Call Sign September 2014

Page 3

from the editor’s desk

Uber giveaway...

know who the City Corp think is at fault; it’s

You will read inside this issue about London’s

always London’s taxis - accidents, smoke, noise

latest and most controversial apps’ attempt to

- it’s all down to little old us.

give away free phones to licensed London taxi

Now London, Southwark (northern section)

drivers - Yellow and Green badges - at London

and Blackfriars Bridges are also 20mph zones.

City Airport in return for their signatures. Also

I’m just waiting for the first passenger to com-

about the disturbing events that happened

plain to the police that their taxi is deliberately

afterwards...

driving slowly at 2am when all they want to do

Uber representatives turned up at LCA and

is to get home.

began dishing out the free phones in return for

And does the Mayor really think that no one

drivers signing up to work for them. Amazingly

has noticed how the traffic light signals have

to us, there was no shortage of drivers prepared

changed so that they stay red far longer? Namby

to give a signature in return for what they prob-

pamby London is right. Perhaps the Mayor

ably already had anyway and you would have to

would do us all a favour if he became an MP

assume, to cock an absolute snook to all those

sooner rather than later and gave up the

11,000 drivers that gave up several hours work

Mayorship...

in order to attend the June demo against TfL

and their new friends at Uber.

RideLondon cycling weekend

So while I have no desire to assist any of

for a day out at the seaside, then you are living

Should I be ashamed of my feelings? On

those that were happy to sell their souls for the

in the same world as the late Judge James

Saturday 9 August, around 60,000 cyclists took

price of a phone, Uber’s record around the

Pickles who once asked in court who The

part in a 10-mile ride through central London

world tends to follow a pattern; so what Uber

Beatles were.

causing, so far as the taxi trade was concerned,

does in the US, they will sooner or later do over

This could be the biggest menace that the

traffic chaos.

here. And currently Uber are telling all the dri-

public have ever faced - notice that I didn’t say

Then on the following day, Sunday 10th, the

vers that work for them in New York that they

the taxi trade’s biggest menace. If the House of

RideLondon-Surrey 100 began from Queen

can no longer work for anyone else having all

Lords get this Bill through its Committee Stage

Elizabeth Olympic Park with 100 top cyclists rid-

received texts “forbidding” them from driving

on October 21st and a passenger is attacked

ing out to Surrey and then back again. The

for anyone else. Currently that “anybody else” is

inside the car borrowed by a non-licensed dri-

police, in their wisdom, closed all roads along

rival app Lyft.

ver, then whatever happens to that passenger

the route and other than for emergency vehicles,

they stayed shut for the duration of the event.

One NY driver told CNN recently: “I got a

will be the fault of the Lords.

So why should I feel ashamed of my feelings?

tablet, a phone and my Uber phone so when I

Call Sign did ask Lord Holmes of

Well I’ll put up with one day of disruption, but

have no passengers in my car, I turn on all my

Richmond to give his views on this issue but

the two days of the week that many use to sub-

applications and whichever one gives me a job

we still haven’t heard from him and it seems

sidise the rest of a week when the kids are still

first, I take.”

unlikely that we will now, having waited almost

on holiday and which invariably will be quiet? Is

Well if Uber have their way, that driver will

two months. He had previously told a Dial-a-

that fair to those that have to work in a London

find that he is now just an Uber man - and it’s

Cab driver that the Lords had hoped to include

where you can’t move anywhere?

no good telling me that the London circuits do

a discussion in the same Bill on what represent-

Well I didn’t work on the day of the London-

the same because so far as I know, none of Dial-

ed a meter in a taxi and that most of his col-

Surrey and return cycle event was scheduled to

a-Cab, RTG or ComCab ever offered free phones

leagues said they believed that an app could not

take place because going by last year, it would

in order to bribe drivers to join.

classify as a meter.

have been pointless with even a simple event

So if this Committee Stage isn’t till

such as crossing the Thames to get to Waterloo

Citi giveaway...

October, why am I writing about it in the

becoming problematic - not just for we drivers,

I have to smile each time I pass a London

September 1 issue; well in your jobs as licensed

but also for those unsuspecting passengers

licensed taxi with an advert along its side pro-

London taxi drivers you will undoubtedly pick

who have to fork out an unexpectedly large

up Members of the House of Lords. Ask them

claiming that a Citi client anywhere is a Citi

amount for their taxi fare. They probably think

for their view on Clause 10 and give them yours

client everywhere. That may well be true, but I

we have ripped them off; but who cares about

- in a polite way of course. And if they honestly

think I’d prefer to see something more akin to:

us? After all, the Mayor is TfL and we know

believe that there would be no problem in

We used to be clients of a licensed taxi com-

about TfL and Uber.

licensed minicab drivers loaning out their vehi-

pany, but prefer minicabs as they are

Ashamed? Not really! I was delighted when

cles to non-licensed drivers, ask them if they

cheaper even though they’re nowhere near

the weather in the shape of Hurricane Bertha

also believe that the police should be free to

as good.

spoiled the event. Yep, I still lost a day’s work

allow their friends to borrow a police car com-

There’s nothing as satisfying as some good

but instead I sat at home playing with my two

plete with siren for escaping traffic jams?

old English plain speaking...!

youngest grandchildren, Samuel and Imogen. I

even enjoyed working on Monday 11 August

Namby pamby London (continued)

Deregulation Bill

when I happily told passengers that the down-

Last month’s page 3 saw yours truly writing

As you read this, there will be just a matter of six

pour had been the Mayor’s fault for not giving a

about namby pamby London and how safety has

weeks until their Lordships in the “other place”

fig about London’s oldest and most respected

overtaken plain commonsense. I’m certainly

debate - among other sections of the same Bill

transport system. Sadly Boris doesn’t see it that

not making light of anyone that is run over by a

- the now notorious Clause 10. This is the part

way because just words don’t really cut it.

motor vehicle - especially one that is speeding.

of the Deregulation Bill 2013 - 2014 that will

Telling the world how wonderful we are but

But surely reducing the speed limit to a ridicu-

allow anyone to drive a Private Hire vehicle

then doing absolutely nothing to help us, makes

lous 24 hour 20mph is going over the top?

regardless of whether they are licensed or not.

his office farcical. A fifteen year limit that many

Modern cars are not designed to go that slow

Of course, if they aren’t actually licensed then

believe will soon become 12 and then 10 years?

unless they are in traffic. Manual vehicles would

they will not be allowed to pick up passengers,

Diesel taxis suddenly becoming the bad guys

have to go in a lower gear whilst the rest of us

so that’s ok then! I can stop writing!

after years of our being forced into buying them?

would have to drive along London Wall at 2am

What do you mean what happens if they take

I could go on, but instead I’ll happily take all

with one eye on the speedo instead of on the

no notice of that but start driving around look-

the flak that will undoubtedly be thrown at me

road.

ing for passengers in a PH vehicle that pro-

for being so gloomy at the sudden clearing up

And why are there more accidents - if indeed

claims Fred’s Cars. Don’t be silly, surely that’s

of the weather and for not feeling ashamed at

that is the case? Could it be because of the num-

against the law so they wouldn’t... would they!

the illicit affair I almost had with Big Bertha!

ber of pedestrians who believe that you have to

Well, sorry your Lordships, but if any of you

make phone calls while crossing the street? If

actually believe that the only reason a non-mini-

Alan Fisher

they walk into a car, whose fault is it? Well we

cab licensed driver would want to use the car is

callsignmag@aol.com

Call Sign September 2014

Page 4

reflections of the chairman

compete against the Members of Dial-a-

Subscriptions

Cab?

The announcement in last month’s Call

We would be producing an App for the

Sign that we will be going over to a differ-

rest of the trade with liveried - although not

ent method of charging subscriptions in

Dial-a-Cab liveried - taxis, operating you

the near future was met, as you would have

would have to assume on a no run-in, no

expected, with mixed reviews. Some

gratuity and free waiting time basis, pretty

Members are all for it, whilst others are

much the same as the other two Apps.

against it.

If that were the case, why on earth would

Conversely, when we charge the straight

our customers continue to use Dial-a-Cab

£30 per week, some Members - especially

in preference to the Drivers App? We

the higher earners - considered that was

would, in essence, be producing an App

very good value for money while others

were totally against it and thought we

for the rest of the trade that would com-

should go over to a Pay As You Go (PAYG)

pete against ourselves. I just don’t get it!

system, something which appears to be

That now brings me onto a Drivers App,

A new App of that kind would be built by

quite popular in the cab trade at the

which is the smartphone receiving the trip

DaC at the expense of Dial-a-Cab Members

moment.

being booked via the Customer’s App.

to benefit the remainder of the trade; is

However, of one thing you can be

However, Dial-a-Cab drivers do already

that what we really want?

absolutely certain, whatever system the

have that facility. The only difference is that

Board adopts, it will not please all

it does not go to them via their smart-

August

Members and there will be a section of the

phone, it goes to them via the terminal in

As per normal, it seems that most of

Dial-a-Cab membership that will be totally

their taxi; the terminal acts as the smart-

against any policy the Society adopts. This

phone!

London - and of course the people that

will be purely and simply because that par-

However, I do still have some

work in London - have taken their holidays

ticular individual considers that the new

Members asking me why we have not

in the month of August, making business

system does not suit them personally and

built an App for the whole trade? It does

so much quieter - although I am led to

after all, everyone wants what is best for

seem to be a topic that has everyone

believe there has been an increase in the

them. And of course there is absolutely

jumping onto the bandwagon.

number of tourists here this year, especial-

nothing wrong with that.

If Dial-a-Cab were to produce a Drivers

ly our Arab friends.

However, the Board of Management has

App for the rest of the trade - and DaC’s IT

But August has now passed again and

to decide what they consider to be in the

department are more than capable of doing

once we get into the second week of

best interests of the Society and the mem-

- whereby they could receive work via

September, hopefully business will begin

bership as a whole. In fact it wasn’t that

their smartphone, I believe that would be

to improve again as it does most other

long ago - at the February AGM in fact -

to the detriment of DaC Members.

years. Hopefully this year will not be any

that a subscriber made a passionate plea

However, that does appear to be the opin-

exception

for a PAYG system while adding that the

ion of some Members who have not really

charge should not be as much as the 10%

thought the issue through but perhaps are

Brian Rice

that Hailo charge. Well ours is 7.5% - a sub-

just latching onto the latest buzz word.

Chairman

stantial

25% less than Hailo and others

If you think about it, why would Dial-

charge.

a-Cab produce a Drivers App that would

Dial-a-Cab

But as you all know, whatever we do

there is just no way that we can possibly

please all of the people all of the time.

Driver App

During the past month whilst speaking

with - in addition to also being in corre-

spondence with - Members regarding the

Dial-a-Cab PAYG scheme, many of those

EARLY TREATMENT MEANS SPEEDY RECOVERY

drivers also asked me why we have not yet

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

developed a Drivers App.

During these conversations, it has

The Centre offers fully qualified therapists in Physiotherapy,

become apparent to me that not every-

one understands the difference

Osteopathy, Sports Massage, Reflexology, Shiatsu, Remedial

between a Customer App and a Driver

Massage, Indian Head Massage, Hydrotherm, Massage Therapy,

App.

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.

At the moment we have a Customer App

and those customers that use it can order a

Call us on 020 8507 8169

taxi from us on their Account or via a

Credit Card on our App. That will then be

or mobile 07973 639 473 for an early appointment

despatched to Members as a normal

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

Account or Credit Card trip. The driver in

Out of hours enquiries welcome

his cab will not have any idea how Dial-a-

Cab received that particular trip. It could

Barking Physical Therapy Centre

just as easily have been received via tele-

90 Longbridge Road, Barking, Essex, IG11 8SF

phone, on-line or indeed via the App. They

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

all appear the same when received by the

www.bptconline.co.uk

Member on his or her terminal.

Call Sign September 2014

Page 5

Berlin says verboten to Uber!

known as Mietwagen - and for booking the

said it will appeal and cites ‘restriction of

PH vehicles and the drivers (UberPOP).

freedom and mobility.

The app is said to be contrary to the

Most drivers will remember the interna-

Passenger Transport Act and any

tional day of action for taxis on June 11. The

infringement carries a fine of 25,000

current argument for London drivers, in

euros. The Senate particularly wants to

addition to whether the Uber app is a meter,

protect passengers using UberPOP’s

revolves around ultra- strict rules and regula-

unlicensed drivers and vehicles. In

tions for taxis, whereas Uber seem to have

these cases, drivers face a fine of 20.000

walked through.

euros.

But it isn’t only TfL and Boris Johnson

The Senate of the German federal capital,

The problems began when a German trade

that seems to have given Uber the green

Berlin, has now followed the lead of Seoul,

magazine (Taxi Times) revealed that passen-

light; Berlin’s Mayor, Klaus Wowereit, vis-

Brussels and Hamburg in banning the Uber

gers might not actually be covered by the

ited Uber’s new HQ wearing an ‘I love

app for booking private hire vehicles

operators’ private car insurance. Uber has

Uber’ hat and sunglasses!

Another 3 bogus PH

TX4 on trial

driver prosecutions by TfL

in Melbourne

he TX4 on

TfL Enforcement and on-street operations

rial in

Compliance Team alongside their policing part-

Melbourne

ners have successfully prosecuted three re-

offending minicab touts in an ongoing commit-

ment to crackdown on bogus and unsafe minicab

drivers in London.

The latest prosecutions now bring TfL’s total to 25 successful convictions for illegal

plying for hire and other related offences in the last 12 months, with many more cases

currently awaiting court dates. The three convictions were for a number of offences

including touting, illegal plying for hire, driving without insurance and operating with-

It seems that the march of Geely and

out a valid private hire driver licence.

the London Taxi Company to domi-

Olaide Tijani from NW London was sentenced at Westminster Magistrates’ Court

nate the world’s taxi market is spreading

having been stopped during a routine check by City of London Police and TfL

across Australia. Perth has seen the TX4

Compliance Officers in December 2013. Mr Tijani had a passenger when his details

for some time with 100 of the vehicles

were checked by officers and it showed that his PH driver licence had been revoked in

on its roads and now Melbourne has

2011 after a touting conviction. He later pleaded guilty to four offences of no private

decided to test the vehicle out on its

hire driver licence, no operator licence, no insurance and plying for hire. He was

roads as well.

ordered to pay £410 in fines and court costs. His driving licence was endorsed with six

They will be assessing customer feed-

penalty points for having no insurance and as a result, he was disqualified from driving

back before deciding how many of the

for six months.

iconic taxis will be ordered, according to

Tahir Zaheer Baig from east London was also sentenced at Westminster

Evan Simeon, CEO of the London Taxi

Magistrates’ Court. He was first seen on 26 October 2013 by TfL Compliance touting

Company (Australia):

for business but drove off before he could be questioned. TfL were in the process of

“We’d like to trial at least 100 here in

addressing this first incident when he was stopped again on 9 November in South

Victoria as a sample patch and then

Woodford and found to be working without a private hire vehicle operator’s licence. He

work from that. We have just landed a

was interviewed under caution and charged with breaching the Private Hire Vehicles

London taxi in Melbourne for evaluation

Act. Mr Baig was later found guilty of touting, having no operator licence and plying

in the City while the Taxi Services

for hire. He was ordered to pay £900 in fines and court costs and disqualified from dri-

Commission has approved the London

ving for four months.

TX4 for use as a conventional taxi in the

Rajalingham Paheerathan from Bromley was seen by TfL Compliance Officers on

state of Victoria.”

24 October 2013 on Uxbridge High Road having a conversation with a woman before

The trial taxi - coloured silver - is cur-

letting her and a friend into his car. Officers approached the vehicle and established the

rently being driven around Melbourne

journey was not pre-booked. He was interviewed, charged and pleaded guilty to plying

covered in ‘evaluation’ stickers. It is

for hire, having no operator licence and was ordered to pay £370 in fines and court

picking passengers up.

costs. He was also disqualified from driving for three months.

“We’ve already done three and a half

TfL’s Enforcement and on-street Compliance Team carry out vehicle and driver licens-

million kilometres in the trial in Perth

ing checks across London to keep the public safe and stamp out illegal activity. They

and carried over 60,000 passengers,”

work closely with the police, delivering over six hundred joint operations every year.

Mr Simeon said.

They also carry out evening patrols in hotspot locations, plain clothes anti-touting oper-

“Of all the passengers in Western

ations and high visibility enforcement activities to detect and deter bogus cab drivers.

Australia,” said Mr Simeon, “95 per

Steve Burton, Director of Enforcement and On Street Operations at TfL, said:

cent say they would book a London taxi

“These convictions demonstrate that we take illegal touting and other illegal

again while seventy-five per cent say

private hire activities extremely seriously. Thanks to the great work of our

they would wait longer for a London

Compliance Officers and policing partners, these offenders have been success-

taxi over a conventional sedan because

fully prosecuted.”

it is a purpose built vehicle.”

Call Sign September 2014

Page 7

disturbing story came to Call

Taxi drivers queue to sign for Uber - just to get a free phone...

Sign’s office recently. The Dial-a-

Cab driver, who asked to remain

nameless for reasons to become

Battle of City Airport

obvious, told us that on a recent trip to

London City Airport, he was disturbed to

Driver threw camera

see a representative of Uber giving out free

into Thames

phones to any black cab driver who would

said, were the number of taxi drivers taking

drivers, may well have

up the offer.

been wasting their time.

Bearing in mind the demo on 11 June

Hands up those that took

where thousands of taxis descended on

a phone who were also at

Trafalgar Square to protest against TfL and

the demo? Thought not...

their allowing Uber to use smartphones as

See Editorial on page 3

meters, our driver was quite upset to see

how little it took to get these drivers to sign

Michael Toomey

up and was going to take a photo of them

queuing. But he was beaten to the punch by

Call Sign Online

another driver who got out of his cab, cam-

era in hand and began snapping away.

“We were quite shocked when the two

One hefty driver took offence and told

policemen came over and told the Uber reps

Call Sign

the driver to delete the photos. The dri-

they had to leave the Airport grounds” said

September 2014

ver refused. The newest Uber driver

the DaC driver. “They claimed that Hailo

Editor: Alan Fisher

asked again and again the answer came

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

and GetTaxi had been allowed to sign-up

back that there was no reason for him to

Tel: 0207 251 0581 Fax: 0207 553 7293

drivers at LCA, so why couldn’t Uber?

delete the photos as they were newswor-

Email: callsignmag@aol.com

“One reason,” said the policeman. “They

thy. Mr Black Uber Cab made a grab for

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

asked for permission first and you haven’t.

Printers: Premier Print Group

the camera and threw it straight into the

So please leave the Airport now!”

25 - 31 Violet Rd, London E3

Thames together with a warning that if

The thought of two taxi drivers acting like

Design: Aldan Publications

this driver didn’t get back into his taxi

Tel: 07958 300 428

and leave the airport, that he would

that in front of watching eyes is bad enough,

Email: deborahfresco@gmail.com

throw him in as well.

but for so many Licensed London taxi dri-

Views and opinion expressed in Call Sign must

The driver left; our driver decided he did-

vers to be bought for the cost of a phone

not be assumed to represent those of the Editor or

n’t want any trouble and life returned to

explains better than anything else why all

Board.No part of Call Sign may be reproduced

near normal except for one thing; someone

those that stuck up for our trade against TfL

either manually or electronically without the express

permission of the Editor.

had called the police.

at the demo, including those 10,000 or so

Call Sign September 2014

Page 8

It used to be lies, damned lies and statistics, but

with the way the London Taxi Drivers Forum

Call Sign Says...

(LTDF) operates, it doesn’t really matter if you lie

about anything because you do so without giving

your name. As Call Sign readers know, this maga-

zine rarely allows writers to our letters page to

Lies, damned lies

remain anonymous. The LTDF have no such con-

cerns and can say whatever they wish without

needing to worry about any legal action, as those

few on there that abuse it are far too cowardly to

and anonymmity

put their name along with their accusations - usu-

ally about Dial-a-Cab or its Chairman, Brian

Rice.

Although I have never been on it, I often get

parts sent to me when they mention DaC, Brian

Rice or even little old me! But the one thing they

all have in common is their lack of any testicular

fortitude in putting their name to anything.

Of course, the best thing is usually to ignore

it knowing that it is just spiteful rubbish, but

some things just can’t be ignored and I have

asked Brian Rice to answer some of the most

recent accusations.

Like me, he hadn’t seen then either and per-

haps I should just have consigned them to the

rubbish bin where they and those that write them

deserve to reside. But surprisingly and judging by

comments from those that have forwarded the

messages to Call Sign, it seems likely that the

writers are not now and have not been DaC mem-

bers for many years - if at all. Yet they were trying

to set up an SGM (Special General Meeting) with

an online form that looked as though the writer

was aged 11 - or even less - and giving instruc-

Saying what you want because you don't give your name

tions as to what Members should ask!

Twitter am for forwarding it to driver’s phones

of the above organisations required Non-

The idea behind the SGM (according to the

even though they didn’t bother checking with

Disclosure Agreements to be signed so that

anonymous writer) was to find out what DaC

DaC whether the info contained was correct.

details of negotiations should not be made

were “hiding” with reference to recent offers for

Mind you, they certainly wouldn’t have picked up

public unless an agreement was reached.

the Society. They add that drivers should sign up

any of the grammatical or spelling errors!

Incidentally, I have already relayed these

and “go at him (Rice) with numbers: get him out.

The LTDF’s anonymous writers also inferred

points to Members in the letter I wrote to

Then use the Societies Lawyers (Rice's Lawyers at

that deals may have fallen through because back-

them dated 22 July...

the moment) and sue him.” The spelling is theirs.

handers weren’t enough!

Call Sign: Why was Cab:App’s bid not given

Astonishingly, they then go on to say that the

I think Call Sign’s readers get the picture

publicity?

Chairman would “collapse in a heap, as he did

and as much as I feel like ignoring the emails,

Brian Rice: I think they did that themselves,

before when he thought he could not use DaC

just as I have been doing since their inception,

however, they are the company above that I

funds. What happened: bang he went down with a

I felt that I should ask the Chairman for

refer to being £96k in the red!

heart attack.”

answers to the anonymous accusations. Here

Call Sign: How many backhanders have you

It then refers to the “real men” who didn’t go

they are...

been offered and did they play any part in any

down like a sack of tatas (they may have meant

Call Sign: How many offers were made for

decision re selling the Society?

potatoes, but to 11 year olds thy may well be

Dial-a-Cab and why weren’t drivers given

Brian Rice: There was never any offer of a

tatas). This brave (although anonymous) writer

details of those offers?

‘backhander’ from any of the organisations

then says that he will “say something else when

Brian Rice: Initially, there were two but

and if there had been, it would have been to

enough members are signed up the members

after I wrote to Members regarding the offers,

the detriment of the company offering it.

should get in touch with DaC's lawyers and

a third offer arrived. The third offer was the

Call Sign: Was your heart attack caused from

demand that as, Field Fisher Waterhouse are the

best and the other two were informed. One of

being concerned that you would have to pay

members lawyers and remind them that they are

the two then came back with a revised offer,

DaC’s solicitors yourself?

not Rice's personal lawyers and demand FFW act

but it was still not as good as the best offer.

Brian Rice: My heart attack in June 1998

for the members.” Again, the grammar is theirs and

When they were informed of this, they with-

was not caused by being concerned over pay-

not ours.

drew their offer. The other party then decided

ing solicitors myself, because although we

The website given to LTDF members where

to go public and disclose their offer on Twitter

(the BoM) were being sued as individuals,

they can sign up - as you’d expect from those

and generally lobby our Members.

collectively we were the Board representing

who can only write anonymously - probably

Unfortunately, their organisation is a ‘start up’

Dial-a-Cab, so personal solicitor’s fees never

won’t be accepted because a/ it’s lack of profes-

and they do not have any substance and their

came into the equation. That is what the

sionalism in setting it out, and b/ far more impor-

abbreviated accounts showed they were in the

Society’s solicitors advised was the case and

tantly, it doesn’t ask for badge numbers so that

red to the tune of £96k; in the Board’s opinion

the Judge agreed, so it never entered the

anyone could fill in someone else’s name and call

it would have been negligent to have put their

equation.

sign - and I wouldn’t put that past anyone afraid

proposal to Members. The company with the

In all honesty, Call Sign was reluctant to give

to give their name. Seeing as they can’t spell sig-

best offer then embarked on some advanced

any publicity to those few former members now

nature, perhaps they also couldn’t cope with five

due diligence in order to turn their indicative

on the LTDF who are so bitter towards DaC that

numbers in one line!

offer into a firm offer. After two and a half

they will say anything to try and damage this

So what do they want drivers signing up to ask

weeks of due diligence, they were not able to

Society. However, we were left in a situation

at an SGM? It’s this:

turn their indicative offer into a firm offer,

where regardless of those that want to have an

Presentation by the Board of the details of all

certainly not enough to tempt Members as

SGM to hear the above at first hand or not, they

approaches made to the Society since 1 January

they were not prepared to offer more than the

cannot be allowed to think that there is any truth

2012 by third parties concerning any proposal for

asset value of the Society. What that would

whatsoever in the rubbish spouted on that site...

the sale, purchase, amalgamation or any other

actually mean was that someone would buy

Alan Fisher

form of joint enterprise involving the Society.

and control the Society with our own assets,

And perhaps we should thank the LCDC’s

so they did not proceed with a firm offer. Two

callsignmag@aol.com

Call Sign September 2014

Page 9

If you drive a taxi in London, you’ll be used to

the inconvenience of being delayed by one of

Tower Bridge’s 1000 estimated raisings each

year. If you don’t have a fare, you can turn

Tower Bridge CHAOS

around and ply your trade in a different direc-

tion. If you have a passenger and are on the

Does London need such a relic of Victoriana?

Bridge, as happened to a Dial-a-Cab driver

double decker across the Bridge and with no

recently, and they just want to cross the

warning, the Bridge began to open. Albert

Thames to get to Trinity Square, then what

decided that he would have more chance if he

do you do? You can turn around and attempt

got over the opening rather than stopping

to go over London Bridge adding around £6 to

suddenly. He put his foot down onto the throt-

the fare or you can just wait for the Bridge to

tle and cleared the 3 foot gap, dropping 6 feet

go down.

onto the north bascule. There were no serious

The driver, who doesn’t want to be iden-

injuries, just a few bruised passengers, and

tified, took the photos for Call Sign to show

Albert was praised by the City Corporation for

what the delay was like. He told the pas-

his bravery. It was caused due to the regular

senger that the Bridge would be up and

Bridge lifter being away and a deputy sitting in

down in a few minutes and it would be

for him. The bell that should have rung never

quicker and cheaper to just wait. The pas-

did.

senger left it up to the driver.

The problem was that the Bridge went up

Not praised quite so much as Albert Gunter

was whoever was in charge in May 1997, when

around 12 minutes before the ship reached it

and stayed open for almost three minutes after

the motorcade of then-US President Bill

Clinton was divided after a scheduled Thames

it passed under. Including the time it was

directly underneath, the driver was stuck there

sailing barge on its way to St Katharine Docks

with his engine off for 18 minutes. A £4.20

arrived at its allocated time and the Bridge

run-in on Rate 1 when stationary takes 4 min-

opened, leaving the Prez on one side with his

utes and 30 seconds to arrive at, so you can

hefty security motorcade on the other!

imagine how much the fare increased by in 18

Call Sign asked a City spokesperson con-

minutes. Gallantly, the driver, offered to stop

nected to the Bridge how long the Bridge is

the meter and to reset it as a new fare when

supposed to allow before a ship reaches it

the Bridge opened. The passenger thanked

Huge queues caused by Tower Bridge

- even though it is mainly automatic nowa-

the driver but said it wasn’t his fault and not to

closing for 18 minutes (see cover pic)

days. He didn’t know but gave us a number

worry.

to call. We left messages but they never

But did Tower Bridge really need to stay

a Bridge lift. There is no charge but the

responded.

open that long? As usual, the same old

higher the mast, the higher the bridge is

Work on building Tower Bridge began in

excuse of Health and Safety showed its

raised and the longer the whole procedure

1886 and lasted just under 10 years. But is it a

head. The only saving grace to pass onto

takes.

good idea in 2014 for one of the world’s major

the DaC driver is that the ship that passed

As most drivers know, it wasn’t always like

capitals to have to stop all traffic in the heart of

through while he was there had the high-

that with the most famous example coming

the City for almost

20 minutes. Queen

est mast allowed. Any vessel with a mast or

just before Christmas in 1952 when bus driver

Victoria may have been proud of it, but

superstructure of 30ft or more can ask for

Albert Gunter was driving his number 78

shouldn’t we start thinking of another way?

DOES TFL ENABLE TAX AVOIDANCE BY UBER?

Barking and Dagenham Labour MP Margaret Hodge recently made the news

when asking London Mayor Boris Johnson if he was enabling Uber to opt

out of the UK’s tax regime, which in turn put the London taxi trade at a

huge and unfair disadvantage.

The MP, who has many licensed taxi drivers in her constituency, said she was particularly con-

cerned about the Uber tax structure “and its impact on the public purse and the livelihoods of

London cabbies and private hire drivers.” Her experience in the field comes from chairing the

Public Accounts Committee at the House of Commons.

In Mrs Hodge’s letter to the London Mayor, she asked him to ensure that Transport for

London, which regulates both sides of the industry, “does not inadvertently allow tax avoid-

ance in London.”

Uber’s tax problems arose because their customers use an app that is operated via a Dutch

entity, meaning that their corporation tax is paid in the Netherlands rather than in the UK.

Mrs Hodge pointed that out and accused TfL of failing to apply the appropriate regulations

to Uber by not insisting they have a London-licensed base, which would then oblige them to pay UK corporation tax.

“Surely TfL has a duty to enforce legislation that will ensure a fair and level playing field for all taxi and private hire operators,” Mrs Hodge said.

Uber responded by claiming that they complied with all applicable tax laws and paid taxes in all jurisdictions such as corporate income tax, payroll

tax, sales and use tax and VAT. Uber London Limited is a licensed PHV Operator and recently passed with flying colours the largest inspection of records

ever conducted by TfL.

In response, COO of TfL’s Surface Transport, Garrett Emmerson, said:

“TfL’s role is to license and regulate the taxi and private hire industry in London. We do not have any powers in relation to an operator’s corporate

structure and how or where they pay tax. We are fully satisfied that based on our understanding of the relationship between passengers and Uber

London, and between Uber London and the Holland registered Uber BV, that Uber is operating lawfully under the terms of the 1998 PHV(L) Act.”

Dial-a-Cab Chairman Brian Rice told Call Sign:

“Again this is an example of Uber flouting the rules. This situation should never have arisen in the first place had TfL enforced the regulations cor-

rectly and refused Uber an Operator’s Licence. Once again, by issuing an Operator’s Licence contrary to regulations, it illustrates the inefficiency of this

particular public body.”

Uber’s tax structure is said to include companies and partnerships in Bermuda and Ireland in addition to the Netherlands...

Call Sign September 2014

Page 10

Royal Tom...

For those that didn’t know, Tom Whitbread used to be a chauffeur

It was 5.30 in the morning as I

for the Queen mum

lay in the bath thinking about

the day previous, which I’d spent

assisting travellers with their

TOM’S TALES

taxi needs. But today would be

when she took Ranger and his corgi col-

completely different as I was to

leagues on their daily walks.

collect a Land Rover from

Whist I walked in the gardens with Sandy,

Buckingham Palace and drive it

the Estate Manager, sampling the beautiful

tended fruit crops and looking out to sea, I

to Birk Hall near Ballater in

would wonder why the hell I regularly tor-

Scotland. Birk Hall was the

mented myself by sitting in London traffic,

Scottish holiday residence of Her

swallowing tons of soot and fumes when there

is another side to life which is so peaceful,

Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth

relaxing and with the luxury of filling your

the Queen Mother.

lungs with clean clear fresh air.

This was to be a regular part-time job of

How many other Dial-a-Cab drivers can

mine for 17 years during which time I held the

say they had been walking in a beautiful

Royal Warrant to Her Majesty the Queen

private garden as the Queen Mother came

Mother. For 14 years I travelled round

walking towards them and stopped to pass

England and Scotland, before finally basing

pleasantries, which happened to me often

then we might take a trip into Ballater for a

myself in London doing more ‘local’ stuff

over the 17 years. But to save any Dial-a-

leisurely pint before a good night’s sleep.

while the others did long range work.

Cab driver asking, no, she never asked

The following morning it was up, wash,

As I drove to Marlborough House where I

how much it would cost from Buck House

shave and downstairs for a substantial

would be leaving my car, I heard on the radio

to LAP!

breakfast before we set off for Castle May.

that a Land Rover had been stolen from

After a day’s rest, it was my job to accompa-

This time I was driving an adapted coach,

Buckingham Palace during the night. When I

ny the other chauffeur to Wick Airport, he

which had been filled to the roof with lug-

reached the Palace I was informed that the

would be driving a one-off special edition

gage for the holiday; it varied from clothes,

stolen Land Rover was in fact the one I would

Daimler/Jaguar and I would be following in a

household silverware, shotguns and fish-

be taking to Scotland that day! The police had

specially extended Ford Granada Estate,

ing rods! The journey was in the region of

recovered the vehicle and arrested the thief. I

which had many extras in those days. On

200 miles, mostly through parts I would

hoped the police informed other forces, as I

arrival at the airport, we would park up and

call isolated. If you broke down, boy would

didn’t fancy getting stopped all the way up to

await the royal flight; when it arrived we’d

you have a long walk!

bonny Scotland!

drive onto the tarmac and park next to the

On arrival at Castle Mey, which was the

The time was now 6.30am and the sun was

plane. It was here as the Equerry alighted with

only property the Queen Mother owned, you

shining as I made my way up Constitution

the Queen Mother that the Equerry and I

drove around the rear of the building to

Hill, on towards the M1 and M6, cutting

exchanged roles and he would take over dri-

unload. It was then you noticed the Pentland

across the top of Birmingham and onto

ving the Granada.

Firth, a stretch of sea that I had only heard of

Charnock Richard where I would stop for

Then I would climb the aircraft steps and be

on the BBC shipping forecasts. I was also

breakfast. Then it was back onto the M6 and

transported back to London as a lone passen-

instructed by the other chauffeurs that if I ever

up onto the A74 with the miles zipping past

ger, or I may even have had a Royal

was given the job of transporting the royal cor-

until I reached Gretna Green - my lunch

Protection Police Officer as a travelling com-

gis and a mishap happened, when I got to the

stop. Then, I’d pass the edge of Glasgow and

panion. Whilst on the plane, we were afforded

Pentland Firth I should just keep going out to

round on to the M9 and A9 up to Sterling,

the same attention that royalty would be given

sea as my life would not be worth living!

Perth and the country roads through

on the flight up to Scotland.

It was at this location that you could experi-

Braemar and on to Balmoral.

But then the next day it would once

ence the four seasons in one day; snow, rain,

On my first trip to Birk Hall, I was instruct-

again be: “Can you take me to Kings Cross

wind and brilliant sunshine. If you ever fancy

ed to get to Balmoral Castle and it would be

cabbie and could you hurry because I’m

a holiday trip to Scotland and go to John

the next building along the road; what they

late.” All this and not a please or

O’Groats, on the way stay at the Castle Arms

forgot to say was there were 8 miles between

thank you...

in Mey and pop across the road to do the

the two buildings! So to say it was a little dif-

Castle Mey tour, its gardens and farm. Then

Tom Whitbread

ferent from driving a taxi around London was

you can trace the steps of the Queen Mother

an understatement. In this area of Scotland,

DaC Board member

there are few people to ask if you get lost - just

trees, heather, some deer and a few bunnies!

On my eventual arrival at the royal resi-

dence, I had a cup of tea and a wash to fresh-

en up before stepping out to explore the

estate, which extended to some 53,000 acres.

The flower gardens from spring through to

summer are a beautiful spectacle of colour

and variety. Part of the flower arrangement is

on a slope with a flight of steps in the middle,

quite often made into a royal design. After

walking through the flowers, you arrive at the

River Dee; this is where the Queen Mother

used to go fly fishing and when the river

water was high enough in the summer,

relaxed whilst completing one of her

favourite pastimes.

In the evening, the housekeeper would sup-

ply me and the other chauffeur with dinner,

Call Sign September 2014

Page 12

Special DaC deal at

the Drift Golf Club

Cabbies are well-known

now until the end of 2014.

If you were to book a four ball dur-

for enjoying golf, so the

ing the week, we can offer this for just

Drift Golf Club at East

£80. I realise that it is not always pos-

Horsley is hoping to

sible to get four players together, so

attract more of you by

we will offer each individual a special

offering vastly discounted

Dial-a-Cab rate of just

£27.50 per

rates. We already have

round, but if there are four or more

several black cab drivers

together then the rate drops to £20

per head in a four ball format - and it

as members, which is

includes your friends so long as one of

what originally gave us

you holds a badge.

the idea of contacting

This is a huge saving on our nor-

Call Sign.

mal green fee rates, saving a mas-

We would love to see more

sive £100 on the normal individual

Dial-a-Cab members playing

rates. To book, all DaC drivers have to do is call 01483-284772

here and I am glad to say that I can offer discounted rates to DaC from

and quote “Dial-a-Cab” when booking. On arrival, all you have to

do is show your taxi licence badge.

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

We think DaC drivers will enjoy playing this prestigious, but very

friendly course which is also home to The Southern Pro-Am, which

IT’S A CABBY’S LIFE

hopefully speaks volumes for the quality of the course.

We also offer a great choice of food and beverages in our very com-

Lost property

I don’t know whether it’s an apocryphal tale of the

fortable bar/restaurant area, so all in all, a day spent at The Drift is a

driver clutching a newly-found mobile driving

day well spent.

through Hyde Park; the phone rings and it’s the

You can read more about The Drift at www.driftgolfclub.com

owner demanding that he immediately returns his

and we look forward to welcoming DaC drivers and their friends

phone. The driver agrees saying that he will engage

in due course.

the meter soon and then meet the owner. The owner

The Drift Golf Club

then becomes abusive saying: “You frigging return

The Drift, East, Horsley

that mobile now!” The driver then asks the owner if

the mobile can swim as he hurls it into the Serpentine!

It may or may not be true, however it highlights the fact that we cab-

drivers will inevitably lose out when possessions are left in the cab.

A passenger recently passed a mobile phone over to me that he

HACKNEY ROAD TAXI TYRES

had found on the back seating area - a new IPhone 5 in a posh

leather casing. My first reaction was dread having read the letter

from Ronnie Robinson in the August Call Sign detailing the palaver

FOR THE BLACK CAB TAXI TRADE

that goes into returning items; looking for an open Police Station,

the interminable wait, then dealing with a surely officious police

constable.

• Austones for the TX

Should I keep it? No, why suddenly become dishonest; it will only play

on my mind. After all, aren’t these new- fangled mobiles fitted with anti-

• Barums for the Vito

theft apps? Apparently they can track mobile phone locations and even

take photos of the theft area! This mobile was turning into a ticking time

bomb. Would the Flying Squad burst through my portals and ransack my

• Michelin and Continental

personal possessions with a sophisticated homing device?

I spoke to my Magistrate brother. He said he’d had a case before the

also supplied

bench of a chap who whilst working in a restaurant, bought a mobile

phone from a diner. He took the phone to a shop to be unlocked. When

he returned to collect it he was arrested for receiving stolen goods. His

•

4-wheel laser tracking

defence was that the diner said it wasn’t stolen or lost. Nonetheless he

was done with a community order.

for the Mercedes Vito

So on the next day - 7 August - I turned up at the Lost Property Office,

Baker Street. There was free parking and no queues, with a chap showing

considerable courtesy while attentively dealing with my find.

• Puncture repairs

I took the liberty of writing down the list of rewards, assuming the

lost property failed to find its rightful owner. These rewards are with

the discretion of management and are subject to change. Laptops and

• Also free tyre checks

tablets carry a reward of £75, smart phones drop to £50 while mobile

phones and MP3 players are £20. A collected Kindle will bring you a

tenner.

Find us downstairs the

Interestingly, the chap told me that if the goods are then uncollected or

they cannot be traced to their owners, they are auctioned off with sites

DaC Credit Union at

such as XS Auctions and others. The lost property service is self-funded.

So now I must pray that the smart phone fails to be reunited with its

The Peterley Business Centre,

owner so I can collect a £50 fee; or otherwise pray that it becomes reunit-

472 Hackney Road, E2

ed with its owner so that I might get that lovely feeling of self-satisfaction.

I’ll leave it to you to decide.

Either way, it’s usually us that lose out...

0207 729 5237

Stephen Berndes, Call Sign Online

Call Sign September 2014

Page 13

Any taxi driver, whether on Dial-a-Cab or not,

will have had nightmares about the way some

PETER’S NIGHTMARE

cyclists seem to be almost asking to get run

over. So often it’s just the skill of the licensed

taxi driver that prevents accidents, and unlike

a road traffic accident with another vehicle

COMES TRUE!

made of metal, cyclists have no protection -

Cab hit by “drunken” cyclist, but guess who had to take the breath test!

many even choosing not to wear a helmet that

could prevent head damage in a bad ‘set’.

power to force cyclists to take a breath test

How often have you been giving a left turn indi-

and that unless he voluntarily agreed, then

cator and yet still see cyclists attempting to pass

there wouldn’t be one - except for Peter who

you at speed on the inside? How often have you

did have to take one!

stopped at a pedestrian crossing only to see a

Naturally Peter was completely alcohol free.

cyclist flying through and just missing a pedestri-

Apparently the police have to actually see what

an? How often have you crossed over a green light

they believe to be a drunken cyclist as their only

only to see a cyclist coming from the other direc-

evidence, other than if the cyclist volunteers to

tion where the light is still red? If you recognise

take the test. Turkeys voting for Christmas come

similar events to the above, you’ll also know how

to mind! And even more astonishingly, someone

cyclists stick together and always blame the

on a camel could be breath-tested!

motorist.

In the same week, a Heathrow-based car hire

So if a taxi is involved in an accident with a

company had to issue an apology after its website

cyclist and another cyclist offers to act as a

Every cabby’s worst fear

labelled UK cyclists as a hazard. It read:

witness for the driver, you know the cyclist

“In London, as in other places, cyclists can be a

must really be at fault. And that is why Call

the summer evenings were drawing in and it was

bit of a hazard, since - though they pay no road

Sign believes Peter Marks (L07).

almost dark. As he got to Russell Street, a cyclist

tax - they still have the same rights as any other

Peter has been with DaC since 2012. His dri-

came shooting out of the one-way section and

vehicle. No law requires them to wear reflective

ving record is similar to most of us - we drive

straight into the front of the cab at speed; he went

clothing, have lights, or give any sort of signal.

thousands of accident-free miles each week with

flying through the air, bounced off the bonnet

Furthermore, cyclists tend to ignore traffic lights

that accident-free tag earned because we are so

and fell onto the ground. Witnesses said it looked

and one-way streets, so please be careful you don’t

good. Not everyone outside of the trade recog-

as though he may have broken his legs and that

hit them. Cyclists become most indignant if you hit

nises that skill, but we all know it’s there and how

when attempting to comfort him as he lay on the

them, and legally, it is always the motorists fault.”

many accidents that skill prevents us being

ground in pain, there was a strong smell of alco-

The company later apologised and claimed

involved in and how many cyclists it saves from

hol. The bike had no lights on and the cyclist had

the remarks were meant to be just light-hearted

serious injury.

no protective headgear.

banter. Call Sign, on the other hand, endorses

Peter was driving his TX4 along Bow Street,

Bow Street had to be closed as police and

their comments and cannot understand why a

Covent Garden on the northbound side of the

ambulance took charge. A sympathetic police

cyclist that appears to be drunk

cannot

street at 9.30pm. It was a beautiful evening but

officer told Peter that they did not have the

breathalysed...

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.

I have a private practice in Bexley and Sidcup (SE London).

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

Call Sign September 2014

Page 14

“Yes, I had a wonderful and fulfill-

DaC’s Roger Day talks about...

ing time over the years playing

football. I met some very interest-

My fun filled footballing years!

ing people in the game and I kept

pretty fit too,” Roger Day (F76)

told Call Sign.

Roger graced the Wembley turf, not once,

but seven times in his amateur football

career. At school level he had learned his

craft playing alongside the likes of Jimmy

Greaves in the Dagenham District side and

John Lyall (ex-West Ham manager) in the

Ilford District side.

“When I left school I was an apprentice

tool-maker at the Brigg Motor Co. They

made body parts for Ford cars. I joined their

football team, playing various other local

teams and we enjoyed success, winning

numerous trophies alo

the way. I had two years wi

them before being taken o

by Leytonstone FC an

Roger scores for England Amateurs against Northern Ireland in

then moving to Watfor

1968 and inset, now at DaC

Reserves.

eturning to Enfield

Roger also captained every team he

“I played one first team

own and then another

played for including England’s amateur

game with Watford and

hange taking me over

team and in the Olympics for Great

applied to turn profession-

o Ilford for a two year

Britain! In fact, in the 1967 programme

al, but we couldn’t agree

int. Then it was back

of the Wembley Final against

terms and I would have

Enfield and it was

Skelmersdale, Roger was described as

been out of pocket. The

there I met the leg-

‘The General’ of his Enfield side!

money in those days. Also, the journey from

endary Fred Callaghan who had played for

“It was while I was moving around from

my home in Hornchurch to Watford three

Fulham in the 1960s and 70s.

club to club that I met several players who

times a week was horrendous, so I moved a

“Some time after, I was approached by

were on the Knowledge - including Fred

little nearer to home with Enfield Town

Hayes who were struggling and in danger

Callaghan - and it was suggested to me that

where I stayed for an amazing seven years.”

of relegation. Fortunately, with my modest

I might sign on myself, which is what I did,

Roger grinned at the memory.

efforts they kept up and I once again moved

completing the Green Badge course in eigh-

“It was while playing at Enfield Town

on - this time to what would be my last club

teen months - quicker than blokes that had

that I realised just how dangerous foot-

and the conclusion of my football career - at

started before me!”

ball could be and how lucky I was, on

Wickham Wanderers (as against Wycombe

Roger grinned broadly, proud of his

one occasion, to have seen the following

Wanderers). I stayed there for three months

morning.” The memory caused Roger to

achievements both on the pitch and on the

before finally retiring at 39 years old, with

briefly pause in a moment of contempla-

road...

my fifty-plus England amateur Caps sitting

tion.

Alan Green (E52)

alongside my trophies on the display cabi-

“I remember it well; we were playing

net shelves.”

Call Sign Online

against Highgate United when a sudden

flash of lightning struck an opposing player

standing just a few feet in front of me. I

heard the ‘whoosh’ and ducked instinctive-

ly as it passed over my head. The 24 year old

Highgate centre half collapsed on the pitch,

not moving. He died in hospital the follow-

ing day.” Roger’s voice cracked as he

recalled the incident.

It was at Enfield where Roger played his

first Wembley final in 1964. Enfield finally

lost to Crook Town, but Roger scored

Enfield’s consolation goal. He went on to

play in FA Amateur Cup finals in 1967 and

1970 for Enfield and 1972 for Slough - play-

ing against opposing skipper, Dave ‘Harry’

Bassett. He then played under the old twin

towers for Ilford in 1973 and also twice for

Great Britain in the Olympics!

The 1967 final against Skelmersdale was

played in front of 75,000 fans! It ended in a

0-0 draw with the replay at Maine Road

drawing another 50,000 where Enfield final-

ly became 3-0 victors.

“My manager at Enfield moved to Slough

Town and persuaded me to go with him,

but soon after, I moved on to Wembley

where I stayed for over two years before

Call Sign September 2014

Page 15

The WCHCD are always repre-

senting the London taxi trade in

Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers

a way that shows us at our very

best. These are three of the

events they attended since the

a busy time for

last Call Sign...

Election of Sheriffs

the WCHCD

On 24th June, Master of the Worshipful

Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers,

Graham Woodhouse, together with Past

Masters and other members of the

Company, attended the Election. The

office of the Sheriff is the oldest civic

office in the City, older even than the

office of the Lord Mayor itself. The Livery

assembled in the Common Hall sees City

Livery Companies elect two Sheriffs each

Midsummer Day. Normally, one of the

Sheriffs is an Alderman who will hope to

go on to become the Lord Mayor of the

City of London; while the other - some-

times referred to as the non-Aldermanic

sheriff - has no further civic ambitions

after completing their year at the Old

Bailey.

The title of Sheriff, or Shire Reeve,

evolved during the Anglo Saxon period.

The Reeve was the King’s representative

in a city, town or shire, responsible for

WCHCD Master Graham Woodhouse with DaC's John Dixon (left) and Jim Rainbird

collecting taxes and enforcing the law. By

(far right). Brenda Bartlett is in the middle...

the time of the Norman Conquest in

Installation Service. Also once a year,

Taxi driver John Sheen is Liaison Officer

1066, the City of London already had

Carmen bring their horse-drawn wagons

between the Company and the Squadron

Sheriffs, usually two at a time. The

and carriages, steamers, veteran and vin-

and responsible for making sure every-

Sheriffs were the most important city

tage lorries, buses and coaches, and

one arrived on time and was ready to

officials and collected London's annual

modern trucks and tractor units to be

face the challenges of the day. With the

taxes on behalf of the Royal Exchequer;

branded or marked with a red hot iron

aim of encouraging participants to

they also had judicial duties in the City's

on a wooden plate; with the year letter

refresh their safer driving skills, the

law courts.

and a 'Carr' number, as a reminder of

teams from the Squadron and the

Up until 1130AD, the Sheriffs were

centuries of service to the City and to

WCHCD took part in a number of tests of

directly appointed by the King. London

maintain their ancient tradition.

their driving skills - and some new ones!

gained a degree of self-government by a

At this year's Cart Marking ceremony,

Although the day is fun, it is also chal-

charter granted by Henry I, including

47 vehicles were marked between the

lenging, bringing out a competitive

the right to choose its own sheriff, a right

Master Carmen, Commander Robin

edge amongst those taking part. This

which was affirmed in 1141 by a charter

Bawtree OBE RN, the Rt.Hon Lord

year the teams took part in several dif-

from King Stephen.

Mayor of London, Alderman Fiona

ferent events including a wheel change

By Henry's charter, the Sheriffs of The

Woolf CBE and the Master Glover

task, a Land Rover and trailer reversing

City also gained jurisdiction over the

Alderman Alison Gowman. Other

exercise, a navigation exercise in a taxi,

neighbouring county of Middlesex. This

attendees included London’s Transport

a bicycle assault course, PS rally, a hys-

did not make the county a dependency

Commissioner and Carman Sir Peter

ter manoeuvre course and a remote

of the City, but rather from that time the

Hendy CBE along with his main trans-

control competition. After all the events

City of London and Middlesex were

port co-ordinators for London, Leon

had taken place, everyone enjoyed a

viewed as a single administrative area.

Daniels and Andrew Barr. The Royal

barbeque in the sunshine while the

Logistic Corps was in attendance and

results were calculated.

Guildhall Cart marking

Major Scott Dunlop, OC 28 Squadron

The winning team was from the

On 16th July, Graham Woodhouse,

The Queen's Own Ghurkhas Regiment

WCHCD consisting of Dial-a-Cab’s

Master of the Worshipful Company of

assisted in the running of the event with

Richard Chamberlain

(C96), Carlos

Hackney Carriage Drivers, attended

a number of his soldiers acting as

Olivera and Pat Fallon - this team also

the Annual Cart Marking ceremony in

Marshals.

won the hyster manoeuvre challenge

Guildhall Yard. The Corporation of the

and the Land Rover reversing exercise.

City of London has exercised its rights

The team winning the navigation chal-

Safe and Skilled

over carts and carriers since its incep-

lenge in the taxi was DaC’s Jim Rainbird

tion. A Carman Fellowship existed in

driving event

(T25), Mike Saunders and Alan

1277 and the City regulated its trade.

Regents Park Barracks on July 24 saw the

Goldsmith, with the bike riding course

Now once a year, when the new Master

Worshipful Company of Hackney

event won by Sylvi Olivera, Roberto

and Wardens are installed, the Carmen

Carriage Drivers taking part in the

Olivera, Jackie Quaile and Leigh

gather outside the appointed City Hall

annual Safe and Skilled driving event

Dargan. Overall on the day the best dri-

and one of their number furnishes a Cart

hosted by 20 Transport Squadron at

ver was Jackie Quaile, so congratula-

- sometimes a modern truck, sometimes

their Albany Street barracks home.

tions go to her.

an older wagon, occasionally horse

The WCHCD has an affiliation with the

Grateful thanks go to the hosts of the

drawn - and the Master 'hires' the vehicle

Squadron and the event is held as part of

day at 20 Transport Squadron on behalf

before proceeding to the church for the

20 Squadron’s Road Safety Campaign.

of the WCHCD..

Call Sign September 2014

Page 16

Questions drivers as

Please see below for explanations and soluti

Hello everybody,

you cannot re-process any card until you hav

Now that the fleet is completely fitted with the new

receipts.

MDT I have been asked to compile a Frequently Asked

Response says ‘void’

Questions section.

Description: Occurs when a transaction is int

card removed, signature not approved.

Solution: Reprocess card.

How do I print a receipt for an account customer?

Please ensure you give the cardholder their ‘Void

Unfortunately there currently is not a ‘Print Receipt’ button on the ‘Account Completion’ screen;

Passenger should remove their card.

this will be added to Version 8 of the software, which will be launched later in the year.

Press the green ‘Enter’ button to print your mer

But for now, if a customer requires a receipt, press the ‘Review’ button.

Press green ‘Enter’ button to return to Credit/De

From the ‘History Log’ screen press the ‘Print’ button.

Press ‘Process’ button to re-process card.

Press ‘Cancel’ button or ‘Trip’ tab to exit ‘History Log’.

Response says ‘Not Authorised’ or ‘Decl

Description: Can be caused by three separate

Issuer (bank): Insufficient funds, fraudulent card

Card: Certain transaction types are not supporte

Terminal: Amount above the ceiling limit.

Solution: Customer must use alternative card

Make sure you give the cardholder their ‘Decline

Passenger should remove their card.

Press the green ‘Enter’ button to print merchant

Press the green ‘Enter’ button to return to Credi

Press ‘Process’ button to process alternative card

Press ‘To Cash’ button if passenger is making ca

Response says ‘Cancelled’

Description: Either the customer or yourself h

Solution: Reprocess card or seek alternative p

Please ensure the passenger is given their ‘Cance

Passenger should remove their card.

Press the green ‘Enter’ button to print merchant

Press the green ‘Enter’ button, to return to Cred

Press ‘Process’ button to re-process card or use

Press ‘To Cash’ button if passenger is making ca

Response says Unable to Connect

Description: Connection failure between the

Solution: Reprocess card.

Card Transactions

Note: If you are continuously experiencing a co

receipt; you must get an imprint of the card and t

On card transactions why do we get Void, Cancelled or Declined?

Any transaction over £100 must be manually aut

When a card transaction is incomplete, a ‘Payment Incomplete’ pop-up box will appear on the

MDT to inform you that the card payment has not been processed. It will stipulate why the trans-

Response says Card Abort (on the PED d

action is incomplete and the appropriate action you should take. Once you have read the message,

you should press the ‘OK’ button to clear the pop-up box.

Description: The card has been inserted into t

to the PED.

Solution: Ask passenger to remove card from

Press ‘Process’ button to send amount to PED.

Passenger did not put card in PED but p

If the passenger has a Contactless card and the t

copy being printed, there is a strong possibility t

tactless payment (some cardholders are unaware

senger requires a receipt, a copy can be obtained

The terminal has printed both receipts b

To clear the job from the screen, the driver need

and Pin (PED) device.

Call Sign September 2014

Page 17

k about the new terminal

ons. The important thing to remember is that

The passenger doesn’t have chip and pin?

ve printed both the cardholder and merchant

Not a problem; the card can be swiped through the PED. The driver should follow the same pro-

cedures as with Chip and Pin, when they press the ‘Process’ button they should then swipe the

card through the PED. Two receipts will be printed; customer should sign the ‘Merchant Copy’

errupted half way through; i.e. PED rebooted,

for your records.

PED keeps beeping

d’ receipt.

Disconnect the PED lead from the holster; leave for a minute and then reconnect. This should

resolve the problem.

chant copy.

ebit Card Completion screen.

I have been given a Dial-a-Cab Charge Card. How do I process it?

Currently Charge Cards can’t be swiped through the PED. Go to ‘GenCode’ press the ‘Charge

card’ button and then manually enter the details.

lined’

sources:

Mapping

d, restrictions on use abroad.

Why doesn’t the ‘Pickup’ and ‘Destination’ button always work on account trips?

d by certain cards.

Unfortunately trips that are booked on our old booking system will not send the co-ordinates to

or pay cash.

the map.

ed’ receipt.

Bookings taken on our new system will send the co-ordinates; once the trip has been accepted by

the driver he/she can then press the ‘Pickup’ button to view the location.

copy.

How do I view a pickup address on the map?

it/Debit Card Completion screen.

Press the ‘Map’ tab at the top of the screen and then press the ‘Pickup’ button, the map will then

sh payment.

zoom in on the pickup address.

I can’t see the search button on the map?

as pressed the red ‘Cancel’ button on the PED.

The ‘Hide’ button may have been pressed by mistake. Check the map screen to see if there is a

payment.

‘Show’ button in the left hand corner of the map. Press the ‘Show’ button and all the buttons

elled’ receipt.

should re-appear.

Where the Search button was, I now have two flags instead?

copy.

it/Debit Card Completion screen.

The A to B has been activated on your terminal; this is a feature where you can create a cotton line

alternative card.

from a street pickup to their destination. Press the Green Flag on the map and the ‘Search’ screen

sh payment.

will appear, enter the address and select, Green Flag will be planted. Press the Blue Flag and carry

out the same procedure, the map will then draw a cotton line between the two locations. To clear

the information off the screen, press the ‘Clear’ button on the left hand side of the screen.

PED and the acquiring host.

How do I turn the A to B off?

nnection failure, complete a manual credit card

Press the ‘Menu’ button and then press the ’A to B Off’ button.

he passenger’s signature.

Can I turn off the speed and camera alerts off?

horised over the phone.

Press the ‘Nav’ tab. In the right had corner of the Nav press the ‘Settings’ button, press the

display)

‘Advance Settings’ button, select ‘Alerts’ un-tick the ‘Auditive Alert’ box, press the large tick at

the PED before the information has been sent

the top of the page to save the settings.

PED.

My Map has stopped working?

Press the ‘Nav’ tab then press the ‘Reload’ button on the left hand side of the screen, this will

reload the software and rectify the problem.

payment was processed?

transaction was under £20 with only a merchant

Can I get further training?

that the passenger has inadvertently made a con-

Our aim is to have all our members confident in using the terminal. If you need any further train-

that their card has a Contactless chip). If the pas-

ing, just call 0207 553 7231 or alternatively e-mail to techproblems@dialacab.co.uk. I will be

d from the ‘Review’ screen.

more than happy to arrange a training session at a convenient time for you.

but the screen is still grey?

Daren Morley

ds to press the green ‘Enter’ button on the Chip

DaC Training Manager

Call Sign September 2014

Page 18

It could have been... but it wasn’t!

VisitBritain:

Hello Ducky!

Taxis more

t was early August along Whitehall and a Radio Taxis driver, doing

his job, had stopped briefly outside the theatre after suffering the

usual horrendous traffic conditions along that stretch of road and

popular than

thinking how pleased he was to see the back of that jam.

Something he was even less pleased to see the back of was a

London Duck Tours bus/boat that for no

apparent reason backed into the taxi.

trains!

The result is shown in these photo

taken by Gary Cox (O46). Howeve

contrary to the heading, no one sai

hello ducky! But there was no way Cal

ourist information

Sign could allow a little matter like

centre,

that to spoil a good headline!

VisitBritain, has

released a report

revealing that just over

half (53%) of all visitors

to Britain get around the

country via bus, tube or tram, followed close-

ly by one-in-three who book a taxi (32%).

Train trips, outside of towns and cities, have become the

third most popular way of getting around with only 28% of

international visitors doing so. Somewhat surprisingly, rather

large proportions (15%) bring their own car to Britain, a num-

ber dominated by business travellers and European holiday

visitors. Only one-in-ten decide to hire a car when in Britain.

Those who visited Britain on business were most likely to

book a taxi (42%), followed closely by wealthy international

students (33%). However students are also the most likely to

Not so pleased to see the back of it!

use a bus, tube or tram (72%) followed closely by holiday visi-

tors (66%).VisitBritain also discovered that 68% of 16 - 24

group use public transport such as bus, tube or trams (the

highest age bracket) and female tourists are equally as likely

as males to use taxis in Britain, with similar proportions across

every age bracket.

The taxi industry across the north of the country is

booming, with taxis trips the most popular form of

transport used across Northern Ireland (44%), North

West (40%), Yorkshire (29%) and the North East (38%)

for overseas visitors. The majority (bar Yorkshire), actu-

ally have a higher percentage of taxi usage than London

(37%).

Tourists visiting the North West prefer to get around using a

taxi than by bus, tram or coach. A huge 77% of visitors to

London take local public transport, followed by 40% to

Scotland, yet visitors to Wales and across the Midlands are

least likely to use public transport. In fact, the most popular

mode of transport for international visitors to Wales is by per-

sonal car or group vehicle. Almost all of our Brazilian visitors

(79%) take public transport, followed closely by one of

Britain’s fastest growing markets, South Korea (70%). Eastern

Europeans and the Irish are least likely to use public transport

according to this study. Half of New Zealanders and Fins are

most likely to use trains outside of towns and cities (47%),

however only 12% of Belgians and 17% of our major market,

France, use trains to get around outside of London.

Taxi use has emerged as a key transport option for interna-

tional visitors across Britain. High spending Middle Eastern vis-

itors dominate, with 74% of Bahrainis, 71% of Qataris, 72%

of Kuwaitis and 66% of Saudi Arabians only using taxis or pri-

vate cars. Middle Eastern visitors spend on average £2,644

per trip in Britain.

Call Sign September 2014

Page 19

The last Call Sign was undoubtedly the most

DaC: To sell or not to sell...

downbeat for many months and I think it’s a

shame that the Society was overlooked when

it came to getting sold; however it`s not the

THAT IS THE QUESTION!

end of the world. I am sure that if you were

an older driver looking for a payoff to put

cions, but now know for sure

into the bank before retiring, it must be frus-

that life is quite mad.

trating. But there is a long line of people who

One boiling hot summer’s

have also had the opportunity pass them by. I

afternoon, I stopped in the traf-

won’t be going anywhere in the near future

fic on Oxford Street. On my left

and even though I thought that the work

was one of those refrigerator

would eventually come back, now that we

bicycles with a couple of pretty

have lost those two accounts on the Wharf,

young ladies handing out free

I’m preparing for it to be a bit flat for the fore-

goods. Was it ice creams, maybe

seeable future as mornings are quieter.

lollipops! Nope! It was a well-

However, the new PAYG scheme is very

known brand of great tasting

generous to drivers as the £10 a week fee will

buttery spread! What! Who or

basically disappear if you only work

why would you want a tub of

months a year, thus paying £40 per month for

buttery spread on a hot day!

the months you miss instead of £140. And the

quicker we go AVL, the less time we will have

Now I know the English are mad

tled to have a choice, just like we have

about freebies, but really! I can hear it now: "

to wait in zones and the work will be shared

when it comes to buying taxis etc.

out much more fairly.

Mum what's that dripping from your bag...!”

But if we do decide to change our long

But we do have an alternative by taking

Later when I got home, I was flicking

term strategy, we are in good company. My

control of our own destiny. If we were sold,

through the channels on the box and on Sky

wife was recently in Tescos and commented

no doubt the company taking over would

Sports was a fishing competition that caught

on the many shelves of crisps and long life

downsize Dial-a-Cab, knock down DaC

my attention. After watching for a few min-

products. Well Asda and Tesco have recently

House and develop it into penthouse flats

utes, I was aghast to notice that there was a

admitted that most of their out-of-town stores

and split the profits. Why let someone else do

spectator’s gallery at the event. Fishing with

are oversized and they don't plan to build

that if we can do it ourselves? We even have

spectators! Now for those of us who have sat

anymore. In fact they want to build more

some money in the bank to do it. I am per-

by a Carp lake for hours, making home-made

smaller stores. The reason for the crisps and

sonally happy to leave things as they are,

boilies and catching zilch, these people must

long life products is that they don't want isles

because the value of DaC House is going up

be a bit naive or have been told it’s going to

left empty because it gives a poor impression

all the time and if I leave without getting any-

be great entertainment - or got in for free!

thing back for my share then that's OK. But

as they lose their market share to guess who

Whatever next, stands going up around the

- the cheaper alternatives, the Pound and 99p

what I would not like is some company from

pond by Toms on Clapham Common!

outside the trade coming in and profiteering

stores. £1 in every nine is now spent at such

stores. It’s not only taxis that the public want

Finally, I’d be interested to know if the

after years of hard toil by DaC drivers and the

number of lost badge applications has

BoM. Don't forget that DaC still has many

on the cheap - it’s happening all over.

dropped significantly since TfL began intro-

accounts and a big turnover and there are

ducing IDs. I saw a 74 numbered driver

people out there who want our services, so

Adult madness?

with a notice in his back window saying:

let’s not be defeatist.

When I was a child I used to wonder whether

"Don't have a go; old driver new badge!"

I would be disappointed if I drove past

adults really knew what they were doing and

Quite an incentive not to lose yours!

DaC House and there were white flags

I had my suspicions; in fact I thought the

hanging from the windows. If the public

world was sometimes quite mad. Now I am

Richard Potter (T51)

want to take a cheaper transport route,

an adult, I still wonder whether adults know

that's up to them and they are always enti-

what they are doing and I still have my suspi-

Call Sign Online

Call Sign’s Bob Woodford’s series of walks to help understand what was behind WW1...

BOB’S WAR WALKS

My first World War One Commemorative Walk on 23 August was well attended and well received. I never as a rule get

nervous before a public Walk - but I did a little this time - mainly because as a rule my material is geared to being fun and

entertaining, but with a subject that the tragedy of the Great War was, I am covering a very serious and emotive subject.

It always amazes me just how diverse the age ranges of the individuals are who show up for Walks - and this one cer-

tainly drew quite a few younger people along, which was quite refreshing.

I use some of Westminster's iconic landmarks as well as statues and memorials to tell the story - but it was the Cenotaph that peo-

ple tend to relate to more than anything. The Cenotaph was at first intended to be merely a temporary structure. The Government, hav-

ing considered arrangements for peace celebrations in July 1919, decided that a saluting base in Whitehall would be most appropriate for

the march past of allied troops through London. A Cenotaph conveyed the simple message of an empty tomb uplifted on a high pedestal.

Sir Edwin Lutyens was the architect whose name was put forward as the most suitable designer of such a memorial and you will of course know

that the Lutyens Restaurant in Fleet Street is named after him, because that is one of his own buildings.

He came up with the required temporary edifice, constructed in lath and plaster and painted to look like stone. But after the ceremony, there was

such a powerful public outpouring of grief with flags and wreaths adorning his memorial for many months, that it was decided he should construct a

permanent memorial in an identical design in Portland stone.

You Dial-a-Cab drivers probably pass the Cenotaph most days of your working life and almost certainly know that it is inscribed with the words: The

Glorious Dead. But not too many people know that Lutyens had wanted flags to be sculptured in coloured marble, but he was overruled by the

Government. The permanent Cenotaph was unveiled by King George V on Armistice a day 1920.

Try and join me on a forthcoming a Walk - Call Sign readers get a £5 discount if they book in advance at

rob@blackcabheritagetours.co.uk and the £5 they do pay will be donated to the Royal British Legion.

We start under the statue of King George V in Old Palace Yard.

The next dates are Saturdays, 20 September and 11 October...

Bob Woodford, Call Sign Online

Call Sign September 2014

Page 20

Hello Ladies & Gents,

Buy out...

Compliance with Garry

We now know the buy-out that was potential-

been well received by those drivers carrying

ly on the table for your share in Dial-a-Cab

the ads. There are now new hand-out cards

has failed to materialise; we as a Board can

available for you to give to your passengers;

now move forward with ideas to gain new

you could hand them out when giving cus-

accounts.

tomers their receipt.

The new Pay As You Go (PAYG) subscription

The app booking market seems to be the

rate has had mixed reviews, however the dri-

growth part of the taxi business at the

vers I’ve spoken to have been mostly positive

moment with people preferring to book this

and realised that a new approach was needed

way rather than hailing a cab off the street. So

to help retain membership and make us

please be mindful of your run-ins and to

attractive to new members in the future.

make contact ASAP with the passenger, as

We all need to work together to make sure

good experiences will lead to future book-

the service to clients that DaC provides is

ings with DaC and not a competitor.

always first class! There have been incidents

reported to myself where this wasn’t always

Logos

the case. I know the hot weather that we have

If you would like to replace your old DaC

experienced can lead to making you a little

fare reading by entering it manually. That

door logos because they have faded, you can

hot under the collar, however a few mis-

could lead to a late payment.

get that done at Roman Way; we now only

placed words could lead a client to consider

If requested by an account customer for a

use the smaller logo, which look good on

taking their business elsewhere and you, as a

receipt, please make yourself aware as to how

both the TX and Mercedes Vito taxis.

driver, being put on complaint.

to do it. DaC Training Manager Daren Morley

As you are no longer permitted to do jour-

has written an article on pages 16 /17 of this

neys for Hailo or GetTaxi as a DaC member,

Clearing account trips

month’s magazine on the correct procedure

please make sure there are no

When clearing an account ride, please allow

should you need to know how to do it.

advertising/stickers left attached to your taxi

your terminal time to read the fare by stop-

so that we only advertise our own app and

ping the meter and then pressing the CLJ but-

Advertising the DaC app

help each other.

ton on the terminal before clearing the fare

The superside advertising campaign has

Garry White

from the meter, rather than putting the meter

been renewed for another year with a new

into the for hire mode and then clearing the

design that is much bolder and which has

DaC Compliance Officer

Another true story from Geoff Levene

Taxi life of the Regents Park rich...

There are some places where I never seem to find a job. High Holborn between Kingsway and Princes Circus has always been

a desert for me. I've always wondered what the Cuban Embassy is doing there or perhaps they just like being close to the

nightlife of Covent Garden and Soho!

On the other hand, I always seem to get lucky in Marylebone High Street. There's such a mix in the area - coffee houses,

supermarkets, specialist shops and offices of all kinds. And I also like the way the bustle of Baker Street contrasts with the

quiet streets and squares to the west.

But a little to the north is a terrace in Regents Park which has also been a happy radio hunting ground for me.

There are about 20 houses - or should I say mansions - and I have regularly picked up at many of them.

At number 1 lived a Scottish couple. I never saw him in a kilt but I'm pretty sure he had one. With his red hair and beard, I

could imagine him charging at the Redcoats at the Battle of Culloden screaming out his war cry! His wife, however, was

rather plump and plain and I suddenly began picking him up at various places accompanied by a series of attractive blondes. It

was obvious he had divorced. The last time I drove him he was living at The Pavilion in St Johns Wood and discussing £multi-million deals over the phone.

A few doors down was a family with two daughters and an army of Filipinos. The staff seemed to be shared among two houses in Hampstead while

the children had matured from spoilt brats into sullen teenagers. On one occasion I picked the two girls up together with grandma and a nanny. The Dial-

a-Cab terminal gave the destination as Finchley Way off Finchley High Road.

“We're going to Clowntown,” said Grandma.

I'd never heard of it and we searched up and down without success until eventually I had to take the four disgruntled passengers back to Regents Park.

I later discovered Clowntown was a children’s entertainment centre in Friern Barnet. Apparently when they ordered the cab they said they were going

“...up Finchley way!”

Next door was an interesting fellow. He seemed happily married with children but his wife lived on the other side of the park. Perhaps that's the secret

of a happy marriage?

Further along was a long-standing account customer who seems to have slipped off the radar. He had previously lived in Chelsea and Totteridge and

was a tax lawyer and property developer. A nice guy in reality, but one who could sometimes be a bit difficult - well actually he was a pain in the wotsit!

He was the sort of chap who would keep you waiting for ages and then demand you get to his destination ultra-quickly because he was very late. I

dropped him at a station once and he needed a coin for the luggage trolley. He was far too grand to travel with small change so he asked me for a

pound, instructing me with no please or thank you to put it onto the account.

“Certainly,” I replied, while under my breath I whispered ‘that's ok Mr Property Millionaire, have this one on me’! Mind you, I did make him smile once.

I put my thumbs in his mouth and pulled his cheeks apart. I think I heard his face crack. But in all seriousness that would have been the only way he

would ever smile in public!

He has moved on, but there is another DaC account customer next door. He has a brother and business partner who lives in the West End. They are

very similar types - quiet, polite, almost shy as they sit looking out of the window and quite amazingly, not staring at their phones. A few years ago I saw

their names in the Sunday Times Rich List. They were worth a total of £160million but always showed that you can be rich and pleasant.

Sometimes you can see a private security man in the Terrace complete with van and dog. What amuses me is that he is often parked outside a house where

years ago I regularly picked up a partner from a firm of City solicitors. He used to order his cab for 6.30am but always looked a bit edgy, smoking continuously.

Then he suddenly stopped phoning for his morning taxi. One day while reading the Evening Standard I discovered why. He had received 6 years at the High

Court in London for stealing £8million of clients' money! No wonder he looked nervous; he must have been going in early to cook the books!

So my question must be: Is the security man protecting them from us... or the other way round?

Geoff Levene (W32)

Call Sign Online

Call Sign September 2014

Page 21

Hailo, Failo, Schmailo...

and stickers!

the future at a time when there is a bit more pos-

that loyalty belongs at home, he paid the bills and

itivity about the place. Who won this summer?

Auntie made the beds. You could say that's how

Without a doubt it was Hailo punters, after all if a

we should feel about stickers. Just maybe we can

Hailo punter - notice I use the word punter -

learn from those dirty Germans who robbed us of

does not find a cab they will just go elsewhere,

World Cup glory; how many individuals did they

after all it's not a loyalty based business - howev-

have in their World Cup winning squad? Ok, nor

er much their PR tell us it is. A minicab is always

did England; you got that one on a plate to throw

a flick away on an app - they all have them now.

back!

It's not that I want to go back to the dark ages, but

In other words, the only thing that should be

o it's that time of year when we begin to

someone has got to do something about the

sticking are the customers and not hundreds of

eflect on the glorious summer of foot-

stickers. Guess that's what you get with TfL.

stickers. We will all have more stickers on our cab

ball and the missed Pimms on the lawn;

My personal observation leads me to believe

once the Mayor stops telling us we all have to

rSnot to mention that wonderful day -

that TfL would love to see the back of the taxi

take credit cards, because once he stops demand-

even if you were static for three hours in the sun-

trade as much as the I was the in the Square

ing then it will naturally happen or sink, then we

shine talking to a copper who would not stop

stickers. It's the individualism and the fractures

will have to get selective with the available space

moaning about how bad his job had become,

within our mindset and community that they

on the cab for those stickers. Unless TfL pulls its

what with the lack of loos and being mugged for

struggle with. How ironic that Napoleon called

finger out and does a monumental U-turn in its

his pension! Then there’s the bloody stickers all

us a nation of small shopkeepers, and we all

approach to the way it deals with stickers and

over their cars saying they work in conjunction

know his fate! Maybe the trade associations

applies rules about the offending graffiti. But

with TfL for a safer London. And if that wasn’t bad

need to shout a bit louder about a bit more of a

don't panic Uber, you’re too big to touch - well

enough, going on and on about the fact the he

corporate image like the old days, because all and

you don't need me to tell you that! I rather fancy

had just had to weigh out five hundred quid on

sundry are desperate to take corporate black off

that job with all the custard on the hat at TfL. We

his own crash helmet because the Met will only

us. How ironic; older drivers will remember the

in the taxi trade use well-trained thinking mem-

give him a make that doesn’t fit! Well at least that

fight we had to get other colours!

bers. The word I think I’m looking for is logistics.

day was productive from my counselling point of

Plain terms with someone having to run that lit-

view.

Who’s catching who?

tle bit further every now again for our credibility

Those members who managed to find some

How much do drivers make out of a superside

in the future and at the same time you may well

work this summer could not fail to have been

advert or that stupid shark thing on the roof that

blow half those dodgy stickers off your cab... but

depressed with the array of stickers adorning the

they’re paying to power? Bet nobody mentioned

hurry!

taxi of a driver flying two full size Algerian flags

the cost to those drivers. Then see how much a

I would now like to personally apologise for

on his cab - well we would have done it too if

bus company gets paid and what the profit mar-

my rant at this point and fall back in line, but

we’d got 4 points from the group stages of the

gin is to the ad company that tell you it's a good

regrettably I can't because the cab trade runs

World Cup and then we could have put some

deal! Not for me, a pox on your stickers

- all

deep in my veins and I still care about my trade

really good ones up!

except the 'I was in the square' and Dial-a-Cab

almost as much as l do about my beloved city,

You can't blame minicabs for flouting the laws.

ads. Ok, I never got nearer than the far side of

unlike some out there. I await the vitriol from lost

Take Uber (I wish someone would); they have

Covent Garden, but until I get paid what it’s

souls in the wilderness (God bless ‘em), who

spent the summer trying to dish out hats. You

worth , it’s radio stickers only for me. Drivers

would tear me from limb from limb then moan

know the type, like a pea on a drum that usual-

don't have to take what the ad companies are

again about the lack of work as they pick over my

ly has the name of a tractor company stamped

offering - a bit like Hailo punters.

carcass in their favourite watering hole alongside

across the top; it took them some time as they

We all had an uncle we never much liked, but

the carcass of the beautiful game as was.

couldn’t find any farmers in Knightsbridge!

Auntie Norma was a bit special and well made

Must dash, I've got this book to finish reading:

up for the Woodbine cigs and Elastoplast on

Bring down the Krays by Bobby Teale. Ok, I

uncle’s glasses. Well, he had a good excuse for

know the end because the establishment always

Stickers

the musty smell but years later after uncle passed

wins.

However, the one that is most disappointing

away, as the pair of us wash those dishes after

- not for the artwork because no one can

Where to guv...???

lunch, you’d broach the subject of those dirty

knock that - are the Hailo ones that drivers

pigeons he kept. She would smile and just say

Gary Cox (O46), Call Sign Online

have been putting up. It’s the lack of unifor-

mity in which drivers stick the Hailo stickers

all over the place. That's some corporate

image for the taxi trade even though at least

most just say Failo or ‘Delete the app’!

Mind you, there was one that was worse,

the self-made sticker that said Independence

for Scotland! But there’s one sticker I hope

doesn’t appear as it seems to be from Hailo

and aimed at their car fleet (see pic).

There is an illusion in the taxi trade that many

drivers adhere to - that it's their cab so they can

put up whatever they want. No! The cab belongs

to whoever is in the rear at the time. Mind you, it

can be handy knowing which football team a dri-

ver supports, if only for a sly dig. So the moral is

to get a Dagenham and Redbridge FC sticker

and at least get some sympathy.

So as work starts to picks up, we’ll all no doubt

forget about the past summer of glory until work

slows down again, so maybe it’s time to reflect on

Call Sign September 2014

Page 22

Call Sign doesn’t usually give its

pages over so that someone can

THANKS MUM AND DAD!

thank their parents for being

Laura wants

wonderful, but we’ve made an

to not just

exception for Laura McKenzie. In

thank her

mum and

addition to having done work

dad but to

experience at Dial-a-Cab in her

tell them

last school year (she is now 26),

how much

her dad Brian McKenzie (A63)

she loves

them

has been a driver with this

Society since 1997. Neither Brian

all the family

know that had

nor Mum Jane has a clue that

she been she

this is going into the magazine...

would want

“All I really want to do is say a big thank you

both Mum and

to my Dad and Mum for everything. We have

Dad to know

had such a tough last few years and as neither

all knew it would happen, like it will to us all,

how grateful she was for everything they did for

of them know about this (he he), I’m hoping it

but admitting it is the hardest part.

her and how much she loved them both.

will put a smile onto their faces. Every time my

For many years, Mum and Dad have suffered

By now my mum will probably be in floods of

Dad gets his Call Sign Magazine, he reads it

with various health problems in addition to

tears and say she is embarrassed about the pic-

from cover to cover, so I hope this one is no dif-

also looking after Nanny, as she too had many

ture I’ve sent to Alan, but when you have

ferent because no one actually knows (except

illnesses. But despite all that life has thrown at

a Mum and Dad like ours, you don't care about

for Alan the Editor) that I have written this arti-

us and no doubt will in the future, Mum and

that. For one, you want to get your own back

cle.

Dad have always been there supporting us and

for all the times they've embarrassed you (!!!)

No doubt many are wondering what the

getting us through it all.

but more to the point, you want to tell the

actual point of it is and I'm sure by now that

So this is really just to thank them both for

world how wonderful they really are and how

if he has seen it, even my Dad will be very

everything they have done and no doubt will

much you love them.

curious!

continue to do - not just for family members,

Mum and Dad, you are both one in a million

Those that know my Dad and our family will

but also our friends.

and we ALL love you so much with all our

know that we have had such a tough last few

It’s so easy just to say thank you, but I felt

hearts. Thank you for everything you do...”

years. Each year we always say let's hope the

that maybe something like this would show

next one is better, but I don't see that possible

them that bit more how truly grateful we all

Your loving daughter

now as my Nan sadly left us on 4th April this

are.

year and it has hit all of us so very hard! Yes, we

My Nan is no longer here to say it herself, but

Laura

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

Call Sign September 2014

Page 23

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

ethren of the Whip

It definitely wasn't this Jim

The Great

Albert Rainbird even though he

does like a beigel!

Beigel

Bakery

assailants went to Rainbird’s rescue.

Austin was kicked in the head and

Robbery

suffered knife wounds to his face,

though nothing serious. Despite

On September 27th

overpowering Austin, the three rob-

1959 at 3am Albert

bers and the pseudo blonde then

Rainbird, Royston

ran out and drove off in a car they

Shaw,

Leonard

had outside.

Ketley and Shaw’s girlfriend Carol Debono

All four were soon picked up and

went into Bernstein’s, an all-night bakery in

arrested. Carol Debono was later

Christian Street, Whitechapel and purchased

them he was the brother of Donald

released on bail. At the subsequent trial, the

some beigels. They left, but returned a few

Hume and that he would be avenged.

judge described the robbery as “…clearly

minutes later, this time armed with coshes

Hume had murdered Stanley Setty, was

not premeditated but was a drunken out-

with which they attacked and robbed the

found innocent at his trial and later

burst of inexcusable dishonesty and bully-

three members of staff, bundling them into

wrote a book on how he had actually

ing.” After pleading guilty, Albert Rainbird of

a sub-basement where the ovens were - the

murdered Setty and disposed of the

Dagenham was sentenced to 15 months on

bakery itself being below ground level.

body! He was now on trial in

seven charges of armed robbery, Royston

After finishing his shift and dropping his

Switzerland charged with murdering a

Shaw, also of Dagenham, received

cab off at the yard, David Klein would often

taxi driver in Zurich. The Swiss author-

months and Leonard Ketley, a sailor from

end his day by buying some beigels, which

ities would find him guilty and sen-

Barking, was fined

£20 or six months

the Daily Mirror helpfully informed its

tence him to life imprisonment. He was

default. All charges against Carol Debono

readers was “a kind of bread role with a hole

later transferred to Broadmoor.

were dropped and she later returned to her

in the middle.”

The cab drivers were terrified that they

native Malta.

To get into the bakery, Klein had to walk

would somehow be sacrificed for Hume’s

Many thanks to Dial-a-Cab’s Jim Albert

down a darkened alleyway and then a flight

crimes. The terror was compounded when

Rainbird (T25) for letting me run with

of darkened stairs. Carol Debono - described

Albert Rainbird threatened them that they

this story and helping me to establish

as blonde but who was definitely black haired

would be searched again “...and if you’ve

that he and Albert, despite the similarity

- warned the other robbers of Klein’s arrival.

got anything else, I will chop your head off!”

of the name, are not related. If there are

Armed with the baker’s own knives, they

Charles Austin was ordered to take his

any skeleton’s in Jim Rainbird’s closet,

grabbed hold of Klein, put a knife to his

jacket off, which he then placed over a chair.

Albert T Rainbird is not one of them...!

throat and robbed him of his £12:5s (£12.25)

As Rainbird walked towards him, Austin

takings.

picked up the chair and crashed it over him.

Sean Farrell

Next to arrive was another cab driver,

The two men fell to the floor and the other

Philip Roselaar. Likewise, he too was

Call Sign Online

attacked and robbed - this time of £25 - and

bundled downstairs with the others. The

delightfully named Barnet Osofsky was the

Dial-a-Cab Credit Union

next cab driver to arrive. As he entered the

bakery, he was attacked from behind and

Ever needed money quickly but were anxious about

robbed of his £8 takings, his driving licence

and his Bill. He was followed soon after by

variable bank interest rates?

Maurice Michaels, who had his pen, torch

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

and £9 taken. He was probably aware of the

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

darkened stairway - hence the torch - but

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

obviously not of the two men hiding in the

at your address also qualifies for membership!

shadows, at least until it was too late.

He was followed shortly after by Harold

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

Reuben who had £13 1s 3d taken from him

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

up to 3 times your total savings…

in addition to his wristwatch. He too was

bundled down into the sub-basement.

The cost?

Charles Austin then entered the trap; as

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

he descended the staircase he suddenly felt

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

a knife being jabbed into his back. He was

robbed of £7, a wristwatch and a ring - the

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

watch and ring later being valued at £22 10s

Call us on 020 7729 8171 or 020 7749 0585

(£22.50). That made at least three members

of staff and six taxi drivers - though some

Members of the Financial Ombudsman Service

reports said there were seven drivers plus

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

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

two members of the public held by the

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

armed robbers.

Registration number 213263

Shockingly, Shaw then informed

Call Sign September 2014

Page 24

One of the great lines from New York comedian

Mike Higgins not only edits New York’s Taxi Talk magazine, but also runs

Jerry Seinfeld was: Who are these people? He

a chat show for cabbies on NY’s public service MNN1 TV channel. And

goes on to quizzically discuss how many people

now he also writes for Call Sign about problems in the NY cab trade...

in power and authority are there and WHY

should society keep being inconvenienced by

their nonsense... time after time after time.

WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE???

The same could be said for the 'fresh, new

progressive' climate being jammed down NY

party powders and sex toys. Oh yes, you can

cabbies throats by the new regime in NY’s City

also get your favourite magazine - so long as it

Hall - and their flunkies-de-jure at the various

isn’t Taxi Talk or Call Sign!

City agencies. So let's start with our 'old friends'

The other thing NYPD Commissioner Bratton

at the Taxi and Limousine Commission - the

apparently loves to do is hammer Yellow Cab

equivalent of your London Taxis Private Hire

drivers with street summonses. He was in

in Blackfriars

charge of the NYPD when taxi strikes and

First, how many of their staff have ever

Stop and frisk, anyone?

demonstrations broke out in the 1990s - all

had to drive a cab for a living before work-

2) Some wackos climb to the top of the

because of City Hall, NYPD and TLC harass-

ing at the TLC? Have they agreed to a manda-

Brooklyn Bridge and paint the huge American

ment! His Broken Window theory of sweating

tory drug test every year? Have they agreed

to subject themselves to having a 6 - 10 point

flag white, while at least five NYPD officers at

the little stuff apparently means ticketing cab-

DMV (Dept of Motor Vehicles) suspension

the base of the bridge and other nearby loca-

bies right and left - and eroding the support of

plan against their licenses? Have they agreed

tions manage to miss the whole thing. Well at

one of the great methods of street communica-

to have mandatory speed cameras attached

least they managed to check their Twitter and

tion. I mean, why would anyone with even half

to their Taxi and Limousine Commission

Facebook stuff!

a brain want to alienate the New York City cab

vehicles...and have they agreed to pay hun-

3) A guy dressed in a super hero uniform

drivers - the historical eyes and ears of the

dreds - if not thousands - of dollars in cash

beats up a cop in Times Square while his, uh,

streets. You guys in London must feel the same.

fines for minor, on-the-job infractions?

'partner' calmly calls for back-up and does prac-

In fact, some of those five examples of an

I think in the spirit of good faith negotiations,

tically nothing to break up the melee (it's all

NYPD 'bad day' could have been avoided with

members of the Taxi and Limousine

there on YouTube, of course).

just a bit of positive interaction with cab drivers

Commission should agree to all of the above,

4) A 350-pound, Staten Island father of four was

and other community leaders who do care.

starting first thing next Monday morning. No

apparently strangled to death while being busted

Instead, many New Yorkers - particularly cab

problem, right? I mean, isn't that what a 'pro-

for selling bootleg cigarettes on a street corner.

drivers

- are being pushed aside and forced to

gressive' society is all about

equality?

5) A fugitive child pervert from Los Angeles

look the other way when trouble arises.

gets killed in a gunfight with two US marshals

Is that what they really want? Is that the

Now let's look at a few members of the

and an NYPD detective (all three real heroes)

new 'Progressive' society that Mayor de Blasio

NYPD

were hit with gunfire but fortunately sur-

and Commissioner Bill Bratton are creating?

Apparently out of 34,000 New York City police

officers, the only person qualified to run the

vived. So just where was that effing pervert hid-

I hope there is a major commonsense atti-

NYPD is a Giuliani re-tread, William Bratton. Is

ing, you ask?

tude adjustment within the course of the next

that the best that new Mayor de Blasio can do?

Nope, he wasn’t hiding at all. He’d been work-

few weeks at City Hall, TLC and the NYPD. But

A former Giuliani hack who, uh, 'resigned' and

ing for months at the front counter of a 'head

for now, the Brattons, de Blasios and other 'ex-

was replaced by the great Ray Kelly - thank God!

shop' on West 4th Street in Manhattan! If you

perts' who allegedly run this city are succeeding

Now let's take a look at some of Bill

Dial-a-Cabbers in London don’t know what a

in doing one thing; getting all New Yorkers to

Bratton's NYPD 'highlights’ from the last

Head Shop is, well imagine a retail outlet spe-

finally ask the question...

month...

cializing in tobacco paraphernalia used for all

'Who are these people...???

1) It's been revealed that gun-related assaults

sorts of different things - not all of them legal.

Michael Higgins

have doubled since Bill de Blasio took office.

Then there’s stuff for giving legal highs, legal

Taxi Talk, New York City

My lords, ladies and grandchildren!

Many of you will have seen the advert in every issue of Call Sign for Keith Reading (W76),

who besides driving a taxi is also now one of the top toastmasters around. In fact several

Dial-a-Cab drivers and staff members have used his services for various functions (he gives a

discount to DaC drivers and staff).

We recently saw a photo of Keith’s grandson, Henry, who is now pushing on to 3 years

and 3 months. It left the question open; will he be a cab driver or a toastmaster? Or even

both like granddad!

On Henry’s first foray into the taxi business, he soon found the Vito’s wiper lever, gave the rear sliding

doors and windows a good workout but had trouble pushing the horn hard enough to wake the

neighbours! To get over that disappointment, Henry ran inside and put on his favourite Thomas the

Tank DVD.

As Henry talks remarkably well for his age, we suspect that granddad will also be getting him a

junior beginners red tunic. It probably works out less than a new Vito!

No more cash payments at Dartford Crossing

p until this month, drivers have had a choice of payment methods at the Dartford crossing - cash at the booths or

by using a pre-pay Dart Card. But as of October 2014, there will no longer be an option to pay by cash and pay-

ment options will be similar to the congestion charge.

They will include paying via text, online, phone or at some retail outlets. You will be able to pay in advance

or up until midnight of the following day.

Current exemptions to payment will be maintained as will the free crossing time between 10pm and 6am.

Call Sign September 2014

Page 25

What a difficult year it has been for Dial-a-Cab

DaC Board member Mike son asks a poignant question. It’s about...

members and the cab industry in general with

competition from many private transport

TFL AND AN ULTERIOR MOTIVE???

providers with deep pockets and unlimited funds

to promote their services.

Transport Panel under Chair Baroness Tanni

The radio circuits are no doubt concerned

Grey-Thompson, Vice Chair Charles Belcher

about the future of the radio taxi services they

and members Roger Burnley, Brian Cooke,

provide. It is also obviously important concerning

Keith Williams, LPHA Chairman Steve Wright

how many drivers will continue to support the

and LTDA Assistant General Secretary Bob

radio taxi service. No drivers - no radio circuits...

Oddy.

Customers have over the years been very

Other than the LTDA’s Bob Oddy who has been

complimentary on the uncompromising ser-

a spokesperson on behalf of the cab industry for

vice provided by DaC and the other two cir-

many years, there are no other representatives of

cuits. Parents trust London taxi drivers to

our industry. Steve Wright represents the minicab

transport their children when unaccompa-

side.

nied to their destinations; then there are oth-

I have been and continue to believe there must

ers, whether able-bodied or requiring the use

be some ulterior motive for the Mayor not to

of our vehicle’s wheelchair accessibility, who

invite at least one other competent representative

rely on the help and trust of the taxi driver to

/ advisor to express the views and interests of our

get them to their destination safely and effi-

industry.

ciently in a vehicle that is made for the job.

apparent that various licencing authorities are not

Due to the Uber debacle and TfL - prior to any

How things have changed! Any car driver with

adhering to their duty as leaders for the protec-

investigation on whether the Uber App is a legiti-

a minimal knowledge of London plus an old

tion and security of the public. We should remem-

mate method of calculating the taxi fare - allowing

banger fitted with a satnav can take passengers

ber that licensing authorities are formed to

the public to use vehicles and drivers that may or

and their belongings to wherever. Well that’s what

enforce and serve at the pleasure and protection

may not be legal, I feel that Leon Daniels, who is

some of my passengers tell me.

of the public.

the MD for TfL’s Surface Transport and his Board

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am not telling you

I now must refer to the Mayor for London and

may have been ill advised.

anything you don’t already know so why am I

Transport for London and their board.

This is my opinion and not necessarily that

banging on about it.

That consists of Leon Daniels, Managing

of the BoM. Nonetheless, like you, I am really

Since the introduction of the App revolution

Director Surface Transport and Peter Blake,

concerned about the future of the trade.

and the fact that anyone can set themselves up as

TfL Director of Service Operations Surface

a taxi service, it is becoming increasingly more

Transport. Then there is the Surface

Mike Son, DaC Board Member

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 Call Sign goes back to February 2003 when the mag took a look at its own history...

CALL SIGN LOOKS BACK AT ITSELF

Bernie Lyons - ODRTS News Sheet

Back in Pentonville Road, there was the odd ODRTS News Sheet that drivers could pick up. The news sheets were the responsibility of Bernie Lyons,

someone who hated doing them! Fortunately, they were few and far between and consisted of one sheet, usually written by the Chairman of the day.

Bernie’s job was to get them printed using a duplicator - not an easy job in those days when you had to type on a stencil and then manually turn round a

drum to print out copies! Bernie was often heard to say that he’d do the news sheet so long as he didn’t have to write anything on it - and he never did!

Joe Toff - ODRTS News Magazine

With ODRTS becoming more successful and often used by celebrities of the day, Chairman Eli Solomons said that ODRTS needed a higher profile and so

was launched ODRTS News Magazine. As Joe Toff had already had editorial experience with Steering Wheel, he was a natural to start as the first

Editor and although the first issues were not as regular as they are now, it soon became a monthly mag and a very good one too with stars of the day

such as Bernie Braden and Ann Todd writing to the magazine to either praise or moan at us!

In November 1974 after a bout of illness, Joe Toff had to leave not just the Editor’s job, but also stand down as a Board member. By then, due to financial

restraints, the mag had reverted to a newsletter format with 6 or 7 pages being stapled together. Joe’s legacy was that the Editor had to be a Board mem-

ber, so it came down to which member other than Chairman Martin Gellman wanted the job. On the BoM at the time were Jack Taylor, Aubrey

Siteman, Phil Messias, Peter Speroni, Phil Emden and newly elected Lou Gitlin. Martin asked for volunteers, but only Phil came forward.

Phil Emden - ODRTS News and Views

In December 1974, a new name appeared on the Editor’s page with a new name for the mag - ODRTS News and Views. Its contents changed dramati-

cally with Phil Emden deciding that Joe’s magazine was far too serious. Phil’s Phillers included trivia about what drivers were doing when not driving a

cab and don’t even ask about Fanny’s News! This was added to the usual BoM reports that invariably consisted of ‘please cover the work’ messages.

In 1981, News and Views became Call Sign but still retained its stapled Zerox paper format until January 1983 when Phil took the decision to go glossy

and increase the format to a regular 8 pages. Then in the November 1983 issue, Chairman Peter Fennymore and Editor Phil became concerned about a

group referred to as the Gang of Four. There was a fear that this group might attempt to disrupt the AGM that month. They were right to be worried. It

was one of the rowdiest AGM’s ever seen with a Board member (Ron Maskell) losing his place after just one year following unproven accusations that he

had referred to new drivers unfavourably. In addition, some drivers considered that having a Board member as Editor made it biased against subscribers. A

proposition said a Board member could no longer edit the magazine. The rule change was accepted and Phil had to stand down.

Jery Craig - Call Sign

So in January 1984, a new name appeared on the Editor’s page - one that was already well known through his brilliant cartoons. Gerald Craig had been

using the signature of Jery for so long that he had already become Jery to everyone who knew him. In his early Editorials, Jery said he wanted to bring

both sides closer together so that stand-up arguments could become sensible discussions. Jery’s Call Sign quickly gained in popularity and he added two

new columns - Steve Shaller’s “Spanner in the Works” where Steve told drivers how to fix minor cab repairs and the rather infamous Big Al - who

stayed until 1997 insulting anyone and everyone that he could think of!

In April 1997, the BoM under Brian Rice decided that Call Sign editors should be tied by a renewable contract after Jery had completed 14 years in the

job. Jery was invited to re-stand with the other seven applicants, but decided that 14 years was enough and threw his weight behind current Editor Alan

Fisher. And that, as they say, is a wrap…

J.P.Duval

Call Sign September 2014

Page 26

Dial-a-Cab Credit Union

many say is the most successful

Hackney Road Taxi

credit union in the country.

Strangely, we had more calls for

Tyres (0207 729 5237)

our other credit union, Harp. So

Now this is a benefit to members of either

one of the two credit unions we run, as you

don't delay, give us a ring and start

can take out your savings for new tyres. So

saving. You know it makes sense.

even if you only came out with a tenner as

your float and suddenly need new tyres, then

Harp Credit Union

no problem - unless, of course, you want to

If you read the above, you’ll have noticed that

give our hard working fitter Chris a nice tip

the Harp had more enquiries than the

and please none of that “don't eat yellow

DACCU. I’m sorry, that was my fault for saying

snow” etc!

that it had all the same benefits as the Dial-a-

I know what you lot are like, so come

Cab Credit Union. It does have up to a

down to Hackney Road, get a FREE tyre

Hello everyone in the green and

point; everything BUT the 7% account. Harp

check and join one of our Credit Unions.

gold club (that's your badge)! Well

is nowhere near big enough to support that

I think that's all for now other than I bet

kind of account. To give out that kind of per-

my last article was hardly a success

you’re glad it’s September! So take care and

centage interest rate, we have to loan out the

with not one new member joining

be very careful out there...

money and with somewhere in the region of

your credit union. I know some

100 Harp members as against DACCU’s 1000,

have left our wonderful circuit, but

John Riley

I’m sorry but there is no chance. Of course,

crikey there must be many left who

with more members then you never know. So

DACCU Vice President

can see the value of joining what

apologies if you mistook my meaning...

Cab getting on a bit and doesn’t start so well? It could be...

All Clogged Up!

of revs to keep the valve and the airways clear, for example a

hen you get on the cab

high speed romp along a motorway. Low speed town driving

eager to begin your

doesn’t really give the EGR valve much of a chance to work as

shift, you expect the

was intended.

taxi to share your enthusiasm to

“I was lucky really that my EGR valve could be stripped and

go to work. Well, sometimes the

cleaned. Sheldon, the head honcho at Cricks told me the TX4

engine is reluctant to fire up and

valve can only be replaced when it malfunctions as it is a

sealed unit, so I breathed a sigh of relief when my cab started

that’s not a good start!

up instantly the next morning! Not forgetting my Call Sign

A member of the Call Sign team had

job, I also took a photo! It shows the dismantled EGR valve

just such a problem recently, which we

being thoroughly cleaned before refitting on my TX2.

relate for the benefit of a wider audience.

Cricklewood Carriers can be contacted on 0208 452 5461

“I’d noticed my TX2 was becoming

increasingly difficult to start from cold,” this

magazine’s long-time snapper Alan Green

(E52) told Call Sign. “It seemed to require

more and more attempts to turn the engine

over and get it running. I thought that per-

haps the ‘glow plugs’ were weak and not

pre-warming the engine enough. The cab

had recently been serviced and was work-

ing fine at that time, so it was a bit of a

mystery really,” he said.

“I made an appointment to visit my ser-

vice agent, Cricklewood Carriers near

Staples Corner and they rapidly diagnosed a

blocked Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve -

better known as an EGR valve.

This critical component to engine effi-

ciency re-directs exhaust gases back

into the engine for better performance

while creating less exhaust smoke -

except when it gets clogged up!

“The valve was stripped down and thor-

oughly cleaned together with the black

plastic inlet manifold before being refitted

and then the engine ran as sweet as a nut.

I was told that the Ford engine, as fitted to

the TX2, needs to be given a regular burst

Call Sign September 2014

Page 27

LOOKING AT (TAXI) LIFE

packs, colour codes and manufacturers own

London land grab

With Tom Quigley (Y33)

brands. Then there are supermarket and oth-

There was a massive uproar a few years back

ers with their copies. It’s a huge understate-

regarding parts of Spain grabbing back land from

ment to say that the whole area is confusing.

ex-pat communities and rebuilding on them for

However, the question is whether it’s confusing

their own benefit.

because they are dealing with a pretty simple

As I watch the latest set of privatisation surges pro-

bunch of folk who accept and believe everything

posed by our own government, I cannot help but

that they see - or could just it be on purpose?

notice that we are to being subjected to the same

Recent consumer programmes and retail

practice, with the apparent intention of slimlining.

price checkers have been giving some atten-

Fire stations and post office sorting centres,

tion to what must be one of the most valuable

when you look at each one of them especially

of everyday products and unless there is a

in London and the suburbs, all take up a lot of

world shortage of octopus ink, somehow the

valuable land, while most come with add-on

price of ink within everyday cartridges will

car park spaces.

range from around £1000 per litre up to

I could not even begin to calculate the combined

around a staggering £2500 per litre for some

value set around Rosebery Avenue with the closure

leading manufacturers own brands.

of the fire station together with the proposed clo-

This makes it far more expensive than real vin-

sure of the Mount Pleasant sorting office. With

ings and car parks, will have some sort of develop-

tage Champagne, dearer than the world’s most

every inch of land in London seemingly being built

ment on them. With the population of London

expensive coffee - Kopi Luwak - at £480 a kilo,

on, the cynic in me doesn’t actually believe that

expected to soar to over 11 million people, space

where the beans are eaten by an Asian Palm Civet

these proposals have anything to do with mod-

is at a premium, but it shouldn’t come as a cost to

and then excreted by it, which is said to give it a

ernising systems or working practices, but are just a

the rest of us just for the profit of the few that can

rich aroma! Or what about the world’s most

back door method of getting hold of land that we

afford it...

expensive milk to put in your Kopi Luwak coffee,

own - and cheaply in comparison to the real worth

coming to you direct from Japan’s Nakazawa

- then eventually to sell off to private real estate

The ‘write’ price...

Foods at a bargain £14 a pint!

developers in order to make vast profits.

Like everyone else, I look to get value for money

Even the late - and yes, great - Marilyn Monroe

If any real evidence were needed, take a look at

from anything I buy.

would be tempted in the modern day to reply

the Care in the Community projects where every

With the help of barcodes in supermarkets and

when asked what she wears in bed: “No, not

large mental care health asylum or hospital such as

even with the huge array of items on the shelves,

Chanel No 5 but HP - and I don’t mean the

Colney Hatch, Claybury and Spencer Park etc

generally speaking it’s quite easy to work out what

sauce...”

are all now large housing developments. Claybury

most most of the products that you buy are costing

Anyone want some shares in Hewlett

especially, is so expensive that most people just

you with prices per litre or kilo etc.

Packard...???

couldn’t afford to live there anyway!

Well most products that is, until you go to

Most of the land, which was once owned by

buy an ink cartridge for your printer. Then you

Tom Quigley

British Rail and London Transport ie railway sid-

come across all sorts of different sizes, multi-

Call Sign Online

Call Sign September 2014

Page 28

Win £100 with a caption...

Holidays are over and it’s time to pay off those

credit card bills, so here’s another chance to

pocket

£100 in Call Sign’s Caption

Competition. The best caption in the view of

the judges will pocket the loot! So get think-

ing...

Email entries to callsignmag@aol.com, post to

Call Sign at the usual office address or just

drop your entry into the DaC driver’s recep-

tion addressed to Call Sign caption contest.

Closing date is Thursday September 11. The

editor’s decision is final...

TAXI TYRES BACK

Vito: Trading

IN HACKNEY ROAD

is tough…

Eco City Vehicles, the compa-

ny supplying the Mercedes

Vito taxi has cast blame on

both Uber and Mayor Boris

Johnson for their decline in

sales. Between the two, said

ECV, they had caused uncer-

tainty within the London

trade for those that buy

taxis. The group also said it would need extra funding

this year.

Eco pinpointed the uncertainty of the Mayor’s decision to

introduce zero emissions standards from 2018 on top of a fear

about any damage Uber could do.

Many Dial-a-Cab drivers were using the tyre

Revenue for the six months to June fell 33% to £11.4m compared

garage in Hackney Road that was handily situ-

to 12 months ago, with new Vito sales plummeting to 139 taxis com-

ated downstairs from the DaC Credit Union

pared to 299 in the last period. That resulted in their share of the

London taxi market falling to 24% compared to 44% 12 months

offices. Handy because with the cost of new

back.

tyres nowadays, members of DACCU could just

There was also some good news in that Eco’s rental fleet is continu-

pop upstairs to the CU office and get them to

ing to grow with an increase of 30 cabs since the end of last year

making it 75 units out on hire at the end of June.

pick up the tab knowing that the CU interest

The group confirmed that there were no plans to sell the company,

rates are among the lowest anywhere and

but the share price recently hit an all-time low of 0.35p, more than

that the repayments would be relatively easy.

80%down on its year high..

Suddenly the garage announced it was closing. But

now, because so many drivers expressed disappointment

Keith Reading

at the closure, it has reopened under the name of

Hackney Road Taxi Tyres.

Professional Toastmaster

Master of Ceremonies

So the next time you need any tyres for your cab with-

in five minutes of the City, you can find Hackney Road

Tele: 01279 465 938

Taxi Tyres and be back in the work minutes after fitting.

Mobile: 07774 860 374

And members can still use the Credit Union to pay!

Email: kgr.2@virgin.net

Hackney Road Taxi Tyres are

10% discount for DaC drivers and staff

situated at the Peterley Business

Fellow of the Guild of

Professional Toastmasters

Centre, 472 Hackney Road E2

Call Sign September 2014

Page 29

Many Dial-a-Cab drivers know

Bill Tyzack (ex-C06) who retired

Bill Tyzack out

from driving his Metrocab in

2013 at the age of 85. Many not

on the radio also know Bill as

the hard-working Life President

of the London Taxi Drivers Fund

of hospital

for Underprivileged Children.

Unfortunately Bill hadn’t been in the best

of health since his retirement; but to make

things so much worse, just over three months

ago Bill fell over whilst walking along and

cracked his thigh bone. That is a very nasty

injury even to a young person, but to an 86-

year old it can be catastrophic.

Bill was immediately taken into hospital

but not too long afterwards, he was struck

down by the MRSA virus. Bill would have

Are we there yet?

Bill & Grace

been the first to say that things weren’t look-

would be able to get about the house on his

ing too good at that time, so when the sur-

own soon.

geons suddenly announced that he also

Bill arrived at the ODRTS offices in

needed his appendix removed, it would have

Pentonville Road on 19 September 1962,

been difficult to find anything positive to say

and at the time of his retirement was one of

Head of the trip’s organising com-

about his condition.

only two drivers that had joined the Society

mittee, Phil Davis (F10), getting into

But drivers know what a tough guy Bill

when Eli (Trixie) Solomons was Chairman

the mood

Tyzack is and amazingly after 11 weeks, Bill

(1959 - 1962).

This year’s Children’s Magical Taxi Tour to the

came out of hospital and went home. When

In 1987 Bill was honoured by the Queen

Disneyland Paris Resort is drawing closer and

Call Sign spoke to his wife Grace, she told us

with the BEM at Buckingham Palace in hon-

in less than two weeks, 12th September,

around 100 taxis with drivers including several

that Bill was still very tired and needed help

our of his charity work with the LTFUC.

from Dial-a-Cab, will take children and their

getting about but was determined that he

We wish you well Bill..

helpers from Canary Wharf to the Disneyland

Paris Resort, a trip that most of the children will

say has been the best of their young lives.

Most of the children on this magical journey

THE SALIERI RESTAURANT

suffer from life limiting illnesses and as such,

included in the 400+ going to Paris with the

Magical Taxi Tour will be medical teams, ambu-

376 Strand, WC2

lances, breakdown services and of course, car-

ers. The trip, organised as usual by The

Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage

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

Drivers, will be escorted by police from the City

restaurant where you can partake of the finest food and wine

of London and the Met in the UK, in addition

to the Gendarmerie Nationale in France.

And as a thank-you for helping our clients come

Very soon, the 100 licensed London taxi drivers

will hear the words: “Are we nearly there yet!”

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

More than 4000 children have been on the

offer you a genuine 25% discount on your bill

trip over the years and although the trip is

named the Magical Taxi Tour, how they get there

isn’t magic. It is thanks to those that help with

We are certain that you will be delighted

sponsorship - companies such as P&O who pro-

vide the ferry crossing to Calais - and those who

make donations throughout the year. Then there

are the drivers who volunteer. It may sound like

an attractive trip driving to Paris, but in addition

to it being a long journey, there is the responsi-

bility of driving children who may not be too

well. And of course there are the organisers -

the WCHCD - who do such an amazing job year

after year since the first trip in 1994.

There will be a report and photos in the next

Please bring along your badge or Bill as ID

issue of Call Sign...

Salieri Restaurant

You can learn more about the Magical

Taxi Tour at www.magicaltaxitour.com

376 Strand, WC2

where you will find details of previous

trips and also how you can help by making

Reservations: 020 7836 1318

a donation to help fund next year’s outing.

Call Sign September 2014

Page 30

Mailshot

Either write to Call Sign at Dial-

a-Cab House

hope that you will continue to carry on in

or email us at

the same vein; it is appreciated and it does

callsignmag@aol.com

help to keep accounts in this highly com-

petitive market.

Shortsighted?

Goodbye from Jon

Hi Alan

Brian Rice replies: Brian, long serving

Dear all

Multiple destination jobs were sent out in

Members enjoyed £1 per month subs for

I took my annual leave from Friday 1st August

W5 recently with repeated messages to

in excess of sixteen years and we main-

until Friday 8th August but did not return to

please cover them for AMV. Myself and anoth-

tained that criteria for as long as we

Dial-a-Cab as my notice period had then come

er driver put ourselves out

(I was at

could. However, circumstances have

to an end. It was with a heavy heart that after

Marylebone) at 6.00 on a Thursday evening

changed and the Society has to change as

10 years, I relinquished the keys to the king-

to help cover the work for a good client.

well, but the BoM will review the way in

dom; this fine kingdom of which I have had the

When we got there, we were told to wait and

which subscriptions are charged in the

honour to serve and protect. My years at DaC

that the passenger was coming down. After

future, especially if our business condi-

have been the best of my career thus far. Never

waiting, we were then scrubbed off because

tions improve. Our longer serving

shall I forget the experiences I've had here, nor

of overbooking. I spoke to a DaC supervisor

the friendships forged. And so I pass on my

Members are appreciated and I am sure

and asked for remuneration as it had cost us

legacy to Martyna.

most will understand the current condi-

a significant amount in time and money in

The crowning achievement of my career to

tions the Radio Circuits find themselves

attempting to cover the trip. Eventually, after

date: the Data Centre. It is the beating heart of

in. The BoM understand it is extremely

I had finished banging my head against a

this kingdom and its stability and longevity is

difficult to take something back after so

brick wall trying to get him to see my point,

nothing short of a miracle, considering the

many years, but when times were better

he told us to clear the job for £20 - the meter

odds that have stacked against us over the

for the Radio Circuits we looked after our

was now reading £16.40 anyway.

years. I have no doubt Martyna will take care

long serving Members, let’s hope those

The point here is very simple; knowing

of, and significantly improve it. So I roll the

times soon return.

now that this job was for AMV - an account

dice again and accept the quest that fate has

we have only recently got back, I doubt that

offered me.

any driver on DaC would have begrudged us

Our time together was fantastic. No doubt

And subscriptions

being paid a decent remuneration for

you'll see me again from time to time. I wish

Hi Alan

putting ourselves out for them. To my think-

Dial-a-Cab and all of you the very best for the

I guess your postbag must be bulging with

ing, less than a tenner just by clearing the

future. Look after my old team mates in the IT

shareholders giving their opinion to the way

meter was an insult. This didn't have to

department.

subs are to be collected. Personally I don't

penalise AMV as it could have been done on

Over and out...

blow hot or cold about the changes - if it

our own 99966 docket, then me and the

Jon Winterburn

works ok, if it doesn't then change it. Over

Former DaC Network Administrator

the years, you have been scathing of the stu-

other driver would have been happier and

Jon said his official goodbye to Call Sign

pidity of Hailo drivers being charged 10%.

would still have put ourselves out for the

Society. I think you can see why there are two

last month. In addition to writing about IT,

Now we are doing the same, so has your

Jon pencilled articles about any new gad-

opinion changed? The Chairman stated that

drivers

here

who will think

gets hitting the market and about the love

all jobs carry a 10% gratuity. But if the fare

twice before putting themselves out to that

of his life (after his family and Dial-a-Cab) -

carries a capped £2.50 gratuity or even no

degree to cover the work again. And if other

gaming! There wasn’t a computer game out

gratuity, what then?

drivers are treated the same way after going

there that Jon couldn’t defeat. Good luck

There are rumours that the Chairman is

down the same route, we will end up losing

for the future Jon ...Ed

going to retire; bad timing, please try and

more accounts and be told it’s because WE

persuade him to delay and lead us through

don't cover the account work. So before any

these troubled times. However, the

messages are put out: “Please cover this job

Thirty years

Chairman does talk of cost-cutting so per-

or we could lose the account,” think about

Hi Alan,

haps he should tell Board members to earn

how many drivers have been let down and

Regarding the way in which we are to be

their living driving a cab. Why do we need a

won't put themselves out. Shortsighted is the

charged starting from September, I see the 30

Board member to attend complaints more

operative word. Rant over...!

year+ drivers have been shafted again. We

than once a month when we have a com-

Dave Humphryes (A69)

used to pay £1 per month plus vat, then it went

plaints committee? Why do we need a Board

Allan Evans replies: Hi Dave, having read

up to £78 per month including vat, ie 50% for

member for Sales to go in daily when we

your email I can understand your rant!

our long and loyal service. So 50% of the new

have a Sales team? Why do we need a

We are constantly sending out messages

price should be £5 per month and 3.75% of

Control room Board member 24/7 when we

to cover work in areas that can cause us

each job. Nowhere in the August Call Sign

have a Control room manager? I just feel that

problems and we do rely heavily on dri-

does it say that the 30 year+ drivers are having

if Board members work at the coalface, it will

vers like yourself to go that extra mile as

another increase, but we are. Most weeks my

give them a far better appreciation of what is

you did on this occasion. It is at the dis-

credits are £200+ (ie £200 @ 7.5% = £15 + £5

happening.

cretion of the dispatchers whether or not

= £20 - that is £2 more than the £18 per week

I know Board members do not have to be

the charges are passed on to the account

I am currently paying and if I do even more

proprietors, but they must have a Badge and

customer and if any additional driver

credits, the total would be even greater.

Bill to prepare them for a time when they

payment should be paid. In this case, it

Alan the editor pointed out a few issues ago

may not be Board members, so there is noth-

appears that the actual client cancelled

that most 30year+ drivers stuck with Dial-a-

ing to stop them driving a cab. As I under-

one of the taxis on line and then changed

Cab through three recessions; we did not leg it

stand it, the Chairman and only the

the destination in the first taxi that

like a lot of drivers and then come back when

Chairman is allowed not to have a Badge and

arrived to take both passengers, leaving

things got better. I do not want to hear that the

Bill. I may be wrong, I usually am...

you without a trip. Normally the dis-

computer can't handle 3.75% and that it would

Stephen Field (f68)

patcher would equate the driver payment

have to be attached to each driver with 30

Hiya Stephen, a famous man once pro-

(scrub) to the time spent on the trip,

years’ service - probably about an hour’s work.

claimed that questions and answers rep-

which in your case was slightly under-

I really don't think that 30 year drivers are

resented the statements of a life. But it

estimated. I will certainly bring this to

being treated fairly...

wasn’t me! However, as it’s me you’ve

their attention for future reference and

Brian Marcantonio (R73)

asked, I’ll have a bash! Yes, I have been

Call Sign September 2014

Page 31

scathing about the stupidity of Hailo dri-

Mailshot

vers being charged 10 percent; but I did

align that with them also having no run-

Board member - the Chairman - uses a taxi

ins, no gratuities, free waiting time, hav-

to get in each day, I’m not sure that would

ing to pay the credit card charges in addi-

make much difference. And as he comes in

tion to paying for their own air time. We,

on the train from Hampshire every day, I

however, get a terminal with brilliant

thin k that might be pushing it as an exam-

mapping and points of information,

ple! As has been pointed out, only two

credit card swipe and printer etc. Yes, I

other BMs work regularly and to cut the

even though I believe it is making our

still don’t like the system but you have to

hours of those trying to get more work

brains rather lazier than they should be!

seems to be rather counter-productive. You

bear in mind that we didn’t choose to do

The list is updated yearly and the new list

should also remember that DaC has around

it, it was forced on us by the way the

will be updated when the next fix takes

£6million in the bank and a four storey

other apps charged drivers. And if we

place - as will be the mapping too

office block in the City that is fully paid for.

have to do it, at least we are only charg-

because London is constantly changing. If

So although the work is quieter than most

ing 7.5% rather than 10%. Incidentally,

anyone has any points they think may be

of us remember, we are certainly not in any

there are currently no accounts that I

worth adding, email them to info@navi-

way in dire straits! In addition, the new

know of where there is not a 10% gratu-

gationmaster.com and say you are with

payments are not a subs increase - just a

ity and only very few where the gratuity

Dial-a-Cab. The chances are that most will

response to a method that many kept ask-

is capped.

be on there already, but it’s always worth

ing for. As you point out, if it is quiet then

If Brian Rice intends retiring as

mentioning ...Ed

your subs will decrease and not increase

Chairman then he hasn’t told me about

...Ed

it and I’m sure he will appreciate

your words.

Reed and the IAM

As for Board members; they all have

Thanks to the Barking

Hi Alan

Bills and two of the five - Garry White and

Just to let you know on a few occasions

Physical Therapy Centre

Mike Son still work on their cabs. Allan

when I drove your son Reed home from DaC

Evans not only runs the Control centre

...and Andy!

on the late shift, he slowly tried to convince

but is also Operations Manager (the rule

Hi Alan

me that I should take my Institute of

book says we have to have one). Up until

We want to thank you for advertising the

Advanced Motorcyclists test.

very recently he was also driving his taxi,

Barking Physical Therapy centre in Call Sign.

When Reed passed on, I never went to his

but holding two positions now takes up

After many visits to doctors and A&E walk in

funeral feeling that I may have looked a little

all his time. Tom Whitbread can’t drive at

clinics, I took Hazel to see Andy about her

pushy. But after a short time, I popped along

present due to the health problems he

knee at Barking Physical Therapy centre. He

to the cemetery and we had a long chat. And

bravely told Call Sign about last month,

worked his magic and now Hazel has had key-

today I can confirm that the chat paid off. I

leaving Keith Cain working full time. As

hole surgery and is on the mend. Thank you

am now the proud owner of an IAM green

for him just leaving his Sales team to do

Martin Howells (F84) and Hazel

badge. I just wanted you to know that your

everything, I think you would understand

Pleased it worked so well Martin. A number

boy is still doing it.

more if you saw his desk and his work-

of Dial-a-Cab drivers have been to see Andy

Incidentally, can I also thank Derek Ade

load. You can have someone to do your

over the years and have marvelled at his

from Herts and Beds Advanced

accounts and even buy spare parts for

success. That also includes Chairman Brian

Motorcyclists? I joined them after Reed

your cab, but they can’t go to work for

Rice whose shoulder had been so bad for

mentioned that one existed in Essex, so l did

you. As for Badge and Bill, yes, even the

such a long period that he began to need

some research online and found HBam near-

Chairman has to have them. And no

help just putting his jacket on. Several

er home. I was given Derek as a volunteer

Stephen, I certainly don’t believe that you

appointments with Andy and he was cured!

observer and he coached me whatever the

are usually wrong ...Ed

The same thing happened to me this June

weather.

and again his magic worked. One DaC dri-

Gary Cox (046)

ver had such a problematic back that he

Thanks Gary. That has put a smile on my

Subscriptions

was told he may have had to give up dri-

face. Mind you, Reed was an IT expert and

Hi Alan

ving. Well Andy sorted him out too and

wanted me to follow in his footsteps and

I just thought that I would add my comments

although he goes for occasional treatments

now, having been using a computer for

to that of other members regarding the pro-

still, he is now driving his taxi absolutely

30 years, I still type with two fingers!

posed subs increase. Personally I would love

normally. So your letter doesn’t surprise

Reed was the Sunday evening dispatch-

to pay £50 plus £10 for the use of the system

me, Martin, but it’s still nice to hear. And

er at DaC for 25 years in addition to being

every week because that would mean I

involved with the Ford Motor Company

DaC drivers get a genuine discount down to

would be taking a lot of money off the radio,

(I believe)

£20 a session. It’s worth every

in his real job as a systems analyst ...Ed

but unfortunately the way the work levels are

penny

at the moment I will not be paying anything

like that amount every week and in fact I

New terminal mapping

Call Sign

could even be paying less than the £36 per

Hi Alan

Hello Alan

week that I am currently paying.

You may want to sit down before reading fur-

Although I no longer live in London or drive

If the society is in such dire straits that the

ther, as this is a positive letter to Call Sign! I

a cab there, I still enjoy reading Call Sign

Chairman feels subs have to be raised to help

think the new map is brilliant, particularly the

Online. But of late I have had trouble navi-

things along, perhaps he and the other

points of interest. Will we get automatic

gating the ‘Search Call Sign’ facility and also

Board members should set an example, lead

updates or do we as drivers have to do any-

your August issue, which seems to have van-

from the front and maybe start work one

thing to get them? Also, is there a way that we

ished. Is it me or is there a problem?

hour later plus pay for their own cabs back-

can go about suggesting new points to be

Mike Bradley

wards and forwards to the stations.

included on future updates? For example, last

Bedminster, Bristol

When times are hard we all have to make

week I was asked for the Xenia Hotel in

Hi Mike, yes there was a serious problem

sacrifices and perhaps this small gesture on

Cromwell Road and the Lockhart Restaurant,

which caused my phone to ring non-stop!

the BoM’s part would add to the ailing cof-

which is in the one way bit of Seymour Place

Fortunately Call Sign’s IT guru Vince Chin

fers of DaC and help us through this

- both of which are yet to appear in the points

had it fixed in no time. But for future info,

tough time!

of interest.

Call Sign also runs www.dac-callsign.com

Howard Flavin (A.26)

Mick Kennedy (M30)

in addition to the usual .co.uk site where

Thanks for the letter Howard. As only one

Pleased you like it Mick. I too love the POI

the problem was ...Ed