Call Sign October 2014

Page 3

from the editor’s desk

Tour of Britain chaos

continue. He also mentioned the anti-social

If you work on Sundays and went out on 14

behaviour aspect that was associated with the

September, you’d have come across the most hor-

bikes as they block roads and pavements. Without

rendous traffic hold-ups caused by the Mayor’s

wishing to sound ungrateful for this welcome

office allowing our capital city to literally be shut

action, a big city like London should not have even

while a bunch of cyclists circumnavigated our

the non-motorised versions on the road. They

streets in the Tour of Britain.

should be kept for trips around Hyde Park and not

Perhaps the Mayor is correct in saying that

creating the danger they do on our streets...

these events bring tourists into London and that

while here they spend money. Well they would

What a bummer!

have needed one hell of a small fortune to get

There isn’t a Dial-a-Cab driver out there who

around in taxis that could hardly move!

hasn’t at some time or other been shown a

You only have to work it out for yourself -

mobile phone by a non-English speaking tourist

so far as the City itself was concerned, not

/ passenger who wanted to go somewhere you

only the Embankment was shut, but so was

have never heard of. My turn came on a glori-

Tower Hill, Tower Bridge and many other

ously warm, late summer afternoon along

streets. Aldgate was totally gridlocked as were,

Islington High Street.

no doubt, other parts of town as the Tour

The two Chinese girls had a very small smatter-

reached them.

even in minicabs - but in 1989, there were a lot of

ing of the English language, probably just slightly

I was stuck in Eastcheap heading east, not real-

people sweating on the outcome because five

less than my knowledge of Mandarin! It seemed

ising at that point that all traffic was being divert-

months earlier, DaC had also tried to go live. Ken

to me that they wanted some muesli, but I

ed down Mark Lane! Yep, that’s right - all divert-

Burns had even made a final official goodbye

assumed that wasn’t their real aim on that sunny

ed down little Mark Lane. When I spotted what

speech to drivers on voice before flicking the

day. Then one of them showed me her phone.

was happening, I had no intention of following

switch that should have dispelled speech to the

Looking, all I could see was a lot of Chinese script

because I had previously escaped from

past forever.

- who’d have thought the Chinese had phones

Fenchurch Street where nothing was moving!

Sadly, that “forever” turned out to be just a few

written in Chinese!

Neither was anything moving at more than a

hours because no one at developers - MDI in

Anyway, she realised what I meant, took the

snail’s pace (which Google puts at 50 yards per

Canada - had thought to test the effect of so many

phone back and made a call. A few minutes later,

hour) along Gracechurch Street and all streets

drivers signing on at the same time! It worked

a text message arrived and she passed it through

leading to it.

perfectly on the bench with three pretend drivers

to me. How can I put this without causing offence

At that point, with around £25 on the meter,

signing on! Throughout the day the system

because reading that these two young girls want-

my passenger who had come all the way from

became slower and slower until it had to be

ed the London Anal Museum was something of

Moorgate (!!!) decided to walk, allowing me to

taken down.

a surprise - mainly because I had never heard of

contemplate a u-turn to get out of this hell-hole.

But five months on - this time very early on an

it. It wasn’t on the terminal’s Points of

As I crawled across to the offside, a car pulled

April Saturday morning - DaC went live again.

Information and neither did the DaC dispatcher

onto my nearside and a familiar sounding voice

There was no ceremony involved and Ken Burns

know. The Islington traffic was every bit as bad as

called out to me.

was far more matter-of-fact, just telling drivers to

usual, but I couldn’t bring myself to joke that I

Dale Winton is currently back hosting BBC’s

stand-by and was even cool enough to actually

would look for the back way to the London Anal

National Lottery program, ‘In it to Win It’ on

call one last job on voice that had just come in!

Museum - even if I ever found out where it was!

Saturday evenings, but all he wanted to do on that

Off air, he told telephonists to put their lines on

So I pulled into the side and spent several min-

Sunday afternoon was to go from Eastcheap to

"busy" and then said: "Ok, let’s go." The switch

utes trying to explain that I didn’t know any anal

Blackwall Tunnel. The answer was that I hadn’t a

was pulled and the rest is history because that was

museums but then had a brainwave; I phoned the

clue because had I known, my passenger would-

25 years ago!

London Hospital and asked where an anal muse-

n’t have had to start her trek on foot! Would Dale

Call Sign still has irreplaceable historical videos

um was in London. Through what sounded sus-

send me to the Red Area for getting the answer

of both launches that show how things have

piciously like sniggering, a voice said they doubt-

wrong? Well no, he just asked why the traffic was

moved on in the 25 years since 1989. Compared

ed if there was one and that if there was, then they

so bad and I told him.

to our modern 2014 call centre, that launch with

had never heard of it.

But when I said who was to blame for allowing

all its VDUs etc now looks so dated, but nothing

In the meantime, my passengers had phoned

it, he showed another side to the Dale Winton we

can take away the history behind that amazing day

the person that had sent the text message and

all know and love, with a view on the Mayoralty

in 1989.

passed the phone to me through the partition

that deserved a trip to Winners Row!

opening. The voice at the other end was also obvi-

Motorised Pedicabs

ously Chinese but had a smattering of English.

DaC anniversaries

It was certainly welcome news to hear from

She said that they wanted to see inside a Victorian

Whilst I take little interest in my own birthdays

Superintendent Rob Revill of the Roads and

ice well where they stored ice imported from

nowadays, I do find anniversaries involving Dial-

Transport Policing Command after a number of

Norway. My first thought was that it must be to do

a-Cab to be fascinating. Perhaps that makes me a

pedicabs that had been adapted with motors to

with painful piles - after all, why would you need

rather sad person, but when you spend over half

speed them up, that they had been slowed right

ice in an anal museum? Then she mentioned ice

your life with an organisation, how can you not

down - in fact brought to a complete standstill

cream and I gave up at that.

take any interest. So when I recently discovered

following a swoop by members of the constabu-

“I don’t know any anal museums,” I told the

that I had missed an important milestone, I was

lary, where they seized at least nine of them

voice at the end of the phone. “Are you sure that’s

totally mortified - ok, perhaps that’s a slight exag-

because they were classified as motor vehicles

what they are looking for,” I queried again before

geration and I was really just a bit miffed! Either

due to their excessive weight.

she said she would send the text again.

way I missed a date that I shouldn’t have.

During the raid in early September, several of

Seconds letter a text arrived on my passenger’s

It was back on April 29th 1989 when then-

the drivers were found to have no driving

phone. This time it had one extra letter on it - a

Chairman Ken Burns ordered a switch to be

licences, no tax and no insurance - obviously still

letter that made a substantial difference. It said

flicked that sent Dial-a-Cab on a one-way trip

believing that a bicycle with an engine was just a

the London Canal Museum! My passengers could-

to the future. Data Despatch had arrived and

bike rather than a real dangerous motor vehicle.

n’t understand why I was laughing, but as the ter-

DaC became just the third taxi company in the

The result was that two of the pedicab owners

minal’s POI gave an address as New Wharf Road,

world behind one in Houston (Texas) and

were fined £200 and given six point fixed penal-

Kings Cross. I dropped them at the end of the

another in British Columbia (Canada) to dis-

ties at the roadside. Other pedicab owners/drivers

street and everyone was happy! It could have

pose of voice and begin dispatching via data

were reported with one rider found to be already

been a bit of a bummer though...!

transmissions.

disqualified from driving!

Twenty five years on and it now seems very

Alan Fisher

Superintendent Revill said afterwards that oper-

commonplace to see data terminals in cabs - and

ations against Pedicabs with electric motors would

callsignmag@aol.com

Call Sign October 2014

Page 4

reflections of the chairman

signatures should they wish to register a rule

Merger Letter

change or proposition.

You should have received a letter from me

Although I can understand the sentiments of

on behalf of the BoM during the last few

some who thought they received everything

days to gauge your reaction to a merger or

early, perhaps you can now understand our rea-

amalgamation with RTG/Mountview.

soning and why you have already received your

I know it is a topic that has been discussed

paperwork regarding the AGM. There are too

over the years via the various Boards, but I don’t

many in our trade that wish to cry ‘foul’ at every

think it ever went further than just preliminary

available opportunity and there is no way the

discussions, which is the stage where we are at

BoM of Dial-a-Cab will give them that opportu-

the present time. However, circumstances at

nity.

present within our industry are different to any

time in the past, with the licensing of Private

Hire which now makes them legitimate in the

Coverage

eyes of our clients and certainly less expensive.

I believe you will read elsewhere in the maga-

Gone are the days when we could inform

zine articles from Board Members alluding to

clients that the vehicle might not be insured and

the fact that during certain periods of the day

the driver probably didn’t have a clue where he was going. That scenario

our coverage is beginning to suffer. I have heard every reason there is as

may well still apply with the driver’s knowledge, but with the prolifera-

to why coverage suffers at times, the latest being the way the subscrip-

tion of SatNavs, many clients do not really care. I wonder how many

tions are levied! Still at least that’s a new one. The real reason, as we all

times customers now get into your cabs and automatically give you a

know, is that Members are not pressing the ‘accept’ button on their ter-

postcode?

minal because there is a bit of work about on the streets (remember how

In addition to Private Hire, we now have a proliferation of Apps in the

not long ago some Members were telling me they didn’t want run-ins

market place, some within the taxi industry operating at a reduced rate

and gratuities)! When the street work goes quieter, which it will as more

at the driver’s expense. And in addition to that, there are also Apps oper-

and more of it becomes recycled via the Taxi Apps, some Members will

ating within the minicab industry - some of which should be illegal in my

wish to resort to their terminal for work - but it then may not be there

opinion - again operating as a threat to the established licensed taxi

as accounts would have been lost to the minicab trade due to that bad

radio circuits.

coverage. The same Members will then whinge and ask where all the

Finally, of course, we have the established and legitimate competition

work is and what are the BoM going to do about it?

in the shape of the other two licensed taxi radio circuits and it is fair to

Brian Rice

say that all three licensed taxi circuits have suffered greatly over the past

six years due to the recession and of course in trying to compete on an

Chairman

unfair playing field with minicabs and rogue Apps.

Dial-a-Cab

It would be reasonable to assume that the three circuits have lost

nearly three thousand mobiles and almost £100 million in account work

during that period; perhaps it is time to consolidate our efforts in an

attempt to prise some of that work back into our trade and as the econ-

omy picks up, perhaps clients will realise not everything is about price.

However, the decision is yours, but an amalgamation of two of the three

circuits would take us back to the days of 2,500 mobiles and account

turnover in excess of £50m, the difference being that we would operate

from just one building with one fitting bay etc, which would produce

economies of scale.

Since the offers to purchase Dial-a-Cab earlier in the year evaporated,

it has become apparent that many Members were disappointed they

could not realise the assets of Dial-a-Cab. With a merger / amalgamation,

those assets would be realised, but of course that decision is yours and

on this occasion Non-Disclosure-Agreements have not been signed by

either party, so you are all aware of the organisations that are involved.

I suspect some Members would rather we distributed our assets and

stayed as we are, but unfortunately that is not the case and cannot be

achieved as a Mutual Society.

Your BoM have kept you informed regarding preliminary discussions;

the ball is now in your court whether or not this issue should be pro-

gressed further.

AGM

You should now all have your paperwork relating to the AGM that is to

take place on 8 Feb 2015. I have had many Members state that it appears

to have been distributed early, well, it’s not really early but it will give

prospective Board candidates ample time to register their nomination

should they wish to stand, compose their CV for publication in Call

Sign and give Members ample opportunity to write in with their ques-

tions to prospective candidates regarding their CV and have answers

published in the following issue of the magazine. In addition, of course,

it will also give Members plenty of time to gain the required twenty five

Call Sign October 2014

Page 5

Brian Rice: “It was a waste of time!”

Dial-a-Cab Chairman Brian Rice

“I thought Steve Mac and Mike Galvin

both did very well; they obviously know

was one of several members of

their subjects. However, the same cannot

the taxi trade to be present at

be said for Garrett Emmerson and Isabel

City Hall to listen into a

Dedring. They were both very disappoint-

ing and waffled.

Transport Committee meeting

“Following the meeting, I was told by

on the taxi and private hire

another guest never to play poker. When I

industry.

asked why, I was told that there was a look

Among the topics on the table were licenc-

of utter dismay on my face every time

ing, compliance and passenger safety with

Garrett Emmerson spoke and it just gave

LTDA General Secretary Steve McNamara

away my feelings! I think that says it all! It

and Addison Lee’s Mike Galvin being the

was pretty much a waste of time.”

only two representatives of the two trades

However, one London Assembly member

allowed to speak.

the DaC Chairman did have praise for was

The idea was for the committee to explore

Deputy Mayor of London, Victoria Borwick.

what the Mayor and Transport for London

“She is not only extremely knowledge-

are doing to address issues faced by the

able about the cab trade and London taxis

industry, including minicab touting and

in particular, but is happy to speak up for

unsafe vehicles etc. Eight guests were ques-

us. She actually referred to us as the ‘gold

tioned, including London's Deputy Mayor for

standard’ of taxis the following morning

Victoria Borwick: We all admire our

Transport, Isabel Dedring and Surface

on London Live.”

iconic London taxis

Transport COO, Garrett Emmerson.

So Call Sign spoke to Victoria about her

A team also went into central London to set

view of London taxis, the current investigation

too many, are there too few, what do pas-

up a road block for inspecting Taxis and PHVs.

and how she sees us in the future. She told us:

sengers want and if we are making taxi dri-

Among the usual Compliance Officers were

“I think this investigation is very timely,

vers work so hard to be the best, what do

members of the Department for Work and

we all admire our iconic London Taxis and

they get in return? Please encourage peo-

Pensions.

the values they represent, thus it is impor-

ple to write in and give their views on what

Brian Rice told Call Sign after the meeting:

tant to sort out the regulations - are there

the future should look like!

NOTICE OF

No more tax discs!

From October, the paper tax disc will be no more

2014

when after 93 years of appearing on wind-

screens of UK motorists, the discs will vanish

DAC AGM

and be replaced by electronic records where

By now, all mem-

ANPR (automatic number plate recognition)

bers should have

cameras fitted along roads and in police cars

received an indi-

will check number plates to catch owners that

vidual notice of

have not paid.

the Dial-a-Cab

While it is claimed that the move is intended to save £millions in printing and

2014 Annual

postage etc, many believe that this scheme will help to catch those that do not tax

General Meeting

their vehicles and finally nail the “it’s in the post” story!

advising that it

However, despite the demise of the discs, you will still need to tax your car or taxi

will be held at:

with the penalty for not taxing standing at a hefty £1,000.

The HAC, Armoury House, City

Also as of October, you will no longer be able to use the tax disc of the previous owner

Road, London EC1Y 2BQ on

when buying a second hand vehicle. However, drivers selling their vehicles will be able

Sunday 8th February 2015 at

to receive a refund for any full months of road tax remaining, while those buying will

11:00hrs.

have to get the vehicle taxed before driving it away. It will become an offence, with

The meeting this year will con-

steep fines facing vehicle sellers that fail to inform the DVLA of a change of ownership.

sider an agenda including the

Whilst the number of motorists displaying the disc will gradually decline until the end

Election of Officers and any pro-

of September 2015 when the last ones will fade into memory, according to most

posed Rule Changes and

motoring organisations, it will become easier for police to spot those failing to tax their

Propositions, all of which should

vehicles thanks to the ANPR cameras.

be received at Dial-a-Cab House by

New methods of paying will include a direct debit option that will include an extra 5

09:00hrs on Friday 10th October

percent charge and be available for paying monthly or biannually. The current charge is

2014 and in accordance with

10 percent for not paying the whole 12 months in one go. Credit card payments will

Society Rules.

still incur a £2.50 surcharge.

As a reminder, if you do not

The DVLA will still remind you that your car needs re-taxing and you will still be able to

tax it at the post office. There will also be a new website where you can tax a new

vote by post, then you must

vehicle as well as re-tax your current taxi with both the Government and DVLA being

attend in person. If you do nei-

keen to encourage more people to pay online. A website has been set up where

ther, you may be subject to a £50

you can check any vehicles state of tax and MOT renewal date. Just go to

fine...

Howard Pears

www.vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk.

Company Secretary

You will of course be issued with a receipt but no tax disc...

Call Sign October 2014

Page 6

Jery’s World

“I fink he took umbrage against that demo on 9th September - not ‘cos it held up ‘is traffic but ‘cos it was called

Cabbies Against Boris! I fink he wants to be loved...”

Motorised Pedicabs Seized by Police

ogue pedicabs adapted with motors

to make them go faster were seized

following a recent operation involv-

ing officers from the Metropolitan

Police Service's Roads and Transport Policing

Command, in partnership with Transport for

London. They seized nine pedicabs, which

were classified as motor vehicles due to

their weight.

Over 50 pedicabs were inspected during the operation which took place in

central London on 5 and 6 September. The drivers of those vehicles were found

TAXI AIR

to have no driving licences, no tax and no insurance. Two of the pedicab own-

ers received fines of £200 and six point fixed penalty notices at the roadside.

CONDITIONING

Seven other pedicab owners were reported for summons, one rider was found

to be disqualified from driving and will appear at court in due course, while 25

All makes and models

were advised about waiting and parking restrictions. A further raid took place

serviced and repaired

on September 19th with similar results.

Mobile service - we

Superintendent Rob Revill of the Roads and Transport Policing

come to you!

Command, said:

“Operations checking pedicabs that have been fitted with electric motors like

Call Mick Wheeler on

this will continue to prevent collisions as well as reducing the anti-social behav-

020 8715 0079

iour associated with obstructing pavements and roads.

“These vehicles have historically fallen outside of the insurance legislation,

Covering London

leaving the public passengers using them exposed to higher levels of risk.”

and the Home Counties

Call Sign October 2014

Page 7

The last day of August looked

to be a pleasant enough Sunday

DAC DRIVERS AT STRAND

so far as the weather was con-

cerned, but there were fears

ANTI-SEMITISM RALLY

that an anti-semitism rally out-

side London’s Law Courts could

Martin Hizer’s

turn the City into a battlefield.

taxi was on

The event was organised by the Campaign

i24 News

Against anti-Semitism and was attended by

the Jewish Board of Deputies - who were

jeered at over perceived inaction during the

Gaza conflict - and the Chief Rabbi, Ephraim

Mirvis.

Hitler was right

Organisers claimed an attendance

without

any

of around 4,500, consisting of ma

action from the

other faiths in addition to Jewi

police.

The

and including former Islamic fu

Strand demo was

damentalist and now Lib Dem pa

an open rally;

liamentary candidate Maaji

anyone could

Naawaz, founder of the Quillia

have attended yet

Foundation, described as a kin

I saw not one

of fundamentalist watchdog. H

hate

banner.I

said that the rise in anti-semitism

othing wrong. Do not let

spoke to mem-

was down to the far-left and far-

em make you feel you

bers of several different religions whilst

right together with Islamists find-

ave to hide your Jewish

there, so it wasn’t just a Jewish rally.

ing common cause and that the

entities.”

“When you watch the TV news footage, you

reason he had joined the rally wa

Dial-a-Cab driver Martin

can see banners proclaiming Christians sup-

a child he remembered being chased due to

Hizer (M47) was one of several taxi dri-

porting Israel and zero tolerance to anti-semi-

the colour of his skin, whilst later he had

vers in the parade in addition to many

tism. There was also a total absence of hate

become

“the beast” when turning to

others without their cabs. The rally was

messages on banners, but an abundance of

Islamism, something for which he was jailed

covered in detail by international TV news

Union Jacks being flown by Jews and the

in Egypt.

channel i24 News.

singing of God Save the Queen as well as the

“The rise of anti-Semitism across the world

Martin told Call Sign:

“During London

Hatikvah. The anti-semitism message went

has absolutely nothing to do with you,” he

marches for Gaza, there were chants of Jews

round the world in a peaceful rally - exactly

told the rally. “It’s not your fault. You’ve done

to the gas as well as banners proclaiming

how it should be.”

Call Sign October 2014

Page 8

HARRY JOEL HITS 90!

Happy birthday to a

Although they are involved in many

activities, the Charity is famous for its

Pentonville Road founder

annual trip to Worthing, often taking

member...

along the Charity’s patron, Dame Vera

ongratulations from everyone

Lynn in addition to old soldiers from

at Dial-a-Cab and Call Sign

the Royal Hospital in Chelsea together

go out to Harry Joel MBE on

with many other homes and indeed

the milestone of his

90th

many that still live in their own homes.

birthday on 5 October. Harry was one

They have also made trips back to

of the first drivers to sign up to the for-

Dunkirk.

mative ODRTS radio circuit at

There have also been many special

Pentonville Road and eventually

guests that have given their time to the

became a Board Member for the

LTBAWD including Prince Philip,

Society. He was also an Arbitrator for

Princess Alexandra, Duchess of Kent,

the Society until 2006.

Sir Douglas Bader, Group Captain

Harry is nowadays better known as

Leonard Cheshire and many others.

the Honorary President of the London

But when you think of the LTBAWD,

Taxi Benevolent Association for War

the first name that springs to mind is

Disabled, where astonishingly he still

that of Harry Joel MBE...

plays an active part and still keeps up to

The photos show Harry with

date with DaC matters by reading each

General Sir Charles Harington in

issue of Call Sign as it comes out.

1987, with Charity Patron Dame

So we know you will see this...

Vera Lynn on her 90 birthday in

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARRY!

1997 and more recently proudly

The LTBAWD was formed in February 1948. Those first few

displaying his medals...

years following the cessation of WW2 hostilities, showed that

there were a great many war disabled ex-soldiers. The Charity

did what it could to help by providing specialised medical and

walking equipment in addition to providing entertainment and

Keith Reading

outings, the first two coming within the first 12 months.

Professional Toastmaster

Harry’s father had been friends with the Charity’s first

Master of Ceremonies

Chairman, Stan Davies, so Harry knew him too. He asked Stan

if there was anything he could do to help and they had plenty!

Tele: 01279 465 938

Harry was soon involved in everything but knew that they need-

Mobile: 07774 860 374

ed more help. So he enrolled the taxi trade by publicising how

Email: kgr.2@virgin.net

former soldiers had returned from the war disabled. Many cab-

bies, some of whom had also been involved in the war, volun-

10% discount for DaC drivers and staff

teered to help.

Harry’s sterling work with the LTBAWD for 40 consecu-

Fellow of the Guild of

tive years was rewarded when he was elected to the office

Professional Toastmasters

of Honorary Chairman. Then in 1981, he was awarded the

MBE for his charity work.

Call Sign October 2014

Page 9

A DaC driver explains to the Conservative Party..

Why I can’t donate!

You don’t have to watch television for long to see

And this was John’s reply to Mr Javid...

ads asking you to send money each month to

Dear Sajid,

help some charity or other. Some you may decide

I can't afford any donation as I am struggling to make a living as a

to support while others not. But political dona-

London taxi driver. Unfortunately the cheap labour that is still being

imported to our shores are driving minicabs while the previous

tions are something else...

Labour Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, gave them respectability

Dial-a-Cab driver John Addis (K97) was recently contacted by his

by licensing them.

local Conservative Party via MP Sajid Javid to ask if he would care

Slowly but surely, most of our taxi account work has gone to

these amateurs - including, I might add, your own Parliament

to donate £20 in order to keep Labour out of Number 10. He had

account.

already received a similar letter from Labour about keeping Tories

Giving a contract to a company that not so long ago told their dri-

away from Downing Street!

There’s nothing unusual in those type of begging letters and John

vers to break the law by using bus lanes is a disgrace. I believe there

didn’t kid himself that the letters were only sent to him even though

must be more to this contract and I'm afraid I have grave suspicions

as to why it was awarded. You and your fellow Members of Parliament

they called him John! But it was John’s answer to the Tory letter that

should be thoroughly ashamed.

interested Call Sign. John said that he wasn’t expecting an answer

Regards etc from one of the many licensed taxi drivers who have

from them - just as he never received one from Labour. And he cer-

tainly wasn’t disappointed because he never received a response from

always backed your party...

either party. But with John’s permission, we are publishing both the

John Addis

Conservative letter and John’s reply...

* John isn’t 100 percent correct about which company was awarded the

HoC account because that went to a company in Liverpool that doesn’t

own a single cab but sub-contracts work out. You can guess who they sub-

contracted the HoC work to in London - the company John considers

whose drivers were encouraged to break the law by driving in bus lanes...

John,

Whatever you did over the

summer, I'm guessing you

HACKNEY ROAD TAXI TYRES

didn't go on a £21 billion

spending spree. But unbe-

lievably, that's exactly what

FOR THE BLACK CAB TAXI TRADE

Labour did. They made a

host of promises, including

• Austones for the TX

more spending on benefits,

which analysis shows would

• Barums for the Vito

cost hardworking taxpayers

£20.955 billion. In return,

• Michelin and Continental

they only set out £105 mil-

lion worth of spending cuts to pay for them.

also supplied

£20.955 billion of spending minus £105 million of savings =

£20.850 billion of unfunded spending commitments, which hard-

•

4-wheel laser tracking

working families would pay for with higher taxes and more debt.

for the Mercedes Vito

John, we've got to stop Labour getting into power and wreck-

ing our economy again. Donate £20 today and let's make sure Ed

Miliband never gets into No. 10.

• Puncture repairs

Labour STILL haven't learnt their lesson. After taking Britain's econ-

omy to the brink and opposing every spending reduction we've made,

• Also free tyre checks

Labour have spent the summer promising £billions of inefficient and

ineffective spending.

With just eight months to go until the General Election, it's clear

Find us downstairs the

that all Ed Miliband offers is more spending, higher taxes and more

DaC Credit Union at

debt than our children could ever hope to repay. We can't let him get

The Peterley Business Centre,

his way.

472 Hackney Road, E2

Donate £20 today and let's carry on working through the long-term

economic plan that is building a stronger, healthier economy and

securing a better future for Britain:

0207 729 5237

Sajid Javid MP

Call Sign October 2014

Page 10

Coverage

I finished my last report reiterating how we

DaC Sales Report

must look after our core clients and give

them the service they are prepared to pay us

for. Yet despite all the conversations that have

With Keith Cain

taken place with drivers about how trip num-

ing decisions on. We are completing another

bers were down and the difficulty they were

at this time and I know I keep saying it, but

having finding the work and how they were

cost is the only issue that is beating us. We

prepared to work for no run-ins etc, I have to

can only keep getting ourselves in front of

say to them and to all members that while

people and doing what can be done, but I

schools have only been back a few weeks and

can honestly say I have never experienced a

the work has picked up considerably, morn-

time in all my years on the Board when com-

ing coverage is causing many clients to talk to

panies are so cost conscious.

us about how disappointed they are in the

Conversations I have had with people out-

time it has taken us to get them their taxi.

side of the taxi industry are similar, with them

And in the majority of cases the trips carry the

telling me the same thing about how every-

normal run-ins.

one is squeezing suppliers’ prices. You only

Delays of up to 30 and 45 minutes are just

have to walk down a High Street to see

not acceptable to them and quite frankly,

notices in all sorts of shop windows advertis-

contact centre staff, account managers and

Very often, our morning passengers are

ing cheap products and services. The short-

my Sales team are running out of excuses

those individuals who can influence the deci-

sightedness of a few offering a cheap cost will

when asked for an explanation.

sion of an account being taken away. Your

inevitable put many professional individuals

The main problems are occurring in the

cooperation is urgently required to give a ser-

and smaller companies out of business. Only

mornings during the rush hour period and

vice, especially in the mornings. Alternative

those with substantial financial resources will

this is affecting all areas. To gain new business

ways have been suggested by controllers

continue, but cost cutting can only go so far

is the hardest thing at the moment, but service

about how we should dispatch the work. I

before the customer realises you only get

like this is the sure way of driving customers

know their suggestions would not go down

what you pay for. If a quality product or ser-

away from us. If a client is kept waiting once

too well if implemented, but unless our ser-

vice is what’s required, then this has to come

for a few minutes, they are reasonable people

vice improves I feel sure the Board will imple-

at a cost.

and understand that delays can happen, but

ment changes rather than lose an account.

when it occurs on another two or three occa-

We in Sales are participating in every ten-

Keith Cain

sions, then in all honesty why should they stay

der possible and there are two we are await-

with us and give us their business.

DaC Head of Sales

NATIONAL FRAUD INITIATIVE

Since 1996 the

cates that there is an inconsistency which

Further information on the Audit

Audit

requires further investigation. No assumption

Commission’s legal powers and the reasons

Commission has

can be made as to whether there is fraud,

why it matches particular information can be

run the National

error or other explanation until an investiga-

found on the Audit Commission’s website at:

Fraud Initiative

tion is carried out. The use of data by the

www.audit-commission.gov.uk/fairprocessing.

(NFI), an exercise

Audit Commission in a data matching exer-

that matches

cise is carried out with statutory authority

Data Security

electronic data

under its powers in Part 2A of the Audit

TfL considers the security of data as very

within and

Commission Act 1998. It does not require

important and will ensure that the data is

between audited

the consent of the individuals concerned

transferred securely to the Audit

bodies to prevent

under the Data Protection Act 1998. Data

Commission.

and detect fraud. This includes police

matching by the Audit Commission is subject

authorities, local probation boards and fire

to a Code of Practice which can be found at:

Helen Chapman

and rescue authorities as well as local coun-

www.audit-commission.gov.uk/national-

General Manager, Taxi and Private Hire

cils. Further information about the NFI is

fraud-initiative/code-of-data-matching-practice/.

available on the Audit Commission’s website

at www.audit-commission.gov.uk/nfi.

As part of the 2014/2015 NFI data

matching exercise Transport for London

is required by law to release informa-

tion about licensed taxi and private hire

vehicle drivers to the Audit Commission

and in October 2014 TfL will be provid-

ing the Audit Commission with the

name, address, date of birth and

National Insurance number (if available)

of every licensed taxi and PHV driver.

Data matching involves comparing com-

puter records held by one body against

other computer records held by the same or

another body to see how far they match.

This is usually personal information.

Computerised data matching allows poten-

tially fraudulent claims and payments to be

identified. Where a match is found, it indi-

Call Sign October 2014

Page 12

convoy of cabs left the

East Wintergarden,

CHILDREN’S MAGICAL

Canary Wharf early on

the morning of 12th

September, destination

TAXI TOUR 2014

Disneyland Paris. The 21st annu-

al Children’s Magical Taxi Tour

characters who signed

had begun - with hundreds of

autographs and posed for

photos with the children

excited children (and cab dri-

- truly magical. During

vers) gathering for the Big

the evening the party

Breakfast Send Off.

atmosphere continued

This breakfast was attended by sponsors and

with a disco but all too

dignitaries alongside the VIP guests - the chil-

soon the evening was

dren - with The Lord Mayor Locum Tenens of

over and it was time for

the City of London, Alderman Sir David

bed before the journey

Howard, cutting the ribbon at 07:40 sharp sig-

homewards. First thing

nalling the beginning of the trip. Office work-

on Sunday as drivers

ers at the venue were surprised at the sight that

packed the cabs with their

greeted them and stood to watch in amaze-

guests’ luggage, the

“I told you my mum was bigger than your dad!”

police - both English and

ment as the convoy set off, horns blaring to bid

farewell, each cab with the sponsors names

French - were showing

emblazoned on the side. One was from Dial-a-

the children their cars

Cab and driven by Stewart Lewis (D20).

and motorbikes and the

More than 400 people set off on this year’s

hotel car park became a

trip, taking children with life limiting illnesses

very noisy place to be

on such a magical journey. As well as the chil-

with sirens blaring and

dren, the Magical Taxi Tour was supported by

blue lights flashing! The

medical teams, ambulances, breakdown ser-

convoy then departed for

vices and carers. The trip, organised by The

Calais and the P&O ferry

Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage

return to the UK.

Drivers, was escorted by police officers from

Fundraising in today’s

the City of London Police, UK and also fellow

economic climate is more

officers from over the channel, the

difficult than it has been

It could only be one place!

in the past and without

Gendarmerie Nationale. The Big Breakfast

Send Off saw the Royal British Legion Band

the continuing support of

from Romford entertain everybody and the

the drivers, City Liveries

charity is grateful for the support from the

and the Magical Taxi Tour

Marriot Hotel Canary Wharf for the provi-

sponsors this event could

sion of packed lunches, the London Taxi

not carry on. New spon-

Company for the children’s spending money

sors come on board each

and Ampersand for the breakfast itself.

year as they learn more

Each year the tour reaches another mile-

about the trip and how

stone; more than 4800 children have been on

much pleasure it brings.

this trip over the course of its 21 year history. It

Stewart Lewis’s cab was sponsored by Dial-a-Cab

Fund raising events are

is thanks to the generosity of sponsors and the

held, such as the Dinner

ing a good time. Then it was onwards to our

taxi drivers who give their time freely that the

Dance held each December and those involved

final destination. Although we were slightly

trip has grown and gone from strength to

in the charity this year have done some differ-

delayed by traffic queues, we arrived at the

strength, together with support of the Livery

ent things to raise funds, including the Three

Disneyland resort in daylight, giving the chil-

Companies and the corporate sector. Some of

Peaks Challenge and some ice bucket chal-

dren their first glimpse of the enchanted king-

the taxi drivers have actually taken part in

lenges. The Disney Organising Committee is

dom in the distance. As the taxis arrived at the

every single trip since the first one in 1994, an

confident it will be able to carry on bringing

Cheyenne Hotel - cowboy themed and deco-

amazing commitment. They are used to the

smiles to the faces of the children and the sup-

rated - some of the Disney characters were

cries of “Are we nearly there yet” that begin as

porting team who travel. The Committee is

waiting to greet the children and this was

the convoy lands in Calais following the chan-

extremely grateful to everyone involved in

greeted by lots of happy faces. Having checked

nel crossing on a P&O ferry, which they very

making this year’s trip so successful; every bit

in to the hotel, dinner was in the Chuck

kindly donate. The car deck full of London

of help and support counts in making this the

Wagon where drivers took the opportunity to

taxis is quite a surprising sight to fellow trav-

trip of a lifetime for the children. Each year the

relax and enjoy the evening before the visit to

ellers, as is the hotel car park full of cabs over

preparation for the trip sees goodie bags filled,

the theme park the next day.

the weekend! This year the convoy enjoyed a

the cabs liveried with their sponsors names,

Bright and early on Saturday, everyone head-

lovely sunny day for the journey down to

meetings with P&O, lots of telephone calls,

ed into the Park itself. With so many rides and

Disneyland and many were on the outside

vehicles lent to the trip as support, food

things to experience, this is a real fun day

decks of the ferry.

ordered, a briefing meeting to name but a few.

which was enjoyed in beautiful sunshine.

A refuelling stop at the Aire De Repos

It is this preparation which results in a trip

Behind the scenes, the team from the chari-

Assevillers Ouest services saw quite a sight to

which looks seamless and shows the generosi-

ty are always working to ensure the children

greet the convoy. Giant characters waving and

ty of the cab trade, as with so many of our trade

have a great time. As the children and drivers

a room set aside especially for the convoy

charities. Long may it continue...

enjoyed their time in the park, others were

guests where the children found snacks,

Next year’s trip will take place on 18th

preparing packed lunches for the return jour-

sweets and drinks waiting. Face painters were

September 2015 and fund raising has

ney, with sandwiches donated by M&S.

also on hand and it was somewhat hard to per-

already begun...

The fun packed day was followed by a Gala

suade the children to get back to their cabs

Dinner, which is also attended by the Disney

when it was time to leave as they were enjoy-

Sandie Goodwin

Call Sign October 2014

Page 13

Cab failed for dodgy DaC superside!

Beware! Your ads count as part of the annual inspection...

nearside doors of

n addition to

Alan’s TX4 was incom-

being Call

plete.

Sign’s editor,

Alan felt rather miffed as

the cab was mechanically

Alan Fisher is

in very good condition as

also a full-time

was the bodywork. He felt

taxi driver and

that NSL could have just

told him to get a new ad

subject to the

put on as soon as possible

same restraints

and complained to them.

as everyone

“I was surprised at how

else. And that

seriously they took my

complaint,” the editor

includes passing

told us. “I had a long and

the annual

very polite letter explain-

inspection - aka

ing the Transport for

How the cab should have looked

London rules they have

overhaul.

to comply with and that

After having a friend-

refreshing

attitude

ly laugh at his expense

helped calm my anger. I

when he told me that

went to DaC and picked

the cab had failed, I

up another superside ad

had to smile again

and then thanks to taxi

because he’d had the

consultant and advertis-

cab checked mechani-

ing expert, Asher Moses,

cally and other than a

who had been contacted

few bits that needed

by Allan Evans, the

doing, the garage told

superside was stuck on

him that it was ready

and the cab returned to

and he booked a date

the passing station to col-

for it to be presented.

lect its new plate.”

But his failure wasn’t

So beware of any logos

one that many would

on the cab. They must

have considered as

not only be in a good

being too obvious.

How the cab did look when it failed

condition but they need

The problem was

to be the same on both

that 24 hours earlier, a

sides...

white

van

(what

any external signage

must

comply

else???) was spotted doing a three-point

Michael Toomey

with LTPH regulations and guidelines

turn close to the cab while Alan was

and that in this case, the advert on the

Call Sign Online

using a public convenience in

Westminster and clipped the bottom of

the taxi where the two doors meet.

Fortunately the damage wasn’t that great

(although white van man didn’t hang

around to look) but it needed repairing

and it meant that Alan’s Dial-a-Cab

superside ad would have to come off.

The problem was that they need to be

taken off very carefully because they are

super-sticky and the garage was reluctant

to take it all off. They also said that if they

removed one side, then NSL would

require both sides to be removed. So

they decided that as the damage was to

the bottom corners of the doors, they

would carefully remove just the bottom

half and make it look neat as though the

ad wasn’t touched. The photo shows

that the garage made a pretty good job of

it and the following morning the cab was

presented at the passing station. It failed.

The reason was that according to

the TfL Vehicle Inspection Manual,

Call Sign October 2014

Page 14

Nat Rothschild has been

From the “richest and wildest” Rothschild of them all...

described in the Mail on Sunday

as a ‘party boy’ in addition to

being the richest Rothchild of all

SHARING A MAAXI TAXI

- and that must be saying some-

is why anyone would bother calling for their

thing in that banking family!

own taxi when they can now share with

someone else and get a large discount? Surely

But now he is moving into the

that will cut down on the number of available

licensed taxi business with an

passengers if four callers get into one cab

idea that seems to be loosely

rather than four?

One other foreseeable problem is that

based on the early morning sta-

the space in a taxi is fairly compact com-

tion cab share scheme.

pared to a train. What if a young girl ends

Maaxi Taxi has been described as a next

up sharing with three lads just back from

generation taxi app that will leave Hailo,

watching their favourite football team and

GetTaxi and Cab:App in its wake - and in the-

well tanked up?

ory it sounds like a good idea. The question

But being positive, it could possibly work

is whether it will increase taxi work or actual-

Nat Rothschild backs the sharing app

and if it does, it will undoubtedly take other

ly decrease it.

apps with it. But we won’t know if it increas-

The app, created by former Poker Stars

one passenger gets out, the current meter

es or decreases our workload until taxi dri-

CEO Gabi Campos and financially backed by

fare is entered onto the app screen and the

vers report bigger earnings or start to go

Nat Rothschild, is undoubtedly clever. It

driver will be told what the chargeable fare is

bankrupt!

sends the driver - claiming it will use black

up to that point.

Jamie Corum

cabs only - a pick-up point with others along

It will make taxi fares more affordable and

the route going in the same direction. When

even compete with train fares. The question

Call Sign Online

Not just minicabs

the use of Automatic Number Plate

Recognition (ANPR) cameras, to tar-

get fraudulent taxi drivers posing

as legitimate ones.

So the next time you feel irritated at

being stopped or you see another taxi

stopped, remember that there are other

Edward Tolley’s out there trying to not

only take your business, but in all prob-

ability give the trade a bad name with

amateurs trying to do the job of the

professionals...

Immaculate White

Usually it's minicabs but it could be a taxi

Cab Available for

e’re used to reading occasional reports about

Weddings

minicab touts being caught by the Met Police

Service Cab Enforcement Unit, part of the TfL-

funded Safer Transport Command Unit; but very

occasionally you will see taxis also stopped at their road

blocks - be they in Charing Cross Road, the Embankment or

wherever.

Whilst it may appear that they are just being picky as they ask for the usual

Badge and Bill etc - and perhaps on occasion they may well be - it’s more likely

that they are looking either for Yellow Badge drivers working in town or those

who do not have any licence at all, but have had access to a taxi and are using

it to work.

One such “catch” was Edward Tolley, who was fined a total of £2185 for

‘fraud by false representation’ after being stopped in May driving a London Taxi

Female driver

with passengers on board whilst displaying fake green identifiers in the front

10% reduction for Dial-a-Cab drivers

and back windows.

Contact Debbie (W18) on

The sentence was part of Operation Excalibur, a joint investigation by

the MPS and TfL which follows ongoing intelligence-led work including

07956 317040

Call Sign October 2014

Page 15

Any Dial-a-Cab driver interested in football will

100 years on and an exhibition celebrates the

know about the 1914 Christmas WW1 ceasefire

most amazing football match in history!

match between the otherwise warring English

and German soldiers. Now between

November 2014 and 10 January 2015, an exhi-

Crossing the Field,

bition at the Pitzhanger Manor House &

Gallery at Walpole Park, Mattock Lane,

WWI, Football and the

Ealing will see a group of artists of different

nationalities present their own varied perspec-

Christmas Truce...

tives of WWI and the humanity behind the 1914

Christmas truce. Mark Anstee, Gabi Cowburn,

Paul Hodgson, Thomas Lohmann, Eric Monbel,

Marc Palmer, Bruno Van Dijck, Jurgen

Vantomme and Robin Vermeersch will be

among the artists whose contemporary art at

‘Crossing the Field: WWI, Football & the

Christmas Truce’ will depict and reflect on the

events of the War and explores football, its

power and positive influence and ability to tran-

scend the bleakest scenes and most difficult of

circumstances.

In the week leading up to Christmas 1914,

British and German soldiers on the Western

Front in France and Flanders began to exchange

greetings and seasonal songs, astonishingly

even making their way across no man’s land for

conversations with

their adversaries! Yet even

that was nothing compared to when on

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, soldiers min-

Not from the exhibition, but an amazing photo of English and German troops at

gled, exchanged food and gifts and most

war celebrating Xmas together on the 1941 Western Front

famously, organised games of football. This

almost incredible situation, in which people

also taking on an abstract feel.

Programme Manager Carol Swords told Call

tasked to kill each other were able to stop fight-

Marc Palmer’s (UK) paintings are detailed

Sign: “For many people, football seems to exist

ing for a game of football, is the inspiration for

examinations of the passion of the football fan,

in a bubble in which it is all-important to those

the exhibition which has been co-curated by De

illustrating the devotion and commitment of the

involved, yet perhaps baffling to the outsider.

Queeste Art, Belgium and Pitzhanger Manor

loyal supporter.

The Christmas truce continues to resonate, a

Gallery.

Paul Hodgson’s (UK) photographs and draw-

century after the event took place - an enduring

Among the work to be shown...

ings study the tragic stories which exist beneath

example of the power of sport during a time of

wartime moments of great historical significance

strife.”

On 21 May 2003, Mark Anstee (UK) became

and supposed magnificence. His work for the

The exhibition is at Pitzhanger Manor

artist-in-residence at the Flanders Field Museum

exhibition concentrates on the Battle of the

House & Gallery Walpole Park, Mattock

in Ypres, Belgium, the scene of many battles dur-

Somme, highlighting the tragedy behind deeds

Lane, London W5 5EQ between 8 November

ing WWI. Over the next 72 days, he set to work

and sacrifices, popularly considered to be glori-

2014 and 10 January 2015. Admission is free.

on a 4-metre-square wall, drawing two opposing

ous.

Opening Times: Tues to Fri 1 - 5pm; Sat

armies for his piece ‘Encounter’. On 3 July, the

Belgian master painter Bruno Van Dijck’s

11am -

5pm; Closed on Sundays and

drawing was completed and 19,386 figures cov-

installation ‘In Flanders Field’ features a shrine

Mondays.

ered the wall. A few months later Anstee

in which a dismantled mortar bomb sits inside a

Information at: www.pitzhanger.org.uk,

returned to delete the work over two days. On

wooden casket, on which he has created a land-

020 8567 1227 or @soanesvilla

the third day, the wall was demolished. The exhi-

scape of war.

bition will feature Gabi Cowburn’s film of the

whole process.

Belgian photographer Jurgen Vantomme’s

images of football matches taking place across

Dial-a-Cab Credit Union

Belgium show the sport at its most run-of-the-

mill matches watched by a handful of people, set

Ever needed money quickly but were anxious about

against austere backdrops of industrial plants or

variable bank interest rates?

power station chimneys. But at the heart of the

stark scenes are people consumed by the game

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

and elevated from their mundane environment.

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

The beautiful romantic landscapes of Thomas

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

Lohmann (Germany) are particularly poignant

at your address also qualifies for membership!

as they show panoramic French countryside

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

scenes in 1913, the year before the outbreak of

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

war.

up to 3 times your total savings…

The ceramics of Robin Vermeersch

(Belgium) show scenes of professional football

The cost?

in proper stadia in which all the elements - the

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

stands, pitch, players and crowd - are fused

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

together into a single flowing piece. The result-

ing work emphasises the sense of the partici-

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

pants existing in their own bubble and suggests

Call us on 020 7729 8171 or 020 7749 0585

a scene of community.

The work of Eric Monbel (France) features

Members of the Financial Ombudsman Service

figures of soldiers painted directly on to the fab-

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

ric of medical stretchers. His images show the

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

pain and loss caused by war, with his figurative

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

Registration number 213263

‘Explosions’ series of muddy, barbed-wire scenes

Call Sign October 2014

Page 16

With the aim of raising enough to sponsor a taxi in the 2015 chil-

dren’s Magical Taxi Tour to Paris, Bob Woodford is going to

attempt the Inca Trail Challenge...

Bob: From East Peckham to Peru!

Via the Sahara Desert!

Bob takes a

breather in

the infamous

It’s one thing pounding the streets of the

2000

City of London and the City of Westminster as

Marathon des

a Tour Guide, but let’s be honest; Central

Sables when

London is not very hilly - so I recently took

he crossed the

to getting out into the countryside as a way of

Sahara Desert

increasing fitness levels.

The reason for this is two-fold - firstly,

on foot for

‘boot camp’ style training weekend

charity!

down on the South Downs near Arundel

was a real eye-opener that revealed an

amazing drop in my fitness since my

experience in the Marathon des Sables in

2000 - and secondly, my partner Steph

of the London

and I are heading off to Peru next month

Taxi Trade, so

to attempt to complete the Inca Trail.

please help us

But as such an event should be enjoyed

try to achieve a

and not endured, it was time to step up to a

moderately

more serious keep-fit regime both in the gym

of your day’s activity.

small target by making a donation, however

and the great outdoors - and we have found

There is a more serious reason to all of

small, to

that long weekend walks along sections of

this - and I am coming around shaking

https://www.justgiving.com/robandsteph/.

the North Downs Way and Pilgrim’s Way

the old tin can again - because we are

In the meantime, those walking boots are

are the way to go, especially in areas of out-

fund raising to sponsor the cost of at least

going on again to prepare for an event in

standing natural beauty that the home coun-

one taxi in next year’s Magical Taxi Tour.

Peru because of an event in Paris - but I am

ties provide.

This event, as you know, is always

closer to Peckham than Peru or Paris at the

A new tool for recording walking activity

superbly marshalled by Phil Davis (F10)

moment - that’s East Peckham in hop picking

was also discovered recently, which fellow

and gives sick children a break from their

country!

walking enthusiasts may be interested in

routine of treatment for a really special

Get your boots on... and start walking!

downloading. MapMyWalk is superb, not

weekend in Disneyland Paris, cared for by

just recording all of your workouts on foot in

some really special London Taxi Drivers.

Bob Woodford

distance, time and calories burned, but even

Most of the fund raising I have done over

providing you with a map at the conclusion

the years has been for worthy causes outside

Call Sign Online

Special DaC deal at the Drift Golf Club

Cabbies are well-known for enjoying golf, so the

Drift Golf Club at East Horsley is hoping to attract

more of you by offering vastly discounted rates. We

already have several black cab drivers as members,

which is what originally gave us the idea of contact-

ing Call Sign.

We would love to see more Dial-a-Cab members playing here and I am

glad to say that I can offer discounted rates to DaC from now until the end

of 2014.

If you were to book a four ball during the week, we can offer this for just

£80. I realise that it is not always possible to get four players together, so we

offer each individual a special Dial-a-Cab rate of just £27.50 per round, but if there are four or more together then

the rate drops to £20 per head in a four ball format - and it includes your friends so long as one of you holds a badge.

This is a huge saving on our normal green fee rates, saving a massive £100 on the normal individual rates. To book, all

DaC drivers have to do is call 01483-284772 and quote “Dial-a-Cab” when booking. On arrival, all you have to do is show

your taxi licence badge.

We think DaC drivers will enjoy playing this prestigious, but very friendly course which is also home to The Southern Pro-Am,

which hopefully speaks volumes for the quality of the course.

We also offer a great choice of food and beverages in our very comfortable bar/restaurant area, so all in all, a day spent at The Drift

is a day well spent.

You can read more about The Drift at www.driftgolfclub.com and we look forward to welcoming DaC drivers and their

friends in due course.

The Drift Golf Club, The Drift, East Horsley

Call Sign October 2014

Page 17

92nd minute penalty save wins DaC goalkeeper place in next round of FA Vase

LEE PEARCE - DAC GOALKEEPER HERO!

Holmesdale 4 - 5 Collier Wood (AET)

Dial-a-Cab driver, Lee Pearce

(J71) has

moved clubs since the last report of his

goalkeeping exploits appeared in Call Sign

and he is now with Colliers Wood in the

Cherry Red Records Combined Counties

Football League Premier Division.

The club recently had a tough away game in

the prestigious FA Vase to south London

Holmesdale. It became even tougher when

the home side took the lead after 9 minutes

when a free kick was headed past Lee Pearce.

With

21 minutes gone, Colliers Wood

equalised when Mario Embalo rounded the

Holmesdale goalkeeper to score easily. Lee

Lee sits out the fighting!

Pearce then made a great save to deny the ram-

paging Stewart and did it a second time with

tually a Holmesdale player was sent off

Colliers Wood brave fight could still result

for a particularly nasty challenge.

in an exit from the FA Vase. But Lee Pearce

his legs to deny the same player again. But the

Holmesdale striker could not be denied a

Four minutes into the second half, Mario

wasn’t having that and made a great diving

Embalo headed home again after meeting a

save to his left. So at 4 - 4, it came down to

third time and in the 32nd minute, a quickly

taken free kick went to him, he spun round

free kick from Harry Wise - cousin of Dennis

an extra 30 minutes.

Wise - and Colliers Wood began to take con-

Colliers Wood took the lead for the second

and gave Lee Pearce no chance. 2-1 to the

home side.

trol. Embalo completed his hat trick when Dan

time when Joe Mead put Mario Embalo away.

Harding teed the ball up for him and he

The Holmesdale goalkeeper got one hand to

Four minutes before the break, Holmesdale

made it 3-1 from the penalty spot when Green

smashed it home off the post. Now it was 3 - 3.

the ball but couldn’t stop the Woods’ striker

Then on 81 minutes, Eli Ogunseye put Wood

grabbing his fourth goal and a place for his

was fouled and Collier sent Lee Pearce the

wrong way. But the referee was losing control

ahead following a great individual run and fin-

team in the next round - a home tie against

ish but that lead lasted just 3 minutes when

Shoreham on Saturday 4 October.

of the match with both sides being guilty of

cynical fouls that were going unpunished,

Stewart again smashed the ball home. 4 - 4!

Any Dial-a-Cab driver that fancies watch-

Then in the second minute of stoppage

ing the match, cheering on Colliers Wood

other than for the occasional free kick.

At one point, tempers almost flared

time, an innocuous free kick saw the refer-

and Lee Pearce, would be welcome at the

ee award a penalty to Holmesdale. No one

Wibbandune Sports Ground, Robin Hood

into fighting while Lee Pearce kept out of

it and just sat down in his goal! But even-

could see why, but it looked as though

Way, Wimbledon, SW20 0AA...

JACQUELINE HART

COUNSELLOR

BA (Hons), Dipl in Transactional Analysis

MBACP, EATA

• Do you feel as though things are getting on top of you?

• Do you find yourself becoming increasingly more angry ?

• Do some of your thoughts burden you and get in the way of day to day activities?

• Do you find yourself asking “why does this always happen to me’?

• Are you noticing your behaviours changing, maybe using alcohol, food or drugs to make you feel better?

• Are there any of your relationships ie with your husband, wife, partner, boss, manager, son, daughter,

mum or dad that make you unhappy and question yourself too often?

Any of these and many more could be an indication that your well being needs some attention.

It maybe a surprise to hear that there needn’t be anything wrong with you for you to see a counsellor.

Counselling could simply enable you to become happier, healthier and a more fulfilled human being.

I am a fully qualified counsellor with 12 years experience

and a member of the British Association of Counselllors and Psychotherapists

I offer private counselling to individuals and couples in a confidential, safe and comfortable setting.

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I offer sessions Monday- Saturday and Thursday evenings.

I will be happy to arrange a free 15 minute telephone consultation to assess your needs.

Session fees are £50.00

Telephone : 07551 975 503 • Email: jacquiehartcounselling@hotmail.com

www.hart-counselling.co.uk

Page 18

Call Sign October 2014

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

of the magazines of the time with a Flashback…

DIAL-A-CAB FLASHBACK

This month’s Flashback goes back to January 1971 and the Secretary’s Report from Bill Browne…

Cars on ODRTS / subscriptions

A meeting was recently held between representatives of the Board of Management and car-owning members of ODRTS willing to partici-

pate in the pilot scheme for cars on the circuit. Many ideas were presented and discussed and were put on the agenda for the following

monthly Board of Management meeting. A good deal of progress is being made and further announcements will be made in due course.

Within the next few years, it will be necessary to re-equip the majority of our mobiles. We may decide to purchase equipment outright

rather than hire-maintain them as at present. For this reason, plus increases in wages and extra staff now employed, we are obliged as

from 1 April 1971 to raise the driver’s subscription rate to £12 per calendar month. We feel that this increase, less than 5p per day, in no

way compares with the escalating cost of taxi operating today. It will, however, ensure the continuance and

growth of our Society.

Control room

Our control room recently came across a problem when their supply of dockets apparently almost ran out an

dispatcher Dennis Samuels (F25) had to chase around London to try to get some more, but failed. Eventuall

it was decided to buy up as many exercise books from the sweet shop in Elgin Avenue as was possible and cu

them docket-shaped! Fortunately, within an hour, a new supply reached the office, but congratulations to

everyone down there for managing to carry on under such difficult circumstances.

Obituary - Bert Frankford

With deep regret we announce the untimely passing of Bert Frankford (Ex-D50). Bert joined

ODRTS in March 1954 and ranked as one of our longest serving subscribers until September

1966, when through ill health he was forced to leave the circuit. In later years he spent some time in hos-

pital and after disposing of his own cab, was employed as a journeyman.

On Saturday 20 February, he was taken ill outside the Houses of Parliament, pulled his cab safely into

the kerb and passed away. He was 57 and had been a taxi driver for 36 years. A representative of the Board

of Management attended the funeral at Bushey Jewish Cemetery.

We extend our condolences to his wife, daughter and family. Rest His Soul…

Bill Browne

ODRTS Secretary

Areti Mastrodouka gets World Title shot

Alec Wilkey has been on Dial-a-Cab for nine years, but for far longer than that he has con

tinued his love as a boxing trainer with professional fighters at the established TKO Gym

in Canning Town and of late with Lansbury ABC. Now Call Sign hears of a World Title

opportunity for one of his fighters...

Areti Mastrodouka has a 7-0 win rate during which time she has worked her way up through

the professional ranks and now has the chance to capture that World Title on 12th October at the

Dais Arena in her homeland of Greece.

The female southpaw, who previously campaigned at Super-Featherweight, is moving up to

Lightweight to challenge for the WIBF title in Athens with her opponent to be announced soon.

The unbeaten 38 year-old former kickboxer, who has been trained by Dial-a-Cab’s Alec Wilkey

(W83) since moving across to professional boxing, splits her training between the Lansbury ABC

gym in London and back home in Athens. Areti will be looking to secure the title after she made

history back in March by competing in the first ever professional bout in Greece.

The best of luck to Areti and Alec from all at Call Sign.

Areti Mastrodouka is currently seeking sponsorship and would welcome any help

from companies looking to get their name out there.

Other members of ‘Team Wilkey’ have been busy with Danny ‘Cassius’ Connor (11-8-1)

fighting on Goodwin Promotions York Hall ‘To Hell and Back’ show on 6 September. Connor

was up against Michael ‘Chunky’ Devine for the British Masters Lightweight title with a com-

pelling first round fuelling the vociferous crowd. To everyone’s disappointment, the bout was halted in

the second round after Connor sustained a cut above his left eye due to a clash of heads with the fight deemed a draw. A highly

anticipated rematch is looking likely after Connor’s wound has healed fully.

Prizefighter champion Johnny Coyle (7-0-1) was back in action on Sunday 14 September also at York Hall on a Left Jab Promotions show. He

remained unbeaten winning 60 - 53 on points in his first six rounder, controlling each round with his superior boxing skills after flooring Arvydas

Trizno in the second round with an impressive flurry of hooks on the ropes.

Brett Saggs (2-0) also impressed in his second outing against tough Dee Mitchell in a four round bout. The tall, rangy Essex fighter used a good

jab and targeted the body with Mitchell responding by landing his right hand on occasion. The pick of the action came in the fourth round with a flur-

ry of punches from Saggs forcing Mitchell back on to the ropes. Saggs got the decision 40-37.

Adam Salman (3-1) got back to winning ways in style after a loss last time out winning via a first round TKO against Adam Cieslak after just two

minutes of action. With Salman clearly superior, the referee saved Cieslak from more punishment after The Boy Raw landed his shots with consummate

ease, notably the right hand.

David Wilkey, Call Sign Online

Call Sign October 2014

Page 19

Hello Ladies & Gents,

Coverage (again)...

OPERATIONS MANAGER

I hope you have all noticed the significant

increase in work since the start of September

and that traffic conditions are not too unbear-

Chat from the Call centre

able. When it gets busier, the usual problems

occur and coverage in certain areas becomes

the set-down to return the money. Some

a big problem, which is nothing new. Ever

might assume that he did so knowing that he

since I’ve been a member, which is now a

would be rewarded; well they did try to give

long time, coverage in all south, south west

him something but he refused to take a

and western areas often cause dispatchers

penny for his trouble.

problems. Unmasking trips, amending run-

The Police had been notified of the loss

ins and giving actual pick up locations do not

but after being informed that a taxi driver

always improve the coverage; neither do ter-

had returned the money, they quite open-

minal messages seem to do the trick and even

ly said that the family were very lucky it

when lucrative journeys are offered, they can

was a licensed taxi driver and not a mini-

sit in the system for lengthy periods and end

cab driver! Hmmm, I can’t imagine why

up being scrubbed. That happens even

they said that!

though there are taxis booked into not just

The moral of the story is that the bad pub-

the trip primary zone, but also in the back-up

licity we sometimes receive always outweighs

zones as well.

ing, his father

(who lives opposite) was

the honesty and credibility of the Licensed

I know I’ve said this on numerous occa-

woken by a loud knock on the door. It was a

London taxi driver. We aren’t called the best

sions, but can I once again please ask you to

licensed taxi driver who lived well down the

in the world for nothing and it is something

at least offer delays on these trips. It is far bet-

A2 in the Medway Town. He had discovered

we should all be proud of...

ter to offer a reasonable time and give the

the money and knowing that this young chap

client the option of saying yes or no. Non-

had left such a large amount of cash in the

Allan Evans

coverage can lead to the closure of an

back of his cab, rather than wait till the morn-

account and once gone, it becomes very diffi-

Control Centre and Manager

ing to find a police station open, he decided

cult to regain - something that I am sure you

to travel the considerable distance back to

agree is unacceptable. There is now so much

competition out there in the workplace offer-

ing the world for nothing (and in most cases

not delivering what they promise) that we

WIN £100 WITH A CAPTION...

must all try to work together to maintain our

share of an ever demanding market.

Here’s another chance to pocket £100 in Call Sign’s caption competition. The

It seems absolutely ludicrous to scrub

best caption in the view of the judges will pocket the loot! So get thinking.

trips that are well in excess of £40. Yet it is

The photo features Brian Rice, Alan Fisher and the laughing former Transport

happening. Please help your Society. It

Minister Keith Hill. So why is he laughing?

wasn’t that long ago when drivers were

Email entries to callsignmag@aol.com, post them to Call Sign’s usual office

asking why we weren’t offering zero run-

address at DaC House or drop them into the DaC driver’s reception addressed

ins to get work, yet we are struggling with

to Call Sign’s caption contest.

run-ins. Please do your best to help.

Closing date is Friday 10th October. As always, the editor’s decision is final..

One revenue stream that is increasing is the

use of Credit Cards and it is with this in mind

that we recently produced some brand new

‘Hand-Out’ cards to further market our App

alongside the Superside campaign. The App is

available for download direct from the DaC

website and can also be accessed from the

card’s QR code. The App can be used to book

credit card journeys and any account holder

can use this facility to book their account trips

on their smart phones, which some clients may

not be aware of. So please hand out the cards

to passengers and clients alike...

Licensed taxis v minicabs:

A policeman’s view...

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to be

invited to the wedding of a close friend’s

son’s in sunny Spain, at which my eldest son

was best man. The groom works in a West

No more cash payments at

End bank and prior to flying out, because he

was able to buy currency at preferential rates,

Dartford Crossing

he added a rather large order of Euros for

friends and family. After leaving his office and

Up until now, drivers have had a choice of payment methods at the Dartford cross-

spending a few hours with work colleagues

ing - cash at the booths or by using a pre-pay Dart Card. But as of late November

in the local bar having a pre-wedding cele-

there will no longer be an option to pay by cash and payment options will be simi-

bratory glass (or four), he was probably a lit-

lar to the congestion charge.

tle worse for wear - if you get my drift! So

They will include paying via text, online, phone or at some retail outlets. You

much so that late that night he left over

will be able to pay in advance or up until midnight of the following day.

£4000 of foreign currency in the vehicle that

Current payment exemptions will be maintained, as will free crossing between

took him home to his Bexleyheath address.

10pm and 6am

Unaware until the early hours of the morn-

Call Sign October 2014

Page 20

“I could have been famous if it

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

wasn’t for that bloody Michael

Caine...”

Terry Farr ran Point-Man Knowledge

It’s a cabby’s life

School from a church in Bethnal Green some

23 years ago; I was one of his students. Terry

don the main event and return to the bar to

kept us enthralled by mixing a few runs togeth-

hold an arm wrestling competition instead.

er with giving us stories of fantasy - such as the

The main wrestlers walked off in disgust, while

time in his childhood when auditioning for a

the undercard wrestlers refused to do the arm

play at a Walworth Road club where he had to

wrestling. Mark Jenkins again came over, apol-

pretend to be a robot. But the bloke who got

ogised to my daughter for letting her down and

the part

- because he was the tallest - was

said that when he sets out to accomplish some-

Michael Caine.

thing, he usually achieves his goal. I asked him

Last month I stopped in Orchard Street out-

where he now lived and he said on a farm in

side Selfridges, when a tall distinguished chap

Mill Hill with only cows for neighbours. The

in a red peaked cap got in asking for Harrods.

remaining wrestlers agreed to do a Q and A ses-

“Blimey, I said trying hard to be original, “it’s

sion and give out signed photos.

that Michael Micklewhite!” He laughed and I

less owner of The Grosvenor Hotel. He came

The parting words of Mark Jenkins was to

used the opportunity to relay the story about

over and seemed pleased by my recognition; I

ask them why they refused to do arm wrestling?

Terry. He nodded and laughed energetically.

told him how much I enjoyed The Hotel and

The four wrestlers directed their answers at the

Chatting away, I told him that my favourite film

he passed us a flyer titled Carnage at the

cameras asking why Channel 4 didn’t cover

of his had been Zulu.

Cavendish, picturing two wrestlers grimacing -

wrestling. My daughter and I returned to the

“Funny people, those Zulus,” he replied

Joel Redman v Chris Andrews being the pro-

Toorak for supper.

before going into his trademark facts. For an

tagonists. He told us that the event began at

The new series involves Mark Jenkins taking

octogenarian, there are still no flies on Sir

5pm that afternoon. I said we were staying at

a job at The Cavendish Hotel as entertainments

Michael Caine.

the Toorak Hotel, which was opposite The

manager (to be televised early next year). I

Clubland on Walworth Road had been a

Cavendish, so we’d be there. We were asked to

hope the wrestling kerfuffle stays on cutting

youth training establishment run by the

sign a consent form agreeing to be on TV.

room floor!

Reverend Jimmy Butterworth. Michael Caine

We entered the foyer of The Cavendish and

had one line in the play, RAR by Czech writer

asked at reception where the wrestling event

DaC or Addison Lee???

Karel Capek and went on to become a huge

was? The staff were non-committal, brushing

Late in the evening of Sunday 24 August at

movie star. But whatever became of Terry

us off saying that it was something to do with

Radio Taxis, they were trying to cover Kings

Farr...?

Mark Jenkins. That comment seemed slightly

Cross railway jobs and needed 170 cabs. After

absurd, so we took a wander to the beer gar-

failing to get the numbers, they then got 80

The Hotel

den where they were starting to erect the ring.

cars from Addison Lee. Is it any wonder AL

I took a staycation

(sounds like an awful

Mark Jenkins and his wife Alison Pennell were

are so successful when RTG turn to private

Americanism) in Torquay. On Sunday 24

busily organising in their usual haphazard way

hire rather than call DaC or ComCab.

August, my 7-year old daughter and I were

with man-mountain wrestler Joel Redman

Incidentally, if an Addison Lee driver is found

strolling harbour side on a deserted prome-

looking bemused. We sat and watched this pan-

to be on duty and not wearing a tie, there is a

nade when we saw a dishevelled man talking

tomime with an audience of ten until it began

£25 penalty. If the misdemeanour is repeated,

into a camera surrounded by a TV crew. We

drizzling. I asked the TV crew what the delay

it is instant dismissal...

stood watching and I recognised the chap to be

was.

Stephen Berndes

Mark Jenkins, the man from the Channel 4

Mark Jenkins came over and said there was a

TV series of The Hotel, which tells of the hap-

problem with the licence, so they had to aban-

Call Sign Online

Call Sign

Online

If you are new to going online and

want to find Call Sign’s library, well

it’s easy! Just log on to:

www.dac-callsign.co.uk or

EARLY TREATMENT MEANS SPEEDY RECOVERY

www.dac-callsign.com. Then either

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

browse through every issue of Call

Sign since 1998 by using the Search

The Centre offers fully qualified therapists in Physiotherapy,

facility or type in a clue and let our

Osteopathy, Sports Massage, Reflexology, Shiatsu, Remedial

search engine do the rest. If you want

Massage, Indian Head Massage, Hydrotherm, Massage Therapy,

to read each complete issue with ads,

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.

you can do that. Since the May 2006

issue, you just need to click on the

Call us on 020 8507 8169

PDF logo. No search facility for that

or mobile 07973 639 473 for an early appointment

but if you know the page then go to it,

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

press CTRL F and a box will appear.

Out of hours enquiries welcome

Just type in the word and the text on

that page will be highlighted.

There are also issues from 1967, 1977

Barking Physical Therapy Centre

90 Longbridge Road, Barking, Essex, IG11 8SF

and 1987 as a reminder of the old

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

days! Enjoy..

www.bptconline.co.uk

Call Sign October 2014

Page 21

Obituary

ROY MARTIN

Dial-a-Cab recently lost another of its elder statesmen drivers

with the sad death of Roy Martin (R42). Roy joined the Society

in May 1977 and has written to Call Sign consistently over the

years, very often battling against authority when it came to

what he considered to be the unfair issuing of parking tickets.

His first brush with authority came in 1999 when he was issued with a PCN in Lambeth.

After failing to convince the council that not only was the ticket unfairly issued, but that

the warden’s comment that Roy’s tax disc was “concealed” was blatantly untrue, he

appealed to the Adjudicator - something few drivers had yet attempted at that time. He

not only won the appeal, but got the Adjudicator to put into his report that he found it dif-

ficult to believe the warden’s accusation about the tax disc!

Call Sign will miss Roy as a contributor to this magazine, but also as a lovely per-

son who was always ready to help other drivers with advice if they too were pre-

sented with a PCN.

We asked one of Roy’s friends, Martin Freeborn (C67), to write a few words about Roy...

“Roy lost his licence several months ago due to an eye problem, but he didn’t let that stop him enjoying his golf and even motorcycling.

He and his son Neil used to enjoy motorcycling events and often went on rallies.

“Sadly Roy’s wife Jean died eight years ago and that devastating blow slowed him down, but he always said how much he enjoyed the

company of his son and three granddaughters.

“His passing came as a great shock to all his friends in the trade and especially those of us who use the Warwick Avenue shelter. Other

than being so nice, polite and helpful as a person, he represented Dial-a-Cab in the best possible way by always looking smart and com-

ing to work wearing a shirt and tie. ”

The sympathies of all at Dial-a-Cab and Call Sign go out to Roy’s family..

LOOKING AT (TAXI) LIFE

With Tom Quigley (Y33)

Is Anything Ours?

police at busy

Anyone who reads my Call Sign articles regularly will know of my opposition to this country selling

junctions earlier

off our national industries, many of which seem to now be owned by governments of other coun-

this year telling

tries that enjoy the benefits of our railways, waters and even bus companies while charging us more

cyclists off for

to subsidise their own population.

jumping lights,

All that is bad enough, but it seems we actually own nothing or if we do have anything that’s

whilst fining car

ours, we are willing to give it away or blame someone else for giving it to us.

drivers for the

You only have to sneeze; it’s no longer a common cold symptom because we, of course,

same thing, even

no longer do “common.” Obviously the sneeze must be part of some new uncontainable

though both are

virus that has been brought in from abroad - we love blaming foreigners for all our ills!

equally wrong.

Hong Kong, Asian, Bird or any other animal flu; it doesn’t matter - it’s not ours, someone

What do TfL have on their latest billboards

gave it to us! We never wanted it, so they can keep it.

promoting the scheme? A full-sized poster

As a gardener, the general threat to my allotment usually seems to come from slugs, but this year

advert of a cyclist wearing cowboy boots, with

following the early rain and the dry summer we have been plagued by the biggest slugs of all.

the slogan: “Membership free, no dress code.”

Naturally it’s not a British slug as they only eat enough to survive! No, this is a Spanish slug - proba-

These are the people we are all collectively

bly the Spanish retaliation to our all-inclusive binge eating holidays where we polish off all their

paying to oversee the safety on our roads...

food! Of course we as Brits never eat all their vegetables, just the chips!

Through the course of the year, we experience different weather conditions; we get a gentle

Tom Quigley

breeze coming in from France, a Mediterranean heatwave, a gale force wind that began in America

Call Sign Online

as a Hurricane named rather unfortunately after the poor aunt of the person who recorded it first!

We are now having a lovely late warm summer - not ours of course, but an Indian summer,

Call Sign

which makes me totally confused as it could have be a Native American summer years ago. Of

course, once we leave summer behind, we become prone to getting an Arctic winter!

October 2014

Yes, all we own is not really ours, but at least this year when it rained constantly on August bank

Editor: Alan Fisher

holiday Monday, whilst everyone else was moaning, I just sat back and smiled: At least that was a

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

typical British bank holiday!!!

Tel: 0207 251 0581 Fax: 0207 553 7293

Email: callsignmag@aol.com

Barclays Bikes Advertising? Seriously?

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

I’ve had many a moan as a cyclist about the whole structure and safety of the Barclays bike hire

Printers: Premier Print Group

scheme, particularly if you work your taxi at night like I do. I have seen scores of youths kicking the

25 - 31 Violet Rd, London E3

front bike wheel out of its holder and riding off in gangs for free; I have also seen groups use them

Design: Aldan Publications

for pub crawls knowing that, as was revealed in the last issue of Call Sign, they only have to volun-

Tel: 07958 300 428

teer a breath test and can’t be forced into one unless a policeman actually spots them doing some-

Email: deborahfresco@gmail.com

thing wrong. They can’t be breathalysed just because they appear drunk.

Views and opinion expressed in Call Sign must

All this goes on with the Mayor’s office possibly being oblivious to it (they should read Call Sign),

not be assumed to represent those of the Editor or

Board.No part of Call Sign may be reproduced

but when TfL spend absolute fortunes on advocating the need for cyclists to be seen and to ride

either manually or electronically without the express

safely by remembering to ‘wear something light at night’ from the 1960s ads and the masses of

permission of the Editor.

Call Sign October 2014

Page 22

uite a

Another true story from Geoff Levene

number of

years ago, I had

occasion to

Shave, lunch and

write to the

Evening

make-up... in my cab???

Standard. What

happened was

“Hello Peter, it's John. Fine thank.you. Good.

Road, a cab did a U-turn to get on behind me.

this...

Listen, I've been to the lawyers. We had a long

Actually it was so fast that it was more like a hand-

I was taking a

chat and I've decided to do everything I can to

brake turn. No sooner had his engine died than

chap on a short

destroy your company. OK, speak to you soon.

a bowl of cereal appeared and he greedily shov-

journey through

Bye.”

elled down his muesli totally unaware or uncar-

the West End. No sooner had he sat down than

I'd love to know what that was all about.

ing that I could see him in the mirror. I watched

he produced a cordless razor and began

And what about the man who came down the

fascinated as having finished eating, he drank

buzzing away around his face. When he'd fin-

path as his wife called out for him not to forget

what was left of the milk. Next he squeezed some

ished, he blew out the detritus (nice) and sud-

to call Barry. He called back that it was ok and

toothpaste onto a brush and began cleaning his

denly was tucking into a hamburger. He gob-

teeth - up and down, and side to side before tak-

he would do it. Then we set off for Covent

bled that up and wiped his freshly shorn chops

ing a gulp of water, sluicing it round his mouth,

Garden. Two minutes later his phone rang: “I

before bringing out a mobile and making a call.

opening the door and spitting a stream of soapy

know,” he said a little rattled, “yes, I'm going to

Thus I wrote to the ES:

water into the street. Charming, but he wasn't fin-

do it.”

“In other words he was using my cab as

ished yet. He then began examining his face in

Another few minutes passed and the same

his bathroom, kitchen and office. All this

the mirror and having done so and in full view of

call again, but this time he went bonkers.

for £3 and no tip! And they say taxis are

commuters streaming by, he began.to squeeze

“I'm going to do it,” he shouted down the

expensive.”

his spots! I had to look away. Some things should

phone, that's three times I’ve said I’m going to

The paper published the letter and it generated

remain private...

do it and I will. Please don't call me again.” So

a bit of correspondence. First up was a gentleman

far as he was concerned, I hadn't heard a thing!

Geoff Levene (W32)

from SW7 who said that people paid good money

The other day as I sat on the rank in Rossmore

Call Sign Online

to travel in taxis and what they did in them was

their business! But a few days later, someone

came to my rescue and declared that the driver

had every right to complain about what went on

the back of his cab. The original pompous writer

from South Kensington went under the marvel-

lous name of Cyril Henty-Dodd. This I knew was

The new City of London Heritage Gallery is now open and located within the Guildhall Art

the real name of former Radio Caroline DJ and

Gallery in the City. It is curated by the London Metropolitan Archives and will showcase some of

later ITV chat-show host, Simon Dee, who had

the treasures held by the City of London Corporation.

what can only be described as a meteoric fall from

The first exhibition runs until 29 January 2015 and comprises:

grace when his career hit the skids after releasing

* Magna Carta: The City’s copy dates from 1297 and is one of the finest surviving ver-

a rude word on TV at a time when it just wasn’t

sions from the thirteenth century.

done! He had then failed the test to become a bus

* Cartae Antiquae: This volume contains transcripts of charters and statutes covering

driver and I think there may have been a hint of

laws enacted between the reigns of Edward III (from 1327) to the accession of Henry VII

(1485). The volume will be open to show the portrait of Richard III whose remains were

sour grapes!

discovered in Leicester in 2013.

We're all used to women who get in and

* Portraits of City of London Aldermen dating from c.1447. The two portraits selected

spend the journey applying foundation, blusher,

are of John Derby, the Alderman for Candlewick, who was a member of the Drapers’

lipstick, mascara and perfume before one's nos-

Company and Sheriff from 1445 - 1446 and Robert Horne, Alderman for Bridge Ward

trils twitch to that unmistakeable aroma of nail

and Sheriff from 1446 - 1447 who was a member of the Fishmongers’ Company.

varnish. So by the time they get out, they look

* Poster for a Recruitment Meeting held at Guildhall on 4 September 1914.

completely different to when they enter the cab!

* London County Council, Emergency Committee Minutes for 1914 reporting on the

I took Eddie Izzard a few times and he did the

effects of the outbreak of war on families, businesses and communities.

make-up bit, but when we got to his destination,

Visitor information for Guildhall Art Gallery is available on their website. Please note that clo-

he looked exactly like... er, Eddie Izzard! They all

sures are sometimes required at short notice due to state or civic functions at Guildhall and you

think no one can see them - except the driver -

are advised to check the website or phone the gallery on 020 7332 3700 in advance of your visit.

and he doesn't count!

Incidentally, the good lady wife would never

dream of leaving the house without perfect

make-up. When she's nice and relaxed, she’ll

paint her nails. She scares the life out of me

The Flower Mill

when she balances a cushion on her lap and

then balances the open bottle of varnish on top

Creating Beautiful Flowers For Weddings

of that, but so far so good...

As I say, some people think they're invisible.

How else to explain the regular early morning

rider - a man at the top of his profession who

Tel: 07854 738895

sometimes comes out of the house bare-chested

and clutching a crisp, freshly laundered shirt. But

as he doesn't put the shirt on till he's in the cab,

Web: www.theflowermillessex.co.uk

his trousers aren't done up properly giving us a

nice view of his underpants. Now I'm a bloke and

I think it's a bit odd, but I wonder what one of

Email: theflowermill@yahoo.co.uk

our Dial-a-Cab lady drivers would think?

Then there are those that think you can't hear

Covering Essex & The Surrounding Counties

them, but speak so loudly on their phones that

even with the intercom off, you can hear every

word. My favourite was the man I picked up in

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

the City who spoke to someone in the friendliest

manner. It went something like this...

Call Sign October 2014

Page 23

Tom Whitbread’s son

“banned” from TV program!

The old and

the new: A

Susi plane

stands

behind a

member of

the Moni

n the October 2011 issue of Call Sign,

tribe - com-

Dial-a-Cab Board member Tom

plete with

Whitbread told of his shock when his son

spear!

Russell, who was a pilot with Indonesian

airline Susi Air, phoned to say not too worry

but there had been a fatal air crash. It hap-

pened when two Susi pilots - David Cootes

and co-pilot Tomas Munk - had been killed

after their Cessna 208B Grand Caravan had

crashed in the jungle shortly after taking off

with food and diesel for the remote village of

Kenyam, which relied on the flights for

Russell

almost all of their provisions.

(left) with

Until recently, the story Call Sign had

two fellow

been just about Tom and Russell, but in

pilots on a

August and early September, Channel 4

Susi aircraft

presented what can only be called a jaw-

dropping program featuring the work that

Susi Air does in Indonesia.

‘Worst Place to be a Pilot’ told the story

through the eyes of the Susi pilots as they

navigated their planes to some of the most

breathtakingly remote and dangerous

locations on earth.

Indeed, one of the five programmes

showed a pilot landing his plane on a short

airstrip that local villagers had built and which

was a quarter way up Mount Everest! And he

had to land through appaling visibility thanks

to low clouds. The pilots have none of the

lives. The look on their faces as we arrive

If you missed these four programmes, see if

advanced technology big jet airliners enjoy,

is an amazing reward and that was shown

they are still available on 4OD because they

but are forced to navigate their way through

so well in the programme.”

truly make astonishing viewing..

the clouds just by sight. Nevertheless, Susi

pilots fly passengers and cargo to remote

areas around Borneo, Sumatra and Java

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

while often landing in rough airstrips cut out

from jungle clearings.

The programme footage also showed the

LOCKHOUSE SECURITY

pilots flying over golden beaches and the crys-

tal clear ocean, but that is a million miles from

landing in a small jungle clearing to reach vil-

All types of locks, opened, repaired and replaced

lages and villagers that are yet to become 20th

10% discount on keys and locks for DaC drivers

century, let alone 21st! One example was the

Transponders / chipped keys

pilot who was afraid of landing after seeing

On site key cutting services including taxis

two opposing tribes had clashed and were

Locks replaced / fitted to insurance specifications (BS3621

throwing spears and knives at each other!

Russell, who has previously worked as

Burglary repairs / boarding up

David Cootes’ co-pilot, told Call Sign that

Additional security / security upgrades

while the pilots in the program were under-

Safes opened, repaired and serviced

taking some very dangerous flights, the direc-

Grilles and security gates

tors of Worst Place to be a Pilot considered

that Russell’s flight, which had to go through

Specialists in UPVC doors and windows / patio doors

a volcano about to erupt, was just too shock-

Free estimates / no call out charge

ing to show and it was cut from the final pro-

24hr service

gramme.

Russell said: “Susi are an excellent, safety

You can find us at:

conscious company with one of the most

8-10 The Arcade, Farnham Road, Harold Hill

modern fleets of aircraft and helicopters

Tel: 01708 371115

in the area. But there are people out here

who rely on us just to carry out their daily

Call Sign October 2014

Page 24

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

ethren of the Whip

When he returned to the coach, only Dr

way he was treating Mrs Vanwicke.

The

Clench remained with no sight of the two gen-

Harrison pleaded not guilty and provided an

Execrable

tlemen. Clench was sitting on the floor with his

alibi, which placed him close to the spot where

head against the cushions. Sikes thought that he

Sikes picked him up. Sikes himself was reason-

Murder of

must be drunk and tried to wake him but to no

ably confident that Harrison was one of the two

Dr Clench...

avail. He called a watchman who had a candle

men in his coach. Two other witnesses identi-

and they could see that Clench had a handker-

fied Harrison as after seeing Sikes first leave the

In his diary entry of

chief tied round his neck. When they loosened

coach to get Dr Clench and then to buy the two

27th January 1689,

the knot, a lump of coal fell out. Clench had

fowls, they thought that the coachman might be

John Evelyn wrote

been asphyxiated as he sat in the hackney

bilked so they remained watching the hackney

how both he and

coach, the lump of coal hastening his demise by

coach - very different times indeed.

Samuel Pepys had

crushing his windpipe at the same time.

Henry Harrison never did admit to carry-

come across a child

At the subsequent Old Bailey trial, it tran-

ing out the murder of Dr Clench, very prob-

prodigy at the Admiralty, the son of a Dr Clench.

spired that Dr Clench had lent a widow, Mrs

ably the first murder ever in a hackney car-

The eleven-year-old child was an expert in mathe-

Vanwicke, £120 with which she was to buy a

riage; but it was a crime for which he was

matics, astronomy, geography, history, politics, the

house but she could not make the repayments

executed. The identity of his alleged partner

Bible and fluent in French and Latin. He was also

back to Dr Clench and he would not lend her

was never discovered...

learning Greek. Evelyn wrote:

another penny. Her lover, a gentleman by the

“He gave a stupendous account of both

name of Henry Harrison had been heard to

Sean Farrell

natural and moral philosophy and even in

threaten to cut Clench’s throat because of the

Call Sign Online

metaphysics.”

Nearly three years later, on

6th January

1692, Evelyn wrote:

No, it isn’t the chocolate variety, but Chinese TX4s will be...

“…a most execrable murder was commit-

ted on Dr Clench, father of that extraordi-

ALL GOLD!

nary learned child…”

It had been just after 9pm on 4th January that

WE know All Gold as chocolates that come in a black box,

hackney coachman John Sikes was flagged

however the London-style cabs set to hit Shanghai's

streets later this month that will be gold instead of the tra-

down by two men on the corner of Fetter Lane

ditional black, are real and not made of chocolate! The

and Fleet Street. They asked him if he knew Dr

gold colour is said to be more attractive and suiting the

Clench who lived in Brownlow Street,

city's image better according to the Qiangsheng Taxi

Holborn. Sikes replied that he knew the street

Company, who are operating the cabs. Qiangsheng are

but not the doctor. The two got into the coach

the City’s largest cab company.

and told Sikes to take them there. Sikes had to

The 200 Chinese-made TX4 taxis are in the final

stop in Holborn on the corner of Brownlow

stage of production, Geely said as it released the photo of the gold vehi-

Street as a gate at the northern end of the street

cles. The fact that Geely’s cab factory is also based in Shanghai is said to be coincidental!

was closed and there was no room for him to

Qiangsheng say that because the TX4s are much more spacious than the traditional Chinese cabs,

turn his coach around. One of the men then

which are saloons, they will be primarily aimed at providing a taxi service for elderly and disabled

asked Sikes to go to the Doctor’s house and tell

customers. They will have accessibility fittings and take bookings mainly through dispatch systems to

him they had a patient who was unwell. Sikes

carry passengers with special requirements.

followed his orders with a witness later claiming

The last time London had gold cabs was during the Queen’s golden anniversary in 2003...

that one of the men in the coach swore at Sikes

Pic Courtesy Weibo.com

and told him to hurry.

Clench was all but ready for bed and despite

being none the wiser as to whom the two gen-

tlemen in the coach were, he got dressed, went

to the coach and climbed in. Sikes was ordered

to drive to Leadenhall Market where the

patient apparently was, but as they approached

he was then told to go to the Pye Tavern in

Aldgate. Arriving at the ale house, Sikes was

told to remain on his box but to call out to the

boy of the tavern for a Chyrurgeon (surgeon)

called Hunt. The boy went, but came back say-

ing there was nobody of that name there.

Sikes was then told to go back to Leadenhall

Market but by now the Aldgate was shut, so one

of the men gave the watchman 6d to allow them

to pass through. Once at Leadenhall, Sikes was

given half-a-crown (2s 6d or 12p) and told to

buy a fowl from a poulterer named Hunt. One

of the men then called him back and gave him

an extra shilling and told him he might as well

get two fowls. Like Hunt the surgeon, there was

no Hunt the poulterer so Sikes bought his two

fowls from another poulterer, paying 3s for the

brace - no doubt intending to keep the 6d

change for his running around.

Call Sign October 2014

Page 25

Have you had an interesting cabbing career or had a particular

incident that you think Call Sign readers would like to read about?

You know our address...callsignmag@aol.com

Cabbing Memoirs!

distance I glanced in the rear view mirror and

man, who was stretched out on the back seat,

could only see the man’s head. Dipping the

her legs waving wildly in the air with her

mirror I could see the lady’s head in the

clothing clearly dishevelled. They were really

man’s lap and just one thought flashing

going at it with gusto and how that driver

through my mind… but I was wrong! The

managed to keep the cab in a straight line, let

truth was that the lady had fallen asleep and

alone go around the corners, I’ll never know!

was using her boyfriend’s lap as a pillow - not

But he must surely have been aware of what

what I surmised at all!

was going on in the back!

“Mind you, there was one occasion in the

“The things that go on in the back of cabs,”

early hours of the morning when I was on my

James concluded with a raucous laugh...

way home and following a cab directly in

Alan Green (E52)

front of me with two passengers on board.

The female passenger was straddling the

Call Sign Online

“Cabbing memoirs makes me sound like I’ve

been in the taxi trade for decades, but my six-

teen years of driving, the last ten on Dial-a-

The Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers

Cab, has still given me a fair repertoire of

memorable incidents to share,” James

WCHCD INSTALLATION DINNER

Barwick (J68) told Call Sign.

“Of course, as a Butterboy one is always a

The Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers held their Installation Dinner aboard

bit nervous and apprehensive in those early

HQS Wellington on 4th September. Malcolm Paice was installed as the new Master.

days until you get a bit more confident with

Following the Court meeting, the Master and his Wardens welcomed guests on board for

routes, roads and the general public. I

pre-dinner drinks before sitting down to

remember responding to a street hail from a

dine in what was once the ship’s engin

room but is now a custom made livery

couple of gay men one evening, shortly after

hall.

I had gained my Green Badge. The first pas-

Reverend Dr Martin Dudley bega

senger gave me a destination in Camden

by saying grace and reciting one of his

Town and I innocently

asked him if the route

remarkable and unique poems about

I intended to take was acceptable, explaining

the London Taxi industry. Guests then

that I had just ‘come out’ - inferring that I had

dined on smoked fillet of sea bass,

recently passed the Knowledge of London

Lancashire beef followed by baby

rather than anything else! Without hesitation,

pineapple filled with Crème Brule. The

the passenger replied: ‘That’s alright darling

Master thanked the Master Mariner

- it happens to the best of us!’

for allowing the use of the Hall and

“At that point, the penny dropped for me

congratulated the three new

when I realised he thought that I had just

Liverymen before taking wine with

‘come out from the closet’ as being gay so I

ten new Freemen who had been

quickly - and rather sheepishly - explained I

admitted to the company earlier

had recently gained my coveted All London

that day.

Green Badge and wasn’t gay! Both passen-

After toasts and a speech from the new Master, London Vintage Taxi Association

gers laughed and I had to giggle myself at

Chairman, Doug Cheshire, responded and proposed a toast to the Company. Doug was

how a casual comment like that could have

known to Malcolm not only through the taxi industry, but also because Doug - or Mr

quite another interpretation nowadays!

Cheshire as Malcolm used to know him - used to be Malcolm’s Woodwork teacher!

“On a sadder note, I recall picking up a

After the dinner, Freemen and their guests were invited to join the Master in a Stirrup Cup.

gentleman from London Bridge Station who

was going to Kingsland Road. He suddenly

became very unwell and by the time I

reached the north side of London Bridge, he

had actually turned grey. I called the police,

Hungry?

who in turn called an ambulance and they

rushed the man off to hospital. The following

morning I had a call from the police officer

Nellie’s waiting!

concerned, who informed me that the man

had died. The policeman did not explain fur-

20% off the bill when you show your badge

ther, but it made me feel so sad for the mans’

Great pastas, chicken, steaks, fish and roasts!

family, as in that short journey across the

Thames my passenger had said he had

recently moved to Kent with his family and

Nellie's Restaurant

was looking forward to spending time there.”

12-13 Greville Street, EC1N 8SB

James voice quavered as he related the

story to Call Sign, obviously still moved by

the incident.

Show your badge and it’s 20% o

“But in this business, there will always be a

lighter note and that came not long after-

Open 9.30 am to 12 pm

wards when I picked up a young couple,

Free parking from 6.30 pm

male and female, and after we had gone some

Call Sign October 2014

Page 26

SEPTEMBER CAPTION WINNER

The winner of the September caption contest

was Andy Colli (C84). His caption to the car-

toon was:

“Like I told you Oleg, who needs to come over

in the back of a lorry when we can travel in

style! Now tell the others to keep down...”

Andy wins last month’s £100. It could be you

this month.

See page 19...

Ever wondered how taxi drivers’ shortcuts became so popular? Well if you read this article from

The Evening News of 26th September 1931, you’ll know. And look out for the Hyde Park exit, the

right turn into Bond Street and a street that apparently no longer exists!

From the Evening News 26th September 1931

FOLLOW A TAXI!

The best way to

Editor’s note: With grateful thanks to British History Online, this is the story of Little

cross London is

Pulteney Street...

to get a taxi,

In 1666 Sir William Pulteney granted a lease to Henry Batt, brick maker of part of

remember the

Knaves' Acre or the Laystall Piece, which presumably owed its name to the previous use

route and then

use it yourself

as a rubbish dump. Several houses were built along the south side of a narrow way

the next time.

leading from Soho towards the north end of what is now Great Windmill Street. This

Here, for

way was called Knaves' Acre or Pulteney Street and was subsequently known as Little

instance, is one

Pulteney Street to distinguish it from Great Pulteney Street. It is now part of Brewer

that I have

Street.

learned in this

way. It will be

found useful by

all who live in

that quarter of

THE SALIERI RESTAURANT

London that lies

to the west of Edgware Road or the north of

the line from Marble Arch to Ealing and who

376 Strand, WC2

use their own cars to take them to the theatre.

Get into Hyde Park at Lancaster Gate

Station, drive along the north side of it, round

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

to the right at Marble Arch and out of the

restaurant where you can partake of the finest food and wine

park at the first gate afterwards, which is just

before the Grosvenor House. Go straight

And as a thank-you for helping our clients come

across Park Lane into Upper Grosvenor Street

and along the south side of Grosvenor Square.

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

Then turn to the right down Carlos Place

offer you a genuine 25% discount on your bill

into Mount Street and Berkeley Square.

Follow round the north and east sides of

Berkeley Square until you come to Bruton

We are certain that you will be delighted

Street, turn left there and then turn right into

Bond Street until you come to Burlington

Gardens on the left. Turn up there and cut

straight through along Vigo Street to Regent

Street. Here you may turn to the right and go

through Piccadilly Circus, but if you are bound

for Shaftsbury Avenue then you can miss the

congestion by going straight across Regent

Street into Brewer Street, turn right at Little

Pulteney Street and so across Wardour Street

Please bring along your badge or Bill as ID

into Old Compton Street.

From there you can proceed according to

Salieri Restaurant

your destination, taking any turning to the

376 Strand, WC2

right into Shaftsbury Avenue or going straight

through into Cambridge Circus. Easy when

Reservations: 020 7836 1318

you know how…

Call Sign October 2014

Page 27

ransport for London has begun

If you thought that CCTV cameras along London’ roads were the

work on a programme to overhaul

bane of your life, you ain’t seen nothing yet!

the capital’s ‘road safety’ camera

network - known by most as speed

cameras - replacing hundreds of old ‘wet

TFL UPGRADES

film’ cameras with modern and more effi-

cient digital safety cameras in order to

help further reduce casualties on

LONDON’S SPEED CAMERAS

London’s roads.

important upgrade and by ensuring that our

Safety cameras are said to have proved suc-

safety cameras have the latest digital technol-

cessful in reducing road casualties in recent

ogy, we can help further reduce the number

years. At locations where safety cameras oper-

of unnecessary speed-related collisions that

ate in the capital, research shows that the

occur each year.”

number of people killed or seriously injured

Edmund King, AA President, said:

(KSI) fell by an average of 58 percent, mean-

"Modern well-signed cameras targeted at

ing that the cameras help to prevent 500

accident hotspots are an important road safe-

deaths or serious injuries each year. During

ty tool aimed at helping make roads safer. In

2013,

29 of the 132 fatal collisions that

a recent AA Populus poll, 79 percent of AA

occurred in London involved speeding as a

members considered speed cameras at the

contributory factor. Last year, police com-

road side to be acceptable. London needs

menced prosecution against 120,000 drivers

safe roads to help the capital function for all

for speeding and red light offences in the

road-users whether they are on foot, two

capital, with all fines generated passed on to

wheels or four."

Central Government.

Cllr Stuart McNamara, Haringey Council’s

The wet film camera technology used in

cabinet member for environment, said: “The

most of the existing safety camera network is

safety of our borough’s roads is a priority for

largely obsolete, making long term operation

Haringey Council and we are pleased that TfL

no longer possible. Earlier this year TfL began

is taking these steps to ensure that a busy

work to upgrade all safety cameras in London

He is going to be kept busy!

junction is safer for all road users.

from wet film to digital, making the capital’s

Work to install these will begin later this

“The installation of these more efficient

safety cameras more sustainable in the longer

year, with the systems beginning enforce-

and modern cameras, which will help to

term. As the Department for Transport (DfT)

ment in 2015. Work to upgrade the existing

reduce dangerous driving such as speeding

no longer fund safety camera schemes across

speed camera network to digital cameras will

and jumping red lights, will add to our efforts

the UK, TfL is funding the upgrades of these

be completed by October 2016.

to improve road safety across the borough.”

cameras to ensure that London continues to

One of TfL's top priorities is to reduce the

The upgrade of safety cameras across

be at the forefront of innovative road safety

number of people killed or seriously injured

London is part of TfL’s continuing work to

measures.

on London's roads with a target of a 40 per-

improve road safety for all road users. Earlier

TfL and the Metropolitan Police have

cent reduction by 2020. Recently, the Mayor

this year, the Mayor and TfL published

now replaced and commissioned the

and TfL published six commitments which,

London’s first Pedestrian Safety Action Plan

first 28 of 250 red light cameras at traffic

working with a range of partners, are guiding

and Motorcycle Safety Action Plan and its

signal junctions across London. In addi-

initiatives to deliver this. In particular, action

Delivery Plan for Young People, which

tion to enforcing against “red light run-

is being taken to prioritise the safety of the

included a commitment to provide cycle

ning,” these new cameras can also mon-

most vulnerable road users: pedestrians,

training to all school children in London. In

itor and enforce against vehicles break-

cyclists and motorcyclists.

June 2014, TfL also published the revised

ing the speed limit while going through

Ben Plowden, Director of Strategy and

draft Cycle Safety Action Plan and a fully

green traffic lights, helping to further

Planning at TfL, said: “Ensuring that all road

updated draft London Cycling Design

improve safety at junctions where the

users are acting responsibly is vitally impor-

Standards, which inform the work of those

risk is higher.

tant to ensure that the capital’s roads are kept

designing cycling infrastructure in the capi-

Further sites will be commissioned in the

safe for all. We are committed to delivering a

tal, for public comment to help further trans-

coming months, with all 250 upgraded by

40 percent reduction in the number of peo-

form London’s streets with world leading

October 2016. Next Month, TfL will also

ple killed or seriously injured on the capital’s

cycling provision.

begin upgrading the capital’s 350 speed cam-

roads by 2020.

For more information about the work

eras with spot speed digital cameras. When

“We’ve worked closely with the London

TfL is carrying out to improve road safety

located on the central reservation, these new

cameras can also monitor speed in both

directions, providing a wider area of enforce-

ment for the Police. In addition, at four trial

locations on the TfL Road Network, TfL will

be replacing older cameras with an Average

Speed Camera system, similar to the one

asaptrades

already in operation along the A13. Average

Speed Cameras improve speed compliance

between cameras along a more extensive

ELECTRICAL

length of road rather than just where the

camera is located, helping to further reduce

KSIs.

Electrical Installations - Fault Finding & Repairs

The four sites are on the A2 between

Black Prince and the Blackwall Tunnel,

the A40 between the Polish War Memorial

www.asaptrades.com

and Paddington slip road, the A316

between the M3 and Hogarth Roundabout

and the A406 North Circular Road

between Hanger Lane and Bounds Green

0203 130 6798

Road.

Call Sign October 2014

Page 28

Call Sign was finishing off this

issue with a final proof and ironi-

IS THIS THE END

cally just going through an inter-

esting article from Vito owner,

DaC driver and regular Call Sign

OF THE VITO TAXI?

contributor Gary Cox (O16) which

he called “Where is the new

the fewest numbers

Vito?”

was causing them

Gary’s descriptive prose referred to the

non-stop problems.

new cab’s possible launch and wrote about it

On Tuesday 23rd

having AdBlue, which he had been told

September Eco City

would give 20 percent better fuel efficiency

Vehicles plc said that

and that although it didn’t come cheap, it

it was evaluating it’s

made the possibility of services every 25,000

options

after

miles a probability.

Mercedes Benz had

Then came Gary’s almost prophetic state-

informed them it

ment:

had opted to termi-

“Dial-a-Cab Members, who in their wis-

nate their stocking

dom have come to the conclusion that if

facilities and trading

Mercedes don’t get the new Vito right

agreements with

with the turning circle, then it won’t be

Eco City’s subsidiary

just a temporary curtain down but as Tom

KPM Taxis

with

Whitbread often puts it, the theatre will

immediate effect.

go dark forever.”

Eco City added that

Within hours of proof-reading Gary’s arti-

it’s directors were

cle, Call Sign heard the news that the Eco

evaluating options

in the wake of the

City’s

76.6 percent subsidiary, One80

termination

which developed the Vito Taxi’s rear wheel

July 2008 and Brian Rice was one of many guests at the

arrangements with

steering technology - was facing administra-

launch of the Mercedes Vito Taxi

Mercedes.

tion. As the news broke, alongside it came

Call Sign has

word that Eco City Vehicles - who are the

rival TX4-designer Manganese Bronze

been told by Mercedes Benz that warranty

sole distributor of the Vito Taxi - had sus-

did the same.”

and service work including rear wheel steer-

pended trading in its shares at 0.3p - some

ing can be carried out at various Mercedes

80 percent down from earlier this year.

The Vito Taxi, which was introduced by

dealerships. Call Anthony Cunningham or

Manufacture of the taxi itself has been sus-

Peter DaCosta at KPM, became a success as

Danny Smith on 0161 975 6966 between

pended since August with a large stock of

soon as it first appeared on London’s streets

hours of 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and

unsold cabs being the reason. This was due

as a licensed taxi. Much of the reasoning was

9am to 1pm Saturday. They will inform you of

to the general financial climate, which many

the name of Mercedes Benz behind it. The

the best garage to take your Vito to.

say isn’t quite as rosy as Westminster tells the

cab itself was a Mercedes converted people

Please note that service agreements out-

world it is, the resurrection of the TX4 under

carrier that began life as a Traveliner van,

side of warranty work that were taken out

the London Taxi Company and the Chinese

arriving in the UK with just a driver’s and pas-

with KPM as an extended warranty will not be

company that came to its rescue when it too

sengers back seat. One80 then fitted out the

covered by Mercedes. However they will be

was taken into administration - Geely. The

inside while also fitting the rear wheel steer-

happy to advise you on the above number.

actual cost of the Vito taxi, which hit £42,000,

ing to achieve the 25 foot turning circle as

didn’t help.

required by the Conditions of Fitness. That

Eco City Vehicles had announced that

became the Mercedes Vito Taxi that thanks to

there was a current lack of production rev-

a ‘magic’ button and a maximum 5mph

enues coming in and that was on top of a

speed whilst turning, eventually gained

pending legal case against One80 and the

approval from the Public Carriage Office.

combination resulted in administration.

But while its drivers loved the cab’s per-

Eco City released a statement:

formance, not all passengers were so keen

“As previously announced, the Group

with drivers complaining that they were

continues to experience challenging trad-

allowed to pass before passenger’s hands

ing conditions requiring ECV to seek addi-

went out for the TX behind. Some also com-

tional funding. ECV is in negotiation with

plained that it was too big for the job - even

a potential funder that may or may not

though it came into its own as a 6-seater

lead to additional funds.

rather than the TX4’s 5-seats and was giving

“With the potential administration of

an excellent performance, especially on

One80 and the resulting contractual frus-

longer runs.

trations encountered with third parties in

But then there were the constant rear

executing disposals under the Group’s

wheel steering problems. There had been

strategic review, together with the contin-

some other problems, but to their credit,

uing challenging trading conditions,

Mercedes Benz, did attempt to upgrade those

there is uncertainty as to the Group’s

affected parts but not as quickly as some Vito

financial position and prospects, as a con-

owners wanted. That led to the formation of

sequence, ECV has requested a suspen-

a Vito drivers club, which managed to help

sion of its shares pending further evalua-

many of the drivers. But the one thing that no

tion of its position and future structure.”

one seemed to be able to cure was that rear

According to an article in the London

wheel steering. Several Vito drivers on Dial-

Evening Standard:

a-Cab have told Call Sign that Mercedes

“Eco City Vehicles, the firm behind the

were becoming irritated with the London

Mercedes Vito London black cab, today

taxi. They were selling the Vito and Viano all

saw its shares suspended as it stood on

round the world with absolutely no prob-

the verge of collapse just two years after

lems, yet the trade in which they sold one of

Call Sign October 2014

Page 29

Mailshot

Either write to Call Sign at

Who are they...?

Dial-a-Cab House

Hi Al

Some random thoughts: I recently spoke to

or email us at

the CIA, Mossad and the FBI and they all con-

callsignmag@aol.com

firmed that we are out of the period of pur-

dah and due diligence has ended. They also

said much to the annoyance of a few, that no

Brian Rice replies: At the moment Colin

Board member would be kidnapped and

I am deep within the confines of my

held for ransom. That said, we the members

underground bunker beneath the West

Lost!

have been the subject of gossip and rumour,

wing of our HQ. I have been informed

Hi Alan

so no more secret squirrel! Can we kindly be

by my Chief of Staff that you have

I'm not a big fan on the thought of using sat-

informed as to the names of the two alleged

recently been released from our facility

navs just in case it takes you to the wrong

buyers? Also, the recent account that trialled

at Guantanamo Bay after doing a tour of

road but I was recently going on a personal

us for a period of two nights - yes two nights

duty in Gaza (no, not the one that

shopping trip with my mother and had an

- can we be informed as to what happened

played for Newcastle and Tottenham). I

out-of-London postcode (SG13 7EW). So I

with that pearler?

trust and hope you will soon recover

put it into my DaC satnav and off we went.

Also, the ‘hush hush’ account in the City

and be back to your normal Colin the

However, a 30 minute trip ended up taking

and West End; I fail to see how this account

Cabbie self!

well over an hour with the satnav not even

can replace some of our recent lost accounts,

I have asked one of my Senators to

getting us to the right district. So I ended up

having only done one minimum trip out of

also reply to you regarding the Accounts

just following the map on my phone. Thank

there?

you mention, although ‘hush, hush’,

God I didn't have a paying customer on

It would also sadly appear that the radio

this is due to the fact that he is quite

board, then again my mum wasn't too

circuits are in terminal decline but working

softly spoken, but I am sure he will

happy and kept asking if we were lost and

cheap, in my opinion, that is not the answer.

answer to your satisfaction with more

constantly asking where did I think I was

Addy flea drivers work for peanuts, but I bet

than his rank and serial number.

going every two minutes! I've managed

the final bill per journey to the client is on a

Regarding your suggestions to dispose

without this technology for 25 years and

par with what we charge. As for an answer, if

of our installations, I have been

don't think I will be rush back to use it

indeed there is one to stop the decline, I

informed by the Senate that as a Mutual

again.

know not what it is. But I have two possible

Trading organisation, any surplus has to

Steven Bryant (Y41)

options in mind.

be withheld within the confines of our

I was sitting on the Kings Cross rank

Option 1: Perhaps we should sell our

regime to be re-invested for the better-

reading your email, Steven, when my ter-

building and buy a smaller, far cheaper

ment of our hard working and stretched

minal began flashing for an account ride

unit, in South London. We can also off-load

forces! I believe I covered your query

from St Pancras to Bromley. The passen-

Roman Way and encompass that in the new

regarding subscriptions in my last bul-

ger wasn’t too sure of the address but had

unit. With the money left over from the sale

letin to our troops in September!

the postcode, which I plumbed into the

of the building and the purchase of the new

It is always nice to hear from our

terminal’s satnav. Not only was it a very

unit, why can’t we long suffering sharehold-

‘Boots on the Ground’ as you all do a

welcome £70 but it was the easiest trip

er members have a divi up? After the divi up

sterling job under intense pressure

I’ve had all week with the young lady

and smaller building purchase, we would

whilst operating under fire!

inside the machine giving me directions

still have a huge cash mountain in the bank.

So thank you for taking the time and

for the whole journey. Other than

Makes sense, does it not?

trouble to write to our forces magazine

instructing me to do a U-turn inside

Option 2: Stay where we are and use the

and finally Colin - God Bless America

Blackwall Tunnel (!!!) it took me right to

cash mountain to subsidise the proposed

and Dial-a-Cab! Incidentally, have you

the door. But satnavs are only machines

subs increase. What’s the point in hanging on

read my report on page four???

and you need to keep an occasional eye

to shed loads of cash doing nothing apart

from impressing the bank? It strikes me that

Keith Cain adds: Not quite sure about

that the signal hasn’t been suddenly lost

the two nights trial or the fact that any-

and confused it while it renews the route.

the majority of drivers are now going to sub-

one has ever suggested these accounts

But what does confuse me is that

sidise the minority who do very little account

would replace those we have lost. With

Steve, together with NHS Practice

work. To ask drivers to pay more (yes, we will

morale amongst drivers running low at

Development Facilitator Jane Barr, went

pay more) whilst sitting on a huge cash pile

the moment, I hoped that information

to Uganda in 2008 on something of a

in these austere times, is a bitter pill to swal-

regarding new business would help

mercy mission. Jane’s mission was to

low. No system is totally fair, but we

perk some of them up. When accounts

give advice to Ugandan medical staff and

have been charged subs this way since the

get opened at what I call good charges,

hopefully help extend the lives of their

year dot. I know the Board are elected to

retain a run-in and gratuity, it would be

patients. With HIV and AIDS so preva-

make decisions, but I feel this new pricing

suicide to name them because if the

lent in many African countries, Jane’s

structure is deeply punitive and should have

opposition got wind of that type of

task was a difficult one. The more prac-

been put to a vote. Yes I know some drivers

information, they would be in like a

tical side was to show how staff could

will love the new pricing structure, but how

shot to steal them off us. When it comes

re-use wheelchairs for young children -

about a vote on the subject? How about a

to business, make no mistake there is a

so often the victims of landmines. Steve,

vote on down-sizing and a divi up? Surly if

war going on and we don’t need to give

although going mainly to help where he

happy days had continued and we had, let’s

anything away...

could, also cheered a local group of

say, £50million in the bank, then there would

young footballers - many with severe

surely have come a point at which we the

Gas Cab...

injuries - from the Kampala Kids League

members enjoyed a divi up? If we had been

Alan

by getting Dial-a-Cab to provide them

sold we would have had a divi up, would we

My cab is 15 years old. Is there any info on

with a set of Spurs tops. The kids were

not? There are many long serving drivers

a gas conversion and do you think it is

all soccer mad and knew all about the

coming to the end of their driving days to

worth the expense? I have not heard any-

English Premiership. So my problem is

whom a few grand would benefit very nicely!

thing about it. Is it still 5years extra and is

this: How the hell did you find your way

Wudda ya reckon...

there only one garage that does the con-

there, Steve...!!! Ed

Colin Jenkins (Y22)

version or are there any other conversions

Call Sign October 2014

Page 30

on the market that are PCO approved...

Mailshot

John Gilbert (W72)

I asked Stanley Roth, whose Gastech

have to call them back and hope that they can

company are converting cabs, whether

change the vehicle and in fairness, quite

it is worth it. If it is over fifteen years old

often they can - but at the expense of a

then it is too late. However, if it’s com-

lengthy wait. If I am just returning from a

ing up to its birthday then it is OK.

friend’s house then I can cope. But when it’s

Gastech are the only ones who do a full

a hospital appointment or as it was recently,

rain! I must say that this issue was one of

Euro 5 conversion (TX1), which is

to attend a funeral, then time is of the

the best I have read. It must just be the flow

cleaner than a new TX4 Euro 5. In fact

essence because missed hospital appoint-

of words that made it so enjoyable - even if

their TX2 conversion meets Euro 6.

ments are usually cancelled and being late

Mike Son lost the capitalization ‘s’ in his

Stanley has had his converted cab for

for a funeral - well you can guess how awful

article, but one can blame that on the proof

almost 5 years so it must be worth it

that makes me feel. As a former licensed

reader!

because you know whether your cab is a

London taxi driver, now retired many years, I

Lloyd Powell

good ‘un rather than buying someone

just cannot understand how I can phone a

Palm Beach, Florida

else’s old cast-off. And yes, you still get

London taxi circuit and be provided with a

Thanks to Hans and Lloyd. Call Sign has

an extra five years.

car. I have been around long enough to

been seen around the world online

Get in touch with Stanley at:

remember the minicab wars; does this mean

since 1998 and at the last official count

gastaxi @gmail.com.

that taxis lost?

had over 8000 regular readers via that

As I said at the beginning, I doubt there is

route. Although 70.1 percent of the 8000

anything you can do, but at least I feel better

Deregulation

were based in the UK with a further 17.1

having got it off my chest and if ComCab read

Hi Al

percent in the USA, we still had 5 regu-

this, perhaps they’ll get it right in future.

Your article on the Deregulation Bill (From

lar readers in Ukraine, 5 in the United

Arnold Stanton

the Editor, August Call Sign Online) was

Arab Republic, 3 in Taiwan and 1 lonely

Cranbrook, Ilford, Essex

interesting. But how about the scenario of

reader in Russia! We even have one soli-

They will at least now know that you have

an unlicensed driver 'borrowing' a licensed

tary reader in Yemen ...Ed

written ...Ed

PH vehicle from a friend and then also bor-

rowing the friends Uber PDA? With rick-

Goodbye Eric

Older than he looks!

shaws driven by anyone with no CRB need-

I have recently retired as a cab driver after

ed, I don't think the public have ever been

Hi Alan

45 years’ service and have notified Driver

at so much risk, even before Livingstone’s

I read the article about my altercation with a

Services accordingly. But I must write to say

PH licensing.

cyclist in the September Call Sign and I do

‘thank you’ to the Dial-a-Cab Board and

When I used Hailo, I was picking a fare

need to point out that I have been with Dial-

Staff members for the hard work they put

up from somewhere in NW3. Parked oppo-

a-Cab since 2001 and not 2012. A minor

in running the Society. I've enjoyed being a

site was a plain Merc, no PH ID's, no

transgression on the Editor’s part, but never-

member of DaC and appreciate the work

roundels. When the passenger came out,

theless one that gives all my buddies on EC5

and income it has provided me with over

he put his wife and son in the car and then

ammunition to keep calling me a ‘butter’ -

the 35 years I’ve been with the circuit; it

jumped in with me. I said to him: 'So you're

when I’m clearly not!

has been great and has made it all worth-

letting the family have the chauffeur today

Peter Marks (L07)

then?' He replied that it was an Uber mini-

while for myself and my family. My best

I was trying to make you look younger.

cab and it was taking them to LAP. I told

wishes

everyone

for

the

You just can’t please some people!!! ...Ed

him 3 times that it was an unlicensed vehi-

future, keep well and thank you...

cle and that it had no identification from

Eric Pearce (D70)

Call Sign Online

TfL on it and that he should really phone

Brian Rice replies: Hi Eric, thank you so

Dear Alan

his wife and advise her that she was in an

much for your email which has been

As always my sincere thanks for Call Sign

unlicensed vehicle therefore not insured

passed onto me. Your sentiments are very

Online every month! You're good!

blah, blah. He totally ignored me! This dri-

much appreciated. I wish you a happy

Lloyd Powell is a member of the American sec-

ver had someone else's Uber PDA...

retirement and know that Neil (D70J) will

tion London Vintage Taxi Association (LVTA)

Mickey Lappin (Ex-E46)

continue in your footsteps. You have

and owns an original FX4. He and his family

This trade was deregulated years ago,

been a credit to DaC over the past 35

were over in the UK some years ago, when they

Mickey - it’s just that no one told us!

years and it is Members such as yourself

also made the pilgrimage to the Menin Gate at

Sadly the name of the best licensed taxi

who have been the backbone of this

Ypres in Belgium where his Uncle is men-

service in the world has been dragged

Society. I know you have been unwell in

tioned and that was commemorated by them.

through the mud backwards by two

the past, but I wish you an enjoyable

As you know, the Menin Gate Memorial to

Mayor’s who couldn’t care less about us,

retirement...

the Missing is a war memorial dedicated to

other than boasting of the service in

soldiers that were killed in the Ypres Salient of

speeches but not actually giving a toss

Wrong!

WW1 and whose graves are unknown.

otherwise. Sadly we are now in a state of

Alan

I would like to pass on Lloyd’s view of Call

war and we will need some PH on our

Just read your third paragraph on page 3 of

Sign to you and the publishing group

side. The question is who? ...Ed

the September Call Sign and your reaction

involved. To all of you I pass on

‘The

was the same as mine when I read the Bill in

Honour’ given! Chapeau! Keep up the good

The minicab wars...

June. However, I checked and those clauses

work; it's being appreciated

Dear Sir

don't apply to London so the premise of the

Hans Dooren,

I’m not sure who to write this to because I

argument is mistaken.

LVTA Dutch Section, Holland

know that the disabled account here in

I will try to remember exactly how they

Redbridge is nothing to do with Dial-a-Cab.

Hans

don't apply, but the reason is complex, even

However, I have told ComCab - who do

Thanks again for your thoughtfulness in for-

obtuse.

operate the system - several times but it

warding along the latest issue of Call Sign

Lord Borwick of Hawkshead

seems to have made no difference. The

Online magazine to me. I spent a leisurely

Thanks Jamie. For those that don’t know,

problem is that my disability prohibits me

Sunday afternoon reading the entire issue.

Lord Borwick of Hawkshead was the for-

from using any vehicle other than a real taxi

What a relaxing way to stay inside and out of

mer Chairman of London Taxis

but ComCab keep sending me a car. I then

the 90 plus degree heat - even with a hint of

International. He is married to Victoria

Call Sign October 2014

Page 31

Mailshot

Borwick, the Deputy Mayor of London.

Both are huge supporters of the taxi

have to go onto the back burner with the

trade.

next major update being the automatic

I was writing about clause 10 of the

dispatching of trips via GPS rather than

Deregulation Bill which would allow fam-

having to book into zones. Hopefully that

ily and friends to “borrow” minicabs to

will be round about March time ...Ed

use as private vehicles. My problem was

how would anyone know they weren’t

many were calling for the introduction

Subscriptions and VAT

licensed PH drivers should they decide to

of PAYG. Now we have obliged, we get

Dear Ed

work in the car ...Ed

another section stating they don’t like

It seems that Brian Rice in his column in the

the new system! It could be argued that

August Call Sign may have misled us in his

Terminal lay out

the more a Member takes out of the pot,

explanation of the revised subscriptions

Hi Alan

then the more that should cost the indi-

arrangements. I think he neglected to men-

The new MDT now only requires two

vidual Member and when I state this to

tion that both the £10 Fixed Charge and the

screen taps instead of three as with the old

Members, they tell me they cover work

Variable Charge (75% of gratuities) are sub-

one to scroll through the available buttons.

for the benefit of the Society!

ject to VAT at 20 percent, which puts quite a

However, the right side of the screen on the

Compared to our two competitors,

different slant on comparisons with the old

new MDT is little used. Can I suggest that

subscriptions on Dial-a-Cab have always

charging method. It seems from a personal

no taps of the screen would be required if

been cheaper and for many years sub-

viewpoint that I will only be better off when

we also sited buttons on the right side. The

stantially more affordable; even today

I’m not working! Or am I missing something?

left side buttons are: Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone

we are still the cheapest of the three

Mike Holleyoake (M6)

3, Bids, Next and Clear.

radio circuits - including all the Apps...

Brian Rice replies: The last thing I wanted

Then on the right side could be: Resync,

to do was to mislead you, Mike, but you

Review, Screen, Clear All and History. The

Caption winner

are quite right - subscriptions do attract

History button would be a new one to

VAT and of course I should have stated

Thanks for waking me up this morning

replace having to touch the bottom line of

with such good news. It’s always great to

that everything was plus VAT. At the time

the screen to show your recent actions.

of writing, it is the first week that we have

start the day with a positive... so I have just

Alan Nash (A95)

shared the joy of me winning “£25” in the

stopped the new subscription (plus VAT)

Thanks Alan, I have passed your com-

and I notice on this particular occasion

competition to the wife!

ments onto DaC’s IT department. I sus-

Andy Colli (C84)

you are paying less in subscription than

pect that some drivers would complain

you have in the past.

You can be the next winner of this

that your idea means the screen has

month’s Caption contest and win what

As you no doubt can appreciate, what-

much less room for details, but I would

ever we do will alienate a proportion of

is £25 to Andy’s wife but £100 to every-

also imagine that any changes would

one else! See page 19 ...Ed

the Membership and as you know Mike,

TDOY Dinner and Dance

‘Remembering those less fortunate than ourselves’

The Taxi Driver of the Year Charity Fund presents their Annual Dinner and Dance on Saturday 6th December 2014

at a NEW venue: The Holiday Inn Regents Park, Carburton Street, W1.

Reception begins at 6.15pm with dinner at 6.45pm followed by dancing to a live band. The cost of tickets is £65 per person and

includes a 4-course meal with half a bottle of wine per person.

With your support, The Taxi Driver of the Year Charity Fund is able to make substantial donations to the taxi trade charities that support them.

Don’t miss one of the year’s great nights. Great food and great company! It will prove to be an enjoyable and memorable occasion for all.

For tickets, please send completed form and cheque made out to T.D.Y.C.F to:

Russell Poluck MBE, TDYCF Hon Chairman, 5 St Brides Avenue, Edgware, Middlesex, HA8 6BT

RSVP by 1st November

PLEASE PRINT

Name:

Title:

Company (if applicable):

Address:

Tel:

Email:

Number of tickets:

Dietary requirements:

Veg

□ Fish

□ Meat

□

Dress smart

For further information, contact Russell Poluck: 07850 056 765 • Tel/fax 020 8952 1357

Registered with the Charities Commission No: 1000761