Call Sign August 2014

Page 3

from the editor’s desk

selfish as well as driving me mad. And as for those

Uber and the High Court

(few) taxi drivers who insist on driving in the offside

The recent intervention by the LTDA into the High

lane of the A13 eastbound late at night when the road

Court ruling that Transport for London intended

is empty and at a speed that they have decided is

using to sort out what they claimed was a legal App

quick enough, well I am astonished because they

used by Uber - an App most people recognise as a

remind me of those car drivers we used to address as

taxi meter which makes it automatically illegal

weekenders! Perhaps I’m just getting old...

unless used in a licensed taxi - has been condemned

by TfL as delaying the due process of law and sort-

Speaking of fuel...

ing out the mess that we currently find ourselves in.

I am now the owner of a new iPhone since my old

Well I disagree.

and loyal Nokia gave its final croak. But no, I haven’t

I asked in the last issue of Call Sign why TfL

gone on Twitter as I get more than enough rumours

didn’t just tell Uber that they were unsure about the

without it, thank you. However, I do get some Tweets

legality of the App/device, which works out mileage

passed over to me by anxious drivers. A recent one

and distance etc to give a price - ie acting as a taxi

apparently said that the writer (or is that the Tweeter),

meter - so in that case they would refuse to autho-

a DaC driver, was perturbed to see an ad for Power

rise it. Then Uber could - had they wished - have

Pill in Call Sign as he didn’t approve of additives

taken the High Court action and spent the huge

being put into the fuel tank.

amount on legal fees that TfL offered to pay by

I believe his name is Lee and although I’m not

bringing the action, money that comes partially

ness can apparently do whatever they like, with

sure why he sent a Tweet rather than just write to this

from our licence fees.

TfL going so far as to launch their Judicial

mag, after all, it takes around the same time on a

On top of that, if as we were warned is the norm

Declaration whilst telling the world that they

smartphone, let me tell him anyway that my TX4 will

and the final decision wasn’t expected for many

believe Uber are innocent of breaking any

be 6 years old this month and I’ve been using Power

months, then had Uber initiated the High Court rul-

taximeter laws. Well I must admit I have heard

Pill since day one, just as I did on my previous taxi.

ing they would not have been allowed to use the app

more independent views pending court proceed-

On my last MoT 6 months ago, the guy doing the

unless a decision eventually came in their favour.

ings than that!

smoke test said my cab presented the lowest emis-

Then - and only then - TfL could have spent our

According to LTDA General Secretary, Steve

sions on the smoke test that he had seen that year

money on an Appeal. But until a final decision was

McNamara, TfL are biased in the matter and their

(albeit we were only just over 2 months into 2014). I

arrived at, then Uber would not have been able to

legal advice is that a Judicial Declaration in the High

still get a reasonable mileage of 23 - 25mpg and up

use it. As it stands, they can do whatever they like

Court was not the correct route to reach a solution.

to 30 on a run. That is all down to Power Pill - and

until a final decision is arrived at and it would have

The result is that the trade’s largest body has instigat-

there are quite a number of other drivers that will

cost them nothing, unless an Appeal was needed on

ed its own private prosecutions.

probably tell you the same.

their behalf.

No one knows how this will end, but I trust the

So I’m sorry you disapprove - that is your right -

Now TfL’s MD for surface transport, Leon

LTDA to fight for us far more than some of those at TfL

but Call Sign will continue to advertise the product

Daniels has said that a separate challenge by the

and I hope the rest of the trade organisations will sup-

until those behind the ad no longer want it in the

Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association against three

port them. What is a great pity to me is that there are

mag. And I will continue to use it.

Uber drivers under section 11 of the 1998 Act will

some very nice AND very helpful people at TfL. Sadly

delay an end to the dispute because it prevents TfL

they can do little against those acting close to the

Namby, Pamby London?

“proceeding as we had intended as the High Court

Mayor...

Yep, I admit I have become something of an old

will not consider the issue while there are ongoing

grouch, moaning at everything. But I really am fed

And speaking of TfL...

criminal proceedings on the same issues of law.”

up with London going so far over the top that we

Adding to the above, you will read inside this issue a

As I’ve said on this page many times over the

soon won’t be able to cross the road unless a police-

piece from TfL’s COO of Surface Transport, Garrett

years, I remember being stopped by PCO officers for

man is watching! Traffic lights at junctions stay red

Emmerson, telling drivers that they must not put up

‘important’ things such as having a tiny AA Relay

far longer, pelican crossing lights go red when no

unauthorised stickers or printed material. Although

sticker on my back windscreen after which I was

one presses the button, yet people stroll across main

he doesn’t say as much, he seems to be referring

banned from working until I’d removed it AND taken

roads looking at their phones and no one says a

mainly to the Failo, I’ve deleted the app or the I was

it to Penton Street to prove that it had gone! Doing it

thing. But it’s those that pay road tax who suffer each

there at the Square mini posters. He doesn’t mention

in front of the officer wasn’t good enough.

and every time. Non-taxi drivers pay Congestion

AA Relay but includes a warning on using the TfL

Then there was my overhaul failure when the lug-

Charge to avoid traffic that the Mayor causes because

roundel. While many agree with the sentiment of the

gage strap was missing from the front of the cab.

no one at City Hall knows about the real world and

stickers, they are quite unbecoming on such a

What’s that, you ask? Well in the days of ‘Carry on

if they have their way, we’ll all go over to bicycles.

respected form of transport as London’s licensed

Cabby’ when FX3 taxis had an open platform where

Now the City of London has a 20mph speed limit

taxis. But I just wish that TfL had been as strict to Uber

the luggage door now is and any trip involving suit-

that City police say they will enforce as well as a new

when the American app walked straight over them

cases needed to have them strapped in for when the

Pedestrian Safety Action Plan. As the Mayor’s

and began using what is a meter in all but name.

cabs went round corners too quickly, those straps

deliberate hold-ups usually prevent anywhere a

As it is common knowledge that Uber have the

were important. Once the FX4 with its four doors

speed of twenty, I just wonder if Lycra Lad will be

multi-millions of Google and co behind them, this

came into use, the strap became irrelivant but was

able to manage to keep to under that because they

new ‘reminder’ sounds more and more like one law

kept fitted in the cabs and continued even into the

will now be the new kings of the road. So look out

for the rich and one for the poor Perhaps even friend

Fairway. Why it was kept is a mystery that perhaps

because they don’t take prisoners...

or foe? We can’t put a small sticker up but the Uber

only Call Sign’s brilliant historian Sean Farrell

minicabs can use a meter. Hmmm...

Buy-out falls...

(B39) can answer. However, it served no purpose and

I’m a bit sad that the proposed buy-out of DaC

when mine broke, I didn’t bother replacing it. But my

Saving fuel

appears to have failed because I had almost spent my

cab got a stop until I had a new one fitted - which I

Call Sign is proud that when the Energy Saving

share! However, it has failed and we can only but

found at M&O at a ridiculously expensive price

Trust wanted to run classes on how taxi drivers could

guess why. And my guess contains just four letters -

because it also had to be fitted and unsurprisingly, no

save fuel in 2012, that they picked it and Dial-a-Cab

Uber. I think the prospective buyers were frightened

one had ever done one before! I still remember M&O

drivers first before moving on to the rest of the trade.

away by talk of the San Francisco company, which

telling me that it would be easier just to take the bro-

Many drivers told this magazine that the classes -

took place at the same time as whoever the prospec-

ken remnants away - not realising that all cabs had to

funded as part of the Cleaner Air for London initiative

tive buyers were, were preparing their due diligence.

have the strap even though it wasn’t needed.

- really worked and some were saving considerable

I think it just frightened them off. Will we ever know?

Yes, I remember those two instances along

amounts of fuel that their driving had previously

I doubt it unless they return. That wouldn’t surprise

with many others that I’m sure long-time Dial-a-

meant they were wasting.

me either...

Cab drivers can also remember from their own

So I’m going to face serious amounts of flak for

experiences. Now our “Masters” have gone so

saying this, but drivers creeping up to traffic lights in

Alan Fisher

much the other way that anyone in the PH busi-

the hope that they don’t have to stop are just being

callsignmag@aol.com

Call Sign August 2014

Page 4

reflections of the chairman

increased significantly. Not only do we have

Subscriptions change

to pay for a very expensive Kilostream (tele-

When I wrote to you regarding offers made

phone line) to every site, we also have to

for Dial-a-Cab that did not materialise, I

pay maintenance on the Comms

also wrote that the Board had decided to

Controllers at every venue and pay a rental

alter the way in which we charge subscrip-

fee to have our equipment installed and

tions. It appears that the model the Apps

located at the various venues.

adopted has proved to be very popular with

I must say I am looking forward to the

drivers, although of course there were not

considerable savings that will be made

any run-ins or gratuities and they give free

when all the sites and equipment become

waiting time. Yet the method of only paying

obsolete.

a percentage of trips completed does seem

Whilst it is difficult to maintain and

to have proved to be very popular with dri-

acquire new work, it is imperative that we

vers.

look at all ways we can to reduce our over-

Consequently, the BoM have decided

heads. If any of you out there still do not

to adopt a similar model for Dial-a-Cab

doing things, although some will not agree.

have one of the new terminals fitted, then

in the future, although we will be sup-

With the exodus from the Radio Circuits

please make arrangements to have one

plying you with a terminal equipped

and ongoing turmoil over the Apps, cover-

installed because when we make the old

with Sat Nav and mapping and of course

age by licensed taxis to the public and cor-

equipment and sites redundant, you will no

a PED for processing Credit Cards and

porate sector will suffer. This in turn will

longer receive a signal which will obviously

all the Data that is used, but with the dif-

drive even more clients to use the plentiful

result in you not being offered any trips. For

ference to the Apps being that our work

- and cheap

- Private Hire companies.

the past two years we have been running on

will still carry a run-in, gratuity and the

Goodness knows, it is difficult enough

a dual system - the private and a public

usual waiting time charge. So what is

maintaining your client base, let alone

Network; it will be a relief and a substantial

this going to cost you?

attracting new clients. What that means in

saving when we close the Private Network

We have decided that the cost of the ter-

reality is there will be less work for licensed

down!

minal together with the PED, Sat Nav and

taxis, so the circuits will lose more drivers,

Mapping and of course Air Time will be

which would mean that coverage suffers

Holidays

charged at £10 per week and there will then

and we would lose even more clients.

be a charge of 7.5% for the work you com-

Losing those clients would then result in the

It has probably been extra quiet during the

past couple of weeks and if previous years

plete. Going into more detail, any trips you

circuits losing even more drivers due to that

receive via your terminal will be charged at

lack of work and it could carry on ad infini-

are anything to go by, then we probably

have even worse to come during the month

7.5% of the total fare for all Credit Rides and

tum! So maintaining numbers for the Radio

Credit Card trips; any cash work will be

Circuits is now of vital importance and we

of August. Some consolation could be that I

am told we can expect record numbers of

charged the same as it currently is now.

believe this new system to be a better way of

However, if you take a Credit Card off

maintaining the status quo.

tourists during the month, so hopefully the

streets will be busy.

the street, you will not be charged the

If you are going on holiday during the

7.5% but the usual handling charge will

New Terminals

month, then I hope you have a good relax-

still apply to the customer.

At the time of writing, we are just coming to

ing time and that when you return, radio

There will also be a maximum charge so

the end of our fitting programme for the

work will have begun to pick up from

that regardless of how much account work

new terminals. Consequently, as we will

September through to Christmas.

a driver does, no one will pay more than

now be operating on a public network we

£50 per week

(plus the initial

£10).

are in the process of closing down our aeri-

Brian Rice

Anything over this amount will not attract

al sites. These sites are located in and

any charge at all. Those currently paying

around London and the cost of renting and

Chairman

half subs having being with DaC for over

maintaining them over the years has

Dial-a-Cab

thirty years, will pay £5 for the terminal etc

plus 7.5% per job.

We understand that some will com-

plain because they will be worse off, oth-

ers it will suit as they will be better off.

But you should remember that unless

the trip carries a fixed price, it will have

a 10% gratuity which will more than

compensate for the fee charged to you.

And as I stated, there will be a ceiling of

£50 so no one will pay more than that

per week.

As a Board, we understand the complaint

from some that at present the subscription

does not warrant the amount of work you

receive, so we believe the new system to be

fairer because you will only pay for what

you do.

For various reasons, there has been a

huge exodus of drivers from the three

London Radio Taxi circuits over the past six

years or so. That number must be halted, so

if a Member only has to pay for what he

completes, it does seem a fairer way of

Call Sign August 2014

Page 5

MAYOR: TAXIS MAY BE FORCED

TO ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS

Will TfL pay all the expenses???

Under the auspices of Mayor Boris Johnson,

or even an aversion to providing credit. As

As part o

TfL have said that within

18 months all

one non-radio driver told Call Sign at

their propos

London taxis may be required to accept debit

Paddington: “I’m a taxi driver, not a banker.

als, TfL sa

and credit cards. Dial-a-Cab and both other

Why should I loan a stranger money?”

they would

circuits provide facilities for accepting cred-

According to the Mayor’s office, introduc-

scrap the sur-

it/debit cards and this manner of payment has

ing the facility across all taxis would have

charge cur-

proved to be very popular. However, many

benefits for both passengers and drivers,

rently levied

drivers not on radio circuits have chosen not

including reducing the risk of drivers being

when paying

to accept that manner of payment possibly

robbed and ending the need for passengers

by card and

due to the cost of installation, running costs

to stop off at cashpoints during their journey.

include the

average cost

of a card

transaction

Pedestrian Safety Action

in the stan-

dard fare,

Plan for London

meaning passengers

would pay the same amount regardless of

Transport for London has published London’s

their payment method. The question remains

first Pedestrian Safety Action Plan follow-

as to whether they will pay radio circuits for

ing consultation in the Spring. One of the

their costs? In terms of amount needed, by

Mayor and TfL's top priorities is to reduce by

40 per cent the number of people killed or

TfL standards it would be tiny.

seriously injured on London's roads by 2020

The TfL board will be asked at its

and action is being taken to prioritise the

September meeting to approve a public con-

safety of the most vulnerable road users

sultation on introducing compulsory card

- pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

acceptance from 2016 and according to Leon

The plan has been compiled by TfL working

Daniels, TfL’s MD of Surface Transport, they

alongside key stakeholders and looks to

are keen to utilise technology to improve the

address the concerns and challenges

experience of passengers. He said:

faced by pedestrians across London, help-

“We are exploring a proposal to make this

ing to turn the capital’s streets into a safer, more pleas-

a mandatory requirement across the entire

ant place for all. It outlines 31 key actions which will directly target the key factors in

taxi fleet from 2016. It would also see card

collisions and help further reduce pedestrian casualties across London. The actions include:

transaction fees considered when we calcu-

* Building on TfL’s innovative crossing technology trials, a new ‘gold standard’ for all new

late overall taxis fares meaning passengers

and upgraded pedestrian crossings will be developed. This would look to include Pedestrian

would pay the same fare regardless of how

Countdown timers to give pedestrians a clear indication of how much time they have to safely

they chose to pay.”

cross the road, as well as ensuring that all pedestrian crossing times take account of national

If TfL guarantees to pay the radio circuits

safety standards and the level of pedestrian demand. TfL will also expand the use of Pedestrian

costs for credit/debit card acceptance, then it

Countdown across London to more than 400 sites, which will be roughly 10 per cent of all

will become even more popular.

pedestrian crossings in London.

But TfL’s record of passing funds to the

* Producing the first London Pedestrian Design Guidance to plan and design safe and

taxi trade for anything has been on the

comfortable walking environments. TfL will then use this guidance for all TfL funded streets

negative side of non-existent for many

and public realm schemes and strongly encourage London boroughs to adopt these guidelines

years. What would be nice is for TfL to pay

for their schemes.

rather than passing the costs over to the

* Carrying out ground-breaking trials of innovative collision detection software on London

passenger. After all, I’ve yet to hear of a

Buses this summer. The innovative trials will build on research previously carried out by TfL on

detection equipment and will look to test the effectiveness of radar and optical technology to

bus driver paying for his own bus…

reduce collisions with cyclists and pedestrians;

* Trialling Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA) on London Buses, to understand the poten-

Jamie Corum

tial role of this technology on buses in promoting adherence to speed limits across the road

network. Subject to further discussions and technical approvals, trials could be carried out on-

street during 2015.

Call Sign

TfL has also launched an updated ‘Digital Speed Limit’ map for London to help spur the

August 2014

development of the next generation of in-vehicle technologies and mobile phone apps for the

Editor: Alan Fisher

road. Making such information freely available and keeping it accurate, means existing services

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

such as satnavs and GPS can provide drivers with the best information on the speed limit of

Tel: 0207 251 0581 Fax: 0207 553 7293

the roads they are travelling on, giving them greater certainty, helping them to keep safe and

Email: callsignmag@aol.com

avoid speeding penalties.

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

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “This plan enshrines the raft of actions that are

Printers: Premier Print Group

being taken to improve pedestrian safety in the capital. From new ‘gold standard’

25 - 31 Violet Rd, London E3

crossings, expanded use of Pedestrian Countdown clocks and buses kitted out with

Design: Aldan Publications

the latest gizmos to reduce collisions, this is all about prioritising the safety of the

Tel: 07958 300 428

most vulnerable road users - pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. The publication

Email: deborahfresco@gmail.com

of a speed limit map for London is also a great example of how the capital is leading

Views and opinion expressed in Call Sign must

the way in helping vehicle technology to move forward and encouraging innovation

not be assumed to represent those of the Editor or

in the digital sphere.”

Board.No part of Call Sign may be reproduced

either manually or electronically without the express

See Editorial on page 3..

permission of the Editor.

Call Sign August 2014

Page 7

Once again the

The De-regulation Bill was making its way through the Lords while the

powers that be have

Law Commission was attempting to sort out stuff that didn’t need sort-

inflicted changes to

ing, so we asked Eddie Lambert to explain...

the legislation that

affects our trade

with hardly any

Just what is going on??

consultation what-

soever. Whilst the

opposed the move was for passenger safe-

move - although I did not see any mention of

changes may make little difference in London,

ty. This move at a stroke removed the safe-

it at the time

- is the practise of Point

outside the capital they could have a quite sig-

guard that anyone driving a PHV was a

Swapping on driving licences. In the case of

nificant effect. The main reason they will have

licensed PH driver and so had been vetted

offences recorded by roadside cameras, if a

little effect in London is the shockingly poor

by their local LA and the national safe-

family member can say they were driving

enforcement record and disgracefully poor

guarding bodies.

rather than the PH driver of the family, then it

signage identifying Private Hire Vehicles.

The government’s announced reason for

is possible for PH drivers that have accumu-

Anybody and their uncle can already

this was to remove the possible need for fam-

lated a large number of points through com-

drive a vehicle with a single small roundel

ilies of PH drivers to need two vehicles so they

mitting traffic offences to escape punishment.

in the rear window, often sighted under

had one available for family and other use,

I'm sure they would recompense financially

window wipers on glass that is heavily

whilst the PH driver in the family was out

anyone who takes their points for them. This

tinted, making it almost impossible to

working. The government’s claim was that

must be especially likely in areas where fami-

read details from even 3 feet away unless

they felt this was an unnecessary financial

ly members or close friends perhaps, live a

in perfect lighting conditions. Indeed, it is

large portion of their lives outside the country

quite possible to purchase second hand

cost. I guess most taxi drivers won't agree with

this as they usually also have a second vehicle,

so penalty points on their licence would be

vehicles with these stickers still attached!

fairly meaningless.

The biggest change, and one that could eas-

a family car as taxis are often likely to have

While these changes are almost certain-

ily endanger passengers and possibly other

two working drivers

- certainly outside

ly going to happen, another set of pro-

road users, is the allowing of drivers without a

London in areas that restrict taxi numbers.

posals - those of the Law Commission -

Private Hire drivers licence to drive licensed

Although many interested parties out-

have been kicked into the long grass.

PHVs. Previously most

(although not all)

side of the trade itself were opposed to it,

That's not to say they will be lost forever,

Licensing Authorities made it a condition of

the government just bulldozed it through.

far from it. But that fact that the above

licence that only Licensed PH drivers could

These groups included Chief Constables,

changes have been rushed into being

drive a PHV.

disability groups, many Licensing

shows that it is likely to be awhile before

Although all the Hackney trade organi-

Authorities, the Suzy Lamplugh Trust and

they are resurrected, or they would have

sations raised objections to the proposal,

many others. Most of them described the

just been tucked into the Law

supported by many Labour MPs and some

proposal as a touts and rapists charter and

Commissions proposals...

from the other parties, HMG steamrolled

who from inside the trade could disagree

the amendments through. The prime rea-

with that?

Eddie Lambert (V37)

son the trade and sympathetic MPs

Another serious reason for opposing the

Call Sign Online

Call Sign August 2014

Page 8

The DaC driver

and the Lord

Oh yes... and the taximeter!

cessive Paralympic Games

1988,

campaigner for equality and inclusion.

1992, 1996 and 2000. During that time

He is also the Head of Disability at the

he won an incredible total of nine Golds,

Equality and Human Rights Commission.

five Silvers and one Bronze medal. In

He was awarded the MBE in 1993 for his

fact, at the

1992 Barcelona Games he

services to swimming for the disabled.

actually won an amazing haul of six

So what is it that links Lord’s Peter

Golds!

Straiton to the HoL’s Lord Holmes?

As a young 14 year old swimmer, Chris

Well last month Peter picked up Lord

was suddenly struck down by an hereditary

Holmes and took him home from the

vision disorder. Familial exudative vitreo-

House of Lords and they were soon

retinopathy affects the retina and it eventu-

speaking about the London taxi business

ally took his sight, but never did he allow

- including the meter problem involving

that to affect his life any more than it had to.

Uber.

If you’re wondering where you may

Lord Holmes told Peter that he and his

Lord Holmes of Richmond and Guide

have heard his name, take your mind

colleagues were about to introduce an

Dog Lottie

back to the London 2012 Olympics,

amendment to the De-regulation Bill

to Lord Coe and LOCOG. Chris

that was going through the House of

Dial-a-Cab driver Peter Straiton

Holmes was director for the LOCOG

Lords and in which they hoped to define

(F31) entered Lords - that’s the

Paralympic integration.

what was and what wasn’t a meter in

Chris Holmes became a Conservative

relation to the cab trade.

radio circuit known better

Peer as Lord Holmes of Richmond in

Peter told Call Sign that the good Lord

nowadays as Dial-a-Cab - in

September 2013 at the age of 42 after

gave him the impression that the inten-

March 2003.

deservedly being appointed to the

tion was to make it clear that meters

At that time, Chris Holmes had

House of Lords. Along with his Guide

should relate to black cabs only.

recently retired from being our most suc-

Dog Lottie - the first one ever in the

We have asked Lord Holmes if he can write

cessful ever Paralympian swimmer hav-

HoL - he regularly takes part in the

about it in this magazine but at the time of

ing represented Great Britain at four suc-

debates and unsurprisingly is a lifelong

publication, we had yet to hear from him...

The 3 Peaks Challenge

in 24 Hours!

Wendy Sorrell, Leigh Dargan, Dan Fosker, David Williams and

Steve Vare are to embark on the Three Peaks Challenge next

month to raise money for The Children’s Magical Taxi Tour.

This is quite a challenge for a team of 5 novices who are to

take on the extraordinary climb of 3 mountain peaks in just 24

hours! Gruelling physical and mental demands lie ahead, but

the team say that it is the knowledge that the monies their

efforts will raise towards an amazing charity that make it worth

the extreme effort. You can text TAXI 88 to text quickly and

safely or click the DONATE NOW button on their Just

Giving page which can be found at:

https://www.justgiving.com/magicaltaxi3peaks

Their schedule starts at 3pm with Ben Nevis, then onto

Scarfell Pike and ending with Mount Snowdon.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, safe and fast. The

money goes directly to the charity to ensure maximum benefit

for the children. If you are a UK Taxpayer, make sure you tick

the Gift Aid box.

Call Sign August 2014

Page 9

Entering below the sign saying Homerton Hospital

In the December Call Sign, DaC Board member Tom Whitbread wrote of

was causing my stomach to complete a few cart-

being rushed into Homerton hospital with stomach pains only to be told

wheels. This was because of my last encounter some

that he needed a colostomy bag for six months. Now waiting for a

five months previously with the surgical team in a

clinically clean operating theatre. It was then they

reversal op, he has been given more devastating news..

took away a length of my intestine and rerouted a

section of my stomach, ending up with me having a

colostomy bag fitted. Now unless you know me

personally, you will not know how much I detest

TOM: A COLOSTOMY

these life-saving appliances. I think they are intru-

sive, degrading, messy and embarrassing.

But as the Call Sign Editor reminded me, they are

BAG FOR LIFE

a necessity with the alternative possibly involving

me meeting the Grim Reaper somewhat earlier than

have been fresh and tasty at the beginning, but by

I had planned! This being the case, I’m sure some

the time they cooked it and warmed it up in a steam

members of Dial-a-Cab who had come into contact

microwave, it was disgusting. I just couldn’t eat it.

with me during my tenure as Complaints Officer

During my time there I lost 10 kilos in weight and

might even have wished I had met that dusty, musty

due to not eating, the bile in my stomach was build-

original hoody with his scythe!

ing up being a substance that the body produces to

But on this day, I was entering the hospital to

break down fats into fatty acids and helping diges-

see my consultant regarding having that proce-

tion. I knew the feeling as I had experienced it on

dure reversed, ie no more plastic bag. The con-

my previous visit, so at 8pm I asked the male nurse

sultant had said to me that if I kept myself

if he could arrange for me to have a Nasogastric

healthy, he would consider the reversal of the

tube. This is passed through the nose and down

Hartmann procedure in 6 months. So I sat out-

through the nasopharynx and esophagus into the

side his consulting room on tenterhooks trying

stomach. He phoned the doctor on duty and said

to do a crossword, but my mind didn’t want to

the reply was I needed an x-ray first, so we waited

toil with the clue to 4 down.

and waited, making repeated phone calls. I didn’t

After our meeting and an examination, the sur-

get the tube inserted until 5am so I asked the male

geon read the senior colostomy nurse’s report

nurse to get the doctor’s name as I was going to

before he made his decision. This very smart, dap-

But this was just the start of my bad news. When

report him. The tube produced nearly 2 litres of bile

per man looked up from the report and said it all

I saw my consultant the next morning he told me

and that was why I was feeling so annoyed.

looked very good, so he booked me in for the rever-

that as he began the reversal operation, he had

On Saturday the 5th April, I began to get a

sal op on 20th March.

found one end of the intestine had shrunk and gone

pain in my groin and a leakage from my intes-

On that day I attended with my Dial-a-Cab sports

slightly hard. So the little machine they use to reat-

tine, which got into my bladder. I was sent for

bag containing night attire, washing facilities,

tach the two ends of the intestine was useless and

two specialist x-rays which consisted of dye and

Kindle Fire and a head set to attach to the televi-

he had to stand there like a Taiwan dressmaker and

going into what looked like a giant polo mint,

sion. My estimated stay was to be 10 days, but so

insert 72 stitches. When he had completed the rest

but neither could locate the leak or the fistula.

was the one the previous September which ended

of the operation, he inserted 36 staples through my

But even so they decided to send me home.

up as over 3 weeks.

skin to seal up the wound, making it look like a zip

The hospital then contacted me and asked that I

I climbed the stairs to the pre-operative general

fastener. All of this work took over 6 hours during

go to outpatients to have a cystoscopy - which is a

ward at 7am where I met my nurse for that morn-

which time it put immense pressure on my heart -

camera up your wedding tackle. I went and had the

ing. After doing all the pre-operative checks and

bearing in mind that this was the second operation

procedure done on April 17th - one which I assure

tests, I was told to await my turn to enter the oper-

of this length I had endured within 6 months.

you is highly embarrassing as the young nurse keeps

ating theatre. I waited until the afternoon as the

After the op I was transferred back to my old gen-

peeking under the hospital gown. I watched the

consultant wanted his registrars to complete their

eral ward for the remainder of my stay where the

progress on a monitor while the doctor explained

other operations before he would take over for

nurses fussed over me like a returning friend! Three

everything. But he also couldn’t find the leak or

mine. I entered the pre-op room and was asked by

the anaesthetist if I was happy to have an epidural?

days later I was asked by my male nurse to get out

hole. Just as he was finishing, he inserted a catheter

I looked at her and asked if she was sure I was going

of the bed and walk around. I started to walk away

and bag and it was at that moment that my patience

to have the correct operation as I wasn’t having a

from the bed but my forehead then began feeling

finally failed me and I lost my cool. I asked what he

baby! But she said this was now standard practice

warm, sweaty and a little light headed and I was sud-

was doing and he informed me that this was part of

for painful operations. Then for the next 20 minutes

denly back on the bed. Once again I felt I was back

the procedure in case it was needed.

she tried to insert the needle into the correct spot -

in La-La land. I could hear the Sister and her nurses

Due to the little bag he had fitted, I was forever in

apparently they only have one centimetre or less

telling me to move my hands, arms and legs.

the toilet emptying it. Then on Easter Sunday, it

around the spine to insert it. After a 20 minute

Although I could hear and distinguish all of their

blocked up completely causing me to go to the A&E

pricking session, she informed me she’d get the

voices, I couldn’t respond. Oxygen was put into my

department where I sat in a cubicle for 4 hours wait-

consultant anaesthetist to try to find the right spot!

body and I rallied round to find some 20 minutes

ing for a 2 minute operation to flush it out. This was

It should have been then that I got off the trolley

had passed. Some of my medical team were sum-

only completed when I reminded them of the 4

and left the hospital! It took him another 10 min-

moned to try and ascertain what had been the

hour deadline. To get their own back, they admitted

utes before I was then given a further injection that

cause. They thought it was a Vasovagal Syncope - a

me back onto my previous ward.

sent me to La-La land.

faint caused by extreme emotional distress such as a

On the following Tuesday, I was given the

It was after 9pm when I came round. I was in the

long operation. Another two doctors then came

worst news I could have expected by my con-

intensive care unit with my own dedicated nurse.

from the cardiac unit and suggested it could have

sultant; I would have to have another reversal

My feeling at that time was that I had gone 15

been a minor TIA - a mini stroke. But a few hours

operation and have the colostomy bag put

rounds with Frank Bruno when he was feeling

later they said they doubted that diagnosis.

back for life. The next blow was that because I

angry. My wife was sitting next to the bed not look-

Within a few days I was sent to The National

had agreed to the stents, the operation could

ing too happy; this made me worry as she being a

Heart Hospital in Marylebone for a heart check.

not be completed less than 3 months after and

nurse for over 50 years, nothing much usually wor-

This is a very swish hospital with an abundance of

possibly not before 6 months. Then a consul-

ried her.

staff - somewhat different to the Homerton. The

tant cardiologist and anaesthetist would have

The nurse noticing I was now conscious

surgeon I was reunited with was one I had met

to agree that I was fit enough to go ahead with

decided to check my vital signs and ask me to

some 7 to 8 years ago when he put some stents in

the operation.

do some simple exercises. It all went well until

my arteries and as I lay on the operating table this

My own Consultant had provisionally booked the

she asked me to raise my left leg, which I did,

time having an angiogram, he told me that they

operation for Thursday September 18th, this was so

but when she asked me to raise the right one, I

were standing up well to my pace of life. He con-

a silly administration person could not cancel saying

couldn’t. It felt paralysed. Naturally this worried

tinued poking around and said that another of my

they were overbooked. It has since been delayed

me. The nurse began checking what could cause

arteries would need some attention in the future

again! The Editor asked me to give you an update

the problem and all the clues led back to the

but as I was there anyway, he could do it now and

on my 2 months in the Homerton, but as you see it

epidural. It seemed I was given too much and

save me a long wait when they were needed. I

is still a continuing story...

from above my right hip to below the knee was

agreed as he had done a good job previously, but

completely numb. A doctor immediately

this could have been a big mistake.

Tom Whitbread

stopped the epidural and some 11/2 hours later I

On my return to the Homerton later that day, I

began to get sensation back in the leg.

DaC Board Member

was reminded how atrocious the food was. It may

Call Sign August 2014

Page 10

In the final paragraph of my last

Call Sign article, I wrote that we

DAC SALES REPORT

had tendered for two accounts

With Keith Cain

and were waiting on their deci-

Carol Carpenter, who deals with

sion and as soon as I knew any-

Customer Relations, has been working

thing I would let you know. As

extremely hard to introduce herself to as

of this minute, we are still wait-

many of our clients as possible. She is also

surveying our clients and asking how they are

ing for decisions to be made.

finding our service. In the main, they have all

One informed us their decision

been very complimentary about us, how cour-

would be made by the end of

teous and helpful our drivers are and how

polite and efficient the staff are in the call cen-

February while the other said by

tre; which is exactly what we all want to hear.

the end of May.

Carol told me that she would love a pound for

Both did say that the process was taking

everyone she has spoken to who said the

longer than expected and we would hear very

same thing: “You would soon hear from us if

soon - that was in June. Not wishing to spec-

to offer them a very good deal. My corre-

we had a problem!”

ulate, it could mean the bids are close and

spondence with them did explain what a fan-

The next few weeks are going to be very

that we are in with a chance. If that isn’t the

tastic deal we were offering and I thought it

testing for all of us with the school holi-

reason, then I have no idea why they are tak-

would spark interest, even if it was to gener-

days in full flow and work slowing down

ing their time. But it does show that whilst

ate a meeting.

due to clients coinciding their vacations

accounts can close very quickly, it is the com-

But just one prospective client responded

with the children’s hols. But we have to

plete opposite when attempting to gain new

and a meeting has indeed taken place with

take a positive viewpoint in that from

ones.

arrangements now made for a full demon-

September it will improve.

I had a driver leave me a message via his

stration of our systems at the end of

While we have lost two big players, we still

terminal about getting an account on the

September. Again, you can see that accounts

have to be mindful that we are operating a

island because he had done a considerable

do not change suppliers that quickly.

£20 million company. Our individual trip

amount of time waiting for a trip. If it were

We have been on trial for the past month

average is still approximately £30 on average,

that simple to gain accounts, I assure you I

with one account that has offices in the City

which is far more than others can offer. We

would be doing it. It is certainly not for the

and West End. So I’m pleased to report that

must concentrate on looking after our clients

want of the whole Sales team trying.

we have done exceptionally well and they

and others will come on in time.

I also wrote that I had taken on board the

are now looking to take us to the next step

Unfortunately, not at the growth speed we

mixed feelings of drivers with regard to run-

of being their sole supplier. I would like to

saw not that many years ago...

ins and gratuities. One would like to think an

name them so you all know who they are,

offer to customers like that would spark a lot

however, I am equally sure you can under-

Keith Cain

of interest. I selected companies that we

stand why I won’t but that you will in time

know were big players in using taxis and cars

get to know them very well.

DaC Head of Sales

LTC TX4: 1000 up

since restart!

With the Society of Motor

Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)

TfL private

reporting a year-on-year positive out-

put for UK automotive production of

3.5% growth in May, the London Taxi

prosecutions

Company's own production team

Two men have been prosecuted for not

reached their first milestone, having

holding operator licences following TfL pri-

produced their 1,000th vehicle since

the manufacturing of the TX4 restart-

vate prosecutions. Mr Jan was fined at

ed last September.

Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 4th June

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive

2014 after pleading guilty to plying for hire

was quoted as saying “New UK-built

and holding no operator licence. He was

models will benefit from growing

caught touting on the 6th October 2013 by

demand across Europe, while significant

TfL Compliance Officers who observed the

investments in UK manufacturing opera-

driver accepting to take four passengers

tions are moving closer to production

without a booking made via an operator.

readiness.”

In the early hours of Sunday 16

This is certainly the case for the Coventry-based Black Cab manufacturer. With sales in the

September 2013, TfL Compliance Officers

UK and international markets continuing apace, the future looks bright for The London Taxi

were in Derry Street, Kensington W8 con-

Company, its customers and UK manufacturing in general.

ducting on street compliance checks when

Director of Retail Rob Laidler commented: “Given the challenges of restarting production, as

they witnessed a woman with her children

well as the implementation of new quality monitoring and management processes, we are all

being touted by Mr Charles. He was

extremely proud of the hard work and determination demonstrated by our colleagues working in

Production.

referred for prosecution and appeared at

“This is an exciting period of development and progress for the entire company. We still have

City of London Magistrates Court on 29th

much we want to achieve and implement, however, this milestone should quite rightly be a

May 2014 where he pleaded guilty to

moment for the team to pause and reflect on positively.”

accepting a booking without an operator

The passing of the 1000 cab milestone coincided with news that the Mercedes Vito sold just

licence. He was fined and ordered to pay

18 taxis in June compared to 84 TX4s...

costs to TfL.

Call Sign August 2014

Page 12

London Taxidrivers’ Fund for Underprivileged Children

LTFUC AND DAC GO TO SOUTHEND!

uly

10 saw the LTFUC annual outing to

Southend. It was a rather dismal morning but

with 300 happy children beginning to arrive at

Victoria Park, their smiles soon brightened

things up.

The 100-strong taxi convoy with its usual smat-

tering of Dial-a-Cab drivers began arriving at the

Park from 6.30am and the drivers began decorat-

ing their cabs with hundreds of balloons. After a

quick breakfast at the Park’s Pavilion Café, it was

back to the taxis to welcome their special little

passengers for the day. On hand to greet the chil-

dren were the Furry Tail Folk, Blanco the

Clown and Misiz, Clown Jolly Jack and Miss

Ballooniverse - most of whom carried on enter-

taining the children in Southend as well joining

us all day in Southend.

We were also delighted to have The

Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers

join us. They were the Chairman of their Charity

Committee, Diana Hughes, the Company

Master Jeremy Balcombe and their Fund Raiser

Co-ordinator Nick Perry. Get Taxi sponsored

and Costco supplied and handed out bottles of

water, while Sainsbury’s, Low Hall (Chingford)

donated of bags of fruit. We were helped and

supported by Tower Hamlets Council.

At 10am, the 100 horn-blowing taxi convoy set

off along with the Essex Police and Blue

Knights Law Enforcement Motor Cycle Club

(England 7 Charter) escorting us safely to

Southend in record time! Green Flag worked for

over an hour to fix one taxi and another one

which broke down on the way home. The Red

Cross were also on hand for the day. Meeting the

children at the seaside and joining the entertain-

ers that travelled with us were Salvo the Clown,

Balloonist Colin Jones and the gorgeous Snow

Marvin and chocolates for Michelle. Marvin also

donated £25 to each driver to cover the cost of

White (Sarah Hart). Together they created a

received a voucher from Vince White Taxis of

their fuel and Radiocoms Systems Ltd who

magical arrival atmosphere.

Waltham Abbey with a choice of £150 or a cab

loaned us their communication equipment.

After LTFUC Hon Chair Sim Yiannikaris had

service and MOT. The second prize went to Paul

At 5.30pm, a long conga led the children out

welcomed everyone, Dev Singh came on stage

Cresswell with Julia. He won the Peter Lucas

of the hall towards their taxis, but not before

and presented £800 to our charity. Dev had his

Shield, with champagne and chocolates. James

each child was handed a stick of rock, kindly

very long hair cut in order to raise money for us

Poole won a large bottle of wine for dressing in

donated by Southend Councillor Paul Van Looy,

and we are very grateful to him for that wonder-

a brilliant Union Jack suit. All the drivers’ names

to bring to an end a wonderful, brilliant, amazing

ful gesture. His hair was donated to the Little

went into a general draw and the winner was

and fantastic day.

Princess Trust to make wigs for children with

Jacqueline Gray, who won an overnight stay at

Unfortunately, our Hon President Bill Tyzack

hair loss - a lovely thing to do.

Mayfair’s Connaught Hotel. Jacqueline kindly

BEM and his wife Grace were unable to join us

After a quick lunch at the Cliffs Pavilion, the

donated her prize to the parents of the children

due to Bill’s poor health and the Hon Chairman

children were ferried down to Adventure Island

in her taxi as she felt they deserved a special treat

and all the Committee wish Bill a speedy recov-

for a fun filled afternoon. Thanks go to Brian

and some quality time together - a lovely gesture.

ery.

Houssart MBE, Hon President of the Southend

The final presentation was our

2014

The London Taxidrivers’ Fund for

Taxi Charity Fund for Children for his support

Certificate of Honour - presented by the Mayor

Underprivileged Children would like to sin-

in supplying the transport and also to Southend

to 10 members of the Westcliff High School for

cerely thank all those mentioned above for

Council for the use of the Shorefield Road Car

Girls, Year 10 School Council for raising a mag-

their help and assistance in making this such

Park.

nificent £2.450.63 for the LTFUC. We are very

a memorable day for the 300 children. The

As you walked round Adventure Island, all

grateful to those wonderful girls for their gen-

Hon Chairman and Committee also give very

you could hear were screams of laughter - espe-

erosity and time.

special thanks to all the wonderful drivers, as

cially as vouchers had been given to supply the

Then there were our face-painters Jacqueline

these outings could not happen without you.

children ice creams, donuts, candyfloss and

Walsh, Asha Lai, Kat Sinclair, Nicky Gardner

I must also congratulate the wonderful team

drinks!

and Fran Heaver who worked tirelessly painting

on the LTFUC Committee who do such an

At 4pm it was back to the Cliffs Pavilion for a

children’s faces and the four members of Danno

incredible job, not only on this outing, but all

tea and disco and our longstanding DJ Dave

Scordino Productions who spent the day with

year round and I know the children would

Davies and his team who kept the children

us to video the whole outing. A short promo-

want me to thank absolutely everyone for

entertained. We were also pleased to welcome

tional video can be seen on our website at

enabling them to enjoy such a magical day.

the Mayor of Southend, Councillor Chris

www.ltfuc.org.uk , but a full length one will be

Many images will be on our website at

Walker.

available very soon. We also thank the press and

www.ltfuc.org.uk along with a full video in

It was now time for the presentations. The first

media and especially LBC for their coverage -

due course...

one was for the best dressed taxi and this went to

including overnight presenter Steve Allen,

Raymond Levy LTFUC Press Officer

Marvin Houston and Michelle, winning the Terry

whose wit always entertains night drivers.

None walks so tall as he who stoops to

Stapleton Rose Bowl. It was Champagne for

There was also the anonymous donor that

help a child

Call Sign August 2014

Page 13

ALBANY OUTING TO HASTINGS

This year’s outing by the Albany

ing. Not to mention a great breakfast thanks

day is one of relaxed fun and the committee

to the generous LTDA sponsorship. Outing

are also grateful to Gina, from the Licensed

Taxi Charity to Hastings took

sponsorship is given by a number of organi-

Victuallers in Hastings for her help. Another

place on a cloudy, sometimes

sations; Ascotts, who sponsored the diesel

thank you goes to the Hastings Fairground

rainy day, but that did nothing

this year, Dial-a-Cab, Allied Bakeries and

who kindly allows the children free rides

Quotax. Also helping out on the outing were

throughout the day. With a disco and lunch

to spoil the event. Back in 1972,

breakdown services and St Johns

for the children to enjoy, the day was fun-

the Albany undertook their first

Ambulance. The committee are extremely

filled including for the drivers who take part

outing - which went to Margate;

grateful for all the donations and sponsor-

and the committee is grateful to all who give

twenty years on and the trips

ship that make the Albany outings possible.

up their time for the outings. Heartfelt thanks

The convoy made a stop at beautiful Bewl

to one and all.

began going to Hastings.

Water. Then it was off to Hastings where the

If you would like to help out on future

Starting out from Charlton Athletic FC,

Mayor and Beauty Queen of the town were

outings, contact Ray Ali on 07779 798872

the taxis were brightly decorated and a great

ready to greet us as we arrived. The whole

for more details.

atmosphere marked the start of the 2014 out-

ELCO’S ANNUAL TRIP TO MALDON

When London taxi trade charities organise their

over 60 years ago by my father, Charles, at the Elizabeth

outings there are sometimes moments at the

Fry School in Canning Town, with the first event featuring

last minute when things can go awry. This year

eight cabs and 16 children. At our peak, we had over 100

the East London Cabbies Outing (ELCO) to

cabs and this year we have about 75 cabs altogether with

Maldon - known in the town as Taxi Day - had

kids from Havering and Dagenham as well. The people of

a last minute change of departure venue and

Maldon always welcome us and line the streets when we

the committee are extremely grateful to West

get there it makes everybody feel special.”

Ham United Football Club for helping out at

Dial-a-Cab driver and long-time ELCO Committee member,

short notice. As a result, a great day was

John Dixon (B67), told Call Sign:

Smiling faces tell the story

enjoyed by everyone involved.

“There was a presentation of £3450 from Roding Lodge

So the Boleyn ground was the starting

to ELCO for which the charity was extremely grateful. This came because taxi driver and Roding

point where the children and carers gath-

Lodge member, Steve Keys, has been on many ELCO outings and this year got the Lodge to agree

ered before setting out towards Essex in a

that ELCO would be their principle charity. So our sincere thanks to the Roding Lodge (3090) and

convoy of over 75 taxis with the Blue

also to all the drivers and sponsors for their support in making this outing so successful. That, of

Knights Motorcycle Club and of course, a

course, includes Dial-a-Cab for their ongoing sponsorship.”

police escort alongside for company!

As the taxis drove through East Ham, local fire-

fighters made a good deal of noise with their

sirens to welcome the convoy. A comfort stop

for refreshments was made at The George

and Dragon in the village of Mountnessing

and then it was on to Maldon.

In the town, the High Street was brightly deco-

rated and the streets lined with locals waving

and cheering. The cabs arrived at The Plume

School for lunch, then it was off to the

Promenade Park where there were birds of

prey, magic acts, children's entertainers, pony

rides and a disco, followed later in the after-

noon by more food.

ELCO Chairman Ken ‘Spanners’ Flemwell

said the event brought pleasure to everyone

involved.

“These are very special children and

we were delighted that West Ham provided

their car park to enable us to take them on this

very special day out. The Outing was started

Call Sign August 2014

Page 14

Ricky Manetta

Dial-a-Cab Credit Union

self-defence

COME AND JOIN US, COME AND JOIN US

(To be sung as a hymn please)

course

Hello and hallelujah to

one and all...

I’ve heard from a certain Editor that some drivers wish

to know how our wonderful Credit Union works so

they can join our already 1000+ members. Well it’s

quite simple really, but some may have trouble grasp-

ing it as it’s so different from the High Street banks

and building societies.

Firstly you need to save; as a rule we like £20 per

week going into your savings. The DaC Credit Union

calls them shares (that’s the first difference). Those savings are how we lend money

out, unlike High Street banks that tend to buy money in.

Ricky (left) demonstrates Krav Maga

When you require a loan, we lend against your savings/shares, so if you have

£1000 saved, we lend against that by 3 times so you could borrow up to £3000.

Some of you may know of Dial-a-Cab driver

But this again is another difference because your £1000 savings stays in to your

Ricky Manetta (N16) who runs self-defence

account/shares and we give you the £3000, so in effect you have only borrowed

classes for taxi drivers. Ricky has now start-

£2000. Please God you are not sitting there scratching your heads, I’ve got a bit of

ed master classes in the City for all Dial-a-

Cab members who wish to attend.

religion going on here (I think)!

Ricky is head of the MMA Krav Maga

Hopefully you now have the information you require, or if you are still unsure

Federation, which is the system used by the

come down to our little office in downtown Hackney Road and I will do my best to

Israeli Special Forces. He is presently run-

show you on our computer if you still aren’t sure. I will then bash you on the head

ning special classes for complete beginners

(Amen to that)!

up to advanced level; the classes are limited

So if you wish to join our merry band of brothers and sisters, give us a call

to twelve people only, so they are almost a

on 0207 729 8171 or call in at Unit 14, Peterley Business Centre, 472,

large private lesson.

Contact Ricky on 07950 267574 or

Hackney Road E2 9EQ. We really are very nice people whose only aim is to

email him at:

help you when you need some.

rickymanetta@hotmail.co.uk if you are

interested. The classes are held at Fight

City Gym, Worship Street each Wednesday

New tyre shop opens...

between 2.15pm - 3.45pm and 7.30pm -

Due to huge demand, we have brought back the Tyre Shop downstairs as users

9.00pm. The cost is £15 per class. You can

also check Ricky out on YouTube...

of it will know how useful it is. We do Austones for TX cabs and Barum for the

Vito, plus 4-wheel laser tracking for the Vito and 2-wheel tracking for the TX.

We have a small number of Michelins and Contis, but we can order anything you

require very quickly.

One of the advantages of a downstairs tyre shop is that if you are a DACCU mem-

ber, you will be able to pay for the tyres through your savings, or if required, take

a small loan so there’s no need to worry about paying an unexpected bill. How bad

is that! As I said, we have started the tyre shop up again to help the hard working

Taxi drivers out there - ok, and perhaps to help persuade drivers to become mem-

bers of the Credit Union. And why wouldn’t you when you are saving your own

money but knowing the benefit those savings could bring you.

Harp Credit Union

The Harp Credit Union is for non-Dial-a-Cab drivers, their families and friends.

The-then Financial Services Authority asked us to take it over at a time when it

was going to be closed down due to poor running. So we decided to take it on

and since then it has gone from strength to strength.

This Credit Union works in exactly the same way as the DACCU, so if you know

someone who you think could benefit from being a member of a credit union,

give them our number as above and they too can join in the success.

That’s all for now. Please be very careful out there...

John Riley

DACCU Vice President

Call Sign August 2014

Page 15

On Saturday 21st of June, I

received a text message from a

FORMER DAC DRIVER

friend, Dave Bedford, telling me

that his Brother Peter had sadly

PETER BEDFORD DIES

passed away. Peter was one

of five brothers who grew up in

fixed. Several months later, my cab was

returned in pristine condition with new disc

SW London; both David and

brakes fitted and a further year's warranty plus a

Peter went on to become

year's free servicing! That was the power of

London cabbies.

Peter's negotiating skills backed up by his

Peter Bedford (ex-K02) had been a cabbie for

knowledge - and also his pit bull-like mentality!

over 30 years and was the first Chairman of the

Peter was always a dogged character. When

London Cab Driver's Club (LCDC).Before he

he first came into the trade, he was commend-

got his Badge at the beginning of the 1980s,

ed by Chief Superintendent Kruger at Harrow

Pete had jobs in the print and as an area man-

Road police station for his action in catching a

ager for a fuel company. He also had a spell run-

knife-wielding mugger who had committed a

ning his own garage before becoming a cabbie,

series of assaults on London cabbies. When they

so he knew his way around vehicles and it was

picked on 'Pit-bull Pete' they picked on the

this knowledge that he put to such good use on

wrong cabbie. He excelled at running and

behalf of his fellow drivers.

weight lifting and had a black belt in Karate. Not

I first met Peter when he was on Dial-a-Cab

only did he wrestle one mugger to the floor, his

and already involved with the Metrocab Club

actions led to the capture of the other one! Both

which had been formed by a group of Metro

of the youths involved received custodial sen-

owners having difficulties with the manufactur-

tences for their particularly nasty assaults and

er of the box-shaped taxi that first appeared in

Peter gigging at a London club

Peter was thanked for his valuable assistance.

the mid-eighties as competition to LTI’s FX4.

Being Chairman of the LCDC eventually

At that time I was a dispatcher on DaC and

previously been fitted caused problems with the

took its toll on Peter and he quit cab trade

had been introduced to Peter by other DaC dri-

differential and brakes because they were not

politics as an unpaid rep once the organisa-

vers at the Royal Oak. It was in the days before

up to the power a 2.7 lump produced. Again

tion had found its feet. His whole family had

mobile phones and for drivers to keep in touch,

drivers turned to Peter for help and his phone

helped the club grow; I remember his wife

messages would often be exchanged over the

rang off the hook!

and kids helping out with the refreshments

airwaves as finding phone boxes that worked

In the end, the Metrocab grew into the LCDC

at one of the first AGMs.

and being able to catch a driver at home at the

and the legal scheme became a powerful

His first love was his family; his wife Diane,

right time could be a bit of a pain. It was often

weapon against both manufacturers. In fact, it

who he met in 1967 and married in 1976 and

much easier to catch up over an arranged cup of

was because of Peter's dogged tenacity and

his two boys, Daryl and Ryan. He also leaves

tea in order to minimise downtime.

refusal to accept the usual excuses about prob-

behind two grandsons, Finley and Milo

So by default, I became Peter's personal mes-

lems being caused by the way cabbies drove

This was followed by the love of his music.

senger! I got to know about gearbox problems

their taxis that Metrocab were closed down and

Peter sang in a local band playing harmonica and

that needed fixing at KSM's in Carlshalton and

LTI were forced to up their standards.

keyboards. He loved soul, Motown and the blues

tracking that would need to be taken to have the

I speak from personal experience as one of

and would take every opportunity to play a gig in

chassis adjusted. I knew all about Putney Bridge's

the Fairway owners who had problems with a

the South West London area that he grew up in.

Brian Brown, aka ‘Bloodless’ before I ever met

cab that would not stop due to an ineffective

Some drivers may also remember him as the

him and how LTI tried to buy his disc brake pro-

braking system and benefitted from Peter's

bloke who paid out HATDU's credit cards in

totypes that many drivers now take for granted on

help. Having been at my wits end over the

between cleaning his harmonicas at Heathrow!

their taxis. It was never quite that simple back

amount of downtime I had experienced with

Mark White (ex-B86)

then and Peter Bedford was one of the first peo-

the cab, I eventually called Pete. Within a few

ple to challenge the PCO and their obsession

hours of him calling M&Os, I'd had a call from

Brian Rice represented Dial-a-Cab at a ser-

with the turning circle at the test centre.

the dealership offering to take my vehicle and

vice held for Peter at the North East Surrey

Messages would go back and forth over

give me a brand new replacement until it was

Crematorium, Lower Morden on 7th July...

the DaC airwaves as Pete sought to represent

his growing membership. Half the time I had

no idea what he was going on about and

whether someone's big end would last out

20mph speed

the week or their diff would need welding.

But if someone needed help, I knew the

bloke to ask and even got used to knowing

where he would be and with whom. I could

even advise drivers without reference to

limit for City

Peter as I heard the advice again and again!

But I also became aware that his selflessness

was starting to cost him money as he started

later and later each night having spent hours

rom 20 July, the City of London - with the

listening to drivers problems at night and

exception of Victoria Embankment and up

spending his day trying to resolve issues on

through Tower Hill to Mansell Street - became

the phone, only to try and get some sleep

a 20mph zone. Authorities claim it will increase road

before his phone started ringing and causing

him to go to work later than he should have.

safety and cut accidents by 7%. It will also assist in

He became a 24 hour helpline as more and

the Mayor’s aim of putting more and more cyclists

more drivers learned of his growing reputation

on the road and keeping them safe.

and the success of the Metrocab Club legal

Unlike other 20mph schemes, this one is said to

scheme. It was mainly down to Peter and his

be supported by the City police and will be

small band of willing helpers that the Metrocab

Club became the London Cab Drivers Club that

enforced.

most people now know.

When LTI changed their FX4 model with the

See Editorial on page 3

much better Fairway, the Nissan engine that

was much quicker and a better unit than had

Call Sign August 2014

Page 16

In last months’ issue of Call Sign we were

We’ve all had them; so if you want to share yours with Call Sign

given an insight into what it’s like to be a

readers, tell us about...

female taxi driver in what is still considered to

be, despite their expanding numbers, a pri-

marily male occupation.

Each of us has, from time to time, picked up

My Journey from Hell!

an awkward passenger and dealt with the situ-

ation in our own way.

added sweetly that I had his safety in mind,

Being a female probably puts a different

although nothing could have been further

aspect on the passenger/driver relationship

from the truth at that moment in time because

and this month Jackie Hill (S34) tells us of

my blood was boiling!

her own ‘rider from hell’.

“That’s when he accused me of not being a

“It was a few years ago now but I remember

‘proper’ cab driver at which I burst out laugh-

the incident as though it were yesterday,”

ing and offered him the opportunity to find

Jackie recalled.

another means of transport once he had paid

“I was in Eldon Street one evening when a

me. But he said he was not going to pay and

hand went out and a ‘suit’ waved me down. He

that’s when we ended up at Walworth Police

gave his destination as Denmark Hill and we

Station, having called his bluff about daring me

set off with the passenger immediately begin-

to do so.

ning a phone call. Traffic at the Bank junction

“The desk officer listened to both our ver-

was at a standstill, so I diverted towards Queen

sions of events and explained to Mr Doughnut

Victoria Street to take Blackfriars Bridge. Oh

that taxi drivers do not need hassle from

dear! By now he had finished his call and bel-

drunks like him and made him pay me. The

lowed out where the hell did I think I was

going? I told him that I hadn’t wanted to dis-

passenger then stormed out of the police sta-

tion and I thanked the officer for his assistance.

turb his phone call but had he not seen the traf-

Jackie Hill: Would she have had the

fic heading towards London Bridge? Surely he

“Yes, I was happy that I had prevailed, but

same hassle had she been male?

would want me to keep moving but I added

was fuming at how badly the evening had

that I would be happy to turn around and go

Camberwell Green there is a bus lane that is

ended and went home feeling still irritated at

sit in the traffic jam!” Jackie’s voice took on the

denied use to taxis, but this guy could not

this passenger’s attitude, knowing the incident

same indignant tone as with which she had

accept that fact and demanded I used it, want-

could affect my driving.

obviously spoken to her passenger.

ing me to ‘speed up’ even though I was hitting

“So the point I’m making is that had I had

“At this point he huffed and puffed, mum-

35 mph as it was because I could not wait to

been a burly male driver, would I have been

bled something incomprehensible under his

get him out of my cab!

subjected to a tirade and aggression such as I

breath, so I said I would just carry on then and

“We came up to a set of traffic lights and

experienced from Mr Nasty? Probably not, but

we continued on our far-from-merry way

anticipating the amber that suddenly appeared,

the only way is to laugh off these idiots who

because I was now well aware that I had picked

I came to a stop. That’s when Mr Know-all in

cannot handle their booze and hope they have

up the nightmare fare of the day!

the back yelled that I could have made that

the hang-over from hell the next day!”

“As we approached Walworth Road, he

light! I told him quite firmly that I was not

Alan Green (E52)

became even more aggressive. Close to

going to jeopardise my licence for him and

Call Sign Online

In an era where more and more signs are appearing on taxis, TfL tell us about...

UNAUTHORISED SIGNAGE ON TAXIS (1)

It has recently come to our attention that some taxi drivers are choosing to display stickers or printed papers in their vehicles which include

use of the Transport for London (TfL) roundel (which is an unauthorised use of a registered trademark) and which may state the driver’s nega-

tive opinions about taxi and PHV apps.

The London Cab Order 1934 paragraph14 (l), states the licensee shall not, otherwise than in accordance with the directions of TfL, cause

or permit any object, or any printed, written or other matter to be displayed on the outside or inside of the cab, or be presented to any pas-

senger by way of advertisement. Drivers and owners of taxis are able to place advertising and other material on their taxis as long as it meets

the TfL taxi and private hire guidelines for advertising.

Anyone wanting to display or provide any printed or written material (including advertising or other signage) on the inside or outside of

their vehicle or to passengers, which does not meet the advertising guidelines, is required to seek prior approval from TfL before doing so.

In light of the above, TfL requires that all drivers/owners remove all unauthorised objects, printed, written or other matter

from their taxis with immediate effect. The licence of any taxi found to display any such material that has not been authorised

by TfL may be liable to suspension or revocation.

Garrett Emmerson, COO, TfL Surface Transport

See Editorial on page 3...Ed

UNAUTHORISED SIGNAGE ON TAXIS (2)

This was sent to us by a Dial-

a-Cab driver who says he

took offence at TfL’s letter to

the trade regarding unautho-

rised signage and asked

whether the firm in the

photo were told off for use of

the TfL logo..

Call Sign August 2014

Page 17

ugust

2014 marks the

100th

Over the past year, Call Sign has been looking at the part families

anniversary of the start of The

of Dial-a-Cab drivers played in times of war. This month, Call Sign’s

Great War, but what sort of state

historian, Sean Farrell (B39), looks at the trade itself as what would

was the cab trade in at the time? In

1914, the largest taxicab company in London

become known as The Great War of 1914 - 1918 war broke out...

was The British Motor Cab Company

(BMCC) whose business was based in

Grosvenor Road. They were said to control

over 4,000 of the 7,000 motor cabs that were

then plying their trade in London with

1914

garages in Chiswick, Farm Lane Fulham and

Brixton Road (The London General, which

the British Motor Cab Company had taken

over in 1913).

Despite grumblings from drivers that they

were being fleeced by the garages as to the

rates they had to pay, several of the smaller

businesses collapsed under the pressure of

trying to run a small fleet.

In 1913, BMCC brokered a deal that

ended a ten week strike over the drivers

paying 1s 1d (6p) for a gallon of petrol

instead of 8d (4p). They found that once

the engine had started, it could run effi-

ciently on a mixture of petrol and paraffin

and the drivers were only to be charged

the original 8d a gallon for this new mix-

ture. For their 8d, the drivers were told

that they would get 18 mpg from their

The Daily Mirror dated 17 February 1914 reports on the perpendicular cab!

cabs but the men found out that they

averaged only 12 to 14 miles per gallon.

omnibus horses either as all but one bus

almost immediately by other members of the

The BMCC had agreed to give a rebate to

company had switched over to motorisation.

public who said they would only get into a

those drivers whose cabs were averaging

There appears to have been an increase in

cab if it was carrying the war posters.

less than the 18mpg, but payments were

horse cabs during the strike of 1913, but no

Although the arrival of the taxicabs had

often slow or not forthcoming at all.

such increase once the hostilities of 1914

meant the end of the cab horse, it also meant

The 2500 journeymen of the company

began and petrol became hard to come by.

that cabmen had a skill that many members of

agreed to hold a meeting at Lambeth Baths,

Accidents were ever-present. Henry

the public did not have - they could drive a

then at the corner of Lambeth and

White cranked up his cab, as he did sev-

motor car. Many cabmen enlisted as the call for

arms went up and it was estimated that by the

Kennington roads. But many men com-

eral times each working day, but the cab

end of 1914, over 3,000 cabmen - about a third

plained about the all-too-frequent union

lurched forward and crushed him against

of the workforce - had joined the Army, many

meetings held there, which always began at

a wall, killing him instantly.

of them in the transport and medical regi-

midnight when the men were not working.

Once war was declared, many cabmen

ments. It remained to be seen how many came

So it was decided that the cab trade would

began to sign up. Those that remained car-

back and returned to their former trade...

have a holiday and not a strike day, and meet

ried recruitment posters on their cabs. This

up there and discuss strike action “during

sparked a debate from some who said they

Sean Farrell (B39)

daylight.”

would refuse to get in a cab that carried such

In the end the strike came to nought as the

posters. These refuseniks were shouted down

Call Sign Online

company agreed to improve the quality of its

petrol, presumably by adding less paraffin to

it. So the men returned to work. The cabmen

Dial-a-Cab Credit Union

however were not the only ones to complain

about the quality of the petrol. Taxicabs were

being blamed for an increase in the numbers

Ever needed money quickly but were anxious about

of people suffering from coughs and sneezes

variable bank interest rates?

- which were put down to exhaust emissions

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

from taxicabs. Sounds familiar?

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

If some things have not changed, then

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

how about the musher who crashed his

at your address also qualifies for membership!

cab into a bollard along Victoria

Embankment by Cleopatra’s Needle? The

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

cab had stopped perpendicular to the

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

up to 3 times your total savings…

roadway forcing other road users to go

around it. It was still in the same position

The cost?

five days later much to the amusement of

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

the public and the press - particularly the

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

Daily Mirror of

17th February 1914 -

which remarked that the meter was sup-

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

posedly still ticking away!

Call us on 020 7729 8171 or 020 7749 0585

In 1912, the London Yeomanry - at a meet-

ing at the Royal United Services Institute

Members of the Financial Ombudsman Service

in Whitehall - argued that the advent of the

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

motor cab had meant the “better class of cab

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

horse” they relied on had by that time virtu-

Registration number 213263

ally ceased to exist. They had no joy with

Call Sign August 2014

Page 18

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

It’s a cabby’s life

of an archaic factory fit JVC radio that cuts

Cabby lingo?

out momentarily when you are intent on lis-

I must tread carefully here as Call Sign’s con-

tening to something, that seemed a justifiable

tent must adhere to the strict criteria for fam-

reason to splash the cash. So the next day I

ily consumption; but a new euphemism has

hit Halfords on the Great Cambridge Road.

been added to the colourful lexicon of lan-

The sales manager advised a Pure Radio

guage used by taxi drivers.

Whatsisname told me!

because it has won all the prizes!

A taxi with the roof-top advertiser is

I know many drivers’ faces, but few of their

So I Bought the Pure DAB Highway

now affectionately known as knob head

names as I drive around the streets of

with several of them together collectively

London. This is the nature of our trade,

H240Di (without Blue Tooth) for £95; the

called Dick heads.

acknowledging colleagues with a hail-fellow-

Pure DAB Highway H260DBi with Blue

To qualify as a knob head, you need a TX4

well-met greeting, but then we may not see

Tooth can be purchased for £129. I also

with no exterior advertising and for this you

them again for ten years!

purchased an Autoleads DAB Film

receive the princely sum of £1,500 per year

Recently whilst ranked up on Stratton

for three years and free MOTs. Rather a trifle

Antenna for £19.99.

Street a Dial-a-Cab guy I hadn’t seen for

sum in return for losing your pride.

I was told a fitter could install the kit for

years was listening to music, decibels up

£40. I initially baulked at the cost but remem-

high. He had just purchased a life changing

bering my friends DIY efforts, I submitted

First reserve???

gadget on the internet - a digital radio. It

and James installed the radio/aerial in 30

Finally from a good source, I recently heard

involved a plethora of wires connected to an

that a disgruntled employee of the Bank of

amplifier, connected to an interior aerial that

minutes, doing a first class job and leaving no

England had to wait over an hour for a con-

was connected to the radio. He was rather

wires in sight. He was also polite and helpful

tracted Addison Lee minicab to arrive.

proud of his ingenious handiwork and said

with any questions I asked.

Fortunately, an emergency service was borne

he was used to the exposed wires both high

For a total of £160 and with a 3-year war-

into play; a licensed taxi...

and low. The sound admittedly was great and

ranty, it has changed my working experience.

he advised me that if I got one then it should

But I still didn’t catch my friend’s bloody

Stephen Berndes

be a Pure Radio as it had won all the prizes.

name...

Call Sign Online

With that in mind and being in possession

A fifteen year rule for taxis? DaC’s Jon Robinson asked Call Sign...

Geely sell

their cabs

WHAT ABOUT THE 40

to... Shanghai!

YEAR OLD MINICAB!

Jon Robinson (E88) has been on Dial-a-

Cab for 10 years and says that in that time

he has seen enormous changes in the

London taxi business - one of - if not the

- biggest being the advent of a fifteen

year age limit for licensing taxis.

Many claim - probably with huge justifica-

But he went on to ask what type of

tion - that the TX4 London taxi could have

limit there is on minicabs because he

faded away into insignificance had the for-

recently took a photo of an estimated

mer LTI vehicles not been rescued by Geely

forty-year old Morris Minor with a pri-

and their Shanghai factory. But now it isn’t

vate hire roundel on the back. Jon said:

just the factory that is involved with the

“I’m guessing that it had one care-

London icon, it’s the City itself as Shanghai

ful former owner! But it’s now on London's

- via the Shanghai Qiangsheng Taxi Co -

street as a minicab. Wasn’t there a ten year limit set on cars being used

prepares for the arrival in October of the

as minicabs at the time our 15-year rule came in? Whatever next from TfL -

first 50 taxis from a 200 cab order.

WW2 amphibious trucks that randomly catch fire doing tours on the river

Qiangsheng’s Director of Company

Thames?”

Operations, Zhou Wenhua, says that the

Jon is right that as from 1 January 2012, a 10 year rolling age limit was introduced for

vehicles will give priority to elderly and dis-

private hire vehicles while a 15 year rolling age limit came in for taxis unless exempted.

abled passengers thanks to the extra interi-

Then from 1 April 2012, all newly licensed private hire vehicles had to, as a minimum,

or room the TX4 provides. He added that

meet Euro 4 standards for emissions and be no older than 5 years. At the same time, all

the fare will be slightly higher than normal

newly licensed taxis had to, as a minimum, meet Euro 5 standards for emissions.

Chinese cabs but in addition to the extra

room, the company will hold training ses-

However, Call Sign believes that Morris Minors are one of the exempted PH vehicles,

sions to make sure drivers know exactly

even though we can’t find anything about it on the TfL website.

how the cab operates and how to use its

But it’s a beautiful car albeit small, cramped, very uncomfortable and prone to overheating.

facilities. It will also have an specialist team

But hey, Jon, you can’t have everything because if Camden Council has their way, our age

of mechanics.

limit will drop from 15 years down to 10. Then we’ll all have to buy old Morris Minors!!!

The TX4 is now sold all around the

Baghwat Singh

world, so it seemed strange that Shanghai

Call Sign Online

wasn’t included. But now it has!

Call Sign August 2014

Page 19

Well, how was it for you? No not the World Cup

Another true story from Geoff Levene

or Wimbledon, I refer to the Le Tour de

Limehouse. Did any of the estimated one mil-

UK and Spain to exchange events?

lion visitors get into your cab? Did any of the

huge £13million they were supposed to be

Way and the M1 at Junction 4. Pedestrians may

spending find its way into your back pocket?

be allowed to cross roads if proof they are going

Don't get me wrong, I'm immensely proud of

home can be proffered.

the way we dominate the world of cycling. It's

Throwing Donkeys off Church Towers

just that I don't understand how the Tour de

The Spanish have come up trumps again, even

France begins in Yorkshire. Or is it me?

though I'm not too sure what this one's about.

I wouldn't now be surprised if there were rec-

But I’ve been told it does what it says on the tin.

iprocal arrangements for future sporting events.

City Hall couldn't find a church willing to get

Will next year's Cup Final take place in the Parc

involved, but BT have offered the use of their

des Princes in Paris? I suppose if TV has any-

world famous BT Tower, hoping for plenty of

thing to do with it, the kick-off will be at 11.40

free advertising. A safety net will be erected so

on a Thursday morning in January!

the donkey could be ok. If not there will be

However, I have seen a dossier which is so

donkey meat on the menu.

secret that I have had to promises not to

Traffic? The still-secret report says that all

give details to anyone unless they, in turn,

roads will be closed in the square formed by

for them anyway because the end of the run just

make the same promise. So I’m hoping you

Marylebone Road, Euston Road, Gower Street,

happens to be the local bull-ring! So there will

will all keep to the promise that I know you

New Oxford Street, Oxford Street, Regent

be steak on the menu that evening.

will give. The plan shows that City Hall is

Street and Portland Place. Shoppers to Oxford

So the 2015 Running of the Bulls will be held

thinking of allowing certain events that are

Street will be offered a TfL-sponsored Uber

on Highgate West Hill. The animals will be

popular in other parts of the world to take

helicopter for those major stores with landing

delivered to The Grove with local residents

pads on the roof.

place here. Next year is Spain and here are a

George Michael, Annie Lennox and Sting pro-

few still-secret details.

viding drinks and sandwiches. They had intend-

One suggestion was turned down though. It

The Running of the Bulls

ed doing a barbecue but some suggested it

came from that nice Mr Anjem Choudary who

As you may know, this happens in Pamplona,

could be in bad taste because after all, we’re

is in the news so much these days. He has rec-

Spain. Strangely enough it started at about the

British! Wooden barriers will be erected right

ommended the quaint Iranian custom of bury-

same time as the Tour de France. Fifteen bulls

down to Parliament Hill Fields where the

ing adulteresses up to their necks and then

are released at one end of the town and thun-

bulls will be stopped. Police marksmen will be

throwing rocks at them. It was rejected for two

der down to the other end. Local young men

on hand just in case so it could be steak on the

reasons. Firstly City Hall was concerned that a

(also known as raving lunatics) are sometimes

menu again!

rock could bounce off and hit a passer-by.

joined by equally crazy visitors running along-

TfL say that traffic disruption will be kept to a

Secondly, it was pointed out that there are just

side the huge beasts and attempting to com-

minimum with only the following few roads

not enough rocks available...

plete the four minute trip in one piece - and

being closed: Highgate Road, Kentish Town

sometimes they do! The bulls always do, but

Road, Hampstead Lane, Archway Road, East

Geoff Levene (W32)

being Spain things don't always work out well

Finchley High Road, Falloden Way, Great North

Call Sign Online

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

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Call Sign August 2014

Page 20

The London Taxi Benevolent Association for War Disabled

LTBAWD TAKE VETS TO WORTHING

Mid June 2014 saw the LTBAWD

Officers and Committee would

hold their

66th outing to

like to thank all the sponsors who

Worthing. From 8.30am, the first

advertise in our diary

- the

of 110 taxis filled with veterans

LTDA, St Johns Ambulance

began arriving in the village of

and Millwall Football Club. Also

South Holmwood, while the

the villagers of South Holmwood,

residents had been busy prepar-

the catering staff, the British

ing food. Two hours on and the

Legion outriders for the escort to

taxis began the journey down to

Worthing, Fuller's Brewery

Worthing.

and once again of course, the dri-

On arriving at the coast,, the

vers of the London taxi trade who

drivers and vets went into the

give up their time so freely.

Civic Hall for lunch. MC, Melvyn

Without them, the charity could

Zeff, then called for a one min-

not function and they should all

utes silence in remembrance of

be proud of upholding one of the

those no longer with us before

oldest traditions of the cab trade.

introducing

the

Mayor,

You can read about the

Councillor Victor Walker.

The Swing Time Sweethearts entertained the Vets at Worthing

LTBAWD at

George Parsons then said grace

www.taxicharty.org

and lunch was served during which we were entertained by Phil

Kelsall MBE on the magnificent Wurlitzer organ. Our thanks go to

Our thanks to LTBAWD PRO Derek Leone

Jim Buckland of The Sussex Organ Trust.

LTBAWD secretary Paul Davis read out messages from HM

Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Charles and the Duchess of

Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers

Cornwall sending regards to the charity and hoping that every-

body would have an enjoyable day.

Magical Taxi Tour

After lunch, LTBAWD President and former Dial-a-Cab Board mem-

Wimbledon

collection

ber, Harry Joel MBE, said that 66 years ago he and five friends raised

£160 at a pub in North End Road Fulham and arranged to take some

war disabled to Brighton. With money left over, they then arranged

another outing - this time to Worthing and now 66 years on they were

still returning. Harry thanked the London taxi drivers for giving up

their time, while also welcoming 27 members from Headly Court and

the Queen Alexandra Gifford House, Princess Marina Home. The

President also made a presentation to Melvyn Zeff who has retired

from his role as an MC but decided to continue just for the charity at

Worthing

The Master of Ceremonies then announced the guest of

Honour, Vice Admiral Sir Adrian Johns, KCB, CBE, Knight of St.

John, ADC who thanked the Association for what they do for the vet-

erans in addition to the veterans’ carers and volunteers.

The Children’s Magical Taxi Tour recently organised a

LTBAWD Vice Chairman Gary Belsey then thanked everyone

collection at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships for

including Sir Adrian Johns and his wife and The Mayor and Mayoress

their children’s Paris trip to Disney. The trip, organised by

of Worthing. He said that the Association’s Patron, Dame Vera Lynn,

the WCHCD will be taking place again this year on 12th

was unable to be with them but went on to thank Johnny Rowland

for his golf day proceeds which were donated to the charity. Gary also

September.

thanked Audrey Sherry for driver’s fuel costs and all the collectors

Dial-a-Cab driver and Magical Taxi Tour Organising

who help raised funds for the charity.

Committee Chairman Phil Davis (F10) said:

He said that 2014 was a year to remember two world events; 100

“It was amazing that in just three hours, the collec-

years since the start of WW1 - a generation no longer with us but

tion raised £500 for the Disney trip. Thanks to

always remembered; the second being the 70th Anniversary of D-Day.

everyone who generously dug deep to help raise

Gary said that some of those who took part were with them in

such a great amount.”

Worthing.

“You didn't just help to win the war, you helped turn the tide

of history,” the Association Vice Chairman said. “You landed as boys

but by the end of that day had become men. Thank You...”

Keith Reading

Gary went on to say: “Since WW2 there have only been two years

Professional Toastmaster

when armed forces have not been involved in conflict and there

Master of Ceremonies

are a group of young people with us today who I would call the

Best of British - the men and women of her Majesty's Armed

Forces from Headley Court.”

Tele: 01279 465 938

He ended by announcing that Sir Adrian and Lady Johns had agreed

Mobile: 07774 860 374

to become Charity patrons.

Email: kgr.2@virgin.net

Then it was off to the seafront with drivers supplying a ferry service

to the vets before they all returned to the Assembly Rooms for after-

10% discount for DaC drivers and staff

noon tea, during which they were entertained by The Swing Time

Sweethearts who sang old time favourites and with everybody join-

Fellow of the Guild of

ing in.

Professional Toastmasters

At 6.30pm, it was time to leave Worthing for another year with drivers

taking the veterans back to their homes. The President, Chairman,

Call Sign August 2014

Page 21

LOOKING AT (TAXI) LIFE

With Tom Quigley (Y33)

per child for this ‘offence’ - a staggering £480

for a 3 child family. It probably worked out at

ing parts fenced off and inaccessible alongside

about the cost of the holiday for taking the

a notice from a local charitable trust set up to

family out of school time, depending on where

reinstate the pier to its former glory (one day) -

they went.

obviously requesting some sort of donation.

Whilst it may be deemed an offence to take

When you look at the sums required for

your child on holiday in school time nowadays

regenerating our holiday tourist industry, they

as apparently they are disrupting the class lev-

don’t seem to be huge and I wonder why the

els of learning, there is many a school and

government doesn’t just put the money up

many a child who has been disrupted when the

front with a scheme to employ local people,

school organises a trip across Mexico, up

get the pier built and opened fully to generate

Kilimanjaro or wherever the latest fad is. Those

income and then let the charitable trust have

children whose families can’t afford such trips,

repayment arrangements at a subsidised rate -

surely their levels of education is disrupted

if not just fund it all.

due to lack of class numbers or teachers and

We had that great series on BBC, The

assistants who have been unfortunate - or is

Coast, promoting the virtues, history,

The colour of Boris Bikes

that fortunate - to be selected to go on these

splendid scenery and places to visit, so it

great, all important pilgrimages.

So the Mayor has invited tenders for the so

seems a no-brainer for the government to

What further adds to the hypocrisy is

called Boris Bikes - even though it was Ken’s

invest in our seaside resorts.

that the rich private and public schools

idea once - with sponsors Barclays no longer

along with universities all close up 10 days

interested in renewing the contract. Part of the

Fine holidays (for some)

to two weeks before state schools. This

contract terms are that the new sponsor can

Still on holidays, as we step into the summer

year, as we all know judging by numbers of

change the colour of the scheme to suit their

season and the great getaway for families, I’m

cab for-hire lights being on, most of those

company colours, so I wait with interest; does

sure we’re all aware of the controversy sur-

closed on Friday 11 July with State schools

changing the colour mean changing just the

rounding the pricing of holidays during sum-

not breaking up till 23 July - some not till

bikes or also changing the road colours as well

mer months and the fining of parents for taking

the 25th.. This not only gives the rich and

as we’ve all been subject to what I see as polit-

their children out of school during term time.

privileged the chance of cheaper dates, qui-

ical graffiti. We had Ken make his mark with

In my local area on the Essex borders,

eter beaches and lighter evenings, but they

‘Red’ Ken routes, then Boris’ Tory blue Barclay

between 7 - 11 July many schools were closed,

almost certainly also miss the Bank

colours painted over the red.

firstly because Le Tour de France was coming

Holiday weekend rush at the end, which is

If Santander opts to get it, will the whole

through and many staff could not get in due to

when working classes factories and indus-

town be painted red? The colours of a company

road closures (though trains were running),

tries are traditionally compelled to holiday.

logo are very important, with leading internet

along with a midweek strike day. Schools also

A complete review of holiday companies

search companies such as Google and MSN

organised day trips so some parents took the

pricing and equal term times are needed before

opting for rainbow- type logos, Amazon (yel-

opportunity to use the week as an early holi-

such draconian measures are subjected on the

low) and Glam media (pink). Perhaps the con-

day, as their children were only missing two

poorer. When I ran my building business, it

tract should just be given to Bassetts Liquorice

days. This was especially a consideration for

wasn’t the times you were there, but what you

Allsorts and leave them all black! Will it become

working parents who have to face finding extra

did when you were there that mattered...

just an urban myth that from space you can see

help or monies to get child-minding cover for

the colours of the streets of London?

that week. Yet a number of those parents were

Tom Quigley

There is a serious point in that to change

fined by schools by as much as £80 per parent

it all will result in many road closures and

Call Sign Online

huge delays. I wonder if they build that

‘price’ into the contract...

Judged by your piers?

More and more people are choosing to stay in

Britain for their holidays, having been put off

by long waits and security checks at airports -

not to mention recent delayed passport prob-

lems. Personally, there is nothing more enjoy-

able than to pack your bags and spend a few

days by the sea. But what do you get when try-

ing to book a break in Britain?

Well, most holiday camps or parks for fami-

lies have a booking system regimented to a 4

day break, 3 night weekend or a 7 day package,

whilst similar sites in France etc allow you to

arrive any day and generally at any time. Hotel

groups are only slightly more flexible - albeit at

a premium price. I say hotel groups, but when

you walk along any seafront or promenade in

Britain, especially those nearer to London, the

majority of property has been converted to liv-

ing accommodation, retirement homes and

even fancy offices for large conglomerates,

leaving far less room for independent hotels.

As for the seafronts themselves, the first place

you usually head for is the pier, most of which

seem to be in sorry state of disrepair, often hav-

Call Sign August 2014

Page 22

For the past year, Call Sign has commemorated the 100th anniversary of the start of WW1 hostilities

by telling stories of DaC drivers and their family’s heroic actions at times of war. With the anniversary

on 4 August, we wind the series up with sincere gratitude to them all...

DAC WAR HEROES

On August 4th 1914, England declared war

or throwing immediate survivors and the bod-

ously hazardous Arctic Convoy routes. He was

on Germany. As we draw to a close this series

ies of dead sailors into the sea, which was

also present at the surrender of Japan on 15th

of Dial-a-Cab connected war heroes’ exploits

alight with burning oil. The force of the explo-

August 1945 after the USA dropped atomic

commemorating the centenary of the start of

sion ripped open the deck of the ship like a

bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and

World War 1, there are a few more men whose

can opener. Tommy was just 21 years old. His

Nagasaki.

bravery and devotion to duty must also be

fate was unknown.

mentioned...

Interestingly, a Jack Melville also served on

As this year-long series ends, Call

First, there

Dasher and was killed in the same disaster as

Sign would like to thank every-

was Private

Tommy, but his body was used in an elaborate

John Casey of

hoax - Operation Mincemeat - where the Allies

one that has taken the time to

the

East

hoped to convince the Axis Powers

give us stories of either their own

S u r r e y

(Germany, Italy and Japan) that the invasion of

wartime exploits or those of their

Regiment, a

Europe would go through Greece. His body

relative of DaC

was dressed as an emissary with a sealed brief-

close family members - some

driver and dis-

case containing ‘secret’ papers attached to his

who made the ultimate sacrifice

patcher John

person and released from submarine HMS

Connor (Y11).

Seraph with a Mae West life jacket into the

to preserve our freedom...

In addition to those above, there was Sid

Private Casey

John Casey

Med as if on a top secret mission that went

was awarded the

wrong. The Germans were duped by the rouse

Nathan (K88) with the Israel Defence Unit,

Paul Corr (N83) who was with the Green

Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry in

and many Allied lives were saved as a result

the field. In early 1916 in France, he bombed an

because the Germans had not re-enforced

Berets, Norman Adler (F80) who did his

enemy working party and later, with the assis-

troops there and the Allies landed in Sicily as

time in Aden, Lou Sherman who was a fire-

tance of a Corporal, captured 12 German sol-

planned. His story was told in the 1956 movie,

man in war-torn London, John Smith whose

diers as prisoners of war. He was killed in

The man who never was.

story of being a Japanese POW and being

action on 20th November 1917. The DCM is

Able Seaman James Frederick Clark,

forced to work on the infamous Burma rail-

only one level below the Victoria Cross, the

father of Steve

road was told by his nephew Eddie Smith

highest military service award for action in the

Clark

(G02),

(Y56), Alan Lewis (A44) who was at Suez

face of the enemy.

saw active ser-

in 1956, Mike Walsh (Ex C77) with the

Then there was Lance Corporal Alfred

vice throughout

Kings Royal Rifle Corp), Paul Charter’s

James Hickey, grandfather of Keith Hickey

WW2 on HMS

(J08) uncle Edward Charters who fought

(T59). He enlisted with the Kings Royal Rifle

Waveney, a

on the Somme, Ian MacDonald’s (C64)

Corp Special Reserve and saw action at Neuve

frigate that car-

great grandfather Fred MacDonald who

Chapelle in France as part of the British

ried out numer-

was involved in hostilities in Courcelles,

Expeditionary Force. His memoirs recall the

ous

escort

France, John Connor’s (Y11) dad John

trenches being so close to the German ones

duties in the

James Connor who was with the Royal Navy

that shelling enemy trenches caused German

Atlantic includ-

and James McCarthy BEM, brother of John

soldiers body parts to sometimes land in Allied

ing the notori-

James Clark

McCarthy (L29).

trenches. Others of his first-hand recollections

of the true horrors of war do not make easy

reading and are too graphic to put here. He

Appeal to locate taxi driver

sustained shrapnel wounds in Givenchy and

was medevac’d back to the UK. He died in a

to assist investigation

Birmingham hospital 19 days later on 29th

March 1915 from septicaemia, leaving a wife

Police investigating the sexual assault of a woman in Prince of Wales Drive,

and young children. He was just 23 years old.

Wandsworth are trying to trace a taxi driver who may have information that could

His name is inscribed on the tablets at Le

assist them.

Touret War Memorial cemetery in the Pas-de-

The victim, a 28-year-old woman, reported being assaulted after travelling in

Calais region of France.

a taxi (black cab) with a man from Mews of Mayfair, New Bond Street to

Able Seaman Tommy Neighbour, uncle of

Battersea Park SW11 on Saturday 19 July between 01:00 and 03:45hrs. Police

Keith Robinson

(C76) served on HMS

would like to locate the taxi driver as he may be able to assist police with the

Dasher, a ves-

ongoing investigation.

sel converted

The woman was wearing a blue and white patterned dress with a belt and the man

into an aircraft

with her was wearing a suit.

carrier.

Detectives from the Sexual Offences Exploitation and Child Abuse Command are

However,

investigating.

aviation and

Detective Constable Ben Hawkins said: “We are very keen to hear from the taxi dri-

diesel fumes

ver who picked up a white man and woman from Mews of Mayfair in the early hours

leaked into the

on Saturday 19 July and dropped them off near Battersea Park.”

hangar of the

The driver, or anyone with any information that could assist the investiga-

ship through

tion, is asked to contact DC Hawkins who is leading the investigation on 020

faulty

work-

Tommy Neighbour

8649 0424 or 07789 935492.

manship. On

A 31-year-old man from Kensington and Chelsea has been arrested in connection

27th March 1943, a lighted cigarette was care-

with the investigation. He has been bailed to return on a date in September pending

lessly dropped, causing an internal explosion

further enquiries.

and either killing those in the hangar instantly

Call Sign August 2014

Page 23

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Chat from the Call Centre

Please contact

Hello ladies & gents,

Alistair.strange@met.police.uk or

Sean.molyneux2@met.police.uk

Call Centre

Otherwise phone

We are in the middle of the school holidays and

07770 701281 or 07826 535561

many of you that have young children have

already been or arranged to go on a well-

Allan Evans

deserved summer break. There does seem to be

Control Centre, Operations Manager

quite a high number of tourists in London at the

moment, so let’s hope that they will generate

extra income for everyone.

Mike Higgins edits New York’s Taxi Talk magazine...

It has now been over six months since I took

over duties as Call Centre and Operations

Uber: The ride-share* fiasco...

Manager. My main aim was to make it more dri-

ver-friendly while streamlining the operation to

Greetings Dial-a-Cab drivers from the cabbies of New York City. We heard about your big Taxi demo!

make it more efficient, fair and equal for every-

Do you know about the shared-rides fiasco here? You soon will. Anyway this is my opinion...

one. I believe we are succeeding and I have

I've been studying this share-ride thing like a freggin' grad student the last few days. It's a BIG hype

taken on board requests and opinions from a

machine - with deep investor pockets - and cowardly politicians afraid to do anything. An outrage!

number of members to help us achieve that aim

The bombardment of media buzz words 'powerful taxi fleet

lobby,' 'taxi monopoly,' 'working moms,' 'work from home,'

and will continue to do so. I must also com-

'love,' etc are found within the context of many recent pro-Uber

mend Call Centre staff that have certainly

related articles - running simultaneously with so-called columnists

helped me on the way.

venting on how horrible legitimate taxi service is.

Coincidence? In the words of a great comedian... who are

Credit Cards

these people! Are they real people, real writers - or just good

Credit Card work is steadily increasing and the

'ole fashioned corporate shills doing their master's bidding?

Meanwhile legitimate yellow cab drivers, who are allowed to

numbers of App bookings are rising at a similar

ply for hire like your guys, are getting hammered with tickets - while

rate. In the very near future, all Credit Card

apparently no one else is!

trips will be treated the same as normal account

The ride-share app / crap should have been thrown outta here six months ago for a variety of reasons.

rides and any scrubbed journeys will be charged

In fact the foundation of ride-share success is the fact that they are allowed to work doing stuff the yel-

in the normal way. But more importantly, you

lows are not allowed to do! They can pre-arrange calls, use older cars, can charge triple the rate when it's

will also gain the number one queue position

busy and can even refuse passengers!

back for cancellations, thereby mirroring a nor-

And what about dispatching and responding with a hand-held cell phone where the driver has fifteen

mal account ride. DaC’s IT department are con-

seconds to get the job? Isn't that the epitome of distracted driving? And they can't tell me it's mounted on

the dash. I've seen those characters fiddling with and watching the device in one hand, while waiting for

stantly working on new technology and it won’t

their fifteen second window to respond! Oh noooo, that's not dangerous at all... right?

be too far down the road until a new dispatch-

And are ride-share drivers paying the state their fifty-cents-per-trip tax? Are they drug tested?

ing system is written that will prove to be a fur-

Crime tested? Road tested? Are their cars inspected properly? The list goes on and on and on...

ther advancement on the present system.

My main concern is that there is a lack of business now - good jobs are drying up for the legitimate

You sometimes read on public forums that

operators and this mess is creating a dangerous, long-term environment for everyone!

Dial-a-Cab are lagging behind in new technolo-

Yet the Taxi Commission is doing nothing about it... Why not? Who or what is in their wallet?

gy when in fact our IT Department, headed by

Mike Higgins

John Bankes, is in my opinion the best in the

Taxi Talk, NYC

business. So please don’t believe all you hear or

*Ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft use smart phone apps to despatch drivers who use their own

personal vehicles to take passengers. The drivers then share the fares with the companies.

read on these forums.

New Terminals

The fitting programme on the new terminals is

almost concluded and we have opened Roman

Way a little later to help those members that find

it difficult to attend during office hours. By the

time you read this article, everyone should have

been be fitted. The old terminal is now obsolete

and the remaining base stations that are still in

operation will soon be de-commissioned, so it is

important for you to make the appointments at

Roman Way otherwise your (old) terminal will

simply not function.

Rogue Drivers?

Finally, I am sure you are all aware that there are

some rogue drivers out there who have fraud

identifiers on their taxis or even none at all and

the Met Police have asked for your assistance to

track these drivers down. If you come across a

taxi that you think may not be legitimate, they

would appreciate any information you may be

able to give them either by email or phone.

Call Sign August 2014

Page 24

Win £100 with a caption...

Call Sign won’t be paying for your holidays but

we’ll give you £100 towards the spending

money for the best caption to this Patrick

Blower cartoon of Buck House, originally pub-

lished in the Evening Standard. The competition

is open to drivers and staff.

Entries to callsignmag@aol.com, by post to Call Sign

at the office address or just leave your entry in the

DaC driver’s reception addressed to Call Sign.

Closing date is August 11 and the editor’s decision

is final...

Azerbaijan buys another 500 TX4s

The Baku Taxi Company in Azerbaijan has bought another

500 TX4 taxis from the London Taxi Company. According to

their Financial Director, Vugar Ibrahimov, Baku is preparing

itself for the 2015 European Games and they would like this

delivery to add to the previous 1000 TX4s they have purchased

over the past three years. They will again be coloured damson.

The sale was negotiated following discussions between

Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Transport and LTC Vice-President of

UK Operations, Peter Johansen. A contract was signed on

26 May.

The taxis first appeared prior to the 2012 Eurovision

Song Contest held in Baku. Now the capital city is hosting

the multi-sporting European Championships and wants

to continue to be a popular tourist destination. Their MoT

believes that a modern taxi system will assist and 300 of

the instantly-recognisable iconic London taxis will be reserved

for VIP use during the Games. Perhaps London Mayor Boris Johnson could have taken a

leaf out of Azerbaijan’s book prior to our Olympics when taxis suffered via the Olympic lanes.

Peter Johansen told us: “This repeat order signals a strengthening of the partnership between The London Taxi Company and

Azerbaijan. When officials looked to improve Baku's taxi system, President Aliyev was integral in the decision to use the world’s

most iconic and recognised Black Cab. It’s only fitting that these vehicles will form the basis of the VIP fleet during the presti-

gious European Games next year. We're proud to be able to support the ambitions of Azerbaijan to raise the standards of the

country's taxi system replicating the world class service delivered by drivers every day in our vehicle on the streets of London.”

The 500 TX4s will be delivered in three batches during the second half of this year. The London TX4 has so far been export-

ed into more than 40 markets worldwide

July Caption Winner

Picking the winner of the July Call Sign photo caption contest showing Mike Son

and HRH Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall having a chat was rather difficult

because there were so many good entries. We even liked one that suggested HRH

hadn’t seen Mike since their last time at Walthamstow dogs! But we value our

neck!

However, after narrowing down the 141 entries to a final three of R73, R47 and

S35, we finally selected Brian Marcantonio (R73). Brian picks up a cheque for

£100 for his caption:

I don't care who you are, Dial-a-Cab no longer accepts TaxiCards...

Call Sign August 2014

Page 25

As we come towards the final

stages of updating our in-cab

data despatch terminals, the

Goodbye to DaC’s

more curious and indeed com-

puter savvy amongst Dial-a-Cab

drivers may be wondering what

old terminals

happens to our old’ MDTs as

they are steadily replaced with

“Furthermore,” he continued, “the termi-

the latest incarnation of data

nals have to be destroyed according to the

Data Protection Act requirements - almost

transmission.

certainly electronically - to remove all traces

Are they thrown into a skip and simply

of data and therefore render them useless.

driven away? Are they discarded ignomin-

This is done by a company in Warrington,

iously on a council tip somewhere after

Cheshire called Computer Disposals Ltd.

serving us so well for many years? What

They are a certificated company and remove

about security; is driver and client

and recycle our old terminals for free, which

account information safe?

is an added bonus of course, so Dial-a-Cab

For answers to these and many other ques-

isn’t involved in any additional expense to

tions, Call Sign asked those who know, John

the change-over program.”

Bankes, DaC’s Director of IT and Dana

Finishing, Dana added that the applica-

Thananjeyan, the manager at our Roman

tions the old terminal had were unique to

Way depot.

Dial-a-Cab and would be useless outside of

John confirmed that all the units were

the Society anyway.

being recycled - both ecologically and in an

“I remember having to physically smash

environmentally friendly manner

- while

with a hammer the hard drives on the MDI

MDTs we had prior to the one that we are

Dana gave Call Sign details of the replace-

replacing now. It was both dangerous from a

ment program.

personal safety viewpoint - and hard work!

“Firstly, let me assure everybody that there

Dana helps Computer Disposals to load

Fortunately, things have changed,” he said

is no risk of sensitive information being

up our old terminals

with a smile...

leaked,” Dana told Call Sign. “The terminals

in driver’s taxis were just running an applica-

securely held in our main servers at Dial-a-

Alan Green

tion program, that’s all. All confidential infor-

Cab House so, as I said earlier, there is no

mation such as driver or client details are

risk of leaks.”

Call Sign Online

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 August 2014

Page 26

As DaC’s Network Administrator and regular Call Sign contributor prepares to leave

It’s goodbye from me and...

fter just over 10 years’ service at Dial-a-Cab, I will shortly be

a stamp of approval, informing u

moving to pastures new. I started at DaC back in July 2004

further audits would not b

as Network Administrator, taking over from Roy Masterson

required as we had adhered t

(I'm sure some of you will remember him). At the time,

such a high standard of informa

DaC's internal network was a tad neglected; the servers were running

tion security.

the already obsolete Windows NT4 and the business used Microsoft

Exchange 5.5 for email. The call centre and other employees were

So why I am leaving?

This leads me to my reason for

using Windows 98 or 2000. Even back in 2004, you can see that the

business’ technology was aging. So I kept the network ticking over,

leaving DaC. I feel that my work

here is done and I wish to move

adding improvements and consolidating technologies wherever pos-

sible, to reduce DaC's operating costs.

into Information Security full

time. I've been involved in every

In 2006, my boss - John Bankes - instructed me to begin the lengthy

project DaC has delivered over

process of upgrading the business to Windows Server 2003, Exchange

the past decade; network archi-

2003 and Windows XP in preparation for the inevitable building move

tecture and maintenance, MDT

in 2007. Whilst this in itself was feasible - I'd already performed a simi-

deployment, Website and App

lar process in a previous role - doing so whilst keeping the business

development,

Information

online 24/7 seemed almost impossible. Nonetheless, with enough

Security and Compliance. It's been a truly unique and exciting

preparation and support from the business, the migration to the latest

decade. I've learned so much and had an amazing number of opportu-

operating systems was achieved without loss of availability.

nities. But the time has come for a change and so I'm moving to an

The following 8 months were the most intense in my career as we in

American firm with an office here in London. They specialise in career

IT made the preparations to move the business from Brunswick Place

websites, so you'll be pleased to know they have no links to the taxi

to Marten House (which later became known as Dial-a-Cab House). The

industry. I'd never work for the competition - DaC is, and always will be

entire IT department was pulled into managing massive parts of the

the finest black taxi circuit in the world. The private hire companies and

move, obviously due to DaC's complete reliance on the infrastructure.

one-hit wonder Apps will come and go, but Dial-a-Cab will remain.

It was an exciting, yet exhausting time for us all; we clocked up many

I’ve worked with some of the finest IT minds in the city and for the

12 or 14 hour days and many times several of us didn't even go home

most progressive Chairman I’ve ever met, all of whom I shall miss. I wish

at night! There were simply so many things to consider. Both the new

you all the best for the future.

data centre (30-odd brand new servers) and contact centre (75 desk-

Jon Winterburn

tops) had to be planned and built. The building's network infrastruc-

ture (cabling, switches, firewalls) had to be purchased, built, configured

We wish you well Jon and thank you for all the fascinating arti-

and tested. All these servers and desktops required building and

cles written for Call Sign over the years. Dial-a-Cab ‘Gamers’ will

installing and we had to ensure it would all function correctly with

also be hit hard! Good luck for the future...

DaC's incumbent ecosystem and dispatch system.

At the same time we were planning the building move, we

were migrating the radio infrastructure from archaic technolo-

HACKNEY ROAD TAXI TYRES

gy (which we could no longer repair and which couldn't cope

with the amount of work being generated) over to modern,

modular, high throughput equipment.

FOR THE BLACK CAB TAXI TRADE

I could write pages about those experiences, but I'll spare you the

boring technical details. Suffice it to say that during the final cutover

from one building to the other, we never lost connectivity with the

• Austones for the TX

fleet, our customers or any critical services. It was a proud moment in

DaC's history; no other black cab circuit could boast 100% uptime

• Barums for the Vito

during an infrastructure change, especially one so huge in scale.

Business was booming. We couldn't cover the work. The contact cen-

• Michelin and Continental

tre was swamped with bookings. Customers demanded more ser-

vices, and we delivered. They wanted highly bespoke reporting, we

also supplied

delivered it. They wanted a unified system where they could book a

taxi or a PH vehicle (not ours but via their already established con-

•

4-wheel laser tracking

tracts), and we gave them this. Concierge generated millions in rev-

enue and took work away from other circuits, putting it into the DaC

for the Mercedes Vito

driver's cabs. They wanted a booking app for iPhone, Android and

BlackBerry devices, and we delivered that too.

• Puncture repairs

Then came the credit crunch. Suddenly every penny counted and

every operational cost and business process was scrutinised. Our

biggest customers wanted to audit our operations from an

• Also free tyre checks

Information Security perspective. Due to breaches of Personally

Identifiable Information (PII) in some of the world's largest business-

es and the collapse of many banks, they wanted to know that the data

Find us downstairs the

we held on their personnel (profiles, billing, and trip data) was being

handled securely, and rightly so. We were subjected to annual audits

DaC Credit Union at

by three of our biggest customers, each unique and in-depth. I'm talk-

The Peterley Business Centre,

ing about 400 questions per audit, each one requiring detailed

472 Hackney Road, E2

answers and evidence to back up our claims. I took the lead in these

audits, referring to management when needed. It was a huge learning

curve and I found I not only excelled at it, but rather enjoyed it too!

0207 720 5237

The last audit we had to complete resulted in our customer giving us

Call Sign August 2014

Page 27

John Gilbert

Call Sign asked the first eleven Dial-a-Cab drivers it came across

(W72):

No, not for me. I

and who were prepared to give a view, whether there was any-

do not have a fancy

thing Uber could do to persuade them to join...

phone and I’m not

computer literate.

Anything techno-

logical like that and I ask my grandchildren.

CALL SIGN UBER SURVEY

Stephen Field

(F99):

Richard Levy

John Walker

Absolutely noth-

(Z50J):

(B87):

ing! Is that it? Have

No nothing from

They would need

a nice day…

Uber, thank you.

to drop the private

I’ve no need to;

hire element. They

Gordon

I’ve got Dial-a-Cab

have done us a

Thompson (K48):

and street work;

great deal of harm

Nothing!

Why

it’s enough for me.

since starting late last year and now it all

would I want to

makes sense to me because last Christmas

join them, I’m a

Terry Buffin

was not as busy as usual. I would never join

creature of comfort

(S16):

them anyway because the Uber CEO, Travis

No, nothing. Why

Kalanick, insulted us all by referring to taxi

and don’t like

change. I’m an elite

would I want to

drivers as a-holes (the footage appeared on

join them, I’m a

most social media sites). He rides roughshod

black cab driver;

black cab driver

over everyone and I believe he has instruct-

otherwise I could

and have done the

ed his drivers in Brussels - where Uber was

have joined Addison Lee all those years ago

Knowledge

banned - to continue working and that he

and not bothered with the Knowledge. But I

London, so I have

will pay any fines and replace any confiscat-

chose to be a real taxi driver. No one else does

not the slightest

ed vehicles. So he has effectively put two fin-

what we do and as we do it here in London.

inclination to join such an outfit.

gers up to a sovereign European state. Great!

Edward Gibson

Barry Carpenter (Z27):

(O70):

MMX1V

Huh? About 10K a

I think they are the

week and I might

biggest threat to

TAXI TYRES BACK IN

think about it! No

the cab trade for a

seriously,

very long time and

HACKNEY ROAD

chance really. Done

would never join

Many Dial-a-Cab drivers were using the tyre

the Knowledge of

them, full stop. I

garage in Hackney Road that was handily situ-

London and all

have held my PCO licence for 50 years, so I

ated downstairs from the DaC Credit Union

that, been driving a

don’t think I’ll be changing my mind!

offices. Handy because with the cost of new

taxi

30 plus years,

tyres nowadays, members of DACCU could

I’ve been on most

Dennis Camps

just pop upstairs to the CU office and get

of the radio circuits and Dial-a-Cab is the best

(S21):

them to pick up the tab knowing that the CU

as far as I am concerned. Don’t need Uber,

interest rates are among the lowest anywhere

That’s a hard ques-

thank you...

and that the repayments would be relatively

tion... I don’t think

easy.

I would but I do

Ian Thomson

Suddenly the garage announced it was

wish that we had a

(A14):

closing. But now, because so many drivers

bit more work. No,

There is nothing

expressed disappointment at the closure, it has

thinking about it I

Uber could say or

reopened under the name of Hackney Road

would definitely

do - nothing at all.

Taxi Tyres.

not join them.

It’s against my

So the next time you need any tyres for

ethics because I

your cab within five minutes of the City, you

John Williams

am a London

can find Hackney Road Taxi Tyres and be back

(L36):

licenced taxi dri-

in the work minutes after fitting.

I would never join

ver and anyway, I

Hackney Road Taxi Tyres are situated at the

a private hire com-

know very little

Peterley Business Centre, 472 Hackney Road E2

pany.

about Uber.

COMPLAINTS MEETING

A complaints meeting took place at Dial-a-Cab House on Monday, 23 June 2014. This is the result...

Name

Rules broken

Paul Faulkner (O13)

2 (x2), 3 (x2), 9, 11 (x2)

Description: Driver had prior knowledge of trips to gain an unfair advantage over his fellow members. Consequently

the driver was booking in from long distances to acquire lucrative journeys.

Verdict:

Rule 2: Two weeks suspension; Rule 3: Two weeks suspension; Rule 11: Expelled

Call Sign August 2014

Page 28

Call Sign’s Bob Woodford’s series of walks to help understand what

was behind WW1...

BOB’S WAR WALKS

these Walks is

highlighting some key characters and discov-

use

ering some emotive statues and memorials to

Westminster’s

relate the tragedy that was the Great War. The

iconic

land-

Walk will be circular, starting at the King

marks

George V statue in Old Palace Yard and ending

chronicle

outside the west door of Westminster Abbey.

brief account of

Here is a link to the RBL web page which

World War One

advertises the Walks -

- a commemo-

http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/about-

ration in this,

us/calendar-of-events/ww1-centenary/first-

By the time this edition of Call

its

centenary

world-war-commemorative-london-walks

Sign hits your doormat, I will

year.

The next dates that I shall be leading the

We shall be

Walk in person will be Saturday 23rd August,

have commenced providing pub-

trying to under-

Saturday 20th September and Saturday 11th

lic Walks that are run in conjunc-

stand how the

October. The Walks begin at 11am and last

tion with the Royal British

War started,

around two hours.

how it evolved

Any DaC subscribers interested would ben-

Legion to commemorate the

and the senti-

efit from a 50% discount and £3 out of your £5

100th anniversary of the start of

ment of the

is to be donated to the Royal British Legion.

World War One.

nation when

Email me at:

The Royal British Legion has joined forces

the War finally

rob@blackcabheritagetours.co.uk if you

with the City of Westminster Guide Lecturers

ended on 11th

intend coming along.

Meet Bob 11am at King

November

Association to run a series of guided walks

Meet at King George V statue in Old Palace

George V statue. Old

1918.

during the second half of 2014 in an attempt

Yard at 11am...

to bring history back to life. The theme of

Palace Yard

We shall be

Job of the

New

week!

Identifiers

Dial-a-Cab

driver

Howard

Flavin

(A18)

accepted an

‘as directed’

Spotted on a taxi rear window

account

ride and

he promised new identifiers for the front

like most

and back taxi windscreens should begin

drivers

being sent out to drivers by the beginning

of September. They are said to include new

knew that

security features but LTPH have warned that when

AD meant a

received, they must not be laminated but displayed

Howard's job of the week!

local, an air-

as they are sent.

port or a

There seem to have been a larger number than usual

wait and return. But as Howard told Call Sign, there’s

of taxis not displaying their ID and these have been

local and there’s local and 28 Ropemaker Place going to

assumed to be Yellow Badges by Green Badge drivers.

28 Ropemaker Place is just about as local as it gets!

However, it does seem that some drivers who had lami-

“Fortunately the customer saw the funny side

nated their ID have been asked to remove them by TfL

when he got in and I then went round to open the

Compliance teams, but allowed to work on with the

door to let him out,” Howard added with a grin!

assurance that a new one would be sent. These haven’t

You’ll be pleased to know that it was an error on

always arrived.

someone’s part and it went into town!

However, please do not assume that no ID means

“dodgy dealing” and even if you are certain, please do

not confront other drivers you suspect of malpractice.

Call Sign August 2014

Page 29

A (literally) steaming Pat Keefe

(G01) recently contacted Call

Sign with a hot topic. Pat tells

Hot under

the the story of his Vito, the hot

weather and LTPH/TfL. This of

course is the same TfL that

the collar!

allowed Uber to use what the

world recognises as a taxi meter,

mal on hot days such as the 19th was. Before

but are apparently ultra-hot on

anyone thinks the computer or display may

what they call safety reasons.

be wrong, well it has been checked by KPM,

Pat takes up the story...

SG Smith, as well as an independent garage.

By this time next year, we should have a

“Friday 19th July, the hottest day of the year

choice of four new cabs on the market - a

so far with temperatures according to news

new TX hybrid, Vito, Nissan and Metrocab.

reports hitting

33C

(92F) and Air

We will be spoiled for choice as never before.

Conditioning suddenly becomes a must for

A good thing for the trade, although only

we Vito drivers. We have no option but to use

time will tell. It’s too late for oldies like me,

our Air Con in this heat as the Vito’s rear win-

but I do believe anyone buying a new taxi on

dows do not open and LTPH will not allow

DaC should be made to have A/C as a stan-

us to fit optional small sliding windows or a

dard fitting - that’s both front and rear - as

sunroof. They say that is for safety reasons!

our competitors offer it as standard. Who

So the extra price of fuel is the

would buy a new Volvo, Merc or BMW etc

price I have to pay, as all Vito driver

without it?

pay and as do most Gold TX driver

But why am I writing this? In Call Sign of

who use their Air Con.

late it has been muted about the possibility of

I have taken a photo of my Vito

no run ins, no waiting time and no gratuities

dashboard’s computer display and

etc. Well with my fuel consumption so low in

it may surprise some of our Dial-a-

the hot summer months, I can't afford to run

Cab members when they see my

at (inset): His Vito on-board

long distances or sit in heavy traffic for no

fuel consumption being as low as

remuneration. End of rant!”

omputer shows 13.3 mpg

13.3 mpg - a figure that has been quite nor-

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

of the magazines of the time with a Flashback…

DIAL-A-CAB FLASHBACK

This issue goes back to October 1997 and a Call Sign article by former Sales Exec Allen Togwell...

A WEEKEND TO FORGET

Saturday 30th August 1997 was a complete disaster so far as I was concerned. I arrived at Battersea Park,

the site of the Taxi Driver of the Year competition, with a frame and two back-drops (one was a spare design

concept in case the original could not be used). On arriving at the site, I was unaware that there was no main

tent so in the process of driving round the site looking for it, I suddenly became immersed in a foot of mud.

After a few minutes of spinning wheels and splashing mud all over the cab and in the process being buried

even further, I eventually got out of the cab and needless to say, went knee deep into the awful stuff.

I noticed a tractor standing around and finding a representative of the show, I asked for his help to get me

out of the mud. I didn't expect much help and wasn’t surprised when I didn’t get any! I searched for another

rep who promised help. An hour later I was still waiting. I eventually freed myself.

If you are smiling at this stage, then it’s as well you weren't doing it at the time because the chances are

your testicles would be in the same vicinity as your tonsils!

I was told that Call Sign’s Vince Chin was to be there around 12. At two o’clock he still hadn’t shown. I

spoke to Mike Son who contacted him by mobile. He apparently knew nothing about being there at twelve.

As previously explained, the stand was in a mess, however I managed to erect it as best I could and when

Mr Chin arrived, we managed to get it into a presentable state.

I intended to get there early on Sunday to see if everything was okay. Unfortunately the tragic

news about Princess Diana’s death left me feeling gutted and affected my plans.

As a client of Dial-a-Cab’s, I wanted to get some flowers and pay Princess Diana our respects, but had trouble finding a florist. I eventually

found one at Sloane Square which involved a nice gesture. I asked the florist to make a wreath to the value of twenty pounds which he did. I

then asked him for a card. When I told him what I wanted them for he gave me ten pounds back. Nice touch.

I laid the flowers at Kensington Palace and being there relatively early dressed in my Dial-a-Cab blazer as I was still intending

to go to Battersea, I was approached by the press. I explained that the Princess had an account with us and that it seemed ironic

that one of the reasons she used us was to avoid the paparazzi - the very people who it is alleged were responsible for her

death. I was too upset to say anymore.

I eventually got to the show and stayed till around 2.30. I didn’t think it was very good although the death of Princess Diana obviously had

an effect on the attendance. My concern is that when minicabs eventually get licensed, they will put on a show that will make ours look a dis-

grace. By then it will be too late anyway.

All in all, a lousy end to a lousy weekend…

Allen Togwell

Call Sign August 2014

Page 30

Howard Sales (ex-A11) was a former DaC driver trainer who emigrated

to Oz and opened a garage. He keeps in touch with Call Sign and

sends the occasional update including about his liver transplant…

Howard’s Oz Update

of sexual assaults and overcharging.

let alone set down without being nicked.

Brisbane cabs have actually been fitted with

I got threatened with a PCN by a warden

meters that give a GPS location of the cab

whilst setting down a TaxiCard customer

to prevent drivers overcharging punters! In

in a wheelchair at the post office in

Hi from Australia...

a utopia that may be the case, but in reality

Victoria Street. It was a wait and return

I was only thinking the other day that I

as we know, there will always be unscrupu-

and I was told I couldn't wait and had to

haven't written to Call Sign in a while and

lous drivers trying to beat the system. The

park round the corner on a meter, then

hopefully there are still some that remember

vehicles used as cabs are gradually changing

go and collect the passenger from the

me! So here we go! In March 2012 we sold

from Ford Falcons and Holden

post office and wheel her back to the cab.

our garage business and in October I took my

Commodores to smaller 4 cylinder and dual

I have a lot of sympathy for drivers that

HGV licence - over here it's called an Medium

propulsion vehicles such as Toyota Prius

are still trying to earn a living as the best

Rigid and it enables me to drive a truck or bus

and Camry Hybrid; more are in the

taxi service in the world.

up to 20 tons, so long as it only has 2 axles. I

pipeline. LPG is used a lot and an increasing

I do miss the regular customers and

then got a job as a relief school bus driver for

number now use diesel, the price of which

the chats with a wide selection of the

special needs students. In the December, I

is $1.63 (90p) per litre. We too are being

general public, as well as the interaction

was given a run carrying 18 students in a

hammered by the government with cuts in

of drivers and people at Dial-a-Cab. I'm

Toyota Coaster 20 seater to a special needs

services, rising unemployment, increasing

still in touch via Facebook with a few

school for the last 3 weeks of the final term,

illegal immigration and closing businesses,

friends as well as some DaC drivers, but

they were all walk-ons and all had learning

but overall I believe from what I have

not the difficulties of the job.

difficulties and / or behavioural problems.

read that we are in a better fiscal position

I also have to admit that I am still wearing

When we started back in the New Year, I was

than the UK, Europe, Japan and the USA.

the DaC jacket that we were given many years

asked if I would like to do the run on a regular

Judging from what I read in Call Sign

ago with the logo and web address on it! You

basis and I said yes. Unfortunately, prior to

Online, it's becoming increasingly difficult

starting the new term, I had to go to hospital

never know, somebody may see it and contact

to work in the London cab trade with the

DaC for a cab on a visit to London!

for a liver biopsy as my 3 monthly blood tests

private hire trade, cctv cameras and traffic

had shown an abnormal reading and they

Be lucky,

wardens.

wanted to be sure that the liver wasn't being

rejected. The biopsy was a day procedure but

It was already getting difficult before I

Howard Sales (Ex-A11)

unfortunately they pierced a bile duct within

left to even stop and pick up passengers,

Brisbane, Australia

the liver which released bile into the abdomen.

I came out 15 days later and for a fort-

night returned every day for an antibiotic

DIESEL COSTS SINCE 1996

injection and changes to the two drain

tubes. However, the results of the tests,

scans and MRI showed that the liver was-

Each year at around this time Call Sign look s back

n't being rejected, but the condition that

through its files at the cost of diesel since 1996.

required a transplant had returned. As the

cause is unknown, they believe it's an

1st June 1996 - 51.9p per litre - £2.36 per gallon

auto-immune problem that can't be treat-

1st June 1997 - 54.9p per litre - £2.50 per gallon

ed, so I now wait until the problem gets

me. That could be several years or not,

1st June 1998 - 65.9p per litre - £3.00 per gallon

depending on how fast it spreads.

1st June 1999 - 72.9p per litre - £3.72 per gallon

As a result I started the bus run in February

1st June 2001 - 77.9p per litre - £3.54 per gallon

and continued to do it until Easter this year

when I was asked if I would like a home bus

1st June 2002 - 75.9p per litre - £3.45 per gallon

run. This meant I kept the bus at home. The

1st June 2003 - 77.5 per litre

- £3.52 per gallon

run was for 5 kids ranging in age from 7 to

1st June 2004 - 89.0 per litre

- £4.05 per gallon

15. I have two girls in wheelchairs and two

boys and a girl that are walk-ons. All of them

1st June 2005 - 89.7 per litre

- £4.08 per gallon

have mental and / or physical disabilities.

1st June 2006 - 96.9 per litre

- £4.41 per gallon

I now drive a Toyota Commuter and do

1st June 2007 - 97.9 per litre

- £4.45 per gallon

around 442 kms (275 miles) a week, it takes

approx 3 hours a day split between morning

1st June 2008 - 128.9 per litre - £5.86 per gallon

and afternoon. I have a carer on the bus with

1st June 2009 - 101.9 per litre - £4.61 per gallon

me to keep an eye on the kids in transit and

1st June 2010 - 121.9 per litre - £5.51 per gallon

to assist in getting them on and off. We get

paid for 4 hours a day. There are 84 runs

1st June 2011 - 140.9 per litre - £6.37 per gallon

which vary in distance, time and student

1st June 2012 - 143.9 per litre - £6.87 per gallon

numbers on the bus, but we all receive the

same amount. We are all casuals and as a

1st June 2013 - 138.9 per litre - £6.27 per gallon

result don't receive sick or holiday pay.

1st June 2013 - 135.9 per litre - £6.14 per gallon

With prices varying from garage to garage,

And the Oz cab trade...

these can only be averages...

The cab trade over here has gone through

the same dramas as the UK; nightmen being

attacked and robbed, even being convicted

Call Sign August 2014

Page 31

Mailshot

Either write to Call Sign at

One of the world’s busiest banks saving what

must be chicken feed to them in exchange for

Dial-a-Cab House

a poorer service and poorer quality of driver -

or email us at

because with no disrespect meant to Yellow

callsignmag@aol.com

Badges, they are nowhere near as proficient in

their knowledge of London as every single

Dial-a-Cab driver must be, all being Green

Licence wait

Badges.

Hi Alan

Had I owned a JPM credit card, I might have

number of drivers but thanks to Call Sign,

I read the story from Graham Leonard

cancelled it and gone for a Mickey Mouse one

our list is now filled.

(J20) in the July Call Sign (What’s all the

with a lower interest rate, after all, isn’t that the

Bob Woodford (Ex-P49)

fuss about) where he says his renewed taxi

be all and end all of business now - never

driver’s licence came back almost straight-

mind the quality, just save the extra penny?

Thanks to Tom and

away after hearing stories about long

And no offence meant to Mickey Mouse!

delays. Just to add to that, I got my licence

Alex Constantinou (N05)

DaC

back seven weeks before its starting date

Brian Rice replies: What would you like

Hi Alan

having also sent it off early to be on the safe

me to say Alex, other than I agree with

I would like to thank Tom Whitbread and

side. Perhaps LTPH really are starting to get

you! We provided a first rate service to

Delfont Mackintosh theatres for the free

it right?

the ‘Island’ by both Members and back

tickets for Miss Saigon. My wife and I thor-

Bernie Silver (G08)

office. However decisions regarding the

oughly enjoyed the show. I’d also like to

It would be nice if we didn’t have to

account were made by people that do not

say a big thank you to all concerned in

send it off quite so early, but yes Bernie,

use the service and are based in New

developing the all new computer equip-

it is welcome progress ...Ed

York. It appears at the moment that ser-

ment. It is a brilliant job. Well done.

vice and loyalty take second place to cost,

Mo Abrahams (R85)

but events are cyclical and who knows

Pleased you enjoyed the show Mo. If

Thanks to LTFUC

what the future might hold?

you read the article by Tom regarding

Hello

This cost cutting which exists at the

his medical condition inside this issue,

My 10 year old son and I were lucky

moment can be traced back to the licens-

it will amaze you that he had the

enough to go on your Southend trip and if

ing of minicabs; gone are the days when

patience or desire to organise anything,

I’m honest, I’m feeling a little over-

corporates would not risk putting their

let alone theatre tickets ...Ed

whelmed by the day. I am a single mum and

staff in uninsured vehicles. Then

my son, Tommy, has high functioning

overnight they became legitimate and

Autism. His life is difficult and he doesn’t

Lost property

grew to nearly 70,000 in number - plenti-

feel good about himself. It breaks my heart

Hello Alan

ful and cheap as they do not compete on

to see him suffer and to feel that he is dif-

I am one of your online readers and let me

a level playing field with licensed taxis.

ferent.

first say what an interesting read it pro-

But today Tommy has been made to feel

During the intervening years and coupled

vides. I was with ODRTS from 1959 until

with a recession which commenced at the

special. From the beginning to the end of

we moved from Pentonville Road to

the trip, he was made to feel like he mat-

beginning of 2008, the licensed, plentiful

Shirland Road. A heart problem saw the

tered. Our taxi driver (Bradley - I stupidly

and cheap minicabs forced prices down

end of my taxi driving career but I still fol-

did not get his last name) and his 17 year

to the consumer, which obviously had a

low DaC via Call Sign Online.

old daughter Rachel, were absolutely love-

detrimental effect on the three licensed

Nowadays my nephew is doing what I did

ly. With Tommy’s condition, to plan a trip

taxi circuits. In an attempt to compete,

- although he is not on any radio circuit. He

to somewhere like Southend creates so

one of the radio circuits on some occa-

was one of the many (so I have been told)

many issues that it was a dream come true

sions, scrapped gratuities and run-ins;

who joined Hailo and just as quickly left

and apart from the many benefits to

this of course has been at the expense of

when they announced they were moving

Tommy, it made me feel special too.

the driver. Perhaps we are entering a peri-

into the Executive car market. He tells me

Thank you so much to everyone who

od where run-ins and gratuities only

that drivers were offered the opportunity to

played a part in making it such a wonderful

operate during certain periods? We still

drive the cars and even though he wasn’t at

day. Please don’t under estimate the posi-

maintain run-ins and gratuities. One day

all tempted, it made his decision so much

tive effect that it has had on our lives.

last week it rained and our coverage suf-

easier when he saw some of the cheap car

Lesley Robinson

fered, what would have happened with-

fixed prices that even undercut taxi fares -

LTFUC Press Officer, Raymond Levy

out run-ins and gratuities?

this with BMWs and Mercedes!

said: Lesley’s letter sums up what the

Anyway, getting back on track, it does

However, I have moved away from the

day meant far better than I can myself...

seem to have got a little busier but that

point I intended making. My nephew

will probably change as we get into the

recently found a laptop in the back of his

Getting busier?

school holidays. But what do you think

taxi and on his way home to Chelmsford in

Hi Alan

has seen the largest increase in busi-

the evening, he stopped at three police sta-

Hopefully it isn’t just me but in addition to

ness? It is the work that has been gener-

tions to attempt to hand it in. All three

street work picking up, account work seems

ated by Members with the street hail

were shut and he ended up giving it in the

to be getting much busier as well. Losing

Credit Card, I am glad you are getting

following morning, but not before he had

those two big accounts in E14 was a real

more familiar with this type of business

to queue up for over thirty minutes. He

bummer but fingers crossed that this resur-

because I believe it will be mandated for

said he was so fed up that he felt like just

gence isn’t affected (as this time of year usu-

taxis in the not too distant future.

leaving it in the police station waiting area.

ally is) by the children’s school holidays.

Naturally he didn’t but it does make a

I have also been told that closure of the

Black Cab Heritage

mockery of the Met Police logo of Working

Limehouse Link throughout much of July has

for a safer London seem rather trite. With

affected ComCab’s coverage to JPM. Can’t

Tours

hardly any cop-shops open, how do they

say I’m that upset if the rumour is true that

Dear Alan

expect that to work?

this US bank thought our service was excel-

Thanks very much for the publicity re Black

Ronnie Robinson

lent but that they were just cutting costs.

Cab Heritage Tours. We needed quite a

Burnham on Crouch, Essex