Call Sign September 1999

The Millennium Dome

Mike Son

The Millennium Dome
Some time ago, I made contact with the Project Manager of The Millennium Dome. This was due to the fact that so far as I was aware, there had been little or no discussions with the Licensed Taxi industry regarding the needs of the taxi riding public and the taxi drivers themselves.
Following the discussion and a subsequent letter, an invitation was sent to the PCO, LTDA T&G and Dial-a-Cab and I assume other taxi-related organisations.
Together with the Chairman, Brian Rice and Allen Togwell, we visited The Dome at Greenwich.
I must say we had a very informative meeting with the Millennium Experience Support Services Operations Manager, although I was disappointed that more of the taxi industry's representatives were not present. Nevertheless, the interests of Dial-a-Cab drivers and customers were paramount and I am now pleased to say there will be a Dial-a-Cab passenger pick up point at the Dome This will be implemented in due course.

Fixed Prices
I have been given the brief to investigate and consolidate our fixed priced journeys. There has been a need to do this for some time. This may take a little time, but as soon as I have any interesting information, I will let you know.

The 1999 Dunlop London Taxi Driver of the Year Competition.
This year's event will take place at a new venue, Brands Hatch Racing Circuit, on Sunday 3rd October. As well as The Taxi Driver of the Year Competition, the Dunlop All-comers and the

Knowledge competition plus various other quiz's, there will be about 18 races organised by MG Magic Motor Racing Club.
There will be a chance to see many classic cars plus many other attractions including funfair rides for the children, taxi trade charities, vintage taxis and lots more. If you would like to enter any competitions, please contact:
Paul Jenner (L19)Tel 0195 9564867 mobile 0831 418556. It should be an exciting day.

Christmas and Millennium Celebrations
At this time, together with Head of Sales David Adelman, a survey to our corporate clients has been implemented. This should indicate what the taxi usage might be during the holiday period. This information will be paramount when informing drivers and staff how much work will be on offer. In my view, I believe most of the work could well be on New Years Day. Nevertheless, I think it prudent that you discuss with your wives or partners and families the fact that there could be substantial revenue available when making your holiday arrangements.
Unfortunately, as you are aware, The Department of the Environment, Transport & The Regions has as yet, not indicated whether there will be a special Millennium charge. I have made contact with them and it was stated that there will be no decision until later on in the year. As soon as I have information with regard to extra charges if any, during the celebratory period, information will be circulated.

Defibrillators
With reference to an article by Bernie Silver (G8) re Dial-a-Cab having a defibrillator at Brunswick

House, the Editor has passed the idea to me for comment
   It is important to know what a Defibrillator actually does. This equipment 'jump starts' the heart with an electrical shock. No doubt you have seen medical teams use it on TV. In the main there are two types, manually operated and automatic defibrillators. Experienced personnel would normally use the manually operated ones within a controlled environment ie hospitals etc. In the wrong hands, they could prove more dangerous than beneficial.
   The 'automatic' defibrillators are designed for use in the work place or other non-medical environments. If for instance, a person is taken ill with chest pains etc and collapses, it is normally assumed - especially by a person with no medical background - that the patient has suffered a heart attack. However, a heart attack may not have occurred; it could be an epileptic fit or some other medical problem. The defibrillators being promoted by the Government and others will detect whether there is a heart problem. If not the heart, then it simply will not function.
   There is also a four hour training session for someone with a First Aid Certificate. The cost of the equipment is approximately Ł2,500. Do I think Dial-a-Cab should have this undoubtedly life saving apparatus in place? Well, without talking to the rest of the Board, my opinion is that we should not have one at this time. In an emergency, people do panic and I feel the use of the equipment would be minimal.
   On a more practical note, if you would like the knowledge to offer help in a medical emergency, then learn First Aid, you never know - you may save a life.

Mike Son