Call Sign July 2013

Call Sign July 2013

Page 3

from the editor’s desk

Call Sign advertising policy...

you can now slyly put in a postcode if you need

Nice to see the UCG mag back out again for the

to without having to look as though you can’t

first time in a year. And to think I feel guilty

work without a satnav stuck to your wind-

about taking every June off!

screen! It also comes with speed warnings, but

Anyway, there was a letter in their latest issue

naturally, as law-abiding London taxi drivers,

congratulating UCG News on being the only mag

you won’t need those! My favourite is the POI

that doesn’t accept what the reader calls “seedy

(Points of Information). There are over 25,000

stripper” ads. I could say that Call Sign has had

of them including clubs, restaurants, hotels and

a policy about not accepting any ads that might

apartment blocks and I have found it to be a

embarrass or upset a driver’s family - many of

really useful acquisition.

whom read it - since late 2005 when there was-

All in all, the new terminal is excellent. Let’s

n’t even a UCG let alone a mag. I have and will

hope the work out there continues picking up

continue to publish information on some of the

to match it...

clubs, but not via ads that show scantily clad

females. But I’m just pleased at the UCG edito-

ASL and cyclists...

rial decision and who did it first is irrelevant.

Advanced Stop Lines are the boxes that are

At the same time (in 2005) we also said we

placed in front of the normal traffic lights stop

would not accept any ads for online gaming

lines that we mere mortals, who probably only

clubs, either because I came to the conclusion

offer to pay ten times the going rate, they will

pay for them, have to abide by. Cyclists, who pay

that while adults can make their own choices in

not be appearing in these pages.

nothing, are allowed to use the boxes and as we

life, I was concerned that driver’s children read-

know to our passenger’s costs, often fill them

ing the mag could get hold of one of their par-

New terminals

up so that the rest of us get stuck behind them

ent’s credit cards and use it for gambling - per-

At the time of writing, most of the irritating bugs

until such time that the faster ones have over-

haps believing that over a short period, they

that the terminal testers, including myself, have

taken the slower ones and if we’re lucky, even-

might win big and that the parents would never

moaned about seem to have been sorted and

tually pull back into the cycling lane. By then,

find out.

the first batch of sets may well be out there now.

we are at the next set of lights and the whole

My decision followed the introduction of

The terminal itself is excellent, but I doubt that

process begins again. There are a few excep-

DaC’s IT department would have fancied sort-

tions to that, as some cyclists obviously don’t

the 2005 Gambling Act that changed the UK's

ing out problems from every driver, as just the

approve of the boxes and just ignore the red

gaming industry and regulated everything

eight of us - later increased to twenty two -

stop light in protest!

from online gambling websites to TV ads to

caused them to constantly keep running down

The last time I wrote about cyclists, I had one

taxi sides, while allowing gambling operators

from the first floor to sort out our problems! We

brave driver phone up and threaten me,

to advertise on radio and TV. It pulled the plug

certainly helped to keep them fit! But I haven’t

although he wasn’t prepared to give his name.

on membership requirements for casinos.

had a problem for some time and if that also

But even he didn’t deny any of the text I’d writ-

I had a number of drivers castigating me for

applies to the other testers, then I’m hoping it

ten. He just didn’t like me saying it, so he won’t

my decision saying that they played poker

means they can begin the fitting programme.

like the next bit!

online, loved it and that it didn’t cost them a

Cleverly, many of the buttons have been kept

We now have many of our roads with cycle

fortune. But I never had a problem with drivers

the same making it easier to get used to the new

lanes along the near side. If Mayor Johnson has

gambling online if that’s what they wanted to

terminal. Accepting or rejecting is slightly differ-

his way, we will be fined if we deliberately go

do. In fact I am a member of a casino, although

ent in that the second push of the button is in a

into a cycle lane or into an ASL box - TfL having

I rarely go and if I do, it’s more likely to use the

different place, making it more difficult to acci-

applied to the Department for Transport to

restaurant. Again I wrote back in 2005:

dentally push the wrong button. The terminal

decriminalise the enforcement of ASLs and to

“If people choose to gamble, that is their pre-

also always displays which postal zone you are in.

enable them to issue tickets via CCTV.

rogative. If on-line gambling organisations want

It took me a few days to work out how to

I’m more than happy to face a fine if I go

to advertise on taxis, then neither is that my con-

process credit cards, but in those early days

into their lane or an ASL. My only stipula-

cern. But if they wish to advertise in Call Sign,

there were some problems. It seems to work

tions are twofold; cyclists must be licensed

then I still have a say in that and my say is NO!”

well now and once you get used to using the

and display a number plate of some kind and

I confirmed that policy in March of 2006 and

PED (Pin Entry Device), which is similar to the

that they too are fined when they leave their

added about the dangers I could see with the

machine you put your credit card details into in

lane and encroach into our part of the road!

spread of online gambling, adding:

a restaurant after a meal, it really is quite simple.

So what do you say Mr Mayor? Do we have a

“If you want to avail yourself of some enter-

You can also change from cash to card payment

deal? Thought not! Perhaps you should speak to

tainment, as millions seem to be doing, then fine.

after stopping the meter if the passenger sud-

your Toronto equivalent, Bob Ford, who has

But as Editor, I am not prepared to take the

denly realises they do not have enough money!

abolished all cycling benefits in favour of giving

chance of even one young person getting hooked

The main item that needs getting used to is

motorists more space!

on gambling after reading an ad in Call Sign.”

the spinning wheel on the top right of the

And by the way, seeing families getting off the

Within a year, Mike Weir - who was and still is

screen. When that shows a tick, you can carry

Eurostar looking for Barclay bikes makes me

the SNP MP for Angus - spoke of the “growing

out any of the facilities you need to do such as

wonder how you know they are all capable of

addiction of on-line gambling” and called for a

QP or book-in etc. The wheel represents O2

cycling and why they don’t need helmets? You

limit of £1000 maximum that on-line gamblers

looking for a signal just as your mobile phone

no doubt realise that if a cyclist sustains head

could lose in any one-week! He also said that on-

sometimes needs to. Nine times out of ten the

injuries on a Barclay bike and is shown to have

line gamblers should only be allowed to use one

tick signal is there, but if it isn’t you just need

been inexperienced, responsibility could go on

credit card, which, according to Mr Weir, followed

patience. I can book into a zone from under-

your head for not enforcing helmets? Now

incidents where on-line gamblers “...had lost

neath the Limehouse Link but sometimes have

where’s Bob Ford...

thousands of pounds via other people’s credit

trouble as I get out going west! But that’s just

cards!”

for a few seconds. On the plus side, you can

Goodbye old friend!

Then BBC Radio 5Live expressed concern

now book in if you are in Scotland, although I

It looks as though nothing lasts forever! Whatever

that kids were getting access to parent’s credit

have to admit that I haven’t actually tested that!

happened to value! My cab’s ‘yellow top’ battery

card numbers without ever needing the card

However, if you can make a mobile call from

finally croaked its last remaining vestige of power

itself and losing fortunes, with many cases of

there then you can book in or clear a job!

outside an account customer’s premises in

that nature being exposed by the station.

Mapping is predictive and can be irritating

Stratton Street recently, two months short of its

As a consequence of all the above, my original

until you get used to it guessing what street you

fifth birthday. Nope, nothing lasts forever...

decision remains unchanged; no on-line gam-

want after the first few letters have been put in.

ing organisations will be advertising in Call

Alan Fisher

But it really is quick and the text is large enough

Sign whilst I am the Editor. I do not care if they

callsignmag@aol.com

for everyone to read. The satnav is brilliant and

Call Sign July 2013

Page 4

reflections of the chairman

I actually was a paedophile, so I suppose he

Apps and payments to

thinks that was ok then?

Members

In his latest outburst of rubbish, he has

attempted to compare Radio Taxis with us

You should all now be aware that we have

built and operate with an App for Account

and as usual has got his facts completely

wrong.

customers and Credit account customers

alike. The initial signs are very encouraging

At this point I would like to stress that we

enjoy a very good relationship with Radio

and the use of credit cards has increased quite

significantly. We wish to encourage this

Taxis and ComCab and while we are competi-

tors, we are not rivals. But it appears that Mr

growth and with the corporate sector remain-

ing fairly stagnant, there is room for some

Walker is endeavouring to drive a wedge

between us.

optimism regarding the growth in the credit

card market.

His outburst compares RTG’s figures with

ours and states they return more per £1 of

You will no doubt have seen that we have

liveried some of the fleet to encourage growth

subscription than we do because their

turnover is more. However, that is not the

of the App regarding booking a taxi with a

credit card. However, the BoM realise there is

whole story because RTG incorporate the

turnover from their distribution engine One

some reluctance by some Members regarding

other minor bugs that come to light.

Transport in their top line figure, we do not

this source of income, due to the fact that it

Please be patient, because as with any

do that. The turnover in our figures is only the

can interfere with Members cash flow situa-

brand new system some minor anomalies will

amount of work we put in our member’s cabs.

tions.

come to light, however, with your feedback I

I am not suggesting for one second there is

Consequently, because Dial-a-Cab are so

am sure we can remedy them extremely swift-

anything wrong with that, it is just that we

financially secure, the BoM have decided to

ly. Please be aware that the software and inte-

choose to show our turnover in a different for-

pay all drivers weekly instead of fortnightly in

gration was built by your IT team at Dial-a-Cab

the hope it will encourage more Members to

mat. I have checked with RTG and that is

who have had, along with me, many sleepless

indeed the case, as I and anyone with a mod-

cover credit card work.

nights during the development period.

As most of you are probably aware, when

icum of sense could decipher - and did - but

However, I am extremely proud of the fact

not the said Mr Walker in his haste to deni-

you receive a trip that has been booked via an

that Dial-a-Cab is the only Taxi or Private Hire

App or on-line, you receive it exactly the same

grate myself and Dial-a-Cab again.

company in London that is in a position to

Mr Walker obviously likes people to believe

way as any other trip, so you will notice no dif-

execute the above. You should be as well,

ference when it is dispatched to you.

that he is an accountant, but then goes on to

especially as we are the only drivers co-opera-

talk about Dial-a-Cab’s six Board Members -

So, the last fortnightly payment you will

tive in London.

receive will be on 30 August, with the fol-

we actually have seven. So if as an accountant

he can’t even count up to seven, then I think

lowing payment coming on 6 September

and then at weekly intervals. Any trip you

that says everything

about

him and his

Accounts

accounting prowess!

do up until midnight on a Friday will be in

We went ‘live’ with Hogan Lovells on 3 June

your bank account the following Friday.

and it has proven to be a very good account. I

Subscriptions will also be stopped on a

Brian Rice

first visited them some eighteen months ago

weekly basis.

Chairman

and it took that amount of time to capture the

As you can imagine, this has increased

account. I know you will give the service I

Dial-a-Cab

administration for us because we will have to

have promised them and so far that is proving

do four payment runs a month instead of two,

to be the case, so please continue that.

it will also increase the cost due to postage

Business has not been good over the last

and cash flow, however, cash flow is not a

five years or so, but it appears our work is a lit-

problem to Dial-a-Cab as we have been very

tle better at night than during the day, howev-

prudent over the years and built up consider-

er, as you day men are aware we sometimes

able reserves that will see us through and also

experience problems with coverage during

subsidise subscriptions during this extremely

the morning rush hour. So can I please ask

difficult economic downturn.

you to put yourselves out whenever you can

However, some of you can help the Society

to make sure we cover all trips in the morn-

by receiving e-statements from us, instead of

ings; West and South West as normal proving

them being posted to you, so if you currently

to be the most difficult. It can take us such a

have your credits posted to you but have an

long time to acquire an account that can be

email address, please contact Driver Services

lost in a heartbeat due to coverage and ser-

so they are aware of the situation.

vice.

We have almost 800 Members that receive

their statements via email and any increase in

this number will assist us.

Defamation (again)!

A Member has emailed me an article written in

New terminals

The Badge by a Mr Walker. He is someone I

The fitting of the fleet is well underway and I

have never met, but for some reason he is not

am sure you will be pleased with the new ter-

a big fan of mine! He attempts to denigrate

minal - especially as you will be able to clear a

Dial-a-Cab and particularly me at every oppor-

trip anywhere in the country. Although we

tunity; however, it is something I can live with.

owe a certain amount of thanks to the

But for those interested in his love of writ-

Members that tested the new terminals on the

ing, some time ago this Mr Walker likened me

road and helped us to iron out any bugs

to a kindly old uncle that was grooming chil-

before the remainder of the fleet were fitted,

dren because he was a paedophile, he then

there will be (although I hope not) some

went on to say that he was not suggesting that

Call Sign July 2013

Page 5

Nissan has unveiled, and through

executive vice president Andy

Palmer, signed off its final design

NV200 almost

for the new van-based London

taxi - the NV200. Although origi-

nally based on the New York ver-

sion of the cab, the UK NV200

ready to go!

has been restyled so as to -

according to Mr Palmer - retain

the hallmarks of the classic black

London taxi. Nissan has also

taken note of the views of the

cab’s test drivers and acted on

them.

The NV200 taxi will initially be sold with a

1.5-litre diesel engine, but Nissan say that an

electric version of the cab will eventually come

onto the London market.

Andy Palmer said: “Running costs for an elec-

tric vehicle are about a tenth of the diesel, so

the business case is there. But charging times

have to be reduced. There are some who are

concerned about electric vehicles, but the best

way to answer those concerns is to get people

into them. If you think of the millions who ride

in black cabs each day, then you get a feel for

what these vehicles could achieve in terms of

changing perceptions.”

response being: “I think our cab does that.”

the TX4.

He ended by quoting Boris Johnson who

No one was talking about price but we

The American version - known as the Taxi of

said that any new taxi needs to conjure up the

believe that it will be substantially cheaper

Tomorrow - was shown to the US press recent-

image of a bowler hat, with Andy Palmer’s

than the Vito and probably even below that of

ly and was set to hit the streets in October...

Saudi doubles TX4 order

The black cab looks set to become the taxi of

Soon to become a common sight in Saudi

choice for the Middle East as The London Taxi

Arabia

Company recently secured two more lucrative

coloured TX4s. The state is keen to continue to build

orders for the global icon. The Ujra Holding

on the success they have experienced since taking

Company has ordered a further 200 black TX4s in a

delivery of its TX4 fleets, with increased satisfaction

deal led by the LTC’s international team. Ujra, who

ratings from drivers, residents and visiting tourists.

initially ordered 200 assorted coloured TX4s, which

Matthew Cheyne added: “So far this year we have

they will start to receive in mid-July, have also opted

attracted new export orders for more than 800 TX4s,

for a further fleet of black vehicles, taking their

mainly from the Middle East; we are also working

total fleet order in 2013 to 400.

closely with a consortium in Australia to take the black

Hot on their heels, the United Arab Emirates

cab “down under”. Given that other manufacturers are

have also ordered 200 black TX4s to form the basis

attempting to enter our niche industry, it’s extremely

of their taxi network. All vehicles are on target for

satisfying to note that the TX4 is not just the vehicle of

delivery by the end of 2013.

choice for professional drivers in the UK - the tradition-

LTC International Sales Director Matthew

al black cab translates into any language).

Cheyne told Call Sign: “This is fantastic news and

a compelling indication of the global attractiveness

of our vehicle. The London Taxi is an icon - fact. It represents safety,

reliability and a professional service - qualities that our partners are

keen to reinforce to their domestic and visiting populous. Our pro-

duction facility in Shanghai, which is dedicated to supplying interna-

tional markets, can comfortably meet the current flow of TX4s for

delivery this year; however, we anticipate that capacity for 2013

asaptrades

stock may be taken up with these confirmed orders and others

where we are currently in the final stages of negotiation.

ELECTRICAL

“This effectively means that it is likely that we will implement a

waiting list soon for deliveries, well into 2014. It’s an enviable posi-

Electrical Installations - Fault Finding & Repairs

tion to be in and we know that it is in down to the fact that we are

able to provide our clients with a complete package: the service, the

expertise, the professional driver training, after-sales support and of

www.asaptrades.com

course, the instantly recognisable London Taxi.”

The London Taxi Company has also confirmed that they are in con-

tinued talks with Azerbaijan, which currently has 1,000 damson-

0203 130 6798

Call Sign July 2013

Page 7

DaC driver to star in movie

Dial-a-Cab driver and Call Sign’s long-

time trusty photographer, Alan Green

(E52) has been chosen to star in a docu-

mentary movie about London’s banking

community and about the parts of their

lives that perhaps don’t get aired so

often.

Dance until the music stops is about

the banking culture of one of the

world’s most important global financial

centres - the City of London - but the dif-

ference to most other films about

finance and the people involved in mak-

ing it such a ginormous business, is that

it will be seen through the eyes of a

London licensed taxi driver.

Alan will be followed as he drives across

Keith Cain explains how the call centre operates to Thomas Vroege as Allan Evans

the city, picking up and dropping off bankers

looks on

while the movie attempts to discover the

periphery of the banking sector and what

ited Call Sign at Dial-a-Cab House. He

Following a tour of the building with DaC

their idea of entertainment involves. Bankers

showed us his last movie, which told the

Compliance Officer, Allan Evans, Thomas

often use taxis on their way to various desti-

fascinating story of a Dutchman who sud-

told Call Sign:

nations and will hopefully be prepared to tell

denly decided to convert to becoming an

“The taxi driver himself needs to be a

the producers something about the culture of

orthodox Jew with the astonishing

‘mirror’ for the banking sector. He is also

the banking sector and even some things out-

changes to his life that he had to explain

living a tough life in the City with many of

side of their banking that perhaps we know

to his family. Things such as no longer

them partially under contract with the

little about.

being allowed to touch a woman again

banks via DaC. We hope to hear stories

In the meantime, Alan will act as a guide to

unless it was his wife and how his whole

from the driver, who is trying to make a

the city as a geographer, describing places

diet had changed with so many items of

living in a difficult arena, as well as the

and institutions as they pass them.

food he could no longer eat. It may sound

bankers...”

The film maker is Thomas Vroege, from

like a strange movie, but it left Call Sign

Alan Green will tell this mag how he gets

Rotterdam in Holland and he recently vis-

fascinated

on as soon as the movie is completed...

Call Sign July 2013

Page 8

Alec Wilkey (W83) has been on

Dial-a-Cab for eight years, but for

Team Wilkey gunning for

far longer than that he has con-

tinued his love as a boxing train-

glory at Prizefighter III

er with professional fighters at

the established TKO Gym in

Canning Town and now with

Lansbury ABC. He tells Call Sign

about an unusual occurrence in

the world of boxing...

It revolves around the eight man line-up for

the Betfair Light-Welterweight Prizefighter

III which looks to have all the credentials of

another explosive night at York Hall in

Bethnal Green on July 6th - especially for Alec

himself!

Matchroom Sport provides a sold-out event

packed full of young talent all looking to take

home the winning

£32,000 cheque.

Fortunately for boxing fans the sold out action

is being broadcast live on Sky Sports. On the

same evening, Lightweight Kevin Mitchell

makes his return in a warm-up fight following

Alec with Danny Connor - one of the favourites to land the £32K prize

a lengthy lay off after joining Matchroom Sport

Lightweight and will be stepping up in weight

an early stage in his career was a fantastic

Promotions.

Gym mates Danny ‘Cassius’ Connor (8-5-1)

in an attempt to claim the prize. They are Liam

opportunity.

and unbeaten Eren Arif (3-0) are both confi-

Shinkwin (6-0-1) and Ryan Taylor (7-1-1).

“Yes I’m the underdog but I don’t think

dent going into the competition after recently

Another unbeaten fighter, Charlie Rice (6-0)

there’s anyone as strong as me or who can hit

changing their training arrangements with

and Matty Tew (12-1) make up the draw.

as hard as me.”

trainer Alec Wilkey, moving from the TKO in

Danny Connor told Call Sign: “It’s given

Trainer Alec Wilkey will have to step aside for

Canning Town to Lansbury ABC in Poplar.

me more of an idea who I'm fighting and

both fighters if they meet at any point in the

Southern Area Champion Danny Connor has

what they bring, but to be quite honest

tournament with Derek Grainger and former

other familiar faces to him in the competition

you've got nine rounds so you have to set a

British title holder Matthew Marsh taking con-

in Chris Evangelou (9-2) who he fought and

high pace and make your punches count.

trol of the corners.

beat in his last two title fights and who will be

I'm more mature in terms of how many

Alec told Call Sign: “We recently amicably

looking to redeem himself. Also Connor’s close

rounds I’ve done, but nothing is going to

left the TKO Gym and moved to Lansbury ABC

friend and mandatory challenger for the

stop me from winning it.”

where Adam and Lenny have been great and

Southern Area title Tony Owen (14-1), who

Arif, who hails from Rotherhithe, is one of

provided a great facility for Team Wilkey to

comes from the same area of South London,

the least experienced in the competition but

train. I’d like to thank our sponsors Core

also competes in the knockout tournament.

believes that this plays into his hands. Speaking

Security and Glen Insurance for helping us

In the line-up will also be two fighters who

to iFilm London, he said that although he had

out as well.”

last contested for the Southern Area Title at

just three pro fights, for this to come up at such

David Wilkey

ments on this proposal then let us know by emailing

TfL at: tphranksinterchange@tfl.gov.uk.

TfL ranks news

Allowed timings are 60 minutes on rest ranks and 45

Zuma

minutes on refreshment ranks.

A new taxi rank has been appointed for Zuma in Raphael Street. The rank is for three taxis

and is in two portions, with the first portion directly outside of the door of Zuma. The rank

Over-ranking

operates between 18:30 and 08:30 and will be closely monitored. It is essential that drivers

Complaints have continued to be received about

do not obstruct other vehicles or block access to buildings near Zuma, otherwise the rank

taxis over-ranking and queuing on the corner of

may have to be removed.

Hans Road and Basil Street (near Walton Place).

This is obstructing other vehicles and causing prob-

Liverpool Street marshalled taxi rank

lems for local residents and businesses. If the taxi

The late night marshalled taxi rank in Liverpool Street is continuing to operate on Thursday, Friday and

ranks serving Harrods are full, then drivers must not

Saturday evenings between 22:00 and 02:00.

queue in the road and should move on.

Unattended taxis

Unfortunately TfL has received further complaints about taxis being left unattended on the taxi ranks in

Hamilton Place and Stanhope Gate. These are exceptionally busy working taxi ranks and drivers must not

leave their taxis unattended here. Not only does it prevent other drivers from using the ranks, it also damages

the reputation of the taxi trade when the public and businesses see unattended taxis on ranks in busy loca-

tions. TfL’s Compliance Team have recently visited these ranks and reported several drivers for leaving their taxi

unattended. The Compliance Team will continue to visit these ranks and any driver who leaves their taxi unat-

tended on either of the ranks risks being reported and further action being taken.

Rest ranks for taxi drivers are available at the following locations:

Aldwych, Arundel Street, Eccleston Bridge, Great Portland Street, Grosvenor Street, Hyde Park Street, Lancaster

Gate, Marylebone Road, Mathew Parker Street, New Bond Street (Clifford Street), Praed Street, Russell Street,

Strand (St. Clement Danes), Lincoln Inn Fields, Gillingham Street and Charing Cross Road.

There are also refreshment ranks at:

Cadogan Place/Pont Street, Embankment Place (for Northumberland Avenue), Grosvenor Gardens, Hanover

Square, Kensington Road (Broadwalk), Kensington Park Road (Ladbroke Road), Lupus Street/St. George’s

Square, Russell Square, Temple Place, Thurloe Place, Warwick Avenue and Wellington Place. There are taxi

meter bays in Palace Street, which are reported to be underused.

We know that taxi drivers would like more rest ranks and are looking at suggestions for new rest ranks. One

suggestion put forward is to convert the taxi rank in Montpelier Street into a rest rank. If you have any com-

Call Sign July 2013

Page 9

May’s Call Sign editorial wrote of Addison Lee being sold to the American Carlyle Group for a reputed

£300million and posed the question as to where DaC might have been now had the proposed 2002

buyout of DaC by the UK equity firm Sovereign Capital been accepted by drivers. DaC driver Jon

Robinson (E88) gives his view...

What if...???

In May, Alan Fisher asked

for our drivers to be offered more trips with a lower booking fee than

a few roaders here and there with large booking fees. Customers find it

“What if?” I wish we could

hard to understand why it costs more to book a longer trip than a short-

ask Mr Peter Brooks of

er trip.

Sovereign Capital that

In the long term, if the economy improves it may still be profitable

for a DaC driver to accept a longer journey for the meter fare with no

question. However I can

run-in. If we try to follow Hailo with no run-ins on all trips, our service

but speculate...

will suffer. However, with fleet numbers falling and work being flat, it is

It’s January 2003, the first issue of the year’s Call Sign has just land-

no good for anyone. Word on the street and in the cafes is that DaC has-

ed on my doormat with the Chairman’s picture on the front cover. The

n’t got any work. On some quiet days I wonder if they are right!

headline reads: Membership says YES! DAC set to sell!

Our IT department need to give our account customers an APP for

My mind is made up, I’m going to cash most of my shares in and take

smart phones asap to make using DaC easier and less of a chore. It’s

the money. Now fast forward to this present time, 10 years on. Our

easier for an account passenger to walk out to the street to hire a taxi

Chairman is still with us, but most of the Board has changed. DaC

than to call DaC. If the economy remains slow and our customer base

House has been sold and we now rent it from a landlord. Drivers are

continues to shrink, then so will the size of our fleet. That would leave

eager to see the latest new terminals - the second new terminal in the

DaC as a company in decline and I fear that means a company bump-

last 5years.

ing along until it’s too late.

The fleet has tripled in size since three guys suggested the idea of an

So what do you think? Do you think we should talk about PLC?

APP for the new smart phones. It has proved to be a great success for

Should we take over a private hire company? Would you be happy

our private hire fleet as well. GetTaxi is the only other taxi company

to say goodbye to run-ins? Would you want pay per trip as a form

offering this service. A huge private hire fleet in NW1 is also offering this

of subs? Do you think it would be a good idea to take on Hailo? I’m

service, but our private hire fleet is helping DaC accounts to remain

sure our Editor and the Chairman would like to hear your views.

loyal. Subscriptions have hardly changed, 30 year men still get free subs

My thanks to all for reading my article...

but like the rest of the membership, many longer and higher priced

Jon Robinson (E88)

trips have a percentage deducted. Run-ins are only allowed at busy

Do you have any views on Jon’s suggestions? Since the article was writ-

times and waiting time premiums, station and theatre pick-up charges

ten, DaC have built and released credit card and account client Apps.

are now a thing of the past.

Those customers can book by phone, on-line or via the App ...Ed

Most members seem happy with the work levels, but are not very

keen on the new dress code or the 10 year age limit for taxis on DaC,

but at least the 4 year interest free loans help. The option to take an

account fare to your home zone at private hire rates has proved very

popular with drivers and customers.

The use of GPRS linked to your passengers phone to help find where

your passengers are is also a great help and our newly launched App

called ‘find my taxi’ will help customers to locate their cab.

So Alan, never mind what if? It should be more of if only!

I could go on with my fantasy, but in the real world I still worry about

DaC because when I’m working I drive past more and more account

addresses that I haven’t picked up from lately and some days I sit with

my for hire sign turned off to take a radio trip that goes locally just to

help pay my subs.

I don’t think we need - or needed - to become a PLC to expand or

compete. We may have needed to change our status, but more than that

I think we need to change our ways. Mr Chairman, do you really think

the way we operate and charge our customers, ie run-ins, gratuities,

booking and handling fees are sustainable? With Hailo taking cash from

Addy Lee and off the street and GetTaxi after more of our business,

which I think they will take as their fleet gets bigger, they will also soon

be invited to tender by our major accounts and their pricing will give

them an edge - especially when asked what sort of booking fee they

charge and their reply comes back as zero!

So what do I think? Does anyone care what I think? Perhaps

you’re happy with the way things are?

I believe we need to change the way we charge our accounts, albeit

slowly with members given time to adjust so as our service remains

great. Should the economy pick up, we could aim to regain the longer

trips that have been lost by offering a more open pricing policy on

longer rides. We should just bill the metered fare on all trips starting or

ending outside London postcodes and all airports. That would be a big

saving for our account customers without affecting coverage, as I feel

most drivers would cover this work while our local trips will remain as

now. A small reduction in subs would compensate for a £1 or £2 sur-

charge paid by drivers for the longer trips. Surely it’s better for DaC and

Call Sign July 2013

Page 10

CONTACT CENTRE CHAT

With Keith Cain

For so long as I can remember, articles have

inside this issue that you can leave in the cab

been written in Call Sign about the problems

when you go to work.

of covering early morning work in certain

You should also watch the CD to familiarise

areas. Well that particular problem is back!

yourself with the new terminals functionality

Coverage in the mornings is again becoming

and if you are not sure about something, please

a very serious issue with some regular clients

don’t be afraid to ask.

now threatening to stop using our service due

to unreliability. I know there are many drivers

Keith Cain

who put themselves out during the morning to

Call Centre Manager

assist in covering this work - which I hasten to

add are not trips just going round the corner.

Driver Operations Manager

Those drivers who put themselves out will, I’m

sure, be just as frustrated as we in the Contact

Centre are becoming, because the service of

Roy Manor

some could impact on the rest of the fleet. Not

only will we lose those morning rides, but more

leaves GetTaxi

often as is the case, the return trip in the

evening going back home will also be lost.

so difficult at the moment to obtain new work,

Taxi App GetTaxi has announced that

Dial-a-Cab Controllers have been instructed to

but it's so very easy to throw away what we have

CEO, Roy Manor, has left the company

do all they can to get these trips covered, even if

- especially at a time when things are picking

after two years.

it means making them non-rejectable. I have to

up.

Mr Manor said that he was an entrepre-

also remind drivers who let these trips time out or

neur and had “too many ideas in mind

put their meters on to avoid taking one when it

New terminals

I am pleased to say that we have now com-

and wanted to make at least one of them

becomes non-rejectable, that a complaint will be

menced the fitting programme for the new ter-

happen.”

forwarded to Compliance Officer, Allan Evans,

who has been instructed by the Board to follow

minal and the new chip and pin credit card facil-

He joined in 2011 as a consultant and

up each complaint.

ity.

was made CEO last year. His departure

If you think that offering a long delay time

I would ask all members to keep to the

comes just months after Call Sign pub-

will get you off the trip, please think again.

appointments that have been made as this does

lished an article concerning a story

Procedures are in place for our CSR’s to advise

help speed up the fitting process. While you are

regarding what we had been told was a

controllers each time a long delay is offered.

being fitted, please make yourselves aware of

previous GetTaxi link to a minicab plat-

The driver’s position is then checked and a

the written instructions of how to accept credit

form. He denied the story.

more realistic delay is offered to the client. It is

card trips. There is also a four page pull-out

Call Sign July 2013

Page 12

London taxi prices are the world’s most expensive?

The yearly trav-

est seventh place. Moving above us were

Lumpur where the same journey coat around

ellers cost guide car-

Oslo, Zurich, Stockholm, New York and Paris.

£1.40. That “average trip” was taken as a two

ried

out

At the other end of the scale, Sophia

mile each way return trip and not one driver

TripAdvisor had both

(Bulgaria) was the cheapest with Hanoi

that Call Sign asked the question to of how

good and bad news

and Warsaw just slightly more expensive.

much would a 4 mile journey cost, came any-

for London. The

Also down there were Bangkok and

where near the TripAdvisor answer of £27 -

good news was that

Kuala Lumpur.

most answering at around £15.

the UK capital moved

The bad part was that London was said to

A similar 4 mile taxi trip in Sophia would

down from last year’s

have the world’s most expensive taxis with

cost £3.14, Beijing £2.21, Hong Kong £4.56,

position as

the

what was called “an average trip” costing just

Barcelona £10.36 and New York £15. Closest

world’s most expensive city, to a more mod-

over

£27. The cheapest were in Kuala

to London was said to be Zurich at £25.50...

Wimbledon Tennis

e 2013 Wimbledon Tennis Championships continue until next Sunday (7 July). For those that don’t

know the ranking facilities, there are several options.

Church Road

There is a rank for 30 taxis outside Gate 4 where spectators will be able to take shared taxi trips to

Southfields and Wimbledon stations. The rank will also operate normally for passengers wishing to travel to

central London and other destinations. This rank will also be the drop-off point for all taxi passengers and

stopping elsewhere on Church Road is not permitted.

omerset Road

There is a rank for 8 taxis outside Gate 13 offering shared taxi trips to Wimbledon Station and operating normally

for passengers wishing to travel to Central London and other destinations. Marshals will be at Church Road and Somerset Road ranks

from 17:00 onwards.

Please do not leave your cab unattended on these ranks at any time.

Pre-booked taxis

There are two spaces in Somerset Road for pre-booked taxis.

If you haven’t yet started watching the 6-

Fed up with traffic? Now you can at least see why!

part BBC 2 programme on London’s traffic,

then we suggest you Sky Plus Tuesday

evenings at 9pm because this isn’t what

ROUTE MASTER!

you’d expect if you go just by the title of

Route Master. It isn’t a programme solely

about buses, but it looks at Transport for

London’s nerve centre and its various

departments from the control centre with

THE SALIERI RESTAURANT

its myriad of video screens overlooking

every part of the capital, to the two men

376 Strand, WC2

who go out to clear dead foxes off the

highway - one of whom is a Ghurkha and

who admits to his favourite food being

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

sheep testicles!

restaurant where you can partake of the finest food and wine

Then there are the people who open and

close Blackwall Tunnel and those who go

And as a thank-you for helping our clients come

out looking for potholes. But it’s the way

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

they try to keep the traffic moving that

offer you a genuine 25% discount on your bill

makes Route Master such a compelling

watch as TfL attempt to keep London’s

streets flowing and manage the 21 million

We are certain that you will be delighted

daily journeys by car, bus, taxi, cycle, deliv-

ery lorry and van, motorcycle, scooter and

on foot.

Even Dial-a-Cab has a presence as for-

mer dispatcher Howard Taylor - son of

former Chairman Jack Taylor - expresses

the views of a London taxi driver stuck in

the never-ending traffic, while the TfL nerve

Please bring along your badge or Bill as ID

centre seems to be run by former DaC tele-

phonist, Chis Huckstead!

Salieri Restaurant

The series was made by Blast! Films, the

same production company behind The

376 Strand, WC2

Tube, which was watched by around two

Reservations: 020 7836 1318

million viewers each episode last year.

Call Sign July 2013

Page 13

Dial-a-Cab driver Jim Rainbird (T25) often

appears in Call Sign thanks to his - and his

taxi’s - various filming and photo shoots. Over

the years they include appearing on an NHK

Jim’s early

Japanese TV quiz, being hired by newspapers

to follow Princess Diana and publicising a

Motorcycle News Excel show alongside 2-wheel

stars Chris ‘The Stalker’ Walker and Tommy

Hill. Neither has he missed the four-wheeled

German Xmas!

versions, having starred with F1 stars Lewis

Hamilton and Mika Hakkinen in a Johnnie

Walker anti-drinking campaign! More recently

he was hired by Barclaycard to help publicise

their Contactless card being used with the

new DaC terminal PED. But filming a shoot for

Christmas in May was a new one for Jim! He

gave Call Sign the lowdown...

“This was a photo shoot for German depart-

ment store Appelrath-Cüpper who are based

in Cologne and operate women's apparel

stores. Founded in 1882, they also operate a

huge online business.

“The shoot took place in May and must have

cost a fortune because

there were around twen-

ty people involved,

including a special effects

guy who covered my taxi

with 'snow'! He also did

the same to a couple of

red phone kiosks. They

had two Winnebagos and

Was this young lady good looking enough to keep Jim

a catering truck, so the

off the photo shoot? Yep!

store must be akin to our

inset: More young ladies with their Appelrath Cüpper

Harrods to cover the cos

"Xmas parcels" in May!

of all that!

shoot and not

too much of a contrast to have me in the shot!”

“It was actually a stills

Jim himself? After all, we’re talking about

And before anyone writes in, yes, Jim has to

shoot for their website/catalogue. They choose

last year’s Master of the Worshipful

remove the DaC logos before most of the film

a city as a theme for each season's collection,

Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers?

or photo shoots and is one of the few drivers

which I believe was Paris last time with New

“Well,” said Jim, “they filmed it as in the mak-

allowed magnetic logos. Looking at the female

York before that. Now it was London and

ing of' documentary, but it used stills. Then

model, we bet he couldn’t get them off quickly

what represents London worldwide better

when I saw how beautiful the models in the

enough!!!

than a TX4 taxi and a red phone box!”

cab were, I assumed that it might have been

Michel Toomey

But why, we asked, was it only Jim’s cab

Call Sign Online

Late nights at LTC here to stay!

Following fortnightly test evenings over the past few

months, London Taxi Company - formerly M&O - at Brewery

Road will now open late EVERY Wednesday from 8.30am

until 9pm.

Experimental late openings attracted customers taking advantage of being able to

talk about new and used vehicle sales, buy parts, find out more about Geely

Automobile (the new owners of The London Taxi Company) or simply to see if the

team were really going to stay open that late!

UK Retail General Manager, James Dennison, said:

“We made the decision to test the theory of late nights following direct feedback

from some of our customers that our ‘office hours’ weren’t always convenient. It’s

been great to see some new faces, especially some of the night drivers who simply

weren’t able to get in to see us previously.

“Our initial test opening hours were until 11pm, but after the past few weeks we’ve settled on

a 9pm closing time - this gives day and night drivers the chance to come in when it suits them.”

All areas of the dealership will be open, so customers can buy new and used TX4s or parts; they can also pre-book servicing or

warranty work to take place during these longer evenings.

The limited edition patriotic paint job for new black or white TX4 Elegances was also very popular with late night buyers who were able to

choose a full colour Union Flag on a white vehicle, or a silver version on a black TX4 - the silver on black proving to be the favourite after the

first week of the launch. The free limited edition was limited to the first 100 TX4s.

For more information, contact the team at Brewery Road on 0207 700 088 or email them at london@london-taxis.co.uk

Call Sign July 2013

Page 14

Transport for London notice re the former CRB process...

CHANGES TO DISCLOSURE

AND BARRING SERVICE

This notice sets out important information that is relevant to all

as the new DBS Update Service. From 17 June, anyone who applies for

existing and new drivers and operators. TfL has been informed

their next criminal record check can choose to subscribe to the new

that with effect from 17 June 2013, the Disclosure and Barring

Update Service. This will cost £13 per year in addition to the original

Service (formed by the merger of the Criminal Records Bureau

disclosure application fee. The Update Service will allow them to keep

and Independent Safeguarding Authority) is introducing some

their criminal record certificate up-to-date so that they can take it with

important changes to the service it provides.

them from role to role, within the same workforce.

These changes will have a significant impact on all new and renewal

The Update Service will allow us to carry out free, instant online

applicants for taxi (and private hire) driver’s licenses.

checks of an individual’s certificate, to check that it is up-to-date. When

someone is subscribing to this service, we will only have to seek a new

Applicant-only certificates

criminal record check if the DBS tells us something has changed.

We have been advised that with effect from 17 June 2013, the DBS will

Any driver who subscribes to the Update Service will need to provide

only issue disclosure certificates to applicants and will no longer send

us with details on their licence application form and confirm that they

a copy of this certificate to TfL. This differs from the current system

consent to us carrying out the online check.

where both the applicant and TfL receive a copy of the disclosure

We are in the process of developing a system to accommodate drivers

around the same time. The only information that will be provided to

who choose to use the Update Service and we will announce further

TfL directly will be to advise whether or not the disclosure sent to the

details in due course.

applicant contained any information or was clear. In the event we are

Please note these changes are being made by the DBS and not by

advised the disclosure contained information, we will not be provided

TfL. It is one of the government’s priorities to overhaul the crimi-

with details of what this information is.

nal records regime to give individuals greater control of their own

Therefore if information has been disclosed to the applicant, we will

information, allow DBS Certificates to be reused when applying

not be able to make a licensing decision on a new or renewal applica-

for similar jobs and reduce the burden of red tape on employers.

tion until such time as the disclosure has been provided to TfL from the

Please see April’s edition of DBS news for further information or

applicant. If we are advised that information has been disclosed to the

contact the DBS at customerservices@dbs.gsi.gov.uk,

0870

applicant, we will write to them directly and ask him/her to send us

9090811.

their original certificate. We will take a copy of this certificate and return

Helen Chapman

it to the driver. As is usual practice and in accordance with DBS require-

Interim General Manager, Taxi and Private Hire

ments, we will destroy our copy once a licensing decision has been

made.

As we will not be able to make a licensing decision until we have

received the certificate and been able to consider the information dis-

closed, drivers must respond to the request as a matter of urgency.

TIGER

This process will be undertaken on our behalf by TMG CRB, our ser-

vice provider. Applicants must respond to any correspondence from

TMG CRB and failure to do so could result in them not being licensed.

off with this

We cannot process any applications until a result has been received on

advert

your CRB. If no information is disclosed on the certificate, drivers will

not have to take any further action.

TMG CRB will pass a copy of the disclosure certificates to TfL before

TAXI TYRE SPECIALIST

returning it to the driver. As previously stated, we will destroy our copy

once a licensing decision has been made and TMG will not be retaining

STOCKISTS OF MICHELIN, AUSTONE AND

any copies.

As a result of introducing this process, TMG CRB will be increas-

REMOULDS FOR ALL FX AND TX TAXIS.

ing the fee they charge for processing disclosure applications. As

HI FLY / BARUMS AND CONTINENTALS

of 17 June 2013, the fees charged by TMG CRB will be £56.85 for an

FOR THE VITO TAXI

online application and £58.85 for a paper application.

FRONT PADS FITTED FOR TX1 & TX2

Applications in progress

£40 AND TX4

£45 INCLUSIVE VAT

All disclosures issued on or after 17 June 2013 will be issued to the

applicant only, even if the application was made before this date.

NEW VALVES AND BALANCING ON ALL TYRES

Applicants who have already submitted a disclosure application should

be aware that it may be dealt with under the new arrangements.

WE ALSO DO LASER TRACKING AND PUNCTURES

Renewal applications

FREE TYRE INSPECTION

To allow sufficient time to accommodate these new arrangements, we

OPENING TIMES: 08.30am - 17.30pm

will send licensed drivers licence renewal packs four months prior to

the expiry of their licence and drivers intending to renew their licence

are advised to complete and submit both their licence and disclosure

call now 020 7729 5237

applications without delay.

Unit 14 Peterley Business Centre

Update Service

472 Hackney Road, London E2 9EQ

The applicant-only certificate system will be launched at the same time

Call Sign July 2013

Page 15

In the year 2148, explorers on Mars dis-

DaC Network Administrator Jon Winterburn enjoys playing the lat-

covered the remains of an ancient space-

est computer games, but this month he reviews what he calls the

faring civilisation. In the decades that fol-

lowed, these mysterious artefacts

greatest video game he has ever played...

revealed startling new technologies that

enable travel to the furthest stars. The

basis for this incredible technology was a

force that controlled the very

GAMING WITH JON

fabric of space and time.

They called it the greatest

discovery in human histo-

ry.

The civilisations of the

galaxy call it... MASS

EFFECT.

This month I thought I’d tel

you of an amazing video game trilogy I

recently discovered. Available on PC, XBOX

360 and PS3, the Mass Effect trilogy is an

astounding piece of cinema-quality gaming.

Utilising the latest video game technology,

the Mass Effect games not only deliver high-

octane action and blockbuster-like cinemat-

ics, they provide a rich, immersive story

unlike any other game. You play the games as

Lieutenant Commander John Shepard (third-

games out there. Instead, tactics, skill and

Mass Effect trilogy and corresponding

person view), commander of the starship

timing help you destroy the enemy in a satis-

books, I have to say that they are the

Normandy, who must save the galaxy from

fying and believable adventure.

greatest games I've ever played. Nothing

total destruction.

The replay value is impressive due to

else comes close!

The story isn't linear; sure, the main plot

the number of choices you get to make.

There are plenty of shooters, plenty of big-

guides you through the game but you have to

Even when you've finished the games,

budget games out there. They all fade to

make choices which affect Shepard, his crew

playing through each game again is rec-

insignificance compared to Mass Effect. The

and ultimately the outcome of the game. The

ommended. Doing this allows you to try

pseudo-science is more compelling than Star

choices you make - both in the main plot and

different choices, which in turn provides

Trek, the action more fun than Call of Duty,

in the multitude of side missions - will have

different outcomes and at times, funda-

the visual effects more immersive than

repercussions on what happens throughout

mentally changes your journey.

Battlefield 3 and the story is more intriguing

the first, second and third games. This is what

And if this isn't enough, there are three

than any blockbuster movie I've ever seen.

is so unique about the Mass Effect trilogy.

novels set in the Mass Effect universe. Whilst

If you are a gamer, own a gaming PC,

Once you complete the first game, you can

not essential to the game, they are extremely

XBOX or PS3 and enjoy playing sci-fi and/or

import your profile into Mass Effect 2 and

well written and just as exciting. Mass Effect:

shooter or RPG games, give Mass Effect a go.

continue the story. Your decisions and

Revelation is a sequel to the first game. Mass

You can pick up the first game for under £10

actions in the first game will alter the course

Effect: Ascension bridges the gap between the

online at http://store.origin.com.

of the second and third games.

first Mass Effect game and the second. Finally,

Give it a try and see what you think. Then

Each of the three games is a complete story

Mass Effect: Retribution bridges the gap

once you’re hooked, you can get Mass Effect

in its own right, providing at least 25 hours of

between the second and third game. Each

2 and 3 from the same place. The novels are

compelling gameplay per game. However,

book has a self-contained story which serves

available on Kindle or in paperback on

the overarching story encapsulates all three

to enrich the overall experience.

Amazon for around a fiver each.

games, providing a rich and detailed movie

I've been playing video games for 30

Happy gaming!

experience in which you play an active role.

years and I've played hundreds of games

Jon Winterburn

There's plenty of shooting action to be had,

on almost every gaming device ever creat-

but not like the mindless run 'n' gun shooter

ed. Having only recently discovered the

DaC Network Administrator

Coventry workers get jobs back!

s another sign of its re-emergence into mainstream taxi building since being taken over

by Chinese car builders, Geely, thirty two of the TX4 workers at the London Taxi

Company’s Coventry facility at Holyhead Road who had previously lost their jobs when

the former Manganese Bronze went into liquidation, have been offered re-employment.

Vice president of The London Taxi Company, Peter Johansen, said: “We've already recruited 38 employees this year

and have 58 in total that we're going to be taking on in the coming months across the UK. Thirty two of those will be in

production at the Coventry factory.”

He added that the new company had already sold over 200 new cabs in the UK over the previous weeks and that they

had a five-week waiting list for a new TX4s. They expect to be back in full production by August.

As for the international market, Mr Johansen said that it was going to be a record year for LTC because they had

already taken orders for over 800 vehicles, with many more orders pending.

A Unite Union spokesman, Peter Coulson, said he was quite optimistic of there being more workers employed in the

future who would be taken on at previous rates of pay and hours of work and that it sounded like very good news.

Call Sign July 2013

Page 16

GRANDSON FOR TERRY!

Five years ago, Call Sign’s Mickey

end of Italy’s Lake Garda!

Lappin wrote on his Mickey’s Music page

Back to the present day and both Terry

about London Busker, Dean Saunders

and wife Dawn are now delighted to say

and his daily grind of travelling from

they have a grandson, Ralph James

home in Rainham (Essex) to Vauxhall for

Dean, who put in his first appearance on

his regular job, but how at night he

10th April, weighing in at 8lb 6oz. He

turned into Deano the busker, playing

makes a pair, adding to Laura and Dean’s

his guitar and singing his own songs to

first baby, daughter Robyn.

help cheer up the tube-travelling public.

Dad Deano now takes the slightly easier

We also mentioned Deano’s new book

music playing route by playing lead guitar

that had been published at the time -

with Romford-based Car Boot Tetris and

Nice work if you can get it.

wasted no time in giving Ralph his first

Linking the two stories was Laura,

guitar lesson!

daughter of Dial-a-Cab’s Terry

Catherall (Y90), and who was soon to

Meanwhile a bashful Terry told Call

marry the same Deano in an obviously

Sign: “Ralph is a real handsome chap,

Terry with grandson Ralph

low key affair - at the Riva del Garda

obviously taking after his granddad!”

Wedding Bells

On 16 June 2013, Alexis Burnetts, elder daughter of David Burnetts (S43) and

wife Maureen uttered the words “I do” and instantly became Mrs Matthew

Bennett to the sounds of ‘Mazeltov’ from the several hundred guests attending the

wedding in the sumptuous surroundings of Hemel Hempstead’s Shendish Manor

Hotel.

Alexis met Matt some time ago through shared interests.

A happy Matt told Call Sign: “I knew right away she was the one person I want-

ed to spend the rest of my life with, but it just took me a while to persuade Alexis!”

Call Sign sends its best wishes to both Maureen and David and Matt’s parents

Cynthia and Stewart and of course to the happy bride and groom...

Taxi driver of the Year

dinner and dance

The Taxi Driver of the Year Charity Fund is pleased to announce their

41st annual dinner and dance to be held on 30th November 2013 at

the: Holiday Inn London Kensington Forum

97 Cromwell Road London SW7 4DN

We have also been able to hold the price again this year at just £62.50 per per-

son. That includes a welcome drink at the reception, 4-course meal, half a

bottle of wine per person and tea/coffee. Later in the evening to quench your

thirst, there will be more tea / coffee served with Danish pastries. There is

also dancing to a live band.

We also have arranged a special deal if you would like to stay at the hotel

overnight. For more information please call (phone/ fax) 020 8952 1357 or

mobile 07850 056 765

Remember all money raised will be split between the five taxi charities: The

Albany Taxi Fund for Children with special needs, LTFUC, Benevolent

Association for War Disabled, East London Cabbies Outing and the Southend

Fund for Underprivileged Children.

Russell Poluck MBE (T55)

TDoY Hon Chairman

Call Sign July 2013

Page 17

Credit/Debit Card Step by Step Guide 4-page pullout

New terminal credit and

debit card transactions

Daren Morley

Press the ‘On-Board’ button.

Card Transaction Hail and Ride

With the imminent rollout of the new MDT I thought it would be

a good idea to make drivers aware of the changes to card

transactions.

Once you have the new MDT, you will also have a Pin Entry

Device (PED) installed in your cab. This will sit in the front of the

Job Type

cab and you will pass it to the passenger at the end of the

‘Card’

journey. There should be no need for you to handle the

passenger’s card in future.

Press

You are no longer required to preauthorise a credit/debit card

trip at the start of the journey.

‘On-Board’

The ‘To Card’ button can be pressed at the start, during, or at

the end of the journey.

To add the destination of the trip, press the

‘A/D Dest’ button.

Press the ‘To Card’ button.

Press

‘To Card’

‘A/D Dest’

Enter the ‘Pickup’ zone. Press the ‘Send’ button to update

Enter your destination into the ‘Zone Identity’ field.

the information.

Press the ‘Send’ button.

Enter

‘Des na on’

‘Pickup Zone’

Press

‘Send’

Now the terminal is in card mode, the trip detail screen

At the bottom of the screen you will see an

changes to ‘Account Credit Card’. The job type is also

acknowledgement confirming that the ‘As Directed

displayed as ‘Card’.

Destination’ has been updated.

Note: Although the screen shows ‘Trip authorised #999’ no form

of authorisation request has gone through the terminal. Only after

Note: If you do not update the ‘As Directed Destination’ the

the passenger enters their pin number on the chip and pin device is

terminal will not allow the trip to be cleared.

an authorisation requested.

Call Sign July 2013

Page 18

Credit/Debit Card Step by Step Guide

11. The Credit/Debit Card Completion screen will turn grey and

the following message appears at the bottom of the screen:

Note: If the transaction times out, the following message

Acknowledgement

will appear at the bottom of the terminal screen:

‘Des na on

Updated’

Just re-press the ‘Process’ button to resend the information

to the Chip and Pin device.

You also have the option to ‘Soon to Clear’ into the zone,

Pass the Chip and Pin (PED) device to the passenger

when you are no more than 15 minutes away from the

through your partition window or luggage door. The device

destination.

will instruct the passenger and yourself through the

process.

At the end of your journey stop the meter.

12. If the trip is under £20, and the passenger has a

Press the ‘Clear Job’ button.

Contactless Card, they have the option of making a

Contactless payment. All the passenger is required to do is

The screen will change to the Credit/Debit Card

touch their card

Completion screen. Check that the amount is correct, then

onto the screen.

press the ‘Process’ button.

The terminal will

print a merchant

copy, which you

retain. Press the

green ‘Enter’

button to clear the

trip from your

screen and send

the information

through to Diala

Press

Cab.

‘Process’

Note: On a

Contactless

payment, the

passenger does

not receive a

Note: The handling charge of 10%, minimum of £2, is

receipt. If the passenger requires a receipt, they should

automatically calculated.

insert their card into the device.

10. The Confirm Amounts popup box will appear. Press the

13. Alternatively, if the

‘OK’ button to send the amount to the Chip and Pin device.

card is not

Press ‘Cancel’ to return to the Credit/Debit Card

Contactless, or the

Completion screen.

transaction is over

£20, the passenger

inserts their card

into the Chip and

Pin device.

14. Once the

passenger has

entered their pin

and pressed the

green ‘Enter’ button, and the transaction is authorised, the

customer copy receipt will be printed on your terminal.

15. Tear off the customer copy, and ask the customer to press

the green ‘Enter’ button and then remove their card, and

pass the customer copy receipt to the passenger. Ask the

passenger to pass the Chip and Pin device back to you.

Call Sign July 2013

Page 19

Credit/Debit Card Step by Step Guide

16. Once the passenger has removed their card, the merchant

As soon as you press ‘To Card’ the screen will switch to the

copy receipt will be printed. Tear off the merchant copy of

Credit/Debit Card Completion screen.

the receipt and retain for a minimum of 12 months.

17. Press the green ‘Enter’ button to finish the transaction

and send the information through to DialaCab.

Note: Always ensu

when the receipt is

printed that the

receipt does not

show **Void** or

**Cancelled** this

can occur when a

connection to the

host is lost or the

customer presses

the ‘Cancel’ button

If the receipt does

indicate that the

You now need to manually input the ‘Pick Up’ and

transaction was

‘Destination’ zones. Press your finger in the ‘Pickup Zone’,

unsuccessful. Pass

once the cursor is flashing in the field, enter where you

the passenger

picked the passenger up from. Carryout the same

their copy of the

procedure for the ‘Destination’ field. Check all the

‘Voided’ receipt

information entered is correct and then press the

and explain that

‘Process’ button.

you need to carry

out the

transaction

again. Press the

There will be a few second’s delay whilst the trip is created

green ‘Enter’

by the host at DialaCab House. Once the trip is created

button on the

the confirm amount box will appear.

Chip and Pin

device (PED)

and then press

‘Process’ on the

terminal. Follow steps 10 to 17 to

complete the transaction.

Change Cash Booking to Credit/Debit

Card Booking

Cash trips can be changed to Credit/Debit card transactions

even when the meter is in ‘Stop’.

From the ‘Cash Completion’ screen press the ‘To Card’

button.

Once you see ‘A/D DESTINATION UPDATED’ at the bottom

of the screen. Press the ‘OK’ button and pass the Chip and

Pin device (PED) to the passenger.

Follow steps 11 to 17 to complete the transaction.

Press

‘To Card’

Call Sign July 2013

Page 21

The Alpha Power Pill has been adver-

tising in Call Sign for many years and a

large number of DaC drivers use them in

DAC AND THE

their taxis (and cars) regularly. Several

years ago we carried out scientific tests

on Power Pill, using independent mechan-

ALPHA POWER PILL

ics from the Cricklewood Carriers

garage. The photos in this article were

taken by Call Sign after the test period.

So we asked Power Pill supplier, Steve

Vale, to introduce himself for those con-

cerned about who’s at the other end of an

online purchase and to explain about the

amazing Alpha Power Pill...

“As most Call Sign readers will know,

Alpha Power Pill is the unique scientifically

formulated fuel conditioner that is healthy

for your vehicle, healthy for your business

and healthy for the environment.

Power Pill has been proven, when added to

your usual fuel, to lengthen the life of your

engine, to improve its fuel efficiency and to

save costs. Not generally recognised,

PowerPill does all this while bringing signifi-

cant 'green' benefits.

Alpha Power Pills have never really been

promoted as a ‘green’ product because it is

an accepted - even if sad - fact that most peo-

ple are more interested in financial savings,

getting better MPG and reducing mainte-

nance costs than saving the planet by cutting

emissions caused by the fuel we use.

But possibly its most remarkable effect

is the almost instant reduction of visible

and invisible pollutants from the exhaust.

Just watch your exhaust after just a few

days!

Power Pills are proven to reduce emissions

as well as extending the life of the engine,

catalytic converter, injectors and fuel system.

Two similarly aged taxi valves - one using the Power Pill (under test conditions

But different people use Alpha Power Pills for

different reasons.

with Cricklewood Carriers) and one that didn't

For some, the reason is the extra power

released when the fuel is burnt more effi-

ciently. This extra power can be used in two

ways; the Jeremy Clarkson way - ie just go

PCN for going in

faster! Or perhaps more now take note of the

James May way and use it to go further for

the same money. You can almost see Clarkson

tightly gripping the wheel, eyes gleaming and

cyclist ASL boxes

teeth juddering, saying:

“Using these pills, I can now get 210 out of

this RS Cosworth!”

On behalf of Mayor Boris Johnson,

Or James May, elbow out of an open win-

TfL have asked the DfT to decrimi-

dow casually looking at the camera and saying:

nalise enforcement of the Advanced

“Since I’ve been using these Alpha pills, I

Stop Line cycle boxes that you see

can get to Cornwall and back on a single

beyond the stop lines at many sets of

tank!”

traffic signals. The result will be

Maybe there’s a little of both Clarkson and

CCTV-enabled PCNs by taking

May in all of us at times - especially in Dial-

enforcement away from the police

a-Cab drivers! But the choice is always yours

and passing it over to local councils

as to how to use the extra power.

(see editorial on page 3).

Take a look at our totally revamped

The result of such legislation

means that should you stray over

website to see proof and to get more

the ASL stop line, or indeed into a

details and testimonials. I am already

cycle lane, you will receive a £60

adding DaC driver’s helpful suggestions;

penalty charge notice.

after all it’s designed for you and for your

The real problems will come for drivers whose road is suddenly blocked and they

convenience.

become stuck in the ASL box as the lights turn red.

Just go to http://www.OnlyCabs.co.uk or

Responsibility for any change to the legislation lies with the Secretary of State for

like many do, give me a call...”

Transport, Patrick McLoughlin. Drivers wishing to contact the Minister to give their

views can do so at:

Steve Vale 020 3239 6101.

Patrick.mcloughlin.mp@parliament.uk.

I’m always here to help...

Call Sign July 2013

Page 22

COMPLIANCE OFFICER’S REPORT

will continue to use our service.

I can’t stress highly enough that without your

help it will miss the mark, please do your best

to further promote this campaign. Remember

that there is a run in on Credit Cards booked

through the system (charged at your discre-

tion), you always receive the full meter fare and

you will not be charged for the privilege of com-

pleting the trip.

Coverage

Work has picked up and at particular times of

The DaC Superside ad

the day and in certain zones coverage has again

I hope that by now you would have noticed

become a major problem. I was always advised

some of our branded taxis out in the workplace.

to at least offer a time and let the customer

We have taken quite some time and made every

make the choice rather than tell them there is

Hello ladies & gents

effort producing something that is not only

nothing in the area. It is becoming more and

Apps

effective, but equally important, pleasing on the

more prevalent, especially in the mornings

As you know, in an effort to further market our

eye.

when unrealistic times and reasons are offered

Credit Card and Account App, we are now

On each of the taxis there is a QR (Quick

on unmatched or problem trips or if members

running a campaign, initially amongst a limited

Response) code, which is a type of exclusive bar

engage or time their meters out on a trip they

number of our members who have agreed to

code that can be downloaded and then scanned

feel is not worth their while covering. Not only

display the ‘Superside’ ads and tip-up seat ads

on a smart phone and it will then automatically

does it lead to late arrivals and delays, but more

on their taxis for a period of one year.

direct you on to the DaC App.

importantly it can seriously jeopardise an

The Dial- a-Cab Universal App was launched

I have mentioned to you on previous occa-

account, and a local trip can quite regularly turn

in October last year and although the usage is

sions that as a stand-alone account, Credit

into a roader - so please try to do your best

progressively increasing, it is time to further

Cards are right up there with the best and are

market this tool to both account clients and fare

steadily increasing. The average trip is not far

Finally for those of you that have holidays

paying customers. The Board of Management

short of thirty pounds and it is certainly the type

booked, I hope the sun shines for you.

have fitted a considerable number of our taxis

of trip that can be increased in volume, as long

Be very lucky...

with the livery, which were randomly picked

as all of us do our little bit to make it work.

from a substantial list of applicants, so I would

Coverage is so important and a prompt and

Allan Evans

like to thank everyone who added their call sign

friendly service will go a long way to making it a

to the list; it was a great response.

success and first time as well as regular users

DaC Compliance Officer

Call Sign July 2013

Page 23

I’d like to offer a stark warning in this issue of

Thinking of challenging the word of the police in court?

Call Sign to any Dial-a-Cab driver who

decides to challenge a road traffic violation at

a Magistrate court hearing without any legal

A WARNING FROM

representation, even if you are armed with a

mountain of compelling evidence that you

believe takes the result way beyond any rea-

sonable doubt.

STEPHEN BERNDES...

On Monday 15th November 2010, I was at

I received notice of a new hearing date

the set down area of Terminal Road North,

together with a letter from the CPS stating

Stansted Airport waiting briefly for my moth-

that the PC’s colleague would not give a

er-in-law. My daughter was in the back seat. I

statement because she saw nothing and

made contact, hurried her inside and passed

could not remember anything.

my mobile to her so that she could speak to

Again I picked up my mother-in-law at an

my wife. We set off negotiating Molehill Green

ungodly time and headed straight to the

roundabout, where I noticed from the periph-

Magistrates court feeling quite confident.

ery of my eye a marked police car sited on the

The hearing began with the PC giving evi-

actual roundabout. We continued along

dence. Eyebrows were raised when his col-

Terminal Road South when I was flashed from

league said she had a blank memory and in

behind by a police car.

my cross examination of the PC, I drew to his

He said I was using a mobile phone, which

attention of two people being in the car,

I denied. I asked the police officer’s colleague

which he denied. When it was time to pro-

whether she had seen anything. She said

duce the telling evidence, the prosecutor

nothing. I was given the choice of a fixed

records and the journey from Lithuania

quickly stepped in, leading his Worship by

penalty ticket or be summonsed to court. I

showing the time of arrival, whilst I had a

was cautioned, accepted the fixed penalty

Barclaycard statement showing the purchase

claiming the evidence was inadmissible

because it hadn’t gone through the correct

notice but said I would challenge the road vio-

of the ticket. I also revisited the scene to take

lation in court. On the journey home, I

photo evidence of distances between cars.

procedure, being unaware of the agreement I

stopped off at my local police station and sub-

At the start of the court hearing, I told the

had with the Magistrate at the first hearing or

mitted my personal details whilst explaining

Magistrate of the irrefutable evidence; the

cunningly outmanoeuvring the Magistrate. My

the predicament to my brother, who knows a

prosecutor was flummoxed by the disclosure,

mother-in-law took the stand, but I now

bit about procedure and law. I then awaited a

the clerk busied herself trying to convince the

sensed my situation was deteriorating.

summons from the court.

PC to drop the case - particularly when I said

When his Worship summed up the case, no

Eventually a court summons arrived for

my Lithuanian mother-in-law could be flown

mention was made of anybody else being in

a hearing on 4th May 2011 together with

in but would need a translator. The cost to the

the car. He backed up the PC’s words as

the police statement. Unbelievably, the

public purse or me was becoming exorbitant.

though he was his repatriated lost brother!

PC’s statement said I was the only person

To my dismay and the Clerks, the PC refused

I was fined £835, which together with air

in the car and that I was 5 metres distance

to capitulate and his Worship arranged anoth-

fare came to £1032. My brother was surprised

away from his car when I had paced 18

er hearing, allowing time to fly over my moth-

and told me to appeal. My Brother is a

metres. QED, thought I.

er-in-law. Crucially, the Magistrate allowed my

Magistrate. Rotter...!

Ryanair kindly sent a copy of the air fare

evidence to be presented at the next hearing

details that had been retained on their

without being submitted for consideration.

Stephen Berndes (R14)

Tax Refunds for All??

It’s a phishing scam!

If you have an email address, then the chances are that you would have received something informing you that you have a taxi refund waiting. Headed Tax Refund

Notification, the email usually says:

A tax refund of 472.49 GBP is still pending. Due to invalid account records we were unable to credit your account. Please submit a verified tax refund form.

A refund can be delayed for a variety reasons. For example submitting invalid records or applying after the deadline. To access your tax refund, please

follow these steps: Download the Tax Refund Form attached to this email - open it in a browser (recommended mozilla firefox) and follow the instruc-

tions on your screen

Call Sign asked HMRC about the spate of emails informing readers they have a tax rebate due and the answer

was that they were fraudulent. The scam is known as phishing and around 22,000 different ones were reported to

have been sent out last year by fraudsters in places such as Austria, Mexico, South Korea, USA, Thailand, eastern

TAXI AIR

Europe, Japan, Africa and of course, the UK. Together with other agencies, HMRC managed to shut down more

than 147 scam websites. However, at the same time other similar sites were created by scammers.

CONDITIONING

Phishing emails often promise money back and if the email recipient clicks on the link, they go to a fake repli-

ca of the HMRC website and are then asked to provide credit or debit card details or other sensitive information

such as passwords. The fraudsters then try to take money from the account.

All models serviced

Money may then be stolen from victims’ bank accounts or their personal details could be sold to criminal gangs,

even leading to possible identity theft.

and repaired

Nick Lodge, Director General of Benefits and Credits at HMRC told us:

“HMRC will never ask you to disclose personal or payment information by email. We are committed to your

Mobile service -

online security, but the methods fraudsters use to obtain information are constantly changing, so you need to be

we come to you!

alert.

“Before deleting this type of email, send it to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk .”

Call Mick Wheeler on

HMRC also suggest checking for security advice at: www.hmrc.gov.uk/security/contacts.htm but reiterate

that you should avoid clicking on websites or links in suspicious emails or opening attachments.

020 8715 0079

If you believe you have been the victim of an email scam, you should report the matter to your bank or credit

card issuer immediately.

Covering London and

Anyone in doubt should check with HMRC at www.hmrc.gov.uk/security/fraud-attempts.htm. In any

case, never open an email that only has a link and no text.

the Home Counties

Call Sign July 2013

Page 24

To save getting points on their licence, some naughty DaC

drivers go on the...

SPEED AWARENESS COURSE

eras were written about in Call Sign and the

centages on a large screen and show how

Over the past few months, Call Sign has

assumption was that they were to soon be

many of the 25 people there are right - or

heard from several Dial-a-Cab drivers who

switched on. But for whatever reason, they

wrong! As an example, two people present

found themselves with a Notice of

weren’t. Most drivers going along the A13

(you don’t know who they are) thought that

Intended Prosecution from the

must have assumed they were on and drove

the speed limit on a motorway was 80mph.

Metropolitan Police.

accordingly. I assumed they were working

When asked the speed limits on urban, rural

The NIP usually says that in accordance

and as I drove pretty much the same way each

single carriageway or dual carriageway roads,

with Section 1 of the Road Traffic Offenders

day and as I hadn’t received an NIP, that my

not one of the three questions had 100 per-

Act

1988, proceedings are contemplated

average speed was ok. But it appears that the

cent of correct answers - and no, I’m not

against a driver who is alleged to have exceed-

police didn’t actually switch them on until

going to tell you the answers in case you have

ed the speed limit on a particular stretch of

February this year and they must have caught

to go to one.

road. You are asked to fill in the form that

thousands of motorists in one fell swoop.

The person taking the course was - as

comes with the NIP.

Most of them, like me, had assumed that their

you’d expect

- very knowledgeable and

In the February 2010 issue of Call Sign,

average speed must have been ok.

encouraged questions. He also made it clear

there was an article about a stretch of the

I was upset at the likelihood of getting three

that everything said in the room stayed in the

A13 between Canning Town flyover and

points on my licence as I had not received any

room. We had to turn our phones off, not

the Goresbrook Interchange that was

for over 20 years and felt that I had been lured

because of the possibility of calls, but because

about to begin working on motorists aver-

into a false sense of belief that my average

there were often celebrities on the courses

age speed between the two points, rather

speeds had been ok. Then I received a letter

and they didn’t want their photos put onto

than those as they pass any of the cameras

from the Met Police that gave me the choice of

Facebook as having been naughty! I didn’t

en route. Thirty seven different locations,

accepting a penalty fine and three points or to

recognise anyone but I’d have to look twice to

using eighty four cameras along the 7.5

attend a speed awareness course organised

recognise The Queen!

miles stretch would work out motorist’s

via Transport for London by AA DriveTech.

Towards the end of the four hours - there is

average speed and if caught breaking the

The decision is a no-brainer! A four hour

a break for lunch and you can exit at any time

limit, a minimum £60 and three points on

course by the AA with no police participation

for the loo or surprisingly perhaps, a quick

the licence would be imposed. The scheme

or three points - even though the £95 cost of

puff outside - my view of it had changed from

was apparently set to go live in the sum-

attending the course actually costs more than

something to use as an escape from getting

mer of 2010. We heard nothing else after-

the £60 speeding fine! But the big plus is that

three points to something quite useful. So I

wards to suggest that it would not go live...

there are no points on your licence.

asked if the course was open to those who

Ray, Alan and Brian all contacted this mag-

Obviously I said yes!

hadn’t broken the law? The surprising answer

azine recently and gave us very similar stories

There was a choice of venues and I chose

was no. It was only available to naughty peo-

about how they were caught after apparently

Edward House in Wakley Street at The Angel,

ple that had been caught speeding. If that isn’t

being naughty boys - all of them in their taxis

working out that I could then go to work. The

plain daft, then I don’t know what is!

allegedly speeding on the A13 earlier in 2013

actual name of it was the National Speed

But, if anyone on DaC is given the option of

while coming into town on their way to work.

Awareness Scheme Course and it was run by

the Speed Awareness course rather than three

For obvious reasons, they didn’t want their

the AA. To be honest, parts of it were quite

points, not only is that a bargain exchange,

names published. Ray called first and we have

dull but it also had interesting parts that

but you may even find it interesting and use-

used his view of events...

either I didn’t know or had long ago forgot-

ful. To be honest, I thought I’d know all the

“I have driven into London along the A13

ten. You can’t pass or fail and there is virtual-

answers and I’m almost ashamed to say that I

the same way for the past seven years since

ly no writing - although there is some “audi-

didn’t. I bet you don’t either...”

moving to Rainham. I drive along there five

ence participation” when you are asked to

days a week and knew all the speed limits and

press numbers 1, 2, 3 or 4 buttons on a

Dennis Latchett

where all the average speed cameras were. I

mobile phone-like contraption in answer to

remember several years ago when the cam-

some questions. The answers appear as per-

Call Sign Online

Just like buses, you wait ages for one - then half a dozen come along together!

ANOTHER NEW TAXI?

For many years, London taxi drivers looking to buy a new taxi were faced with a choice of two vehicles - the latest LTI TX or the Metrocab. But however popular the latter of the

two cabs was with those owners who loved it, its ongoing financial problems made a Metrocab purchase a dubious

investment and helped LTI to go forward almost unopposed.

But round the country, the Peugeot-based E7 taxi was making inroads and claiming to be ready for

London, the Vito was beginning to increase sales in the capital, VW began promoting their new - if some-

what small - electric Taxi, Nissan’s NV200 is now being used in New York with a promised release in London

soon and Intelligent Energy are working on a TX4 hybrid.

And if that wasn’t enough for a trade whose drivers were always told that it was too small to make competition

viable, yet another new taxi has come out of the shadows claiming to be a possible new London taxi. This is Karsan’s

Concept V1.

The vehicle was on show recently at Canary Wharf and claims that it specialises in passengers with disabilities or carry-

ing heavy bags and prams etc. It boasts an automatic wheelchair ramp on both sides together with doors that open to

90 degrees to make access easier. Wheelchair access inside the vehicle is made easier with the Concept V1 low floor and

like the NV200, it has a see-through roof allowing passengers a peep at London’s ever-higher skyline, as well as letting

in even more light.

Possibly its biggest plus (and possibly minus) is its state of the art electric power pack that can use a simple AC

power supply. The downside is that the current maximum distance before a recharge is needed is just 80 miles,

although countering that, Karsan say the Concept V1 can be recharged in just 30 minutes.

The vehicle provides a surprisingly large and comfortable interior with ample legroom for five passengers and some-

what similarly to the Metrocab, it comes with pre-painted plastic body panels which would save substantial costs in the case of

an accident.

The Karsan Concept V1 was entered into New York’s Taxi of Tomorrow competition and ended up in third place behind the Ford Transit Connect and eventual winner, the

Nissan NV200. However, it also has to be said that while New York care only about the colour, London is more choosy and the Concept V1 doesn’t look like a London taxi. Vito dri-

vers will attest to the fact that some passengers still ignore it when a TX taxi is behind.

It will be interesting to see which taxis - if any - eventually join the TX4 and the Vito...

Ron Yarborough Call Sign Online

Call Sign July 2013

Page 25

On behalf of the LTFUC...

Mike Son’s invite to DaC drivers

ed the outings and continue to so do. I will also

be inviting Mayors from boroughs where the

Fund has assisted in the special needs of so

many children over so many years.

As well as celebrating the work that past and

present LTFUC committees have undertaken

over the years, the day will also be a celebration

for children whatever their faith, background,

culture or disability. With this in mind, invita-

tions will also be sent to various faith leaders.

This is your invitation to attend

Complementing the event and with kind

a unique event at St Paul’s

permission given by both the Clergy of St Paul’s

and the Corporation of the City of London, use

Cathedral. Ranks of Angels:

has been granted for the whole day of

A service of thanksgiving for the

Paternoster Square, where the Fund will have

London Taxidrivers’ Fund for

the opportunity of self-promotion and a little

fund-raising. On display will be taxis decorated

Underprivileged Children.

as if on an outing, including vintage taxis and

***Thursday 10th October 2013, doors

many other interesting features for visitors to

open at 6pm***

London Taxidrivers’

Fund for

enjoy.

***Music and songs 6.15pm, followed by a

Underprivileged Children.

On behalf of Hon President Bill Tyzack

special service at 7pm***

I am also delighted to be able to tell you that

BEM, Hon Chair Susan Angel, the Fund

Dear ladies and gentleman,

the London Charity Orchestra with

committee and the children, I would be

Although it is still a little way off, I thought

Conductor William Carslake and the New

delighted if you, together with your guest,

it important to let you know about a forth-

London Children’s Choir, under Conductor

would consider an invitation to attend this

coming exceptional event for which all dri-

and founder Ronald Corp will both be at the

special event.

vers and their families - and indeed mem-

service playing and singing some beautiful

If you are able to attend, please let me

bers of Dial-a-Cab staff - are invited to.

music and songs. Those attending are sure to

know as soon as possible and I will reserve

You may not be aware that this year, the

be enchanted.

your seats for which a formal invitation

London Taxidrivers’

Fund for

The guest list will include many children

will be sent.

Underprivileged Children are celebrating 85

with their parents / carers together with repre-

You can contact me on 07710 388588 or

years of assisting special needs children. Apart

sentatives of those who have given the charity

m.son@btconnect.com.

from the regular activities enjoyed by many

both physical and financial support, and of

My fellow trustees and I are extremely excit-

hundreds of disadvantaged children from

course the taxi drivers on whom the Fund

ed to have been given the opportunity to host

Greater London, the Fund will also be cele-

relies when taking children on outings.

this event in London’s most prestigious and

brating during this special year.

Invitations will also be sent to representa-

historic setting.

The doors will open at 6pm, when guests

tives of the many City Livery Companies; City,

will be able to listen to some beautiful

Essex and Metropolitan Police Services; the

Michael Son

music and song, followed by a service at

Royal Automobile Club; St John’s Ambulance

7pm hosted by St Paul’s Cathedral and The

and the Red Cross, all of whom have support-

Special Projects

CALL SIGN’S DANNY RUNS FOR CHAI...

In memory of his mum Carole and Ed’s son Reed

Danny Fresco has been with Call Sign ever since current Editor Alan Fisher’s first day in the hot seat i

June 1997 and while Danny may not be as well-known as his Taxi columnist dad Al, his layout designs

have helped Call Sign reach tremendous heights for an in-house magazine.

On Sunday 9 August 2009, Danny’s mum, Al’s wife and Ed’s wife Linda’s closest friend, Carole Fresco

passed away in Barts Hospital, just six weeks after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

After Carole’s death, Danny’s family were greatly helped by Chai Cancer Care and in return Danny ra

the London British 10k charity run and raised around £700 for the Hendon and Redbridge-based

organisation that provides so much care for Jewish cancer patients and their families.

Now Danny is going to do the 10K run again in memory of his mum, but is adding Editor’s son Reed

Fisher. Reed died this January, three years after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.

Danny told Call Sign: “This year I've decided in memory of my mum, Carole, and the recent

passing of Reed Fisher to run the British 10k to try and raise awareness and money for Chai

Cancer Care. They are a small charity but do such a fantastic job looking after families and

patients who are, or have been, affected by cancer.

“Without them I would have struggled to come to terms with the sudden loss of my fan-

tastic mum who I miss so much. And in Reed’s case, not only did they help his family but I

know how much Chai helped Reed during his illness and gave him the support and comfort

he needed. I will always be indebted to Chai for helping me and if I can raise anything in

return, I will be happy and honoured.”

Chai currently supports around 1600 clients at any one time at its 8 UK sites or in their own

homes. This number is added to at the rate of around 80 new clients each month. Over the past 12

months, Chai provided over 12,000 individual therapy and counseling sessions.

You can find Danny’s charity page at: http://tinyurl.com/avatjvp

Jamie Corum, Call Sign Online

Call Sign July 2013

Page 26

Views on life as seen through the

EAMMON - DAC’S

eyes of David Kupler (Y74) at...

Kupkake’s

RAINBOW MAN!

Korner

Embankment encounter

I saw him from a distance

standing all alone,

holding up a lamppost

Rainbow man Eammon wonders about the professionalism of new drivers

talking on his phone...

His overcoat undone

shirt hanging over his belt,

But it isn’t always sunny...

a wet patch down his left leg

“I have chosen Nightfire Red for my new TX4 taxi this time for a

his flies open to the world...

change,” Eammon Barrett (K58) told Call Sign recently - with

I struggled with the traffic

change being the operative word.

checked my doors were locked,

Eammon has been driving a taxi since 1997, joined Dial-a-Cab four years later and

he was getting slowly nearer

has owned five cabs in that time starting with the regular, bog standard Black. Then

approaching Puddle Dock...

when it came to updating his cab, he decided to go for the Oxford Blue version.

He spotted me and stumbled

“I kept that taxi for a while, but when it came to getting a new TX4, I had become

heading for my door,

a bored with that colour and fancied Charcoal for the body colour - which met with

dropped his phone and it tumbled

my wife, Zena’s, approval.”

crashing to the floor!

Soon Eammon decided to go back to the traditional Black again. Unfortunately

that one turned out to be a bit of a troublesome and unreliable cab.

It bounced beneath my rear wheels

“I live a fair distance from London and have to use the M1 to commute to and from

as the traffic moved ahead,

work, so I need to be able to trust that the cab will perform reliably - and that one

I heard the sound of crunching...

was a bit of a rogue. So we decided to change the cab and the colour - so here it is,

his iPhone now quite dead...!

Nightfire Red!

I watched him in my mirror

“Residing a considerable distance from town, I have also taken out the extended

cross-legged on the kerb,

warranty so together with the existing core warranty provided by the London Taxi

like a drunken broken Buddha

Company, I have peace of mind with regard to the cabs’ dependability. And after two

just looking so absurd...

days it’s so far so good...!”

Eammon, who says he is an avid Call Sign reader, asked if he could also raise

Was I sorry for his situation?

No, not one little bit,

another point - one that has irritated him involving the lack of apparent profession-

I see his kind each Friday night

al etiquette of other taxi drivers - possibly drivers who have only recently ‘passed

in Soho and Shoreditch...

out’ and who seem to show little regard for other fellow taxi drivers on the road.

“I recently slowed down to let another cab out of a side road and not only did the

Kopyright Kupkake 2013

young driver not acknowledge my gesture, but he promptly took the job standing on

the kerbside ahead which was really my fare!” Eammon’s sigh

expressed his feelings..

“I always assumed that Knowledge schools gave new drivers

Keith Reading

some sort of guidance on these matters,” he mused, “but I

Professional Toastmaster

guess that’s how life is nowadays.”

Master of Ceremonies

“Being a philosophically minded person, I take the view that it

all balances out at the end of the day, but it does make you won-

Tele: 01279 465 938

der what sort of image of professionalism the next generation of

Mobile: 07774 860 374

cab drivers are promoting to the general public.”

Email: kgr.2@virgin.net

With that, Eammon drove off but not before admiring the

mauve cab that was speeding along the road. Would that be the

10% discount for DaC drivers and staff

next part of Eammon’s rainbow...!

Fellow of the Guild of

Professional Toastmasters

Alan Green

Call Sign Online

Call Sign July 2013

Page 27

DaC driver Sean Farrell (B39) looks at trade history from a different angle

The Brethren of the Whip

It’s a mixed up, mud-

that Billy Seymour was actually a woman named

dled up, shook up

Mary Hannington!

world...

She had grown up with horses and a speech

1878 a police-

defect was said to have masqueraded her sexu-

man stops a hansom

ality when conversing with other drivers. On the

cab that is being dri-

day of her release from prison, the Liverpool

ven furiously down

cabbies formed a guard of honour, proclaiming

Grays Inn Road. On

her a heroine. However, she had slipped out of

the box of the cab sits

a side exit in the morning and remained anony-

Mrs Caroline Sooley

mous for the rest of her life. That was just as

and a man, William

well because by the end of the day, the waiting

Messenger, but it is Mrs Sooley who has the

A 19th century woman cab driver is

drivers were soaked through and grumbling at

reins in her hand. Within days, newspapers up

how they had been treated!

stopped by a policeman

and down the country are talking about the

And finally there was the case of the transves-

female cab driver of London!

offence for which he could have gone straight to

tite cabman called Shirley. In September 1860,

Mrs Sooley, of Wakefield Mews, Regent’s

prison, but the magistrate inflicted a fine of £2

James Shirley - badge number 14343, which he

Square, was the wife of a cab driver and accord-

on him or hard labour for one month should he

had only held for two months - had been

ing to police was drunk at the time she was

fail to pay. Again the fine was paid.

engaged by Emily Franklin, aged 24, to drive

pulled over. She was subsequently charged with

Despite the notoriety of that case, five

up and down Swallow Street (a much longer

being drunk, furiously driving a horse and cab

months later a policeman stopped another cab

street then before the construction of Regent

and unlawfully acting as a cab driver. Either of

driven by a woman who was wearing the badge

Street). Once there, they stopped at various

these last two offences could see her sent

and the hat of a cabman. She was undoubtedly

pubs where she, dressed as a man “for a bit of

straight to prison without the option of a fine as

drunk, so was the man alongside her on the

fun” went in and had a drink. She caused quite

had happened to several people previously. She

box, Alfred Sinfield, who was wearing her bon-

a stir and a policeman “knowing her not to be a

admitted the charge of driving the horse and

net on his head! They were taking it in turns to

man” (probably a budding detective), arrested

cab, but denied being drunk. Very noticeable

drive the cab and they too were accused of dri-

both her and Shirley. They were incarcerated at

was that no reports described her as a

ving furiously. The woman, Isabella Graham,

Vine Street police station over the weekend and

respectable married woman - very few wives of

was fined £1 whilst Sinfield, who had been pre-

Emily Franklin, still dressed as a man, was fined

cabmen were ever described as such. Either

viously warned about being drunk, was fined £2

10 shillings, as was James Shirley just for driving

way, she got off fairly lightly with a ten shilling

and had his cab licence revoked.

her.

(50p) fine or seven days hard labour. She chose

Perhaps even more startling was the case of

A large crowd had gathered outside

the fine.

Billy Seymour. He had driven a cab in London

Marlborough Street Court and Emily Franklin was

The man on the box, 20-year old William

for three years before moving to Liverpool in

feted as a hero, but poor James Thomas Shirley

Messenger - considerably younger than his

1869. There he plied his craft for a further six

slunk off into anonymity, no doubt wondering

image as portrayed by the artist of the

years before being found guilty of stealing 30lbs

how commonplace such jobs were...

Illustrated Police News - was dealt with more

of meat from a shop. He was sentenced to two

severely. He was charged with being drunk dur-

months imprisonment. It was only as he was

Sean Farrell

ing his employment as a cab driver, again an

being processed at Walton Gaol that it emerged

Call Sign Online

LOOKING AT (TAXI) LIFE

climbing a mountain or swimming a lake - some-

With Tom Quigley (Y33)

Just keep giving!

times all three! The crunch is that they can only

Many years ago, it was quite usual that a community

enter if they raise a certain target, which inevitably means

would have a special fundraising evening for a family

that coffee has cost me a tenner. Still they will look nice

falling on hard times or suffering an unfortunate bereave-

and slim in the free T-shirt I paid for and of course they

ment. Nowadays it seems to be the accepted norm.

will get all the praise and the enjoyment. Then they will

If my wife and I have a night out, generally

be ready to bore me with all the details of the event!

speaking it will involve going to a fundraiser. Even

Sit and watch the telly; every channel’s adverts will

if it’s not, the evening usually has a raffle or some

sooner or later ask you to give just £2 a month to save

other competition to raise money.

someone or perhaps sponsor a gorilla - who perhaps will

In pubs and bars, where once you only ever saw the

then refer to you as daddy!

Salvation Army collecting or there was the pyramid-like

I can no longer throw old clothes away, I have been

pile of old pennies stacked high, which would usually be

brainwashed into believing that by not recycling then I

pushed over by a celebrity living in the neighbourhood,

am damaging the Earth, so another charity will have to

with the money being given to the local children’s home.

be set up to save it. So I bag them up and give them to a

Now on every bar or corner there will be a donation box

charity shop, at least in the old days they went to a jum-

with a flower or sticker for you to prove you are generous. You walk

ble sale and helped the local youth club, churches etc.

along every High Street and you are guaranteed to be accosted by chug-

Now whilst these causes and charities all seem to be worthy, I cannot

gers, collecting for animals, water or some far off land that they claim is

help but think and wonder that if we all stopped giving, what would

in need.

really happen? Would Governments be forced to solve these problems or

Every week in every supermarket, someone will rattle a box or bucket

would it be left to my newly sponsored gorilla???

for some cause. Even when I go to my gym to relax and rewind whilst try-

ing to stay healthy, as soon as I stop and chat over a cup of coffee the

Tom Quigley

conversation soon turns to one of their group who will be riding a bike,

Call Sign Online

Call Sign July 2013

Page 28

Oh woe is me...

My Vito (door)

is undone!

“No,” Brian told this magazine with his redis-

ator arm of the rear wheel steering was down

covered smile, “I didn’t order a bottle of Dom

to wear and tear. He was adamant and would

Perignon 1966 to wash down my snack, but

not budge, despite the obvious co-incidence

when I got back to my cab after lunch I found

between the impact to the off-side rear of my

a TX4 stuck sideways into the off-side rear of

taxi and the bent actuator arm right under-

my cab. As you can imagine, the other cab

neath!”

caused substantial damage to the bodywork

Brian’s smile now returned to a look of exas-

and bent the wheel itself. The TX4 was stuck at

peration as the memory returned and he told

an angle of about 45 degrees and looked to be

Call Sign that he had been left with no alterna-

wedged against my Vito. Not much of an ad for

tive but to fund the repairs himself.

professional driving!

“I also had some further body damage from

Smiling again even though he is

“I eventually managed to get the TX4 driver

a previous ‘hit and run’, which I had intended

already £2700 down

to admit it was his TX4 that had caused the

to have repaired at the same time at my own

damage and admit liability, but only with the

cost, so I arranged for a rental cab while mine

Yes, ok, we offer our sincere apologies to

aid of a witness in my favour who had seen

was being fixed and that’s how it all mounted

anyone who is offended by our somewhat

what happened.”

up to £2,700 when you factor in the VAT.”

uncouth heading taken mainly from Isaiah 6:5,

But that wasn’t Brian’s biggest problem.

Then Brian took us to look at the “repaired”

but possibly better remembered as being

That happened when the DaC driver took his

bodywork. The nearside door still did not fit

uttered thrice by Frankie Howard during his

cab to a Mercedes Benz dealership to get the

flush to the body and was now booked in to go

time as a slave in Up Pompeii. But hey, we’ve

bodywork sorted and assess any possible dam-

back to the garage to be sorted out. But as all

just suffered Call Sign’s annual month off and

age to the rear wheel. He was told that the

taxi drivers know, that will mean more time off

need to let off some steam and possibly get

wheel and rear steering parts were ok, but

the road and explains why he is less than happy

some new complaints in!

Brian remembers not feeling very happy with

and felt like quoting a version of Frankie

Be that as it may, our story involves Dial-

their diagnosis.

Howard’s biblical phrase: Oh woe is me, my

a-Cab driver Brian McKenzie (A63) and an

“When the cab went in for the repairs to be

Vito door is undone...!

accident between his Vito and a TX4 at a

carried out, I mentioned the rear wheel again

popular cab eatery. Little did Brian think

Ron Yarborough

but the insurance examiner would not accept

that his coffee and sandwich would end up

that the misalignment of the wheel was part of

Call Sign Online

costing him £2,700!

the insurance claim and said that the bent actu-

James Bond and me!

As the passenger was about to enter his taxi, Dial-a-Cab driver Melvyn Pruden (R56) carefully - while

attempting to look fairly nondescript - gazed around for anyone who looked as though they could have

ties to SMERSH. And as Melvyn told Call Sign, it turned out to be a close shave

“Well yes,” said Melvyn, “it really was a close shave - because I nearly didn’t get paid!” With that,

Melvyn told Call Sign about his brief encounter with agent 007 aka James Bond.

“I stopped in Harley Street for Pierce Brosnan and took him to Sloane Square. When we arrived at

the Peter Jones store, he put his hand inside his jacket. I took a deep breath and hoped it was to get ou

his wallet rather than his Walther PPK handgun!

Then I spied the Bond frown when his hand slowly came out of the jacket as empty

as when it went in. Was this some sort of SPECTRE or Quantum plot perhaps? If it

was the wallet he was searching for, did he give it to M before she snuffed it and per-

haps forgot to get it back? Then Bond spoke...

“Oh dear,” said 007 quietly yet with purpose, “no money!” An unusually worried

look spread across his face.

“I may have lost my wallet,” he muttered to Melvyn while possibly fearing a possi-

ble future embarrassment involving the new enemy... Facebook!

“Pierce then suggested we shoot around the corner to his hotel to see if he had

left it there,” Melvyn said, perhaps returning to some sort of reality before within

seconds returning to his secret agent identity of DaC 56.5.

“Sure enough, around five minutes later he came rushing out of the hotel door-

way waving his wallet towards me calling out: “I found it!, I found it! He had a very relieved

look on his face,” Melvyn recalled, “perhaps a glass of 007’s favourite Bollinger champers helped to

calm what I’d previously assumed to be non-existent nerves!”

As Mr Brosnan finally paid the fare, Melvyn asked him for an autograph for his wife and he polite-

ly proffered his credit account book to write on together with his DaC 56.5 free Barclays pen!

Forever the gentleman, Bond wrote using an obvious pseudonym: To Tina, have a cocktail on me, love, Pierce Brosnan. He added a heart-shaped

icon at the bottom!

As for Melvyn, he carefully looked around to make sure they hadn’t been followed before taking a roundabout route and finally squeezing onto the

back of the Harrods rank!

Alan Green

Call Sign Online

Call Sign July 2013

Page 29

While we may not have to worry about the

world’s finances, there is undoubtedly a lot of

stress involved in driving a London taxi. It may

BARKING BATHHOUSE

come from a harassed passenger who hasn’t

allowed enough time to get to his destination

Special massage offer for Dial-a-Cab drivers

or it may just be that nothing has gone right on

a day when you have some big bills to pay.

Holistic massage is a therapeutic applica-

People recognise London taxi drivers as the

tion of touch that is also a supportive, relax-

world’s best, but that in itself brings its own

ing treatment that encourages the mind to

stress when passengers expect you to know

slow down whilst energy is increased. This

everything. But one of the effects of stress is

treatment also lifts the spirit on an emotional

that familiar tightness in the neck and shoul-

level.

ders, often with an irritating backache. If the

Besides the £19 special offer for DaC drivers,

pain becomes unbearable, then medical assis-

prices for their body treatment range are from

tance should be sought, but very often the best

£25 for 30 minutes to £35 for an hour. There

remedy can be an expertly applied back, neck

The usual price for a thirty minute thera-

is also Neal’s Yard facials and waxing on

and shoulder massage. The problem very

peutic back, neck and shoulder massage is

request. Some of the other treatments on offer

often is where to go because the word ‘mas-

usually £25, but if you quote Call Sign

include Deep Tissue massage, Indian Head

sage’ in a window has all sorts of different con-

Magazine, then you will only be charged

massage and Reflexology. There is also Thai

notations!

£19. It could be the best £19 you spend this

massage in addition to a nail lounge.

So when the Barking Bathhouse

month - assuming you have no current

The spa is closed on Mondays and open

approached us with a special offer following a

plans to retire and get rid of your stress in

Tuesday to Friday from

10am to

7pm,

review in the last Call Sign when DaC driver

one fell swoop!

Saturday from 10am to 5pm, with Sunday

Alex Constantinou (N05) praised the deep

Holistic therapy treats the body as a whole’,

bookings available by appointment.

tissue massage treatment he had there, we

which means that not only will a massage

The Barking Bathhouse is at the

thought there must be many drivers who live

treatment pamper your physical body but it

Barking Learning Centre, which is at

east that would be delighted to try out a spe-

will also establish internal and external prob-

Town Square, Barking IG11 7NB. For

cial offer that the Barking Bathhouse have

lems and provide an effective method of rebal-

bookings, call 0208 227 2991 / 07889 008

given us.

ancing.

828 or visit www.barkingbathhouse.com.

Lee back in training!

No sooner has the football season ended, than

“That can be really important,” Lee continued

the football season is... well starting! At least it

to Call Sign, “we undoubtedly lost some games

is in the lower leagues with teams such as Evo

that we should have won or at least drawn

Stik league North Greenford United, who

because of our fitness levels dropping over the last

have Dial-a-Cab driver Lee Pearce (J71) as

15 minutes of matches. Hopefully this welcome

their first choice goalkeeper.

sponsorship will help us in that respect and with

Last season was pretty much of a disaster for

that little rub of the green that all successful

the Middlesex team, when they avoided relega-

teams seem to get, we could be onto a really

tion thanks only to a late run of form and the

exciting season.”

fact that the appalling Woodford United with

It’s often said that supporting a football

their played 42... lost 42, goals for 21... goals

team can be horrendously expensive, but if

against 185... points gained zero took the pres-

you live in west London why not try support-

sure off!

ing North Greenford United. They play at

But according to Lee, that late run when they

Berkeley Fields, which is in Berkeley Avenue,

lost just once in their last 11 games will be the

Greenford UB6 0NX and it will cost you just

springboard the team hope to be bouncing off

£8 for adults and half for concessions. For

this season.

reserve and under 18 matches, admission is

Lee told Call Sign: “North Greenford is a

just £4 and £2 for concessions. You may well

lovely club with a great set of players and a

be surprised at the standard and if the team

manager who is going places in former Chelsea

are doing really well, perhaps the goalkeeper

and Southampton star Neil Shipperley. Most

will have time to tell you about who he

of the players that ended the season so well are

picked up last week!

staying and I really think that this could be a

very successful campaign. Certainly Shipps is

confident that we have the talent to really chal-

lenge the top teams.”

THE ALPHA POWER PILL

The only departure of any significance was

Neil Shipperley’s number two, Mark Nicholls.

Now even better!

Although he will be missed, his famed red card

Helps cut the cost of diesel - and reduce Emissions!

temper - mainly aimed at referees - might not

be! One downer for Lee is that he was sent off

towards the end of last season in a match

OnlyCabs.co.uk are pleased to supply

against Slough and will miss the first match of

Dial-a-Cab drivers with the amazing Alpha Pill

the new season.

“I’m gutted about that,” says Lee, “but I’m

Order Today to take advantage of the special price of £16.95

injury free and ready to come in from that sec-

ond game. I really believe that this could be our

Go to www.OnlyCabs.co.uk or scan your smartphone

best season for years.”

Another bright spot is that the team now

on the ad code

have an under 18 team in which young players

can be developed and also the sponsorship of

Or telephone your order to:

an all-weather training pitch for at least one day

Stephen Vale at Only Cabs 020 3239 6101

a week.

Call Sign July 2013

Page 30

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

magazines of the time with a flashback

DIAL-A-CAB FLASHBACK

This issue harks back to a 1956 issue of the ODRTS Newssheet

If you know

and an update from the Society’s former secretary, Doug

of someone

Naismith...

who would

like to join

From ODRTS Newssheet, October/November/December 1956

our circuit,

SECRETARY’S NEWS UPDATE

please

let

Good afternoon gentlemen,

Frank Duncan or

In this issue of the Newssheet, I would like to update you on some

Henry Defries

(D03)

ODRTS news and dispel some malicious gossip. In addition, this

know and they will arrange for them to

will be my last report as I have now stood down as Secretary and

be fitted at the first opportunity.

indeed left the Committee of Management, although I am still on

Well done to Mr Jefferson (B30),

ODRTS as a driver.

who on an emergency taxi journey to

Firstly, yes we are still proud members of the British Travel and

Birmingham from Euston, possibly

Holiday Association and the Mobile Radio Users Association - both

saved his passenger’s life after he suf-

groups having brought us some welcome jobs. Of course we have to be

fered a heart attack. He found a phone

registered under the Industrial & Provident Societies Acts 1893 (1952)

box in minutes and then helped the

and while this does cost us money, it isn’t a matter in which we have any

passenger’s wife to give him the assis-

choice.

tance he required. The passenger gave

There have been rumours concerning myself for some time regarding