April 2015
www.dac-callsign.com
< Go Back
Cycle superhighways:
Shock answers to CS from
Cycling Commissioner,
Andrew Gilligan…
CS congratulates Uber… but for what???
Call Sign April 2015
Page 2
NASH’S NUMBERS
From Alan Nash (A95)
My April edition is usually the new fare chart, but as there is no change to the meter this year, I’ve replaced it with ‘What's
On’. It's only as comprehensive as one page will permit, but I’ve tried to list events where the finish times are known…
The fare chart for 2014 to 2016 can be found at www.nashsnumbers.co.uk/uidpt1.pdf or surf chart for 2014
and click the “taxi <-------!” link for lots of taxi related iconic links…
Call Sign April 2015
Page 3
from the editor’s desk
Election 2015, the GLA and
just tell us a joke and all will be right with the
world!
the deputy Mayor…
Be that as it may, the emissions problem is
Politics is a subject I keep well clear of because
undoubtedly real and has to be solved. Almost as
there is no quicker way to make enemies - well,
certain is the fact that traffic plays a major part in
other than to insult cyclists! But a name should
that and those of us that go into the traffic mire
come to the fore so far as the taxi trade is con-
on a daily basis understand that. The only people
cerned and it could be one that you might want to
that seem not to have a clue what to do is the
drop into any conversation you may have with pas-
Mayor’s TfL. Of course words are cheap; it’s easy
sengers going to the Kensington area of London -
for people like me to sit on the sidelines and just
a zone we frequent more often than not - before
criticise with the intentions of filling a page…
May 7th.
isn’t it? Well sorry to disappoint you Boris, but
Not too long ago, the sitting Conservative MP
there are around 25,600 of we licensed taxi dri-
for Kensington was nothing less than a cast iron
vers and I’d bet that at least 20,000 of us could
certainty to retain the seat. However, Sir Malcolm
reduce NOx levels dramatically.
Rifkind - who had followed Michael Portillo and
We understand that City Hall isn’t really big
won a similar resounding victory - will be doing
enough for all of us, so I’ll help you out by pro-
the same as most of us on the evening of May 7th
viding a committee of six people - yes, all
and that will be to watch the election proceeding
licensed taxi drivers - that will solve London’s
on the telly rather than participating!
traffic problems and significantly reduce
Victoria Borwick is that exception and in her
Kensington is one of those seats that attracts huge
London’s NOx problems within 12 months. Sir
own words to me after the GLA meeting, taxis
amounts of publicity, with previous elections draw-
Peter Hendy is on £348,444 p/a (not including
are a subject that she is passionate about. The
ing such contenders as the late Screaming Lord
expenses) and my six will each settle for that.
trade now needs Victoria Borwick to win that
Sutch (Monster Raving Loony), who scored a
And neither will any of the six need a
seat, even though we’d have preferred that she
respectable vote (for him) of 61 votes in the 1988
Knighthood as a thank-you; we will do it for
stayed put and became Mayor! But the HoC
election, almost trebling the Anti-Yuppie candidate’s
Queen and country.
isn’t bad!
24, although he failed to catch up the rather more
And no, as much as I admired the brilliant mind
It really doesn’t matter if you intend voting Tory,
notorious Cynthia Payne (Payne and Pleasure)
of the late Monty Schiman, we won’t be cement-
Labour, Lib Dem, Green or even Ukip in your own
who also ran a brothel in Streatham and must have
ing the Thames over and turning it into a 16 lane
constituency, this is that one I was talking about
had some clients in the area after gaining an aston-
highway. And we certainly won’t be laying the
earlier where to this trade, the candidate is more
ishing 191 votes! That was the last W8 election
blame on London’s taxi fleet that do such a worthy
important than the party - at least to we 25,000+
where Conservative and Labour candidates ran neck
job, yet continually and unfairly take the flack.
drivers who chug merrily around London town in
and neck, with the Tory eventually coming out on
Just for starters, the committee would issue free
our little black boxes.
top via Dudley Fishburn - one of the very few
Power Pills to all taxi drivers. Literally overnight,
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is my political
Americans to win a seat in the British parliament.
their pollution would drop through the floor.
chat finished for the year
- well, except for
So, moving on…if you went to the GLA meeting
When your cab undergoes the smoke test, a cali-
below…!!!
at City Hall recently where Sir Peter Hendy was
brated smoke meter is used to assess the density of
put under the cosh by a Transport Committee that
the smoke. If the engine emits a meter reading of
had referred to TfL as being totally inadequate,
Breathing in dirt - an
1.5m or less, it will pass the test after the first accel-
you would have heard Lady Victoria Borwick -
eration. However, if the result shows more than 1.5
answer?
Boris Johnson’s deputy Mayor - ask him forceful-
then a further two accelerations are carried out and
So now we know. The top fifty UK blackspots for
ly about Uber and why they were using a meter -
an average reading is taken. Most taxis that regular-
polluted air are all in London and the EU’s legal
the type of question we’d have asked.
ly use Power Pill will be substantially below that on
limit for poor air quality is not just being broken,
The Committee as a whole really defended
the first reading (my last MOT showed a reading of
but totally decimated by figures suggesting we are
our trade and the 250 drivers watching in the
0.5). Several years ago I suggested it to Roy Ellis at
over three times the EU limit. A worthy number
public gallery were delighted to find that
the old PCO and he thought it made sense but he
one in the soot race is still Marylebone Road fol-
someone was speaking up for us. Now I hear
wondered how the authorities would know that
lowed by Park Lane, Knightsbridge and the
that Victoria - who has lived in the borough
drivers weren’t just using the pill prior to a test and
Hammersmith flyover. If you are a day man that
with husband and former Manganese Bronze
then not bothering for another 51 weeks (there was
lives eastwards, then you won’t be surprised to see
Chief Executive Jamie, as well as raising four
just the one overhaul In those days). So it was a no.
the East Ham and Barking bypass - aka Alfred’s
children there
- has been selected as the
But the answer is simple. Pick out a dozen or so taxi
Way - take its place up there. These are followed
Conservative candidate for Kensington.
garages and give, not sell, them testing machines
closely by Oxford Street with every single place in
There are some occasions and constituencies at
where every taxi would have to go each three
that top fifty being at least double the EU maxi-
months in between MOTs. Just a quick five minute
election time when you would consider voting for
mum for nitrogen dioxide. The more often used
the person regardless of their party politics, but
trip to ensure that no one is taking liberties (as if)!!!
generic term for mono nitrogen oxides is NOx and
Much, much cheaper than the EU fines! In fact, how
voting intentions for this General Election will be
that comes thanks to the reaction of nitrogen and
about smoke tests every three months but revert
much closer than previous years - even a staunch
oxygen gases into the air during combustion, espe-
back to just one MOT?
blue area such as Kensington. But for the licensed
cially at high temperatures - ie traffic hold-ups.
That is just a small and obvious step and noth-
taxi trade to have someone in the HoC that not
Yet according to Mayor Boris Johnson, pollu-
ing compared to what the committee would need
only knows all about taxis and is also a big sup-
tion is falling. After all, he is slaughtering the lives
to do for traffic in general, but compared to the
porter of our trade - and via her hubby probably
of London’s taxis therefore pollution must be
Mayor’s LEZ and ULEZ schemes, it certainly won’t
even has an idea how they are built - Victoria
going down? By that token, the maximum life of a
come up with crazy rules that make no sense. It
Borwick MP would be a wonderful acquisition for
taxi should be cut from his proposed ten years to
would solve London’s problem in a year.
our trade.
just six months, although what if pollution still
My contact details are known to the Mayor’s
At one point it looked as though Mayor Boris
runs riot after that - surely it can’t be anything
office and they will hopefully read this because
himself would want to stand in Kensington, but he
other than taxis to blame? Well the Mayor’s office
I’m serious and sure my committee of six sensi-
will probably have to travel down the A40 to
has come out with its usual guff - he is bringing
ble cab drivers could lower London’s emission
Uxbridge. Many names were mentioned as being
down pollution with the world’s most comprehen-
readings within 12 months. One tiny problem is
in the running to carry the Tory flag in the borough
sive program that includes the Ultra Low
that we would no longer need some of the ultra-
at election time - even former Chelsea legend, cur-
Emission Zone from 2020.
high earners at City Hall whose idea of sorting
rent Manchester City player and soon to play for
Don’t get me wrong, I like Boris. I don’t
out our emission problem is to go out to lunch!
New York City FC, Frank Lampard, had been
believe he is particularly clever, but he makes
Recent events suggest that some of the 25 elect-
sounded out about standing ever since revealing
me smile and on the two occasions I’ve met
ed GLA members would be ideal partners to
that he supports the Conservative Party. Frank is a
him he was nothing less than charming. And
report back to. I’m waiting…
nice guy - you only have to listen to him to see that
for a politician that is a vote winner and the
Alan Fisher
- but an MP? Besides, he already earns an MP’s
reason he will eventually lead the Conservative
salary every four days or so from footie!
party. Then if something goes wrong, he can
callsignmag@aol.com
Call Sign April 2015
Page 4
reflections of the chairman
I explained at the AGM, for the Society to have
London Assembly
five elected Board Members all working full-time
I wrote in Call Sign last month that there was
within the Society is too much, as the roles Board
a meeting to be held on 25th February at City
Members filled in the past have now been
Hall, with the Transport Committee of the
replaced and occupied by professional Members
London Assembly asking questions of TfL
of staff.
Commissioner, Sir Peter Hendy. The meeting
was due to start at 10am, held in the Public
Logos
Gallery and as you might expect, it was open to
We have been looking for some time to replace
members of the public. I arrived at around
the logo the fleet currently have on their taxis as
9.30am to be greeted by an enormous queue
they were originally introduced way back in
waiting to gain entry into the Public Gallery - it
1997. Although the new logo is a continuation of
is a sight I had never seen before regarding an
the current one, the word ‘dial’ has been omit-
issue that involves the taxi trade.
ted from it because who ‘dials’ for a cab these
I gained entry and whilst waiting for the meet-
days? We have sought advice on the issue and
ing to start, I counted the number of seats in the
although our general conclusion was to not
Gallery - yes, I know how sad that is! There are approximately 250 and
change the name completely because we happen to have a very good
every single one was filled, the vast majority being filled by licensed taxi
name within the trade and likewise with account customers, we felt that
drivers. I’m also led to believe that there were up to 200 people still
we should upgrade the logo and replace ‘dial’. The BoM came to this con-
endeavouring to gain access to the meeting but who were locked out and
clusion as we now employ the services on a consultation basis of a
unable to gain entry. One of those ‘locked out’ was the Editor of Call
Marketing professional.
Sign, but being a bit on the inventive side he told staff on duty that he was
The new logo has now been approved by the BoM and we are just wait-
a member of the press and was given access - quite ingenious! They obvi-
ing for samples of logos in different sizes etc to be delivered; we will then
ously thought he represented The Sun or Telegraph or whatever!
decide on appropriate sizes and commence fitting the fleet in the near
The previous week, a meeting had been held at City Hall in the Public
future. Because, as I stated earlier, the new logo is a continuation of the
Gallery and the Mayor, Boris Johnson, was in attendance. It appears he
present one, we will not have to convert the whole fleet overnight.
was heckled, so he promptly got up and left the meeting, which was then
Some of you will look at the new logo and conclude that you do not
concluded. Consequently, everyone present at this GLA meeting was
like it; however, if I remember correctly, I had so many complaints when
aware of those incidents and determined not to present a repeat oppor-
we introduced the current logo that I had to state I would not enter into
tunity for Sir Peter. I have to say that the behaviour of everyone in the
any correspondence about it for three months. But after those three
Public Gallery was absolutely exemplary and a credit to our trade. There
months had passed, I did not receive even one complaint! Basically,
was the occasional round of applause from the gallery and a few guffaws,
Members had become acclimatised and familiar with the new logo.
but not enough to threaten the meeting. And anyway, the Transport
Committee didn’t seem to mind too much!
Brian Rice
Regarding the Transport Committee, it must have been very satisfying
Chairman
for them to see so many taxi drivers present and to know that their excel-
Dial-a-Cab
lent report had been so widely read and approved by the trade. All the
Committee did a sterling job in questioning Sir Peter Hendy and it
appeared to me that they quite enjoyed it. It was very apparent by the
questions they asked and the report they produced to see they have a
deep understanding of our trade and they should be congratulated for
endeavouring to bring TfL to task on their disgraceful regulation of the
Taxi and Private Hire industry.
Sir Peter Hendy came across as an accomplished speaker, but there
wasn’t any doubt in my mind that he was a little uneasy because he must
know his subordinates have totally mismanaged our industry, which in
turn reflects extremely badly on him. But it’s not too late for him to do
something about it!
I must say I was a little surprised to learn that once we had all left the
Public Gallery, Sir Peter complained about the behaviour of the trade. All
I can say is that he must have attended a different meeting to me as I
thought the behaviour was excellent - but if he thought that was bad, I
just can’t imagine what he would make of 250 really angry taxi drivers! I
just hope he never finds out!
There was also another meeting taking place at City Hall on 25th March
where it was the turn of the Mayor to answer questions and again that
meeting was open to members of the public. I’m sure once again that it
will have been very well attended by the taxi trade, but unfortunately the
meeting will be taking place after I have written this piece.
Board Meeting
At the first Board Meeting following an AGM, the BoM decides who is
doing what and there isn’t too much change this time round. Keith Cain
will remain in charge of the Sales department, while Allan Evans will con-
tinue in Driver’s Operations. However, we have also transferred
Compliance back to Allan, who will be assisted by Shelagh Adkins. New
Board Member, Joe Brazil, will be attending Dial-a-Cab House and work-
ing in various departments in an attempt to acclimatise himself to the way
DaC business operates. Although Joe ceased working for the Society near-
ly eleven years ago when he started driving his cab full-time, he should still
have a good idea and a grasp of the culture and how systems operate with-
in this organisation. After Joe has finished his initial re-introduction, the
BoM in conjunction with senior members of staff, will decide where we go
from there. It will be quite difficult to decide how we proceed because as
Call Sign April 2015
Page 5
JERRY COOPER DIES AGED 91
Call Sign feels sad when anyone that has
Germany, Holland, Palestine and Egypt. He
donated much of their lives to the trade pass-
was later decorated for his services.
es away, but room prevents us mentioning
Jerry later became a London taxi driver
everyone if they haven’t been on Dial-a-Cab.
and together with his late wife, Sadie,
However we make an exception for Jerry
were dedicated volunteers for the LTFUC
Cooper - a man that put so much into this
and War Disabled charities. Even after
trade and who died on February 25th at the
retirement in the 1990s, he continued
age of 91
supporting the War Disabled charity.
Jerry, who spent some of his early years at
Leanne Ehren, Jerry’s granddaughter, said:
Norwood’s Jewish Orphanage with his broth-
“Jerry was a popular and well known cabbie
er Judah, fought with the East Lancashire
in the East End and dedicated his life to help-
Regiment during WW2, serving in France,
ing those less fortunate than himself. He was
New Chairman at the
London Taxi Company
The London Taxi Company ha
Jerry with Marilyn and Ivor
announced the appointment
a great storyteller and would happily spend
of Carl-Peter Forster as the
hours telling his war stories to anyone who
new Chairman of the Board.
would listen.
“When he became a taxi driver, he wanted
Mr. Forster is a senior advisor to the
to pay back to the community that had looked
firm's parent company, Zhejiang Geely
after him as a child and so became involved in
Holding Group and is a member of
the charity supporting underprivileged chil-
the board of both Volvo Cars
dren. We’ve got lots of pictures of the two of
Corporation and Geely Automobile
them in fancy dress with a decorated taxi, tak-
Holdings. Zhejiang Geely Holding
ing children to the seaside over the years.”
Group acquired the London Taxi
Married in the former Commercial Road
Synagogue in 1947, the same year as Queen
Company in 2013 and restarted pro-
Elizabeth and Prince Phillip, Jerry and Sadie
duction shortly afterwards. The new
were invited to meet HRH at numerous cele-
Chairman will work with manage-
brations at Buckingham Palace before enjoy-
ment to guide the company's strate-
ing their Diamond wedding anniversary.
gic direction and will oversee ground
Jerry leaves his two children Marilyn
breaking new product developments in
and Ivor, and two grandchildren
the coming years.
Kimberley and Leanne.
Mr Forster is widely recognized as a leading global automotive expert and brings
with him significant experience and global competence from his time in senior leader-
ship positions at major automotive OEMs such as BMW, GM Europe, where he was in
Immaculate White
charge of Opel and Saab operations as well as Tata Motors, where as Global Group
CEO he was responsible for the Jaguar Land Rover business.
Cab Available for
Commenting on the appointment, Peter Johansen, LTC’s Vice President of UK
Weddings
Operations, said: “We're absolutely delighted that Carl-Peter Forster has accepted to
take over as Chairman of the Board at the London Taxi Company. The appointment of
someone with his track record is a big boost for our business and testament to the
commitment Geely are placing in the company since they acquired us in 2013.”
Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Chairman, Mr Li Shufu added: “We are very confi-
dent in Carl-Peter's ability to lead the London Taxi Company and we warmly welcome
him as we work to develop current and future products. Carl-Peter has already made a
significant impact on the business through his work on various Geely Group projects,
but this appointment will strengthen our ability to drive through further improvements
in customer satisfaction and product quality. He will also play an important role in our
plans to develop a range of pure electric and ultra-low emission London taxis.”
Finally, the new Chairman, Carl-Peter Forster said: “The Black Cab is a British icon
with a global reach. Under Geely ownership, the London Taxi Company has the poten-
tial for a bright future. The company is transitioning into a new era of innovative prod-
Female driver
ucts for the taxi trade and commercial operators across the UK and the world. I'm look-
10% reduction for Dial-a-Cab drivers
ing forward to working with the management team as we move forward and develop
Contact Debbie (W18) on
this world famous brand and concept.”
07956 317040
Call Sign April 2015
Page 6
Jery’s       World
“Oy, we woz here first!!!”
Best ever TX4 handed over
to 15 plate customer
LTC kicked off the new registration in style, handing over the company’s best-ever TX4 to the very f
customer purchasing a 15-plate on Sunday 1st March 2015, when the Brewery Road dealers
opened specially to hand over new vehicles to eagerly awaiting drivers. First in line was Mr Wad
who was accompanied by his wife to collect his new 15 plate TX4.
Commenting later on his new London Taxi, Mr Wadey said: “My new TX4 is fantastic; it’s so muc
better than any other taxi I’ve ever driven! It’s more solid and a smoother ride. I’ve previously rent
ed TX1s and TX4s so I’m thrilled to have my own vehicle. Ever since passing the Knowledge, it wa
my intention to have my own cab; it gives me more flexibility.”
The traditional “free first ride” was reserved for his daughter who he took from Victoria station
to Heathrow to collect her flight.
“It’s certainly turned heads,” he added, “I’ve had passers-by stop to take pictures of my new cab!”
TX4 quality has been improved through a variety of initiatives including a focus on component
quality, as well as the build process and auditing checks undertaken at the iconic black cab man-
ufacturer’s Coventry production facility.
These improvements in quality have resulted in even higher residual values for TX4s, as well as
an increase in the standard warranty cover provided. From 1st March, customers received an
extra 20,000 miles cover with an increase in the comprehensive manufacturer-backed warranty
from 100,000 to 120,000 miles over 3 years.
The 15 plate TX4 Elegance (automatic) is available from £39,195 OTR or from just £145 a
week (or £625 per month) over four years through a Personal Contact Purchase (PCP) plan with a £2,995 deposit.
The deal also includes 12 month’s road tax and 1 year RAC cover - all included in the price.
The package has been designed to provide drivers with flexibility, as well as peace of mind. So in four years customers can choose to buy the TX4 for
a guaranteed residual value of £15,725 trade-up to a new London Taxi, or simply just walk away.
Fitted with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), the 15 plate TX4 Elegance is Euro 5 compliant and is the
cleanest, greenest and safest London Taxi to date.
LTC is encouraging drivers to experience the improved quality of TX4 with a test drive, which can be booked either via www.london-taxis.co.uk or by
contacting The London Taxi Company’s Customer Relationship team at 03330 144441 or email london@london-taxis.co.uk.
Call Sign April 2015
Page 7
Stewart Byrne is one of several Account
Managers on the ground floor of Dial-a-Cab
Friday 13th unlucky? Not for Stephen!
House. As his title infers, he is in charge of a
batch of account clients with whom he inter-
email from the account. It read:
acts, assisting them with any problems and
“Dear Mr. Byrne
sorting out the very occasional complaint.
This afternoon one of your driver’s took our
“There aren’t that many complaints,” Stewart
director Mr ***
* home as he was unwell
told Call Sign, “but any there are will be very
with a back injury. Your driver was sufficiently
important to the client and we try to sort them
concerned to call back to DaC to express his
out. We rarely get a thank you because most
concern and your control room then tele-
clients expect the best service from all aspects
phoned me and I explained why I thought our
of Dial-a-Cab, but occasionally that is breached
Director was somewhat compromised.
and on sorting out the problem, we get some-
I simply wanted to say thank you - we great-
thing from a client that makes our day.”
ly appreciated the concern shown. It was very
And that’s what happened when DaC dri-
responsible of the driver concerned to alert
ver Stephen Field (F99) did something so
someone and for me to then be alerted. I imme-
simple, yet something that obviously made
diately checked with him that he had made it
a big impact on the passenger.
into his home and that he was safe and well.”
Stephen told Call Sign: “It was Friday 13th -
Stephen told Call Sign afterwards:
“I’ve
although dates like that have no concern for
never had a passenger take that much trouble
me. I was taking an account passenger home to
in order to thank me before. Strangely enough,
Gloucester Road from his Belgravia-based
my next job went to Terminal 5 at Heathrow
office but couldn’t help noticing that his
Friday 13th turned out to be lucky!
but as we got there, the passenger suddenly
breathing was heavy and erratic; something he
DaC Driver’s Line and told them that he felt
realised that he had left his passport behind!
said was caused by a back problem he had
concerned that his passenger had insisted on
That meant that I had to take him back home
developed that day. As we got close to the actu-
walking unaided and was there a way that the
and then return to the airport. Perhaps even
al set-down address, the passenger asked to be
dispatcher could call just to make sure he had
funnier, another taxi had made a u-turn right in
let out saying that he would walk the rest of the
got home ok?
front of me to try and snatch the job originally,
way. I became a bit concerned because he just
So that’s what they did. A supervisor phoned
but the passengers must have assumed he had
didn’t look well at all and said that he’d had
the account address and told them of the dri-
turned for someone else, walked past his cab
trouble walking.
ver’s concern and that the passenger had asked
and got into mine! Not much in the way of cab
“So when I stopped, I offered to walk with
him back to his house but he refused saying
to be let out some way short of his destination.
driver etiquette from the other driver, but it
that he would be ok. Nevertheless, I was con-
The account confirmed that the passenger had
worked out well for me and completed a good
cerned because he looked and sounded quite
developed a serious back problem and
day financially. But more importantly, it was a
ill. But he insisted that he would be ok and got
thanked DaC’s representative for taking the
real feel-good day!
out. There was nothing else I could do…”
trouble to phone.
“Friday the thirteenth unlucky? Not round
But Stephen did do something. He called the
Later that day, Stewart Byrne received an
these parts! What a day…”
Call Sign April 2015
Page 8
aC driver Sean Farrell (B39) looks at trade history from a different angle
Brethren of the Whip
which Parliament had set at the rate of two
28s he owed Thomas Haines plus 10s for
The
shillings (10p) per hour. Prior to 1853 the pas-
Haines’s loss of time and 4s costs. Henry again
Spanish
senger could compel the driver to charge by time
asked for time to pay but again was refused
or by distance; since 1853 the choice was the
and was locked up - this time for 14 days.
dancer’s
drivers. If a cabman was hired by time, then he
He appears to have served the full term of
did not have to travel faster than 4mph.
this sentence and nothing more is heard of
agent!
Having failed to answer to the summons, a
him until October 23rd when he once again
warrant was issued for the arrest of Thomas
appears at Hammersmith by popular
Thomas Henry was
Henry and he appeared at Hammersmith
demand. This was for bilking William George,
described as a tall
Court on August 29th 1854. William George
his first victim. The warrant officer of the
military
looking
failed to turn up on the day, so only the case
court informed the magistrate that a great
man, about 40 years
by the un-named driver was heard. His claim
deal of expense on his part had gone into
of age with black moustachios. He was said to
was for £1 with costs of 9s 6d. Henry did not
finally tracking down Henry, expenses that he
be well known in the theatrical world and
deny liability but said that due to litigation
could not apparently claim for. Cabman
had recently brought over to London’s
between him and the Haymarket Theatre, he
George gave his version of events and
Haymarket Theatre a troupe of Spanish
had no money. The magistrate, Mr Paynter,
informed the court that because of being
Dancers that had received much acclaim on
informed him that if he did not pay he would
bilked, he had been sacked by his proprietor
their recent stint in Paris. The show opened
go to prison for 21 days. Henry asked for time
for coming back short. Paynter ordered
at the Haymarket on 19th July 1854 and just
to pay but Paynter would not allow it. After
Henry to pay the £1 9s owed, along with 14s
as in Paris, proved to be a very popular show.
sentencing him to prison, he was warned that
6d costs. Henry once again asked for time to
On August 17th the same Thomas Henry
when he came out he would probably have to
pay, he knew his lines well, but Paynter was
climbed into a cab on a rank in Bond Street
answer to William George’s charge.
fed his cue and sentenced the Spanish
at 11:10am. The cab driver, William George,
Whilst in prison, Henry somehow raised
dancer’s agent to one month in jail. As he was
drove Henry to a number of places across
the money that was due to the cabman. It was
led down from the dock, Henry gave his
London, finally setting him down at Henry’s
paid into court and he was released. A week
swan-song; he would only get a cab in future
residence in Peel Street, Kensington at
after appearing at Hammersmith, the theatri-
if he had money - or else he would walk!
2:50am the following morning. When the
cal agent made an appearance at
Sean Farrell (B39)
cabman said the fare was £1-9-0 (£1.45) the
Marlborough Street Court. This was for the
impresario gave him his card and told him to
Call Sign Online
come for his money the following morning.
George returned several times for his money,
LTC reach manufacturing milestone
but the Spanish dancer’s agent had vanished.
An un-named cabman was Thomas Henry’s
The London Taxi Company has now completed
next victim on the afternoon of August 19th.
the construction of its 2,000th TX4 since the
He took Henry to a “great number of places”
company restarted production in September
2013.
and was employed by him for ten hours in
LTC Vice-President, Peter Johansen said: “We are
total. Likewise, he was told to collect his
extremely pleased to have reached our 2,000th vehi-
money the following morning, this time from
cle milestone so quickly and confident that we will
a hotel. And he, like William George, was to
continue to see a healthy demand for the TX4 in
find that there was no money waiting for him.
2015. The improvements that we have made to
Both William George and the unknown
vehicle quality mean that the current TX4 is the best
Black Cab that we have ever made, confirmed not
cabman each took a summons out against
only through customer feedback, but also via
Thomas Henry for bilking them, but the war-
improved residual values.
rant officer from Hammersmith Court had
“We’re demonstrating our increased confi-
as much luck as the two cabmen in locating
dence in our quality by extending our standard comprehen-
him and the summons were left at the
sive 3 year warranty cover from 100,000 to 120,000 miles. This is all great news for LTC
address in Peel Street.
and for our customers too.
“Two years ago, we pledged to put our customers first in everything that we do by improving the
Then four days after bilking the last cab-
quality of our products and services. This increase from 100,000 to 120,000 miles is a physical and tangi-
man, the Spanish dancer’s agent was at it
ble benefit, only made possible through a focus on improving both product and build quality. For my
again. Accompanied by a 14 year old girl, he
team, these changes are part of our commitment to continuous improvement. And for the trade, it’s a
climbed into a cab driven by John Haines
reflection of our confidence in our vehicle. A confidence they can now have too.”
that had been standing on a rank in Jermyn
It is the first time in more than 10 years that the Black Cab manufacturer has been able to increase
Street and drove them all over central
coverage provision with its comprehensive, manufacturer-backed vehicle warranty. Customers purchasing
London. Fourteen hours after picking them
brand new TX4s will all receive the new improved 3 year, 120,000 mile warranty cover as standard. Used
up, Haines set them down in Peel Street. He
TX4s are protected with a robust 12 month, 50,000 mile manufacturer-backed vehicle guarantee also
included as standard.
told Henry that his fare was
28 shillings
As with the previous cover, customers can take their vehicle to any of the London Taxi Company’s
(£1.40) but unlike the previous cases Haines
Approved Service Dealers for required warranty work.
was actually offered money - at least most of
A new TX4 Elegance (Automatic) is available from £145 per week (£625 per month) with a
it. Henry said all he had on him at the time
deposit of £2,995 through LTC’s 4 year PCP deal, which also includes a year’s free road tax and
was 24shillings, which Haines would not
12 month’s RAC cover.
accept. He may have wished he had done as
At the end of the term, the deal allows customers the flexibility to either buy their vehicle for a guar-
he went back to Peel Street sixteen times but
anteed residual value of £15,725, use the residual value to trade up to another new TX4
or to simply return the vehicle.
could not get anything more than a promise
To find your nearest Approved Service Dealer, to find out more about purchasing a new or
to pay.
used TX4, or to find your nearest LTC dealer, visit london-taxis.co.uk.
All three cabmen had charged by the hour,
Call Sign April 2015
Page 9
Following his successful election to the Board at the recent AGM,
Joe Brazil writes for Call Sign
BRAZIL CALLING…
regulators within London, or have we as drivers
Drivers with low overheads will survive
been hamstrung by archaic cab regulations?
this crisis, but drivers with newer vehicles
Let’s face it, the Cab Acts that we follow are from
will find it almost impossible to continue,
the 1830s onwards and solutions have been
leaving London with the same problems
debated by everyone from Gladstone to
Gladstone had - of too few cab drivers ser-
Livingstone, while meters have been part of
vicing rail stations with a reverse engineer-
this discussion since 1907 in fixing our costs.
ing policy having to be adopted by the
authorities to correct the distinct problem
As for minicabs and private hire, take a look
that has been created by non-enforcement
at this quote from The Duke of Devonshire
of existing regulations.
London and Price
in a December 1965 debate from the House
Policymakers from the House of
of Lords (courtesy of Hansard)…
Commons and Lords will have to decide
Equilibrium…
“Noble Lords may remember that a few
which way TfL exercises its authority; the
The structure of cab pricing is that of equilibri-
years ago there was an ill-fated scheme - I
Duke of Devonshire may have had his say
um and it protects the people of London from
never quite knew why it failed - to introduce
many years ago about how he saw the
overcharging. The supply and demand culture
minicabs. These vehicles could convey,
future, and I have no doubt MPs and Lords
employed by modern competitors usurps this
though in some discomfort, four passengers
will have to have their input today. But suf-
economic constant by surging when demand is
just as an ordinary taxicab does, but I
fice to say - as Dennis Healy put it - we are
high and leaving the London travelling public
should have thought that they occupied
being squeezed till the pips squeak and if
absolutely unprotected from this unregulated
about one third of the space taken by a taxi-
the future of the London cab and driver as
practice. It still surprises me that so few of
cab. Both omnibuses and taxicabs are part
we know it is to survive, politicians of all
London’s travelling public do not realise that
of the London scene and visitors from over-
parties must have their say.
the meter is there to protect them from
seas gaze on them and say "Aren't they won-
In the 1960s there was a policy to buy
unscrupulous practice.
derful,” but they are also antiques and if we
British, just as there should be today; British
The meter can be the best friend of the
wish to advance into the modern world, as I
vehicles built by British nationals to support
cab trade or its’ greatest stumbling block,
am given to understand the Prime Minister
trades across the UK, taxes collected to
perception may be that prices are high but
is anxious that we should, I suggest that a
improve this country and not shifted overseas
nevertheless regulated, or that at the point
long look should be taken at the design of
at the earliest possible convenience.
of hiring we have a monopoly - as suggested
the vehicles at present plying for hire in the
The London taxi and its driver now, as in the
by the Law Commission - although I find it
Greater London area.”
Duke’s “Aren't they wonderful” quote, shows
hard to follow their argument in that TfL
that tourists still have the same response; well
control pricing and a monopoly only func-
sometimes it takes a traveller to make you
Taxis and the future…?
tions if pricing is unregulated. The meter
realise how well the London taxi trade works!
So is the London taxi the vehicle for the future?
governs all our actions.
So with help from our bicameral representa-
Will the public still resonate with the taxi trade
Dial-a-Cab as a society has to maintain stan-
tives, a nudge in the right direction to guide
into the future? Well, history tells us it will, but
dards that give the travelling public the greatest
TfL and stating those very facts, especially in
at the moment we find ourselves under mas-
chance of a safe, secure and value for money
the run-up to the Thursday 7 May 2015 gen-
sive threat from companies that will squeeze
experience. We also, as drivers, have a level of
eral election, could help us and the country…
Londoners for all they can get, leaving after
expectation regarding the amount you can
regulations catch up with them to then exit in
charge for supplying those services and purpose
Joe Brazil
a way not unlike a rather unsatisfactory smell
built vehicles that comply with the regulations
in a lift!
DaC Board Member
foisted on us. We struggle in the face of compe-
tition from the unregulated industry, as our
costs are predetermined and theirs are not,
returning us to the thinking of the 60s where
Dial-a-Cab Credit Union
the minicab was considered the “best worst
case” solution.
Ever needed money quickly but were anxious about
So who is at fault for the situation we find
variable bank interest rates?
ourselves in? Have weak regulations allowed
large corporate ventures to unseat the present
Well wonder no more! If you are a subscriber, journeyman or
member of staff at Dial-a-Cab, then you qualify to join the
Dial-a-Cab Credit Union. Any member of your family residing
Fare Increase Frozen
at your address also qualifies for membership!
decision was made at the
Then if you are over 18, have been a member of the Credit Union for
February TfL Board to freeze
over 3 months and have established regular savings, you can borrow
taxi fares at this year’s
up to 3 times your total savings…
A
(2014/15) level for the next
financial year (2015/16). The suggestion
The cost?
was made by Call Sign several months
Just 1% per month on the outstanding balance (or APR of 12.7%).
ago when we discovered that the pro-
Loans can be paid back early AND there can be an annual dividend on your shares.
posed increase would be around 0.3
The question is: Can you afford NOT to be in it…?
percent and said that even a small
Call us on 020 7729 8171 or 020 7749 0585
amount of publicity would be better
than an increase of 30p on a £100 trip!
Members of the Financial Ombudsman Service
We just hope TfL are as quick to notify
Member’s funds protected up to limit set by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme
the press re no increase as they are
DaC Credit Union Ltd, Peterley Business Centre, 472 Hackney Rd E2 9EQ
when there is one!
Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority
Registration number 213263
Call Sign April 2015
Page 10
Like most in the
The Mayor’s Cycling Commissioner and the cycle Superhighways…
London taxi trade,
Call Sign is concerned
about the traffic con-
CALL SIGN QUESTIONS ANDREW GILLIGAN
gestion that will come
from the introduction
lanes to be protected from the rest of the road and
of
the
Cycle
traffic using it by pavements. So my question is
Andrew Gilligan: Taxis have their own spe-
Superhighways as
whether cyclists will have the choice of not using the
cial lanes, and a lot more of them than cyclists!
the two lanes cross the
superhighway lanes and instead use the main sec-
Are you saying that should mean taxis should-
capital, east to west
tion of the road reserved for cars, taxis and buses etc
n't be allowed to use the rest of the road?
from Tower Hill to
if they feel the cycle lane isn't moving fast enough?
Westbourne Grove
and south to north taking in the Elephant & Castle
Call Sign: There is not a single taxi lane that
Andrew Gilligan: We're not going to ban
to Kings Cross and how it will affect Dial-a-Cab.
buses and cyclists cannot use; following your logic,
cyclists from using the road, but our experi-
And we wondered if all those saying yes in the con-
we should have access to all cycle lanes! But if I can
ence on the existing segregated track we've
sultation realised that segregated lanes would have
accept a need for cycle-only lanes, then I fail to see
installed (on Stratford High Street) is that the
one element missing - segregation!
why they should have the option to leave the lane in
vast majority (97% +) use the track. The tracks
In January
2013, Boris Johnson appointed
order to go faster. Surely the reason cyclists have
we're installing will be 4m wide (mostly) -
Andrew Gilligan as his Cycling Commissioner.
their own lane is for safety. Taxis and buses need
enough for fast cyclists to pass and overtake
His brief was to oversee the development of TfL’s
access to the kerb. The comparisons do not add up.
slower ones within the track itself.
cycling policy and to ensure that cycle safety remains
I have read and admired many of your articles in
a priority. Certainly London’s taxi drivers do not
the Telegraph and other papers; you are also some-
Call Sign: I can't really understand why, if the
want to see cyclists injured or even worse, as the
one that has always pushed strongly for the freedom
lanes are that wide, that 3 percent of cyclists need to
February cycling fatality showed when a young
of speech. So I just find it amazing that you can
leave them (other than for an emergency). Surely
honestly tell me that after spending an estimated
French lady, Claire Hitier-Abadie, was on a Boris
that detracts from the whole purpose - which is to
£3million per mile on the cycle superhighways, you
bike and died under the wheels of a tipper
keep them safe. Why cannot it be made compulsory
are happy for cyclists to leave the lane whenever they
truck. Fault is irrelevant and undoubtedly separating
for cyclists to stay within the lane? That would also
want and that you only expect around 15 an hour
bikes from cars, lorries, buses and of course taxis
pacify those against the lanes due to the extra time
to do so. Are you saying it because you believe it or
would go a long way towards solving the problem.
some journeys will now take.
because as Cycling Commissioner the position then
So this magazine asked what we considered to be
dictates what you have to say? Stand on Millbank
a fairly obvious question to Andrew Gilligan: If the
Andrew Gilligan: I don't think 3 percent makes
outside MI5 (but don't tell anyone!) and watch the
two lanes are completed - apparently there is now
much difference either way, to be honest. We're
cyclists fly by one after the other and then tell me
no stopping them - and London’s motorists put up
talking maybe 15 cyclists an hour, tops.
that only a 15 per hour rate will be expected to leave
with the huge inconvenience that they will undoubt-
the lane.
edly cause during peak hours, could we have Mr
Call Sign: I fail to understand why any cyclist
Perhaps it’s just Call Sign working on some silly
Gilligan’s assurance that cyclists will be compelled to
that has a lane specially designated for their use
logic or is it that TfL really don’t care about anyone
stay within their lane and that the speedy ones that
should use a section of the road designated for
other than cyclists? But you tell us - and if you are
we have all seen shooting along with no thought as
motorists etc. Neither do I believe for a single second
a cyclist, then even better…
to what is ahead, would have to learn how to live
that just 15 cyclists an hour will use the main sec-
within the cycle Superhighway. But Mr Gilligan’s
tion of road, especially during busy periods. But
response wasn’t quite what we expected…
accepting that they can do so if they wish, can
Alan Fisher
Call Sign: It appears the plan is for the cycle
motorists then drive in the cycle lanes?
Call Sign Online
An occasional review from a struggling 14 handicapper at some of the marque golf courses
I've had the privilege to play in my golf days away from the taxi…
SIMON’S GOLF COURSES
Hankley Common Golf Clu
Surrey has often been called ‘Gods ow
County for golf courses’ while
Sunningdale and Wentworth have
often been described as being out of
the reach of most people’s golfing bud
get. But there are others that are more
than worth playing.
Hankley Common Golf Club is
definitely one of those. It has
often been compared to Walton Heath - high praise
indeed - but in many ways I prefer Hankley.
But let me explain. Set in 860 acres of outstanding
sandy soil, Hankley Common is a heather and spruce pine
course that only utilises 160 of acreage - but does so
superbly. There are no weak holes and whilst it’s a tough
test, it is certainly playable - although not the way I played in early
March!
Pictured is the stunning par 3 seventh, one of the great par 3 holes anywhere. The finish on the long par 4 eighteenth
is as tough a closing hole as anywhere - do you lay up on your second shot or take on the deep gully in front of the
green?
Go and play if you get the chance, you will definitely not be disappointed.
Happy golfing…
Simon Wallis (M11), Call Sign Online
Finance your NEW TX4
with Ascotts & save
up to £2300.00
(interest)
No Deposit Deals Available
FINANCE YOUR NEW TAXI
Cash Price
£37.995.00
Deposit
£5000.00
Payable as::
Balance to Finance
£32.995.00
Interest
£5.774.12
Option to purchase fee
£10.00
Total Charge for Credit
£5.784.12
Total Amount Payable
£43779.12
(includes Deposit)
60 Monthly Payments of
£646.15
APR
6.9%
Weekly equivalent payments of
£149.11
NO BALLOON PAYMENTS
0208 692 1122
Approved
Approved
Service
Service
Dealer
Dealer
1-3 Blackhorse Rd SE8 5HY
Finance is subject to status. Only available to UK residents. Business users only.
Finance example only based on 11/02/2015 price list.
Call Sign April 2015
Page 12
he date of 25th February had been
The GLA question Sir Peter Hendy with…
advertised as being the day that the
Greater London Authority Transport
T
Committee - authors of the Future
Proof report that was so critical of TfL - were
CITY HALL AWASH
going to question Sir Peter Hendy, TfL’s cur-
rent Commissioner of Transport, with the
trade needing as many taxi drivers as possible
WITH CAB DRIVERS!
to create a presence in the City Hall visitor’s
gallery. The hope was that there would be no
Sir Peter Hendy
embarrassment with drivers choosing to work
answers questions
rather than go to Tower Bridge for the two
from the GLA
hours. But no one needed to worry because all
committee
250 seats were snapped up by London’s finest,
with an estimated 200 or so drivers standing
outside for the duration after being told the
gallery was full and that no more drivers could
telling
the GLA
get in!
Committee that Uber
Not only that, but we were asked by
had said they intend-
Caroline Pidgeon, the GLA Committee Chair,
ed to start up some
not to call out. She didn’t say as much but the
new practises in
previous week, a meeting involving the Mayor
London. While Sir
was suspended while the gallery was emptied
Peter said he didn’t
due to heckling. We didn’t want that and
know exactly what
showed how well we could behave - applaud-
that would be, we
ing when necessary - but with no heckling and
hear that they are
not giving Sir Peter the opportunity to leave!
looking at food deliv-
Sir Peter had said that many of the laws we
eries in some coun-
operated under were over 200 years old, but
that proving offences was difficult. The gallery
tries. Hendy said that if they tried to change
that smart phones had changed the way things
allowed their emotions to dictate
- albeit
what they were licensed for, they would be
were done today and that in his view
briefly - when groans filled the room following
deemed as acting illegally and their licence
Londoners seemed to want that. He added that
his answer.
would be revoked.
TfL had no plans to bring out an industry wide
Then it was Uber’s turn when Boris’ Deputy
When asked about extra ranking space in
app saying that would be up to us if we want-
Mayor, Lady Victoria Borwick, asked Sir Peter
London, Sir Peter said there much competition
ed it, but also said that he believed the trade
if they were using a meter, but the
for road space but that TfL had put away
needed to modernise.
Commissioner replied that they had asked a
£600,000 towards the expected cost.
Val Shawcross then said that senior TfL
top QC if the Uber app was actually a meter
Talking about ULEZ, Sir Peter said that in his
management were out of touch with the Taxi
and they were told that it wasn't. He went on to
view there would be taxi drivers going bank-
trade. Sir Peter disagreed, but loud applause
say that the LTDA proposed court cases against
rupt if a 12 or 10 year age limit were to come
from the 250 people listening suggested that
individual Uber drivers had delayed a High
in. For one second there was a belief in the
drivers agreed with Ms Shawcross! She also
Court ruling. They have since been withdrawn.
gallery that we would be staying with 15 years,
spoke about trade fragmentation and Hendy
When asked by Committee Member Tom
because that would then be the more sensible
agreed when he said that there should be some
Copley why TfL had only used one QC for
way of bringing in new cabs - via a natural
consensus. Most agree that there are too many
advice rather than two to make sure the advice
wastage process. But what Sir Peter was infer-
organisations.
that Uber’s ‘meter’ being legal was correct, Sir
ring was that - in his view - there should be a
A question on minicab markings on vehicles
Peter said this wasn’t just any QC, but one of
compensation plan for drivers affected and that
led the Commissioner to say that he supported
the top men in the field of Taxis and PH. Then
should also apply to those buying the new elec-
identification on PH vehicles and would look at
when asked who it was, Sir Peter said he could-
tric cabs. However, no figures were mentioned
it again, mentioning the possibility of remov-
n’t remember! Call Sign was later told by TfL
and no guarantee there would actually be such
able identification on bumpers. The trade are
that it was Martin Chamberlain QC of Brick
a plan.
not enamoured with the idea because the
Court (although internet rumours surfaced
Brian Rice told Call Sign after the meeting:
markings could lead a prospective passenger to
after the meeting suggesting that it was actual-
“Nothing was mentioned about what actually
approach the minicab driver and ask if they
ly an investigating report given by Howard
constitutes a pre-booking; which was a shame
would take them. Dial-a-Cab Chairman Brian
Carter, a TfL General Counsel). To loud cheers
as I would have liked to have heard Peter
Rice has long campaigned via Call Sign against
and applause, Lady Borwick simply said that
Hendy’s interpretation. But it really was a bril-
minicab identification markings.
we didn’t want Uber in London!
liant turnout with the chamber full of well-
Next came enforcement and Sir Peter read
Sir Peter actually admitted that he didn’t like
behaved taxi drivers that were a credit to the
out some figures from TfL’s website regarding
Uber but went on to tell an interesting tale
trade. The committee loved it and ended up
the number of officers used. There was a small
about when he had ordered a Hailo Taxi via
playing to the gallery with Lady Borwick saying
amount of jeering, as if the drivers disbelieved
their app, but they didn’t have a black cab and
that Hailo had gone over “to the dark side”
him - although it came with a smile! Baroness
offered to supply him with a PH vehicle
whilst Uber were compared to Satan!”
Jenny Jones added that the Assembly Police
instead. He agreed, but said that he was
All in all, we owe a huge debt of thanks to
Committee would look at the Met's Road and
amazed when the driver used his iPhone to
the GLA Transport Committee for their wel-
Traffic Command. It is that department that
work out the fare after being assured that it
come support of our trade, because despite
helps to enforce taxi regulations.
would be no dearer than a taxi (ie £14). He
some reaching out to the trade by Sir Peter
His answer regarding Pedicab enforcement
said that TfL had now asked Hailo how they
Hendy with his answers - although after
brought a few more groans from drivers when
worked the fare out. Hailo later said that they
most had left he replaced that with criti-
he claimed that there was nothing they could
work out fares just on distance and not via a
cism - it was the GLA that actually had the
do and he was hopeful that a Private Members
smartphone.
believability we needed to see. We must
Bill could be presented to Parliament later this
Lady Borwick said that Taxi drivers had to
hold on to that support…
year. Baroness Jones suggested that Mayor
put two years into the KoL; we were disability
Boris Johnson could actually put forward a
aware etc and deserved support. “As a city,” she
PMB, although Sir Peter thought otherwise.
said, “we have to decide what we want.”
Alan Fisher
Moving from Pedicabs to touting, he said
Sir Peter continued on the Uber theme when
Call Sign Online
Call Sign April 2015
Page 13
League Cup quarter final: Colliers
Wood Utd 3 (Harding 2, Embalo)
Lee: “The final is in sight!”
- Badshot Lea 0
After blaming himself for giving away a soft
late equaliser against Spelthorne Sports in a
league game just a few days earlier, Dial-a-Cab
driver and Colliers Wood United goalkeeper,
Lee Pearce (J71) was still feeling down for the
home Combined Counties League Cup quarter
final game against Badshot Lea on March
11th. But he needn’t have worried, making
several important stops, which together with
two goals from Dan Harding and a strike from
human scoring machine Mario Embalo, sent
‘Wood into the semi-finals with a match
against Farnham Town or championship
favourites Cove, on April 1st.
“And that,” Lee told Call Sign, “is just one
game from a Final and Colliers Wood want
to be in that game.”
Close on from an excellent save by Lee
Pearce from Badshot’s Gavin Muir, Wood
took the lead after 17 minutes when Darren
Lee played a blinder to help CW reach the League Cup semi final
Caesar sent Mario Embalo away. He squared
the ball to Dan Harding who sent in a lovely
have scored a hat-full of goals but the shooting
soon after yet another save from Lee Pearce
shot to the left of the goalkeeper.
boots weren’t working as they should have.
and as the game moved into the sixth minute
Twenty minutes later and almost a repeat of
However, at the other end, Badshot Lea were
of stoppage time, Joe Mead and Dan
the first goal, Lee Pearce took a well struck
throwing everything at the goal and it was just
Harding linked to set up Mario Embalo who
cross and soon after, Dan Harding struck
Lee Pearce playing an absolute blinder that
smashed the ball into the net to make it 3 - 0
again for his second of the game, beating the
kept them goal-less.
and set up that semi-final game to take
goalkeeper exactly as he had done earlier.
It looked as though the half time score was
Colliers Wood to within one game of the
In the second half, Colliers Wood should
going to be the score at full time, but again,
League Cup Final…
TfL successfully prosecute another 4 touts
Transport for London’s Taxi and Private Hire Compliance Teams have successfully prosecuted four more drivers
as part of its ongoing activity to crack down on non-compliant drivers in London.
Meherj Husain Choudhury was sentenced at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 4 February 2015. He was reported for touting and illegally accept-
ing a booking on Clapham High Street in a vehicle that was not registered as a private hire vehicle and without a valid PHV driver’s licence. He plead-
ed guilty to five separate offences, including driving without insurance and was ordered to pay £570 in fines and court costs. He was also disqualified
from driving for eight months.
Habib Sheikhomar was sentenced at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 28 January 2015. He was reported for illegally plying for hire and accept-
ing a booking on Acre Lane, Brixton, as well as working without a valid PHV driver’s licence and motor vehicle insurance. He was ordered to pay
£1430 in fines and court costs and was disqualified from driving for 12 months.
Abdirahman Nurie Yusuf was also sentenced at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 28 January 2015. He was reported for illegally plying for hire
and illegally accepting a booking on Chalk Farm Road without a valid PHV driver’s licence. He was found to have been previously convicted for touting
and driving without insurance less than a month earlier and this was drawn to the court’s attention. He was found guilty of four separate offences and
ordered to pay £1410 in fines and court costs as well as being disqualified from driving for 12 months.
Leonard Ofori-Atta was sentenced at City of London Magistrates’ Court on 8 January 2015. He was reported for illegally plying for hire, accepting
a booking and driving without appropriate insurance at Whitcomb Street. He was found guilty of three separate offences, including driving without
third party motor vehicle insurance and ordered to pay £2799 in fines and court costs. His DVLA driver’s licence was endorsed with six penalty points.
The cases were all led by TfL’s compliance and legal teams and are in addition to prosecutions which are undertaken by London’s policing agencies to
improve taxi and private hire safety across London.
Since the beginning of this year, TfL has recorded 18 successful convictions for illegal plying for hire and other related offences with many more cases
currently awaiting court dates.
Call Sign says:
This is a very difficult point for Call Sign to make but someone has to. We do not know or care how many Dial-a-Cab drivers were not
born in this country. Everyone on this circuit is equal in stature and that is how it should be. But what we DO know is that every one of
those that were born outside of the UK is driving a London taxi because they completed the Knowledge and then became licensed to
drive a London taxi.
We always publish TfL press releases that publicise successful prosecutions. We can argue all day long about whether there should be more touts
caught, but we also realise that court cases have to be prepared correctly in order to get a decision. But this is about something else altogether.
We are publishing the names given by TfL in the last three press releases regarding the successful prosecution of touts beginning with the above
release. The four names given there are Meherj Choudhury, Habib Sheikhomar, Abdirahman Yusuf and Leonard Ofori-Atta. In the February 2015 issue,
another four touts were found guilty in court. They were Nasser Ndaganira, Oladotun Shonowo, Omonirume Gbemre and Alemayehu Ayele Before that
came another three touts caught in the September 2014 issue. They were Olaide Tijani, Tahir Zaheer Baig and Rajalingham Paheerathan.
There is something wrong; the question is what? Every single name in the last three PRs from TfL contain nothing but foreign names. No doubt if we
went back further then there would be more. We are at a loss to know the answer…
Jamie Corum
Call Sign Online
Call Sign April 2015
Page 14
Another true story from Geoff Levene…
Eating Out (but not in Waterloo)!
I think that one of the great things in
and asked: “Maybe your eyes are bigger than your stomach.” Charming!
life is eating out. Whether it's giving
A decent restaurant has to cater for all tastes. My eldest son Dan and
the wife a night off from the kitchen,
his long-time partner Sue are Episcopalians - no, that's not right,
celebrating a special occasion or meet-
they’re pesky Tories! No, that's wrong too. I know…they're
ing up with family or friends, you can't
Pescatoreans. They are semi-vegetarian. They eat fish but not meat. The
beat a nice venue, great atmosphere
good lady wife, however, eats fish only because she should. In a perfect
and of course good grub.
world she would always choose meat.
The chefs working here are now
It was a cousin of hers from Blackheath that suggested a family
considered some of the best in the
get-together. She recommended a place she liked; one we’ve all
world and you can choose from just
passed many times as taxi drivers. It was La Barca - on the left as
about any cuisine; Italian (who does-
you go up the slope to Waterloo. And having eaten there, I would
n't like Italian), French, Chinese,
say that going past it is probably the best option!
Japanese, Lebanese, Greek, Somali and the list goes on. In this job
We parked close by in Lower Marsh and that was probably the best
we get to take people to all the best places. There's the Savoy Grill,
part of the evening. I've wiped most of it from my memory but a few
Wiltons and all those places around St James's Street.
things remain - the eye-watering prices for a start. It’s at least £10 for a
I went into the Caprice once. I had picked up the passenger I call
starter and £20 for a main. True to form, the wife went for the steak -
Lady Botox, who I think must have been ennobled for services to the
£25! I assumed it included vegetables. I chose what was described as a
cosmetic industry! You wait outside her flat and out comes a young
typical rustic Tuscan dish. Well those rustic Tuscans must be doing ok
Geisha - black hair, almond-shaped eyes and high cheekbones. As she
because it was £22 for some square pieces of sausage on a bed of pota-
gets closer to the cab a strange thing happens. She ages before your
to! But back to the steak - a huge white plate appeared and there
eyes! The hair is unnaturally black. Her white face shows signs of the
dumped in the middle was a lump of meat. Nothing else. Not a mush-
surgeon's knife and when she speaks she has difficulty opening her
room, not a bit of tomato, not a lettuce leaf, just nothing! She asked for
mouth. A shame that the very rich try so hard to retain their youth - or
it to be cooked rare and it turned up well done. She had a couple of
in her case, maybe someone else’s.
mouthfuls and pushed the disappointing veg round the plate!
Anyway she left her coat in the cab and I took it back into the restau-
One thing I've never tried is Vietnamese. I suppose it can't be dis-
rant. What a place! Packed to the gunwales. Every table full. Those wait-
similar to Chinese, but I need to find out for myself. I've discovered a
ing for a table were sitting at the bar and there’s a queue for that! And
place at the
Chelsea Farmers Market in Sidney Street. A bit of a
the amazing aroma of food and drink. I just wish I had the money.
schlepp, but I'm going to give them a call. Of course it's got a
The aroma of Indian restaurants used to be so inviting, but the past
Vietnamese name, which translates to Happy Buddha. I just hope the
few we visited smelled of nothing. And to be honest, they didn't taste of
guy who answers the phone gives that name. I don't really want to ask:
much either.
“Excuse me, is that the Phat Phuc…?”
Chinese food is always tasty and of course they invented the takeaway
Geoff Levene (W32)
- although given the way the world’s changed, it's more a case of
Call Sign Online
takeover. I once drove home with a bagful of food on the passenger seat
of the car. At some stage I braked sharply and the carton of chicken and
sweetcorn soup shot out and spewed its contents over the carpet. For
years afterwards whenever the car heated up, a beautiful aroma filled
HACKNEY ROAD TAXI TYRES
the air!
But the waiting staff can sometimes be a bit abrupt. At an excellent
place in Harrow, I was defeated by a huge dish of chicken on a bed of
FOR THE BLACK CAB TAXI TRADE
vine leaves. An Italian waiter might have asked: “Was there something
wrong with it, Sir?” But in that establishment the waitress just sneered
• Austones for the TX
• Barums for the Vito
DaC credit/debit cards
To save any embarrassment for drivers, there are now new par-
• Michelin and Continental
tition stickers available at Dial-a-Cab House which state that
there is a 10% charge with a minimum of £2 for credit and
also supplied
debit cards, because some passengers have apparently pointed
out that the old notice only mentions credit cards.
Please pick up one when you pass the office and replace the
4-wheel laser tracking
old one.
for the Mercedes Vito
• Puncture repairs
Keith Reading
Professional Toastmaster
• Also free tyre checks
Master of Ceremonies
Tele: 01279 465 938
Find us downstairs the
Mobile: 07774 860 374
Email: kgr.2@virgin.net
DaC Credit Union at
The Peterley Business Centre,
10% discount for DaC drivers and staff
472 Hackney Road, E2
Fellow of the Guild of
Professional Toastmasters
0207 729 5237
Call Sign April 2015
Page 15
Congratulations Uber…
but what exactly for?
Dial-a-Cab driver Mark Tiller (K90) phoned
of the Uber driver accused of raping his
driver who refused to pick up a gay cou-
Call Sign recently sounding distinctly upset.
passenger in New Delhi that caused the
ple or the London driver who threw Corey
Having been on the circuit for over 20 years,
app to be banned on the sub-continent, or
Watts and Jordan Sloan out of the cab - or
he said he couldn’t remember feeling this
the London Uber female passenger who
should that be car - for kissing and cud-
bad before. So we naturally asked if it was
was sent £20 compensation after the dri-
dling on New Year’s Day. But then again
DaC or Call Sign that had caused this reac-
ver allegedly asked her if she wanted him
perhaps it was the case of the London
tion in the usually mild-mannered driver. It
to perform a sex act on her.
Uber driver who called a ‘drag queen’ rid-
was neither, but he’d just heard that Uber
Then there was the lady who picked up the
ing in his backseat a “disgusting fag boy.”
had won the Taxi/PH Innovator of the Year
same Uber driver twice, close to New York’s
prize and asked if we knew. We said that we
Then there’s Holland that joined India,
Lincoln Centre, when at the end of the trip
did and would be congratulating them in this
Spain and Thailand in having complete Uber
the driver asked her if she had been near
issue!
bans and issuing a preliminary judgment say-
there earlier before showing her a full-length,
It was at the plush confines of the former
ing that Netherlands Uber had to stop work-
close-up picture of herself wearing the track
Royal Lancaster Hotel - now minus its
ing with drivers who lacked a taxi license but
suit she had worn an hour earlier! She com-
Royal prefix - that Sir Peter Hendy, current
charged passengers for rides. German courts
plained about the driver taking photos of
TfL Commissioner of Transport, presented the
in Hamburg and Berlin banned Uber in
unaccompanied women.
2014 London Transport Awards - spon-
September and there are ongoing legal cases
Sir Peter may also dislike Uber because of
sored by the DoT and TfL! It was no shock to
going on in Deutschland.
the Uber driver who was arraigned in Boston
find that even though the London licensed
Nevada banned Uber when a court
for allegedly kidnapping and raping a pas-
Taxi trade is known as the best taxi service
claimed that the app’s drivers were acting like
senger who got into his car. The female pas-
anywhere in the world, it received absolutely
taxi drivers - something they are obviously
senger had got into a vehicle operated by
nothing; not even an honourable mention!
not. Mind you, Uber voluntarily pulled out
Alejandro Done. She told the driver where
However, Uber - the company Sir Peter said
from San Antonio, the second most popu-
she wanted to go, but he took her to a place
at last month’s GLA meeting that not only
lous city in Texas. Why? Well the city council
she was not familiar with, pulled over in a
passed an ordinance requiring drivers to pass
does he not like, but that that they did not
secluded area and jumped in the backseat
like him either - won the Taxi/Private hire
city-reviewed background checks. How dare
where she was sitting. According to a DA
the council propose that!
Innovator of the Year award.
report, the driver then allegedly struck her
But there’s none of the above in
Perhaps one reason Sir Peter doesn’t like
with his hands, locked the car doors so that
London, here they’ve won a prize! Isn’t
Uber is because the app’s joint founder and
she couldn’t escape and covered her mouth
something wrong with TfL for getting
current CEO Travis Kalanick has said that he
so she couldn’t scream. Then during the
involved in presenting the award? But
couldn’t care less about TfL because he can
physical struggle, the defendant allegedly
don’t ask us - we weren’t invited!
and does as he wishes! Mr Kalanick wasn’t
sexually assaulted her.
The other two shortlisted were Kabbee and
present at Bayswater’s renamed Lancaster
Let’s also remind Sir Peter of the Uber dri-
Carrot Cars. We’re not mad about either, but at
Hotel to pick up the prize, otherwise he
ver in Chicago who allegedly raped a 22-year-
least they count as legitimate opposition who
might possibly have answered questions on
old female passenger on her way home from
so far as we know, work fully within the law.
some “problems” his drivers seemed to have
a party. She had fallen asleep in the cab and
picked up along the way. And no, their prices
claimed she later woke up with the Uber dri-
Baghwat Singh
at the drop of a ‘surge’ hat do not count as
ver on top of her in an unfamiliar apartment.
problems - well not to TfL apparently.
Call Sign Online
We were thinking more about the case
We could also mention the Parisian Uber
Russell’s one man anti-Uber battle!
An Australian private hire driver, who became famous down-under for making citizens
arrests on Uber drivers, recently came to London with the intention of toppling the
Uber empire in London.
Russell Howarth was a former policeman over here before emigrating to Oz. His police
background included two years in the advanced riot squad and counter-terrorism, which he says
helps him to understand the law when he makes his arrests.
Last year he founded the campaign, Arresting Uber as a protest against Uber’s unlicensed
drivers transporting passengers illegally - although he admits that unlike Australia, Uber are
licensed in London. However, he believes that after he meets and explains his views on the
app’s flouting of the law to TfL, that they will withdraw Uber’s licence.
So well is Mr Howarth known by Uber executives in his now-home country that the London
version has written to all its 20,000 drivers warning them of his presence in the capital. The letter stated:
“We have been made aware that there is a person in London who has approached Uber partners and attempted to
provoke them. He has made claims that Uber London is some way illegal - this is not true. We would like to take this
opportunity to reassure you that Uber is 100% legal and compliant with all TfL requirements, as was confirmed in the
letter that TfL sent all PCO-licensed drivers last summer. We would ask you to keep your doors locked and to call the
police if approached by anyone making accusations about your legality.”
Mr Howarth had previously been on Uber for around two years. However, his view on the app changed when he looked closely at
how Uber operated and said that he felt he had become a part of a lie. He added that if he wasn’t going to be with them, then he
was going to try to stop them!
In addition to his meeting with TfL, he has or will meet many of the taxi trade organisations…
Call Sign April 2015
Page 16
n August 21st Dial-a-Cab dri-
ver Patsy McCarthy (C01) will
RENTING A TAXI - IN 1925!
have been with this Society for
then he would face a further charge of one
O
thirty years. But even he was-
old penny per mile. However, should at
n’t around on September 28th 1925,
any time after the first year had been com-
unlike Charles Talbot who on that date
pleted and if Charles Talbot was fully up to
went along to the Mount Pleasant Motor
date on his payments, then he would have
Company at
69 Margaret Street,
the option to buy the taxi at a cost of £350.
Farringdon in order to rent a taxi.
We mentioned the agreement to Bill
Thanks to Patsy, Call Sign now has the
Munroe, author of London Taxis: A full his-
actual agreement and we thought read-
tory (Earlswood Press) in addition to writing
ers would be interested in some of the
many other taxi books, running a Knowledge
details from 90 years ago.
school and also being a taxi driver himself
Mr Talbot, who lived in Stoke
and his belief was that £7 wasn’t much less
Newington, signed to rent taxicab registra-
than the average weekly takings back then.
tion number XH 3980 and by doing so,
Looking at the agreement, it seems that
agreed to rent the taxi and have a night-
had the cab not been shared, then Mr
man as well - although according to the
Talbot could have been working for very
document, if either should become “bank-
little and although all the included costs
rupt or a lunatic” then the agreement
are itemised, it comes down to just renting
would become null and void!
a cab “on the clock” with an option to pur-
Whilst there was no actual rental charge,
chase thrown in, an option few drivers
the drivers would have to hand over all the
problems and all parts and accessories
could probably afford.
money showing on the meter at the end of
and an annual chassis adjustment
-
Patsy has had the document for many
the day and would receive a percentage
£2.85.The annual overhaul added 60p
years but has no knowledge of who
back, which explains why tips were so
per week. Petrol (the pump price per
Charles Talbot was. Mr Talbot lived in
important back then.
gallon was 7p) came to a mighty charge
Cressington Road N16, a road that does-
However, there was a £7 weekly mainte-
per week of £1.75 whilst 75p per week
n’t seem to exist anymore although
nance charge shared between the two dri-
went to the cost of any new tyres need-
there is now a Cressington Close. If any-
vers which does seem to have included every-
ed. The taxi licence charge of £15 a year
one thinks they knew of Mr Talbot or
thing - even fuel. The charge included the fol-
was included at a cost of 30p a week,
more likely, his descendants, then
lowing - originally shown in pre-decimal cur-
whilst insurance added another
50p
please let Call Sign know…
rency but converted to pounds/pence for
and the £7 contract was completed by
anyone under 90 years old!
the meter rental weekly cost at 11p.
Michael Toomey
For weekly washing, polishing, all
Mr Talbot had to agree that should he
oils, running repairs, gearbox or engine
drive more than 25,000 miles in a year,
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
Telephone : 07551 975 503 • Email: jacquiehartcounselling@hotmail.com
www.hart-counselling.co.uk
Call Sign April 2015
Page 17
After TfL lost a batch of driver’s CRB disclosures in 2011, it has
happened again…
TFL LOSE TAXI DRIVERS’
MEDICAL REPORTS!
In a development that caused much conster-
ing such important papers should also be
received letters confirming their licence
nation among licensed taxi drivers, Transport
reported? And let’s not forget, the request for
renewal.
for London admitted that a batch of Criminal
a medical disclosure is signed by the Mayor of
Ron Yarborough
Record Bureau forms sent from Palestra
London, Boris Johnson…”
House in Blackfriars to the CRB HQ in
All three drivers we spoke to had since
Call Sign Online
Liverpool had been lost. It was 2011 and DaC
driver Marc Turner (R97) had alerted Call
Sign after TfL contacted him explaining about
the loss following his application for a new
THE NEW VITO?
Bill.
We then discovered that it wasn’t just
ith three electric
Marc’s CRB but a whole batch. As Marc said at
Metrocabs said to
the time, with a CRB check, there could be
be running around
information that you wouldn’t want to get
W
London and fully
out. The only fortunate part was that the orig-
licensed, it seemed to be just a mat-
inal documents accompanying the CRB were
ter of time before the rest came
all safe, just the forms had gone missing. TfL
along behind and Call Sign hap-
blamed the postal service.
pened to have a driver at the S&B
Now four years on in 2015 and we have
Vito dealership at Welham Green
heard from three DaC drivers, none of whom
to snap a hidden photo of staff
would like to be identified, but all telling a
looking at the new Vito. No photos
similar story; TfL have contacted them to say
were allowed… and neither was a
that a batch of completed medical forms had
date mentioned for the taxi version.
gone missing and they were asked to please
But it must be close…
send them a photocopy.
In all fairness to the licensing authority, the
original letter does “recommend” that you
Dennis Latchett
keep a photocopy of the original report “for
Call Sign Online
your own record.” However, not everyone has
access to a scanner or fax machine or a local
shop that photocopies documents. And
depending on your doctor, you can pay any-
Staff try to hide it from
the DaC driver whose
thing from £94 to £165 for the original med-
ical and form filling procedure!
phone seems to have
One Dial-a-Cab driver told us: “Fortunately
snapped the new Vito
I had kept a copy, but I was very concerned
that they could lose such an important docu-
ment. After all, on the first page it actually says
You may not need us now, but cut us out for when you do!
that the information included in the form may
be passed to law enforcement agencies if
criminal activity is suspected or where they
are otherwise required to do so by law! You
LOCKHOUSE SECURITY
don’t need to be brain of Britain to realise
that is an important document.
All types of locks, opened, repaired and replaced
“Besides anything else, call me old fash-
ioned but I don’t want strangers knowing my
10% discount on keys and locks for DaC drivers
health details including my name, where I live
Transponders / chipped keys
and my GP’s address. That information could
On site key cutting services including taxis
feasibly be used against me - not to mention
Locks replaced / fitted to insurance specifications (BS3621
fraudulently. I was also extremely upset to be
asked via a TfL phone call to send them a pho-
Burglary repairs / boarding up
tocopy. Surely informing me that they had lost
Additional security / security upgrades
such an important document and requesting
Safes opened, repaired and serviced
a photocopy should have come in a recorded
Grilles and security gates
letter?”
At the time of writing, Call Sign had not
Specialists in UPVC doors and windows / patio doors
heard if the originals had been found or
Free estimates / no call out charge
whether TfL, as a second DaC driver suggest-
24hr service
ed, had passed the matter over to the police.
“After all,” the second driver told us still
You can find us at:
with an obvious sound of anger in his voice,
8-10 The Arcade, Farnham Road, Harold Hill
“they would have been very quick to pass over
anything they suspected about us that they
Tel: 01708 371115
perceived as being a bit dodgy; so surely los-
Call Sign April 2015
Page 18
In this series, Cab Guide, City of London Guide and City of Westminster Guide Bob Woodford looks at
infamous peace time London explosions
Blast!
any cab drivers will recall the
IRA bombing campaign in
London, which
M
regular distrac-
tion in the 1980s and 1990s.
I can recall sitting in the staff
canteen at the SW1 Distric
Office of the GPO in Howic
Place one Saturday after
noon in 1983, when ‘Ol
he former Clerkenwell Prison was used as a bomb shel-
Mac’ had come in from h
r in WW2. (Inset) plaque where the school now is
post box collection round
Belgravia boasting that h
post van had been comma
False evidence suggests that Michael Barrett was incor-
deered by police officers
ectly charged with causing the Blast, but he nevertheless
Sloane Street anxious to get
was hanged on 26th May 1868 outside Newgate Prison.
Harrods because they had j
It’s spooky thinking that people flocked to the execution,
received a coded warning ab
many by way of the London Underground, which was already
a planted device in a parked
operating before Barrett became the last person to be hung in
outside.
public in Britain. You can imagine Londoners rushing out of
A few years later, in the
Farringdon Station to witness the spectacle!
when I used to work the ‘fly
ld Clerkenwell Prison was demolished in 1890 to be replaced
a cabbie told me that he too had had his vehicle taken over by police
by the Hugh Myddleton School, which has now been converted into
in Walton Street in their haste to get to the department store, packed
residential flats with an entrance in Clerkenwell Close. Call Sign read-
with Christmas shoppers.
ers might like to go and check out the plaque in the picture. A
Nobody knows if any of the constables that took the forceful deci-
sequence of tunnels beneath the old prison remains undisturbed,
sion to steer these two drivers towards the carnage that would ensue,
having been used as World War Two bomb shelters. More recently a
were any of the four police officers killed in the explosion that ripped
museum was opened up, which was sadly short-lived.
apart the Hans Crescent side of one of London’s iconic landmarks.
In the aftermath of the Blast, Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli
But this month’s ‘Blast’ features another peace time explosion
urged a step up in security operations - and where have we heard that
that was the work of Irish terrorists - a different part of London
before.
in a different century, but which also took place just before
Christmas.
Bob Woodford
It was December 1867; so-called Fenian agitators (forerunners of
Call Sign Online
the IRA) used a barrel of gunpowder to blow up the outside wall of
the old Clerkenwell Prison in Corporation Row in an attempt to
free some of their comrades. They included
Richard Burke, who was being detained for
the murder of police officer Charles Brett.
Drawing parallels with the Harrods bomb
just over 100 years later, the barrel had been
placed under the cover on the end of a coster-
monger’s barrow and wheeled to the site
where they knew prisoners would be exercis-
ing in the yard behind the wall. A massive sec-
tion of the wall was blown away and the rick-
ety old tenement block on the other side of
the street was destroyed in the blast - result-
ing in 12 people killed, with over 50 suffering
from various injuries. The end result left many
families homeless while grieving for their
loved ones. The explosion was heard for miles
with low traffic levels and the lack of high rise
buildings in the late 19th century allowing
sound to carry.
Call Sign April 2015
Page 19
Thank you for the photos…
Dial-a-Cab drivers often send in photos that they have taken because the scene being viewed is so
stupid that it can’t always be believed! The two photos below are just such pics…
Dave Mackay
all Sign isn’t a football mag, but I hope
you will allow me a brief mention on the
death of a hero of mine, former Spurs left
C
half Dave Mackay. I doubt whether he
would have remembered me, even though I spoke
to him a number of times on the train going to
away games, when we ‘supporters club’ members
often travelled with the team. No private jets in
those days, with players on a maximum wage of
£20 a week.
To be honest, I didn’t even always understand
his Scottish accent; and neither did the rest of the
team, which is why he would often sit with fel-
low Scots Bill Brown and John White. But that
didn’t matter because this was Dave Mackay -
the heartbeat of a unit that within months would sweep
all before them and become the first football team of the modern era to win both the
League Championship and FA Cup ‘double’ in the same season.
No one ever deserved that one minute applause held before the Swansea match more than he. RIP Dave
Mackay - a true footballing legend and a hero to me and many others…
Alan Fisher
Call Sign Online
Call Sign April 2015
Page 20
Every issue of Call Sign takes a look back at ODRTS history through the pages
of the magazines of the time with a Flashback…
DIAL-A-CAB FLASHBACK
This issue harks back to the July 2003 issue and looks at Call Sign’s view of London
possibly winning the 2012 Olympics - still nine years into the future...
Will a London Olympics be good for DaC drivers?
With London now officially in the race against Paris, New York, Moscow and others for the 2012 Olympic Games, drivers may well be
thinking that nine years from now could be a real boom-time for the taxi industry. But is that how it worked for other Olympic cities?
Taxi Driver David Gawthorn was born in the UK but resides and works in Melbourne, Australia. He is also the author of a book on
his Australian taxi experiences and has his own weekly radio show. Call Sign asked him about the Sydney Olympic Games and
whether their cab trade benefited.
“They were a total disaster for Sydney cabbies,” replied David, “the whole city shut down for the period that the Games
were on and just concentrated on the big event. Even Sydney's public transport, which is notoriously bad, ran properly
for the duration of the Games! In addition, all transport was free on production of an Olympic ticket - and very often if
you didn't have a ticket! The system strongly favoured public mass transport rather than the inferred 'expensive' cabs.
“But we were given a rank which was sited around a kilometre from the stadium and many people who might have
considered taking a cab, took the free train instead because that involved no walking - and who could blame them?”
David went on: “My wife, youngest daughter and myself made the pilgrimage to Sydney and stayed about 80 kilome-
tres (50 miles) out. Even though we had no intention of going to any of the events, we got to travel free on the trains to
get into the city! Not much use to cab drivers though!”
David concluded by adding: “Apart from bits and pieces of Olympic work, there was also less of the regular cab driving
work as so many streets were closed. And it wasn't just we cabbies who complained with many retailers, restaurants,
bars, cafes and pubs that weren't in the immediate area of the events and the city, seeing their takings drop.”
So what about London? As Transport for London will obviously be looking to Sydney to see how they planned the
event, it looks like London’s taxi drivers may have a battle on their hands rather than a windfall! Perhaps we shouldn’t
wait until 2012 to make our point? Atlanta 96 Olympic cab drivers even lost their taxi lanes. Melbourne doesn’t have
them, but if London is confirmed as getting the 2012 Games - and admittedly that is still a year or so away - then the
time to start putting our case will be soon after and not the day before the Games commence….
Alan Fisher
A trade now inundated with opposition shouldn’t be surprised to hear it but…
NOW FORD MOVE INTO THE PEOPLE
MOVING BUSINESS!
In a disturbing, yet unsurprising move
in an era where everyone wants to be
a taxi driver without doing any of the
hard work, the Ford Motor Company
are said to be experimenting with an
“Uber-like” ride-sharing app. If suc-
cessful, they would send out their
own fleet of vehicles to aim at a mar-
ket between taxis and buses. The
company refers to it as a “dynamic
social shuttle.” And before anyone
puts two and two together and
comes up with the two words of
April Fool, no, the story is genuine.
The article, which first
appeared in the Washington
Post, claimed that the Ford vehicles could be tested
on London’s streets “as early as this year.”
Ford say that the new sharing service would be faster than taking a bus, whilst cheaper than an
Uber cab. Ford CEO Mark Fields hinted that the idea came from seeing the world-wide success of
Uber and the US success of Lyft and Sidecar.
The Ford app service would obviously run in direct competition to Nat Rothschild’s Maaxi Taxi,
with the possibility that the vehicle used could be the Ford Transit. Could the reason be that Ford
are having trouble selling their Transits and have a huge surplus of the model available?
In a trade now inundated with opposition, we shouldn’t be surprised at anything and were
going to ask Dial-a-Cab Chairman Brian Rice if he had any plans to build cars, but didn’t bother
as he was talking to two drivers about property development at the East Road offices!!!
Other than laugh at the Ford story, I really don’t know what else to say…
Michael Toomey
Call Sign Online
Call Sign April 2015
Page 21
ALL WHITE ON THE NIGHT
The views of Garry White…
Hello Ladies and Gents,
putting aside their differences and uniting
against the woefully inadequate TfL. I believe
AGM
it to be imperative that you now belong to
one of the trade organisations that are work-
Firstly I would like to thank you for returning
ing on our behalf to combat the multi million
me to the Dial-a-Cab Board of Management.
pound hi-tech companies circumventing taxi
It was good to meet and talk to so many of
legislation and tax avoiding measures by
you at the AGM.
operating outside the UK.
You might be aware that I am no longer the
Compliance Officer for DaC as the Board
have made a change following the AGM, that
Marketing
change being that I am no longer in DaC
I believe that we need to up our game in the
house on a weekly basis. The other two
way we market the Society and our own app,
Board members with positions remain with-
because that's how I see the immediate future
out change.
of people hailing taxis whilst paying by cred-
If you wish to read my thoughts on Dial-a-
it card…
Cab matters, other current affairs or you just
Be Lucky
want to contact me, you can do so via Call
Sign, where I still have a bi-monthly column.
Garry White
You can also email me on garryw@diala-
United trade
cab.co.uk.
It’s good to see the trade organisations
DaC Board Member
Bank of England new note signatures…
With effect from 3 March 2015, the Bank of England will be issuing into circulation £10, £20 and £50 notes bearing the signature of the current Chief
Cashier, Victoria Cleland. These notes are the same design as those currently in circulation, which bear the signature of Chris Salmon, the previous
Chief Cashier and of his predecessors Andrew Bailey and Merlyn Lowther. Cleland notes will circulate alongside the remaining Salmon, Bailey and
Lowther notes with the same status.
The first £5 notes bearing the signature of Victoria Cleland will be printed on polymer and introduced into circulation from the second
half of 2016.
£10, £20 and £50 notes bearing Victoria Cleland’s signature will be made available to the cash industry from 3 March 2015 and will be dispensed
from some ATMs and branch counters shortly thereafter. Low serial numbered notes will not be available from the Bank’s counter.
OBITUARY: RAY SORENE
When I heard that Ray Sorene (A53) had passed away, I wasn’t surprised - just deeply saddened. I
didn’t know Ray socially, just from his being on Dial-a-Cab for almost 45 years and for his kind offer of
always being available to stand in whenever Call Sign’s regular snapper, Alan Green (E53), couldn’t
take his place as this mag’s photographer. Ray’s photography standard was excellent and I never had to
worry on those rare occasions when Alan was unavailable.
Ray joined the Society in 1969, just as Jack Taylor was handing over the ODRTS Chairmanship to Jack
Russell and was proud of the fact that only one driver - Alan Lewis (A44) - had still been with the
Society for longer than he, although before his retirement last year Bill Tyzack (C06), would have knocked
Ray down to third. Alan Lewis is the only driver still on the circuit who joined when the Chairman was Eli
(Trixie) Solomons.
Very often Ray and I would have a yearly catch-up at the AGM, because I don’t remember him ever missing one as he always placed himself
next to me on the front row. It’s also difficult to find one of our yearly meetings where he never got up to speak, because he took a great
interest in the Society.
He last spoke at the March 2014 meeting when he queried where £3million had vanished to from the Society’s accounts! Fortunately it had just
been transferred to a different account in order to gain more interest! But when he sat down again after speaking, he shocked me by saying that
this would be his last AGM. I could see how sad he looked when he said his taxi was about to lose its licence due to the Mayor’s 15 year emissions
policy. He also told me that his time with DaC had gone far too quickly, but that he never regretted his decision to join.
Not long after that, he phoned me to say that he had stripped out and his cab had gone. He said that he would be reading every issue of the
magazine in the online version and has actually written several letters to Mailshot since then - one coming with a humorous tale in the February
issue and even one in this issue regarding the sad death of Steve Marks. But he also told me that he had been diagnosed with cancer.
He phoned a number of times following that and was under no illusion as to how ill he was. On one occasion he called to say how thrilled he
had been when Brian Rice wrote to him after I told the Chairman of Ray’s illness. It wasn’t just the fact of it being Brian, but it was a contact with
DaC - and he loved that.
I last spoke to Ray two days before he died when he called to ask if we could tell a regular account customer with whom he had established a
connection in that they both collected old whiskey bottles, of his illness. The message was passed thanks to Caroline McGowan on the DaC House
ground floor. But sadly, a call from Ray’s friend, Dave Cohen (E94) on Saturday 21 March, told us that Ray had died. It was before the customer
had the opportunity to contact him.
Allan Evans and Keith Cain represented the DaC Board at Ray’s funeral.
Our deepest sympathy goes to his wife and daughter with our sincere thanks to them for sharing Ray with us for all those years…
Alan Fisher
Call Sign Online
Call Sign April 2015
Page 22
Gary Cox (O46) looks at a strange protective structure that will
allow cyclists to use bikes in the most difficult weather conditions -
if the makers get the funds needed to put it into production…
The Bike Brolly???
room and they say that they have become
So back to the question at the top of the
impresarios like those guys on Dragons Den
article; the obvious answer is no, but if any
and have invested a tenner in “this fantastic
cyclists do get hold of one they will have to
idea,” just smile knowingly and tell them that
pay for larger cycle parking bays at hospitals!
even Dial-a-Cab Chairman Brian Rice’s
On second thoughts, maybe more ambulance
favourite footie team at Queens Park
bays would be more appropriate in this
Rangers win occasionally, but you wouldn’t
case…”
want to put money on them doing it too
Gary Cox
often!
Call Sign Online
“Will Boris ban it, can Boris ban it? I'm not
ranting, but this latest feat of modern
DRIVERS WANTED FOR
engineering for pedal cycles is, to be quite
truthful, the most stupid contraption I
have ever seen!
LTFUC SOUTHEND TRIP
It's not just this country's police force that's
concerned, the Spanish Guardia civil traffic
Drivers, come and have a fun-packed day by the sea…
cops - who are more than honest, reasonable,
fair and forward thinking (so they tell me) -
Drivers, we need your help to give 300 ‘special needs’ and underprivileged children a brilliant
are also more than a little taken aback with
and memorable day out at Southend-on-Sea on Wednesday 1st July.
this one. When I showed the evidence to a
In case you have any doubts, we welcome all drivers regardless of what colour cab you
senior police officer from another European
have, whether you have radio circuit logos or advertising. This applies to all our outings. As
region who was here to attend the ExCel
well as giving a great deal of pleasure to so many children, we promise you will have a bril-
liant and fun-packed day out yourself.
Motorbike Show, his response was simply to
tap his head and say… ‘You English’!
Without you there are no outings. So please contact our driver liaison: Steve Bell
on 07811 508772.
So what is this wonder of technology that
The Hon President, Hon Chairman and Committee would be deeply grateful if you could
I’m divulging into your subconscious? It's a
join us and we look forward to seeing you on the day…
plastic modelled sheet with no doubt a plastic
“None walks so tall as he who stoops to help a child”
zip to bring back the glory of those halcyon
Raymond Levy
days of the pacamac, walking down the sea
front with chapped legs in April, granny with
LTFUC Press Officer
her Brillo pad hair and a packet of humbugs
that you needed false teeth to navigate. And
not to mention a Sketchley’s coat hanger
frame, although l suspect the wire will be too
expensive so you can bet your bottom dollar
THE SALIERI RESTAURANT
that the frame will be plastic in no time, which
I’m sure will stand up to a whack just as well!
376 Strand, WC2
Of course the finished product will need
some ventilation, as cycling
(and cyclists)
We Invite Dial-a-Cab drivers and their guests to our
tends to be a bit hot and smelly at the best of
restaurant where you can partake of the finest food and wine
times, let alone when the condensation kicks
in on a nice wet evening. Maybe someone
And as a thank-you for helping our clients come
should have mentioned a window wiper as a
good idea - and of course a mirror, but you
and go over the years, we are happy to be able to
probably wouldn’t see through the plastic.
offer you a genuine 25% discount on your bill
As the Leafxpro YouTube clip clearly
shows, on a nice warm day it all folds into a
long thin package that can be attached to the
We are certain that you will be delighted
cyclists back. Maybe someone needs to point
out that after half a dozen folds, it will never
go back into its container. And of course, just
one sudden gust of wind and it will make a
cheap shroud in all its technicolor splendour
for all to wonder at the inner workings of the
human body. Well that's a lay man's descrip-
tion, for what it's worth!
Please bring along your badge or Bill as ID
As I write this, there is a fundraising cam-
paign going on at the Kickstarter crowd-
Salieri Restaurant
funding platform in an attempt to raise
money for this bonkers idea. I guess in their
376 Strand, WC2
defence they will say it's not illegal to raise
Reservations: 020 7836 1318
money for something that's not against the
law. So when you pop up to your kid’s bed-
Call Sign April 2015
Page 23
Alasdair Kay is in his 41st year with DaC, but tells Call Sign about a
recent death that you wouldn’t normally expect to read about in
this magazine…
THE SAD DEATH
OF A BAG LADY…
Royal Academy of Music; she had also
Anne was once again on the move and
performed at the Wigmore Hall. But
lived in a clump of bushes outside a
somehow things went downhill; she lost
London underground station.
her home, and later on the Ford Consul
Many have compared Anne Naysmith’s
in which she then lived - it had been
story to that of Miss Shepherd, who was
towed away following complaints by a
said to live in a van outside writer Alan
neighbour that it was a blight on the
Bennett’s home in Camden. She was
view and Anne could not afford the
later immortalised in his play The Lady
charge of getting her car back.
in the Van. Either way, London is now
She then lived on a patch of land near
minus another character…
Stamford Brook Station, but the coun-
cil decided it had to be cleaned up and
Alasdair Kay (C47)
TfL confirms intention to lodge High Court application…
UBER AND TAXIMETERS
A Transport for London spokesperson has told Call Sign:
We have made clear previously that it is our view that smartphones used by private
hire drivers do not constitute the equipping of a vehicle with a taxi meter where they act
as GPS tracking devices to measure journey distances and relay information so that fares
can be calculated remotely from the vehicle. However, we acknowledge that this issue is
not straightforward and is open to an alternative interpretation. The most appropriate
way forward is to invite the High Court to issue a declaration on this issue.
Whilst there were ongoing criminal proceedings in the Magistrates’ Court, we could
The bag lady: Anne Naysmith
not proceed with an application to the High Court. The Magistrates’ Court has been
invited to withdraw those proceedings and TfL will now proceed with its application to
e see some sad and dread-
the High Court.
ful things during our work-
ing day on the streets of
W
London, but I wonder how
many of us ever noticed Anne
Naysmith. Perhaps she just didn’t regis-
ter as we passed by her walking along
the streets of London.
Over the decades, I had often driven
past a woman who appeared to be wear-
ing plastic bags on her feet, whilst carry-
ing even more carrier bags - although,
EARLY TREATMENT MEANS SPEEDY RECOVERY
strangely enough, never Sainsbury’s
because apparently she didn’t like them!
Treatment for pain & discomfort doesn’t have to be expensive
But regardless of which brand, the plas-
tic bags contained all her worldly pos-
The Centre offers fully qualified therapists in Physiotherapy,
sessions.
Osteopathy, Sports Massage, Reflexology, Shiatsu, Remedial
She could be anywhere at any time
Massage, Indian Head Massage, Hydrotherm, Massage
and I saw her at various times from
the City itself right out as far as
Therapy, Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.
Shepherds Bush. And regardless of
the weather - rain, hail, snow or sun
Call us on 020 8507 8169
- she would always be walking.
or mobile 07973 639 473 for an early appointment
Anyway, I was recently listening to
Email: andy@bptconline.co.uk or fax: 020 8507 9650
Radio 4’s Last Word and the obituary of
Out of hours enquiries welcome
a famous concert pianist who had lived
in a car in Chiswick for many years and
who had been killed by a lorry.
Barking Physical Therapy Centre
Returning home, I Googled the name
90 Longbridge Road, Barking, Essex, IG11 8SF
and what a story it brought up!
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 9am till 8pm and Saturday 9am till 2pm
This was the same woman I’d seen
www.bptconline.co.uk
over the years. She had trained at the
Call Sign April 2015
Page 24
LOOKING AT (TAXI) LIFE
With Tom Quigley (Y33)
having a car close to their workplace.
NHS free for all?
With the closing of most small local hospitals, the two hospitals we
As we run up to the General Election,
visited were in major heavy traffic areas and getting a space to park
much debate will focus onto the
was a stress in itself. With the general visiting time starting at 2.30pm
National Health Service.
it meant you had to be there for around 2 o’clock to find a space, with
With all the sides of the political spec-
clever parking fees milking us for every extra penny that they can
trum promising anyone prepared to lis-
because the machines work in two hour increments, which meant you
ten that they will protect and improve
lost the first half hour of every visit. It also meant that everyone left
the service, the biggest argument will be
the hospital smack bang at the start of the rush hour, bringing further
about how this service that is currently
traffic to already crowded runs - in our family’s case, Homerton High
free, will be preserved and kept free.
Street and Lea Bridge Road.
Of course, free it maybe for some, but it’s not free when hon-
It must be happening all over the country, but particularly in
est people do the decent thing and visit their friends and rela-
London and also makes you wonder what the carbon value of
tives.
that exercise is over the week.
Our family, who have had two elderly relatives in hospital at the
Yes the NHS is free, but for many companies it’s more of a “free for
same time, can assure you that such visits are expensive. I may sound
all…”
miserly in calculating the cost of the visits, but the fact is that with
these visits we hope to stimulate the patients, help with their care,
take some of the workload off an already overworked NHS staff and
The Knowledge
help speed up the recovery of our relatives, thereby reducing the
Just to let Call Sign readers that have anyone on The Knowledge
costs to the NHS and the country as a whole.
know that “appearances” as of May 5th 2015 will be at a new venue.
But we are charged for our efforts; I sat and calculated that in
They will no longer be at Palestra House - yes dinosaurs, they haven’t
one week alone it cost our family over £120 in parking fees! Yes,
been at Penton Street for yonks as that building, which was the
that was £120! If this money went straight back to the NHS then
Palace of fears and dreams for most of us, has been reduced to a Boris
we would all benefit. But as we’re all aware, it doesn’t and
Bike depot!
instead goes to private companies.
The new address will then be at 230 Blackfriars Road with the
Then if that wasn’t bad enough, one of the hospitals actually
entrance in Chancel Street.
charges the staff - including nurses - a colossal £600 a year to park in
their car parks! How ludicrous is that? These poorly paid people work
Tom Quigley
and finish at unearthly hours and need their vehicles to get home
when there’s limited public transport - never mind the safety factor of
Call Sign Online
GLA QUESTION TFL TAXI/PH RESOURCES
n page 12 of this issue, there is a report on the GLA questioning of TfL Transport
Commissioner Sir Peter Hendy at City Hall. Call Sign has now heard that Transport
O
Committee chair, Caroline Pidgeon has since written to Sir Peter expressing concern
over which resources are available for the enforcement of regulations surrounding the Taxi and
Private Hire trades.
The letter spells out the committee’s concern following Sir Peter’s statement that some Met
Borough Commanders did not view enforcement against touts as a priority. Ms Pidgeon added
that the Assembly’s Police and Crime Committee would be looking at the issue and also
asked for any legal advice on the question of the Uber app and its connection to a meter be
released to the committee. She suggested that a greater understanding and transparency
should have been made available following the authority’s decision to licence the San
Franciscan app.
TAXI AIR
The Flower Mill
Creating Beautiful Flowers For Weddings
CONDITIONING
All makes and models
Tel:
07854 738895
serviced and repaired
Mobile service - we
Web: www.theflowermillessex.co.uk
come to you!
Email: theflowermill@yahoo.co.uk
Call Mick Wheeler on
Covering Essex & The Surrounding Counties
020 8715 0079
Covering London
“It is at the edge of a petal that love waits”- William Carlos Williams
and the Home Counties
Call Sign April 2015
Page 25
On 26th April Dial-a-Cab Driver
Running in aid of Haven House Children's Hospice…
Colin Greaves (M91) and his son
Ben will be running the 2015
London Marathon in aid of
DaC’s Colin takes on
Haven House Children's Hospice.
Over the past few years, due to
London Marathon
the experience of close
friends, they have both become
increasingly aware of the
tremendous work the charity
does in support of young chil-
dren with life limiting and life
threatening conditions, includ-
ing providing specialist nursing
for seriously ill children and end
of life care.
It’s amazing the difference the care and
treatment can make to the individual chil-
dren and their families in what for many
cases is a very traumatic and often short peri-
od of time.
Colin (left) and Ben in training for the London Marathon
On a personal note, Colin is motivated to
lion to run the hospice; of which around
pledges of donations via more traditional
complete one last marathon (his last one was
£1.5million will need to be raised from vol-
methods, please feel free to contact Colin at
around 12 years ago) before his ageing legs
untary sources.
colinggreaves@aol.com or text / phone
and one remaining 'good' hip finally call time
Colin and Ben will be attempting to raise
07917 198631.
on his running. Also, when Ben was younger,
£6000 for this wonderful cause and anything
Thank you very much for your support
he used to say that when he was older he
Call Sign readers could please donate
from Colin, Ben and everybody at Haven
would complete the London Marathon
towards that target would be so gratefully
House Children's Hospice. You can read
with his father, although he may be regretting
received and very much appreciated.
about the Hospice and its work at
that promise now!
If you would like to make a donation
www.havenhouse.org.uk.
So here they are; ready, willing - probably
towards this tremendous cause and help
Could I please thank you in advance for
against the advice of his hip replacement sur-
ease some of their aching limbs, Colin has
contributing and taking the time to visit my
geon - and hopefully able to run this year's
a Just Giving donation page where you
fundraising page.
London Marathon for Haven House
can read his story at:
Children's Hospice in an attempt to raise a
www.justgiving.com/colingeorgegreaves
Colin Greaves (M91)
combined total of £6,000.
Also, if anyone would like to make any
Haven House Children's Hospice
colinggreaves@aol.com
provides planned and emergency care
24 hours a day, 365 days a year to over
150 children and young people who
Tower Hamlets 20mph speed limit
have a life-limiting condition. It pro-
As of Monday 13th April, the London borough of Tower Hamlets is introducing a bor-
vides extensive support to children
ough wide 20mph speed limit that will apply to all roads except those on the TfL road
from birth to 19 years old, including
network, which include the A11, A12, A13, The Highway, Burdett Road and Aspen
end of life care.
By combining specialist nursing care for
Way. Commercial Street will be included in the 20mph limit.
There will also be a no right turn from Mile End Road into Burdett Road due to the
seriously ill children, along with help for the
wider family, Haven House seeks to deliver a
Mayor’s new cycle superhighway.
sense of trust and most importantly ease the
burden of care. Whilst their services are free
to the families they support, they are not free
to provide and every year it costs over £2mil-
Fined if you leave your
Call Sign
engine running!
April 2015
Motorists who sit in a stationary vehicle with the engine running could be fined £20
Editor: Alan Fisher
if they refuse to switch it off. Westminster Council claim the move reflects con-
Address: 39 - 47 East Rd, London N1 6AH
Tel: 0207 251 0581 Fax: 0207 553 7293
cerns from residents and businesses over air quality in the borough. Traffic marshals
Email: callsignmag@aol.com
will be on patrol and ask car/taxi owners with stationary vehicles to switch their
Website:cwww.22-callsign.co.uk
engines off but if they refuse, a penalty notice with a £20 fine will be given. The
Printers: Premier Print Group
new scheme commences on May 1st.
25 - 31 Violet Rd, London E3
A spokesperson at the Institute of Advanced Motorists said the key issue would
Design: Aldan Publications
be how the new marshals enforced the fines and whether it was used as a genuine
Tel: 07958 300 428
attempt to help air quality or just as another Westminster revenue-raising exercise.
Email: deborahfresco@gmail.com
Views and opinion expressed in Call Sign must
The new measure could cause owners with weak batteries who were afraid of
not be assumed to represent those of the Editor or
switching off their engine in case they couldn’t restart it, to buy a new one possibly
Board.No part of Call Sign may be reproduced
earlier than they had perhaps hoped.
either manually or electronically without the express
permission of the Editor.
Call Sign April 2015
Page 26
Mailshot
the paltry valuation as presented to us.
Either write to Call Sign at Dial-
As we have spent a lot of money on possible
a-Cab House
mergers, could we not have a true valuation of
or email us at
our land should we go down that route?
Bruno Manfredi (F23)
callsignmag@aol.com
Thanks for the email Bruno, yours is a
Fare increase
question that is often brought up. The
Hello Alan
problem is that having the building val-
that you awarded Garry. I guess we’ll
I know it’s a bit late in the day, but I was just
ued yearly is an expensive process and
never know.
wondering if anybody had put forward a
seems pointless until such time as DaC
I’d also love to know where your
motion about cancelling the fare increase for
are seriously intending to sell it. So a fig-
assessment of the BoM being fractious
this year. I think you mentioned the subject
ure of £5million has been put alongside
comes from. Garry would unsurprisingly
in your Editorial some time ago, being as it
the valuation and isn’t altered. However
be upset at events, but there are several
was so small that it would do us more good
the figure is meaningless other than for
others on the Board and I heard nothing
through the public eye, to reject it for this
our End of Year Report. Once a decision is
resembling any disagreements from any
year. As you may have guessed, I am of the
reached and we decide to sell the build-
of them. Come to that, neither did any of
same view.
ing, it will then be properly valued and
the drivers that I spoke to at the meeting
Do you think this is likely? If not, who
the correct figure put up. But until then,
make your point …Ed
would be in a position to put this idea to
what would be the point in spending so
Mayor Boris? If that did happen, then I am
much each year …Ed
Unpronounceable!
sure it would go a long way in helping the
Hi Alan
public to look up to us and I don't think we
AGM reprise
It's okay; this is not some condemnation
would suffer financially. What are your
Dear Sir
from the Pope, but about the name of a fact.
thoughts?
I am sorry you misunderstood the point I was
Almost all the people convicted of touting
Chris Passfield (Y25)
Hi Chris, TfL have agreed to freeze the
trying to raise with regard to the Board
have names that are for me anyway, unpro-
increase for this year that I believe would
Members standing for election (March Call
nounceable. I wonder what that tells us.
originally have been
0.3 percent but
Sign). It seemed to me and my colleague
Terry Farmer (Ex-T55J, retired member)
could have dropped to 0.1 percent.
Bruno Manfredi (F23) that as the majority
That only those with unpronounceable
Hopefully the Evening Standard will tell
of votes had already been cast and we had all
names are allowed to drive??? …Ed
it the correct way, because knowing their
heard the arguments of the prospective
allegiance to all things small (ie mini-
Board Members, it was a waste of good
cabs) they are unlikely to try to make us
debating time going over the same ground.
Steve Marks
look too good. Of course, that always
What might have swung the votes for re-elect-
Alan
assumes that TfL pass on the news to
ing the Board was the way both Mr Rice and
It was sad news reading about Steve Marks
them. But no one can stop us telling our
Mr Son treated fellow Board Member Mr
in the March Call Sign. We used to work the
passengers that we are doing our bit to
Garry White, who behaved with great digni-
same early morning shifts, so I was used to
help keep prices down …Ed
ty and maturity. If the present Board is as
seeing him around on most days. One lasting
fractious with each other as they appeared at
memory I have is of doing a two-cab job with
the AGM, then it is no surprise that we are
him from the West End to Northolt Airport at
Diesel or diesel?
like a rudderless ship in a hurricane.
around 5 o’clock one morning. We got onto
Dear Alan
I hope that in the future we can forger per-
the Westway and then Steve’s cab just went -
It was interesting to read the article about
sonalities and tackle the present dire situation
within minutes his taxi was out of sight! I
Islington Council proposing to charge resi-
we find ourselves in.
don’t know what fuel he was using, but he
dents owning diesel vehicles for parking out-
Paul Hammett (V42)
made sure he was faster than anyone else!
side their homes (March Call Sign). Even
Paul, I didn’t misunderstand you because it
Fond memories! Rest in peace Stevie…
more interesting, I have been reliably
all comes under the same umbrella. You
Ray Sorene (Ex-A53, retired member)
informed that Islington Council have just
obviously don’t think that the 167 drivers
God bless you as well (Ray’s obit page 21)
renewed their van fleet - powered by diesel!
who bothered to turn up deserve to have
I was very sad to read of the passing of Stevie
Bob Francis (Y98)
all their questions answered and they
Marks in the last issue of Call Sign. I remem-
They need the money to put in more
couldn’t do that without hearing what the
ber his gravelled voice that I heard so often
humps - a sore subject with me and Chris
Board had to say. So we’ll have to disagree
when I used to dispatch on voice. We really
Caselton (O24) …Ed
on that point. I also must challenge your
had some fantastic banter over Dial-a-Cab
view of what actually transpired on the day
airwaves! I will always hold his kindness and
Valuation of DaC
because it seems we may have been at dif-
wit fondly in my memories. Never to be for-
ferent meetings! Yes, Garry certainly
gotten, thanks Steve! My sympathies go to his
House
behaved well, as did everyone present at a
wife and family. May he rest in peace…
At our recent AGM, new Board member Mr.
very difficult five hour long AGM. I never
Tony Arnold (F03)
Joe Brazil made an interesting point in
heard the Chairman say anything that
Call Sign also received many phone
regard to the value of DaC House. While I am
Garry challenged as being untrue. He cer-
calls following the sad passing of Steve
not in favour of a merger with God knows
tainly never complained about anything
Marks …Ed
who, or a sell off of DaC, the value of our
afterwards to me when we left the HAC
assets have been estimated at £5million. I
together.
have recently been informed that the
Yes, Mike Son may have lost votes for
Bidding App?
Clerkenwell Road site of Lellers Cab Wash,
being honest in declaring that should
Dear Brian
which is closing on the 10 March 2015, has
Garry win the election for Chairman, then
I recently had a thought (I don't get that
been sold for £l6million to facilitate the
he would have no alternative but to give up
many) about the DaC App and it occurred
building of a new 10-12 storey hotel. I am
his seat as he felt that he could not work
to me that if the public put together their
not a surveyor, but looking at our site in
with him. But on the other hand, he may
love of their mobiles and their money, it
comparison to Lellers site, ours looks bigger
also have won votes for being nothing less
would allow them to either enter a bid for
and therefore should be worth more than
than honest and showing the same dignity
a journey or get a fixed price via the com-
Call Sign April 2015
Page 27
Mailshot
puter. This isn't a new idea (the bid that is)
Many have tried to write off the taxi circuits
but, if it brings in work, who cares?
over the years, but arguably what they offer
Sorry that I missed the AGM, it was
licensed taxi drivers today is more important
because the boss had to have an operation
than ever. Stability, improved earnings, the
on her foot.
ability to accept street work, radio account
David Hughes (A73)
work and credit card payments and, crucially
Brian Rice replies: Sorry to hear ‘The
the experience of people who have weathered
many a storm in the industry year after year.
many years, they did not have a single sec-
Boss’ had an operation on her foot and I
Yes, a lot of account work has been won by the
ond hand cab for sale! It’s crazy when you
wish her a speedy recovery. But I hope
private hire operators and that trend is likely to
realise how bad trade is, but so many drivers
the operation on the wife’s foot had noth-
continue; but the taxi circuits, DaC included,
just shrug their shoulders and say that it is
ing to do with you opening your mouth!
are responding to that shift by reviewing the
what it is!
On a more serious note, the scenario of
run-in and gratuity charges. There are still a
I sometimes think that many drivers are
members of the public entering a bid for
great many firms out there that prefer taxis to
like ducks on the water; they will just sit
a trip was introduced by the three taxi
minicabs and unique selling points such as a
there until it has dried up. We need to make
drivers involved with Hailo. It was called
private partitioned passenger compartment,
an input…
Taxilight, the idea being that a member of
use of the bus lanes, the Knowledge and 100%
David Heath (Ex-W27)
the public entered a pickup and set down
wheelchair accessibility remain key assets to
It was good to see those 250 in the City
and then a price they wished to pay for
the trade.
Hall Public Gallery recently. But had it
the trip; it was then up to a taxi driver to
It looks likely that the next couple of years
been a 25,000 seater stadium instead,
accept that trip. I think it fair to say the
will bring more change to the taxi trade, but
would we have more than those 250 turn-
idea was an unmitigated disaster and the
well managed and long standing circuits such
ing up? I think not, and thereby lays the
whole concept was abandoned after a
as DaC will still have a crucial part to play. We
trades problem... Ed
short space of time. Like many things,
have seen some new entrants, especially apps,
David, the concept seems fine but the
come and go, which should remind us that
Our enemy’s enemy?
reality is something totally different…
strong stewardship from people who live and
Dear Alan
breathe the industry, such as Brian, is a vital
If you have not seen the piece in The Times
part of surviving disruption - whatever form it
where the Dept of Business has advised
From the former
takes.
Civil Servants to use Uber because they are
opposition!
Malcolm Paice (Former GM of ComCab)
cheaper, then please look. Our PA people
Master of the Worshipful Company of
are on it but given there's an election based
Dear Alan
Hackney Carriage Drivers.
on getting rid of tax fiddlers, why are the
I trust you are well. Now that I no longer
Thanks for the letter Malcolm. I hope you
Government telling their staff to use an
work for one of Dial-a-Cab’s competitors
are right about the long term prospects of
organisation like Uber that many have
(ComCab) I feel free to write to Call Sign
the radio taxi circuits. Good luck in your
accused of exactly that? We need to get this
magazine for the first time!
term as WCHCD Master …Ed
out there and Ministers etc should be
Firstly let me pass on my congratulations
embarrassed. This is an outrage!
to Brian Rice on being re-elected as
Finding a cab…
Mike Galvin
Chairman. There was never a doubt in my
Hi Alan
Addison Lee
mind that the DaC membership would
I had to leave Dial-a-Cab some time ago
I have known Mike Galvin for many years
return Brian as there is simply too much at
thanks to the 15-year rule but would like to
and have no problem believing anything
stake to consider trying an untested individ-
come back. However, buying a new cab at my
he says - even though he works for the
ual in the role. The point you made in your
age would be foolish, so I phoned the London
opposition.
Editorial of the March Call Sign is quite right
Taxi Company and said I was looking for a
But my question to Call Sign readers
- that it is a risky strategy opposing the
second hand TX4. They said that for the first
has to be this: Is our enemy’s enemy our
Chairman, as some customers might get the
time they could remember going back over
friend? You tell me… Ed
jitters at such upheaval.
In the years I was running ComCab I can
tell you that Brian himself was one of DaC’s
most valuable assets in terms of competi-
tion. Yes, we all tender for work using tech-
PAUL’S TAXI SPECIALISTS LTD
nology, coverage, price etc but when you
have a Chairman who runs an organisation
so directly involved in negotiations, it is an
Unit 10, Ford View Industrial Estate, 83 New Rd Rainham, RM13 8ET
incredibly powerful and effective weapon.
To have risked that with an inexperienced
new Chairman could have been catastroph-
Tel: 01708 553037
ic. Thankfully the DaC membership recog-
nised that and continued to place their trust
FREE AIR FILTER WITH EVERY SERVIC
WE ALSO HAVE CABS FOR RENT
in the man that has steered DaC through
TX1 servicing from £48
TX1s, TX2s, TX4s and Vitos
one of the most disruptive periods in the
cab trade’s history.
TX2 servicing from £70
Rentals from £165 per week
The licensed taxi trade rarely has an easy
TX4 servicing from £90
time of it - but the last 5 or 6 years have been
All Work Undertaken
immensely burdensome. Hot on the heels of
the worst financial crash in many years came
Servicing - Running Repairs - Overhauls - Small Fleets Welcome - Discounts Available
Hailo, Uber and a swathe of other ‘disrup-
All TX1, TX2, TX4
tors’ and now with age limits, cycle super-
Starters - Batteries - Alternators - All with 2 year Warranty
highways and a something of a crisis within
TfL as the regulator, it seems the trade has
Fax: 01708 551443
Web: www.PaulsTaxiSpecialists.co.uk
more than its fair share of woes.
You can drive away our best ever TX4 for the equivalent of just £145 per week
(only £625 a month) and a deposit of £2,995, with our 4 year Personal Contract
Purchase deal. And at the end of the term, you can choose to buy it for a
guaranteed future value of £15,725, trade in or walk away. It’s as simple as that.
It really is our best ever TX4. The improvements we’ve made in quality mean that
as well as more confidence, we can now give you more cover. Every new TX4
now comes with an extra 20,000 miles protection - that sa 3 year, 120,000 mile
vehicle warranty, as standard.
At LTC, we aim to protect what’s most important to you: your investment in your
business. That’s why we offer taxis that offer real value, with a year’s free road tax
and 12 month’s RAC cover included in the price.
See for yourself how much you can get for just £145 a week.
Book a test drive today.
TX4: The London Taxi from LTC — the people who only make taxis
The London Taxi Company
39-41 Brewery Road
London N7 9QH
0207 700 0888
london-taxis.co.uk
london@london-taxis.co.uk
TheLondonTaxiCompanyUK
LondonTaxiCoUK
LondonTaxiCompanyUK
Terms and conditions
Business users only. Finance offer available on Personal Contract Purchase, figures based on TX4 Elegance (automatic) at £39,195 OTR with a £2,995 deposit
followed by 48 monthly payments of £625.04 (equivalent weekly payments of £144.24) plus an optional final payment of £15,725 based upon an annual contracted
A wholly-owned subsidiary of
mileage of 30,000 (120,000 over term). Excess mileage charge of 6.0 pence (+VAT) per mile applies. If the vehicle is in good condition and has not exceeded the
allowed mileage you will have nothing further to pay. Finance is subject to status and is only available to UK residents aged 18 and over. Finance is provided by
Black Horse Taxi Finance a trading style of Black Horse Ltd, St William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff CF10 5BH. Other models are available.