Call Sign April 2014

Page 3

from the editor’s desk

Uber and Hailo

told his back condition would prevent him from

An interesting piece appeared in a recent US

ever driving a cab again, he is now back to nor-

issue of Bloomberg Businessweek about an

mality!

American cab driver who decided to go over to

Just like Power Pill, it really makes no differ-

Uber - which operates similarly to Hailo and

ence to me whether you use Andy or not, but if

GetTaxi in the UK. The piece that grabbed my

you have a muscular problem, I feel as certain as

attention and which ties into something I have

I can be that he will cure you. If you don’t, then

been saying in Call Sign for some time, reads:

it will be your loss but it will make it easier for

Ray Markovich started driving a taxi in

me to get an appointment!

Chicago three years ago after shuttering his strug-

But if you do, just mention that you are on

gling wireless phone store. Driving a cab wasn’t

Dial-a-Cab and that you read it in Call Sign and

particularly gratifying or lucrative - he had to pay

you will get a special low rate for the hour…

$400 a week just to lease his 2011 white Ford

Escape. It was predictable if monotonous work.

DaC sale...

Well, there’s nothing monotonous about it now.

Judging by some of the questions I get asked by

In June, Markovich, a thin, well-dressed man with

drivers when I’m out on the road, there are obvi-

short brown hair and spots of grey in his mous-

ously a number of you that think I know some-

In addition to the smoke meter readings, the

tache and goatee, walked into the local office of

thing about who the three possible purchasers

taxi will be refused a certificate if the exhaust

Uber, the San Francisco based taxi technology

of Dial-a-Cab are. Sadly I don’t. Yes, I can guess

emits excessive smoke or vapour of any colour,

startup. Uber put him through an hour of orien-

along with anyone who has knowledge of who

to an extent likely to obscure vision or if the

tation, gave him a free iPhone that carries its car

in this business has enough loot to be able to

emissions cannot be measured because a tail

dispatch app and some gear to mount it on the

afford us, but as to who these are; I just don’t

pipe is damaged or an accessory is fitted that

windshield, and sent him on his way.

know.

prevents the insertion of the smoke meter

Since then, Markovich has had to dodge flak

What I do know is that whomever it is, it will

probe.

from traditional cabbies who complain that they

be in their interest to keep drivers happy and

As I also said last month, it makes no dif-

can no longer pick up riders in the city’s tonier

while I fully expect any small print to insist that

ference to me if you use the Power Pill or not

neighbourhoods, and he’s receiving a constant

whoever the purchaser is - assuming we sell - to

- but just to let you know that my cab results

flood of e-mails from Uber itself offering steep dis-

insist that those participating must stay for a

once again proved that not only does it work,

counts on new cars and other perks to secure his

minimum period of time, I would also expect

but as a bonus it also improves my fuel con-

loyalty. At the same time, he has increased his

them to make sure the workforce remain happy.

sumption and seems to give it more poke -

earnings by about 20 percent and says he’s sim-

I remember the last time a company tried to

although I have no intention of getting that

ply evolving along with his customers.

buy the Society. It was Sovereign Capital in

tested!

“No one under the age of 40 with a smart-

2003, who were based in Buckingham Gate.

Steve Vale advertises the Power Pill in every

phone is going out and getting a cab any-

Their MD was Peter Brooks and he was not just

issue of Call Sign and according to Brian Rice,

more,” says Markovich. “I say if you can’t beat

very friendly, but also very helpful when it came

it works just as well on his car! So it’s entirely up

’em, join ’em.”

to explaining what he wanted to do regarding

to you, but for a relatively small outlay you can

Ray Markovitch’s story just confirms my belief

the future of DaC. He was happy to put any info

improve your taxi’s running and improve its

that what Hailo are doing is to take work, not

into Call Sign and that made my life much easi-

chances at the smoke test. But of course you may

from private hire, but from taxis cruising the

er. However, I would have voted against selling

not want to and would rather I just minded my

streets. As Mr Markovich says: Why would any-

because I just wasn’t sure whether DaC was

own business! It’s a free world...!

one with a smartphone go out to look for a cab

being purchased as an ongoing business or a

when it will come to you for nothing?

short term business proposition. After all, they

And Barking Physio too!

While announcing a commercial section so

were venture capitalists and that’s what I

I don’t usually spend this much time on adver-

that they can also kill that side too, Hailo may be

assumed they did.

tisers, but in addition to Power Pill, I really have

right in that if they don’t then someone else will.

In the end, there was something of a dis-

to thank Andy at the Barking Physical Therapy

But at least that gets rid of all pretence...

agreement between Sovereign and DaC. Peter

Centre. Rather stupidly, I tripped while leaving

the house and in that brief second I prepared

Brooks wanted DaC to underpin the estimated

Power Pill...again!

myself for a nasty fall onto concrete. Fortunately

costs of around £175,000 whereas Brian Rice

Out of pure coincidence, I gave a brief history in

I managed to turn slightly and went flying into

told Call Sign that he felt Sovereign should be

the March Call Sign of the Alpha Power Pill

the cab rather than the floor. It still hurt like mad

liable for all the substantial costs involved. Brian

and also mentioned how it had cut down on my

but it could have been far worse because I was

explained that DaC had been down that road

taxi’s smoke emissions.

falling - or more like flying - from a fairly high

before when the Society had offered subscribers

Again, purely coincidentally, my cab had to

step.

the option of becoming a plc in 1997. The costs

recently undergo its 6-monthly MOT test. Yes, it

The bottom line was that I damaged the ten-

surrounding that could have been substantial

passed with no probs, but it was nice to be told

dons in my shoulder - and it really hurt. For the

had they not negotiated a deal which made them

as an aside that the cab had passed the emissions

next two nights I had to sit up in the lounge

liable only if the plc venture went through.

test with the lowest reading the tester had seen

because it was too painful lying down in bed.

Both organisations praised the others impec-

this year on a licensed taxi - 0.5.

Every time I moved, I had this awful pain at the

cable behaviour, but the deal fell through. It also

For those who aren’t sure, your taxi will be

top of my arm and on the shoulder itself. It was

seemed that the deal probably wouldn’t have

left running until the tester believes the engine

Linda who reminded me about Andy at the

gone through anyway with too many subscribers

is warm and suitable to take a smoke / emissions

Barking Physical Therapy Centre. I was there in

being unsure. However, this time it appears that

test. The cab is accelerated three times and an

early 2013 with a bad back and Andy cured it

there are taxi connections to possible pur-

average reading is taken. If that average is below

within a few weeks. But I reminded my lovely

chasers and that would mean they would want

2.5m-1 for non-turbocharged engines or 3.0m-1

wife that I was a man and to we males pain was

DaC to succeed. That also means keeping dri-

for turbocharged engines, then the vehicle will

a by-product of life that we accept. But she told

vers happy.

pass. If the reading is higher, a further accelera-

me that my high-pitched whines were stopping

So it looks like interesting days are ahead and

tion will be carried out and the average of the

her watching Coronation Street!

Call Sign is hopeful that all the companies

last three readings will then be used. This

So I made an appointment and went to see

involved will speak to the mag to explain their

process can continue until a maximum of six

Andy Apsley. Andy is blind and I’m sure that

position etc...

accelerations have been carried out. If the aver-

helps him trace the roots of any muscular prob-

age of the fourth, fifth and sixth acceleration is

lems, because after the second visit I felt so

higher than the appropriate level, then the cab

much better. He has already cured one Dial-a-

Alan Fisher

will fail the test.

Cab driver to such a degree that where he was

callsignmag@aol.com

Call Sign April 2014

Page 4

reflections of the chairman

nage will be treated as a ‘Taxi’ sign. Perhaps,

Costs

and not unsurprisingly, most Private Hire

As you are all aware, we pay Members on a

operators are also against exterior signage.

weekly basis in order to help with your cash-

The Commission also seem to favour the

flow situation. We also know that many of

idea that no matter where a minicab driver is

you have email addresses, yet still receive

licensed, he/she should be allowed to work

your weekly payment via hard copy through

anywhere in the country as the same stan-

the post. This comes at a cost to Dial-a-Cab

dard will apply nationally.

due to postage and extra administration; con-

This final part I really find quite extraordinary

sequently, we will be making a charge to

and now certain aspects of our trade begin to

Members in the future if they receive weekly

fall into place. TfL have recently done a survey

paper statements.

on Suburban Licensing to see if it is feasible to

As from 9 May, we will be making a

alter the status quo and you have to wonder

weekly charge of £2 per week to those

whether there could have been some collusion

Members that still receive paper state-

between TfL and the Law Commission. What the

ments. Those Members that already

Commission is suggesting is that because mini-

organisations were interested, both had

receive their statements via email will be

cabs will be allowed to complete a pre-booking

made preliminary investigations and had

unaffected, but for those that receive hard

anywhere, then the same logic should apply to

come up with an indicative offer which the

taxis. Consequently, they are suggesting that if a

copies by post but would like to change to

Board felt Members should be made aware

suburban Yellow Badge (YB) driver is in the

email and avoid any extra payment, just

of, hence my letter to you.

centre of town - and by that I mean an area that

contact the young ladies in Driver Services

When that letter hit the public domain, a

is worked by a Green Badge and is not in a

and give them your email address. The

third organisation entered the story with a

Yellow Badge sector - then the YB, assuming he

extra charge will not then be applicable.

show of interest in DaC, but of course they

is on the radio or has an App, will be allowed to

Once you get used to receiving your invoic-

were way behind the other two with their

pick up a trip in the centre of town quite legally.

es via soft copy, you will wonder why you did-

preliminary investigations. Now, at the time

I told them I thought this was absolutely

n’t do it a long time ago. All you need do is to

of writing, that third organisation has com-

outrageous and what with the yellow and

make a Folder for your statements and you

pleted their preliminary due diligence and

green identifiers already in taxis, I believed it

have them all in one place without taking up

have submitted an indicative offer to us. That

would lead to a great deal of confrontation

any space at home. But of course, should you

is the latest situation; anything you hear con-

between drivers.

want a hard copy, then you can still print one

trary to the above is just not true...

If a member of the public orders a taxi in

off. It really is that easy.

the centre of town via a circuit or an App,

Whilst on the subject of costs, we are look-

Law Commission

then supplying the customer with a yellow

ing at different ways of charging subscrip-

For around the last two and a half years there

badge driver is misrepresentation, because

tions. One of those ways would probably be

has been a Law Commission investigation

that is not what the customer is paying ‘top

an advantage to some, yet cost others more.

into Taxis and Private Hire in England and

dollar’ for. I urge all of you to make your feel-

Wales. I have had several meetings with the

ings known when draft recommendations are

Other suppliers have shown that drivers are

Solicitors involved during that period in an

published at the end of this month. At the

prepared to pay 10% of their weekly income

attempt to influence their findings and they

moment, the draft will be recommendations

from an App-based trip, which in the vast

are now scheduled to release those findings

only, so you can have your say before it is put

majority of cases is far more than our

at the end of this month (April).

into law.

Members contribute to our Society’s coffers.

They want one standard of Taxi and Private

Of course Dial-a-Cab will be the only

As you know, our Members pay a flat fee of

Hire vehicle to apply nationally although

radio circuit and App provider that the

£30 per week, which as I stated is far less than

local authorities will be allowed to introduce

above scheme will not apply to, because as

the 10% they are prepared to pay others, so

their own ‘top up’ standards for taxis only at

you know we are the only circuit that has

perhaps there should be a complete overhaul

a local level. However, I believe London will

a totally Green Badge membership. But the

regarding subscriptions? But we are unlikely

be ‘ring fenced’ and our current standards

rest of the circuits and App providers will

to introduce anything until the whole fleet is

will apply.

believe that Christmas has come early...

fitted with the new equipment, which will be

I am totally against any type of signage

allowed on Private Hire such as ‘Pre Bookings

later this year - although that last statement is

Brian Rice

only’ or anything similar, as wording such as

not cast in stone.

that will inform members of the public the

Chairman

Still on the subject of costs, the BoM have

vehicle is in the minicab industry and the sig-

Dial-a-Cab

decided to award your staff a 2% increase as

from April (this month). It has been a couple

of years since staff had an increase and the

new increase will go just a little way to show

that we do all care and appreciate the work

they do for us. In recent years, due to the

recession, we have cut the numbers of staff

quite drastically, consequently, sometimes the

remaining staff have had their own work levels

increased. Incidentally, before any Member

writes in and asks the question: No, the BoM

are not having the 2% increase, in fact they will

not be receiving any increase at all.

Society offers

I keep hearing all different rumours regard-

ing the offers Dial-a-Cab have had regarding

the sale of the Society, so I would like to bring

you up to date with the latest situation. I ini-

tially wrote to Members explaining that two

Call Sign April 2014

Page 5

TDOY charity CD launched

Last month’s issue of Call Sign

exclusively highlighted the

efforts of a dedicated group of

people to produce a charity CD

single that will hopefully raise

funds for the benefit of taxi

Barbara and Russell Poluck with The London Cabbies

trade charities.

many people who had helped to make the

Barbara told Call Sign, “but I needn’t have

Then on Monday 10th March 2014 in a pri-

project happen - from Simon Ciara who

done so because they are all such a dedi-

vate room at the New Royal Oak eatery in

wrote the music and lyrics of the recording to

cated group of artistes, everyone made it to

Paddington (donated for the day by owner

Tony Adams of Galactic Studios who

the session, despite the traffic jams.”

John Anderson), Dial-a-Cab’s Russell Poluck

designed the front cover of the CD as well as

“And I too must pay tribute to and

MBE (T55) and his bubbly wife Barbara -

providing the excellent studio facilities. He

record my admiration for the six singers

President and Hon Sec of the Taxi Driver of

also thanked the numerous

‘behind the

who arrived at the recording studio and

the Year Fund

- officially launched The

scenes’ sponsors such as Totes Audrey

got the job done, giving their time so

London Cabbies song ‘We’ll Take You

Sherry for their support.

freely,” Russell added jubilantly.

There’ to the gathered trade writers. Indeed,

It was a chance conversation between

CD producer Simon Ciara told Call Sign he

to avoid any chance of the song being leaked

Barbara and composer Simon Ciara that real-

had sought inspiration for the lyrics from talk-

prior to the launch, security was so tight that

ly got the ball rolling. Auditions were held and

ing to the taxi drivers and had tried to merge

even those taxi drivers who had sung at the

the final 6 lucky taxi drivers found themselves

a bouncy disco style beat to the landmarks of

recording session had not heard the final offi-

singing their hearts out in front of micro-

London. Big Ben, St Pauls, the London Eye,

cial version until that moment when the juke

phones at Galactic Studios in Biggin Hill on,

Market stalls et al all get a mention while at

box burst into life!

of all days, a tube strike date.

the same time getting the press tapping their

Russell opened the event by welcoming

“I was worried that nobody would turn

feet to the rhythm as the cd was finally played.

everyone present and offered thanks to the

up, preferring to work on the cab instead,”

The single will sell for £5 with £1 going

to each of the five taxi charities for every

Call Sign says...

cd sold. There will also be an iTunes down-

load available as well as hard copies at

selected cab trade outlets.

The charity cd features the vocal talents of

BUDGET SURPRISE FROM GEORGE!

Sharon Sanders, Lee Scarborough, DaC’s Jim

While there was no surprise in Chancellor George

Edwards (E76), Ron Geraghty, Nick Geer and

Frank Raggett.

Osborne’s cancellation of the next fuel increase in

CD available from Russell Poluck MBE,

his recent budget statement, there was possibly

5 St Brides Ave, Edgware, Middx HA8 6BT.

cause for a sudden gulp of air in his announce-

ment of a £200million fund to help Mayor Boris

Johnson deliver his proposed ultra-low emission

zone by 2020 and to help improve London’s poor

Call Sign

air quality.

April 2014

The Mayor has already announced a new

Editor: Alan Fisher

breed of cab after 2018 and in a recent Editorial,

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

Call Sign had wondered who would be paying

Tel: 0207 251 0581 Fax: 0207 553 7293

for that move to electric taxis - especially as TfL has hinted at

Email: callsignmag@aol.com

reducing the 15 year age limit down to 12 years!

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

But the cash has been earmarked to help encourage taxi drivers to upgrade

Printers: Premier Print Group

older vehicles to zero-emission vehicles. Sadly, it won’t be given out to those

25 - 31 Violet Rd, London E3

in need. The idea is said to be low cost loans!

Design: Aldan Publications

However, some of the £200million will be set aside to help pay for new elec-

Tel: 07958 300 428

Email: deborahfresco@gmail.com

tric single-decker buses. Loans for buses? Why is it that we suspect they will

Views and opinion expressed in Call Sign must

be given the funds with no mention of repayment? Perhaps it’s just our

not be assumed to represent those of the Editor or

warped mind!

Board.No part of Call Sign may be reproduced

Michael Toomey

either manually or electronically without the express

Call Sign Online

permission of the Editor.

Call Sign April 2014

Page 6

Jery’s World

Bank of England Museum Re-Opens

On Monday 31 March, the Bank of England Museum re-opened after a three month peri-

od of closure, during which brand new displays and features have been introduced to the

permanent galleries. As well as the new features, free exhibitions and special events will be

on offer in the Museum throughout the year.

The Museum galleries have been developed and redesigned with new features, guides

and activities for children and schools. At the centre of the Museum’s full-size reconstruc-

tion of Sir John Soane’s 1793 Bank Stock Office is an exciting new exhibit containing inter-

active displays explaining the roles and responsibilities of the Bank, including information

on banknote security features, setting interest rates and making sure the financial system is

safe and sound.

Curiosities from the vaults: A Bank miscellany: To mark the re-opening, the Museum

will unveil a new exhibition featuring some of the more unusual items from the Bank’s vast

collections, illustrating the sheer scope and diversity of historic objects gathered by the

Bank since its foundation in 1694. Among the previously unseen items will be a battered

leather trunk, whose enigmatic description in the Museum’s 1936 catalogue ledger, ‘Camel

pack for carrying gold over deserts’, has, over time, lent it an association with legendary

British desert adventurer T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) and the specific suggestion

TAXI AIR

that it may have been loaned to him by the Bank for carrying gold across the deserts dur-

ing World War I.

CONDITIONING

Another unseen item is a wooden secret ballot box, designed by Architect & Surveyor to the

Bank, Sir John Soane. The box, in the form of a miniature ancient Greek temple, was in use

All makes and models

during the 1800s in the Court Room, sitting alongside the main meeting table and used by

the Bank’s Court of Directors to cast votes at the end of countless important meetings. Also on

serviced and repaired

display will be albums of elaborately decorated, high-value banknotes signed by distinguished

Mobile service - we

visitors to the Bank, including the likes of President Nelson Mandela and George Eliot.

come to you!

Elsewhere, the exhibition will feature a series of beautifully preserved Roman and medi-

aeval ceramics discovered in the 1920s during the demolition of Soane’s original Bank

Call Mick Wheeler on

building, and the centrepiece of the exhibition, an 18th-century carved wooden figure of

the Bank’s emblem Britannia.

020 8715 0079

There are and will be many different exhibitions. Go to:

www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum 020 7601 5545

Covering London

Email museum@bankofengland.co.uk or twitter.com/bankofengland.

and the Home Counties

Call Sign April 2014

Page 7

Team Wilkey was nothing less than tri-

umphant - once again - on its last outing at

Miranda Carter’s ‘Stand and Deliver’ show

DaC’s Mr Boxing

at York Hall on Sunday 23rd February, when

all five boxers trained by Dial-a-Cab driver

Alec Wilkey (W83) picked up wins!

Notable was Francis Maina who captured

has Super Sunday!

the Bronze British Masters title and Brett

Saggs, who made a winning professional

Alec with new

debut.

Bronze Masters

Francis Maina and his opponent, Ideh

Champion

Ochuko, provided a thrilling lightweight

Francis Maina

Bronze British Masters title bout over the 8

rounds. Maina - a former European kickbox-

ing champion - now relies on using his jab

Chelmsford ABC

rather than his kicking and used it really well

man.

throughout the bout, catching Ochuko with

To make it a full

numerous straight right hands. Yet the cham-

house for Alec,

pion, Ochuko, wasn’t fazed and produced

Prizefighter semi-

some good work of his own in spells. Towards

finalist Eren Arif

the end of the bout, Francis began to domi-

continued

nate the action more and it was no surprise

impress as he

when he was awarded the decision 77-75 to

stepped up a level

take the belt from Ochuko.

to beat Michael

The day’s action kicked off with Alec’s

Mooney in an

female southpaw fighter, Areti Mastrodouka,

ing some smart boxing. Coyle dominated the

exciting 6 round light-welterweight bout. Arif

who advanced to her sixth straight win since

action, forcing van Poetsch onto the ropes on

used a high guard and fought in short bursts

joining the pro ranks with a convincing points

numerous occasions as he sunk hooks in to

with his trademark hooks to wear down his

victory over Karina Kopinska in a 6 round

the body and head with the judge awarding

opponent with both fighters smiling at each

Super Featherweight bout. The lady known as

Coyle each round and a score of 40-36.

other in between the brawling. Arif got the

The Master dominated the fight against a

On his debut performance, light-mid-

decision 60-55.

durable opponent with her straight left hand

dleweight Brett Saggs notched up a victory in

Alec’s DaC passengers may not know

and convincingly took the decision by 60-55 as

beating Costas Osben 40-36 in a tough 4-

why he has such a broad smile at the

she continues her pursuit of a World Title shot.

rounder. The tall, rangy boxer from Maldon

moment, but Call Sign readers now do...!

Alec’s Johnny Coyle remained unbeaten

used his jab well to set up attacks and a good

David Wilkey

with a points win over Lewis van Poetsch,

work rate to nullify Osben’s returning right

with the Stanford-le-Hope southpaw produc-

hands. The future looks bright for the former

Call Sign Online

Call Sign April 2014

Page 8

Almost an accountant???

I could have asked Mr Walker to work out a saving plan for

he London Cab

DaC, but with his business record, we might not even last 40

Driver’s Club’s

months (although I would like to add that isn’t necessarily the

monthly newspa-

case because he could be a brilliant chartered accountant but that

per, The Badge, is

sadly no one wants to use his ability. And in case anyone missed

edited by former Dial-a-Cab

it, can I also confirm what I wrote earlier that I don’t think he is

driver Grant Davis. As

a paedophile. Whether he is a kindly uncle is obviously open to

debate).

Grant’s departure from this

Mr Walker also writes about Hailo and is obviously the only

Society came via expulsion,

person in the world with their accounts ending December 2013

you’d probably expect me

- especially as they were fined in November 2013 for filing a late

to have a pop at both the

return for their accounts ending December 2012. After making

paper and him. But you would be disappointed

fun of DaC’s £116k loss, he quotes Hailo’s loss of £1.3million as

because The Badge has improved out of all recog-

being “expected.” The fact that my copy of their year ending

December 2012 shows an operating loss of £7,641,005 is proba-

nition over the past few years and Grant seems

bly because I’m not an accountant - not that Mr Walker isn’t one,

to have moved his stance upwards as a trade

you understand - I’d like that added in because it’s what gentle-

leader.

men do.

So while my view on the LCDC hasn’t changed, in a trade of

But back to his view of Hailo; He says they have attained 50 per-

25,000 drivers with fewer than 50 percent joining a trade organ-

cent of DaC’s current turnover in “their first full year of trading.”

isation I don’t believe it to be necessary because too many organ-

So it is the 2012 accounts we’re talking about (even though as a

isations weaken our negotiating stance. And even if they all agree

chartered accountant - failed but not necessarily - it could be the

with each other’s policies, that makes them even more pointless.

December 2013 accounts if he has friends in high places)!

But they are here and the LCDC is a legitimate organisation and

So does that mean that young Mickey - (although I should add

I always try to get a copy of The Badge.

that doesn’t mean he isn’t old just because kindly uncles are

So where am I heading with this? Well those on the LTDF forum

often old, I want to assure all readers that my addressing him as

probably know Badge writer, Mickey Walker. Never having been

being young may also not be correct) - believes that Hailo have

on it, I know only what I read in The Badge - although I did have

taken all their work from the radio circuits? Because even a failed

a fairly friendly private email exchange with him a few years back.

accountant, which of course doesn’t automatically mean that he

But he isn’t always that nice when it comes to penning his col-

is one, can see by driving around in the evening that what Hailo

umn in The Badge.

has done is to begin the destruction of taxi street work. Addison

Some of you may remember last summer when Mr Walker

Lee does not appear to be losing money - even a good accoun-

went into print in The Badge about DaC Chairman Brian

tant could see that - so if Hailo have that much work, where else

Rice and disgracefully likened him to a kindly old uncle who

is it coming from? Ask any non-radio / non-Hailo driver if street

was grooming children because he was a paedophile.

work is down since Hailo first appeared and they will say yes. I

Whether it was because he was afraid of repercussions or

believe that Hailo is killing the taxi trade because the Knowledge

someone in The Badge office pulled him up for daring to

will soon become unnecessary. The difference between Hailo and

link Brian Rice to paedophilia, he then went on to add that

the minicab Kabbee app is already negligible. Soon drivers will

he wasn’t actually suggesting that Brian was a paedophile.

just go onto Hailo and use a satnav until such time that so few

However, what he did was to put the ludicrous suggestion

have gone onto the KoL that there will be no difference and we’ll

into the public domain.

all be just cabs..

It’s a bit like me saying that Mr Walker, who often writes about

The subject of paedophilia isn’t something I am making

DaC accounts, is a failed businessman as well as a failed chartered

fun of. But is there anyone out there who believes that a

accountant and then go on to add at the end that he might not

trade scribe should be allowed to link anyone, not just a

be! In all probability, the rumours that his two businesses failed

Chairman, to paedophilia before adding that they didn’t

may be just a rumour and he may have preferred driving a taxi to

really mean it...???

being a chartered accountant because he didn’t like earning too

much money. Yes, that sounds logical and I just want Call Sign

Alan Fisher

readers to understand that if the above statements turn out to be

Call Sign Online

inaccurate, then it’s only because I was giving an example. And

for the record, I’m sure that Mr Walker is not a paedophile,

although of course that is only an assumption on my part.

Keith Reading

Mr Walker has now criticised DaC’s accounts again in the

Professional Toastmaster

March issue of The Badge, pointing out that we lost £116,000,

Master of Ceremonies

which is perfectly true. He also points out that if we continue in

that vein, then our money in the bank will “not last forever.” Well

Tele: 01279 465 938

I’m not a chartered accountant - failed or otherwise (that’s not

Mobile: 07774 860 374

to say that said Mr Walker is a failed accountant because I’m also

Email: kgr.2@virgin.net

saying that he might not be) - but I worked out in just under 30

seconds with the help of a calculator that if we were to lost that

10% discount for DaC drivers and staff

much each year, then our stash wouldn’t last forever. In fact we’d

Fellow of the Guild of

be lucky if it even lasted 40 years! Of course, should we start turn-

Professional Toastmasters

ing a profit again soon, then it could be even longer - bad news

for Mr Walker and his forecasting.

Call Sign April 2014

Page 9

ormer Call Sign columnist and Dial-a-

Cab telephonist, Claire Ottley, said her

final goodbyes to the Society this week

Goodbye Claire!

and is moving on. She has been with DaC

since the beginning of 2000 and for some

years has been on our ground floor working

as an account manager with one of our city

accounts.

When writing her monthly Claire Care col-

umn, she showed an amazing expertise in

recognising various wines and expensive

beauty products. For some time, the Editor

assumed that she was a ‘poor little rich girl’

who wanted to see what real work was like!

However he soon discovered that her knowl-

edge of plonk originated from her previous

work as a manager for an Oddbins wine

shop, while her beauty tips came from her

work with a French beauty company!

Her last month at DaC was spent passing

on her knowledge of the job to successor,

Jago De Langen. Jago was one of the DaC

staff on the third floor who in 2008 success-

fully attained a Level 2 National Vocational

Qualification (NVQ) and we wish him well in

this promotion...

Ron Yarborough

Call sign Online

Claire and Jago

While spending a holiday in northern Spain, Gary Cox popped over to the Vito factory to take a look

at any progress being made on a new version of the Mercedes cab...

Call Sign reveals the new Vito!

could turn this into a two hundred and fifty word article, but

hopefully now that the kipper season has bottomed out and

things are starting to roll a bit, with the days of reading Call

Sign three times on the rank at Kings Cross Station before

trapping a job looking to have gone, I will attempt to get to the

point.

Having spent many a happy, albeit cold hour - like a hooker minus the pencil skirt

and red lipstick using the catchphrase of ‘do you have a light señor’ - outside the Vitoria

-Gasteiz factory in Northern Spain in February this year, all l could get out of the staff

was "We no seen de new press for the Vito yet. Then in a garlic whisper from puffing

sixty fags a day for the last thirty years, a voice said:

“You can see it, but the body of the vehicle will be in disguise so the competi-

tion will have to wait for the launch date to react! It will be in the following

place at the following date.”

I can report back to Call Sign that it's covered in fibre glass and wallpaper. But l can

also confirm that it's got four wheels and windows and it's based on the same platform

as the new V Class people carrier and it is euro six emissions. It will be built in Spain and

it should be in Coventry no later than the third quarter of this year for fitting out as a

taxi.

I am led to believe it will still have rear steering which Mercedes technicians claim to

have re-worked - hope springs eternal!

And a quote: “At the present time, a sun roof looks a real possibility for the

near future.”

Will this stop sales of the old model? Probably not, due to the fact that the second-

hand market is so buoyant and discounting is sure to pay a large part. But if you hang on

for the new model, you may well need a chair and a glass of Agua when they tell you

the price of that euro six model!

Options have never been so good with the appearance soon of the Nissan NV200.

If you meet the guvnor, don't mention to her about our holiday in Spain in February -

you will never hear the end of it...!

Gary Cox (O46)

Call Sign Online

Call Sign April 2014

Page 10

This series commemorates the soon to come 100th anniversary of the beginning of WW1 hostilities

and features past and present DaC drivers or their families. This issue tells of Paul Charters (J08)

grandfather, Ronald Charters...

DAC WAR HEROES

“On 10th November 1918, the Division’s

advance guard had reached north of Leuze. At

11.00 am on the 11th November 1918, the

Division received news of the Armistice while

they were on the road south of Ath and dur-

ing that December and early 1919, men began

to be demobilised and my grandfather, having

thankfully survived the Great War, was one of

them.

“He was later awarded the British War

and Victory medals, but suffered from

ulcerated legs for the rest of his life which

required long term medication, most prob-

ably caused by his time in those muddied,

Paul commissioned professional

rat infested and lice ridden trenches in the

researchers to track his grandfather's

supposedly war to end all wars as it was

WW1 effort

hailed. That illness later became known as

Trench Foot and affected many soldiers

In the thick of it...

that had been involved at the time.

“I’m very interested in military history and

“We can only guess at the discomfort and

have been on guided tours to various sites of

hardship those brave soldiers endured and the

WW1 and WW2 conflicts such as Monte

grisly sights they must have witnessed, fre-

Casino (WW2), Ypres and the Somme from

quently losing friends and comrades to enemy

WW1,” Paul Charters (J08) told Call Sign

actions. Certainly, according to family reports,

when we met recently as part of Call Sign’s

my grandpa like many who have observed

continuing series commemorating the upcom-

first-hand the horrors of war and other dis-

ing WW1 Centenary in August.

tressing scenes, hardly ever referred to his

“In fact I got so involved in the subject, I

wartime experiences and found it hard to set-

Granddad Edward

decided to research into my grandfather’s time

tle down in Civvy Street. He died before I was

in the Army during WW1. I commissioned a

‘Londoners’ were instructed to

‘keep the

born, aged 64, so I never got the chance to

professional researcher as I was not sure how

speak to him or thank him for his commitment

Germans busy’ and after heavy fighting, even-

to the freedom we enjoy today.

to go about delving so far into the past, nor to

tually liberated Albert Town and continued

access military records. What he came up with

“I am, however, grateful to Paul Reed of

their advance across old Somme battlefields.

Leger Battlefield Research Service for his

was both fascinating and gave me an insight

“After the Somme, the Division moved

efforts in uncovering my grandfathers’ military

into what my grandfather and so many like

north, taking part in the advance over the

record, albeit that many documents from that

him, went through and the hardships they had

Douai Plain, liberating Lille in mid-October.

period have been destroyed through subse-

to endure,” Paul declared pensively.

Their final activities of WW1 were centred on

quent hostilities...”

“My grandpa, Private Edward Ronald

the French/Belgian borders, where they

Charters, was born in 1901 and enlisted

Paul Reed M.A can be contacted by email at:

inevitably suffered further heavy losses and

during 1917 in the 19th Battalion London

casualties.”

ww1research@hotmail.com

Regiment (Poplar & Stepney Rifles) of the

Paul stopped momentarily and we could see

Royal Fusiliers.

that recounting such sad details was affecting

“After his basic training, records show he

him. But he then continued...

was posted overseas to France on 31st July

1918 to join his unit on the Somme. The win-

ter of 1917/18 was spent in the area around

Havrincourt Wood and when the German

The Flower Mill

offensive broke during late March 1918, his

Division were holding the Flesquieres

Creating Beautiful Flowers For Weddings

Salient. The German bombardment was so

intense that they had to retreat back towards

the Somme, while also suffering thousands of

Tel: 07854 738895

casualties in the process.

“On 3rd August 1918, he was transferred to

58th London Division and served with them

Web: www.theflowermillessex.co.uk

in the Second Battles of the Somme which

saw some of the war’s heaviest fighting. He

Email: theflowermill@yahoo.co.uk

would have experienced the Battles of

Amiens (8-11 August), Battle of Albert (22-23

Covering Essex & The Surrounding Counties

August) and the Second Battle of Bapaume

between 31 August and 1 September 1918. In

the Battle of Albert, while British and

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

Commonwealth forces broke the German

lines around the Somme River, the

Call Sign April 2014

Page 12

London Taxi Company and Volvo

owners, Geely Holding Group,

Road to the electric TX5!

have announced their acquisi-

With the news of the acquisition and look-

tion of Emerald Automotive, a

ing at Emerald’s Eco Innovation of the Year

award for its t-001 hybrid van, you begin to

British owned electric van tech-

see a link. The lightweight van runs on a lithi-

nology company for an undis-

um-ion battery which powers an electric

closed sum.

motor giving around 60 miles on a charge.

Geely spokesperson, Victor Yang, said that

However, that type of mileage is worthless to

the purpose of the acquisition was to help

most London taxi drivers, but the t-001 has a

Geely boost its ability to generate the next

small engine as well that can run on either

generation of London taxis, which will be

petrol or diesel and which charges the battery

electric.

so that it actually gives up to 400 miles or 650

According to Emerald, Geely have commit-

kilometres between stops. That would be

ted to invest a minimum of $200 million over

more than enough for any driver.

the next five years to develop Emerald's range

Take that and add it to Mr Li’s Call Sign’s

of electric vehicles in addition to taking over

statement on retaining the London taxi’s

its loan commitments.

month’s cover) but “...be more lightweight,

iconic shape and the next version of the

In an exclusive interview with the October

with improved reliability and driveability; it

TX4 must be well on the way...

2013 Call Sign, Geely Chairman Li Shufu

will also have improved fuel efficiency and be

told us that the next development of the TX4

a green solution. These are the success factors

Michael Toomey

would retain its iconic design

(see last

for the next generation of black taxis.”

Call Sign Online

LTC DELIVER 22 TX4s

...on day one of 14 plate!

The LTC Brewery Road team had a

between 3

special Saturday opening on 1st

to 4 weeks

March to hand over the first 22

as the

brand new 14 plate TX4s to eager

company

customers.

balances

The twenty-two London drivers

ongoing

were able to take possession of their

quality

brand new 14 plate TX4s on the first

improve-

day of the new registration this year,

ments

despite that day landing on a

with

Saturday. Selected members of the

trade

Brewery Road team, including

demand.

Customer Relationship Executives,

technicians, administrators and the

avoid

valeting team gave up the first day of

disap-

their weekend to hand over as many

pointmen

vehicles as possible to their eagerly

order you

awaiting customers. The team had

Taxi Company’s Brewery Road team on 0207 700 0888 or email

originally set themselves a goal of

london@london-taxis.co.uk.

twenty new TX4 handovers, but

ended up beating this target by two.

Commenting on the day, UK Retail

General Manager James Dennison

said: “There was a brilliant atmos-

phere and buzz in the dealership

asaptrades

on Saturday and the response we

had from customers was very pos-

ELECTRICAL

itive. It is extremely encouraging

that sales have been so buoyant

this year, despite current econom-

Electrical Installations - Fault Finding & Repairs

ic pressures on our customers, as

well as the public in general. This

www.asaptrades.com

is a fantastic start to what we

expect will be an extremely busy

month.”

Delivery times for a new TX4 is now

0203 130 6798

Call Sign April 2014

Page 13

COMPLIANCE WITH GARRY

Hello Ladies and Gents

and get a job before those that correctly

booked off E14C on time, then it is taking an

Logos

unfair advantage.

It appears that some members are still dis-

Whilst I’m on this topic, may I remind

playing window stickers advertising other

you that to book into WW00 at Heathrow,

taxi booking platforms / apps. I am receiving

you need to be on the perimeter road or

registration details from fellow drivers who

inside the airport to book into the zone.

can see the damage this does to your Society

All outer zones are also physical ie E50S,

and taxis displaying these stickers will lead to

N99 etc. Any driver unsure as to booking pro-

the driver being put on complaint.

cedures, please phone Shelagh Adkins or me.

May I also remind you that taxis need to

carry front door logos at all times whilst

Hand out cards

picking up DaC journeys; if you’ve had a

When you next pass Dial-a-Cab House or

bodywork repair job done to your vehicle,

Roman Way, why not stop and collect some

then replacement DaC logos can be

DaC business hand-out cards and tip up seat

obtained from Dial-a-Cab House or alterna-

adds to advertise your Society in this ever-

tively at Roman Way. We now have the

more competitive market place. They can

smaller sized logos for all taxis.

off one or two minutes after the 9pm finish.

only help...

This zone is now being monitored closely

Zones

Be lucky & stay safe...

and complaints will be issued to any drivers

E14C is a physical zone that finishes at

trying to get an advantage over their fellow

21.00hrs on Monday to Friday, but certain

Garry White

members. It may only be one minute, but if

members seem to think that it’s ok to book

DaC Compliance Officer

that 60 seconds means you jump the queue

Help Phil

‘cycle’

round the

world!

NOW IT’S A 6

WHEEL CAB?

In a surprising move, the North Korean DPRK

manufacturing vehicle company has

announced that it is exporting its new taxi to

London.

Called the Polar Foil, the new taxi comes

A Sky ceiling

with astonishing extras. In addition to a see-

through roof with an automatic cleaning facili-

ty for when attacked by pigeons, the Polar Foil

also has the worlds first-ever windscreen

cleaning facility that blows air rather than

needing wiper blades to cross the screen. That

is said to stop any degree of rain without

affecting vision.

But surely its most incredible extra for

those on the radio such as Dial-a-Cab drivers,

is that it also comes with two extra wheels in

the cab’s centre so it can enter a parking

space sideways. When you come to an

address to pick up your passenger and the

space outside is only wide enough to exactly

fit your cab into and you wish you could drive

it in sideways - well now you can!

The DPRK taxi is available from April 1 and

is priced at an astonishingly low £14,201.4p

Phil with Bob Woodford in 2000 before running another marathon

(incl vat)...

Call Sign April 2014

Page 14

Following Call Sign editor Alan

The Call Sign survey...

Fishers’ comments in last

month’s issue regarding the pro-

posed lowest fare increase in

THE ANNUAL FARE

many years, we went out to

gauge the views of some dri-

INCREASE: SHOULD

vers. These were a random

selection of subscribers who

kindly offered their honest opin-

WE REJECT IT?

ions as to whether we should

have accepted the fare rise or

notice the difference, it

Mike Kennedy (M30)

waived it for this year as a ges-

is such a small incre-

I think we should stick

ture towards a still fragile econ-

ment and they already

with the cost-index for-

know the meter works

mula and if it results in a

omy and gained some PR to

on time and distance. So

small increase, so be it.

entice the cab-riding public to

I remain ambivalent

But I think that Rate 3

continue using our services...

about the fare increase

makes us too expensive,

Tony Osborn (S45)

as I doubt that it will

so we should just allow

I totally agree with the

make a difference either way.

it to wither on the vine.

Editor,

we should

Dave Ellis (J11)

Barry Mehrtens (Y81)

forego this years’ fare

I’m in agreement with

The Editor is right; the

increase in order to

Alan; we should not

proposed fare increase

remain competitive. The

implement a fare

should be waived for

increase is pennies,

increase this year. It puts

this year. It’s as simple

which is not going to

us in a better public

as that!

make much difference

relations light, which is

wages-wise, but could be good for our public

probably far more

MMX1V

image.

important than such a trifling fare increase.

Alan Callaghan (L80)

I’d also be interested to see how things pan

I agree with the Ed, we

out in ‘Nash’s Numbers’!

BANK OF

should freeze the

(Ed’s note: According to NN, a £75 fare will go

increase this year pro-

up by 60p).

ENGLAND

vided we do not get left

David Frame (F49)

LAUNCHES

behind as has happened

I want the fare increase

in the past. I would per-

BANKNOTE APP

low enough not to upset

haps suggest maybe

anyone, but I’m con-

A new interactive guide to

1.5% next year, although I understand there

its banknotes

cerned regarding the

is an accepted cost-index formula to deliver a

cumulative effect year

The Bank of England has launched an

fairly balanced fare increase between our

on year, so a 1% increase

interactive guide to banknotes as part of

earnings and value for the riding public.

each year amounts to

its ongoing commitment to building

While a freeze on fares this year would be a

just about 5% over a five year period, well,

awareness of the security features the

good public relations exercise, I again

almost!

public should look for in Bank of

emphasise that we should not lose out in

England banknotes.

next years’ taxi fares increase or we will have

Andrew Dale (L57)

The app aims to make Bank of

to make a big jump in future years to get back

I totally agree with fore-

England educational material more

to some parity, which will definitely not be

going this years’ fare rise

accessible to retailers, businesses and

good for our image!

in the light of public per-

members of the public. Through its

ception

cost.

touch-screen guide, it allows users to

Phil Ayres (M29)

London’s road works

learn about the security features on all

Yes, we should forego

and constant traffic con-

current Bank of England banknotes. For

this years’ increase as a

gestion is against us. We

example, did you know there are eight

good PR job and also so

need to be seen to understand the public’s

security features on the £20 note?

that

the

Evening

The app offers detailed images of all

Standard cannot call us

travel costs, but remain competitive when we

current Bank of England banknotes

greedy b******ds! Fuel

can. The cost of living is constantly rising, par-

together with a backlight function and

and other costs have

ticularly utilities and food to some extent. Yet

viewing under ultra-violet (UV) light. In

gone up; as have general living costs. But as

we, together with other sectors, do not see

addition, the app also offers general

the proposed increase is minimal it means

wage increases so we need to be seen to be in

advice, including what to do if you think

that in the publics’ eyes we remain competi-

the same boat - to understand other people’s

you have a counterfeit banknote.

tive. Getting people on the back seat must

financial problems. We need to get people to

The app is free to download through

remain our prime objective.

their destination as quickly as possible at min-

the Apple or Google Play Stores, or can

Scott Fisher (H32)

imum cost and those road works I mentioned

be accessed through links on the Bank’s

It is such a small increase that nobody is real-

earlier do not help. If the fare increase is

website:

ly going to notice the rise and no-one is going

indeed waived this year, I wonder if the media

http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/

to think we are nicer people for rejecting the

would pick up on our gesture as a good story

banknotes/Pages/banknoteapp.

fare increase, not even regular riders would

or would it just attract the usual criticism?

Call Sign April 2014

Page 15

Are you of a certain age and remember that New

York cop series of the late fifties and early sixties

Another true story from Geoff Levene

called Naked City? It was based on a film of the

same name, which itself was inspired by the work

of the photographer known as Weegee. Each

THE THINGS PEOPLE SAY!

episode ended with a voice saying: “There are

eight million stories in the Naked City. This has

been one of them.”

After not seeing

thought was that I didn't like the look of them

We had eight million stories here too at that

her for several

and I was delighted to actually be POB. Forty

time and now it's ten or more. And isn't it amaz-

years,

she

minutes later as I drove west along Euston Road,

ing that despite all those stories, we can occa-

stopped me one

a fellow stopped me with his elbow. Under one

sionally pick up the same person more than

morning on the

arm was a McDonalds bag with his other hand

once. Sometimes it’s because they wait at the

corner of her

holding a Coke and large fries. He was short,

same place, at the same time - although I'm not

street. As we

stocky and his shaven head was covered in tat-

sure that animal still exists!

drove along, I

toos, while he was also adorned with several

For instance, there was a fellow who stood at

mentioned that it

piercings. His girlfriend was similarly laden with

the corner of Finchley Road and Frognal Lane

was a long time

takeaway fare, but minus the body art.

at around 6.30 most mornings. He went - thank-

since I had last

“We just wanna go up Chalton Street,” he said

fully - the short distance to Hampstead tube sta-

picked her up.

taking a bite out of his Big Mac.

tion and always talked about the same thing and

“Oh,” she said,

“Me sister's 'avin' a baby,” screeched the girl at

the same person - himself!

“a lot of drivers remember me. I suppose it's

the same time as also having a bite.

It was all about what HE did at the weekend,

because I stand in the same place every day.” And

We drove up Chalton Street until he told me

where HE had lunch yesterday, how HE was a

I remember thinking that she might think that,

turn left. As I did so, the new prospective Auntie

member of the nearby Cumberland Tennis Club.

but I couldn't possibly comment!

yelled out: “Ooh sorry, mate, I've spilt me coffee.”

One morning he limped painfully into the

But coincidence also plays a part. One evening

Mr Tattoo then intervened: “Stop up there by

cab and told me that he had injured his knee

I rushed a couple to the Vaudeville Theatre. We

those two blokes,” he said. And of course you’ve

before mentioning something that almost made

got there just before curtain-up. Two and half

probably guessed it by now, it was Shuffler and

me want to injure his other one!

hours later, I cruised along the Strand waiting for

Shambler from earlier on!

“As you know, I play a lot of tennis,” he started

the

‘burst’ and the first two theatregoers

There were hugs and handshakes all round.

to tell me. The little creep actually thought I was

emerged and flagged me down. And it was those

They were the new dad and grandpa! I wished

interested in his private life. I still see him around

two again - last in and first out!

them good luck with the baby. I think he or she

West Hampstead, boring someone or other.

And then there was the time I was taking a job

was going to need it. Then I drove off to pick up

When I was on another circuit before Dial-a-

eastwards along Euston Road. I looked over at

the bits of Big Mac and coffee stains that now

Cab, there was a lady who regularly phoned for a

Camden Town Hall and noticed two shabbily

adorned my cab...

cab at Primrose Hill. She was, shall we say, very

dressed guys walking along. Perhaps ‘walking’ is

well endowed. Well alright, she was bloomin’

not quite the right description. One was shuf-

Geoff Levene (W32)

enormous! But it was in the style of White Dee

fling while the other was shambling. They were

Call Sign Online

from Benefits Street rather than Kelly Brook.

drugged or drunk - or both! My immediate

The Worshipful Company of

DACCU AGM

Hackney Carriage Drivers

DaC Credit Union is financially stronger that

Jack the Ripper

the Co-operative Group!

Tuesday 11 March 2014 saw the latest AGM of the Dial-a-Cab

walking tour

savings and loans co-operative, the Credit Union, at their

Hackney Road offices. This was the day that Euan Sutherland

The WCHCD is pleased to invite taxi drivers, their

described the Co-operative Group as ungovernable and

families and friends to join former Dial-a-Cab

resigned, whereas DACCU President, Terry Dodd, reported

driver Alan Goldsmith (ex-S45) as he leads a

another phenomenal business year for the CU, with reserves -

guided walk through London’s Whitechapel

the measure of the Credit Union’s financial strength - up to

area.

5.99% of gross assets!

He also declared to the amazement of owner-members pre-

The walk will be on Sunday 11th May 2014

sent that day to day management costs were down - this is

starting from Whitechapel station at 10.00am.

the money paid to credit union people for running the credit

He will trace the footsteps of London - and per-

union business day to day (paid as a salary sacrifice).

haps the worlds - most notorious killer, Jack the

The President pointed out that the cost of service given to the

Ripper.

Credit Union did not reflect the actual cost paid to the Board Members for run-

Jack’s gruesome crimes began in the autumn

ning the credit union day to day. The benefit of owner-members came first. Janis Dodd, the Credit

of 1888 when prostitute Mary Ann Nicholls

Union Secretary, is totally unpaid.

As one of the only two owner-worker credit unions in the UK (Licensed Taxi Trade

was found with her throat cut. As you walk

Glasgow is the other), when Terry Dodd proposed that none of the trading surplus should

through the areas where Jack carried out his

be taken as a dividend, the motion was passed unanimously - and the surplus was allo-

crimes, be prepared to learn more of his heinous

cated to the Reserves.

actions - luckily you will be walking in daylight!

The prudent management of the credit union was praised by its External Auditor, Terry

Alan says that this is the best Jack the Ripper

McPherson of Appleby & Wood, who told the meeting: “Far larger and better financed CUs

walk of all because you will visit four of the five

(from external grant funding) are not nearly as good as Dial-a-Cab Credit Union Ltd!”

murder sites - no other Guides cover more. He is

Mr McPherson added that the organisation had made a surplus of £65,600 with current loans to

members totalling £5.8million.

a WCHCD Liveryman and City of London Guide,

Terry Dodd pointed out once again that despite all the Board using skin moisturisers, none were

assists with The Cab Guide Course run by the

getting any younger! Despite the financial strength of the credit union, the Regulators could still

Company and is a working taxi driver. Alan will

close it down (to protect the owner-members’ money) if sufficient younger people from the Dial-a-

ask for a small donation for each person (£5 is

Cab family don’t come forward to learn how to run it and serve their colleagues in the future.

suggested, but be generous if you think he’s

The Dial-a-Cab Credit Union now has close to 1000 members. To join, see the ad in

worth more). He will collect donations on the day

every issue of Call Sign.

and they will all be passed onto the WCHCD

Forward to 2015!

Barry Epstein

Charity fund. So bring as many friends and fam-

Volunteer General Manager,

ily as possible. No need to book - just turn up on

DaC Credit Union

the day.

Call Sign April 2014

Page 16

With one of pop musics most

notable anniversary’s having

taken place on March 30, mark-

Radio Caroline

ing fifty years since the launch

of the pirate radio ship that

changed music forever, Call Sign

and ODRTS

is reprinting an article written

by Derek Robinson (A06) for the

They dropped anchor on Good Friday 1964

ODRTS News Magazine in

and on Easter Monday they began broadcast-

November 1964 because of its

ing with Simon Dee declaring: “You’re tuned

obvious link to this Society and

to Radio Caroline on 199, your all-day music

station.”

Radio Caroline...

Now thousands tune in daily to Radio

Should we provide

Caroline to hear DJs such as Don Allen, Tony

Blackburn, Keith Skues and Ed Moreno

taxis to a pirate?

playing popular music. But another impor-

Firstly may I offer my thanks to our Chairman,

tant name is causing the problem I write

Mr Russell and secondly to the Editor of our

about in this issue of the ODRTS News

notable magazine, Mr Toff, for allowing me

Magazine - that of Mr Wilson’s Postmaster

to put my thoughts onto paper.

General, Anthony Wedgewood Benn. He is

My fellow drivers on ODRTS, it is barely

claiming that the signals from Caroline are

twenty years since many of us lost our cabs to

interfering with emergency services both on

the army whilst fighting against the Nazis. Our

land and sea. He claims the ship is illegal and

organisation has been in operation for ten

will be closed down, whereas Mr O’Rahilly

years and could not have successfully done so

counterclaims that they are broadcasting

had it not continued the path begun by our

from over three miles off the coast and as

founder, Mr Martyn, of being trustworthy

such are in international waters.

and completely honest.

Who are we to believe? I personally have

Why is that? Well it is because one of

never listened to Radio Caroline (or London

ODRTS regular customers is said to be oper-

or City) and have no intention of doing so.

ating illegally by no less a personage than the

But I don’t eat bacon but would still carry the

British Government. That is the so-called

butcher who sells it. However, I would ask

Is it safe for ODRTS drivers to pick up

pirate radio ship, Radio Caroline, whose

our Chairman, Mr Russell, to determine

here?

offices are at

6 Chesterfield Gardens,

whether our picking up Radio Caroline pas-

Mayfair and an organisation that telephones

that Mr O’Rahilly was paying for it.

sengers is legal. If not, will he take full

us to take passengers and deliver their

So he decided to start his own radio sta-

responsibility should we be arrested?

parcels. No doubt our friends at Radio Taxis

tion, which he named after John F.

Just to make life more complicated, Mr

(Southern) have similar thoughts when their

Kennedy’s daughter Caroline. However, he

O’Rahilly says that for the whole of

drivers pick up at Radio London who are

wasn’t allowed to get a licence so decided to

December, any ODRTS driver picking up at

around the corner from Caroline at

set up a ship in international waters of the

Radio Caroline will be presented with the lat-

Curzon Street and who use the name of Big

coast of Frinton in Essex. He went to Dublin

est battery operated transistor radio.

L. Both companies also pick up at Radio City

with record players Simon Dee and Chris

offices in Clifford Street, Mayfair. All are said

Moore and came back with the radio ship Mi

Derek Robinson A06, ODRTS

to be pirates.

Amigo.

Some time ago I picked up a gentleman by

the name of Ronan O’Rahilly who explained

during a cab journey to Felixstowe about his

Dial-a-Cab Credit Union

business - he being the owner of Caroline.

The story is too complicated to relay here but

seemed to start with a meeting at the

Ever needed money quickly but were anxious about

Crawdaddy Club in Richmond with produc-

variable bank interest rates?

er/owner Giorgio Gomelsky, a place where

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

those long haired scruffs The Rolling Stones

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

appeared on a regular basis. However, that

Dial-a-Cab Credit Union. Any member of your family residing

day saw the Alexis Korner R&B Band play-

ing.

at your address also qualifies for membership!

On the agenda was the fact that Mr

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

O’Rahilly was trying to promote a record by a

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

young man called Georgie Fame, but the

up to 3 times your total savings…

BBC wouldn’t play it. Neither would Radio

Luxembourg because it wasn’t on a record

The cost?

label that they promoted (Pye or Decca).

Just 1% per month on the outstanding balance (or APR of 12.7%).

Loans can be paid back early AND there can be an annual dividend on your shares.

The problem that Mr O’Rahilly foresaw was

that other than Family Favourites on the

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

BBC Light Programme every Sunday and

Call us on 020 7729 8171 or 020 7749 0585

Radio Luxembourg, where in addition to

their playing policy, the reception was notori-

Members of the Financial Ombudsman Service

ously bad; there was no other real popular

Member’s funds protected up to limit set by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme

music. I was going to say that if The Rolling

DaC Credit Union Ltd, Peterley Business Centre, 472 Hackney Rd E2 9EQ

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

Stones represented his idea of popular music,

Registration number 213263

then why would we want more. However, I

had to remember that this was a good job and

Call Sign April 2014

Page 17

Garry White’s

daughter marries

Set amongst 12 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens, Ye Olde

Plough House near the Essex village of Bulphan saw the wedding

of Dial-a-Cab Compliance officer Garry White’s middle daughter,

Fay, who married fiancé Joe.

It was Sunday 23rd February and a day that Garry and his wife Karen had been planning -

together with Fay and Joe - for what seemed ages!

Garry told Call Sign: “As each day got closer, the excitement grew, not to mention the occa-

sional nerves. But we needn’t have worried, the whole day ran smoothly and turned out to be

beautiful. Even the weather was good for the time of year, despite a few gushes of wind! It was

lovely having so many people together to all celebrate with Fay and Joe, and as many brides

say, Fay wishes she could relive the full day again!

looking stunning, Fay poses with dad

Garry is now a proud father with two of his four children happily married. Everyone at Call

Garry for Call Sign

Sign sends their congratulations to the happy couple - Fay and Joe..

The Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers

WCHCD AND PANCAKE DAY RACING!

ward and inward leg of the course! Strict penalty points are given to anyone who fails to

flip the pancake or who does not keep their hat on. This is a charity event, with surplus

funds from the event and pancake sales being donated by the joint organisers, the

Poulters’ Company and The Cook and The Butler to the annual Lord Mayor's Appeal.

This year, Fiona Woolf, a lawyer specialising in electricity industry reforms at

CMS Cameron McKenna, and the 686th Lord Mayor of London, chose to support

four charities, Beating Bowel Cancer, the Princess Alice Hospice, Raleigh

International and Working Chance, which transforms the lives of women ex-

offenders by finding them jobs with quality employers.

The Gunmakers provide a small - if extremely loud - cannon to start each heat,

Clockmakers attend to the timing, Fruiterers provide lemons, Cutlers bring the plastic

forks, Glovers provide the white gloves to be worn by each runner and the Poulters eggs

are used to make the pancakes!

And you thought it was just a pancake race!

WCHCD Master, Graham Woodhouse,

after the race

The Worshipful Company of Hackney

Carriage Drivers were delighted to be tak-

ing part in the 10th annual Shrove Tuesday

pancake races at The Guildhall yard on 4th

March. WCHCD Master Graham

Woodhouse ran in the Masters Race -

although sadly he did not win the race this

year. Teams from the livery companies

were fortunate to enjoy spring sunshine on

the day, unlike some previous years. A

large crowd of onlookers watched the run-

ners from each team who were wearing

guild robes, white gloves and hats. For the

Masters, attire included their gowns. The

event is held in Guildhall Yard by permis-

sion of the Chief Commoner.

The races began in 2004 by the

Worshipful Company of Poulters. Each

race involves running the length of the

course in the Guildhall yard whilst still

keeping the hat on their heads and stop-

ping to flip the pancake on both the out-

Page 18

Call Sign April 2014

LOOKING AT (TAXI) LIFE

petitors in the Winter Olympics, so much so

Bus designs

With Tom Quigley (Y33)

that she asked her mum, a friend of mine, to

There has been much controversy over the

take a photo of her re-enacting Lisa Yarnold,

Routemaster buses being phased out. Then

GB’s gold medal winner in the Skeleton event.

there was the massive expense of the bendy

Speaking to Alexa, she said she spent most

bus, which even entailed redesigning of

of her half-term break watching and enjoying

roads and pavements to allow the lengthy

the Winter Olympics and had also watched the

vehicles to operate. They were then disband-

Paralympics and World Indoor Athletics

ed, yet some of the roads were never put

Championships cheering on all of our com-

back to their original design. For example,

petitors. When there were no GB representa-

Devonshire Street at the Great Portland

tions, she supported the Bulgarian competi-

Street Junction used to be two-way in, but

tors because that’s where her Mum was born

when the bendy buses couldn’t turn right

and raised. She said she wasn’t sure in what

into Great Portland Street, a no entry sign

event, but when she grows up her dream was

was put in place with the result that from

to represent GB in an Olympic team.

Hallam Street it is only one way going east.

In this day and age of pay per view, satel-

This restriction remains in force today, forc-

lite and every other expensive form of

ing all traffic to continue down to New

Cavendish Street if wanting to go west.

watching TV, it further proves that good

quality coverage of all types of sport on

I am not advocating that there should be

double bus lanes, one on each side of the

free terrestrial channels is the way to reach

road, but in this age of the Oyster, swipe

out and touch the hearts and mind of our

cards and a public bus service which is

youth.

due to become cash free, there surely

The knock on effect is that all the millions of

must be a case for buses to be accessible

other little Alexas or Alex’s will be inspired; it

from both sides of the road, after all tubes,

will also help to bridge any anti-immigration

trains, taxis and even Boris bikes are.

feelings as I’m sure Alexa and many others will

Perhaps this design would stop the crazy

put all prejudices aside to cheer on Mo Farah

system outside Somerset House westbound

(born in Somalia) representing GB in this

where there are 18 bus routes which often

year’s London Marathon and every other

clog up access to Waterloo Bridge as they

sportsperson throughout the world.

Which one is Alexa...

drop off and pick up then cross the whole of

I hope she achieves her dream, whether she

the road to get onto the Strand or to go back

sengers to and from the terminals, so the

represents GB or Bulgaria.

round the Aldwych. Surely it would be better

designs are there already - just not, apparent-

I also hope that stories like this will show

to drop off outside the rear of Bush House

ly, the hearts and minds of TfL.

the government and TV moguls that there is a

and then carry straight on? There are many

real audience for all types of sport to be shown

such areas in London subjected to the same

Alexa and the Winter Olympics

on TV for free...

poor design and lack of forward thinking.

Alexa, like many others of her age and proba-

Tom Quigley

When you arrive at any airport there are

bly many adults too, was enthralled and capti-

Call Sign Online

buses with double access entries to take pas-

vated by the skill and bravery of all the com-

Mike Son and Mr Butterfly!

As some Dial-a-Cab drivers may know from reading Call Sign, I have organised several musical events on behalf of the

London Taxidrivers’ Fund for Underprivileged Children in an effort to raise much needed revenue to continue their

help given to vulnerable children since 1928.

A few weeks ago, I picked up a male and female passenger at Marble Arch who wanted to be dropped off in the City.

With heavy traffic all around, I decided to take a route which included Conduit Street. Anyway, en route I could hear the

passengers talking about music.

During their conversation, the guy asked me of my interests and assumed it was sport. I told him that I wasn’t inter-

ested in any particular sport, but I did mention how much I enjoyed music.

Our conversation led on to what type of music I enjoyed. By this time we were stuck in Berkley Square, the traffic

being gridlocked. I mentioned the concerts I had produced at St John’s in Smith Square and the Ranks of Angels

thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral. Then the male passenger, who I now know as Richard, asked if I would be organ-

ising any other productions in the future. I explained that the St Paul’s event took me about 6 months to organise and

that I was also organising the Valentine Dinner that took place at the Guildhall in February. So it would be a while before I

could think about any new projects.

Richard then asked whether at any future concerts I would consider an opera singer to perform with the orchestra. I did say that although we had

some wonderful performances by children’s choirs, I hadn’t really thought about adult performers but said that it sounded a good idea. Richard said he

was an opera singer and would love to perform at one of the productions.

The female passenger was as surprised as I was! I assumed that both passengers were an ‘item’ but they were just work colleagues on their way to a

business meeting. Richard said he would audition if required. I told him that he wouldn’t have to audition for me, but probably would have to for the

orchestra and its conductor - usually the London Charity Orchestra under William Carslake.

Still stuck in traffic, Richard then asked if he could audition in the cab! I asked if he was joking but he was serious and said that it would be a plea-

sure. He said he would like to perform the Brindisi from Act I of La Traviata. I knew it better as the Drinking Song!

Then he started to sing; both the other passenger and I couldn’t believe how brilliant he was. We were still stuck in Conduit Street, so I quietly

opened the windows of the cab to allow others also stuck in traffic to hear this amazing voice.

I was soon surrounded by cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians. Even other motorists opened their car windows. I couldn’t move off until the song

had finished! As he finished, my end of Conduit Street broke out into applause for this wonderful performance in the back of a London taxi.

Madame Butterfly? This was certainly Mr Butterfly! Who said taxi driving was boring...

Mike Son

DaC Board Member

Call Sign April 2014

Page 19

DaC Credit

Union update

that’s because they don't want to get into any

If DaC is sold...

more debt than they have to. So this is why we

People have been asking what will happen to

I know that there is a report of the DACCU

only open roughly twice a year.

the Credit Union if Dial-a-Cab is sold. So let

AGM inside this issue of Call Sign, so I won’t

We can lend out as much as £40,000 if

me assure you that nothing will happen! The

bore you again with the details other than to

required, but - and I say BUT - we would need

only change will be - and this does depend on

say that the meeting once again showed just

a charge against your house, something which

who takes over if indeed anyone does - will be

how incredibly successful your credit union

costs around £495. This can be put on your

that if the new owners do not want to pay the

is. It amazes me as to why more people don’t

total loan amount, so if you are thinking

drivers money straight to our bank account,

turn up to these meetings, especially when

about borrowing this kind of money from us,

then you will have to either go over to stand-

the CU holds so much of their money. In one

please bear that in mind.

ing order, which most people prefer, or come

If there is anybody out there who wish-

respect it means they must have total faith in

to the office to see our angelic smiling faces

es to join the Credit Union, please either

what we do, or is it that the government guar-

and pay cash. So please don't worry, the

come in with your bill so we can photo-

antees the monies up to an £85,000 maxi-

Credit Union will be here for a very long time.

copy it or give us a call for more informa-

mum.

tion on 0207 729 8171. The phone lines

DACCU Auditor Terry MacPherson gave

can get pretty busy, so keep trying because

the CU a glowing report and clean audit, so

DACCU 7%

we don’t use the message facility.

with each passing year we are getting more

investment account

We also run another Credit Union. This one

successful. However, time is catching up with

Most of you know of our little investment

is the Harp and this one is open to all non-

we Board members and the CU needs new

scheme which we have now been running for

Dial-a-Cab drivers, so you have no excuse to

blood to continue the good work we have

almost five years. Members often phone to ask

not be a member!

done so far. CU President Terry Dodd is ask-

when it is going to open. Well it's difficult to

That’s all for this issue, it just leaves me to say

ing for younger people to give up their time

foresee as we only open that account when

be lucky - but be very careful out there...

and learn how we do things so that when we

we need some extra monies to lend out. I find

have to retire or whatever else life has in

it surprising that people are not borrowing as

John Riley

store for us, they can carry on the good fight.

much as usual at the moment and I guess

DACCU Vice President

Mayor confirms £4billion roads programme

Many locations across the capital are set to be transformed in a £4billion

programme as part of the largest investment in the capital’s road and stree

network in a generation. In response to the recommendations of the

Mayor’s Roads Task Force, which last July unveiled a bold new vision to rad

cally improve London’s roads, streets and public spaces, a total of 50 pro-

jects are now underway.

Alongside the transformation of 33 of London’s biggest and nastiest

road junctions announced last month as part of the Mayor’s cycling pro-

gramme, there will also be more than £200m of additional far-reaching

improvements at 17 major locations across the capital, including at

Croydon Fiveways, Balham High Road, Brent Cross, Charlie Brown's

Roundabout, Euston Road, Lombard Roundabout, London Road

Roundabout, Malden Rushett, Mill Hill Circus, Purley Cross Gyratory,

Barking Riverside, Seven Sisters Road, Stoke Newington Gyratory,

Thornton Heath Ponds, Trinity Road, Tulse Hill Gyratory and Victoria

Circus. Funding for these schemes would be covered by the Transport for

London Business Plan and through third party contributions.

One of the other key schemes to benefit is one of London’s biggest

regeneration projects - the redevelopment of the northern roundabout at

Elephant and Castle. The radical plans, which will create 5,000 new

homes and 4,000 jobs, will vastly improve the facilities for road users

and local residents. Dedicated cycling facilities will also be created, with

public consultation starting later this month and work beginning early next year.

The IMAX roundabout at Waterloo will also be redeveloped, creating better interchange facilities at Waterloo

station as well as improved facilities for cyclists.

This also marks the completion of a major project to transform Euston Circus, one of London’s biggest and busiest road junctions, unveiled by TfL,

Camden Council and developer British Land. The overhaul, which will make the junction safer for cyclists and pedestrians as well as significantly

increase space for urban realm, is the first major project in the capital to be delivered using the recommendations set out by the Mayor’s Roads Task

Force.

Mayor Boris Johnson said: “Smarter design of our roads and public spaces, exemplified by our radical plans for Elephant & Castle, will play a key

role in ensuring that London remains the best big city to live, work and invest. We’ve been hard at work putting the bold and imaginative blueprint of

the Road’s Task Force into practice and we’re now seeing the fruits of that labour at key locations across the capital.”

These improvements, made in partnership with London’s boroughs, developers and businesses, will ensure the capital can cope with major popula-

tion growth and remain one of the most economically productive, vibrant, accessible and attractive world cities.

Chair of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee, Councillor Catherine West, said: “These schemes, developed in partnership with

boroughs, developers, businesses, and TfL through the Mayor’s Roads Task Force, should offer real benefits for local communities and road users. They

will better address the needs of all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and motorists and have a positive impact on the quality of life for resi-

dents. We look forward to continuing our work with the Mayor’s Roads Task Force to ensure these major projects are a success for Londoners.”

Call Sign April 2014

Page 20

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

Brethren of the Whip

The last fare

Parker went without. After returning the

Camberwell Green. The police paid Hunt a

empty pot to the bar, Parker climbed back up

visit.

to the Royal

onto his cab and resumed the journey.

By now the murders were the talk of

Oak...

As they were passing Furnivals Inn, there

London and the original cab driver, Charles

was another tug on the check string. As the

Gould, had come forward to say that he picked

Cab driver Charles

driver pulled over, the gentleman got out of

up the fare in Camberwell. Mr Hunt proved to

Gould must have felt

the cab and said he had changed his mind but

be not very co-operative having sold many

he was in for a good

his wife and two children would carry on to

boxes of zinc ointment, but could not recall

day when the first

the Royal Oak. The gentleman paid the fare

selling a particular one. But he knew more

fare he trapped on

upfront, 4shillings, and gave Parker a 6d tip

than he was letting on. The woman was his

November 9th 1863

whilst complimenting him on being a “jolly

wife Mary and the girls were his two daugh-

from Camberwell

good fellow.”

ters. The police were looking for a man with a

was a family of four wanting to go the Great

The rest of the journey was unremarkable,

thick moustache, Hunt was clean-shaven. It

Eastern Terminus at Shoreditch (this was

there were no more pulls of the draw string

seemed both drivers had been misled by the

before Liverpool Street Station had been built

and mother and daughters were very quiet.

fake moustache he wore that day.

and was where Shoreditch Overground station

Once at the Royal Oak, Parker climbed

A third cab driver also made himself

now lies). The fare was unremarkable except

down and opened the door for his pas-

known to the police following all the pub-

that the woman wanted to stop off at a chemist

sengers. The woman was asleep and had

licity over the deaths. John Blake, badge

she knew in Norton Folgate as her husband

slumped down from the seat onto the

number 7856 of 124 St John St, told them

was feeling ill. After dropping off at the termi-

floor. Parker’s first thought was she had

that he believed the woman was his

nus, Gould turned his cab around and headed

partaken too much of the “half and half.”

estranged daughter and the two girls he

back to Camberwell Green; the family of four

One of the girls was also on the floor

believed must be his grand-daughters.

soon found out that the train that was sup-

whilst the other was lying along the seat.

When told that Mary had had an unhappy

posed to carry them to Ipswich had already left

Parker raised his voice trying to wake

marriage with Henry Hunt, the police realised

and it would be sometime before they could

them. He shook the woman and then

they had let the killer get away from their

catch another.

realised something was terribly wrong.

grasp. They sped round to the Hunt family

Unperturbed, the woman hailed a passing

He called out for help and several passers-

home in Westmoreland Road (now Louth

cab and informed the driver, James Parker,

by came to his aid. One of them was a sur-

Road), Camberwell. Hunt opened the door

that they wished to be taken to Royal Oak

geon who detected the unmistakeable

immediately but the police were too late, he

station. As they were passing the Green

aroma of Prussic Acid

(Hydrogen

had taken a fatal dose of Prussic Acid.

Dragon pub in Bishopsgate, the draw string

cyanide). The surgeon informed Parker

They tried to revive him but to no avail. After

that Parker was obliged to hold during every

that his passengers were dead and that he

he looked to have died, Hunt suddenly sat

journey, was pulled. The gentleman, obvious-

should drive round to St Mary’s Hospital.

upright and exclaimed: “I know how she died,

ly feeling much better, asked Parker to go

The police did not know if the woman had

it was from Prussic Acid,” which the police

into the pub to get him a pint of “half and

killed her two children and then herself or if

conveniently accepted as a dying confession.

half ”

(presumably beer and porter). Such

the husband had killed all three. All the police

requests were quite common for 19th centu-

had to go on was a description of the man,

Sean Farrell

ry cabmen and very often they were treated

“heavily moustachioed” and a box of zinc oint-

Call Sign Online

to a pint themselves. This time however,

ment purchased from Hunt’s the Chemist’s in

Body snatching with Bob???

The improved weather of late should put a spring into our step - and at long last it appears that work levels are

back on the up again.

Some of you Dial-a-Cab drivers joined me on a few of my Walks last year - so let me invite you once again to

take some time out, leave the cab parked up for a while and get some exercise while learning a little more about

your place of work - your office.

Since the successful launch of Discover Medical London my City of Westminster Guiding colleagues and

myself have - in conjunction with the Royal College of Physicians - prepared a new schedule of Walks for the

new season.

From blue-blooded Royalty to body snatchers, anatomists to anaesthetists, physicians, pharmacists

and Fellows to the founding fathers of the National Health Service. All are to be found through histo-

ry and along the capital’s thoroughfares….

Let me lead you through the streets and stories that have made London a city of sickness and a city of cures

for over a thousand years.

Our weekly public walks, running late April to October, are presented with the museum of the world-

renowned Royal College of Physicians and commence with an exclusive highlights tour of the College’s iconic

building designed by Sir Denys Lasdun and located on Regent’s Park.

This year’s programme of weekly public walks starts on 24th April and includes weekend and

evening tours as well as brand new walks for 2014. Here are links to the my 2 Walks - and it would be

good to see a few of you again this year - and don't forget its half-price for DaC subscribers (£5).

Fit to Rule - http://discovermedicallondon.com/fit-to-rule/

One for the Road - http://discovermedicallondon.com/one-for-the-road/

You can also follow me on Twitter @black_cabs

Bob Woodford

Call Sign Online

Call Sign April 2014

Page 21

Following the death of his friend by a PH driver, Richard Potter

talks about...

DEATH BY DANGEROUS DRIVING

arrived 45 minutes late and was heading to

I subsequently found out, most modern day

Heathrow, but due to an incident on the A21

vehicles record speed and engine running lev-

was travelling across country. On approach-

els through their management systems. When

ing a crossroads at the village of Four Elms

Kent Police approached BMW and asked for

near Edenbridge, he missed two stop signs

the data to be released, BMW were not forth-

and failed to stop at a stop line and hit my

coming. Now it would be unfair if BMW was

friend at speed, sideways on, knocking

singled out, but how about bringing in a law

him into a wall and killing him instantly. As

which would allow Police forces to have access

A few weeks ago I had to go to Maidstone

the judge said at the sentencing, if the PH dri-

to whatever data they needed from any car

Crown Court, not as a witness or defendant,

ver had observed the stop signs and line, he

involved in a collision? At present there is no

but to hear the trial of a friend of mine who

would have easily seen the bike travelling up

legal obligation for BMW or any car manufac-

had been killed in a motorbike collision. As it

the road from about 100 metres away.

turer to release data - even to the Police.

turned out, the driver charged with causing

The PH driver is now serving a 4 years

Imagine the clear-up rates and how helpful the

death by dangerous driving pleaded guilty, so

and 4 months prison term with a 3 year

data would be to investigators...

we were spared having to cover all the tragic

ban. But what’s strange is that the ban

details.

runs concurrently with the jail term, so he

After previously spending time with Police

And my MoT...

will be able to drive straightaway,

officers involved in the subsequent investiga-

Well my taxi passed its MOT and NSL test first

although he will have to take a retest first.

tion, it transpired that the driver concerned

time, so my overhaul cost me £132.50. The

So how did the PH driver miss the signs

came from Wembley and was licensed by TfL

NSL fee was £105 and MOT £27.50. In 23 years

and the stop line? Well he was in an area he

as a Private Hire driver, even though he

taxi driving, I have never had an overhaul that

didn't know too well and I was led to believe

described himself as a chauffeur. He had

cheap and the discs that were very low 3 years

that in the moments before the collision,

been to a pick-up in Tunbridge Wells but

ago, passed again. Just to be sure, I took the

there had been a conversation within the car

taxi down to my garage for them to have a look

about the direction showing on the satnav,

and their report was exactly the same as the

Views on life as seen through the

thus a momentary lack of concentration.

MOT station, so I will get one or two things

eyes of David Kupler (Y74) at...

We all know that feeling of being late and

sorted at the next service interval.

being put under pressure. That pressure

When I got my letter from TfL via NSL telling

reminded me of taking a Knowledge appear-

me to phone them in Sheffield, the number

ance with the PCO’s Mr Orme whilst staring

Kupkake’s

they requested me to phone them on was an

at his blown-up parrot sitting on the window

0845, so I hung up after 10 minutes the first

sill and him asking me four questions I didn't

time and I found another number. If they are

know the answers to whilst he tutted away

going to keep you hanging on in a queue for

and tapped his pen on the desk! For those

half an hour, why should I pay for the privilege?

Korner

who say that the KoL is a waste of time now

I know it’s only a phone number, but try 0343

that you have Google Streetview and satnavs,

2225555 instead as it`s free with inclusive min-

think again. The Knowledge isn't all about the

utes on your mobile phone contract, whereas

streets of London, it’s about character build-

0845 numbers are chargeable...

ing and that should never be forgotten.

One interesting point that came out of the

Richard Potter (T51)

investigation to the collision was that the BMW

involved had a black box recorder in it, but as

Call Sign Online

ECO CITY CEO STEPS DOWN

An ode to City Hall

Hey enlarged hippocampus

Eco City Vehicles, suppliers of the Mercedes Vito taxi have announced that their Chief

In your silver taxi

Executive Officer, Trevor Parker, has stepped down to “pursue other interests.” One

Pictured with the red bus

month earlier, Mr Parker had said he didn’t think London’s cabbies would switch to elec-

Big, bright and waxy.

tric taxis because of the high purchase costs.

At the same time as the CEO’s departure, the company warned that trading since the

Have you seen the warnings

The writing on the wall

start of this year had got tougher “due to increased competition in the London taxi mar-

Have you seen your earnings

ket.” But in a trading update, they added that revenues had gone up from the 2012 fig-

Decline, slip and fall?

ure of £30.5million to £32 million in 2013. They also hoped that their 2012 pre-tax loss

of £2million would turn into a pre-tax profit of £250,000.

A series of disasters

But the update also warned that trading conditions so far this year had become

Bad management and ideas

By those we once called masters

tougher as new entrants arrived in the London taxi market. It also blamed TfL for being

Who have all but disappeared.

ambiguous about taxi emissions required from 2018.

Eco City Chairman John Swingewood added: “This quarter we are seeing a softening

When under the ‘Met’

We knew just where we stood

in sales of new Vito taxis and the board has taken a number steps to address this.”

Now it’s just a debt

Although he didn’t say what the steps being taken were, he did mysteriously say that Eco

To faces made of wood.

City intended “diversifying into other taxi products and services in order to reduce its

So where’s the future going

dependence on new London Vito taxi sales going forward, and was continuing to grow

What legacy is lost

its own rental fleet. We also intend making acquisitions to further diversify.”

What revelation is showing

Who’s left to count the cost...

Baghwat Singh

Kopyright Kupkake 2014

Call Sign Online

Call Sign April 2014

Page 22

Call Sign’s Stephen Berndes (R14) says...

MIKE SON

It’s a cabby’s life

Not a penny more...

It’s easy to write about the tra-

CAB STOLEN

vails of a taxi driver given the

close proximity we find our-

When Dial-a-Cab Board

selves to the luminaries and

member Mike So

stepped outside h

crooks of our great metropolis.

Westcliff-on-Sea home t

I think we’re all voyeuristic for

go to work, his firs

some tittle-tattle, especially

thought was to wonde

since the News of the World

where he left his taxi

ceased exposing the impor-

Within seconds it came

tuners and drug-addled

to him that he had left it

lebrities in vogue.

right outside his door -

A few years ago at Kings Cross Station whilst waiting for a

exactly in the spot

punter to alight and as fortuitously happens, another punter

where now lay a clear

loaded giving the destination of Albert Embankment while

empty space. His taxi

seamlessly continuing the conversation he was engaged in

had been stolen!

with his mobile.

“I phoned the police

I recognised his voice immediately and a glance at his face

and I must say they

confirmed my thoughts; Jeffrey Archer.

arrived on the scene

very quickly. Within

I had no wish to listen to his prattle, but his voice was

minutes they had sent

becoming increasing louder as he went through the process

out details to their

of admonishing his publicist.

patrol cars, but not before

“Just been on the King’s Cross Station concourse;

one of the policemen asked me the obvious question: Why

Freddie’s books are more prominently displayed then

would anyone want to steal an x-reg Metrocab?

mine even though I’m selling so many more than him,”

“I guess we’ll never know because within 20 minutes the police

he said.

called to say it had been found close to a local park. It does seem a

I assumed he was referring to Fredrick Forsyth.

strange choice of vehicle to nick and in all probability it was worth

While continuing his ceaseless berating, I thought about

more stolen that any resale value. And besides, had they knocked on

Michael Crick’s definitive page turning biography, Stranger

the door, I could have taken them there for under a fiver!”

than Fiction, about Jeffrey Archer’s extraordinary past. I

remember in the book what pathological lengths Mr Archer

went to get maximum exposure for his books.

I also recalled reading Jeffrey Archer’s first two books, Not

a Penny More Not a Penny Less and Kane and Abel, the lat-

ter being the start for propelling sales of over £150 million

worldwide.

This happened at the time after Jeffrey Archer got banged

up for two years for perjury.

When I eventually pulled up outside Archer’s London pent-

house, his son was waiting for his father to arrive. As Mr

Archer was about to pay, I said: “Not a penny more not a

penny less.” I saw his son smile and Mr Archer smiled saying

“very good!”

He gave a reasonable tip.

It’s hard not to like Jeffery Archer, particularly as he says

that he will leave the bulk of his £100million fortune to good

causes.

On Monday 3rd March I presented my cab for MOT at

Frankum & Kaye of Wood Green. Apart from a few light

bulbs, my taxi passed. So the cost was £40 MOT and £19.62

- a combined cost of £59.62. I was advised that three jobs

that were not urgent but needed to be done in due course.

At 11.30am on Thursday 6th March, I presented my taxi to

the NSL inspection centre. It passed.

My cab is nine years old, so no doubt in the old system the

advisory jobs would have had to be carried out resulting in a

final bill of well in excess of £1000.

Has all the bureaucratic nonsense of the old system been a

costly charade...?

Stephen Berndes

Call Sign Online

Call Sign April 2014

Page 23

Green Issues and PowerPills

Whether you relate to the “full speed ahead and

damn the torpedoes,” (Clarkson) or recycling by

plaiting potato peelings into school uniforms or

fall somewhere in-between, we all recognise that

the green issue is not going to go away and it was

not until I watched Mr Brian Rice’s Youtube

video that I appreciated that having Green

Credentials actually influences getting contracts.

Over the 9 years I have been involved with

PowerPills, I could probably count on my fingers the number of cus-

tomers that have actually bought PowerPills to save the planet.

Somehow the “Greens” seem to be great at telling others how

to spend money but not at parting with their own.

But what if we could profit by supporting their ideals and instead

of transporting the rich, privileged and famous around in Black

Carriages of the devil, your passengers were being wafted to their des-

But I am not going too far in saying that there is no cost in

tinations in carriages made from stardust and drawn by Unicorns?

using Alpha PowerPills. The fuel and maintenance savings, not to

Ok, maybe I am going a little too far, PowerPills may be magical in

mention the increased performance, far outweigh the purchase

their effects in reducing emissions but the Stardust and Unicorns is a

price.

bit OTT.

I’m safe in saying this because back in 2006, Dial-a-Cab drivers test-

ed and found it to be true* and nothing has changed. Not the engines

or the actual diesel or the Pills, just the price of the fuel - from £4.41**

Melvin’s lost friend!

to £6.24***

So using PowerPills you get to thumb your nose at the Eco Yobs and

When Melvin Green (E55) drove

have more money in your pocket.

into Dial-a-Cab’s Roman Way depot,

Always here to help

he seemed decidedly agitated and

Steve Vale

not at all his usual cheerful self.

“I’ve lost my trusty Maglite

If I’ve made you smile or made you think, give me a call on 020

torch,” he told Call Sign, making it

3239 6101

sound as though he had lost a true

*Call Sign Oct 2006: DaC Drivers Prove That PowerPill Works

friend.

** AA 2006

“I’ve had it many years and it

***PetrolPrice.com

was a really useful piece of kit,

especially when working nights. It

was one of the big 3 Cell models

that shone like a floodlight, light-

ing up dark paths and doorways. We’ve been

to a lot of places together over the years and now it has van-

ished. I’ve looked all over the cab, but I cannot find it. It really is

like losing a friend,” he moaned.

Black Cab

“I had the cab serviced at my usual garage recently, one

where I have been going for the past fifteen years or so. I men-

tioned my loss to them, hoping they might have come across it

Heritage Tours

as they moved around in and under the cab, but alas nothing.

Those genuine Maglite are not cheap to replace either and I real-

Black Cab Heritage Tours have some pre-

ly miss that bright buddy. But it looks like a new one is on the

cards now.”

booked corporate work in 2014 and we

As Call Sign’s hack was about to reach for a tissue so that

need to increase our list of associates to

Melvin could dab his moistening eyes, there was an excited

shout of ‘is this it’ from the DaC technicians beavering away on

help cover that work.

Melvin’s cab. Melvin spun around from speaking to Call Sign to

We only use owner drivers - but our client has

be met with several grinning faces proudly holding aloft Melvin’s

requested black (in colour) taxis only. However, your

errant Maglite torch.

Dial-a-Cab logos are fine provided the taxi is black and

“It was right under the seat,” Roman Way’s Welsh wizard,

Steve Thomas, explained.

has no other ads of any kind.

“The black body of your torch blended in with the black car-

If you would like to join our contact list please

pet of the cab and so it was like camouflage really,” techie Sam

email me (Bob Woodford) at:

Ross added.

rob@blackcabheritagetours.co.uk

“Well strike a light,” Melvin exclaimed, “these guys have re-

united me with my torch after I had looked all over the place for

No guiding skills are required and I should add that

it, both in the cab and at home - and it was under my seat all

this client is a Kensington based events Management

the time!”

Company and fellow member (together with BCHT) of

Roman Way’s techies told Call Sign that we would be sur-

UK Inbound, so the trips are totally different from nor-

prised at some of the items they find tucked away in the depths

mal taxi work. Therefore there is not any direct compe-

of our taxis cabin and although they are always happy to return

personal effects, there are some things that drivers wouldn’t

tition whatsoever with Dial-a-Cab work.

want back. And no, we didn’t ask what the rest might be after

hearing that the first was contained in a former Evian bottle!

Bob Woodford

Alan Green (E52)

Call Sign Online

rob@blackcabheritagetours.co.uk

Call Sign April 2014

Page 25

The Worshipful Company of

Hackney Carriage Drivers

The case of the

CABGUIDE

broken key

COURSE 2014

could at least drive the cab. We tried the main

dealership for a key match, which proved

unsuccessful and as time was running out, I

had to leave the cab overnight where it was. I

was worried about leaving it unattended

overnight, but thankfully when I came back the

following morning all was well - not even a

PCN on the windshield.

“I was directed to a key specialist in

Students on their way to becoming

Gloucester Avenue near Regents Park the fol-

Guides

lowing day who not only cut another key easi-

The Cabguide course run by The Worshipful

ly, but who also carries the little transponder

Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers is all

chips that sit in the top of the key that ‘talks’ to

about enhancing a driver’s existing

the electronic immobiliser sited in the ignition

‘Knowledge’ in order to become a qualified

switch and allows the cab to start when need-

Taxi Tour Guide. The course is run in associa-

ed. I was lucky because I had the original key,

tion with the Corporation of London’s Adult

so all that was needed was to remove the chip

and Community Learning Service and is held

from the top of my existing switch and fit it

at the Museum of London in the state of

directly into the newly cut key and then it just

the art Clore Learning Centre, where stu-

Keith and key!

had to be re-programmed to match the immo-

dents have access to the Museum galleries.

biliser on my TX2. Also, it worked out a lot

The latest course began in early March.

“Yes, I was in a bit of a flap at first,” Keith

cheaper from Keys Galore than if I’d gone

Graham Woodhouse, one of the course

Gilliam (E79) admitted to Call Sign. “I was

through the main dealer, so that was a really

tutors as well as being the Master of the

outside an account client in the City and need-

big bonus too. Once I had got the ignition key

WCHCD this year, told Call Sign:

ed something from the trunk of the cab while

situation sorted out, I still had to get the old

“The new Cabguide Course has got off

waiting for the passenger to come out. I put

broken key shaft out of the trunk lid barrel. I

to a lovely start in glorious weather. The

the ignition key into the lock of the lid and as I

travelled to my own service dealer - Whitfords

first Walk of the course, the City of

turned it, to my horror the key sheared in half,

at Dobbs Weir in Hoddesdon, who had to

London walk, took place on Sunday 9th

the shaft staying buried in the lock with me left

remove the rear seats to reach inside the trunk

March. Seventeen students and the four

holding the black plastic part complete with

from within the cab to unbolt the lock and fit-

main tutors enjoyed a fabulous sunny

immobiliser transponder!

ted a new barrel complete with matching key.

morning stroll through the City.”

“I won’t tell you my first thought as it’s a fam-

Then I was finally ready to get back on the

The course lasts 8 weeks and classes are

ily magazine!” he said chuckling, “but you can

road!”

held on Mondays from 4pm until 6pm. Classes

probably guess! I had the trip recovered quick-

When Call Sign spoke to Keys Galore we dis-

cover a wide variety of topics from Roman,

ly so that was the client sorted and then I sort-

covered that keys usually break at their weakest

Medieval and Modern London. They are inter-

ed myself out.

point, along the shaft where the deepest cuts

active and students will spend time both in the

“Obviously I had to leave the cab unlocked

are made to effect the security of each key and

classroom and the Museum galleries. All the

and unattended with the windows open while

hence its unique individuality.

instructors are qualified City of London Guides

who also hold teaching qualifications. Aside

a friend came to my aid to run me back to my

Keys Galore are at 96 Gloucester Avenue

from the Monday classes, there are the Sunday

Essex home for a spare set of keys so that I

NW1 Tel: 0207 586 9741

morning walks. These walks are designed to

get students out of the classroom and looking

at specific areas of London that will be of

interest to visitors to London and would be

useful areas to know on a tour.

The walks are led by qualified Guides

and begin at 10am from various loca-

tions, lasting about 2 hours. Students

will be able, through the walks, to learn

the Art of Guiding.

During the course, there are weekly quizzes

to check students’ progress, while at the end

of the course there is both a written and prac-

tical guiding exam. But don’t panic, there are

weekly hand-outs covering each week’s class-

room topics. Combined with the students

own notes and the weekly quiz, the pass rate

is very good! Past students have said that the

course is both informative and fun.

For further details of the next course in

Autumn 2014 and an application form,

please contact Mary Whitworth on

01494-765922, or e-mail her at

wchcd@tiscali.co.uk

Call Sign April 2014

Page 26

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 1967 issue of the ODRTS News Magazine and a

look at the letters page...

From the ODRTS News Magazine, May 1967

Letters

Dear Sir

With regard to your credit details information sheet, I‘ve only two points to make. One is

that since my usual journey from home to office or vice versa is normally four shillings or

four and sixpence, an automatic gratuity of two shillings seems excessive. The second is

that it's the experience of both my wife Barbara and myself that individual owner drivers

often charge less than the percentage you advertise above the meter fare for journeys exceeding

six miles.

Apart from the credit system, I offer one basic comment which I think you should try to act on, certainly with regular customers. Your business

card carries the word reliability. In point of fact you don't seem able to guarantee this. It implies that one can book a taxi the night before it's

required for a specific time and rely that it will be there at that time. In practice, I gather that you never put out a call for a taxi, no matter how

far ahead it's been booked, until about ten minutes before it's required. I deduce from this that you're trying to have it both ways. In my own

case I‘ve had to say that I would rather have a taxi at my doorstep five minutes early than five minutes late. Obviously I pay extra for this privi-

lege.

Twice this week, my wife having ordered a taxi for a specific time has had to give up and start walking. On one of these occasions, she was

picked up by a taxi not in your group, the driver having picked up the signal and having gone to the area of the address.

My own feeling is that you should either make your system clear to your customers or remove the word “reliability" from your advertising.

Yours sincerely

Bernard Braden, London SW3

Dear Sir

One of the main reasons behind the poor coverage of cash work is that if one ‘blows out’ on a cash job, unlike a credit ride, you do not get

paid. A “sorry mate” from the dispatcher does not compensate one, especially when people have tried to hail you from the street en route

to the pick-up point. So inevitably one must be within striking distance of the job in order not to go along with that “I wonder if they are

waiting for me” feeling.

A 3/- scrub would, to some degree, encourage drivers to put themselves out to cover cash work and therefore give a better service to our

customers. I do not profess to know where the money would come from to pay for this, but perhaps someone, somewhere will come up

with an idea.

G.Webber (E11)

Dear Sir

Further to our telephone conversations and on the advice of one of your taxi drivers, we should be pleased to have your co-operation in the

following aspects.

We understand that your organisation, at times, passes. messages by radio in respect of hotel accommodation. We are quite happy to pay

individual drivers commission. We do deal with one or two agencies, some charge 5/- per night per single room and some 10/- a double for

any length of stay. We are prepared to pay that to a driver effecting a letting.

The Manager,

Elizabeth Hotel,

37 Eccleston Square, SW1

DaC’s parking expert John Vigus gives a pertinent reminder...

DON’T DO IT!

“Driver, can you stop here for a minute please. I need to get a bit of shopping!”

Sound familiar? Then a few days later a Penalty Charge Notice arrives in the

post. A £130 fine (£65 if paid promptly), there are no grounds for appeal and you

are the one who has to pay!

Would you do this if you were in a private car? No? Then why would you think you could

get away with it because you’re driving a taxi?

It is the driver who is in control of the vehicle and who has to take responsibility for the

decisions he or she makes. If your passenger asks you to stop somewhere that you know you should-

n’t, then you should politely point out that you are not allowed to stop, you are not prepared to risk getting a £130 parking ticket

and suggest you might find somewhere else along the way.

I am surprised at the number of enquiries I receive along these lines- and not just from Dial-a-Cab drivers. I often see vehicles parked

outside shops either on yellow lines or even worse, parked partially on the footway so that other vehicles can conveniently pass by. Not

much consideration for pedestrians using the footway, mind you, and too lazy to find a safe and lawful place to park.

If there are grounds for appeal - perhaps the sign is missing or the parking attendant has used the wrong contravention code - then I can be certain

of a successful challenge. Otherwise it’s going to cost you... NOT YOUR PASSENGER!

John Vigus

DaC Parking

Call Sign April 2014

Page 27

My Celebrity Passengers

aking famous (or infa-

mous) passengers to

where they want to go

is all part of the job, and

the more years and miles Dial-a-

Cab drivers have under their

belts, the greater the chance of

sitting a celebrity on the back

seat of the cab.

When Call Sign met Brian Dust (B35)

recently, the topics covered in conversa-

tion were wide and varied. But among

them were the ‘A’ list celebs that have

graced the carriage of his taxi over the

years, and some more than others have

left a lasting impression…

“I remember taking Scottish singer

Lulu to a recording studio some time

ago,” Brian said “and she was very chatty

and bubbly, pretty much as she comes

and being invited by him into the back of

think about it nowadays,” Brian said,

across in public.

my own cab to continue our conversation

laughing heartily.

“Then there was film actress Ava

for quite some time before we finally con-

If you would like to tell Call Sign of

Gardner who lived opposite Hyde Park

tinued on to his destination!

truly ‘A’ listers you’ve had in your cab,

in Ennismore Gardens and who was a

“In those far off days you could stop in

please feel free. Callsignmag@aol.com is

regular user of DaC. On one occasion I

New Oxford Street without worrying

the place to send them...

took her to her doctor in Harley Street

about parking wardens or remote cam-

and she leant on my arm for support as I

eras, but you certainly wouldn’t even

assisted her from the cab across the pave-

ment to the door of the consulting

rooms. It may have been just a few steps,

but I remember imagining that I was

Frank Sinatra (to whom she was once

married) and that we were walking

KEEP FIT

together, hand in hand down Sunset

Boulevard in LA!” Brian grinned sheep-

With former British boxing Champion Matt Marsh...

ishly at the thought.

“However, film actor/director Sir

Are you struggling to lose

Anthony Quayle, whom I believe was in

weight? Did you convince

the army before taking up acting and who

starred in many movies including

yourself that once 2014

Lawrence of Arabia and The Guns of

came in, you would knuck

Navarone, brings back my strongest mem-

le down to regain the fit-

ories because he could conduct such a

ness that may have myste

vibrant conversation. I still remember one

time parking the cab under Centre Point

riously escaped since your

younger days!

Well you now have that

St Johns Road

opportunity as Dial-a-Cab dri-

vers / staff members can get fit

open to taxis

for 2014 with former super

Very few drivers can remember a

bantamweight British boxing

time when St Johns Road by the

champion and six times

old Clapham Junction taxi rank

national champion, Matt

was open to traffic other than

Marsh.

buses. But following the removal of

Matt’s gym is in Welling

the rank to the side of the station,

and he offers training based

the road has now been opened up

around pad work and cir-

to taxis as well as buses.

cuits. There are one-to-one

The opening was part of a ‘swap’

sessions or you can train in twos or

deal in exchange for taxis clearing

threes.

the centre of the road and agreeing

You can call Matt on 07850 683 440 for advice and information on

to move across the road.

times etc. Mention Dial-a-Cab and you will get a special deal.

Call Sign April 2014

Page 28

Mailshot

Either write to Call Sign at

Dial-a-Cab House

or email us at

callsignmag@aol.com

Selling the company 1…

Dear Alan

Mountview and ComCab drivers received

I’m not sure if I am guilty of premature

Selling the company 3…

virtually nothing as they failed to read the

Patsy McCarthy (C01) at both the AGM

ejaculation, but is the economy starting to

small print.

finally turn in our favour? And secondly; if

and in the March Call Sign made a pas-

This is nothing to do with the above, but

sionate plea for some ex- members - yes ex-

Addison Lee was sold for £300million,

in the last Call Sign, Allan Evans wrote that

then I am not against Dial-a-Cab being

members - to be included in a windfall fol-

lead times for pre-booked radio jobs were

lowing any possible sale of DaC. The

sold. But I am against the company being

12 minutes, so why are SW10 and W8 lead

Chairman, quite rightly in my opinion, said

undersold...

times 15 minutes? All this does is makes the

no to his request. I fully understand

Stephen Field (F68)

driver wait longer before he can start his

where Patsy is coming from, but surely if

Stephen, I also think things are general-

meter.

you ain’t a member you ain’t a member!

ly beginning to pick up, so let’s hope it

Brian Marcantonio (R73)

When we join this Society, we all know the

isn’t a blip but the beginning of a pro-

Interesting points Brian. As you know,

score and agree to follow and be bound

longed period of being busier. As for

underselling DaC, after making several

there is a confidentiality agreement in

by the rule book. Patsy states that drivers,

£million profit for the Society on our

place between the three companies vying

through no fault of their own and increas-

move from Brunswick House to here, I

for this Society and the BoM. Therefore

ingly hard times etc etc, had no choice but

don’t think there’s much chance of

asking them to answer your letter would

to resign from the Society. I would argue

Brian Rice not wanting to get the very

produce very little response. I have no

that they did have a choice - and that was to

best deal he can. If that makes you guilty

such agreement, but as I know very little

stay.

of you-know-what, then you’ll have to

about any deal, I might just as well have

1387 are still members and all suffering

suffer the consequences! ...Ed

one hanging round my neck! However,

the same financial pressures, yet we have

just looking at the situation logically, why

made a choice to stay. By leaving, those dri-

vers didn’t give a damn despite being part

Selling the company 2…

would any buyer want to frighten every-

of the ‘Dial-a-Cab family’. By leaving, each

Hi Alan,

one away? Surely the plan would be to

driver has weakened this Society and the

Any driver who votes to allow DaC to be

make DaC a success and eventually be

job security of our 138 loyal hardworking

bought must be very careful, because

worth even more than whatever they

staff. I have been a member for 25 years

whereas you may think you are in line for

pay. Also, if it is anything like the deal for

with 27 years as a driver and my brother has

maybe £10K, £15K or even £20K, you

DaC that never went through, there was

been my journeyman for 20 years. Should

should also remember that the new owners

indeed small print - but this said that

he be considered for a possible windfall? As

will be our bosses and any decision they

subs could not be increased by more than

it stands, the answer is no because he isn’t

take cannot be overturned by the member-

a nominal amount and as any current

classified as a member in the

ship. Therefore I don't think that anyone

deal would be carefully overseen by

rules. However, rest assured that as a sym-

contemplating collecting their cheque on

DaC’s legal team, I doubt that your guess

pathetic good-hearted driver, half of any

Friday and then stripping out on the

of £200 a week bears any relationship to

possible windfall that may come my

Monday will be allowed to do so. They

what could really happen. Then there are

way will be going to my brother but I would

would want us to stay, to cover the work

the drivers and the money. If they vote to

not expect members to subsidise non-mem-

and make money! You’re probably thinking

sell, whatever the sum is would be very

bers.

they need us and you’d be right - they do!

nice, but the majority will also need to

If the Society was in financial trouble and

So there will be small print in the sale such

carry on working so why would any new

we asked ex-members to chip in with let’s

as all drivers must stay for a year to get their

owner want those drivers to go else-

say £10k a pop to keep us going, I know

share of the loot. They could also impose

where? I don’t know what the future

how many contributions we would get! So

conditions such as a subs increase to £200

holds for Call Sign re confidentiality, but

a phrase comes to mind in respect of ex-

per week. Remember that they will own the

as things stand I would fully expect to be

members: “Unlucky my son...”

company outright and can do as they like.

able to question any prospective buyer

Colin Jenkins (Y22 and a member)

You might say you are leaving, but then you

and questions such as subs would be high

I have to say that I have yet to find any

would get nothing. That's one less driver to

up on any list of questions ...Ed

subscribers who agree with Patsy’s sen-

pay or you just keep paying the £200 a

Re your lead time question, Driver Ops

timents. They certainly came from the

week and at the end of the year you will get

Manager, Allan Evans, said...

heart and show what a lovely guy he is,

your own money back - ie 200 x 50 =

Hi Brian, dispatchers do from time to

but Colin is right in that we have mem-

£10,000.

time increase lead-in times in certain

bers who sold their cabs due to the 15-

What could be done is to cease trading,

problem zones, more so in the early

year rule who went straight over to

make the staff redundant and pay them off

morning when coverage is not as good as

becoming journeymen but who, accord-

accordingly (remembering in this instance

it should be. At this particular time SW10

ing to the rules, will not be entitled to

we would be more generous to the staff

is actually set to twelve minutes and W8

anything should a sale take place. I

than a new buyer ever would be), retain

has also now been reverted back to

would put their claim far higher than

just a few staff such as the Secretary to sell

twelve, but there is an option of increas-

that of former members and even high-

off the assets and building and then we all

just have a share out. Then we can go to

ing the times if the need arises. In an

er than Colin’s brother Cliff...Ed

ComCab, RTG or even Hailo/GetTaxi etc

ideal world the normal lead in times

with

loyalty,

but

less

should be perfectly fine, but there will

Going home...

competition between radio taxi circuits. We

always be the exception and that’s when

Dear Ed

would be the only drivers to benefit from

dispatchers have to use their experience

I've been on the circuit for 6 months now

the sale of their radio circuit because

and initiative to assist coverage.

and have pretty much got to grips with the

Call Sign April 2014

Page 29

Mailshot

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

system. Whilst I personally think the soft-

similar to your suggestions can be made

Below is Pat’s unsuccessful appeal. A

ware and terminal is very user friendly,

without the need of major software

similar appeal in front of the arbitration

there is one feature - code 3 - which keeps

enhancements, which sometimes delay

service won the case for him. Unless you

bugging me. I totally understand the idea of

updates and can cause a problem with

are totally in the wrong, it often pays to

code 3 but feel that in today's current mar-

our present V6 system. The Code 3 or

appeal ...Ed

ket it is almost redundant. I have been on

Reject Disable has for many years only

Please review the video. It’s clear to see

various circuits since 2006, so have experi-

worked on EC5 if trips are showing in

that the Audi car that is pictured in front of

enced work levels pre 2008 recession and

Bids. When you bid for trips in EC5, only

me on the box junction of Talgarth

based on that, I would have guessed that

journeys to your home zone or one of its

Rd/Butterwick W6, had previously been in

the code 3 back then would have been an

back up zones will be offered for the

the inside lane of Talgarth Rd as if he was

excellent going home feature. However,

hour it is enabled. On any other normal

going to turn left into Fulham Palace Rd. It’s

with work levels far reduced, it seems that

zone at any time of the day, the Code 3

a common problem when someone gets in

the chances now of getting a decent going

will allow you to reject as many trips as

the wrong lane then changes lane, and

home job are very slim. Yet in activating

you like in the hour until you are

leaves the driver behind in a difficult posi-

code 3, the driver is locking him/herself out

offered a trip towards your finishing

tion (me) as this video shows, and leaving

of the system. Many times I have accepted a

location. It will also unmask As Directed

me 50% across a box junction. As a London

£20 ‘going home’ job after waiting some

journeys where that destination is

Taxi Driver I’m familiar with this junction

time, but which only gets me 3 or 4 miles

known and show where it is going to.

and many others where this is a persistent

towards my home, yet I'm unable to accept

Obviously, an AD where we do not have

problem, and the real culprits who cause the

any more work even though I'm still in

the destination cannot be unmasked. At

“said offence” are the ones who get away

Central London and potentially close to a

the moment, if you clear a trip offered

leaving the likes of me to be left open to a pos-

job that needs to be covered.

on a Code 3 or enable the Code 3 for one

sible PCN.

Since the driver can only accept one going

hour without accepting a trip, it will

I’m trusting in your impartial discretion

home job before system lockout, wouldn't

automatically sign you off the system.

in this matter. As you know, driving in

it make sense to allow him/her to see jobs

The new technology that we are intro-

London is becoming a nightmare with heavy

in EC5 since this is where most of the work

ducing will give us the chance to con-

traffic, cameras, box junctions, and it seems

is allocated? I understand the reason for no

sider all available options and recom-

everyone is out to get the motorist as they are

destination and forced acceptance in EC5,

mendations and it shouldn’t be too far

a soft touch and a cash cow for councils.

but surely if a driver only has one more job

down the road...

Thanking you in advance

left on code 3, then he/she should have the

Mr P T Keefe

best opportunity to get a reasonable going

Early April Fool?

home job?

Hi Alan,

Heathrow info...

Otherwise, perhaps a route we could go

I read the article on page 28 (Thump Start)

Hi Alan,

down is one similar to ComCab’s where the

of the March Call Sign twice and realised

I am currently researching the goings-on at

system only offers trips going in the direc-

you thought you were preparing the April

Heathrow Airport in the late 1960s and

tion of the driver’s home, rather than dri-

issue! Really?

early 1970s. Do you or any of your readers

vers just keep rejecting jobs going in the

David S. Lessman (D98)

have information that could be of any use?

opposite direction? Their system allowed

Well David, it was definitely the March

I am particularly interested in the abortion

drivers to accept two going home jobs in 24

issue and the story was genuine! How do

racket, the immigration racket and the gen-

hours and also allowed them to switch the

I know? A week after the mag came out,

eral modus operandi of the drivers who

going home mode on and off if they were

I was in Jetyres having a puncture

worked there. Anecdotal or first-hand

unsuccessful in getting such a job. The sys-

repaired and my cab wouldn’t start. I

memories (where possible) would be great-

tem was very flexible for drivers.

knew the battery was fine. Suddenly the

ly appreciated.

I read Allan Evans column in the March

fitter came up to my cab and thumped

Please write to me at: sean.farrell@ntl-

Call Sign where he said that Dial-a-Cab’s

the steering wheel. The cab then started

world.com.

IT department was well on the way to

normally! So thump that in your pipe

Sean (Brethren of the Whip) Farrell (B039)

rewriting a new in-house operating system

and hit it! ...Ed

If anyone can help Sean, it would be

that will not only be GPS based, but which

appreciated ...Ed

will be much more flexible in allowing us to

Hammersmith box

make these types of changes. So perhaps

AGM and the ‘no run

that would provide an opportunity to

junction

address the going home system?

Hi Alan

in’ vote

I do enjoy Call Sign

keep up the great

This may help anyone who finds them-

Hi Alan

work!

selves in a similar situation to the one I was

I noticed that page 19 of the March 2014

Kevin Meade (O83)

in on

7 December at Hammersmith

Call Sign article on the AGM ended with,

DaC Driver Operations Manager Allan

Broadway yellow box junction. Rather than

following a request from a driver, Brian ask-

Evans responds: Hi Kevin, I read your

write a full review of what happened, below

ing for a vote on scrapping run-ins and get-

letter to the editor with interest I will

is a copy of the appeal I sent to

ting only 5 votes. He actually asked for a

reiterate once again that when the new

Hammersmith PCN appeals. That was

show of hands on scrapping run-ins AND

operating system is written and fully

rejected, so I opted to appeal for arbitra-

giving 5 minutes free waiting time. I would

tested by our IT department, there will

tion at the Angel, which I won successfully.

have voted for scrapping the run-in but not

be so much more flexibility and changes

Pat Keefe (G01)

the 5 minutes free waiting time. Whilst

Call Sign April 2014

Page 30

Mailshot

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

‘Hailo’ offer this, the fact is that over 85% of

grown customers because they will try

the back of the rank, but the CCTV camera’s

‘Hailo’ passengers are waiting at the road

calling Hailo. After all why should they

only showed the photo of my licence plate

side and the overall average wait is less than

bother going out into the street to look

when all four wheels of my cab were actual-

1 minute. Corporate users would abuse

for a cab when Hailo drivers will pick

ly on the rank. I appealed and it was reject-

and use to the full the free 5 minutes, simi-

them up for nothing and then pay 10%

ed by H & F, so I am going to go the

lar that most drivers abuse the up to £4.20

for the privilege. But of course, if the

Adjudicator since I know that the double

run in. Rarely will our drivers arrive with

streets do become filled with Americans,

yellows at the back of the rank are not paint-

less than £4.20 and this equates an extra, at

Japanese and Europeans, then Hailo

ed in accordance with TSRGD regulations

most, £2.40 per trip. It annoys our corpo-

won’t cover anything in the centre any-

and I also have a copy of Steve's article.

rate users and we frequently have the mes-

way. And if we aren’t careful, that could

My question to you is whether it is ok if I

sages: “Beware customer monitoring run-

also apply to us. But I’m disappointed

take the article to the adjudicator? I will

ins”. I know that once we lose it we will not

that you didn’t suggest your idea to the

remove the Call Sign logo from the top of

get it back, but this is a sign of the times.

meeting because it is possible that the

the page. Obviously it's going to be embar-

Pre-booked jobs in general have a

Chairman may have said the BoM would

rassing for the Appeals Adjudicator to see

minute lead time, we have an 8 minutes

look at it. After all, a few suggestions

the article and my photo of the incorrectly

wait before we can put the meter on. The

made on the day were taken on board

painted double yellows.

£8 minimum and £4.20 run-ins have not

(new name boards etc) ...Ed

Karen Menpes (E01)

increased since the flag fall was £1.60 and

Karen, please feel free to take the article

effectively eroded to near worthless and

with you. There is no need to remove

losing us accounts. I for one would suggest

All over ads for AL

the magazine name as we aren’t

Hello Alan

we scrap run-ins but have a surcharge (to

ashamed of helping drivers and Steve

be debated) on pre-booked jobs.

I have just seen an Addison Lee minicab

specifically said when giving us the

with its front bonnet, side door and win-

Finally DaC sells itself on service; without

story that he would be happy if the arti-

dow having ads on plus the usual rear win-

a run-in our drivers will get to the pick up

cle helped other DaC drivers. And don’t

dow one. Someone mentioned that they

as quickly as possible (improving service)

worry about the Adjudicator getting

are probably authorised by TfL as anything

so they can turn the meter on rather than

embarrassed! They are immune to that

seems to go now. Makes them easier to spot

sit round the corner waiting for the meter

and besides, they are supposed to be

and hail! I suppose they will all be at it now.

to clock up £4.00 then dash round the cor-

independent. Let Call Sign know how

Also heard that those nice people at the

ner to the pick-up point with

£4.20.

you get on ...Ed

LCDC want ALL London taxis to be black...

Improves our service, pleases our cus-

Hey ho!

tomers, more accounts, job done! A little

This year’s DaC AGM was a good one and

lost can reap big rewards.

Rejecting the fare

I await to hear from the Chairman in due

Alan Nash (A95)

course regarding offers for the Society.

Thanks Alan; interesting letter but one

increase...

Martin Freeborn (C67)

that leave me with a few questions.

Hi Alan

Hi Martin, I checked with Addison Lee

Firstly, you were there at the AGM so

On the subject of the yearly fare increase

and they told me that what you saw was

and your March Call Sign Editorial, there

why didn’t you put your pre-booked sug-

indeed correct. However, the vehicles

gestion to the meeting because it makes

used were not licensed vehicles. They

can be no better time for us to reject the

increase for this year after what has been a

sense, especially if the extra - perhaps

said they were well aware of TfL regula-

£2 - doesn’t have to be shown on the

tions and therefore used unlicensed

tough time for everybody. I don't just mean

meter.

vehicles for what was a publicity event.

us cab drivers, but the general public and

the people that have accounts with us -

Secondly, I think many drivers will

Their spokesperson went on to stress

feel insulted at your comment that they

that the vehicles were not used to trans-

including the big companies. We all know

rarely arrive with less than £4.20 on the

port passengers and were only used for

that when it’s busy out there, we don't do

promotional and marketing purposes.

too badly, but I've noticed in the past that

meter and that if they do have less, they

They actually sent me a photo showing

after an increase the work drops off for a

will then sit round the corner. As you

the ads, so as much as I am going to get

while. People don't want to pay any extra

pointed out, the run-in hasn’t been

slaughtered for saying this, I thank them

year after year. Yes, they do come back after

increased for many years and more

for their assistance! ...Ed

a while but I am sure we lose a percentage

often than not, drivers have to restart

to the PH lot or our former passengers go

the meter because

£4.20 gets you

and buy themselves a bike or use one of

nowhere nowadays. However, if I am

Hammersmith taxi

Boris's.

close to an account when offered a job, I

rank

If we were to reject the increase just this

don’t drive round the block and neither,

Hi Alan

year as Alan’s Editorial suggests, I predict

I am sure, do many others. Do you,

I wanted to comment on an article that

that people would say well done cabbies

Alan? If not, then why assume that most

Steve Thomas (N10) wrote about the PCN

and I'd go as far as to say our work would

do? Having said that, my only problem

issued to him at the Hammersmith taxi

increase by 5 to 10 percent or thereabouts.

with scrapping the run-in is how the

rank, which he detailed in the December

So come on lads and lassies, who's going to

service you rightly say we sell ourselves

2013 Call Sign and gave his winning result

tell Boris we don't want the 0.7 percent

on would cope if - and when - it gets

in the February 2014 issue.

increase this year? People would look at us

really busy soon and accounts are wait-

I have received a PCN from Hammersmith

in a different light. Then again, as Alan said,

ing to be covered with no run-ins? The

and Fulham for fouling the rank. I looked at

pigs might fly! It would be interesting to

streets are expected to be filled with

the CCTV footage and it showed my cab at

hear what other drivers have to say about

tourists - although not that many home-

Call Sign April 2014

Page 31

Mailshot

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

the yearly increase. I'll read with interest...

people, who didn’t qualify for state bene-

Chris Passfield (Y25)

fits, was a political contradiction. He took

Hiya Chris, you won’t have to wait until

it well!

next month because this issue’s driver

He was a big man in so many ways and

I’m not complaining about credit card

survey is based on the question of

will be sorely missed. Our thoughts will be

trips dispatched via Dial-a-Cab, but is it not

whether we’d be better off accepting or

with his partner, Nicola, and the family. He

possible that street pick-ups paid for with

rejecting the latest fare increase ...Ed

was only 52 - life’s a bitch!

credit cards could not perhaps split the 10

Barry Epstein

percent charge with the driver? It would

Bob Crow

Volunteer General Manager, DaC Credit

help to compensate us for the lost gratu-

Union

Hi Alan

ities we almost always suffer when doing

I always try to attend the Trade Union

Thanks Barry, you are right in that love

that type of trip. After all, surely there is less

him or hate him, he was impossible to

Congress each year as a fraternal dele-

work involved for the Society re processing

gate. RMT Credit Union Ltd. (like the Dial-

ignore and the RMT union will be all the

when the trip is not actually dispatched by

poorer for his demise ...Ed

a-Cab one) is one of the most effective in

them?

the country and so I got to know Bob Crow

Mark Tiller (K90)

through our common interest.

Credit Cards

Allan Evans replies: Hi Mark, at this

Even though I’d been quite unwell dur-

Hi Alan

moment in time the handling charge is

ing the summer, I attended last year’s

Regarding the 10 percent charge on credit

set against the admin and staffing costs

TUC. Bob was deeply engrossed in conver-

cards; I’m sure I don’t have to point out to

for Credit Cards. The sum that this

sation at one of the stands, but when he

everyone that when we process a street trip

charge generates is presently used to

saw me standing at the edge of the hall he

via a credit card then there is virtually no

offset the cost of marketing our Credit

cut off his conversation and came over to

chance of any gratuity. Take a passenger to

Card facility and the DaC App and

shake my hand saying: “Bal, I wish you

Heathrow for £67 or so cash and there is a

helps towards the cost of the forty taxis

well.”

good chance that the passenger might

carrying the ‘Supersides’ advert. The

Love him or hate him for his views, he

round it up to £70. However, if they ask to

updated CC figures and App downloads

cared passionately about the welfare of

pay via a credit card and realise that there is

that increase month on month, suggest

working people and fought for the rights of

an added 10 percent administration charge

to me that the ad is working and is

working cabbies, as many of you know. I

taking the cost up to £73.70, then you can’t

helping to generate Credit Card jour-

had to explain to him that his campaign to

really blame them for saying that the cost is

neys - both through the system and

limit the working hours of self-employed

high enough without also giving a tip.

from the street.

A BARBER IN A MILLION!

Regular readers of Call Sign will know of the poetry expertise of David Kupler (Y74). H

has been writing in rhyme almost as long as I have been editing the mag and in fact did

much the same for previous editors, Jery Craig and Phil Emden.

In November, a small tumour was discovered in David’s lung - a tumour that turned out

to be a very rare and extremely virulent cancer that spread far quicker than anyone had

anticipated. He has been discharged from hospital and is being looked after at his Chigwel

home by wife and former ODRTS telephonist, Jan, from our days at Shirland Road and

where the two first met - David having been a voice dispatcher at the time.

I spent several hours, both at the hospital and at his home, just listening to David’s

fascinating history within the trade; but this story isn’t about him but someone who did a

kindness to David and one that touched him so much that he asked me to tell our readers

about.

While in hospital, David began to look more and more like the bogeyman because of

the way his hair was growing! So after he got home, he told Jan to ask a barber in

Hermon Hill who he had used in the past whether he would be prepared to do a home

visit. Jan went and explained that David was too ill to go and see him and the barber,

Mo, who remembered David, said he’d be there. And he was. He came at 10pm, gave

David a haircut, shave and hot towels! According to Jan, he looked great - that’s

David not Mo!

David told me that it made him feel so good for a brief time, that he would have

been happy to pay anything that Mo asked for. After all, he had come to David’s

home. But Mo wouldn’t take a penny. David and Jan both emphasised that they

wanted to pay, but Mo refused, wished David well and trotted off home.

I asked David for details of this barber because I’d like to give such a lovely

gesture the publicity it deserves. Mo doesn’t know, but if any of you that live

east ever come through Hermon Hill in South Woodford and are in need of a

haircut or the whole hog with a shave and hot towels etc, you will be welcome

at the Hermon Hill Barber Shop, 134 Hermon Hill, South Woodford. You can

give Mo a call at 020 8989 3530.

And Mo, thank you once again. You really are a barber in a million…