the inside of the house, roof, frontage and railway tunnel, is an added joy to the play’s continuity.

the girls took fright,

If you want to take the family out to see a show that you know they’ll enjoy, then The

I thought there just might be a fight

Ladykillers is the one to go and see. The Gielgud is also a theatre where you have enough room

as I followed on behind.

to relax and move your legs and not to worry about maybe getting DVT!

Then a sound like a thunder clap

Tom Whitbread

as the chain broke and the axle snapped,

DaC BoM

and the 6 women fell out of the back

and spilled out on the road!

They screamed and cursed

one whacked the chap,

with her red designer purse -

he just collapsed!

A small crowd gathered

• Preparation of wills and codicils

• Advice for

to see the fuss,

• Elderly Client Advisers

executors/trustees/attorneys

as people stared out from a passing bus!

• Inheritance Tax/advice about trust

• Lifetime tax planning

But they continued to swear and cuss

• Lasting Power of Attorney

• Family & Matrimonial matters

in their spiky 6 inch heels.

• Conveyancing and all property issues

Then they walked away, they didn't care

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

they never paid the Rickshaw fare,

protect you with our legal expertise

without a second glance they left him

Contact Anna Coakes or Julian Hay on 0207 637 0661

there.

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

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

And me? I just drove on…

Kopyright Kupkake 2012

Moon Beever Solicitors

24-25 Bloomsbury Square, London WC1A 2PL

Can I wish you all a Happy New Year…

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

Call Sign January 2012

Page 21

PCNs may be a fact of life and even though

Barrie Segal saves Dial-a-Cab £thousands each

WESTMINSTER AND THE

year, there are times when drivers get ticketed

for just having to stop - going to the toilet being

one reason. But this story from Mike Lyons

ALDWYCH TOILETS!

(Y52) surprised even Call Sign - and we hear

many weird stories involving PCNs.

Mike has been with DaC since 1994 and had

his share of tickets. Nowadays he fights them all

and will go to adjudication if he has to. You can

read about the PCN he won in this issue’s

Mailshot. But this one is just astonishing because

of Westminster Council’s response…

Mike needed to use the loo and parked at

Aldwych by the RAF church. He hadn’t spotted

the Westminster smartcar and soon after

received a PCN for stopping on a yellow line.

Footage taken at the time showed Mike exiting

his cab and walking down the stairs leading to

the loo.

Appealing to Westminster left that council

totally uninterested, so Mike put his case to the

Adjudicator. He explained how difficult it was for

taxi drivers to find toilet facilities and that even

when they did, the chances were that no stop-

ping was allowed. The Adjudicator listened and

On their way to use the Aldwych Loo? Don’t bother as Westminster would

was fully sympathetic to the predicament Mike

rather your bladder burst!

had found himself in, so he adjourned the case

for two weeks whilst writing to Westminster

until late at night, continued:

Mike ended by wondering whether the

Council to ask for some discretion. After all, taxi

“Following receipt of the {Arbitrator’s}

Council were walking over our human rights

drivers may work for up to 10 hours and unlike

recommendation, on further consideration

and whether they realised the health implica-

adjudicators and councillors, they can’t just pop

of the circumstances, the mitigating factors

tions involved. He wrote to the Mayor’s office

out to the office toilet.

outlined by the Adjudicator were not suffi-

to tell him the above story. Mayor Johnson

responded that he shared Mike’s concern re

Westminster responded by saying they

cient reasons to merit cancelling the PCN.”

public toilets and retold his plan called Open

noted the Adjudicator’s recommendation

The caring Council added that although their

London where stores allow use of their toilets

to the Council that there were compelling

response “may not meet all your expectations,”

without the need to make a purchase. All he

reasons for the City council to consider dis-

they hoped Mike would understand their posi-

didn’t say was where you leave your cab whilst

cretion in this case given his “daily working

tion. We feel sure he does and that next time he

popping in???

circumstances.”

needs to go to the loo, he travels 2 miles west

It sounded good. Then Mike read the next

and does it outside their building in Victoria

paragraph where this caring Council who had

Street - possibly assisted by several hundred

Ron Yarborough

wanted to kill London with parking restrictions

other drivers!

Call Sign online

Taxi lost property toys bring joy to kids!

Transport for London’s Lost Property Office has

donated hundreds of toys to The Salvation Army,

which they then gave to disadvantaged children in

south London over the Christmas period. The toys

appealed to children of all ages and ranged from soft

toys and board games to sports equipment. The Sally

Army in Deptford worked with the local council to

distribute the toys to families in need.

Paul Cowan, Manager of TfL’s Lost Property

Office and Travel Info Centres, told Call Sign:

“Of the hundreds of thousands of items of lost

property received each year, toys and children’s gifts

have a particular significance. Many are unable to be

traced to an owner and perhaps due to their perceived value or belief that they will

not be handed in, remain unclaimed after three months. Pre-loved items are donated to our charity

partners on a regular basis, however new toys and gifts are saved until the end of the year when their

donation has a much greater impact. For those who have lost these items, their original intention of

bringing joy to a child has still been achieved. The Lost Property Office team take great pride in the

work they do and it’s rewarding for them to be able to complete the cycle of giving through the dona-

tion.”

Captain Kevin Stanbury of The Salvation Army's Deptford Community Centre, added:

“More people than ever are struggling financially and this is never more apparent than around

Christmas time. Right across the country, The Salvation Army provided toy parcels to those families who

would otherwise have gone without. This service was made a little easier due to the kind donation from

organisations such as Transport for London. Over the past five years, they have donated countless toys,

all of which helped bring joy and laughter into the life of a London child. We thank the Lost Property

Office and its staff for making this scheme possible.”

The LPO has handled over 200,000 items of lost property in 2010/11. On average one in three items

is reunited with its owner. Over the years, people have handed in many unexpected and unusual items

including Rolex watches worth more than quarter of a million pounds, £10,000 cash, human skulls,

breast implants and a lawnmower!

All donated items would have been unclaimed for at least three months…

Call Sign January 2012

Page 22

I didn’t get a chance to wish everyone a happy

festive period, but I hope you all received from

CONTACT CENTRE CHAT

Santa everything you wished for! 2012 is going

to be, at the very least, an interesting year and I

With Keith Cain

really hope it is a prosperous one for you all.

Over-estimating street

Following on from the messages that Allan

Evans has been sending out regarding exces-

credit card trips

sive run-ins, I’m pleased to report that the

Another problem that raised its head recently is

whole fleet has responded brilliantly. I person-

with regard to off-the-street credit card rides. The

ally didn’t feel the problem was a huge one, but

problem is that drivers are over-estimating the

the monitoring has ensured all is ok. However,

authorisation value on the card. Recently we had

that does not mean it has stopped completely.

a trip from E1 to EC2 and the driver authorised

Controllers are monitoring all shifts including

the card for £100, just in case the customer

weekends and unless the trip informs you of an

changed their mind and wanted to go on. On that

increased run-in amount, all trips are subject to

occasion they only went to EC2, but when they

a maximum amount of £4.20.

went to use their card later in the day it was

Just to remind you the run-in for an as soon

declined because it had reached its credit limit!

as possible trip is £4.20. This means no more

When a driver obtains an authorisation for an

than this when you arrive, also for a pre-booked

amount, that figure is reserved against the card.

trip the maximum amount showing on the

Basically it’s the same as a transaction for that

meter at the pre-booked time must not exceed

amount being made. If the credit limit is near its

£4.20. There have been a few drivers who did

soon as the passenger gets into the cab because

maximum, it does cause a problem. Even though

not see the messages and it was necessary to

late POBs distort the waiting time reports we

on the trip I mentioned above there was £90

speak with them to remind them of the run-in

send to our clients. More importantly, it can

that is not required, it takes the processing time

rules.

cause an additional unnecessary charge. Most

four days to put the £90 back onto the card. It

It is amazing what turns up when we start to

of our major clients do not incur additional

really is so important you do not over-estimate

focus on the run-ins - late POBs being one. We

waiting time costs, but the accuracy of their

card authorisations by more than £5 or £10.

have found that a vast number of drivers keep

reports is very important. Should any driver for-

Should it arise that your passenger does want to

forgetting to press their POB button when the

get to POB at the correct time, then they must

go further, then just call the controllers who can

passenger gets in the cab. We accept that there

ask the contact centre to have a note put on

manually obtain another authorisation on the

are occasions when the passenger starts a con-

the trip log and any waiting times minutes

card for the extra journey.

versation as soon as they enter cab and the dri-

must be overridden when clearing the trip to

ver get distracted, but unfortunately we have

the correct time. I nearly forgot to mention that

Keith Cain

also found there to be a number of drivers who

the system captures the position of cabs when

the driver presses the POB button. Easy for the

Contact Centre Manager

seem to forget on almost every trip. It is so very

important that the POB button is pressed as

controllers to monitor the forgetful ones!

Driver Operations Manager

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

A few weeks before Christmas I had a

mainline railway terminus when it opened in 1836?”

routine ride with an elderly passenger

But I couldn't resist it: “No Sir,” I piped up in the way only a London

from King's Cross down to London

taxi driver can, “there were delays in extending the line to the new sta-

Bridge. While stuck in some traffic in

tion - so Spa Road, Bermondsey had that privilege for many months.”

Farringdon Road, I looked over to the

Smiling, he told me that many years earlier he had been employed by

upheaval taking place with the new

London Transport as a designer of posters for the tube network. While

Farringdon Station being prepared for

taking an age to alight from the cab, I was left thinking what a shame

Crossrail.

we didn't get the chance to talk about this en route, but because he

My Guiding knowledge reminded me

was taking so long and needed my assistance, I did consider for a split

that the very first underground station

second that he might have been around when the station first opened!

was opened here in 1863 - the Metropolitan Line which ran to

Happy New Year to all at Dial-a-Cab!

Paddington - constructed using the cut and cover method. It was a shal-

low dig that had steam trains running just below the streets of London.

Bob Woodford (Ex-P49)

Then that age-old fact that most cabbies know came to mind,

Saint Genies de Fontedit, Languedoc, France

the last public hanging took place outside Newgate Prison in

1868 and so thousands of people would have gone to this event

by using the underground!

As the traffic eased, my passenger (who hadn’t said a word up to this

Keith Reading

point) and I had reached King William Street and I was reminded of

Professional Toastmaster

another fact as we passed the junction with Monument Street. Just a

blue plaque on the wall outside Regis House pays tribute to King

Master of Ceremonies

William Street Station, which opened in 1890. It was the world’s first-

ever tube line - a deep level electric railway that took in six stops on its

Tele: 01279 465 938

way to Stockwell.

Mobile: 07774 860 374

The station lasted just ten short years as the new Bank Station

Email: kgr.2@virgin.net

replaced it. But it’s still down there, platforms and all but only accessible

nowadays via a manhole in a broom cupboard in a storage room in the

basement of Regis House! The last time it came out of moth balls was

10% discount for DaC drivers and staff

during World War 2, when used as an air raid shelter.

Fellow of the Guild of

Just as we turned into London Bridge Station, my very elderly punter

piped up for the first time:

Professional Toastmasters

“Cabbie, do you know that London Bridge was London's first ever

Call Sign January 2012

Page 23

In 2007, this magazine published details of an

extraordinarily kind offer from Call Sign

online reader and London Vintage Taxi

Tracing relatives from

Association Dutch member, Hans Dooren. His

offer was to attempt to find and visit the war

grave of any Dial-a-Cab driver’s relatives

Venray war graves

buried at Venray.

Many buried there would have been

veterans groups such as the Old Comrades

involved in the Battle of Arnhem, a WW2 bat-

Group of Market Garden and the Anglo-

tle fought in and around the Dutch towns of

Dutch Bond. They all meet yearly at Venray.

Arnhem, Oosterbeek, Wolfheze and Driel in

Hans told Call Sign: “I am now 5 years older

September 1944.

and will be 77 in 2012. Perhaps I am a bit slow-

It was under Field Marshal Montgomery,

er but we get along! The work load still con-

the Allies had swept through France and

tains a full day’s work. Finding what relatives

Belgium and were poised to enter the

seek is not always successful, but I will do

Netherlands. His idea was to make one single

research on any request. I need as much infor-

thrust over the Rhine and allow the British 2nd

mation as relatives have - both army and civil

Army to bypass the German Siegfried Line and

particulars, in fact all you know about the per-

attack the German Ruhr district. The Allies

Hans Dooren will try to trace your rela-

son you would like to trace. Do not withhold

launched Operation Market Garden on

anything believing that I wouldn’t need it. My

tives war graves at Venray

September 17th and Allied paras were dropped

experience is that the more information I have,

into the Netherlands to secure key bridges and

the more chance there is of tracing someone.

towns. In the meantime, the British

1st

remains of the airborne forces were withdrawn

“I must mention two of the oldest visitors

Airborne Division supported by men of the

in Operation Berlin. There were many fatalities.

that we greet. These are our friends John and

Glider Pilot Regiment and the Polish

1st

Now Hans has reiterated his offer. Just

Margaret Sleep from Staines who have

Independent Parachute Brigade, landed at

send Call Sign as many details as you can

returned to Venray each year for the past 25 to

Arnhem to secure bridges across the Nederrijn.

about the relative you believe to be at

remember fallen comrades. John was badly

Initially expecting a walkover, British XXX

Venray and we will be happy to pass them

injured and still suffers daily from his war

Corps planned to reach the British airborne

over to Hans who will then do all he can

injuries. It gives us so much pleasure to assist

forces within two to three days, but the

to find their grave. If you just want Hans

them for a week with their plans and visits. It is

German 9th and 10th SS Panzer Divisions put

to visit a grave at Venray and you know

amazing to see the very strong social ties they

up a strong fight. After four days, the small

where it is, he would be happy to do so.

have with our Dutch families. They are of the

British force at the bridge was overwhelmed

He has found a number of graves and also

Anglo-Dutch Bond and all over the Netherlands

and the rest of the division became trapped in

sent photos to relatives.

we still have these contacts with Allied veter-

a small pocket north of the river. Assistance

The Commonwealth cemeteries are very

ans and local populations.

from the Poles or XXX Corps was impossible

well looked after and each year Hans and oth-

If we can help Dial-a-Cab drivers, we would

and after nine days of fighting, the shattered

ers attend several commemorations by visiting

be delighted to try.”

The battle against minicabs

TOUT HAS CAR CRUSHED!

A sign of things to come!

Mayor Boris Johnson and TfL gave notice of the war

against touts when in the weeks leading up to

Christmas, a shocked minicab driver wasn’t just

nicked, but had his car crushed! That coincided with

an increase in police enforcement activity against

touts and other illegal “cabs.”

Operation STaN - Safer Travel at Night - involves

officers from TfL, the Met, Service Safer Transport

Command and the City of London Police. Cab related

offences were said to have fallen by 21% last year, but

the STaN team’s aim is to make travelling in London

after dark even safer for Londoners and visitors to the

city this year. Since 2007, police resources focused on

this issue have doubled with a new team focusing on

sexual offences being set up. Last year over 1,250

arrests were made for cab-related offences.

With over 180 arrests for touting and other cab-

related offences having been made over three week-

ends this past autumn, the first phase of Operation

STaN involved officers checking over 5,000 vehicles

and speaking with thousands of Londoners and stu-

dents to provide safer travel information and encour-

age Londoners to use licensed taxis or licensed mini-

cabs.

It could be a crushing blow for some touts!

Call Sign January 2012

Page 24

Firstly, a Happy New year to all of Call Sign`s

Former fireman Richard Potter and life behind the

readers, Dial-a-Cab drivers and their families.

Well it’s been a long time coming, but 2012 is

here at last which means that in July the whole

POTTER’S WHEEL

world will be watching us! While David

Cameron argues that the EU needs the UK

style, controversy of the highest order happened

more than the UK needs the EU, we in London

in the final seconds of the game. Those of you

will be holding the world’s biggest sporting

who can remember will know why the USA

event - the 2012 Olympics. Let’s hope we do a

team’s medals are still in a Swiss bank vault. If

good job and prove to the world that we do

you want a lesson in how to officiate a game

things better than anyone else. This is something

with the highest level of ineptitude and to save

I know we can do and it can’t just be by chance

column inches, have a look at a rerun on

that the UK will be the only country to have

YouTube, as that is the easiest way. To say the

been given the privilege of holding the games

USA were robbed is an understatement. You

three times.

decide for yourselves but I hope nothing like it

Last September I whetted my appetite for the

happens again.

London Olympics, visiting the Olympic Stadium

Finally we took a look at the Olympic stadium.

in Munich. In amongst all the clanking of steins,

Not just the place of sporting excellence but for

singing to oompah bands and watching all the

a number of years, the home of German football.

pretty girls in lederhosen at the Oktoberfest, a

Remember the 1974 World Cup Final with the

friend and I soaked up the atmosphere circa

excellent Jack Taylor awarding a penalty

1972. Having swum for GB schools as a teenag-

a job, as sports stars were not well paid and

against the Germans on home soil - courage and

er, I couldn't help but feel awestruck visiting the

there was limited money available from adver-

officiating of the highest order.

swimming pool complex where Mark Spitz

tising - and in any case they were meant to be

Also, who could forget Trevor Francis scor-

won an incredible 7 gold medals - without hat or

amateurs! Indeed Spitz was cited for product

ing for Nottingham Forest, Marco Van Basten’s

goggles! That feat had never been achieved

placement, when he displayed a pair of shoes he

volley or Michael Owen’s hat trick. As Radio

before and was only recently beaten by Michael

was holding whilst accepting one of his medals!

5Live’s Alan Green said: “Get this for a score-

Phelps in 2008. Most people think swimming is

How things have changed. On a wall inside the

line, Germany 1 England 5.”

easy compared to other sports, but it is the only

Olympic Park is a list of names of Gold medal-

Let’s hope history repeats itself and the 2012

sport where you train in isolation, ie you can’t

lists; remember Olga Korbut, Lasse Viren and

Olympics will leave us with an Olympic com-

talk to your colleagues whilst participating

Valerie Borzov?

plex, Olympic memories and a legacy that will

because your face is full in the water, thus mak-

One event that occurred during the Games,

last a life time - and for all the right reasons…

ing things even harder.

although nearby the stadium in the Rudi

Spitz retired at 22, winning nine golds, one sil-

Sedimayer Halle, was the basketball final

Richard Potter (T51)

ver and a bronze. In those days you had to get

between USSR and the USA. In true cold war

In a message to both sections of the trade,

London Taxis and Private Hire Director, John

Mason has said that from the new Year a list

showing the name and licence number of dri-

TOUTS TO HAVE

vers whose licence has been revoked as a result

of a touting conviction, will be published on the

TfL website and that a Privacy Notice has been

updated to cover publication of the information.

Any licensed private hire driver convicted or

LICENCE REVOKED!

cautioned for touting will have their private

hire driver’s licence revoked.

Mr Mason explained that in order to carry

out the day-to-day taxi and private hire licens-

ing functions, all applicants and licensees have

to submit a range of personal information to

Dial-a-Cab Credit Union

TfL. However, the Data Protection Act 1998

regulates the use of personal information by

organisations including TfL, so the London

Ever needed money quickly but were anxious about variable

Taxi and Private Hire (LTPH) Privacy Notice

bank interest rates?

will set out how TfL will use the data provided

by all applicants and licensees.

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

Any licensed private hire driver convicted or

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

cautioned for touting would have their private

hire driver’s licence revoked and should they

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

decide to appeal against it, then they should

also qualifies for membership!

inform TfL immediately.

Mr Mason ended by telling Call Sign:

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

“Touting is a serious offence that puts the pub-

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

lic at risk and is a threat to the business of

to 3 times your total savings…

licensed and law abiding taxi and private hire

drivers. The publication of the name and

licence number of drivers who have been con-

The cost?

victed of touting and had their licence revoked,

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

is intended to deter licensed drivers from ille-

gally touting, improve public safety and sup-

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

port TfL’s Safer Travel at Night initiative.”

your savings.

More information about how TfL uses and

protects personal information about taxi/pri-

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

vate hire licensees is available at

www.tfl.gov.uk/privacy.

Call us on 020 7729 8171 or 020 7749 0585

Call Sign January 2012

Page 25

“It was one day back in August, notoriously one

of the quietest trading months of the whole

year,” Ted Bond (P04) told Call Sign with a

JUST ONE JOB!

cheeky sparkle in his eyes, “and all I could man-

age was just one credit ride job all day! Mind

was no longer City airport but that I now had

you, it was no ordinary fare; in fact, it was

to take him to Heathrow Terminal 5 instead and

almost certainly a unique career opportunity!”

just to make life more interesting, it was via yet

So with Call Sign’s attention threshold

another meeting in St. James Street. We finally

raised, we listened to Ted as he told his story…

arrived at Heathrow at around 17.30 - over ten

“I live in West Wickham and start work

hours since I first accepted the trip!

around 7am each day. On this particular morn-

Making the day even more pleasant was the

ing I signed on to my DaC terminal as usual and

fact that it was holiday time and the roads were

booked into my home zone. Within a few min-

generally quiet so I was able to keep to good

utes, the terminal beeped into life with a trip

time between meetings and get out to the fly-

offer to pick up a credit trip from near Crystal

ers without too much worry.

Palace going to the City and then on to London

That customer was a real first rate gentleman

City Airport. Naturally I accepted the trip think-

throughout the day, understanding my waiting

ing what a lovely start to the day!

and parking problems, allowing me to do what-

It was only when I scrolled over to page 2 of

ever I felt necessary to stay out of trouble. So

my instructions that I realised this was no ordi-

long as I was back in time to get him to his next

nary job and I had to look twice at my screen

meeting, he was happy.

to confirm what I had read - You will be need-

After I set the passenger down at T5, I shot

ed all day…

round the M25 towards home. My wife hardly

Ted after his once-in-a-lifetime job!

We made numerous stops in the City - Bread

believed me when I related the days’ activities

Street, Poultry, Threadneedle Street and several

ings.

to her and I reckon it’s a ‘once-in-a-career’ sce-

other addresses within the square mile, includ-

Occasionally I would pop off for a coffee and

nario for me too…especially the £400+ and

ing Bishopsgate where we collected a young

so long as I was back in time to get him to his

421 minutes waiting time I clocked up!”

lady before they stopped for lunch in

next appointment, it was all fine. It was around

With a broad grin, Ted drove off in case a fare

Fenchurch Street.

13.30 and I managed to park up at the back of

wanted to go to West Wickham!

I was very careful where I waited while the

Fenchurch Street station rank over the lunch

passenger was at various meetings, explaining

period before the next round of business meet-

to him about the zealous use of enforcement

ings continued apace.

cameras and he was appreciative of the prob-

Then came the crunch terminal message that

lem allowing me to circulate the roads when I

turned this from a brilliant job into a once-in-a-

could not park comfortably nearby his meet-

lifetime one. It said that my final destination

Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers

EIGHTH ANNUAL LIVERYMEN’S DINNER

The Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers held their 8th annual

Liverymen’s dinner on 24th November 2011. Liverymen and their guests attended a

champagne reception before the dinner itself at the magnificent Cutlers Hall in

Warwick Lane. During the court meeting, which took place before the dinner, John

Sheen was admitted as a Court Assistant. John retired from his role as WCHCD

Beadle last year and was subsequently invited to join the Court of Assistants. His

position as Beadle was taken by Dial-a-Cab’s Sean Ferry (T90).

Prior to the reception, some important admissions and presentations were made

and as usual, several were from Dial-a-Cab. Firstly, six Freemen of The Worshipful

Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers were clothed in the livery and one Honorary

Freeman was also clothed. This was Philip Scott, one of the police officers who is

involved in the annual Magical Taxi Tour and a keen supporter of the WCHCD. The

Freemen clothed were Dennis Heavin (A01), Steve Tyson (V99), James Black,

Anthony Collins, Sandra Cox and Garry Holman. Three new Freemen were also

admitted to the Company - Richard Chamberlain (C96), Gurinder Dhillon and

Kelati Measho. The clothing and admissions ceremonies were followed by the

presentation of badges and certificates to the latest students to have passed the

Cab Guide Course. All the students agreed how much they enjoyed the course

and the knowledge they had gained from it. The 15 students, as well as the new Freemen and

Liverymen, were all congratulated by the Master, Eddie Crossley, during the dinner. The WCHCD is proud of its Cab Guide Course and

the number of interested enquiries regarding future courses shows how popular the course has become.

The next course begins in February 2012, further details of which can be obtained from The Clerk, Mary Whitworth via email:

wchcd@tiscali.co.uk or Tel/Fax: 01494 765922.

At the dinner, one of the WCHCD Awards was made. These Awards are made in special circumstances to acknowledge an act of bravery, The Hitch

Award or the Friend of the Cab Trade Award. This year, the Friend of the Cab Trade Award was made to Piero Marzzi. As he presented the Award,

the Master said: “This award is being presented to someone many of you will know if you frequent any of the Piccolo café bars. Piero has given con-

tinued support for our trade over the last 35 years, not only for his first class hospitality and refreshments but for successful campaigning for rest ranks

outside two of his premises, Queen Victoria Street and Gresham Street.”

Guest speaker was Adrian Leppard, Commissioner of Police for the City of London. He gave an interesting speech that showed an understanding of

the cab trade and the demands made on it. He also spoke to several Freemen and Liverymen after the dinner about the challenges faced by the officers

serving the City of London with regard to touting and illegal minicabs. He also spoke of supporting the trade in regard to using the Olympic lanes.

Membership of the WCHCD is very diverse and all members have one thing in common. They wish to promote the world famous taxi trade as the best in

the world. Social events such as dinners are a good way of talking to colleagues within the trade. Many drivers attending this event took part in this year’s

Magical Taxi Tour. Charity and education are important roles within City Livery Companies and the WCHCD is held in high esteem throughout the City.

Our thanks to Sandie Goodwin for the report…

Call Sign January 2012

Page 26

In the December 2008 issue of Call Sign, a

Dial-a-Cab driver told how he had been

Taking the law into

accused of kidnapping his passenger, even

though he was just taking her to the police sta-

tion after she threw up in his taxi and refused

to pay him anything. She also attempted to kick

your own hands???

the driver’s taxi windows out! Fortunately a

Big Issue vendor saw everything and corrobo-

ver had a strict liability, which makes him

rated the DaC driver’s version of events. His

legally responsible for the damage and

passenger was charged with criminal damage,

loss caused by his acts regardless of fault.

found guilty and ordered to pay the driver £300

Ms Lamb was awarded £13,250 in dam-

in damages.

ages.

Now Manchester based Howard’s

Deputy District Judge Jones also commented

Solicitors have told this magazine of a similar

in his judgement that the driver had the option

incident. The case centres on false imprison-

to stop his vehicle, but continued and so posed

ment after a dispute over a taxi fare.The result-

a significant danger to other road users as well

ing accident and liability that was attributed to

as his passengers. Howards Solicitors, who

the taxi driver for the injuries sustained

work closely with the taxi trade, represented

showed that should an incident such as refusal

Ms Lamb and believe that taxi drivers must take

to pay a fare happen, then alternative legal

away key lessons away from this case.

ways must be sought and that taking the law

Gavyn Atkinson, head of personal injury

into your own hands will probably not have

and civil litigation who worked on the case at

such a happy result as our driver had in 2008.

Howards, has advised: “If you are a taxi driver

The consequences in this new case over

who believes that you have been wronged, do

a fare dispute amounted to just

£3,

not take the law into your own hands, pursue

should act as a warning now that the Law

other options. If you find yourself in a difficult

The damage to the DaC taxi in 2008.

has further clarified this issue.

position, call the Police, drop off passengers

That driver won but may well have lost

Taxi law experts Howards Solicitors are

outside their homes or places of work and note

today

warning drivers not to take the law into their

the address. If you can install cameras in your

own hands, even if they believe they are being

In the ensuing confrontation between the

cab, then so much the better.”

provoked following a new landmark ruling.

driver and Ms Lamb’s partner, she suffered a

Mr Atkinson continued that only in cases of

The case of Eve Lamb v Equity Red Star has

broken hip that required 6 weeks in hospital

self-defence where you honestly believe that

set a new precedent for the duty of care

after the driver lost control of his vehicle. Just

there is a threat to your physical well-being,

demanded of taxi drivers towards their pas-

as in the DaC driver’s

2008 case, the

would it be acknowledged that there might not

sengers and other road users. The taxi driver

Manchester taxi driver decided to take the cou-

be any reasonable alternative. However, cases

who was insured by Equity Red Star - the

ple to a police station despite repeated

UK’s sixth largest insurers - had been found

requests to be allowed to exit - an action that

that go to court are often not clear-cut in

liable of false imprisonment after he refused

was deemed as false imprisonment by the

regards to self-defence.

to let his passengers leave the vehicle follow-

court.

Howards Solicitors are at www.howardsso-

ing a fare dispute.

This has led to a key ruling that the dri-

licitors.co.uk.

Taxi drivers & Owners Legal Protection Ltd

www.taxidriverslegalprotection.co.uk

Taxi drivers Legal Protection Ltd was formed in 2009 by Alan Fleming and Dave Cohen (E94). We were both involved in the

LCDC for many years, our roles being Chairman and Treasurer / Membership Secretary.

Taxi drivers Legal Protection is not a political organisation, but we provide vital legal representation for members to protect their

licenses. We offer cover for all Hackney Carriage, motoring offences and representation for revocations and suspensions of your cab

driver’s licence, which could arise from health issues, malicious, spurious or unfounded complaints.

We now operate nationwide and have a team of Legal Appointees whose services can be called upon if and when required.

Exclusions

The only exclusions relate to claims made retrospectively when an applicant joins after the date of an offence. However, we will provide advice where

appropriate or provide you with a legal contact at your expense. Non-trade related civil matters are not covered including Motor Contract Disputes,

which are not covered under the terms of our Legal Insurance Expenses scheme.

Subscription Rate

Our subscriptions now start at just £8.00 a month, which are payable by Standing Order. Alternatively, subscriptions can be paid quarterly at £24.00 or

a one off annual payment of £96.00. You can also submit one cheque for £32 and two post-dated cheques dated one month apart for the same

amounts. We can also accept annual fees via PayPal. Further details are available on our website.

Joining Taxi drivers Legal Protection Ltd could not be simpler. Just take a look at our website, www.taxidriverslegalprotection.co.uk

where you will find a printable application form for posting or joining directly online and further information regarding our services.

If you would like further information, take a look at our website; www.taxidriverslegalprotection.co.uk or call Dave on 07956 894701 or

Alan on 07831 092123. If you have any questions, you can contact us via our electronic Online Mailing Form, which can also be located on

the website.

If you are already a member, please remember to increase your monthly or quarterly payments by instructing your bank to amend your subscription.

Finally, remember that stopping to pick up or set down on zigzag markings is an offence and should be avoided. However, it is another issue if a pas-

senger decides to board or alight while you are allowing pedestrians to cross the road or in stationary in traffic.

Dave Cohen (E94)

Call Sign January 2012

Page 27

COMPLIANCE OFFICER’S REPORT

the Editor mentioned that a number of our mem-

which should make it quicker for vehicles

bers had reported some problems and delays at

to leave the coach road. However as the sta-

the Eurostar St Pancras coach park whilst waiting

tion is a grade one listed building, it will

for their account pickups - particularly late into

take some time to get approval for this and

the evening. I was eventually able to contact the

at this stage it has not yet even been con-

Operations Manager at Eurostar and rather than

firmed as there are a few other obstacles we

change any of his answers, I thought it would be

need to overcome. I will update you should

better to insert his reply to my original email,

any further progress be made around this.

which is self-explanatory:-

And as a reminder…

The coach road is only manned from

It’s a New Year and at the risk of repeating

06:45 to 22:45 Monday to Sunday. Due to

myself, there are a number of points I would

the relatively low usage of the coach road

like to remind you of:

outside of these hours, there is no busi-

* The maximum run in (excluding TaxiCard trips

ness justification for this position being

or otherwise authorised) is £4.20 at the PB time

manned. Therefore out of these hours

Hello Ladies & Gents,

or on arrival for an ASAP trip.

taxi drivers will need to call the station

control room on 0207 843 4261 - the con-

* Remember to press your On Board Button

Due to the imposed deadline at Call Sign’s print-

troller will then radio for the nearest

(PoB) as soon as the client enters your taxi.

ers, I’m writing this article in mid-December, so I

hope you all enjoyed a busy lead-up to the

member of staff to attend the barriers to

* You must be on the actual rank at City Airport

Christmas period and into the New Year.

let the taxi drivers out, which should typ-

(CC00) before booking in.

The year ahead promises to be highly competi-

ically not be more than a few minutes at

* There is no minimum fare on a Scrubbed trip.

tive and it is even more important that we all

most. However if the number is not called,

* To ensure payment on a Credit Card trip, it is

work within the rules of the Society. Run-ins must

then it may be a while before a member of

be adhered to, high levels of customer care are

staff happens to be passing. Repeatedly

essential to obtain a signed manual receipt if

vital and generally speaking going that extra mile

beeping the horn (which often happens

you’re out of signal range and unable to print a

receipt through the terminal (most important).

to keep us ahead of the competition is so impor-

even after 11pm) will have no effect as it

tant.

cannot be heard in the control room, so it

* Please remember when you press the Arrival

Together with the help of the Call Centre, I will

may well be worth briefing out the tele-

button it does not automatically advise arrival. To

do all in my power to ensure that our Society is

phone number to drivers if you have such

advise arrival press Advise.

safeguarded and that the system is not only equal

a facility open to you. I will also ask the

* If you use the Parked button to inform the Call

for all, but that every member is dealt with equal-

control room to try to monitor CCTV

Centre of your location, this must be done before

ly. It is my opinion that we are fortunate to have a

images for this area after 22:45 and to

you actually press advise arrival (Advise).

vastly experienced Board in place that can - and

look out for vehicles waiting to leave.

will - confidently face up to the challenges that lie

However, due to the activity in there this

Finally, can I wish all of you and your

ahead.

can still be missed, so would advise still

loved ones a Very Happy and Prosperous

calling the number.

2012, may you all be very lucky…

In terms of operations during the day, we

Eurostar late night

are looking into fitting a remote control sys-

Allan Evans

pick-ups…

tem for the exit blockers that can be operat-

In last month’s issue of the magazine, both I and

ed from the hut in order to let vehicles out,

DaC Compliance Officer

Half of women say partners affect their driving, so what of those on Dial-a-Cab???

DRIVING WOMEN DRIVE MEN CRAZY?

A recent survey carried out by the UK’s largest insurer, Aviva, suggests that over half of women drivers admit that having

their partner in the car adversely affects their driving! The results say that partners being present makes females feel stressed

and nervous.

Men are said to feel less likely to be affected by having their partner in the car, although one in ten say they drive more

carefully when their partner is in the car with them! However, the research also shows a similar number of men refuse to

let their partner drive their car. Of these, 20% say it’s because they do not rate their partner’s driving abilities as highly as

their own, 26% believe their car is too powerful for their partner to drive and 16% feel their partner suffers from a lack of

confidence when driving!

Heather Smith, Aviva’s director of marketing, told Call Sign:

“While men in relationships might feel more comfortable taking on the majority of driving, it is important that both

men and women regularly get behind the wheel to ensure that their skills remain fresh.”

Call Sign asked two of Dial-a-Cab’s female drivers whether they felt the survey results were accurate and that

having a partner in the car with them made them feel nervous…

Natalia Shalom (A34) was the obvious first choice as her partner Daniel Woodhouse (K84) is also a driver on Dial-

a-Cab. Natalia told Call Sign at first that Daniel’s presence in the car had no effect on her driving, but she suddenly

changed her mind.

“Now that I think about it, there are times when I’m driving and Daniel is a passenger when I do feel slightly nervous.

That probably reflects itself more in my parking, because on my own I park very well but when Daniel is next to me, I

seem to lose a bit of confidence. Yet Daniel never comments or looks as though he even wants to!”

Jackie Kott (Y88) backed Natalia’s comments and also surprised Call Sign by confirming that the survey results

were probably correct. She told us that when she was in her taxi, she had the ultimate confidence in her driving ability

and had often been complimented by passengers who perhaps were still surprised to see a woman taxi driver.

“Yet when I’m in a car and a man is next to me, I do tend to feel nervous and I really don’t know why. If that per-

son criticises your ability then it would possibly be understandable, but even when they just sit there it tends to make

me nervous. I recently road-tested a car with a view to buying it and I felt really nervous with a salesman next to me, yet

if that same man had been in the back of my taxi it wouldn’t have bothered me in the slightest!”

If you are a female on DaC, do you agree with the survey results? Call Sign will be happy to publish your

comments…

Call Sign January 2012

Page 28

At last! Call Taker

wins Call Sign comp!

Sign’s prize! And in an ironic twist, this compe-

whilst C saw the inimitable Sgt Bilko in The Phil

tition had the highest entry number ever for any

Silvers Show.

prize offered by ANY taxi magazine anywhere,

The draw was made on Monday 12 December

with a huge number of entries from drivers

by Dionne Bennett, DaC’s Human Resources

swamping the twenty or so from DaC’s third

officer. She picked the winning name out of a

floor.

huge bag stuffed with entries. The name was

There were 672 entries in total for a competi-

Jackie Franklin, a Call Centre CSR. Dionne

tion that offered a £500 prize for naming three

then picked out several others just to confirm

stills from old television programmes. The stills

that all the entries were different.

tied in with the 75th anniversary of the first ever

When Call Sign told Jackie she had won, she

broadcast and to also show that the old progs

gave out a loud scream. At first we thought she

don’t get forgotten. To make life even more diffi-

had misheard us… but she hadn’t. It was a

Call Centre Manager Keith Cain presents

cult, very few of the

672 entrants got the

scream of joy followed by a one-word comment:

Jackie with Call Sign’s £500 cheque

answers wrong.

“Brilliant!”

For those who weren’t sure, picture A had the

So well done Jackie, we’re sure £500 won’t

After almost 15 years of running competitions,

Lone Ranger and Tonto in The Lone Ranger; B

have harmed her Christmas and New Year too

finally a Dial-a-Cab call taker has won Call

saw Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz in I Love Lucy

much!

GOVERNMENT RETHINK ON ENHANCED CRB CHECKS?

As new CRB system is launched…

The Minister for Crime Prevention, Lord Henley, has announced that the Government will reconsider its view that enhanced

criminal records checks are not needed for taxi and minicab drivers. The Criminal Records Bureau informed councils earlier this

year that it was ending the 10-year practice of checking drivers via the enhanced check.

Lord Henley made the announcement during the Lords debate of the Protection of Freedoms Bill following a proposed amend-

ment to reintroduce the checks by Baroness Doocey. She had stated that in London alone, 10% of all licence applications

were refused as a result of discoveries made through an enhanced check, demonstrating the check’s clear contribution to pas-

senger safety.

Both TfL and the LGA have been lobbying for HMG to reconsider its position and welcome the announcement. TfL worked

closely with Baroness Doocey over the tabling of the amendment, which was withdrawn, but HMG committed to taking it for-

ward through other methods. The changes can be made using an amendment via the 1997 Police Act and could come into

force as early as February 2012.

In the meantime, the CRB have announced a new and more efficient procedure to help reduce processing time for London

Taxi driver licensing applications. From the end of November, the umbrella body for the CRB, TMG CRB, who are established

experts in this field, will process CRB checks for taxi driver applicants on behalf of Transport for London. As part of the change,

TMG CRB will offer all drivers the option to complete the CRB application online. However, the traditional method of completing

a paper application form will still be available if preferred.

TMG CRB will also provide a dedicated administration team to handle all queries and issues regarding CRB applications.

Guidance regarding the forms and further information will be included in licensing application packs and will also be available

on the TMG CRB website. There will be an administration cost of £13 for a paper application or £11 for an online application

(inclusive of VAT).

London Taxi and Private Hire will continue to hold the decision-making powers on all licensing applications. Helen Chapman,

Deputy Director of LTPH, told Call Sign:

“I’m very pleased to announce a new process for carrying out CRB checks and I hope that applicants will quickly reap the

rewards of a quicker, more efficient application process.”

0845 838 8998 • info@pennyblack.com • www.pennyblack.com

Call Sign January 2012

Page 29

Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall and Patron

of the London Taxidrivers' Fund for

Underprivileged Children, thrilled the eight

Camilla thrills the

children, eight carers and nine committee

members who all got into the festive spirit

assisting her in decorating the Clarence House

Christmas tree. The Fund was invited, along

with 16 youngsters supported by the Helen

LTFUC Xmas kids!

and Douglas House Hospice for children.

After helping the children decorate the tree,

The Duchess also supplied some Clarence

House tea along with biscuits, chocolate,

crisps and cakes! Her Equerry, Captain

Charles Fraser-Sampson of the Welsh

Guards - who was dressed in his traditional

scarlet tunic - cheered the children by let-

ting them try on his bearskin!

Before tea, LTFUC’s Hon President and

Dial-a-Cab’s longest serving driver Bill

Tyzack BEM

(C06), introduced each

Committee member separately to Her Roya

Highness while the Fund’s Hon Chair Susan

Angel thanked her for inviting them. Before

leaving, Camilla handed each child a goody bag

One of them had Call Sign’s photographer Alan

remembered the name of every one of

filled with sweets and Christmas gifts and then

Green (E52) squeezed in, whist the lead cab, dri-

the kids. It was just a magnificent day with her

went outside to inspect the fund’s Reindeer

ven by ComCab’s Steve Bell certainly created a

staff admitting that this was one of her

taxi. Her broad smile told how amused the

stir as it drove the journey decked out as

favourite days of the year!”

sight made her!

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer!

The NW8 school was named after the former

The eight children supported by the LTFUC

Dial-a-Cab Board member and LTFUC

DaC and LTFUC Chairman, Jack Taylor (see

are all students at the Jack Taylor School for

Committee member, Mike Son, told Call Sign:

Mike Son’s article in this issue for sad news

children with severe learning disabilities. They

“The Duchess was just brilliant with the chil-

about the school)…

were collected from the school in Swiss Cottage,

dren. Not only was she the perfect host but she

and driven to Clarence House in a fleet of taxis.

The Vito and Albert Bridge

Last month’s Call Sign gave the date when

The Vito

Albert Bridge would be reopening. The arti-

CAN use

cle mentioned nothing about exceptions,

Albert

however a driver on Dial-a-Cab put out a

Bridge!

message that said that so far as taxis were

concerned, only TX4s would be able to use

the repaired Thames crossing and that due to

the Vito’s heavier weight they would not be

allowed to use it. Naturally that caused Vito

drivers some considerable concern with the

fear that trips in the Mercedes taxi would

cost considerably more than the same trip in

an LTI cab.

That driver’s information was incorrect and

Albert Bridge’s new weight limit of three

tonnes (up from the previous two tonnes) is

more than ample to allow Vitos cross there.

However, Vito owners should be extra careful

The Flower Mill

when negotiating the northbound bollards

just before the bridge as the gap doesn’t

Creating Beautiful Flowers For Weddings

allow Vitos too much room.

When asking the Contact Centre to put a

message out, please be certain that the infor-

Tel: 07854 738895

mation is correct as that driver’s message

reached the hallowed halls of London Taxis

and Private Hire, causing Call Sign to get a

Web: www.theflowermillessex.co.uk

message from our licensing masters asking

whether the original message came from

Email: theflowermill@yahoo.co.uk

Transport for London as LTPH hadn’t been

told about it. As it wasn’t true, that probably

Covering Essex & The Surrounding Counties

explained why they hadn’t been told!

But the bottom line is that Vitos CAN use

Albert Bridge…

“It is at the edge of a petal that love waits”- William Carlos Williams

Alan Fisher

Call Sign January 2012

Page 30

Dial-a-Cab’s daytime shift operations Manager

in the Contact Centre, Lee Moreland, recent-

Lee’s Santa run for Rainbow Trust

ly completed the annual 10K Santa Run in aid

of the Rainbow Trust. He ran with his broth-

er-in-law Stephen Palmer, who works for

Nomura - part sponsors of the event.

Lee told Call Sign: “I joined 2,000 other

Santa's to take part in the charity run around

Greenwich Park. I was running for Rainbow

Trust, a very special organisation that supports

families who are facing the unimaginable

prospect of losing their child to a life-threaten-

ing or terminal illness. By providing both emo-

tional and practical support, they strive to help

families through this devastating time.

The support given to the families in Rainbow

Trust care starts from diagnosis and can con-

tinue throughout treatment. Rainbow provides

immediate help to families in turmoil.”

All the money that came in through Lee’s

sponsorship went directly to Rainbow Trust,

helping them to support 1,150 families in

England over the Christmas period, many of

Lee after the Santa run

who spent the festive season in hospital.

the treatment, but they can - and do - help fam-

So well done Lee. Mind you, we didn’t realise

Rainbow Trust can’t change the diagnosis or

ilies to cope.

you had a disguise on!

Fiona’s Disney at Disney!

If you have been in the taxi business for more than 10 minutes, you’ll

know that the Children's Magical Taxi Tour is organised yearly by the

Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers. Each year it take

around 200 children - many of whom suffer with life-threatening illness-

es - to the Disneyland Resort, Paris. Many of the volunteer drivers and

organisers are from Dial-a-Cab, but in this case that comes second to

the brilliant job they all do. The children have an amazing weekend and

the trade gets some welcome good publicity rather than the nit-picking

the press usually love to lay on us!

Once each year, the WCHCD lay on a Christmas gala ball in which they

raise funds for the next Disney trip via raffles and an auction. This year’s

ball raised over £4000 and included in that magnificent total was a

hand-made Disney cross stitch picture of Mickey and Minnie Mouse

from Dial-a-Cab Customer Service Representative, Fiona Mclachlan.

This is the second time Fiona has made a cross stitch for the WCHCD

auction and just like last time, it was snapped up in ultra-quick time.

On behalf of WCHCD Master, Eddie Crossley, DaC driver and for-

mer Master Jim Rainbird (T25) asked Call Sign to thank Fiona for her amazing piece of

artistry. And of course we are happy to do so…

Presented to the London Taxi Company’s Nigel Walters…

Fellowship of the Institute of Export and International Trade!

On 8 November 2011, The London Taxi Company’s Nigel Walters, who is their Export Logistics Manager, was awarded a

Fellowship of the Institute of Export and International Trade.

Nigel has been working in the overseas logistics business for over 26 years. During his latter 11 years and while working

for The London Taxi Company, Nigel has seen the iconic and purpose-built London Taxi sold into more than 60 countries

around the world.

Nigel is also active within various export forums in his local community, which help support and inform local international traders.

He was presented with his Certificate of Fellowship by Doug Tweddle CBE, who is both National Chairman and Vice-

President of The Institute of Export and International Trade, having recently retired as Director of HM Customs and

Revenue.

“A Fellowship can only be given by invitation from the Institute and it is always a pleasure to reward local members who

have made an exceptional contribution to the achievement of the Institute's principal aims of representing and supporting the

interests of everyone involved in importing, exporting and international trade,” said Mr Tweddle during the presentation.

Nigel told Call Sign: “I am obviously flattered and pleased to receive this award and would like to thank The London Taxi

Company for their support in allowing me to be so involved in my vocation.”

2011 was a record year for exports of the London Taxi with an order of 1000 vehicles received from Azerbaijan and over

125 vehicles delivered into the Middle East.

Call Sign January 2012

Page 31

For the

past two

issues of

Arbitrator elected

Call Sign,

D a C

Company

Secretary

unopposed!

Howard

Pears has

advertised

five consecutive year’s membership, to apply

and no election will now be needed.

a vacancy

before Monday 12 December and that a postal

The new member is Garry White (L65). He

for

one

ballot would then take place at a future time.

has been driving a cab for 24 years and been a

DaC sub-

Candidates were also invited to send a brief CV

member of Dial-a-Cab for 22 of them.

scriber to

for publication in Call Sign.

Garry told Call Sign: “I am delighted to be

become

By 12 December, just one driver had

on the Arbitration committee and will always

an Arbitrator. Howard asked for those interest-

applied and will be classified as a volun-

give my fair and considered opinion whenever

ed who could meet the minimum criteria of

teer for the DaC Arbitration committee

asked to do so.”

Goodbye to DaC...

It happens to us all at some time and now it’s Monty Dobrin’s (B56) turn!

Monty tells Call Sign the story…

“I have been a licensed taxi driver since 1958 and a member of ODRTS since 1975 and enjoyed

every minute of it. I only work two days a week now and my P Reg Fairway taxi, which is still in

good condition, has to come off the road by 17th February 2012. I am too old to buy another taxi

and don't want to go and hire a taxi from a garage as I don't like working without the radio.

So I have now decided that enough is enough and I am going to

retire and would like to wish Call Sign and everybody at Dial-a-Cab

the best of luck for the future. But does anyone know what I can do

with my Fairway in February…?”

So the best of luck in your retirement Monty. But can anyone tell

Monty what he can do with his Fairway - and please keep it clean!

TOBY THE TAXI MEETS THE QUEEN!

In the charming full colour children’s book Toby Meets

the Queen by Edwin Vaux (Troubador Publishing

£5.50) Toby the Taxi takes a job in a million when

his passenger asks to be taken to Buckingham Palace!

The title of the book gives a clue to all the fun and

excitement that is about to befall Toby.

This is the first in the Toby the Taxi series,

which follows the adventures of a rather special

London taxi. He encounters many unusual situa-

tions as we London taxi drivers often do, but

despite difficult circumstances everything will

turn out well in the end. The series is educational

and informative for children, introducing the

geography and history of one of the world’s

great capitals.

For a great deal in taxi tyres

As Toby reaches the Palace, he desperately

looks for a glimpse of the Queen but to no avail.

TRY THE TIGER!

However, his disappointment is forgotten when a

curious encounter occurs later that day.

Toby meets the Queen is beautifully illustrated,

bringing the scenes in the book to life whilst

enhancing the delightful characters in the series.

No, Toby isn’t on Dial-a-Cab, but he really is a

very nice taxi and all children will love reading

about his adventures.

Author Edwin Vaux has been inspired by his

life experience having been a London cab driver

since 1963 and of course he has the Knowledge

Tiger Tyres

in addition to lots of stories and situations for

Toby to get into!

472 Hackney Road, E2

Toby Meets the Queen by Edwin Vaux

(Troubador Publishing £5.50)

0207 729 5237

Call Sign January 2012

Page 32

I’m pleased to say that in 2012 the London

Taxidrivers’ Fund for Underprivileged

LTFUC Hon Chair Report 2011

Children will be celebrating 84 years of help-

ing disabled and disadvantaged children. The

and for her website prowess, Elaine for her

fund is made up of a group of trustees - eleven

help at events, Ros and Maxine for their help

men and two women - and it gives me pride

and common sense, Maria, Tony and Susan for

and pleasure to say that following the footsteps

your help and kindness and all for their

of many great honorary Chairmen, I became

patience and last, but not least, my husband

Honorary Chair in December 2010. My first act

Gerald whose love and support I could not do

was to present the Joseph Clarke School (for

without.

children with visual impairment and other

Larry Abrahams retired at the AGM, so I

health problems) with some special computer

would like to take this opportunity to thank

equipment enabling them to take their GCEs

him on behalf of the Honorary President,

and A levels on software compatible to their

trustees and children for his hard work and

needs. The energy of the pupils and commit-

commitment over the many years he has

ment of the teachers was amazing and very

belonged to this Fund. I would also like to

heart rendering.

tinued support and for the cheque donated to

thank his wife Susan for her hard work and

In December 2010 we were graciously

us.

support and wish them good health and happi-

invited to Clarence House by our patron Her

My first year as Honorary Chair has brought

ness in their retirement.

Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall to

many exciting and wonderful events to preside

Sheldon Collins left the fund this year and on

take some disabled children from the Jack

over. The meetings are always a lively affair with

behalf of the Honorary President and trustees,

Taylor School for lunch and to help decorate

each project sorted, sometimes with or with-

we would like to thank him for his past endeav-

their ground floor Christmas tree. What a day

out humour, but always with professionalism. I

ours. I also thank Helen and the children for

we all had and may I thank HRH the Duchess of

work alongside a most wonderful set of com-

their help and wish them all the best for the

Cornwall for the most special invite.

mittee members, these hard working guys and

future.

Also in December 2010, for the first time in

girl are a great team. We work as hard as we can

Last but not least, I would like to thank the

this charity’s history we held a Gala Christmas

for no remuneration and give that most pre-

drivers, their partners, families and all those

Concert in St John’s, Smith Square featuring The

cious commodity - time. I look forward to what-

people who tirelessly give up their time to

London Charity Orchestra with Sir William

ever the next year brings us as trustees,

come along and support the LTFUC time and

Carslake conducting, guest flute soloist Emma

because I know we will do our best and I thank

time again.

Halnan and harpist Hannah Butler and the

them for their continued support.

Fund activity reports can be found at

choir of the Finchley Children’s Music Group.

I would also like to thank the wives and part-

www.thelondontaxidriverschildrenscharity.co.uk.

I would like to thank all those wonderful musi-

ners of the trustees, Grace, Evelyn and Sandra

cians and choristers for their time and exper-

for their help and understanding, Maureen for

Susan Angel

tise and for making the evening such a tremen-

her help, kindness, for the party entertainers

LTFUC Honorary Chair

dous success. I would also like to thank those

who sponsored the evening.

Welcomed by the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign as we head towards the Olympics…

Then came January 2011 and the 39th annu-

al Mad Hatters Tea Party in the Great Room of

TAXI ACCESSIBILITY AWARENESS

the Grosvenor House. There were over 600 dis-

abled and disadvantaged children at this great

Taxi ranks at Heathrow, Victoria, Kings

event and I’d like to thank all the celebrities,

Cross, City Airport, Stratford and

performers, clowns and furry characters etc for

Paddington have seen the launch of a

their input. I would also like to thank the

new accessibility awareness campaign

Grosvenor House and staff for their continued

from LTPH compliance officers, which

support in allowing us to stage this event.

has been welcomed by the Muscular

In June 2011 Bill Tyzack BEM (C06), Lilian

Dystrophy Campaign Trailblazers, a

leading campaign group for young dis-

Julier, Ray Levy and I were invited to meet

abled people.

HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Anne at The

Over the course of three days, the

Ahoy Centre in Bermondsey. Princess Anne was

officers visited the ranks and engaged

very gracious and understanding on the sub-

with around 500 drivers, handing out lea

jects that we London cabbies like to chat about

reminding them of specific responsibilities to disabled passengers. Many drivers

- you know, the weather, traffic and putting the

were from Dial-a-Cab, who already cover the Westminster TaxiCard account. Bobby Ancil,

world to rights!

Trailblazers Project Manager, told Call Sign:

In July 2011we had our annual outing to

“Accessible taxis are often the only mode of transport that many disabled people can use to get

Southend for over 300 disabled and disadvan-

to their destination safely and independently in and around London. Hackney carriages in London

are physically accessible to many wheelchair users, which should be recognised and celebrated.

taged children. A great big thank you is sent to

Given this, it is regrettable that it can often be a driver’s attitude that leads to a person being left

all those people involved. Also in July 2011 we

stranded. The freedom to be spontaneous and hail a taxi on the street should be the same for

attended the summer barbecue of Giving Kids

anyone, regardless of whether they are disabled. So TfL’s campaign on-street activity is a welcome

a Break. We donate to this very good cause and

decision so that drivers understand not only their legal obligations, but also their responsibilities as

it is good to see how well spent our donation

taxi drivers. Providing exceptional service is a long term investment providing a vital service

is.

enabling disabled people to live independently and with confidence.”

September 2011 saw us participating in

The awareness raising exercise gave drivers the opportunity to engage directly with compliance

the Pearlies Harvest Festival at The Guildhall

officers and to ask for advice in using equipment such as the intermediate step, access ramp or

and afterwards at the famous St Mary-Le- Bow

securing wheelchairs correctly.

Church in the City. The Pearly King and Queens

The rank visits mark the start of a concerted campaign by TfL to ensure London’s taxi

support us constantly, for which we are very

trade is fully prepared and equipped to provide a top class service for all visitors to the

capital, ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Games next year.

grateful. October 2011 saw our Fun Day in

Director of Taxi and Private Hire at LTPH, John Mason, told Call Sign: “I was delighted to hear

Covent Garden when we took over part of the

of the positive response to our accessibility campaign, which once again highlights why London

Piazza and a great time was had by all those

cab drivers are so widely respected around the world. I am sure the London’s cab trade will contin-

attending. In December we had great pleasure

ue to support this campaign and ensure that they and their vehicles are fully equipped to cater for

in attending the Taxi Driver of the Year dinner

all passengers in the run up to and during the London 2012 Games.”

and dance and are very grateful for their con-

Call Sign January 2012

Page 33

Mailshot

Either write to Call Sign at

Dial-a-Cab House

or email us at

callsignmag@aol.com

lanes regardless, as he did the M4, he

for local and long distance journeys’. We

Addison Lee

would then refuse to pay the PCN fines

showed the website to LTPH Director

Hi Alan

and elect to go to the European court

John Mason, who came back later that

I’ve been thinking about Addy Lee’s taking

where he always claimed that he would

day to tell us that they had now spoken

control of Lewis Day’s minicab fleet and it

win. But I can’t see TfL or the Highway

to the operator/owner and explained

got me thinking (if you say I shouldn't think,

Agency allowing rulings from

why he couldn’t use the word ‘Taxi’.

then you’re not the first)! That's two big play-

Strasbourg to overtake our own ones,

LTPH then gave him 5 days to have his

ers under control of Addy Lee now, the first

because if every minicab firm was

website amended. This was followed up

being Premier Cars before Lewis Day. So how

allowed in the lanes then they might as

by a letter, so hopefully by the time you

many big minicab fleets are left? When it

well be shut anyway. But we’ll see …Ed

read this Camden Taxis will be renamed

comes to tendering for these huge corporate

CLC Express and have removed any

accounts, who's left? How many car compa-

nies are left with fleets of more than 200 or

Thank you Jon and

mention that suggests they are what

they patently are not

- taxis! John

300 cars? How many cars do you need

all of you…

Mason went on to add that LTPH recog-

to tender for a major investment bank or cor-

Friends,

nise that the place to stop this type of

porate law firm or to service a London air-

I had a visit today from Chris Hanrahan

thing is at the point of licensing and

port terminal? It makes me wonder why

(B47) with a card and gift on behalf of Jon

that there should be no reason why any-

Lewis Day has given it all up, do they see lit-

Trevor

(W94) and a whole bunch of

one they licence should be in any way

tle profit from this work? As I understand it,

London’s finest, which rendered me speech-

unclear about their obligations and the

their hospital transport is still in business.

less. For some time I was feeling slightly

regulations. He ended by telling Call

This may be good for the radio taxi circuits,

embarrassed; that gave way to feeling humble

Sign that they were looking to strength-

the fewer firms that can tender the better for

and hubris at the same time. I felt humble to

en what they did in that respect …Ed

us. I know there are some companies that

tried minicabs and have not been happy

have received so generous a donation from

with their service or drivers, or am I just a

colleagues and friends, some of whom I now

PCN win

dreamer?

meet so infrequently. I regard it as even more

Alan

With Addy Lee taking over these compa-

generous when you consider how hard it is

Congratulations on getting off your Waterloo

nies, that gives little scope for DaC to step in

to make a crust out there at present.

PCN (From the Editor, Dec Call Sign). I’m

and take over a profitable car service to take

Therefore be assured your generous gift will

gutted now that I didn’t appeal my PCN and

them on.

not be wasted but spent wisely on wine,

just paid up…

Jon Robinson (E88)

women (at least one), feasting and song!

Barry Spear (Y16)

Hi Jon, yes, there are still a number of

My feelings quickly changed to one of

I appeal every PCN Barry, and I now also

big minicab companies out there and

immense pride - pride in being able to count

add that I am a part of TfL’s transport

some, like Brunel, carry a substantial

as friends a group of people possessing such

system! It worked for that one at

amount of respect. I can’t help but won-

a generosity of spirit, which is incalculable

Waterloo (Lambeth Council) and the

der whether there will come a time

and transcends money. Wherever I travel, I

one I got on the same day along Euston

when the names of Dial-a-Cab and A N

shall always rejoice in belonging to such a

Road (TfL), where my front wheels

Other Cab become one? Either way, I

group.

entered a yellow box junction. Sadly I

now believe that there may be just two

Vaya Con Dios…

cannot offer any guarantees that it will

choices left for us. One is to maintain

Jeff Foster

help - but I don’t suppose it can hurt

the status quo and remain as we are and

Last month’s Call Sign told how Jon

either! …Ed

as things stand, that could be a danger-

Trevor did 1000 push and sit ups in aid

ous ploy with traffic overtaking us all

of his friend, former DaC driver and

GPS v Zonal

around. The second choice - and as

Saracens rugby player, Jeff Foster, who

Dear Al

much as I never thought I would say it

after being diagnosed with cancer had

I was on Mountview (Radio Taxis Group for

in print - could be to demutualise and

to have a kidney removed. We all wish

new drivers) when they had the same MDI

put the fear of God into everyone else

you well Jeff …Ed

system that DaC was using at the time. Work

…Ed

flooded in. Then they decided to change to

Taxi or minicab???

GPS via the Pathfinder satellite system. There

Addy Lee and bus

Hi Alan

was an immediate drop in the number of jobs

I thought this might interest Call Sign read-

being offered. It was probably due to the fact

lanes

ers, bearing in mind the trade description act

that as Richard Potter said (December Call

I just heard a conversation between a Lewis

etc. Take a look at this website with its fla-

Sign), the work comes to you and drivers

Day driver and Marshal outside DB at London

grant use of the word taxi for what is obvi-

who previously did little radio work were

Wall. They were talking about LD merging

ously a minicab company. It is www.taxisin-

accepting work that they hadn't bothered

with Addison Lee, that AL had recently been

london247.co.uk. Mind you, they do have

with before. But if the closest cab rejected a

involved in a case in the European Court re

two sizes of plumber’s vans!

job, it wasn't necessarily offered to the next

the use of London bus lanes and that they

Jon Robinson (E88)

nearest. Perhaps they have improved the sys-

would be using them as of March 2012. Then

Thanks for passing it over Jon. Among

tem, but you were always a slave to the GPS

one said that John Griffin would pay any PCN

other things, after welcoming readers to

and it got to the point where Mountview

fines as he did on the M4 bus lane. Is it just

the ‘taxi company in Camden’ this web-

became the radio circuit with the most street

gossip or will that come true?

site for Camden Taxis or CLC Express

work! You rarely had a chance to use your

Divyesh Ruparelia (V59)

claimed to be a ‘local and reliable taxi

brain.

If John Griffin told his drivers to use bus

company’ and that they provided ‘taxis

But there are anomalies with the Zonal sys-

Call Sign January 2012

Page 34

Mailshot

continued from page 33

tem. Why for instance is NW4 the back-up

story. My only hope is that the stickers

zone for NW2, NW7, NW11 and N3, yet

are difficult to remove in case the odd

NW11 only seems to back up NW3? But on

“dodgy” passenger is searching for a

the whole, ours is an excellent system and I

green badge sticker! I’m sure you get

we are not in the same league as the multi-

don't think it can be beaten.

my drift.

ples, but if they can cut prices while increas-

On a different topic, over the past couple

You will also read inside this issue of

ing their turnover, why can’t we also make

of years more than one driver has suggested

a new facility available where you will

that small gesture? After all, some big

the introduction of fixed prices. The BoM's

be able to check online whether a taxi is

accounts already have a cap on gratuities of

reply has always been the same - if we offer

green or yellow badge. In addition,

just a £2 and just one extra trip a day would

customers cheaper fares, then they'll demand

LTPH / police stepped up their enforce-

more than make up for it. And how many

them when things get better! But it seems

ment checks at ranks and set down

street legals do you now get anyway? It’s

that everyone from George Osborne to the

spots to check whether yellow badges

almost becoming the norm.

guy selling the Big Issue outside Kings Cross

were working, in addition to checking

We are heading into what could be the

knows that's not going to happen anytime

that driver’s Bills were genuine with sto-

worst kipper season for many years, so please

soon. So with Addison Lee even bigger than

ries of some cloning doing the rounds

let’s give some thought as to how we can

ever, should we still persist with that attitude?

…Ed

induce our clients to use us more. I am trying

On the other hand, if the BoM know when

to be a bit shrewd and not condescending,

things are going to improve, can they please

but please just give it some thought because

let me know as I don't want to be on holiday

DaC defection?

whichever way you look at it, ten percent of

when that day comes!

I have heard from a reliable source that a

nothing will never come to more than noth-

Geoff Levene (W32J)

member of the Dial-a-Cab Board has defected

ing.

Brian Rice replies: Hmmm! Going by

to Brunel. Could you please confirm this and

From everyone in the Contact Centre, may

what we read in the papers Geoff, I

tell me what will happen with regards to

I wish you a very happy New Year and a not

doubt that you can book up a holiday

electing a replacement at the next AGM,

too bad kipper season.

that far in advance anyway! On the

which is a non-electable one?

Ivor Belkin (C97)

other hand, the papers are not always

One of 43 drivers sending in the same

Whether you agree with Ivor or not, as

right and let’s hope that is the case this

text!

someone who both drives a taxi and also

time. Regarding DaC’s backup zones,

As Call Sign readers know, I rarely

works every Saturday in the Call - sorry,

every zone has up to eight back up

publish letters where the writer does

Contact - Centre, his views must be

zones and the Contact Centre will dic-

not want their name published, howev-

worth at least listening to …Ed

tate what those zones are. If there is an

er in this case the reason I have left out

anomaly, then it can be changed…

any name is because the above rumour

spread like wildfire and after 43 text

Winter tyres…

messages on the subject, I was forced to

Yellow badges and

Hi Al

put my phone on silent as it was stop-

I have a Mercedes Vito and read in The Sun

stickers

ping Linda enjoying Emmerdale!

that many people are fitting winter tyres to

I was wondering whether other drivers have

The truth is that no Board member

their cars, but that they should check with

noticed the overwhelming numbers of yel-

has departed to Brunel and neither

their insurers whether they are covered as

low badge drivers swamping central London.

were any asked to jump ship. Like most

sometimes the tyres are not fitted correctly

Could this escalating problem please be men-

rumours, this one probably began with

to the steel hub. In the event of a claim, the

tioned in Call Sign along with TfL’s reason

a driver hearing a story, putting two and

insurer could refuse to pay out. I have now

for delaying the identification yellow and

two together and arriving at 94.75! The

written to Hancock Tyres to enquire about

green stickers?

story involved former DaC Sales

their winter tyres as they seem to be the only

David Bowers (N28)

Manager, David Adelman, who had been

people with winter taxi tyres. The only prob-

I know in the last issue I said I didn’t

with Brunel’s Sales department for

lem is that they seem to be only R rated. I

know the answer, but I’ve now heard

many years. He has now moved back

have asked whether they are prepared to

build a taxi winter tyre. I will let Call Sign

that they are on order and will be issued

into the taxi side with one of the new

know if I get a positive response.

shortly. The process will begin with

App companies. Someone must have

Gary Cox (O46)

green stickers but will obviously have

heard that, possibly didn’t realise that

missed the holidays so far as yellow

David left years ago and Bob’s your

badges are concerned. But it looks like

uncle, the latest rumour to sweep the

CBC Canada

being the last Xmas that those yellow

trade! …Ed

Hi Alan

badges who flout the rules will be able

I was driving home yesterday afternoon lis-

to do so as easily as they have in the

tening to the CBC Winnipeg report on how

Taking a tip from an

past. I am also delighted that LTPH took

London taxi drivers have big brains from

no notice of the ludicrous argument put

old fuddy duddy?

memorizing street names. The reporter said

forward by a “spokesperson” for yellow

I admit before starting that I am an old fuddy

he had interviewed a London cab driver for

badge drivers who seemed to have cre-

duddy but if drivers would actually give some

the segment and I thought to myself: "I won-

ated his own organisation with the sole

thought as to what we may be able to

der if it's going to be Alan?" And it was! Nice

intention of stopping suburban drivers

achieve, we could possibly help to alleviate a

to hear your voice at last…

having to use yellow stickers on their

problem. So once again I’d like to say in Call

Norman Beattie

taxis. His reasoning compared the stick-

Sign that I believe we should consider the

Winnipeg, Canada

ers with the awful yellow star that Jews

abolition of gratuities. I know some of you

For some reason, Canada and the US

had to wear as identification in Nazi

will be up in arms about it but without wish-

have resurrected the London taxi dri-

ghettos and death camps during the

ing to sound condescending, if that increased

ver’s hippocampus debate and Canada’s

war. The fact that he saw no objection in

our share of work and was beneficial would

CBC network interviewed me to ask

wearing a yellow badge told its own

we even notice the lack of tips? I realise that

how big my brain was! They seemed

Call Sign January 2012

Page 35

Mailshot

continued from page 34

quite surprised when I told them I knew

around 28,000 streets but couldn’t

remember the name of our neighbour’s

dog! For those who weren’t around at

found myself in front of an Adjudicator. He

the time, Call Sign was approached

Thanks from the

played the footage and without me even say-

some years ago to recruit volunteers to

ing a word in my own defence, he dismissed

Poppy Ball

have their brains scanned. Expenses

the case! I was almost disappointed at not

Dear Mr Evans

were paid and from that day both we

being able to state my case, but at least I left

The Poppy Ball Committee would like to

and our hippocampi became world-

there with a broad smile. The Adjudicator said

thank you very much for your wonderful

wide celebrities! Norman Beattie is a

that the footage MUST start before the vehi-

help with the Ball on 10 November. It was

taxi historian who has written for Call

cle enters the box junction. In my case I was

wonderful to have both Marshals

(Steve

Sign on several occasions …Ed

already in it. So I have to ask how many peo-

Tyson V99) and Mike Harris (F79) on hand to

ple have paid up in box junctions when they

Yellow box PCNs and

help our guests after the Ball. They were

didn’t need to?

extremely charming and handled our guests

If any DaC drivers find themselves

how to win the appeal!

in a very professional and friendly manner as

with a PCN for entering a yellow box

The roadworks in Piccadilly and St James

it was an extremely difficult area to find taxis

junction, it may be helpful if you quote

were an absolute nightmare and thank God

after midnight.

Paragraph 7 (1) of Part II of schedule 19

they are now finished - in particular the yel-

We hope we may continue to count on

to the Traffic Signs Regulations and

low box at the junction with Berkeley Street.

your support next year. The date of the ball

Traffic often backed up to Hyde Park Corner

General Directions 2002.

has now been set but the venue is currently

If you get caught in a box junction, always

and it could take 20 minutes to exit Berkeley

being scouted.

Street. The choice was often between going

make a representation that the relevant coun-

Marina Lobanov-Rostovsky and Rula Al-

through a red light or getting stuck in the yel-

cil must reply to. The fine will remain at its

Adasani

low box. I chose the latter and received a

original cost and even if you don’t win at

Poppy Ball Co-Chairmen

PCN with a single photo showing my cab in

least you will have had the satisfaction of

Last month’s Call Sign told how Steve

the box. Unless I could access the internet

delaying payment and giving the council

Tyson got rid of several drunkards who

footage, I had no idea from the single pic

some extra work to do!

made a show of themselves outside the

whether an offence had been committed or

Mike Lyons (Y52)

Drapers Hall venue, eventually needing

not but Westminster said that one photo was

There is an article elsewhere in this

the assistance of the police. He also

all they needed to send. I found that aston-

issue from Mike Lyons about a shocking

thanked drivers on the rank for coming

ishing! I appealed on the grounds that the

disagreement between an Adjudicator

to his assistance when one of the

yellow box was unworkable while the road-

and Westminster following his use of the

drunks began pushing him, so this show

works were going on and some weeks later I

Aldwych toilets …Ed

of gratitude is most welcome …Ed

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