Call Sign February 2014

Page 3

from the editor’s desk

My thanks to all those drivers

Roy came back to me several weeks later and

agreed that the pills did what they claimed, but

who contacted me on 12

then added that the PCO couldn’t recommend

January. It really was appreciat-

them because of the possibility of some drivers

not using them other than at overhaul time!

ed on a rather unpleasant day...

So if you want to use Power Pills, then you

have to buy them. There is an ad in every issue

Emission-free taxis

of Call Sign if you are interested. It makes no

The Mayor’s exhibition of emission-free taxis at

difference to me, but I can tell you that they

City Hall was certainly interesting and gave the

work...

trade a sneak view of what life will be like after

2018. After 1 January of that year, you will no

The new and the old...

longer be able to purchase a new taxi unless it

The new is the launch of Nissan’s new taxi, the

has the capability of being emission-free. That

NV200. It raises interesting possibilities because

allows for a small petrol motor that could be

the London Taxi Company’s new owners, Geely,

used in some taxis to recharge the battery that

aren’t likely to roll over and give up. Perhaps the

will operate the taxi. Taxis already in circulation

And that doesn’t bode well for this trade because

old bunch at Manganese Bronze - pre-Geely -

will come under the 15 year rule, which means

it seems improbable that their names would be

may have looked the other way and hoped that

that by 2030, London’s taxi fleet will be almost

left out accidentally. It’s more likely to show who

the new venture would just go away, but Geely

emission-free and apparently London will easily

is in charge.

Chairman, Li Shufu, certainly won’t and I now

escape the EU fines it often faces.

If this country really is progressing as well as

expect their Hydrogen, battery-charged taxi to

However, Call Sign heard nothing at the exhi-

analysts claim, then this year is going to be much

be released by 2017.

bition to suggest that private hire will have the

busier and Hailo’s coverage according to many

While the new Nissan resembles a smaller ver-

same responsibility. Some of their firms have

passengers who use it, was quite poor leading

sion of the Mercedes Vito due to its rear sliding

done so, but the majority haven’t. Do they not

up to the holidays. So that suggests either intro-

doors, it certainly isn’t as large and tends to look

have emissions??? We look forward to hearing

ducing a run-in for their trips or extending the

far more like the traditional London cab. Those

any follow-up from the Mayor.

fleet to those that will work even cheaper?

that know the NV200 van and how it operates

Hmmm, who could that be?

say that the MPG for the taxi could approach

Hailo accounts

In the meantime, it is still only London and

forty and almost certainly clear 35MPG.

During the holidays when there was a dearth of

Dublin where the driver rather than the passen-

But the price could cause the biggest sur-

trade reading about, I took a look at the recent-

ger pays as they do elsewhere; and now Hailo

prise by costing a similar amount to the TX4.

ly released Hailo accounts for the year ending

Dublin’s Upper Mount Street HQ have told their

That could pose a serious concern to

December 2012. Although my views on Hailo are

drivers that the trip charge is going up from 10

Mercedes. However, as the old saying goes,

well known, I have no intention of gloating

to 12.5%. Does that mean that London will also

the proof of the pudding is in the eating and

about their huge loss (£7.6million) because as

increase it? Of course, should the position begin

we will keenly await reports of the NV200’s

much as I disagree with their way of working, I

to look too problematic, I can think of three gen-

performance after one year on the road.

realise that after just one year, those accounts

tlemen who would have long sold up and

The new continued when just before the

were hardly likely to show anything other than a

moved on to their next money-making venture.

Nissan announcement came an even more sur-

big loss. And anyway, they aren’t short of a bob

prising one; Ecotive and Frazer-Nash Research

or two.

Power Pill

revealed their new taxi to the world - an electric-

But it’s what the accounts don’t say that con-

I have been using the Alpha Power Pill for sever-

powered taxi named after the Metrocab - the

firms my belief to me that Hailo isn’t there for

al years, mainly because it keeps cab smoke to a

Range-Extended Electric Metrocab to be more

drivers, who happen to be a necessary by-prod-

precise! This new cab, that is also said to be

real minimum. Yes, it also increases miles per

uct and without whom the system as a taxi app

ready to go on sale before the end of 2014, runs

litre and definitely gives the cab more power

wouldn’t work, it’s primarily there for the three

while running smoother, but it’s the smoke

on a powerful, near-silent electric motor that

directors/entrepreneurs whose money started

reduction that I like.

you will be able to recharge at home via a nor-

the business and has now been supported by

mal electric socket, although a small petrol

But I ran out of the pills and got into the habit

investors such as Richard Branson, venture cap-

engine will be fitted just in case the batteries get

of not bothering. I was cruising along the A13

ital firm Atomico and Union Square Ventures

a bit low and they will then kick in to recharge

when suddenly two cars in front of me collided

(backers of Twitter and Facebook among oth-

the lithium-ion polymer batteries. Like the

after one had pulled in too quickly and I had to

ers). Coincidentally, if you look at the Union

Nissan, the price for the e-Metrocab has been

pull out ultra-quickly. Fortunately no one was

Square website, there is a piece that declares:

hinted as being around the same as the TX4 or

overtaking me at the time, so I put my foot down

“We invest in networks that disrupt existing

just slightly more.

to speed up and carried on safely having left the

industries.” So your 350 years is an anomaly that

The old refers to the taxi driven by Dial-a-Cab

two cars behind me. What shocked me was the

will soon be gone - the addition of private hire

driver Eddie Lambert (V37). If you read his

smoke thrown out from the cab as I accelerated

perhaps unless current drivers work even cheap-

story in this issue, you will understand why he

sharply. So I ordered another pack from suppli-

er?

could soon be driving the only original Metrocab

er Steve Vale (who occasionally writes in Call

After all, two of the three entrepreneurs

left on the road.

Sign). The pills - which are a fuel conditioner

have experience of that side having moved

and not an additive - now come in half sizes and

across from their e-courier private hire ven-

AGM

ture. So John Griffin shouldn’t give up hope

are much more convenient than the old method

Yes, it’s AGM time again and I look forward to

of moving over!

of breaking one in half. Within 4 days of restart-

seeing many of you on Sunday 9 February at the

Where was I? Oh yes; so as you’d expect, the

ing on the pills, I deliberately tried to reproduce

HAC in City Road. There are no elections this

names of Jay Bregman together with Messrs

my A13 incident and the smoke had almost gone

year and neither has anyone put forward any

Woolley and Zeghibe are prominent in the

- not totally because that wouldn’t be a diesel

Rule Changes or Propositions. But that usually

report; but call me silly, I would have expected

conditioner but a diesel miracle. But it had been

means more time for Any Other Business.

to read somewhere in its 27 pages about the

hugely reduced.

So if you want to make a point, you won’t

three drivers, led by Russell Hall, who were used

Many years ago when older taxis were being

have a better chance. If you can’t spare a few

to convince London taxi drivers that working

forced to fit exhaust systems costing a few £thou-

hours on just one day a year for your Society,

cheaply was good. Besides, it was also their idea.

sand, most of which never really worked, I spoke

then there’s not much point in moaning after-

But as Call Sign has repeatedly said, their

to then-PCO head Roy Ellis and suggested that if

wards. But you might be surprised at how inter-

positions as taxi drivers were being used

the taxi licensing authority tested Power Pill and

esting the AGM can be...

although no doubt being well-paid for their

agreed that they worked in helping to reduce

efforts. Otherwise they don’t really exist accord-

emissions, then they could be a far better alter-

ing to Bregman, Woolley and Zeghibe. If they do

native than the exhausts and if so, perhaps the

Alan Fisher

exist, then I couldn’t find them in the accounts!

Mayor’s office could subsidise some of the cost.

callsignmag@aol.com

Call Sign February 2014

Page 4

reflections of the chairman

give them a three month extension should they

Zero emission taxis?

want it. That seemed to cause some consterna-

Probably like some of you, I attended Potters

tion on their part, but they did eventually agree

Field on 16th January to see the new genera-

to my request so the contract should now

tion of zero emission taxis. The TX looked the

come to an end at the end of April. They have

same as normal except that it runs on

stated they will send me a contract extension

Hydrogen. There was also a new Metrocab on

for three months. This comes from New York.

display, which was quite interesting, but of

However, at the time of writing, I have not

course it is not in production yet as indeed

received it so I will probably have to remind

nothing that was on display was being made at

them, as I do not wish to arrive at the end of

the moment. There was also a Turkish built

February without a contract in place and then

taxi on display which looked very futuristic;

be told our services are not required any

problem was it never had an engine! So in real-

longer. That, after we have made changes to

ity it was just a figment of someone’s imagina-

accommodate the three months extension.

tion.

I have been told that some Members say I

The Mayor paid a visit to the exhibition

Lost account...

should have asked their opinion regarding run-

and I must say I was somewhat surprised

to learn that all new taxis sold after 2018

You all know the worst kept secret regarding

ins and gratuities before submitting the Tender.

the lost account on the Island. I was called to

They obviously have not thought the problem

had to be zero emissions. It appears to me

that our trade seems to be taking all the

their offices at the end of September and told

through as you only find out the outcome once

blame for pollution in London, which is

we had lost the account due to price. The con-

the Tenders have been submitted and com-

totally unfair.

tract expired at the end of September and I was

pared. You are not aware of the content of other

I spoke with Leon Daniels, Managing

asked not to publish anything regarding the

submissions until after the process has been

Director of Surface Transport for TfL, whom I

loss, to which I agreed. However, I did say that

completed. I trust the above explains the situa-

have known for many years - even before he

if I was asked a question by a Member then I

tion and clears up any rumours circulating.

worked for TfL. I asked him how they would

would not lie about the situation.

deal with the task of making all private hire

I was told by the account that they did not

AGM

and taxis compliant with zero emissions, espe-

wish to lose Dial-a-Cab as they liked everything

Just a reminder that the AGM is on Sunday 9th

cially at the same time as the introduction of

about us, but the whole process was decided

February, 11am at the HAC City Road. It would

Crossrail. His answer did not surprise me in

by the dollar (their words)!

be nice to see as many of you as possible there.

the least - zero emissions would only apply to

We agreed a four month handover period,

I know you must all be aware but you should

the taxi trade!

which would have taken us to the end of

either vote by post OR attend the meeting, fail-

I believe that it is a disgrace to single out the

January. I was then approached at the begin-

ure to do either will result in a £50 fine being

taxi trade, never mind just being totally unfair.

ning of January and asked to extend that for a

levied.

It’s almost impossible to argue against greener

further month as their new system was not

vehicles, but the rules should apply to every-

ready to be installed. I declined the request as

Brian Rice

one and not just the taxi trade. Perhaps it

we had catered to lose the account at the end

Chairman

could be argued that this would cause us to

of January and to alter everything for a month

suffer a restriction of trade and I believe it is

Dial-a-Cab

was just not a viable proposition. I did offer to

quite feasible for our taxi associations to look

into this whole scenario. We should also bear

in mind that Boris Johnson will not be Mayor

in 2018!

THE SALIERI RESTAURANT

The zero emissions question will lead to a

serious shortage of working taxis in London;

376 Strand, WC2

drivers will be reluctant to sell their vehicles

and trade up to a new taxi as the cost will

probably be prohibitive. Added to that, there

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

will undoubtedly be teething problems that

restaurant where you can partake of the finest food and wine

are associated with all new vehicles. As drivers

keep their vehicles for longer - although some

And as a thank-you for helping our clients come

will not have any choice due to the 15 year rule

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

- that in turn will lead to a shortage of fleet

offer you a genuine 25% discount on your bill

cabs with very few second-hand cabs being

available for garages to purchase. Few garages

will want to go to the expense of purchasing

We are certain that you will be delighted

new and expensive zero emission taxis.

I don’t believe that we should just sit back

and do nothing, as the above will place a huge

extra burden onto the taxi trade and I really

think that we should start lobbying now. If

zero emissions are introduced in 2018, then it

should apply to all, but who would like to bet

that we do nothing, which appears to be the

norm in our trade.

Please bring along your badge or Bill as ID

I’m led to believe that there will be a full

public consultation regarding all new taxis

Salieri Restaurant

having zero emissions from 2018. The consul-

tation will take place later this year and all

376 Strand, WC2

interested parties will be able to submit their

Reservations: 020 7836 1318

views. But if the decision has already been

taken, then what will be the point?

Call Sign February 2014

Page 5

HAMMERSMITH RANK:

STEVE WINS HIS CASE!

In the December Call Sign, we asked whether

ing 16.5 metres!

any of you use the rank at Hammersmith

Steve Thomas told Call Sign that he

Broadway because some were seeing it as a

would appeal and if successful, then it

cash booster for Hammersmith and

should create a precedent for anyone else

Fulham Council. The reason was that the

who had received a ticket on the rank.

council had a CCTV camera pointed at the

Well, in early January Steve’s appeal was

rank and any driver silly enough to believe he

held at the Parking and Traffic Appeals

or she was offering a service to those coming

Service (PATAS), who administer indepen-

out of the station but put on ‘foul’ because

dent tribunals to hear appeals against Penalty

the first cab looked as though it was getting a

Charge Notices issued by the London Local

job but was possibly a bit slow, received a

Authorities and TfL. AND STEVE WON!

PCN through the post.

All parties agreed that the rank was incor-

Undoubtedly there are some taxi drivers

rectly marked while the London Borough of

who push the bounds of probability and ask

Hammersmith failed to provide the

for trouble when they parked on double yel-

Adjudicator with a full traffic order re the yel-

low lines when the rank was moving slowly,

low lines at the rear of the rank. The result

but Dial-a-Cab’s Steve Thomas (N10) raised

was that Steve’s appeal was allowed and that

an interesting point in that issue of the mag

should result in Hammersmith Council being

by suggesting that the rank was incorrectly

inundated by taxi drivers.

marked out and that all those who had

Steve asked Call Sign to thank the LTDA,

received a PCN should claim a refund.

Perhaps the front of the rank was

who covered any extra costs he encountered

Anyone looking at the rank will see that

by appealing, but Steve would have appealed

the front section is far too narrow for a

anyway as a matter of principle. Sometimes

taxi to get on and while the PCO rank

Vitos even longer. So just going by the

it’s easier just to pay up and forget it, but

notice says that the rank should extend

‘shorter’ TX cabs, 4.58 times four comes

Steve Thomas showed that if we all did that

16.5 metres, Steve pointed out that the

to 18.32 metres and that doesn’t fit easily

then we’d be paying fines forever.

length of a TX cab is 4.58 metres - with

into a rank legally marked out as extend-

So well done Steve...

Following a report in Call Sign several months ago

More imposter taxi

detailing how several unlicensed men had been

caught and found guilty of fraudulently being in pos-

session of taxi licenses and badges, three others have

now been caught as part of Operation Excalibur in a

drivers convicted

joint investigation with the Metropolitan Police Service

Safer Transport Command (STC) and Transport for

London (TfL).

Melios Themistokleous (58) appeared at City of Westminster

Magistrates Court on Tuesday 7 January charged with fraud by

false representation and possession of articles for use in fraud. He

AGM REMINDER

was sentenced to four months imprisonment on both counts,

which will run concurrently. He had previously been convicted of

All members should have

two counts of fraud in May 2013 following an investigation by the

received the Notice of Annual

STC and had been sentenced to a community order for 12 months.

General Meeting 2013 advising

Michael Audsley (59) was sentenced to a community order

that the meeting will again be

for 12 months after appearing at Central London Magistrates

held at The HAC, Armoury

Court on 13 December 2013 for fraud by false representation

and possession of articles for use in fraud.

House, City Road on Sunday 9th

A third man was due to appear at Central London Magistrates

February 2014 at 11am.

Court on 28 January 2014 to be sentenced after also being con-

The meeting this year will con-

victed of fraud.

sider an agenda excluding the

These sentences follow ongoing intelligence led work to crack-

election of officers. It would normally include pro-

down on this type of illegal activity, which uses Automatic

posed Rule Changes and Propositions; however none

Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to target fraudulent

were received by the closing date of 09:00hrs on

taxi drivers who are posing as legitimate drivers. All three men

Thursday 5th December 2013 at Dial-a-Cab House as

were arrested in possession of forged items such as taxi driver

licences, badges and plates.

per the Notice of Annual General Meeting 2013 letter.

Chief Inspector Colin Carswell of the Safer Transport

Please remember that if you do not vote by post

Command told Call Sign:

then you should attend. If you do not attend or vote

“This case demonstrates how seriously we take this type

by post, you will be liable for a £50 fine.

of illegal activity and how important the intelligence we

receive is to our operation. We will continue to crackdown

Howard Pears

on fraudulent taxi drivers who are illegally working in the

Company Secretary

Capital.”

Call Sign February 2014

Page 7

John Pace

was so sad to hear of the passing of trade journalist an

taxi driver, John Pace. He was also a friend and we ha

many chats about the State of the Trade - the name o

his regular column in Taxicab News - over the years.

When I got the call that John had died, I wasn’t surprised

as I’d been at St Clare’s hospice in Epping along with his

family just the day before and could see that his brave fight

against Motor Neurone Disease was coming to an end.

During the course of his illness, I often went to meet

him at the Chigwell home he shared with his partner

Mandy. Whilst you could see that the illness was debili-

tating, for a time it looked as though it had stabilised and

the hope was that if it stayed as it was, then he could have

a reasonable quality of life - albeit with much assistance

- because his mind stayed sharp. But he suddenly dete-

riorated and for that last time I saw him, I can only hope

that he heard me and knew that he had friends with him in addition

to the many members of his family who were in the room on that penultimate day.

John was often controversial in his views, but cared passionately about the taxi business and its future. Even during his ill-

ness and at a time when he could no longer get around without help, he would still ask if I could bring any trade papers with

during a visit.

My sincere thanks also go to daughter Keeley for keeping the trade informed. John’s funeral was held at Green Acres

Woodland Burial site in North Weald on January 22. Unsurprisingly the hall was packed with his family and friends.

If anyone wants to make a donation in John’s name, then his family have selected two charities. There is St Clare’s

Hospice, where he spent his last days being cared for and the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

The sincere condolences of Call Sign go to all John’s family...

Alan Fisher

Call Sign Online

Call Sign February 2014

Page 8

Dial-a-Cab: The movie!

Regular readers will recall that some months

ago, a Dutch documentary film-maker had

approached Call Sign with regard to making a

film about the financial district of London

through the eyes of the London taxi trade -

that being one of our drivers.

Thomas Vroege, an award winning movie

maker with a long list of film credits to his

name discussed his vision of the story with

Call Sign Editor Alan Fisher, who subse-

quently involved the magazine’s photograph-

er, Alan Green (E52), as the driver.

From the outset, we made clear to Tom that

DaC had a policy of client confidentiality

regarding our account holders, a proviso

Thomas fully understood and was willing to

accept quoting the oft-used phrase: “What

goes on in the cab, stays in the cab!”

City and Canary

Wharf

The first task was to drive around the financial

scrutiny and finally satisfied of Tom’s innocent

Coping with the ups and downs of passen-

hubs of the City and Canary Wharf, filming gen-

intentions, we were advised to leave the Island,

gers’ moods, stresses of driving and other top-

eral street scenes to give an overall view of our

an opportunity we wasted no time in pursing!

ics were all freely talked about - although dis-

great metropolis and the international financial

Truth is, we beat a very hasty retreat west-

creetly

- however client confidentiality was

institutions based there. For this initial recce,

bound through the Limehouse Link and back

never breached!

Tom used a hand-held - though upmarket - dig-

to the safety of the City Walls!

Documentary filming is not like cinema

ital camera in video mode to capture images of

Later, over extended periods of time, var-

movies where everything is pre-planned down

various sights of particular interest to Tom’s

ious discussions either in person when Tom

to the very last detail. Documentary techniques

story. Moving steadily around the City was no

visited London or via email and text, the

differ in that it is more life-like and ‘edgy’, yet

problem at all and we filmed extensively at will.

direction the story would follow began to

still a great deal of planning and accuracy goes

However, while filming at Canary Wharf, possi-

take shape.

into each project and scene.

bly because of the size of the camera, we were

Finally, dates were set for the actual filming

There were certain scenes that had particular

stopped by a member of the estate security staff

around our city. This time Thomas brought his

visual impact to the overall story, such as

who questioned Tom intensely on his motives,

sound engineer, Taco Drijfhout (pronounced

pedestrians walking slowly along the street,

probably suspecting he was a terrorist agent

Dryfoot) to record the sounds of the city as it

heads down, carrying bags; city workers grip-

selecting targets! After several tense minutes of

went about its daily business. Revving car

ping briefcases or others on their mobile

engines, the urgency of emergency services

phones, and always with the buildings of the

sirens and the steady rumble of buses and

metropolis blurring into the background as

Police Appeal

heavy commercial vehicles trundling through

Tom’s camera, pointing sideways out of the taxi

over-crowded streets, blended with an assort-

window, caught people candidly going about

Police are keen to trace the driver of

ment of taxi sounds from the tick-tick of the

their familiar routines. The taxi moved gently

a taxi in the Greenwich/Lewisham

turn indicators to the regular swish-swish of

along the streets, often moving at barely a

area who witnessed an assault in the

the windshield wipers during rainy squalls.

crawl, keeping pace with these involuntary

rear of his cab on 30 November

Invariably in the background, always the famil-

actors as they unwittingly played their part in

2013 at around 00:30 hours.

iar rattle of the taxis’ diesel engine.

the documentary. Again, many retakes to give

The white, middle-aged male vic-

Then there was the ‘voice-overs’ to be

the director scene choices to ‘stitch’ together,

dubbed over the visuals in the ‘final cut’ of the

while our sound technician grinned merrily,

tim hailed the cab on Blackheath Hill

film. Vocal descriptions and explanations, a

obviously delighted with the vast library of

and got in, but was immediately fol-

potted history of city landmarks as viewed by

audio compilations he was amassing.

lowed by a black male who assault-

Tom’s camera from the interior of the taxi, and

The massive collection of visual and sound

ed the passenger in the rear of the

recordings taken in London will now be pieced

‘in studio’ recordings were often repeated sev-

taxi and stole his possessions. The

eral times until the complete satisfaction of

together in the editing suite back in Holland to

driver took the victim home to

Taco was achieved and he would give a broad

make a smooth flowing, coherent documen-

Amersham Road in SE14. Police

smile or a ‘thumbs up’ sign!

tary-style film, featuring the hustle and bustle

“We must get it right or I will make you

of life on the streets of one of the world’s major

would like to speak with the driver

cities… and Dial-a-Cab! The film is expected to

sound like Donald Duck!” he laughed to the

and ascertain more details surround-

muffled giggles of Thomas standing quietly in

be premiered at the Netherlands Film Festival

ing the incident.

later in 2014...

the background. This light-hearted comment

Anyone with information

became a running joke whenever we needed a

Photos: Thomas Vroege + camera by Alan

should contact TDC Bryant of

re-take…‘don’t make me sound like DD’ was

Green’s DaC taxi.

The Serious and Accusative

an often quoted plea!

Alan Green gets wired up.

Crime unit in Greenwich on

Also discussed - and recorded of course -

Cover pic: Documentary maker Thomas

0208 284 9500 quoting

was the stringent Knowledge of London

Vroege and sound engineer Taco Drijfhout

examination, what it’s like to drive a taxi in

reference 3227177/13.

in the DaC taxi.

London, and some of the experiences of a

35+ year career.

Call Sign February 2014

Page 9

COMPLIANCE WITH GARRY

Hello ladies and gents, I hope your year has

Parking / waiting

started well!

Loading bays in the Smithfield area are vig-

orously enforced by CCTV cameras, so please

New terminals

try to avoid these when picking up account

We will be fitting the rest of the fleet with the

clients or stopping for a tea break as there is

new terminals in the coming months. To

no grace time given.

assist with this, please try your best to keep to

the fitting date given to you for attending

AGM

Roman Way. This will help the fitters and of

course minimise your down time.

I do hope to see as many of you as possible at

the AGM, which will be held on 9th February

For those drivers already fitted with the

new terminal, I do hope you are now finding

at the HAC in City Road. The meeting begins

at 11am.

the initial teething problems to be behind

you and that you enjoy using the terminal

Please remember that if you need to

with its new updated mapping and satnav

speak to me or wish to come into DaC

facilities that are built into the terminal.

House to see me about a job query or to

liaise over another related DaC matter,

Credit cards

However, if you get the message on your

then I’m at DaC on Mondays.

Please be aware that if you get a VOID mes-

PED: Unauthorized, the card payment has

However, you can leave a voicemail and

sage on your PED, it does not necessary mean

been declined, then you need to seek an

your query will be dealt with accordingly by

the card is no good for payment, but possibly

alternative card to process payment or take

a member of staff, Allan Evans or Keith Cain.

that it has just not connected with the bank.

the payment in cash.

Garry White DaC Compliance Officer

RETURN OF THE METROCAB

In a move that shocked the cab

Boris Johnson looks at the

world for more than one reason,

new electric Metrocab

Ecotive, and Frazer-Nash

for good views by passengers.

Research revealed their latest

They also claim it has

taxi venture to the world - a

increased luggage space com-

new electric-powered taxi that

pared to the previous discon-

could revolutionise black cab

tinued Metrocab and of

travel in London. Almost as sur-

course, full disabled access.

prising was the fact that it was

Metrocab will reveal further

named the Metrocab - the

details later this year when

Range-Extended Electric

London trials begin, but say

Metrocab to be more precise -

the vehicle fully complies with

and some 13 years after the last

LTPH rulings, including the

Metrocab company folded. The

25foot turning circle.

new vehicle was built and

Dial-a-Cab Chairman,

designed in the UK and runs on

Brian Rice, told Call Sign

a powerful, near-silent electric motor.

that he welcomed anything that helped to make London a

The cab’s lithium-ion polymer batteries recharge via a

cleaner and greener place, but would need to see the elec-

small petrol engine that kicks in when the battery gets low

tric taxi perform trouble-free in London for some time

after its 50 mile limit, although it can also be recharged at

before feeling able to recommend its purchase. He also

home via a three pin plug.

said that he was somewhat surprised that no one from the

Ecotive and Frazer-Nash Research, who are based at Mytchett,

cab trade has apparently been consulted during the

in Surrey, claim their new electric taxi will reduce fuel costs sub-

Metrocab’s development stage...

stantially and say that a driver doing 200 miles will reduce daily

fuel costs from £50 down to £10, while also giving an enhanced

and more comfortable performance.

The cab is said to be ready to undergo trials early this year and

if successful, could also go on sale before the end of 2014.

Keith Reading

Perhaps surprisingly, the price has been hinted as being around

Professional Toastmaster

the same as a TX4 and substantially cheaper than the Vito.

Master of Ceremonies

Metrocab chairman, Sir Charles Masefield, told the waiting

press and London Mayor, Boris Johnson that the new electric

Tele: 01279 465 938

Metrocab was designed as the next-generation taxi and represent-

Mobile: 07774 860 374

ed a revolution in the market as the first electric-powered cab to

Email: kgr.2@virgin.net

meet the regulations that London taxis operate under and where

cabbies typically drive many miles outside the city, making pure

10% discount for DaC drivers and staff

electric cars impractical with current technology and infrastructure.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via two electric motors.

Fellow of the Guild of

Ecotive, and Frazer-Nash Research claim that the passenger com-

Professional Toastmasters

partment, with seating for six, has generous ‘panoramic’ glazing

Call Sign February 2014

Page 10

Another true story from Geoff Levene (W32)

WESTMINSTER COUNCIL AND THE IRON LUNG!

You couldn’t fail to have noticed that 22nd

Well, I was determined to find out

November last year made fifty years since

more, so I made an application under

the shooting of JFK. The TV and newspa-

the Freedom of Information Act.

pers were full of it, with surviving eye-wit-

A few days later, a thick envelope landed

nesses being interviewed along with anyone

on the mat. It made fascinating reading. The

else who was around at the time and who

work was to be designed and supervised by

remembered where they were when they

Monsieur Philippe Starke - the man

heard the news. I suppose the death of

responsible for the St Martins and

Princess Diana and the events of 9/11 pro-

Sanderson Hotels. But he wasn't

voke similar memories.

approached for the task, he demanded it! As

Of course, we can also remember happier

Like Dr Who's Tardis the new Iron Lung

he said afterwards:

events. I'll never forget when and where I

will be bigger on the inside!

“I 'ad gone into ze Astral Cafe for my

first set eyes on the good lady wife

usual bacon sandwich when I was - 'ow you

(Compayne Gardens), although it was more

Whaaat! It's not even ten years since

say - taken short. So I popped into ze pissoir

than a year later that we met again.

they installed a sink! And soap was sched-

for ze Jimmy. I was impressed, but felt I

And of course there was 19th May 2012.

uled for 2015! After I'd gone for a some-

could make a few more improvements based

You don’t remember? Some clues. Munich?

what shaky walk, taken a few deep breaths

on the Dr Who Tardis philosophy, ie bigger

A Saturday? A penalty? A big guy from the

and then sat in the back of the taxi to

on the inside than it is on the outside!”

Ivory Coast? Ok then, how about Bayern

recover, I decided to investigate this cata-

And so the plans were revealed...

Munich? Chelsea? Didier Drogba? Oh yes,

clysmic announcement. So I phoned

1. Suede covered walls - colours to be

now you remember!

Westminster Council...

decided by a committee comprising Boris

But all these things pale into insignifi-

“What are your plans for the urinal in

Johnson, Samuel Eto’o and Jessie J.

cance compared to that moment in

Horseferry Road,” I asked?

2. Underfloor heating - requires work by

December as I drove along the Outer

“I'm afraid I cannot give out any infor-

Thames Water. Horseferry Road will be

Circle. Luckily there was nobody in the cab

mation,” said an official.

closed for 6 weeks.

as I hit the brakes when that message came

“Nothing at all,” I queried back?

3. Gold fitments - a team has been sent to

up on the cab’s data screen:

“No, absolutely nothing, it's embar-

Abu Dhabi to look at designs.

IRON LUNG SHUT FOR REFURBISHMENT

goed.”

4. Armchairs covered in the hide of virgin

Tibetan Yaks

5. A forty inch 3D Plasma TV connected to

Sky and BT Sport (bring your own 3D glass-

es).

Two out of three for

6. Attendants have been headhunted from

One Hyde Park and will keep the place in

DaC’s Mr Boxing

the manner to which we have been accus-

tomed.

But Cassius misses out in title eliminator

7. Coffee, tea and a selection of filled rolls

will be available and...

8. On Sundays, a choice of smoked

Danny ‘Cassius’ Connor was said by

salmon or cream cheese beigels!

many to be unfortunate not to add

another win to his record after being

I can hardly wait!

outpointed over 10 rounds by Tyler

Geoff Levene

Goodjohn on Saturday 14th December

Call Sign Online

at the Matchroom Sports show at

London’s Excel Arena, which many

Dial-a-Cab drivers would have seen as

the bout was shown live on Sky

Sports.

Connor, who is trained by DaC’s

Alec Wilkey (W83) and Goodjohn,

battled it out in what was a highly

anticipated third contest between the two and an eliminator

for the English light-welterweight title.

It was 27 year-old Cassius who landed the first significant blow, a straight right in the first

round and it soon became evident that both fighters’ styles would make for a close and com-

pelling contest. Most rounds were visibly hard to score as Connor relied on his work rate and

combinations behind the jab, whilst Goodjohn picked his shots more carefully focusing on his

power punches.

Rounds were nip and tuck throughout the contest, with Connor producing some effective

straight arm shots, notably in the sixth round. Goodjohn varied his attacks whilst backing

Connor onto the ropes, with one of his standout shots being an uppercut in the same round.

At the end of the bout, the referee scored it 98-93 in favour of 22 year-old Goodjohn - a score

many found difficult to understand in such a closely fought bout.

Tyler can now build on this win as he goes for the English title whilst Connor

showed the heart and resolve needed to come again as he has done before.

Although Danny Connor went down, two of Alec’s other fighters added wins to their

records in spectacular fashion back in November as Adam Salman and Johnny Coyle both

recorded TKO victories on Miranda Carter’s Fighting Spirit show.

Salman proved to have too much for Sam Sharpe in his second pro fight as he piled on the

pressure in round four when forcing the referee to stop the contest. Coyle produced some slick

boxing behind his jab before upping the pace in the third round to stop Rick Boulter in his

tracks. This was only Johnny Coyle’s third fight and his first camp as part of Team Wilkey.

Pic: L-R Matt Marsh, Derek Grainger, Danny Connor and Alec Wilkey

Call Sign February 2014

Page 12

In the November Call Sign, we featured a

As London’s filming cyclist meets his match...

verbal battle between Dial-a-Cab driver

Melvyn Harvey (E87) and a cyclist who spe-

cialises in “catching out” motorists whom

SONOFTHEWIND IS NOW

he claims act dangerously towards the two-

wheeled variety of road users.

The gentleman cycles around using CCTV

JUST SONOFAB*TCH!

cameras attached to his person and when he

considers he has caught out a motorist, he

all road users to show consideration. That,

puts the CCTV footage online! The fact that

wrote Mr Luckhurst, surely applied to cyclists

many of his online videos show him looking

as well. Having watched the video taken by

sideways far more often than he looks straight

sonofthewindinc, the LTDA legal eagle came to

ahead seems irrelevant to him.

the conclusion that Mr Harvey had driven his

To give him his full internet identifica-

taxi in a correct and safe way and wrote:

tion, he is actually Sonofthewindinc and

“This video by sonofthewindinc is a bias

he rides a ridiculous looking two-wheeler

piece of footage from an individual who is

that looks more like it has escaped from a

quite clearly anti-cab. It is also an individual

film set - that being due to the amount of

who quite clearly is inconsiderate in the man-

lighting it has.

ner in which he cycles, both in relation to

Sometime ago, Sonofthewindinc accused

other road users in motorised vehicles and his

Melvyn of driving too close and following an

fellow cyclists.”

argument in Devonshire Street, Marylebone,

The LTDA barrister asked that any record

Melvyn retorted that he hadn’t been close at

of the complaint be deleted from Roadsafe

all citing the fact that Sonofthewind’s bike was

and in a response dated 9 December - 11

so bright that it was impossible to miss. But

months after the original incident - the

the cyclist put the video on his YouTube site

Met Police, through Inspector David

anyway alongside 100s of othe

Osborne, agreed that the matter had been

videos, he is seen telling a tou

deleted.

that he is out there looking

Melvyn Harvey told Call Sign: “Of course

for motorists that he considers

we should always be aware of cyclists; howev-

are wrong. So should we the

er this guy seems to go out onto the streets

assume that if he doesn’t fin

just to antagonise drivers. The fact that he has

any, perhaps he then has

so many clips on YouTube, with many of those

encourage them?

e Met police have

clearly showing that he is looking sideways

However, he wasn’t just c

rather than ahead, appears to prove that

ulled the cyclist's

tent with the video

(wh

point. His aim was just to show his power and

laim against

showed very little) because

I thank the LTDA for the use of barrister John

Melvyn (inset)

then also reported Melvyn to

Luckhurst and also the Met for finally seeing

Met Police Roadsafe Lo

sense.”

scheme. This is a police inform

Even so, watch out for sonofthewindinc

and intelligence gathering

because he probably doesn’t like us even

he point, preferring

where members of the public

more now! He might even now be sono-

in an online form and advise them about crim-

instead to point out the lack of riding skills of

fabi*chinc...!

the cyclist who he said appeared to deliber-

inal, nuisance and anti-social behaviour on the

roads of London. It is said to be staffed by

ately ride in the centre of the road. Rule 51 of

Baghwat Singh

the Highway Code, he pointed out, referred to

experienced traffic officers. We believe they

Call Sign Online

know of sonofthewindinc as a regular visitor.

One week later, the experienced DaC

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

driver - now in his 34th year with this

Society - received a letter from the Met

Police that said after watching the

sonofthewindinc video several times, they

LOCKHOUSE SECURITY

came to the conclusion that the distance

Melvyn had allowed between his taxi and

the cyclist was “not good enough.” They

All types of locks, opened, repaired and replaced

quoted from the Highway Code about dis-

10% discount on keys and locks for DaC drivers

tances that cyclists should be allowed, but

Transponders / chipped keys

tellingly added that it may not always be

On site key cutting services including taxis

possible but that

“better was expected

from professional drivers.”

Locks replaced / fitted to insurance specifications (BS3621

The letter ended by saying that should the

Burglary repairs / boarding up

police hear of a similar report about Melvyn,

Additional security / security upgrades

then they would inform TfL That turned the

Safes opened, repaired and serviced

letter into a direct threat on Melvyn’s ability to

earn a living and all because of a cyclist who

Grilles and security gates

obviously enjoys trying to catch motorists with

Specialists in UPVC doors and windows / patio doors

the aim of not just turning them into film

Free estimates / no call out charge

stars, but also reporting them to the police.

24hr service

So as an LTDA member, Melvyn spoke to

their in-house solicitor, John Luckhurst,

You can find us at:

who wrote to the Met at their Empress

State Building premises in Earls Court.

8-10 The Arcade, Farnham Road, Harold Hill

Mr Luckhurst pointed out that the lighting

Tel: 01708 371115

used by the cyclist was probably unlawful but

Call Sign February 2014

Page 13

This series commemorates 2014’s centennial beginning of WW1 hostilities and the heroics of those

connected in some way to Dial-a-Cab. This month, DaC’s longest-serving driver Alan Lewis…

DAC WAR HEROES

ney to Port Said. No

My Egyptian

matter how carefully we

experience

checked the manifesto

before leaving Fayid,

Astonishingly,

Alan

there were invariably

Lewis (A44) is now in

some things missing by

his fifty third year with

the time we reached our

Dial-a-Cab! But nine

destination due to Arabs

years before first arriv-

jumping onto the trucks

ing at the ODRTS

and offloading goodies

offices at Pentonville

without us ever know-

Road, Alan was to

ing!

begin a much longer

You always had to be

journey after being

on your guard because

called up to do his

you never knew who was

compulsory National

your friend or possible

Service.

enemy, but I became

“I was called up to

close buddies with a

play my part for Queen

Robert Elliott-James.

and country, completing

Over time we lost contact

the six weeks basic train-

but he was finally able to

ing at Hednesford in

locate me through the

Staffordshire, but was

Salvation Army and we

soon posted to Lytham St

Alan Lewis with his Canal Zone medal and in 1956 at Fayid

remain good friends after

Annes near Blackpool,”

sixty years.

he told Call Sign. “I was hoping that I might be able to work out my

It was he who told me about the award of the Canal Zone Medal, of

National Service just being based in the UK, but the RAF had other

which I was previously unaware, but I do remember the jazz musician

ideas. I was posted overseas to Egypt and the Suez Canal zone - at the

Acker Bilk being in our Unit, and apparently it was he, together with

time of the Suez crisis! Plenty of sunshine but not much fun...

others, who were the driving force behind our quest to being officially

The Suez crisis - aka the Sinai War - involved a confrontation

recognised for our efforts in that conflict.”

between Egypt on one side and Britain, France and Israel on the

other, while the USA, USSR and the UN attempted to politically

force the three countries to withdraw. It had followed Egyptian

President Gamal Abdel Nasser's decision to nationalise the Suez

Canal following the withdrawal of an offer by Britain and the USA

to fund the building of the Aswan Dam. The back-down by the

two countries was said to be in response to Egypt's new friendly

ties with the Soviet bloc and sudden recognition of China during

the tensions between the island of Taiwan - formerly known as

Formosa - and mainland China. The attack was an attempt to

regain Western control of the canal and to remove Nasser from

power. Western access to Middle East oil without the canal was in

danger.

I spent the entire length of my National Service time at ‘Fayid’ - a

huge RAF Station where some 5000 of us were based. I was deployed

in the Stores, which meant being responsible for just about everything

that made the place tick… food distribution, aircraft and motor vehicle

spare parts and re-ordering items to replenish our stock as they were

used and the multitude of other products that kept the base running

efficiently.

I was treated very well on base by all of the five thousand men I

served with, although there was only one other Jew on the base. His

name was Alan Vant. He became a market stall trader when he left the

service and I believe he also subsequently did the Knowledge to

become a cab driver.

We used to also employ local labour as well and there was a young

Arab on base whom I originally became quite friendly with. However,

bearing in mind the tensions between Egypt and Israel, he once uttered

to me in a threatening voice that if I ever went to his village, he would

slit my throat. It was obvious from his tone that he meant it! Until then,

I thought we had been friends, but after that comment the friendship

evaporated. He would often fall asleep on base when he should have

been working, and I would wake him up by pointing the muzzle of my

rifle at his nostrils and cocking the activating bolt. That usually woke

him up!

We would frequently be required to load a truck with supplies - food,

tyres or whatever had been requested - and make the dangerous jour-

Call Sign February 2014

Page 14

With all the help and advantages buses have over the rest of us, Tom Quigley (Y33) asks why 1889

people have still been killed or seriously injured by London buses over the past five years...

LOOKING AT (TAXI) LIFE

For many years, we taxi dri-

With Tom Quigley (Y33)

that TfL should reveal records to

show which Bus companies they

vers and the general public as

apply to together with a Borough by

a whole have seen the road

Borough account to show more clari-

system being changed and

ty and to give regular updates of all

rearranged with priority given

incidents.

to buses. designated bus

As of yet there has been no breakdown

lanes, bus stands and railway

as to the number of people actually

station areas, while at the

killed, although all such incidents are

recorded and files will have been kept.

same time the rest of us have

Obviously, not all the incidents will be

had many more restrictions

the fault of the bus driver or company,

applied to us. No other group

but with the sheer numbers, it is equally

of private companies have had

as obvious that they must be account-

so much assistance in making

endorsed by the many different com-

able.

their movement around

mittees that make up TfL.

There are questions that need to be

So it seems absolutely startling,

London easier.

answered and addressed and these

shocking and incredible that the

are just some of the subjects amongst

These, along with subsidies on fuel

number of people that have been

and other benefits, have helped the bus

many:

killed or seriously injured by

Where in London are the worst areas?

companies reach their profit targets

London Buses over the past five

while being fully supported and

Is the bus route layout correct?

years is 1,889!

What training is given?

Yes, that’s killed or seriously injured

What are the staff numbers?

Views on life as seen through the

(not minor or unrecorded incidents) by

Policy of late running - does it encour-

eyes of David Kupler (Y74) at...

London Buses in the last five years.

age speeding?

Year by year breakdown, incident

How many people have been killed

totals:

and why?

Kupkake’s

2008/09

441;

2009/10

324;

When HGV companies and many

2010/11

334;

2011/12

431;

other road users are under scrutiny

2012/13 - 359; 2013/14* - 137 (up to

with all the recent bike tragedies, a

August 2013).

proper and clearly detailed analysis

Korner

Strangely, some may think, these num-

of the safety of Public Transport in

bers and all records of them were not in

this area is needed...

the public domain and only emerged -

2013 was the Mayor’s Year of the Tube.

not via some so-called left wing trade

Now Mayor Johnson has launched 2014

organisation - by the Mayors own party!

as the Year of the Bus. I wonder what the

On November 13th 2013, the figures

Mayor will allocate to

2015? We all

were released to the Conservative group

know what it won’t be!!!

on the London Assembly under the

Tom Quigley

Freedom of Information Act and cover

Call Sign Online

2008 up till August 2013.

I was sitting on St Pancras

The group have further requested

Playing Scrabble on my phone,

When the bloke in front came over...

To have a rant and moan

Triathlon Plus Show at ExCel

His face looked familiar

The London Bike Show!

But I couldn’t place his name,

Our ages were quite similar...

Showing too long in this game!

The London Bike Show will take place from

13 - 16 February at ExCeL London.

He started off with Rickshaws

Moved on to A&L,

The London Bike Show is the UK’s largest cycling

He mumbled about Boris...

exhibition and in 2013 attracted over 38,000 visitors. Whether road

And the cyclists as well

cycling, mountain biking, BMX, cycle cross, a family cycle at the

He said the game was finished

weekend or commuting to work is your thing - you’ll find plenty to

And went back to his cab,

interest you and to have a great day out. There will be celebrities

I trapped my job to Euston...

appearing, including Sir Chris Hoy.

Life really ain’t that bad!

Kopyright Kupkake 2014

More details/book at www.thelondonbikeshow.co.uk or ExCel.

Call Sign February 2014

Page 15

Ingrebourne Links is a family golf

complex in Rainham, Essex. This excit-

ing new project is set on 350 acres of

SPECIAL GOLF OFFER

land and currently includes a superb

30 bay driving range and 9 hole ‘mini

At Ingrebourne Links, Rainham, Essex

links’ par 3 golf course. And we have

a special offer for taxi drivers...

There are also 27 full championship holes

with a major clubhouse in construction and we

have the best practice facility and par 3 course

in Essex! Our 30 bay driving range is fully cov-

ered and floodlit for lessons and practice all

year round. There is also a chipping green and

a putting green for you to get the most from

your practice.

Ingrebourne Links also boasts a fully fitted

coaching studio equipped with the latest tech-

nology for you to experience a premier service

from tuition and/or club fitting, run by our

Head PGA Professional, Nick Moncur along

with our other PGA Pros Glen Brown and

Head PGA Pro Nick Moncur

Darren Turner.

Our superb 9 hole par 3 course is a true links

excellent drainage making it playable all year

Ingrebourne Links; New Road, Rainham,

design by PGA Master Professional Alan Walker.

round. It boasts spectacular views over the

Essex RM13 9FL. Open Monday - Friday 8 am

The ‘mini links’ course is also the venue for the

Essex countryside and the City of London, with

- 9 pm. Saturdays and Sundays 8 am - 8 pm.

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the feel that you are by the coast on a genuine

More info: www.ingrebournelinks.com or

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LTFUC Hon Chair Report

The London Taxidrivers’ Fund for Underprivileged Children celebrated 85 glorious years of helping disadvantaged children in 2013.

The fund was started by a handful of drivers in the Leicester Square Shelter who decided to give something back and take a few

underprivileged children from the Norwood Orphanage to London Zoo. From this small beginning, the charity grew to what it is

today, but our main objective is still the same. We are now a charity comprising of 13 trustees who are licensed London Taxi dri-

vers and our time and expertise is given freely, keeping overheads down and ensuring that each child we help gets approximately

99p out of every pound we receive in donations. In December 2012, I had the great honour to attend (with my husband Gerald)

the Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers (alias Wireworkers) Christmas Dinner and I thank them for being both past and

present great supporters of our Fund. Also in December, the trustees and disabled children from the Bridge School were invited

once again to attend Clarence House to help our Patron, HRH the Duchess of Cornwall, decorate the Christmas tree in the

downstairs apartments. HRH has such a rapport with disabled children and a great time was had by all.

On 20th January 2013, our 85th anniversary celebrations really began with our Mad Hatters Tea Party held at the JW

Marriott Grosvenor House and in spite of Arctic weather conditions, the party was a brilliant success. The children had a won-

derful time and I must thank all those involved, too numerous to name, who made it such a special day.

The Southend outing was again full of fun and laughter. The taxis were covered in balloons and all sorts of decorations, but driver Steve Pulham and his helper

Kay Molyneaux went one step further and made an excellent wooden 85th birthday cake for the roof of their taxi and won first prize for their efforts. Thank you

and well done to everyone who participated on the day.

My husband Gerald and I had the privilege and honour to be invited to Buckingham Palace as part of Her Majesty the Queen’s Jubilee Celebrations. The sun

was shining; the Royal Family were all in attendance and as a taxi driver I felt very humble and appreciative to be part of this fantastic day.

In August we took children to see Matilda the Musical at the Cambridge Theatre and we thank the Royal Shakespeare Company for inviting us. The show

was funny, poignant and just plain amazing and we thank all those involved in the day for giving the children a fantastic, unforgettable afternoon.

In September, the team behind the famous English farce Run for your Wife hosted a Gala screening for the LTFUC at the Stratford Theatre. The cast and writer,

Ray Cooney, made it such a special night and I cannot remember laughing so much at a film for a long time. My thanks go to all involved, with a special thank you

going to Ray Cooney for also donating a large cheque to us.

Also in September, a few committee members and their wives joined me at the Pearly Harvest Festival, which started at the Guildhall and ended with a service

being held at the St. Mary-le-Bow (Bow Bells) Church. This is such a traditional day for London and we are grateful to the Pearlies for giving us such great support

every year.

In October we held The Rank of Angels interfaith service at St Paul’s Cathedral to celebrate our 85th anniversary. During the day we were granted the use of

St Paul’s Courtyard to promote the charity and raise funds, which attracted many people. In the evening there was a Concert by the London Charity Orchestra

conducted by William Carslake, including the new London Children’s Choir and the Pembroke Academy of Music conducted by Ronald Corp. To just say thank

you to all those involved does not seem enough. The day was wonderful with a serene and magical evening. We thank them all most sincerely.

Of course my thanks also go to those of you too numerous to name for the help and support you give the LTFUC. I must also thank the Trustees, their wives and

partners for their support; they are the best team ever. I also thank the drivers and their partners, as without you there would be no Fund. Last, but not least, thank

you to my husband Gerald for his total support.

I have had three hard working, humbling and glorious years as Hon Chair and it is now time to pass the mantle on. I look forward to working along-

side and giving my total support to Simeos Yiannikaris, who will take on the position of Hon Chair with as much gusto as all of us who have enjoyed

the privilege before.

Susan Angel, LTFUC Hon Chair

Call Sign February 2014

Page 16

LTFUC Mad Hat

all Sign has been attending the London Taxidrivers’ Fund for Underprivileged

really great act appreciated by the audience who c

Children Mad Hatters tea party at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House for many years

ing. But it had hardly started because next up wa

- in fact we have been sponsoring the guest’s nosh on the balcony for the past five years,

and his son Lagi. Just as they did on their first ap

which this year was being supervised by David Lessman (D19). Invitations had gone out

act tore the house down! They went from Gr

for 700 children (plus carers) and usually around 10% don’t come, Last year saw atrocious weather

Shmelvis guest appearance along with two vol

conditions with a blizzard prior to the party and that kept the attendance down, but for this year it

writer smile! When BGT’s Simon Cowell says so

felt as though everyone turned up and the hotel’s Great Room heaved to a full house!

rest of us - and Stavros is that!

Welcomed by the new LTFUC Chairperson, Sim Yiannikaris, who took over from Susan Angel in

Was that it? Of course it wasn’t because this was

December, the children and their carers tucked in to sandwiches, pizzas, cream cakes and trifles! It

still young; so following Stavros were two regula

The hotel deserves huge thanks for their continued support of the Fund over many, many years.

during the blizzard - Gabriela and Monica - The

Then the entertainment began with the drummers who made all the noise at the

in a 20 minute set that certainly pleased the male

Olympic Park when working as London 2012 Olympic volunteers, Pandemonium. It made

year or the duo are growing out of them! Either

for a real fun start!

With a rest for the sound engineers, the Ma

Amanda’s Action Show provided some brilliant singing and dancing from youngsters who

floor to lead the longest conga ever seen - at

obviously were looking for a future in the entertainment business. And speaking of “just last year,”

Young Lily Jewel - who we think is now 13 yea

following Amanda’s super kids were a band who have been providing musical fun to the Mad

her first appearance at the Tea Party several years

Hatters for more years than most can remember; the amazing Bournemouth Carnival Band.

out of all measure and she must be one entertain

Dressed as Spiderman and Spiderwoman (was there ever a Mrs Peter Parker), this band never fail

Another Britain’s Got Talent success came on

to entertain - and as most entertainers will tell you, 700 kids aren’t always the easiest to please!

semi-finals with their street dancing, travelled do

When it comes to entertainment, this next act was just absolutely brilliant. Act Now is a per-

five girls - the oldest one being 18 - were dress

forming arts program that has inspired the talent of young performers over the past 30 years. They

the older watchers whose only street dance appl

are trained by professionals and it certainly showed as they put on their brilliant version of

What can I say about Fulcrum that could just

Hairspray. Call Sign was told afterwards that one of their young actresses had received the

who take acrobatics to an amazing new level. A

Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in the West End version of Matilda!

Fulcrum for almost 8 years and are former Britis

Next up was something new for the Mad Hatters - The Epika Fusion Dancers. This all-female

They have even represented Great Britain in inte

group presented their Bollywood dance show. It was dynamic and unique for the Mad Hatters. A

batic adagio and static trapeze act. It is nothing l

“I told you not to

with a ‘w’ in it!”

Call Sign February 2013

Page 17

tters Party 2014

couldn’t believe the entertainment they were see-

Ventriloquist Steve Hewlett and his assortment of clever puppets deservedly reached the final

as everyone’s favorite twosome - Stavros Flatley

of Britain’s Got Talent. The BGT audience went wild when he turned up with a Simon Cowell

ppearance on Britain’s Got Talent in 2009, their

puppet - yes, even Mr Cowell! It’s hardly surprising that he went down so well at the Mad Hatters!

eek dancing to the Blues Brothers to an Elvis

Finally, we reached the last act. Host for the afternoon, Dave Davis, introduced them by explain-

lunteers from the audience that still makes this

ing to the 700 bopping kids just who The Beatles were. Boy, did that make some of us feel old!

mething is funny, then it must be hilarious to the

But The Silver Manatees came on to sing five of the mop heads greatest hits. They were dressed

just as the Liverpool foursome had been during their days at The Cavern - and the joint just

s the Mad Hatters Tea Party and the afternoon was

rocked!

ars who even turned up and performed last year

Dave Davis also interviewed on stage some of the guests at the party. Among them were fabu-

Cheeky Girls. They performed their biggest hits

lous actress and taxi-user Barbara Windsor and her fellow EastEnders star Jasmyn Banks who

e carers as their outfits either get skimpier by the

played naughty Alice Branning. The script says Alice is currently in prison but she was obviously

way, they were really entertaining once again.

let out for the party! Also there was Joe Swash, yet another former Walford resident as Mickey

d Hatters characters came out onto the dance

Miller. Joe is also a former winner of reality show I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here but is

least at the Grosvenor House!

proud of the fact that he used to attend the LTFUC Mad Hatters as a child and says that he never

rs old - showed how much she has matured since

forgot the wonderful experience he had at the time. Former World Heavyweight boxing champion

ago. Her voice and stage presence have improved

Frank Bruno gave us an “’ullo ‘Arry” to almost complete a brilliant day. We say almost because still

ner who could have a big future.

to come was a disco where the floor filled with children and characters - unless you still wanted

next. The Shockarellas, who reached the BGT

some face-painting, a portrait, perhaps a ride on a police motor bike, a marsh Mallow covered in

wn from Manchester to entertain the party. These

the chocolate fountain or an animal balloon! And not forgetting a bag full of toys as you left!

ed from head to toe in leather and amazed even

The Fund have asked us to thank everyone involved, which we do, but let’s not forget

ies to drunken night outs!

LTFUC’s Raymond Levy and wife Maureen who put the show together and the rest of the

ify the brilliance of this male/female partnership

LTFUC committee and their wives who work like Trojans on the day to make sure every-

shley and Sarah have been working together as

thing runs smoothly. It did and 700 children and a few hundred carers all say thank you...

sh champions in Sports Acrobatics and Aerobics.

rnational competitions and now present an acro-

Alan Fisher (and official helper, Samuel Fisher)

ess than sheer, total, amazing brilliance.

Pics: Alan Green and Alan Fisher

Dave Davis

with

Barbara

Windsor

Editor’s helper / grandson Samuel with Joe

say anything

Swash and Jasmyn Banks

Call Sign February 2014

Page 18

Emission free

new taxis - by law!

Brian Rice chats to LTDA Gen Sec Steve

McNamara

Call Sign was at City Hall, along

with Dial-a-Cab Chairman Brian

Rice, to watch the London Taxi

Company, Frazer-Nash and

Karsan show Mayor of London

Boris Johnson the taxis that will

have the capability of being

emission free by 2018.

By 1st January of that year, all new

taxis - although not apparently private

Boris talks to the world about electric taxis

hire - will have to be capable of zero

emissions in order to get a licence. The

Mayor had previously stated that follow-

ing the introduction of an Ultra Low

Emission Zone in central London by

2020, London taxis would be emission

free by then. Two years have now been

eclipsed from that original estimate for

new ones.

The Mayor and TfL are said to be

exploring a number of supporting mea-

sures with the Office of Low Emission

Vehicles (OLEV) and are in discussion

with the Green Investment Bank con-

cerning possible financial assistance for

drivers.

The Mayor told the waiting press: “The

London taxi is iconic in so many ways

- not least in terms of its eye-catching

The Karsan

looks and the way it is piloted by wily

experts who know the capital like the

back of their hand. But its one

Achilles heel, particularly of older

models, has been the pollution gen-

erated by chugging diesel engines. As

part of my mission to improve our air

quality and drive innovation, I'm

making a firm pledge to Londoners

that from 2018, all taxis presented for

licensing should be zero emission

capable. The cleaner, greener vehicles

I've seen today are proof that the evo-

lution of the great London cab is well

and truly underway. But it won’t

work unless taxi drivers can buy

them affordably.”

London Assembly Green Party mem-

ber, Baroness Jenny Jones, said that

Partners in the battery-charged, Hydrogen fuelled hybrid TX4

although electric taxis would be available

by 2015, London’s 1,300 charging points

Perhaps the strangest of the five taxis

working with London’s Royal

College

were insufficient to support them and

was the Turkish made Concept V1 from

of Art to deliver a bespoke taxi design

asked the Mayor to speed up his original

Karsan, which was developed by design

for London.

target of 25,000 charging points.

engineering company Hexagon Studios

Pics: Alan Green

Call Sign February 2013

Page 19

In an issue featuring the new generation of hybrid taxis, this is...

THE LAST METROCAB!

Now in his eighteenth year with

the original order and production line

details from August 2005. Anyway, they do

DaC, Eddie Lambert (V37) has

not actually issue the plates so the cab had

always been seen driving a

to go back to my local DVLA office - luckily

Metrocab. But he explained to

in Peterborough about a mile from home.

I’m not sure what went on between VOSA

Call Sign that his cab could

and DVLA but after another inspection by

become unique...

DVLA (!!!!) they agreed to issue a plate and

“I don't know if any Dial-a-Cab drivers

said that if I could get a letter from Eddie

know this, but I have the last Metrocab of

Crossley as the last garage retailer of

the old production line. It was found in the

Metrocabs confirming that the cab was as

old factory in late 2009 when the site was

per a 2005 spec and not 2003, they would

sold and a taxi parts dealer was asked to

give me an 05 plate.

clear the site - I guess in exchange for what

So in August 2010 my cab took to the

was there.

streets of London. Strangely, the registra-

My cab was found in the corner where

tion number of the brand new electric

it had been left apparently when staff

Metrocab was RE63 EJL and my initials

were informed that the business had

are EJL...!

folded yet again.

not been registered as it came off the line,

I suppose that we must now wait to see if

Apparently it was hawked around several

due to the shutdown.

the E-Metrocab will live up to the hopes

garages including GJs, but any sale pro-

Nightmare! It wasn't a one-off or a

invested in it. I certainly hope it does or

posed fell through. I heard about it and put

restricted run and as a production line

I could be looking at a period of about 5-6

in an offer which was accepted. That was

product, it needed a crash certificate.

years as the only Metrocab on the streets of

when my problems started.

I eventually managed to get it passed by

London!”

Got an MOT on it (not a problem - even

the VOSA station in North London (on the

Eddie Lambert (V37)

without a number plate). Then I contacted

same industrial complex that GJ's in Harbet

Call Sign Online

the DVLA; they said I needed to contact

Rd is situated, but opposite the canal).

VOSA first for a test. VOSA wanted to crash

However, they wanted to say it should

Thanks from Eddie to Gary and crew at

test it. This was because European Type

MAG Diesels, Eddie Crossley and lads at

have a 03 plate as the only date marked

approval expires two years after the last

product they could find was the glass. This

Richmond Road and Vince at GJ's for

vehicle off the production line and mine had

advice and help

was despite paperwork I had that showed

NV200 ready in December

Nissan has unveiled its new London taxi - the

ed to be slightly less than the TX4 and return

NV200. Learning from driver’s comments fol-

a fuel consumption pushing 40mpg. Low

lowing the Vito launch, the New York Taxi of

emissions will mean a road tax of £220.

Tomorrow has been re-designed to make it

Nissan is also forging ahead with its pio-

instantly recognisable as one of the capital’s

neering work in the sustainable motoring

iconic black cabs, or as they now call it, the

field, developing a 100 per cent electric taxi -

Taxi for London.

the e-NV200 - which it aims to have on the

After first revealing their plans in 2012

streets of London years ahead of the Mayor’s

and in response to London Mayor Boris

new target of 2018 for the development of a

Johnson, TfL and other key organisations

zero-emissions taxi. Nissan’s electric taxi will

that have put their backing behind the new

be on the streets of a UK city in 2015.

taxi, Nissan redesigned the vehicle to better

From a total of around 23,000 currently

reflect the iconic nature of the traditional

licensed London taxis, the Mercedes Vito

25-foot turning circle.

London black cab.

accounts for 2,177 with the rest made by

Among the new changes are round head-

The NV200 newly-redesigned taxi has

the London Taxi company. There will

lamps and a re-modelled grille mirroring

been developed for London in

soon be a third option...

the traditional ‘face’ of the London taxi,

Paddington by Nissan Design Europe

LED lighting to improve visibility of the tra-

(NDE). However, Spain celebrated the

news, as the vehicle will be built in the

ditional taxi sign and completely new front

bumper panels.

Call Sign

Nissan factory in the Catalan city of

Barcelona.

Nissan intends putting the NV200 on sale in

February 2014

The new taxi will be launched in December

the capital in December 2014 and from its

Editor: Alan Fisher

2014 with a modern, clean, 1.6-litre petrol

launch the new taxi will be available with a 1.6-

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

engine equipped with an automatic gearbox.

litre petrol engine and an automatic gearbox.

Tel: 0207 251 0581 Fax: 0207 553 7293

The engine is smaller than the New York

Compared to current diesel taxis, this engine

Email: callsignmag@aol.com

NV200’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder powertrain,

will be far cleaner, with lower levels of NOx and

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

presumably for the sake of increased fuel

particulates. The vehicle operates with a sliding

Printers: Premier Print Group

economy.

rear-door set-up and seats five passengers.

25 - 31 Violet Rd, London E3

Nissan already has a rich pedigree in the

Nissan franchised dealer group, Glyn

Design: Aldan Publications

London taxi market with many drivers having

Hopkin, has been appointed as the exclu-

Tel: 07958 300 428

fond memories of its excellent 2.7-litre TD27

sive retailer to sell the Nissan NV200 Taxi

Email: deborahfresco@gmail.com

diesel engine in the FX4 Fairway and some

for London from a purpose-built, ultra-

Views and opinion expressed in Call Sign must

in the 1980s and ‘90s TX1. Naturally the

modern showroom facility based in

not be assumed to represent those of the Editor or

Board.No part of Call Sign may be reproduced

new Nissan adheres to the London

Canary Wharf.

either manually or electronically without the express

The cost has not been revealed but is expect-

Conditions of Fitness including the required

permission of the Editor.

Call Sign February 2014

Page 20

DaC’s Richard Potter (T51) looks at taxi meter prices

LTFUC Hon

and asks...

Treasurer’s Report

ARE WE TOO EXPENSIVE???

ven though the economy

When John Mason recently left LTPH, one

seems to be picking up,

thing he got spot on was when he said that we

many charities are suffering.

care about the trade we work in. I believe Dial-

The London Taxidrivers’

a-Cab drivers and staff care about the trade

Fund for Underprivileged

more than most.

Children is no exception. However,

Recently I came across some old minutes of a

as a result of the prudent safeguards

meeting between trade reps and TfL regarding

of the past few years, the Fund has

our annual fare increase. If we get a 3% fare increase this April, over the

maintained strong reserves to

past 3 years the increase would have been 10% overall. Take that increase

enable continued support for the

to my accountant and my gross earnings will have increased, but my net

many disadvantaged children of

earnings would have stayed virtually the same because of the increased

Greater London. General adminis-

cost of diesel. In reality I am no better off.

tration expenses add up to just over 0.5 % of generated

So when we tender for accounts and they complain about the

income, allowing nearly every penny of income to be spent

increase in costs, it`s a hard one to explain because the taxman gets

on improving the quality of life for those in need.

our increase via our fares whilst costing the firms more. But that’s

Over £4500 of grants were made during the year ending 31

no concern of theirs.

October 2013, including supporting the children of taxi dri-

I was interested to read that one of our former accounts in E14 recent-

vers who have been unable to work. The Grosvenor House

ly made a record £12billion profit before deciding to use a cheaper form

children’s party expenses were greater than the previous year

of surface transport. So in this very difficult trading environment, should

with transport costs increasing due to the really atrocious

we get the consultants in to look at our product and our fares? But how

weather, while the cost of the annual outing to Southend was

long do you think it would take before we started to tell them what was

virtually the same as the last year, although the one-off item of

wrong with our trade rather than vice versa, because our trade is like no

china mugs to celebrate our 85th anniversary did increase the

other due to our monopoly on plying for hire. I’m sure that there are many

total.

people from outside who think they can change our trade for the better

However, thanks to the generosity of its many benefactors,

overnight; however, on closer examination they then retreat with their tails

the Fund was able to recover much of these outlays and has

between their legs.

been able to maintain its high profile within the London

So should we change our product, our service, our fares? Well, most of

licensed taxi trade, giving hundreds of disadvantaged children

us agree that the TX cab is the traditional way forward and we want what

many great memories of the year’s events.

we have already - but a much better version. There is much room for

improvement and the interviews with their Chairman Li Shufu in Call

Lilian Julier

Sign show that Geely are fully aware of this. The public like what we give

them and our ratings with TfL are high and we are regularly voted the best

LTFUC Hon Treasurer

taxi service in the world. The Knowledge is highly respected and cabbies

are well thought of when it comes to knowing where we are going.

Then there are our charges, should we change them...?

When I started taxi driving, there was some competition

from minicabs but not much and the public have always com-

plained about our fares even when Terminal 3 to SW5 cost £20 and

EC2 to Snodland cost £45. One thing for certain is that whatever

price we charge, PH will charge 25% less so we are the benchmark

and it makes getting involved in a price war totally futile.

Winter Pro Am Series

Look in the windows of some PH companies in WC2 offering a trip to

The Hertfordshire Golf & Country Club is pleased to announce dates

Heathrow for £32. How can we compete with that and in reality, who

for the 2013/14 Winter Pro Am Golf events

wants to compete with that! It doesn't mean that we should charge the

earth, but I believe that all fare increases are justified because why should

2014

it cost me more to come to work and besides, most companies pass on

Friday 28th February 2014

increases to their customers and genuine reductions usually come about

Friday 28th March 2014

because suppliers sell products more cheaply in the first place.

So how can we pass on reductions via our fares? Looking at the recent

The format of each event will be in teams of three amateurs with a

cost index, some things - such as insurance - do go down, but balanced

Professional played as a team with the best two Stableford scores to

out overall there is always an increase. So in reality the answer is that we

count and an individual Professional competition

can’t. But are we expensive?

Well my local taxis are nearly as expensive as ourselves mile on

Each event will follow the below itinerary:

mile and Luton Taxis are even more expensive, considering that nei-

09.30 Coffee & bacon roll on arrival

ther do a 3 year knowledge. I guess the question is how much firms

10.30 Shot gun start

are prepared to pay for their taxis and why do companies decide to

15.00 Two course meal

jump ship when they can clearly afford the best?

The coalition government came into power with a magic wand, but it

Team prizes and Individual cash prizes for Professionals

quickly became apparent that their ideas would do little and the reality set

For team of 3 Amateurs visitors £135

in that they have little power to control the economy. So if our product is

Members & Dial-a-Cab drivers £105.00

good and our fares are affordable and the service very good, should we

(£25 for professional)

not just sit back and wait for the economy to return to something that

Maximum handicap: (3/4 handicap) of Gentlemen 24, Ladies 30.

resembles normality?

You may enter an amateur team only (we will allocate a Professional

Richard Potter

for you) or Professionals can bring their own team

Call Sign Online

Let Call Sign know your views; are we too expensive or should we give

Please call Elaine on 01992 466666 ex 249 for an entry form.

up trying to compete with PH?

To confirm entry, full payment will be required with your entry form

Call Sign February 2014

Page 21

I spent quite a lot of

time in 2013 research-

WW1, WHITSTABLE

ing material for two

Tours in 2014 - both

to commemorate the

AND RADIO CAROLINE!

100th anniversary of

the start of WW1. One

Bob Woodford and his WW1 commemoration thoughts..

will be a Walking Tour

and the other a Taxi

own research, which led me to recall that it was

Wetherspoon Pub (and named after one time

Tour.

at Seasalter (next door along the coast) where

celebrity resident Sir Peter Cushing), while the

Commemorate is the correct word because I

occurred the last skirmish involving a foreign

old café that was once called The Lantern is no

did hear one radio station recently label the

invading force to take place on mainland British

more and its famous sign ‘There is always a bite

event as a celebration - which I consider to be a

soil.

when the lantern is alight’ has now been

The not-so-well-known ‘Battle of Graveney

replaced by the obligatory Tandoori announce-

disgusting turn of phrase in the context of such

a brutal conflict. Is it just lazy journalism? The

Marsh’ took place on the night of 27th

ment. The Lantern also claimed publicity

September 1940 when the crew of a shot-

between 1964 and 1967 when it became a

same medium wave channel in their same

down Nazi Junker fought a squadron of sol-

drinking base for the disc jockeys of the radio

hourly news broadcast mentioned a report from

diers from the London Irish Rifles.

pirate ship Radio Caroline who broadcast pop

St Thomas’s Hospital that they said was based

Our boys arrived at the crash landing site

music from their ship, the MV Mi Amigo sever-

in Westminster!

from their billet at the Sportsman Inn to find

I find it quite insulting that a radio station

al miles off the coast of Frinton on Sea. Among

the four crew members unexpectedly ready to

based in west London, employing researchers

the DJs were Tony Blackburn, Roger ‘Twiggy’

fight and armed with machine guns! But after a

from the outback, can tell me that Lambeth is no

Day, Simon Dee, Spangles Muldoon, Johnnie

heavy exchange of fire and with one of the

longer the home of one of the capital’s biggest

Walker, Robbie Dale and Dave Lee Travis.

enemy seriously injured, the Germans surren-

hospitals - just because you can see Big Ben

From Frinton to Whitstable by car was over 100

dered and were taken prisoner.

from its windows! But then I suppose those

miles, but from the ship it was just a short trip

Three years ago, the London Irish Rifles

researchers couldn’t give a 4 XXXX either! I tend

in a tender.

Regimental Association marked its

70th

to flick through radio stations when in the sad-

You can of course enjoy a curry there if you

anniversary by unveiling a commemorative (not

dle, but I won’t bother with that one anymore!

must, but I would always recommend The Crab

celebratory!) plaque at the ‘Sportsman’.

Besides, they spent 24 hours regurgitating the

and Winkle down by the harbour if you fancy a

The pub - unlike many others these days it

same old drivel about 4 football teams!

seems - survives, which is fitting because there’s

weekend in the fishing and harbour town of

But I digress - back to the War theme. I was

evidence of a pub on this site since 1642,

Whitstable.

grateful for all the emails I received last year

around the time of the English Civil War.

More about the commemoration tours in

from Call Sign readers pointing out various

Much of the Whitstable that I knew from sum-

later issues of Call Sign...

observations and anecdotes relating to both

mer holidays as a kid though is long gone. The

Bob Woodford

World Wars. But it was a weekend trip down to

Oxford Cinema where mum forced us to

Whitstable that reminded me of some of my

endure The Sound of Music is now a

Call Sign Online

Call Sign February 2014

Page 22

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

Brethren of the Whip

weapon used to kill the victim, whether it be a

sending out youngsters. Whilst Henry was

The

knife, sword, gun, or as in this case a hackney

imprisoned in Newgate awaiting trial, Thomas

cabriolet and the horse! So Bartholomew

Horne, described as “a mere lad,” was found

younger

senior was deprived of one of his cabs (but

guilty of furious driving. As was the norm

they

kept the licence owning two plates) and young

before drivers were licensed and therefore

Bartholomew was deprived of his liberty. Bail

responsible for their actions, his master was

come...

was refused and he was incarcerated in

fined 40shillings (£2).

1832 had not been

Newgate Gaol.

But the record for the youngest cab driver

a very good year for

A few weeks later, a tearful Henry

must surely go to 12 year old John Robert

63 year old Lady

Bartholomew appeared in the dock at the Old

Amos, who driving his father’s cab with his

Barham. Her hus-

Bailey. Many testified to his safe driving skills

permission, crashed into a Phaeton. Amos

band had died five

and others stated that it was impossible for that

senior was fined £2 with £5 costs. Unable to

weeks previously and still dressed in

particular horse to ride at a gallop (after all, the

pay, he was sent to prison for one month with

mourning black, she was now busy sorting

fishmonger had chased and caught up with it).

hard labour.

out his financial affairs. As she crossed

Henry was found not guilty of manslaughter by

Despite the problems facing youngsters

Margaret Street walking towards Cavendish

the jury who felt that his father had acted irre-

driving a hackney coach or cab and the phys-

Square, a cab, said to be “driven at the gal-

sponsibly in sending out a cab driven by one

ical strength needed to control a horse, the

lop,” came out of (John) Princes Street,

so young. They recommended that both

Hackney Carriage Act 1838 set the minimum

struck her and she fell under a wheel.

licences held by Bartholomew should be

age for a driver’s licence at just 16 years old.

Several witnesses rushed to Lady Barham’s

revoked. After some heavy petitioning by Lady

Henry Bartholomew had been less than one

aid and helped her into the house of a banker.

Barham’s relatives, this eventually occurred,

year from escaping opprobrium because of

A local fishmonger ran after the cab, which had

though as Trevor May in his Gondolas and

his age.

failed to stop. He caught the attention of the

Growlers suggests, it may have been the only

driver who refused to return to the scene and

instance of this ever happening.

Sean Farrell

drove off.

The case did not stop other proprietors

Call Sign Online

Lady Barham was later placed in a coach and

taken to her residence at 26 Queen Anne

Street. She was sitting in a chair when her

physician arrived, but he sent her straight to

bed and diagnosed a broken wrist, several bro-

ken ribs and possibly internal bleeding.

Despite failing to get the cab to stop, the

KEEP FIT

fishmonger did make a note of the plate num-

With former British boxing Champion Matt Marsh...

ber (897). He gave this to the (only recently

formed) police along with his statement, for

which he was paid 5 shillings (25p). He later

Did you enjoy the holiday

got a friend to write a letter of complaint to the

period and all that delicious

police and he was rewarded with a further 20

food that went with it? Afte

shillings for doing his public duty.

all, you told yourself that

Furnished with the cab number, PC

once they were over you

Hooker, dressed in plain clothes, hung round

would knuckle down to

a cab yard in Kepple Mews North (later

regain the fitness that may

rebuilt as Malet Street). He did not have to

have mysteriously escaped

wait long as cab 897 pulled into the yard. He

walked in and began questioning the driver

after that third portion of

who readily admitted that he was the driver

Xmas pud!

responsible and that he had known of the acci-

Well you now have that

dent but was too afraid to return to the scene.

opportunity as Dial-a-Cab dri-

Perhaps his apprehension could be under-

vers / staff members can get

stood when it was confirmed that the driver,

fit for 2014 with former super

Henry Bartholomew, son of the proprietor,

bantamweight British boxing

was just 15 years old! Young Henry was taken

into police custody.

champion and six times

Matters took a turn for the worse when, after

national champion, Matt

three days, Lady Barham died from her

Marsh.

injuries. The subsequent inquest found Henry

Matt’s gym is in Welling

Bartholomew guilty of manslaughter, whilst

and he offers training based

expressing their disgust that the father should

around pad work and cir-

allow his young son to drive a cab on the

cuits. There are one-to-one sessions or you

streets of London. To show their dismay, the

inquest jury levied a deodand of £50 against

can train in twos or threes.

Henry’s father. This ancient right survived till

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

the 1860s and allowed the victim’s family to

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

receive money forfeited from the sale of the

Call Sign February 2014

Page 23

Feeling a bit chafed!

“It was rather baffling at first,

really weird,” Scott Charlton

(A75) explained to Call Sign,

referring to the red and yellow

engine warning lights that

beamed brightly from the instru-

ment panel of his three and a

half year old TX4.

“I wondered what was happening and then

almost immediately after the two warning

lights came on, I suddenly lost engine power

too, which made me realise things were pretty

serious. So I staggered carefully into my regu-

lar dealership close to where I live to get it

sorted rather smartish, my heart still pumping

rather wildly at what the fault might be - not

to mention the likely cost of repair!

“I know now it all had something to do with

the Engine Control Unit (ECU) and I’m very

the engine bay, such as prior to an overhaul.

of the wiring on the right goes via the unit.

grateful to Stanway Engineering in

Cover the unit with waterproof material and

Or thanks to Stanway Engineering. They

Chingford for getting me back on the road fair-

be careful where you aim that hosepipe!”

can be contacted on 0208 559 4988...

ly quickly and saving me a mega amount of

The photo shows the taped-up unit. Most

money into the bargain! I had £, $ and € signs

flashing in front of my eyes as I crept up to the

garage!”

Scott’s tone lifted noticeably remember-

LTBAWD take vets flying!

ing how he felt both before and then after-

wards! But to clarify what had gone wrong

In September 2013, The London Taxi

with Scott’s cab and also for the benefit of

Benevolent Association for War

Call Sign readers who may come across the

Disabled invited around twenty mem-

same problem, we made contact with a

bers of the armed forces who are cur-

spokesman at Stanway Engineering who

rently at Headley Court Rehabilitation

went to great lengths to explain what had

Centre to a day of Micro light flying at

happened and how the fault was resolved.

Damyns Hall Aerodrome near

The spokesperson began by explaining that

Upminster, Essex. It had been organised

it had been an electrical wiring fault.

by committee member Gary Belsey.

“The ECU is the ‘brains’ of the cab to a large

The members of the forces arrived and

degree, controlling many aspects of operation

after registration and instructions as to

within the taxi, particularly engine manage-

what to do in the plane, they were

eager to participate in the flying. It

ment. There are some 150 wires that connect

was great to see them enjoying them-

the ECU to other components and engine

selves and there was a continuous queue

management/performance is one of them. So

Then after lunch it was back into the planes - flights taking them over parts of Essex and across

when there is a failure within the system, the

the Thames into Kent and over the Dartford crossing.

ECU automatically goes into ‘limp’ mode to

All too soon it was time for the guys and girls to leave and make their way back to Headley Court, all saying

prevent further damage to the engine, while

what a very enjoyable day it had been and how they would love to do it again.

still allowing the cab to be driven to a maxi-

The Chairman and committee of the LTBAWD would like to thank all the staff at Damyns Hall for all

mum of 1500 revs (about 25/30 MPH) in order

their work on the day.

to get you home - or as in Scott’s case, right

Derek Leone, Taxicharity.org

here!

“We found that the wiring from the ECU had

been chafing against part of the metal body-

THE ALPHA POWER PILL

work of the cab causing a short circuit, and

that was the root cause of Scott’s woes. It’s a

Now even better!

reasonably common fault. We resolved the

issue by insulating the chafed sections of

Helps cut the cost of diesel - and reduce Emissions!

wiring and re-routing the main cabling away

from the bodywork to prevent a re-occur-

OnlyCabs.co.uk are pleased to supply

rence.

Dial-a-Cab drivers with the amazing Alpha Pill

“Scott was lucky because we managed to

save the ECU itself, which is a very expensive

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

item to replace (£920 + VAT). We actually keep

a spare unit here in order to keep taxis on the

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

road while we order a new replacement part,

on the ad code

which can take a little time but at least that

allows the driver to continue working.

Or telephone your order to:

“If I can just give a word of warning to Call

Stephen Vale at Only Cabs 020 3239 6101

Sign readers,” the spokesperson ended by say-

ing, “do not get the ECU wet when cleaning

Call Sign February 2014

Page 24

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 two

From Call Sign, September 1999

1999 issues of Call Sign. The

TALKING TO BRIAN RICE

question is whether Addison

Lee would have been as they

Dial-a-Cab editor Alan Fisher has questioned the

are now had we ever gone

Chairman on his statement from last month...

You say that DaC have had enquiries from very large corporate

ahead...

clients re organising their ground transport departments. Did they

From Call Sign, August 1999

approach us or did we approach them after hearing about it through the

grapevine?

FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Brian Rice: We were actually approached. One particular corporate that

approached us spends in excess of £5 million a year on ground transport (ie not

including flying) and this is now very big business. Organising it could provide

them with a very large headache indeed. Just as we wouldn't tell these clients how

to buy or sell Euro bonds or Junk bonds, they realise that we at Dial-a-Cab are now

the experts in the field of transportation. That is why they approached us to tender

for the business of organising their complete ground transportation system.

Call Sign: Is this purely a business venture in the sense that we would be earning

money out of it?

Brian Rice: We would certainly be earning money in management fees, but I also

believe that it is our duty to give as much work as possible to our members and I

have a very simple choice: I either tender for this business in order to retain £2 mil-

lion of taxi business or I can tell them that we are not interested because my mem-

bers do not want me to sub-contract work out to other forms of transport - which

could include minicabs. I believe that the majority of DaC members would want

me to tender for this contract in order to retain this £2 million of taxi business for

them.

Ground Transportation

Call Sign: You said in the article that we were probably the only company who

Dial-a-Cab have had some enquiries

could actually organise the transportation system now. Is it possible that another

from very large corporate clients for

licensed taxi company could actually give themselves a quick brush-up and then

us to manage their ground trans-

put in their own tender?

portation. That means anything that

Brian Rice: The answer is yes! Indeed, there are possibly several upmarket pri-

moves will be ordered by Dial-a-Cab

vate hire companies who could also make an effort. They certainly couldn't do it

- that includes taxis, cars, couriers

anywhere near as well as us, but I'm sure that they wouldn't admit to that. We have

and even coaches. The BoM will

the very latest in accounting systems that others cannot match and I believe that we

have a simple choice; either we

could do an excellent job for these corporate accounts if asked to...

organise their ground transport or

Call Sign: Thank you…

someone else will!

If the contract were to go to another

organisation, we would have to hope

that they ordered their taxis from Dial-

a-Cab and not from Com Cab or Radio

Dial-a-Cab Credit Union

Taxis, or if it were someone from the

unlicensed trade, that they did not

Ever needed money quickly but were anxious about

cream off some of the more lucrative

variable bank interest rates?

work for themselves. That is the sim-

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

ple choice that we have to make.

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

I believe that we have no alternative

but to offer the client what they

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

require in order that we maintain the

at your address also qualifies for membership!

work levels that we have at the

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

moment. There is no-one in the mar-

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

ket place that has the know-how or the

up to 3 times your total savings…

technical capabilities or the ability to

supply the corporate account client

The cost?

with as much technical information as

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

Dial-a-Cab and make no mistake, given

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

the opportunity I will offer the

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

account client this new service in

order to maintain or even improve

Call us on 020 7729 8171 or 020 7749 0585

upon your existing workload.

I believe that we will all have to

Members of the Financial Ombudsman Service

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

get used to the fact that DaC will be

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

sub-contracting work to other

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

organisations.

Registration number 213263

Call Sign February 2014

Page 25

The London Taxi Company has

revealed its vision of the future

The Future Zero-Emissions

London Taxi; a plug-in range

extended electric Black Cab, des-

Capable London Taxi

tined to hits the streets of

London in 2018.

lowing specification information for the

The company, part of global automotive

future London Taxi has been released by LTC:

group Geely Automobile Holdings, is confi-

It will be a plug-in range extended electric

dent it has the technology, experience and

zero-emissions capable London Taxi that will

investment to manufacture and retail a glob-

be purpose-built to be a taxi and not a car/van

ally-dominant and iconic Black Cab, which

conversion. It will also have a new light-

meets Mayor Boris Johnson’s air quality

weight body structure with exceptional fuel

ambitions for London. LTC Vice-President of

economy.

UK Operations, Peter Johansen said:

There will be a lower overall cost of own-

“Given Geely’s green credentials and their

ership with outstanding driver comfort and

commitment to invest £200m in green taxi

ergonomics. It will seat six passengers in the

technology over the next 5 years, coupled

rear, and have advanced technological driver

The cab will be able to charge its

with our own extensive experience and envi-

and passenger features including an evolu-

battery at street charging points

able heritage, we feel comfortable that we

tion of the iconic London Taxi shape.

will provide London with an environmental-

the iconic, instantly recognisable London

The London Taxi manufacturer, based in

ly-sound Black Cab, which can meet the

Taxi that is loved, admired and respected

Coventry, already retails its Euro 5-compliant

future air quality demands of our capital

the world over.

TX4 across the UK. This vehicle represented a

city whilst also delivering a vehicle that is

“Geely’s investment means that we have

major milestone for the UK firm, as engineers

recognised by the general public as a taxi.

the funds and the capabilities required to

have reduced harmful Diesel Particulates

“Geely’s investment has allowed us to do

further improve the eco-credentials of our

emitted from the TX4 tailpipe to a negligible

what we do best; create purpose-built vehi-

existing vehicle. It also means that we will

0.0005g/km and

cles. It’s not a van conversion; it’s designed

be able to fulfil our aspiration to relocate

NOx to just 0.28g/km; representing a

from the ground up to be a London Taxi and

from our Coventry factory to another UK

reduction of 99% and 80% respectively versus

it will be robust and durable in order to sur-

production facility, invest in state-of-the art

the iconic Fairway London Taxi.

vive the demanding taxi duty cycle. It

tooling and further bolster the domestic

The next version of the TX4 is being devel-

responds to Mayor Boris Johnson's vision for

manufacturing industry and economy

oped in tandem with the company’s engine

improving London's air quality and the

through recruitment and global export

supplier

future global environmental challenges. It

opportunities.”

VM Motori. It will be Euro 6-compliant,

also delivers against the needs and expecta-

Many details of the exciting new icon are

deliver further emissions reductions and will

tion of the taxi trade and is an evolution of

being kept firmly under wraps, but the fol-

be available from 2015.

JON WINTERBURN LOOKS AT…

This year, I’m going to research a different subject each month and tell you about the best apps you can download for

your iOS and/or Android device. Hopefully there’ll be something for everyone! Every app I mention I will have tried out

myself. However, be sure to read the reviews and ensure your device will run any app before purchasing. This month…

My Top 5 Astronomy Apps

For all the astronomy buffs amongst you, here is my list of the top apps currently available.

Star Walk HD is the best stargazing app I’ve used. This is what augmented reality was designed for; the app follows your every movement in real-

time. As you explore, you find extensive information about 200,000 celestial bodies. In addition, there is a calendar of celestial events and TelRad,

which will help you find the exact position of an object when stargazing with your telescope. Star Walk HD is a must-have app for any astrogeek; we

use it all time in our home.

Available on iOS and Android for £1.99

Solar Walk 3D is made by the same developers who created Star Walk HD. This 3D Solar System model lets you navigate through space and time,

see all the planets in close-up, learn their trajectories, inner structures, history of their exploration, points of interest and more. It even has detailed 3D

models of the most interesting man-made satellites. You can even use 3D mode to get

a more realistic experience and zoom out to view and spin the entire Galaxy.

Available on iOS for 69p

Emerald Observatory displays a wealth of astronomical information all on one

screen and in a unique but understandable format. Although some of the statistics

will be overwhelming for the amateur astronomer, this is one gorgeous app which will

impress your friends. Features include the rise and set times of the planets, local sun-

rise and sunset times as well as the times of civil, nautical and astronomical twilight.

Available on iOS for 69p

Mobile Observatory is one of the most complete astronomy apps on the Android

market and the perfect tool for anybody interested in the sky's wonders - from the

occasional sky gazer to the passionate amateur astronomer. The app includes a live,

zoom-able sky map telling you what celestial body you are looking at. Plus there’s

lots of detailed extra information on stars, planets, deep sky objects, meteor show-

ers, comets, asteroids, lunar and solar eclipses as well as detailed ephemeris of all

included sky objects. Also included is an interactive top-down view of the Solar System.

Available on Android for £3.99

The NASA App showcases a huge collection of the latest NASA content. There is a ton of information available, including images, videos on-

demand, NASA Television, mission information, launch information and countdown clocks, ISS sighting opportunities and satellite tracking. Best of all,

it’s completely free! The NASA app is an absolute must-have for astronomers of all ages.

Available on iOS and Android for FREE

Jon Winterburn

DaC Network Administrator

Call Sign February 2014

Page 26

Mike Son looks at people’s privacy and wonders who actually

takes their privacy seriously...

Phone Hacking

in to Dial-a-Cab House from Hampshire!

synchronised with satnavs etc. And although

Just a few examples of the conversations

our first priority is to our customers, there is

available for all on the 8.32 from Westcliff to

always the temptation to answer the phone.

So it was a few weeks ago and

hear...

So it really is important to remember how

I’d had some problems with my

“Hello darling, I’m on the train so don’t

we can easily become engrossed within the

forget to iron my shirt; see you tonight.”

conversation we’re having with the other party

Metrocab. Consequently I had to

Then there was this masterpiece - possibly

and that the conversation can easily become

leave the cab at a London garage

taken from the latest issue of True Life

animated and loud and sometimes with the

for repairs.

Romance:

odd bit of foul language thrown in without us

A few days later and the cab had been

“Yeah the party went ok, but I wouldn’t

even realising. You can easily forget that some-

repaired so I had to travel down from Westcliff

sleep with him on a first date!”

body is sitting in the back of the taxi and that

to London by train to Fenchurch Street.

And what about:

they can’t help but hear.

Admittedly, I hadn’t travelled on a train for

“Yes that’s me; what do you mean my

Most of Dial-a-Cab’s account clients, as

some time, but what surprised me was the

application for the mortgage has been

well as those picked up as street hails, are

number of passengers using their mobiles and

declined.”

not interested in our private conversations.

the total lack of privacy that other passengers

Or: “Hello John, what’s wrong? I told you

Over the years, there have been a number

had to endure.

it’s got to be a million, you effing idiot.

of complaints against drivers for using the

The supposedly private conversations these

Don’t do anything else; I’ll be in the office

phone during an account ride. Your privacy

individuals were having for all to hear were

in 20 minutes.”

is paramount - but so is everyone else’s.

unreal and just trying to relax by reading the

Finally one that shows class in abundance -

We all know that there have been a dearth of

paper was nigh on impossible. As a rough esti-

I don’t think: “Yes, I did. What a slag!”

phone hacking scandals that have put the per-

mate, I reckon that 35percent of passengers

There were so many other conversations

petrators into a mire of disreputable actions.

were on the phone - at least in my carriage.

that you just could not help but overhear,

But I have a far better and safer way of getting

Many of them were shouting down the phone

so privacy certainly doesn’t seem to be

information from other people’s phones rather

and using animated expressive gestures while

much of an issue for most passengers trav-

than doing anything that could be deemed ille-

talking. It’s lucky that no one had their eyes

eling by train.

gal. All they had to do is was to go on the 8.32

poked out!

You may ask why I’ve written this article, but

from Westcliff...!

My respect for Brian Rice is even higher

it does have a bearing on what we do as taxi

Mike Son

now with the realisation that he has to put up

drivers. Most of us have hands-free mobile

with this for five mornings each week travelling

phones, some with earpiece’s while others are

DaC Special Projects

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

IT’S A CABBY’S LIFE!

Cabbies lifestyles?

So it’s now post-Christmas/New Year and the resolutions are either in place or inactive with, I suspect,

health being the number one on our guilty list. A sedentary lifestyle sat in a metal box, breathing in a

giant pool of polluted air with pulse racing to the rhythm of clogged traffic is not necessarily conducive to

a long life.

I had a disturbing conversation pre-Christmas with a driver who was at that time suffering from Deep Vein

Thrombosis (DVT). He was taking anticoagulant medication to treat and prevent blood clots. What I’ve now learnt is

that a journey of more than four continuous hours carries a risk of pulmonary embolism or a blood clot. Surprisingly

perhaps, a higher proportion suffer from DVT in a car journey than on a plane- flight.

Last January it was reported that a taxi driver died from DVT after doing a 230 mile fare. Drivers are vulnerable, espe-

cially in automatic vehicles, because the left leg doesn’t move and clots can occur.

There are number of ways to try to limit DVT:

* Exercise your calf and foot muscles regularly.

* Every half hour or so bend and straighten your legs, feet and toes while driving.

* Press the balls of your feet down hard against the floor. This helps blood flow in your legs.

* Rotate your feet (caution applies to this while driving for obvious reasons).

* Drink lots of water to avoid dehydration and fatigue.

* Every two hours walk around (difficult with few rest ranks and no parking signs).

DVT is more common in the elderly, the very overweight and those with heart disease. John Scurr, a consultant vascular surgeon at the Lister

Hospital in Chelsea advises taking an aspirin before a long journey because it thins the blood. Aspirin seems to be a custom made drug that is

unrivalled in its advantages to maintain the health of taxi drivers, although it has to be balanced with the slight chance of internal bleeding. Aspirin

reduces the risk of heart attacks or strokes. Three studies in The Lancet also show benefits in cancer prevention. I starting taking aspirin on a daily

basis on my own volition at the age of forty-eight and when I eventually sought the opinion of my doctor, he said it was a good idea.

All the stuff I’ve read says don’t take before aged forty-five unless proscribed by your doctor. The directive from the NHS is that

aspirin should not be taken unsupervised on a daily basis, even at low doses.

By coincidence, I picked up Professor Magdi Habib Yacoub, the preeminent Egyptian-born cardiothoracic surgeon who became the world’s lead-

ing transplant surgeon. I asked him about aspirin and he told me that he had taken aspirin for as long as he could remember. When I asked why,

he just replies longevity.

As a disclaimer, I must add that you should consult your GP if you want to permanently take aspirin.

Stephen Berndes, Call Sign Online

Call Sign February 2014

Page 27

Mailshot

Either write to Call Sign at

there are two parties interested in buying

Dial-a-Cab. If such an important decision is

Dial-a-Cab House

to be taken by the membership, I hope it

or email us at

will not - or cannot - be made by a postal

callsignmag@aol.com

vote. Something as important as the sale of

Dial-a-Cab should be made at an EGM with

all members present, with arguments for

GPO charge

and against heard and then a decision

Hi Alan

grandson Samuel is a fellow Spur. I’ve got

made. It would be a travesty if Dial-a-Cab

While checking my December credits, I

last year’s programme versus Manchester

were to be sold on a postal vote. Also there

noticed a deduction of £13.20p as taken out

City here collecting dust. It’s signed by Pat

is the question of carpetbaggers only join-

of my payments for GPO/SATNAV. Now I know

Jennings - not the best signature but

ing DAC because there is a few quid in it. I

this payment has been taken out every year

authentic. If you want it, tell me where to

hope you or a Board member will allay my

that I've been on DaC and was to cover for

send it.

fears.

our radio frequencies. As such I fully under-

Barry Spear (Y16)

Brian Marcantonio (R73)

stand that payment. Now with our new ter-

Thanks for the offer Barry but Samuel

Hi Brian, the letter you refer to was just

minals we work Mobile Data Networks ie 02.

wasn’t born till many years after Pat

to inform drivers that two offers had

So are we blindly paying out of habit or what?

retired! I actually have a signed photo at

been made for DaC. The Society had not

Most of us on DaC have smartphones on

home of Pat Jennings and his son (also

been advertised as being up for sale and

one of the five major networks and to my

Pat) taken in the Spurs corporate lounge

it is just a coincidence that two offers

knowledge not one of us pay any GPO/SAT-

some years ago. However, if you have any

came close together. If enough drivers

NAV fees to a networks - and they all have a

signed pics of Miley Cyrus twerking, I’ll

ticked the ‘yes’ box, then that just means

Twatnav facility!

happily pass them over to Samuel - after

the BoM will investigate the offers and

As a matter of interest, I've checked with

I’ve inspected them for suitability!...Ed

pass on the information to drivers. It

a couple of drivers who use Taxi Apps and

would then be up to the drivers but

they don't pay fees to their networks for

would involve a change of status. I know

Slipping gearboxes

GPO/SATNAV. So can someone on the BoM

no more than that as the Chairman had

please explain why?

and bus lanes!

to sign a confidentiality agreement - and

Pat Keefe (G01 Twatnav)

Hiya Al

apparently that meant he couldn’t tell

Brian Rice replies: You are correct Pat;

Could you put this in Call Sign for any dri-

me even with my usual begging!

we have always charged for 'GPO

vers that have trouble with their gearboxes.

However, it doesn’t take much working

Licence and Insurance' and again you

When you go to the garage and tell them

out to see that both offers are valued at

are correct when you state it was

your gears are slipping, you are probably

over £10,000 per driver and that both

charged annually and that charge

looking at £1000. My Y reg gears began slip-

prospective buyers are connected to the

should have gone away now we have

ping and my first thought was what a lousy

taxi trade. If it’s a yes, then there will

moved to O2, which it has.

time for it to happen and the garage is

probably be an EGM - possibly more

Unfortunately we are now committed

gonna do me for a grand! But I went on the

than one ...Ed

to another licence fee and that is the fee

internet and onto Ebay and found a prod-

for having Geographers mapping on your

uct called Lucas transmission Stop Slip.

LPG conversions

terminal, hence the charge of £13.20

It cost £15 delivered and I had my fluid

Dear Alan

(£11 plus VAT) for part payment of the

replaced with this treacle - but it works and

I was interested to read the articles in the

licence until 1 Jan 2014 (as you had

no more slipping! It won’t work if the belts

December and January Call Sign Online

already paid £15, we added another £11).

are burnt out, but it has saved me a grand.

about converting older cabs to LPG.

The full cost of the licence is £130 for

I don't know how long it lasts, but it’s got

Younger drivers might not know it, but this

five years, hence we will charge £26 per

to be worth 15 quid.

is nothing new. I drove a gas cab some 40

annum to Members (as above), Members

Something else I had on my mind; you

years ago when I worked for Cooks Garage

that have the old terminal will still pay

know the Euro court case re bus lanes and

in Goldhawk Road - they had a fleet of

£15, then a further £11 when they have

Addison Lee, why has nobody mentioned

them. The tank was in the boot, which

the new terminal. I know you had map-

that if they win it won't just be AL that will

meant that the spare wheel was up front in

ping on your old terminal which you did-

be able to use them but every other mini-

the luggage compartment and taking up

n't pay for, that was simply because I pur-

cab company. Then Boris will get the hump

vital room. If you had a lot of luggage, you

chased a 'lifetime' licence for the mapping

because the buses can't move. So what will

frequently had to put cases in the back with

in 2000 for a one off payment of £10 per

he do - he will stop everyone from using

passengers. The other problem was that

terminal, which was absorbed by DaC.

the lane, then AL will get their way and be

they were a real cow to start in cold weath-

Geographers have now changed their pol-

equal with us. I don't think he cares which

er and very often you could smell the gas in

icy and you now have to purchase the

way it goes so long as we are all equal. We

the back, which many passengers remarked

licence for a hugely more expensive fee

did around 3 years of the KoL; was it done

on. Overall they were not that popular with

(£130). If you download their App on

for nothing? We must have some advan-

your Smartphone, I understand there is a

drivers as they were all manual gearboxes,

tages otherwise what’s the point?

one off payment of £19.99 that applies to

but I'm sure that with new technology, the

Happy new year to all...

an individual user only. Unfortunately,

latest conversions will be much better.

Keith Hancock (R47)

DaC have to pay considerably

Terry Farmer (Ex-T55J)

According to the blurb:

“Lucas

more because we are deemed to be a

Thanks Terry, I hope you are still enjoy-

Transmission Fix stops slip, hesitation,

business user and they (Geographers)

ing your retirement. I’ve had a number

rough shifting in worn transmissions

of drivers with cabs approaching

will not budge on their stance. Anyway, I

and completely eliminates most seal

hope that clears up any confusion and I

years old asking for details so they are

leaks and lowers operating tempera-

wish you a happy New Year.

once again in this issue (page 31) ...Ed

tures in hard-working units. Ideal for

motor homes and commercial vehicles,

DaC for sale???

Spurs and Samuel

Lucas Transmission Fix is excellent for

Dear Alan

Hello Al

preventative maintenance and extends

I have received a letter informing me that

Just read in the January Call Sign that your

fluid life by up to four times. It also

Call Sign February 2014

Page 28

Mailshot

continued from page 27

With deference to US banknote providers;

in Keith we trust...

extends needed protection to planetary

Stephen Field (F99)

gears.”

Thanks for that Stephen. I’m sure Keith

However, I have to say that although

will appreciate your sentiments and I also

most online reviews of this product are

feel sure that everything he wrote in his

positive, any decision to use it must be

Sales Report - having recently taken over

to shore and probably would have suc-

your own. But if any other DaC drivers

the position - he means ...Ed

cumbed to hypothermia before a rescue

have used it, let Call Sign know whether

crew got to him.

it worked.

Amazingly, the next car that came along

With regard to Addison Lee and the bus

Bye Bill...

must have been the only one in Winnipeg

lanes, yes, many have thought about it

Dear Alan

with a rubber dinghy in the trunk! The fami-

and believe that AL Chairman John Griffin

It is with sadness that my much shorter work-

ly had used it at the beach the previous sum-

would be just as happy if we too are

ing hours no longer make it worthwhile

mer and five or six months later the owner

banned, just so that we have no advan-

being on the radio and after 37 years on Dial-

still hadn't got around to putting it away,

tage ...Ed

a-Cab, the world’s greatest radio circuit, I

despite his wife's complaints. He quickly

have decided to strip out. As a parting shot,

inflated the dinghy, fetched the truck driver

I’d just like to say that we are in tough trad-

Meter Maids in

from the ice floe, put him in his car and

ing times and that any DaC members on

turned up the heater! Perhaps you guys at

Hailo should make up their minds as to who

Surfers Paradise

Dial-a-Cab should carry dinghies - after all,

they want to support, but I would urge them

Hi Alan

you never know! Ask Mike Son...

to concentrate all their efforts on DaC. I have

Regarding the meter maids that Bob Heath

Norman Beattie

wonderful memories of my years on the

met up with in Australia’s Surfers Paradise

Brandon, Manitoba, Canada

radio and some terrific memories of our dri-

(December Call Sign Online), they began

Thanks Norman, but I’m not sure about

vers. Also Alan, my thanks to you for all the

back when the Gold Coast had the parking

that because London Mayor Boris

pleasure I have had reading Call Sign over

meters installed. The local tradespeople

Johnson could well say that as the

the years. Finally, to you all and especially to

thought that if visitors kept getting fined then

dinghies don’t have any emissions, we

whoever the new E65 is, be lucky...

they would stop coming back to the Coast.

should go out in them instead of taxis!

Bill Russell (Ex-E65)

So they employed the girls in bikinis to walk

...Ed

Sorry to hear you’re going Bill.

around checking the meters and topping

Unfortunately we all get older and whilst

them up. The council didn't mind in those

our job allows us to do the odd few days

Buying taxis with DaC

days as they still got the revenue, but as more

each week, it’s nice to be able to cut

Dear Sir

and more people got cars and came to the

down and enjoy life more and that’s what

Regarding Brian Rice’s comment about lost

Coast, it started to get out of hand so todays

I suspect will be happening to you. If that

drivers (January Call Sign), we don’t seem

Maids are to a degree a tourist attraction.

means enjoying your QPR season ticket

to offer anything to drivers anymore - not

I must say that in the same issue, Tom

even more, then you’ll have to put up

even a diary at Christmas. Our thirty-year dri-

Whitbread’s article made me chuckle,

with that! At least it will mean that you

vers are now paying half subs. If drivers keep

sounding very much like my own time in

always have Brian Rice on your side! It

leaving, how long will it be before they have

hospital - especially when it came to being

has been a pleasure knowing you Bill

to pay full subscriptions?

woken up for the obs and the blood vam-

...Ed

In the February 2012 Call Sign, there was

pires coming round! I wish him a speedy

an article about me being stopped by police

recovery.

because one of my lights wasn’t working and

Re the £50 pound note on Pat Keefe

Mike Son rescue

I took the opportunity of saying how expen-

(G01), several years ago I did a film job for

Hi Alan

sive it was to buy a new taxi and how that the

the Bank of England - a video about how to

Lots of good stuff in the January Online

cost put us at a disadvantage compared to

spot a dodgy note. I had two different pas-

issue as usual, including an interesting histo-

the cost of a new private hire vehicle.

sengers, each proffered a note for the fare;

ry about the abortive parking system, the

So I wonder if it would be possible for

with the first one - a tenner - I just had to look

story on electric taxis and a nice one about

Dial-a-Cab to loan drivers (who have been

for the strip, the watermark and then the feel

Mike Son rescuing the woman. His rubber

with the Society for a qualifying period of

and colour. The second was a twenty and I

dinghy rescue reminded me of a story that a

around two years) the finance to purchase a

had to do the same as before, but this time I

friend of mine, a Winnipeg ambulance driver,

new taxi at a low rate, as a way of attracting

was unsure so had to compare it to another

experienced.

and keeping new drivers. If the drivers were

twenty. The video went out to companies as

One winter, many years ago, he and his

to leave, then the interest rate would revert

a training video for their staff.

partner were called to an accident on a

to match that of the London Taxi Company.

A Happy New Year to all my old pals at

bridge over the Red River but when they got

This would make DaC the leader in this field

Dial-a-Cab...

there they were horrified to see a big section

of which the other companies couldn’t

Howard Sales (Ex-A11)

of railing missing - a truck had gone over the

match.

Brisbane, Australia

side. Before they had even stopped, some-

Paul Hammett (V42)

Hi Howard, it’s nice to hear from you. For

one pulled open the back doors from the

Company Secretary Howard Pears

those that don’t remember him, Howard

outside and pushed a sodden, babbling truck

responds: Dear Paul, what we do offer to

was one of DaC’s driver-trainers at the

driver into the ambulance. The driver kept

drivers is the lowest level of subscriptions

time we first went over to data dispatch in

calling out that he looked up and saw

and the best value for money of any of

1988. He later emigrated to Australia

the bottom of the ice! It really was a miracle

our competitors. The Board do acknowl-

…Ed

that he survived the impact because it was

edge that a reduction in members does

about 50 feet from the bridge deck to

impact on the Society’s overall perfor-

Sales department

the river below. The truck had crashed

mance and whilst a great deal of effort is

I was very impressed with Keith Cain’s Sales

through the thick ice and sank. Somehow the

made in cost control to mitigate the loss

article in the January Call Sign. It’s about

driver escaped from the submerged truck

of income, there could be a situation

time we had a Sales exec who was a go-getter

and was able to get onto a floe of shattered

where subscription levels have to be

rather than one who sits on their backside!

ice, but there he got stuck - he couldn't swim

reviewed.

Call Sign February 2014

Page 29

Mailshot

continued from page 28

circuit. I, like many, thought that without the

run-in, GB drivers on ComCab would not be

Regarding your suggestion to provide

able to give JPM such a good service as we’ve

low rate finance for new taxi purchases,

given in the past. But with an influx of YB dri-

the objects of the Society do not include

vers, then the jury is out!

the operation of this type of financial

It makes me wonder what the future holds

entity and consequently it would

for a circuit like ours who are totally GB.

require the membership to vote on the

Unlike the other circuits, we do still have

necessary

rule

changes.

What surprises me, back in 2008 we and the

some say. My own opinion is the future is

Notwithstanding the arduous proce-

other major radio circuits did nothing of any

somewhat rocky for us, especially regarding

dures and legal costs to achieve

significance to try and get we drivers work,

account work. I pay subs mainly for account

approval for the changes, the formation

we were never consulted on what conces-

work (which may well start to diminish even

of a fully compliant, FCA registered

sions we would or would not make at a time

more) and a little bit of radio cash work

Credit Union would be required, togeth-

when any job would have been better than

(which costs me £1.50 and which many cus-

er with a structure of controls to safe-

no job. Now six or so years later when things

tomers assume is a £2 tip) and for the credit

guard the member’s interests.

seem to be getting better, we are being asked

card facility. If I do a credit card job via the

I am all for members saving money and

what concessions we would make by a new

street, I make DaC (I am guessing) at least

the Society receiving additional interest

Board Member in Garry White. Hailo and PH

7% of my fare. In my experience, passengers

income, but the processes required to

have done well through the recession and if

now prefer to pay by card and don't mind the

achieve these aims are not practical or

things improve more, I’m sure PH will con-

extra 10%. To them it's the same as a tip

sustainable as the costs and risks

tinue to prosper. As for Hailo, I agree with

(which they then don't feel compelled to pay

involved would far outweigh the benefits.

Brian that unless they change, their service

as with cash). Except, of course, in reality the

will suffer and they will fall by the wayside.

driver doesn't get it.

What I ask the Board is this: What can we

I also see how DaC would like to encour-

JPM et al

learn from Hailo and PH (if anything).

age more coverage of their credit card Apps.

Dear Alan

Ian S Connelly (T21)

Just when things (workwise) have started to

They get at least 7% with very little adminis-

Brian Rice replies: An interesting letter,

tration. I know credit companies are prompt

pick up, we lose a major account in JPM. If

Ian, but then your letters normally are.

no run-ins would have secured us keeping

at paying out and they are the ones to invoice

Neither can I disagree with a lot that you

the customers. DaC also hold back 10% from

the account I’m sure more than a few drivers

say. Regarding YB’s and covering trips,

would have accepted that. As up to 50% of

drivers’ street card fares to add to a £1000

providing they accept a trip whilst in their

my account work is JPM, I too would also

roller bond. So paying the driver before the

sector they can pick-up in a GB area. No

have been tempted to compromise, on both

credit card company pays DaC should not be

doubt CC will monitor this and make sure

run-ins and gratuities - more so if we were

an argument . To my mind, a part of our

they are in their sector when accepting a

back at the beginning of the recession. But

future is the easiest and quickest method of

trip. Hmmm….!

now is is the wrong time and I agree with the

payment, be it credit card, fingerprint scan or

It is interesting that you state you

BoM’s stance of maintaining run-ins as part

whatever the innovators come up with. What

might have compromised on run-ins and

of the negotiations regarding Company

I am sure of is that in 5 / 10 or so years, few

gratuities in the past, but not now as

accounts. I like many Green Badge (GB) dri-

passengers will want to pay with cash. So I

hopefully the economy is improving so

vers must have found it hard to believe that

am wondering whether DaC could win some

you would not be prepared to compro-

to win an account, ComCab would set such a

accounts by offering a one credit card type

mise. Just think, if both forms of induce-

disturbing precedent by giving up run-ins.

account to the companies. Administration

ment were withdrawn by Dial-a-Cab in

How difficult will future negotiations for

costs could be cut for DaC (although it could

the past, we would be losing accounts in

accounts now be, not just for us, but, for all

result in some job losses) and as with Apps,

the future due to bad service, once some-

radio circuits? Then I read that said company

we as drivers would lose gratuities but keep

thing is removed it is really difficult to

is recruiting more Yellow Badge (YB) drivers

the run-ins. Credit card providers are starting

reinstate.

to add to their membership. So does that

to offer taxi drivers more incentives to use

Regarding Credit Cards, I agree with

mean a YB who only has a licence to work in,

their machines and as card usage increases,

your sentiments and credit card transac-

say, Orpington and no knowledge of

the more incentives they will offer.

tions is our largest account in its own

London, can be on ComCab and put himself

If our circuit was to move more to credit

right. Some account customers already

in the GPS sector of E14 or any GB sector and

card offers of jobs, it would then need drivers

require us to bill their employee to their

be offered a job? If this is the case, then a YB

who were willing to cover such jobs. I believe

corporate credit card as they feel this

would have access to the whole of our GB

a driver was expelled from DaC for using his

makes the employee more responsible

sector, 24 hours a day. Like Addison Lee, they

5% charge machine while charging our nor-

and aware of their usage and avoids

could just hang around Marsh Wall and the

mal 10%. So the message I get is that we dri-

abuse of the account. I also happen to

side streets and wait for a job. Few passen-

vers need incentives; run-ins may not be suf-

believe that credit card transactions are

gers are aware of the difference between YB

ficient. If DaC were to maybe give a percent-

the growth market, however, where we

and GB drivers, so JPM will be getting a sec-

age of the credit card charge for every job via

differ Ian is that I don’t believe the trips

ond rate service - no better than minicabs.

the circuit and a higher percentage for any

should be unmasked as that will impinge

Are JPM aware that some of the drivers will

street created jobs with that and the nearest

upon service to the customer. At the

have little or no knowledge of London? Their

cab gets job, I believe that would go a long

moment you quite rightly state the cus-

staff may wonder why their driver of a 'Black

way to encourage drivers to give better cov-

tomer pays 10%, out of which we pay the

Cab' gets stuck in traffic and has to resort to

erage. Also, unless we are finally going GPS

Merchant fee; there is not a lot left to pay

his SatNav if there is a sudden change of des-

(nearest cab gets job), I feel credit card jobs

our Members an incentive, unless of

tination. Stories like “my Black Cab driver got

should be unmasked and the £2 surcharge

course we pay an incentive but raise sub-

lost” will only become more common as our

on cash work scrapped.

scriptions to compensate.

reputation goes further down the pan! Again,

Lastly, DaC is blaming many of the trade’s

You ask what can we learn from Hailo

if this is the case then why would anyone

present problems - some maybe legitimately

and private hire? I think what they both

bother doing the KoL for 3 odd years when

- on Hailo. What Hailo did was to find a way

have in common is they both work cheap

you can get a YB for any sector and still work

of giving work to drivers when there was very

at the drivers expense, not really a road I

the whole of GB London - albeit via a radio

little work being offered by the radio circuits.

wish to go down. However, I have just

Call Sign February 2014

Page 30

Mailshot

radio circuit would deliberately try to get

continued from page 29

an account by cutting its own throat, but

whereas a few years ago it was so busy

seen Hailo’s figures and until December

that the circuits held the whip hand, it’s

2012 they lost £7.6m and it is not even

very much the customers now. However,

their money but money raised from

the difference is that pre-recession, there

Venture Capitalists (VC’s), one of whom is

was nowhere near as much relevant PH

Union Square and part of their philoso-

competition capable of covering corpo-

phy, which has been taken from their

rate accounts; now they can - at least

esting. As a low user, a Pay As You Go system

Website is ‘We invest in the disruption of

they say they can. When accounts were

would be beneficial to me, but I recognise

the global economy caused by the increas-

queuing up, we still provided an excel-

that it would be unfair to those drivers who

ing liquidity of information enabled by the

lent service even though we usually

do a lot of radio work. So how about a mix

internet’. I think that says it all, because I

knew that if our service ever slipped up,

of subscription and PAYG? I suggest that

don’t think we in the taxi trade should be

clients would rarely go elsewhere. But

everybody including those with 30 years ser-

endeavouring to disrupt our own trade at

now that the power has moved across to

vice, pay a base subscription of £18. Drivers

the drivers’ expense - do you?

them, I get the feeling that they couldn’t

without 30 years service would pay an addi-

Finally, some PH will continue to do

care less if they ruined a taxi (yes, or

tional

6% including VAT per job.

well, but at the drivers expense as the

even a minicab) company. Those behind

The flat rate subscription is disheartening if

Corporate’s force their prices down,

because in general terms the driver gets

the finance for these companies don’t

one takes any time off for holidays, sickness,

seem to care about the quality of service,

etc. If you take a week off, you start the next

60% of the fare charged, the Operator

gets the remainder. I know we have

only the cost, even though some are

Monday morning feeling that you are £72

turning over huge profits again. In fact in

down. If things continue as they are and dri-

been accused of ‘propping up’ some of

the case of JPM, the decision makers are

the PH companies, but that is ridicu-

vers are leaving because they feel that they

lous. However, there are some that have

not even based in Europe - let alone

cannot justify paying the subs, then coverage

London - and in all probability have

something in common such as

will suffer, accounts could be lost, more dri-

Burgundy, Premier, Chauffeur Force,

never even used the account. We know

vers may leave and so on. Maybe an element

that those that used our facilities - and

WestOne and Lewis Day - they all went

of PAYG would help to sustain fleet num-

that includes TaxiCard

- have always

bankrupt and were bought out - so we

bers.

been happy with our service and even

didn’t make a very good job of propping

Mick Kennedy (M30)

expressed their dissatisfaction with the

them up - did we?

Brian Rice replies: It’s not something

decision to move the account elsewhere.

Incidentally Ian, I have been in nego-

we are against Mick, otherwise I would-

So for your two examples, I don’t believe

tiations with JPM and the account has

n’t have written about it, but just a cou-

that ComCab wanted their acquisitions

now been extended until 30th April

ple of things. Does the £18 represent

to come the way they have, but I agree

2014 as they have been unable to install

£15 subs plus VAT? I suspect it does and

with you that if they are using both YBs

their new system. The contract original-

I also suspect that is per month and not

and minicabs then things have really got

ly expired on 30th September 2013 and

per week as it is now? So to stop the 6%

bad.

there was a four month 'changeover'

including VAT, Dial-a-Cab would get 5%

If you read Brian Rice’s answer to Ian

which expired on 31st Jan, that date has

of the fares, I assume that is also cor-

Connelly’s letter above, you’ll also see

now been extended to 30th April as

rect?

that there has been a three month

their new system is not ready to install.

Incidentally Mick, if you take a week

extension to the JPM contract, which

No doubt some will say I should have

off you are not £72 down, you are £30

tends to prove that cheap isn’t always

told them to stick their account 'up

plus VAT down and if you are sick and

enough! ...Ed

their jumper' but that would not have

send in a certificate, we do not charge

been the professional approach, as

subs.

installing a new system can prove diffi-

Call Sign and RTG

Now, using the above criteria with

cult to some (although not to us) and as

In the January Call Sign Editorial, you

our current numbers and NOT taking

the saying goes; you don't know what

wrote of Dial-a-Cab entering its 51st year,

into account your suggestion for 30

you've got till it's gone! No doubt the

which caused a friend of mine on Radio

year Members and also NOT putting a

JPM Travel department are cursing their

Taxis to say that he thought we had been

cap on subs for big earners (yes we still

Procurement department for awarding a

around longer than them but he remem-

have them), then by a quick calculation

contract on price alone!

bered reading in their magazine that they

I believe the Society’s income would

had celebrated 60 years. Who came first?

fall by £750k per annum. However, in

Alex Constantinou (N05)

JPM and TaxiCard

the above scenario, I would need to put

Sorry Alex, it was a typo and should

Hi Alan

a cap on the maximum subs payable by

have read 61st and not 51st year. DaC,

After reading an article in Call Sign saying

a Member and that calculation would

as ODRTS and under the Chairmanship

that Yellow Badges may be covering our

be time consuming for me to obtain as

of Bonnie Martyn, arrived on the scene

lost account on the island, I was flabber-

quite a lot of homework would have to

around 6 months before RT (Southern)

gasted! That was until later that night when,

be done on who earns what, I would

under Joe Stern. Perhaps unsurprising-

while still flabbergasted (lol), I picked up a

also have to obtain figures that 30+

ly, Bonnie and Joe never got on as they

street job who told me on the fairly short

year Members earn. What I can defi-

battled for drivers who really knew very

journey that she was often sent minicabs

nitely say Mick, looking at your earn-

little about radio. More amazingly to

instead of, as she put it so well, proper taxis

ings, is that your suggestion would def-

me, Alex was one of a number of DaC

to cover her TaxiCard jobs. Surely this can't

initely benefit you and I assume that

drivers who queried the year. I get away

be right? Yet I believe that it’s the same

was the reason for writing.

with very little here! ...Ed

radio circuit that deals with both these

Finally, I totally understand and agree

instances. By the way, I have been on Dial-

with your sentiments; it is just a matter

a-Cab for five years and I love it still!

Pay as you go...

of finding a solution that will be accept-

Jonathan McNiff (J17)

Dear Alan

able to most. What I can assure you is

Thanks for the email Jonathan. As I have

Brian's piece about switching to pay as you

that whatever we do, there will be a sec-

already said, I don’t believe that any

go in the January Call Sign was very inter-

tion of Members that will not be happy...

Call Sign February 2014

Page 31

Mailshot

Colin, I told you not to tell anyone but

continued from page 30

that if you did, to tell them not to tell

anyone! And while I don’t remember

Shhhhh! It’s a

digging out the TX2, I certainly remem-

ber saying many times that working

secret...

cheap with no run-ins etc may be good

Hi Al

for the passenger who no longer has to

In January’s Call Sign, you, in response to

even bother going out onto the streets

Paul Charters

(J08), said:

“DaC have

to get a passing cab, but it is a disaster

Kings Cross or St Pancras Stations, can't

agreed not to publicise the name until after

for the licensed taxi trade as a whole.

actual cross the road till they are forward of

the contract has ended in January.” Did no

And Colin, we are at one with regard to

the first lights (outside Boots because of

one at the annual jolly-up tell Keith

those appalling roof signs. It they were

railings in centre of road) and so cannot see

Cain? On his page, he says: “After receiving

twice as nice, they still wouldn’t classify

these lights. They step into the road look-

the disappointing news about JPM...” Oops,

as awful!

ing at the lights at the junction, which will

I said it

is the cat not out of the bag?

show red not realising the lights just

Disappointing is not the word I would

Kings Cross bus lane

behind them have turned green and the

use, more like disaster! Fixed prices, no

I have just read Tom Quigley's piece in

traffic is moving straight towards them.

run-in, no gratuity, all work AD, nearest

January's Call Sign and was interested in

A reversal of the traffic light sequencing

cab. Yuk to all...!

his quite correct description of the dangers

would help prevent possible accidents at

I remember John Rubini (F55) saying at

to eastbound drivers at the Kings Cross,

this point.

an AGM many years ago that minicabs hang

Euston Road, Pancras Road junction. It’s

Eddie Lambert (V37)

on to our shirt tails in respect of prices.

not just on the inside lane that drivers can

Iain Blackmore, Head of Traffic

This now no longer seems to be the

face problems though; the outside lane also

Infrastructure at TfL, told Call Sign:

case. Sadly, the trade is on a road to ruin

has a problem - although this problem is

“The junction of Euston Road, Pancras

when you have taxi drivers working at a

pedestrians.

Road and Argyle Street is designed for

cheaper rate than minicabs. PAYLO would

As we all know, the junction for east-

all road users to share the space and

never have taken off had work levels been

bound drivers here has a double set of

allow for cyclists to turn right onto

higher, that’s for sure.

lights. One set adjacent to the bus stop out-

Euston Road from Argyle Street. Re-

Also Al, I’ve noticed that for the past 9

side Boots, with the second set approxi-

sequencing, these signals would make

years you seem to have dug out the TX2.

mately 10 yards eastward on the actual

this impossible and put cyclists at risk.

Can you now kindly start on the TX4 as the

junction. The problem is that the two sets

We continue to monitor all roads across

TX2 is a far superior carriage and does not

of lights do not turn green at the same

London to ensure that they remain as

deserve the constant bashing it gets! And

time. The set outside Boots turns green

safe as possible and, as always, ask all

please don’t get me started on those dread-

about 5 seconds before those on the actual

road users, whether they be pedestri-

ful roof signs or the gas cabs that conk out

junction. The danger is that pedestrians

ans, motorists or cyclists, to obey the

when it rains!

walking east on the south side of Euston

rules of the road and ensure they travel

Colin Jenkins (Y22)

Road outside Camden Library but wanting

in a safe, shared environment.

FIVE YEAR TAXI EXTENSIONS

Last month’s Call Sign exclusively revealed details

of a new engine that has been developed by

Gastech for fitting to older taxis approaching

Spurs fan Bill

their 15th year or that were on their fifteenth

and final plate. That would usually mean the cab

raising money

was in the final throes of its life and on the

verge of making its way to the eternal taxi

for LTBAWD

scrapyard. As so many drivers have asked us

about it, we are repeating some of the details.

At every Spurs home game at White

The new engine was recently passed at Millbrook

Hart Lane you will find 82 year old Bill

and LTPH/TfL will accept it for fitting into London taxis.

Parr. Before kick-off, he positions him-

It will also give the taxi an extra five years of life.

self next to the Spurs Megastore where

The engine runs on Liquefied Petroleum Gas

he collects money for The London Taxi

with a small additional petrol tank with the ability

Benevolent Association for War

to switch between the two. However and impor-

tantly, you cannot bring your taxi out of retirement once it has finished its

Disabled.

15th plate. But provided it hasn’t yet reached that birthday and you want to convert it and

The Charity began

gain the extra 5 years, then the cab owner must write to TfL and tell them they wish to con-

in 1948 and has

vert the cab to the Gastech LPG system and up to Euro 5+ standard.

an outing to

The Gastech TX1 NOX emissions are 0.0254 gr/km. That is claimed to be 91% lower than

Worthing every

diesel Euro 5. Their TX2 has 0.014041 gr/km - some 95% lower than diesel Euro 5. It is signif-

year for 450 peo-

icantly lower in Oxides of Nitrogen than any modern day diesel engine and there are zero par-

ple among many

ticulates / smoke.

other projects each

The price of the TX1 conversion is £6,300 plus VAT, while the TX2 is £6300 including

year. Thanks to the

VAT. Former Dial-a-Cab driver, Stanley Roth (ex-Y53) is one of the people behind the

Spurs programme

engine, having himself driven a gas cab for far longer than any other licensed taxi driver.

Those interested should email Stanley at gastaxi@ gmail.com and he will furnish

for the info...

you with all the info you need. If you aren’t sure, then Stanley will be happy to email

you general information about the Gastech engine by return...