January 2015
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Call Sign's
Bob and
Steph
conquer
the
Inca Trail
to Machu
Picchu!
After Nissan's pull-out from the electric taxi market,
now Intelligent Energy post huge losses...
Call Sign January 2015
Page 2
NASH’S NUMBERS
From Alan Nash (A95)
Happy to New Year to all. The kipper season is upon us, so perhaps loitering at theatres may be a way of some extra cash. Here
is a list of theatre shows and venues and where possible, the ‘Burst’ times…
London Theatre Shows
The new Eurostar Timetable will appear in next month’s issue. It commenced 14/12/14 but was not available at the time of this
month’s compilation. By the time you read this it will be available on the www.myfav.co.uk web site. Just click the Taxi < ----
---- link for a page of taxi related icon links.
Call Sign January 2015
Page 3
from the editor’s desk
Doing a Cromwell???
Euro 5 buses will bypass any extra charges
At the dissolution of Parliament in 1653, the
because the Boris’s office says they are
soon to become Lord Protector of England,
almost Euro 6! Well that’s ok then!
Oliver Cromwell, announced to fellow MPs:
We have a suggestion that would help
“It is high time for me to put an end to
London and its emissions problem. Give traffic
your sitting in this place, which you have
priority over pedestrians and cyclists again.
dishonoured by your contempt of all virtue
How often have you been stuck behind a bus at
and defiled by your practice of every vice;
a bus stop because the road layout makes it
ye are a factious crew, and enemies to all
impossible to pass it? What about four lane
good government.”
roads reduced to one lane each way because
Cromwell ended his speech by adding: “So!
cyclists have been given half the road? Or where
Take away that shining bauble there and
pedestrians have been given almost or more
lock up the doors. In the name of God, go!”
space on the pavements than the traffic gets on
Rather dramatic for Call Sign perhaps, espe-
the road.
cially at what should be traditionally a happy
The reason it hasn’t happened is because City
time of year, but I’m starting to link Cromwell’s
Hall doesn’t have anyone capable of thinking
the number of licensed taxis available, his admin-
logically. We need some taxi drivers to advise
speech - especially those last half dozen words
istration has also called for yet another of his now-
Boris! Monty Schiman would have sorted it
that have been used so often by so many to
famous Consultations, ie another word for telling
out overnight - cement over the Thames and
express dissatisfaction - to Mayor of London
us what he is going to do anyway. But this one
turn it into a motorway, freeing up extra space
Boris Johnson.
isn’t aimed at those of us already licensed to drive
in town. Sadly Monty died many years ago and
I, like so many others in the trade, am get-
the now-named black cabs; this one is designed
his idea seems very unlikely to ever win sup-
ting rather peed off with his constant finger-
to cut us off before we even start.
port, but he saw the problems coming some
pointing at us with accusations that we are
It proposes to charge Knowledge of
thirty years ago, whereas today’s lot at City Hall
the people behind London’s undoubted poor
London students a ludicrous £12.50 if they
can’t see what’s happening thirty minutes into
air quality. A few others contribute, but it’s
dare to ride their pre-2007 motorcycles into
the future.
mainly London’s taxis that are responsible!
our capital city between the hours of mid-
So if I may borrow Oliver Cromwell’s oft
It appears that Mayor Johnson is basing his
night until - well midnight! You got it right!
used phrase and aim it - plus an extra few
“facts” on something that ‘Roundhead Ollie’
Mayor Johnson and we assume together
words - at our Mayor: In the name of God,
would have been proud to have thought of.
with fellow destroyers of our trade, Sir Peter
go - and do it before you kill us off entirely!
Referred to by many from George Orwell to
Hendy and Garrett Emmerson, are looking
Frank Zappa and even to Adolph Hitler as the
at charging KoL “boys and girls” for entering
Call Sign Online
‘Big Lie’ the principle is that if you repeat some-
London 24 hours a day and 7 days a week
Call Sign may not distribute as many issues as
thing enough times, then eventually many will
unless they purchase newer bikes. How
the paper that has “more readers than the rest
assume it to be true. And that seems to be the
many of us bought new motorcycles when
put together,” but with our online version run-
policy behind the gradual dismembering of the
we did the KoL? Some did, but the majority
ning into many thousands of regular readers,
London taxi service, whose first licensing took
couldn’t afford to bearing in mind how long
it’s worth reminding those that aren’t sure how
place just 17 years before Cromwell uttered his
it takes to do the KoL - even full time.
you get to our online library and its huge range
“In the name of God, go,” and when fifty taxis
By bringing in this latest “anti-pollution” reg-
of back issues just how easy it is.
were licensed with a four taxi rank set up in the
ulation, he is not only strangling the trade from
Firstly, log on to www.dac-callsign.co.uk or
Strand by Aldwych.
within, he is now attempting to cut off the flow
www.dac-callsign.com and just click onto the
So perhaps, after almost 380 years, it’s time that
of new prospective taxi drivers. Oh, did I men-
year you’d like to look at and then click on the
we aimed Cromwell’s dissertation back at our
tion that our honourable Mayor has decided
PDF sign under that issue’s cover pic. As we
Mayor. After all, he is toddling off anyway to
that his beloved Routemaster buses, which
have been online since 1998, the choice of
become Prime Minister - whether he has told his
burst through his own Euro 6 emission rules,
which mag you want to see is pretty big!
former Bullingdon Club chum, David Cameron
will be allowed to continue to pollute Oxford
Since the May 2006 issue, you can read the
yet is neither here nor there because I have it on
Street - a street that he now accepts is the most
complete issue; however, should you want an
good authority that the current PM is to blame for
polluted in London after his ridiculous claim
earlier issue than that, you can just click on the
London’s poor air quality - or at least he will be
that even though it is constantly filled with wall-
particular cover and you get a choice of around
by the time Boris finishes with him!
to-wall buses, it’s pollution wasn’t particularly
20 pages from each issue. Should you be looking
After all, the Big Lie always seems to work
bad. And, even though the world and its dog
for something specific from those early issues,
with the taxi trade! We’ve had a fifteen year
have tried to tell him that, his administration
then you can just click on the ‘search’ button on
rule brought in, resulting in several thou-
refused to accept it. He even refused to accept
the top left (just above the year list) and type in
sand cabs having to come off the road even
evidence from researchers at King's College
a word that you associate with whatever you are
though newer cabs are said to cause more
who told him that they had discovered Oxford
looking for - probably a name if you are going
pollution that those Fairways and TX2s and
Street contained the world's highest recorded
back that many years. The search engine that
even then, nowhere near as much as accusa-
levels of nitrogen dioxide. Anyone else would
Vince Chin designed will do the rest.
tions claim. Add to that, the forthcoming
just look at the number of buses chugging
If you really want to look at our past, then
battle with the Mayor who has now
through our premier shopping street contami-
there are also issues from 1967, 1977 and 1987.
announcd that five years will be chopped off
nating the air. But he wouldn’t accept that. Will
But beware, as one driver told us recently, it can
the 15 year rule! As a sweetener, he also
he accept new findings from scientists at the
be addictive!
announced that £40million would be put
Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS
aside to help taxi drivers affected by the new
Foundation Trust which shows that healthy
Happy New Year
rule. But the only help we can think of that
people standing in Oxford Street for just two
Hopefully, this issue of Call Sign will drop onto
he could offer is to buy us all a new electric
hours suffered damage to their arteries? Look at
your mats either on Saturday 27 or Monday 29
taxi - but sadly no one seems to want to
the evidence from his previous statements and
December. So in that case can I wish all our
make them! So we need to buy new diesel
you tell us!
readers a very happy and hopefully successful
taxis that the Mayor is going to devalue by
So just to put all that into a nutshell, our
new year. Can I also thank all those that write for
giving them such short lives and kill their
cabs have a 15 year limit that looks as
me regularly and all the drivers that constantly
second-hand value, making it almost impos-
though it will be going down to 10 years,
ring me up with stories that either inform or
sible to sell your old cab in order to get a
while our future taxi drivers are to be
entertain our readers. See you in 2015…
deposit for a new one - which the Mayor will
penalised to the tune of up to £87.50 per
then devalue by giving it such a short life.
Alan Fisher
week just for cycling into London - where
Not only has Mayor Johnson now decimated
callsignmag@aol.com
else would they do the KoL? But the Mayor’s
Call Sign January 2015
Page 4
reflections of the chairman
The latest position is that both parties
Another report!
have signed Non-Disclosure Agreements
It seems I have only just finished my report
(NDA’s) and our discussions are on-going. I
for the December edition of Call Sign and
don’t believe that it is going to be a swift
the Editor is already after me again to pro-
process because there are numerous diffi-
duce something for the January issue! It
culties and problems to resolve before we
seems that this is due to the magazine’s
can proceed further, but we are proceeding
printers being closed for a prolonged period
and when/if a strategy can be decided upon,
over the Christmas and New Year period.
there will be a series of meetings for
So as you would expect, it does get
Members so that the whole situation can be
rather difficult to discuss topics that have
discussed.
not already been discussed following such
It is imperative that we have a route map
a short break from the previous report.
so that everyone is au fait with the situa-
Believe it or not, I am writing this piece
tion before we proceed further. We will of
during the first week of December. But
they had already given the card details
course need to have a pretty good idea of
here goes…
to the call taker. As you can imagine,
Member’s wishes before we get to the situ-
this did lead to some confusion when
ation of engaging Solicitors and
Credit Card bookings
our Members then asked for the card at
Accountants.
I know Allan Evans has written about this
the completion of the journey. Not
I am also extremely mindful about incur-
topic before
- I believe it was in the
everyone carries a credit card with
ring any costs that could prove to be
December edition and he may even be
them when they have no intention of
unnecessary. So at the moment both par-
mentioning it again this month - but it is an
using it.
ties are still talking to each other with a
important piece and for me to re-empha-
The CCBs will be unmasked, except
view to placing before our Members and
sise his point would not go amiss.
between the hours of 7am-10am and if
the drivers of Mountview, a scenario that
By the time you read this piece, hope-
unfortunately you are scrubbed, then you
could be adopted in the future.
fully the new procedure will be in place
will be treated in exactly the same way as if
and working. I know our IT department
you were scrubbed off a Credit ride, with
Happy New Year
has finalised the new software and at
the Member going to the top of the queue.
Finally, I would like to take this opportuni-
the time of writing, we are just waiting
Credit Card transactions are our largest
ty to wish all Members, Staff and their fam-
for it to be installed.
and fastest growing account and we must
ilies a very healthy and prosperous New
The new process involves Credit Cards;
all do as much as we can in order to
Year and offer a fervent hope that 2015 is
however it does not include Credit Card
encourage that growth even further.
the year that sanity returns to our trade…
transactions that you take via a street hail.
They will continue to be dealt with in
Dial-a-Cab and RTG
Brian Rice
exactly the same way as they are at present,
I have had numerous enquiries from
with the customer inserting their card and
Chairman
Members regarding our on-going negotia-
entering their PIN number at the comple-
tions with RTG or Mountview House
Dial-a-Cab
tion of the journey.
Group.
In future, if a customer orders a taxi from
Dial-a-Cab either via the telephone, on-line
or with our App, then those trips will be
despatched to you in exactly the same way
THE SALIERI RESTAURANT
in which a Credit account trip is despatched
at the moment. The trip will be despatched
as a Credit Card Booking (CCB) and once
376 Strand, WC2
you have accepted the trip, you then deal
with it in exactly the same way as you would
We Invite Dial-a-Cab drivers and their guests to our
a normal Credit account.
restaurant where you can partake of the finest food and wine
All authorisations will be completed by
the Contact Centre before the trip is
And as a thank-you for helping our clients come
despatched to you, so there isn’t any need
and go over the years, we are happy to be able to
for the customer to produce their Credit
Card or enter their PIN number. But again
offer you a genuine 25% discount on your bill
I must stress that this is only for those
Credit Card trips you receive through the
We are certain that you will be delighted
system, it does not apply to street hails.
They will be dealt with in exactly the same
way as they are at present.
The CCBs will not carry a gratuity and
the £4.20 maximum run-in is optional and
at the Member’s discretion.
One of the reasons we have intro-
duced this new system is because some
members of the public had assumed
Please bring along your badge or Bill as ID
that if they had already disclosed their
Credit Card details to us, then there
Salieri Restaurant
should not be any reason why they
376 Strand, WC2
would have to carry their card with
them whilst travelling in a taxi they had
Reservations: 020 7836 1318
phoned Dial-a-Cab for, especially when
Call Sign January 2015
Page 5
£40MILLION GREEN AID TO TAXIS
Out of £330million…
Mayor Boris Johnson has
unveiled new plans to tackle the
capital’s air quality crisis, setting
out proposals to invest £330m
through to 2020 in new green
buses and taxis.
TfL has published its draft Business Plan for
the rest of the decade, confirming plans to sup-
port the launch of the Mayor's Ultra-Low
Emission Zone in 2020 by rolling out a further
2,400 hybrid buses and up to 300 electric
buses.
TfL also revealed plans to provide £40m
of assistance to those licensed taxi drivers
that will be affected by a proposed new 10
year age limit for their vehicles as part of
the ultra-low emission zone.
Zone, which will be a game changing moment
Mayor Johnson predicted that London’s
The Mayor's senior adviser for environment
in terms of improving air quality in London.”
ULEZ would more than halve NOx emissions
and energy, Matthew Pencharz said:
The announcement came in the same week
and reduce the number of people living in
“Nobody has shown greater desire to
as the government confirmed its National
areas which exceed legal limits on air pollution
improve air quality in the capital than the
Infrastructure Plan would make £85m available
by over 70 per cent.
Mayor. He has set out the most ambitious and
to support ultra-low emission buses, taxis and
The Mayor also unveiled plans to plant the
comprehensive set of measures to address the
rapid charging infrastructure, with a further
final 4,300 trees in his Street Tree Initiative,
problem and this business plan provides the
£10m dedicated specifically to support the
putting him on track to deliver on his promise
funding to deliver the Ultra-Low Emission
uptake of zero emission vehicles in London.
of 10,000 new street trees by March 2015.
NOTICE OF
Holloway Road Bridge Replacement
s life gets back to normal following the hol-
idays, substantial work to replace the road
2014
bridge at Highbury Corner in Islington is
A
scheduled to begin in January to bring dri-
DAC AGM
vers back to earth with a bump and in all probability,
huge traffic congestion. This is part of TFL’s continu-
ing £4bn Road Modernisation Plan.
By now, all
The bridge on Holloway Road, which carries more
members should
than 25,000 vehicles a day over the railway lines by
have received an
Highbury and Islington station, is now more than a
individual notice
century old and in need of replacement. Following
of the Dial-a-Cab
preliminary work, TfL will begin the main work in
January 2015, which will see utility services diverted and the bridge deck removed and
2014 Annual
replaced with a new carriageway. The new bridge will reduce the need for ongoing maintenance
General Meeting
and ensure additional weight restrictions will not need to be put in place in the future.
advising that it
As part of the works, the Post Office building situated on the existing bridge will be demolished.
will be held at:
This will also begin in January and allow TfL to further improve pedestrian access to Highbury and
The HAC, Armoury House, City
Islington station. Cycle stands currently on the station forecourt will be relocated to Highbury
Road, London EC1Y 2BQ on
Station Road.
One lane of traffic in each direction will remain open throughout the duration of the works and
Sunday 8th February 2015 at
TfL is working closely with Network Rail to gain access to the station and rail track when it is
11:00hrs.
closed, rather than imposing additional closures on the line. Works will also be coordinated around
The meeting this year will con-
Arsenal matches and events taking place at The Emirates stadium to minimise disruption.
sider an agenda including the
The often used cut-through by taxis of Highbury Station Road (east of Swan Yard)
Election of Officers and any pro-
along with Highbury Crescent (between Highbury Terrace and Highbury Place) will be
posed Rule Changes and
closed for the duration of the works.
Propositions, all of which should
During these works, TfL will also continue to develop a scheme to remove the Highbury Corner
gyratory, creating new facilities for pedestrians and cyclists as well as improving the look and feel of
have been received at Dial-a-Cab
the local area. These improvements form part of TfL’s 33 Better Junctions programme, which
House by 09:00hrs on Friday 10th
according to TfL will help transform the area and support the continuing regeneration of Highbury.
October 2014 and in accordance
A consultation will begin on the final concept design for these plans by late 2015.
with Society Rules.
The major changes to the area around Highbury Corner form part of the wider work being car-
As a reminder, if you do not
ried out across London as part of TfL’s Road Modernisation Plan. With a budget of £4bn from now
until 2021/22, this overarching plan represents the biggest investment in London’s roads in a gener-
vote by post, then you must
ation, including hundreds of transformational projects within the existing road network. Using radi-
attend in person. If you do nei-
cal ideas and innovative designs, the plan will make London’s roads greener, safer and more attrac-
ther, you may be subject to a £50
tive for the benefit of all road users.
fine...
Howard Pears
Call Sign Comment: See the April 2014 Call Sign and find out who TfL’s 33 Better
Junctions programme is really designed to help. One clue: It has two wheels…!
Company Secretary
Call Sign January 2015
Page 6
Jery’s       World
A happy new year chaps. By the way, if you don't get electric taxis then you're out and just because there aren’t any, that is no excuse…!
Future proof: Taxi and Private Hire Services in London
TfL branded ‘woefully inadequate’ at regulating taxis
…and minicabs are no better!
A damning indictment of Transport for
clamp down on unlicensed ‘marshals’ who take
“Transport for London’s performance as
London came in the shape of a six month
private hire bookings outside venues - despite a
regulator and enforcer has been woefully
investigation into the state of the two
ban on plying for trade on the street - as a cause
inadequate and the interests of the passen-
trades and TfL’s role as regulator by the
for its bad relationship with the taxi trade.
ger are being largely ignored. A strategy and
London Assembly’s Transport Committee. It
LAMs said TfL needed “to work hard to restore
vision for the future is essential in order to
was chaired by Caroline Pidgeon MBE (Lib-
its credibility,” including by showing that it was
support the industry and provide the service
Dem) with Valerie Shawcross CBE (Lab),
ready “to hold the line on regulation.”
that passengers require. TfL needs to get to
Victoria Borwick (Con), Darren Johnson
However, they warned that the trades needed
grips with the basics - such as improving sig-
(Green), Tom Copley (Lab), Steve O’Connell
to embrace the technological changes that pas-
nage, installing more taxi ranks and staying
(Con), Dr Onkar Sahota (Lab), Navin Shah
sengers are now demanding of modern, fit for
ahead of the rapid technological advances,
(Lab) and Richard Tracey (Con).
purpose transport services or risk falling behind
putting the passenger first - what Londoners
According to MayorWatch, in their 67 page
competition.
and our visitors expected and deserve.”
report the committee said that TfL had allowed
Committee chair, Caroline Pidgeon, said the
Commenting on the report, TfL said it was
itself to be seen as a ‘soft touch’ which failed to
recent focus on Uber had become a distraction
already working to address a number of issues
uphold regulations. Citing industry concern about
that had overshadowed the need to address
raised by the Assembly. Garrett Emmerson, TfL’s
minicab Uber and whether their app breached
other very serious issues. These include clamping
COO for Surface Transport, commented:
the law on meters, the report (published on
down on drivers who refuse to carry disabled pas-
“London’s taxi and private hire services are
December 16th) said TfL’s reputation had been
sengers and looking at ways of incentivising the
the envy of the world and under TfL’s over-
damaged by a perception that it “…has at best
adoption of wheelchair accessible private hire
sight, are thriving. The number of trips are
failed to present a significantly robust chal-
vehicles. There were, she said, serious doubts
up, customer satisfaction rates are high and
lenge to an operator trying to strong-arm
being expressed about whether TfL had the
due to our stringent licensing processes and
changes to enshrined legislation to suit its
appetite and capability to oversee the two indus-
enforcement work with the police, journeys
own business interests, while at worst it had
tries effectively.
in taxi and private hire vehicles have never
actively colluded with that operator to cre-
LAMs also wanted reforms implemented that
been safer. We will, of course, carefully con-
ate an imbalance in the market.”
would make it easier for passengers to complain
sider the Assembly recommendations and
During the investigation, former ComCab MD
about a driver or operator as well as assurances
note that many of the areas highlighted are
now working for Addison Lee and representing
that TfL and the Met police had sufficient
already being worked through in collabora-
the Licensed Private Hire Car Association,
resources to uphold regulations. They called for
tion with the industry. We agree whole-
Mike Galvin, told LAMs: “If you now break
the introduction of taxi ranks outside tube sta-
heartedly that the needs of passengers must
the law or breach the regulations, TfL - if
tions operating 24 hours and improvements in
remain our top priority and we will continue
you are big enough - will change the rules!”
how drivers show that they’re licensed. Ms
to work closely with both trades to ensure
In addition, the report pointed to TfL’s failure to
Pidgeon added:
that this remains the case.”
Call Sign January 2015
Page 7
An interesting piece was recent-
ly written by Dan Worth, news
Wanna phone? We’ve found 21,000!
editor for V3.co.uk and pretty
pose,” McIntosh told V3. "Whether a USB
much the expert on fixed and
stick containing customer details is lost on a
mobile telecoms, data protec-
train, or is lost in Bogota containing details
tion, social media and govern-
of undercover DEA agents, businesses
should ensure that no such device can con-
ment IT. Our thanks to Dan…
tain sensitive data unless there are strict pre-
Londoners left almost
25,000 devices
cautions in place.”
such as phones, laptops and USB sticks on
McIntosh also noted that one silver lin-
buses, taxis and tube trains in
2013,
ing is that the rise in cloud services means
according to data released in a Freedom of
that less data is being stored on devices.
Information request. The loss of so many
“More and more we’re seeing the cloud as
items, especially in the bring-your-own
a way to remove the risk of lost devices from
device era where corporate information is
Most tablets are found in taxis
the equation," he said. “If data is only ever
stored on personal devices, underlines the
“The potential for fraud is huge when
accessed remotely and never actually stored
risks to business data. The information
personal data from the average mobile can
on a device, a lost laptop, phone or tablet,
showed that 24,315 devices were handed
be used to access bank accounts and cred-
while annoying for the individual, will be
in to Transport for London (TfL) in 2013,
it cards, imitate someone’s identity or even
less risk to the business or its customers.”
breaking down as follows:
blackmail them,” he said.
The Christmas period may seem the most
Phones 21,291, laptops 755, tablets
“For business devices, there is also the
likely time for device loss, as people stay out
672, USBs 1,449, Computer hard drives
risk of exposing the organisation to finan-
late and travel home on public transport, but
and PC units 148.
cial penalties for failing to safeguard data,
the data revealed that most items are mis-
Phones are most commonly left on buses
as well as damage to the organisation’s rep-
placed in the summer months.
(12,091), while most laptops are left on
utation.”
trains (352) and most tablets are left in
Dan Worth
The fact that almost 1,500 USB sticks
taxis (294).
were lost on public transport was noted as
V3.co.uk
The data was released by TfL to device
an area of concern, as such items often
encryption firm ViaSat. Its CEO, Chris
contain highly sensitive information
** So far as taxi drivers handing in
McIntosh, said that the actual number of
and can land organisations with hefty
devices such as laptops or tablets etc, if
losses is undoubtedly higher as not all
fines if not properly encrypted.
they are not claimed after three months
devices will have been found and returned
“The fact that so many USB devices are lost
they will still not be returned to the dri-
to TfL. McIntosh said that individuals and
on London’s transport network still comes
ver handing them in, but a monetary
organisations need to have methods in
as something of a shock, particularly as his-
reward (often £75) will be given. TfL
place to deal with the consequences of lost
tory should have made organisations and
say this is due to the data protection
devices containing vital data.
travellers well aware of the risk these devices
act. ** Ed
Call Sign January 2015
Page 8
If you happen to
Richard Potter takes a look at…
celebrate
New
Year at this time,
season’s greet-
ELECTIONS, CLIPPING,
ings to you and
your families. As
for Dial-a-Cab,
CABCAMS AND IPHONES!
this year is likely
to
be quite
When we got to Macclesfield Bridge, he asked
after the info had been erased from the SD
unique. I don't
to get out and passed through a load of
card, which held vital evidence that would have
get too involved
change, which I checked. As he walked away
proved my innocence. Thankfully both were
in the politics at DaC, but with the elections
I hooted and beckoned him to come back
sorted out without any further action being
upon us I will be voting for no change. With
and pointed out that most of the coins were
necessary, but maybe it would be useful if both
the strong possibility of a merger on the
Euros and at the current exchange rate, he
agencies could ask the public to comply with a
cards, major changes to the DaC BoM would
hadn't given me enough. His reply: “You are
tighter timescales when making a complaint so
be unhelpful if not very destabilising.
ok, take a holiday!” Then he walked off!
that camera evidence can be used.
Remember that what is said on Taxi forums
online is a minority point of view with a very
CabCams
Lost property or Bilking?
small readership, so don't believe everything
I have had an insurance camera in the front
I also recently visited the police to hand in an
you read.
windscreen since March and after driving
iPhone, which was left in my cab. I also want-
One thing I have noticed over the past few
around rather carefully for the first few days,
ed to report a crime as I had just been bilked
years since the credit crunch is that everyone
the novelty quickly wears off and you realise
for
£47. The former could be sorted out
wants a bargain or a reduction or money off.
that if you just drive normally, you will be fine
immediately by the desk clerk; the latter she
Well it does not actually work like that with
although you do feel that someone is watch-
couldn't do straight away and if I wanted to
Taxis, so punters have started a new trend; it`s
ing. The camera is locked and holds about 40
wait 40 minutes she would get to me. I was
what I call “clipping.” If there is £5.40 on the
hours of driving time until it starts to record
the only person at Islington Police station at
meter, they pass a fiver through the blow hole
over the previous information. If I have a
the time.
and disappear! If it’s £10.60, it’s the same with
crash, I have to contact the insurance compa-
Isn’t that amazing! So I just walked out. I’m
a tenner - or if they are really clever, they delib-
ny within 24 hours who then come to my
sure the police will tell us that crimes in taxis
erately pay you with a £20 note knowing that
house and take away the SD card.
are few and far between, well maybe that is
you will give them a tenner back instead of lots
I don't have that many brushes with the law
because nobody waits to fill in the forms
of your change. I have to say that it`s a recent
or TfL, but I recently received letters from both
rather than because crimes are not happen-
problem where people pay you with notes and
about two separate incidents. I won’t go into
ing. It means something to you if get bilked,
make no attempt to find the correct fare.
them but both could have been resolved had
obviously it means very little to the law.
I recently picked up an older foreign gent
they contacted me quickly. It took 10 days for
from Claridges going to Avenue Road.
the police and 16 days for TfL to write, long
Richard Potter (T51)
UBER v TFL v GLA???
In a period of strange days, Wednesday 10 December must have been one of the strangest
that the London taxi trade has ever seen.
It began when a statement was sent out by TfL - part of the Greater London Authority - detailing a report given to a TfL Board meeting by
Surface Transport MD Leon Daniels. He expressed the view that Uber were acting just as a PH company should and that TfL had no problem with
them. He also mentioned a specific complaint against them where a celebrity’s name was revealed as having been a passenger in an Uber vehicle as
well as the alleged rape by an Uber driver in India.
He also went into detail about how immigrants wanting to become PH drivers and in the absence of a Disclosure and Barring
Service check, would need a certificate of good conduct which had to come from the Embassy of their country of origin.
But the basis of the report concerned the LTDA’s private prosecution against four Uber drivers for illegally using a taxi meter via the Uber app.
Mr Daniels claim was that it would block their own High Court action seeking a declaration to back their view that Uber’s smartphone app is not a
taxi meter - a view that few in the taxi or private hire industries actually support and one of the very few occasions where both sides have come
out in agreement against TfL.
What made the day strange came in the evening. Mayor Boris Johnson, head of the Greater London Authority, was interviewed by
ITV London and admitted that he now believed Uber’s smartphone app was indeed a meter! Bearing in mind that no one is above the
Mayor, the fact that he apparently now disagrees with his own TfL Board is nothing less than astonishing!
Mr Daniels had told the Board meeting - including LTDA Deputy General Secretary Bob Oddy - that a decision to indefinitely adjourn the LTDA
case would mean the High Court could not consider TfL’s application unless the LTDA withdrew their actions. There were angry exchanges
between TfL Transport Commissioner Sir Peter Hendy and Mr Oddy, both claiming that the other was making inaccurate claims about the time-
line of events. Bob Oddy said that the LTDA only went ahead with its prosecutions after TfL had waited 92 weeks to take action!
Sir Peter Hendy denied the accusations saying that it amounted to an accusation that he and TfL managers were misleading the Board and said
he would undertake to provide Board members with a full timeline of events.
Mayor Johnson then suggested that it was “clear” what needed to happen if the cab trade’s concerns were to be addressed. But it
was only in his television interview that evening that he actually admitted the cab trade was right and by inference, that TfL were
wrong!
After the meeting, LTDA General Secretary Steve McNamara said: “If we drop the criminal case and the High Court still won’t hear it, we can’t
reinstate our summonses because we’re timed out. The whole thing is down to TfL’s poor management style. They are so inept as to be embarrass-
ing.” More and more, that seems to be a view that is backed by both the taxi and private hire sides of our trade.
A strange day indeed leaving two questions: How can we can trust a Mayor who fails to see something so obvious and how on earth can an
Embassy’s “good conduct certificate” replace a DBS check? Can we now apply to our local Chinese takeaway for a DBS reference…???
The TfL statement came before a French court banned Uber from operating as of January 1st. It also came before the terrible siege
in Sydney, Australia where Uber under their surge pricing policy quadrupled their fare prices.
Jamie Corum, Call Sign Online
Call Sign January 2015
Page 9
The Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers
DAC’S JOHN BARKER: FREEMAN
OF THE COMPANY…
Lifetime achievement award to
Members do not usually have time to show
their appreciation as much as they would like
Ronnie Mitchell
on the day - so this year the annual Charity
Award was presented to the Management
n November at Cutlers’ Hall, under the
and Staff of Assevillers Service Station for
charge of Company Master Malcolm
their unsolicited kindness and generosity
Paice, the WCHCD held their
shown each year to the children and drivers
I
Liverymen’s Dinner preceded by their
involved in the Magical Taxi Tour. Kevin
first Common Hall meeting. In his official
Deneux and Mickael Bruder made the jour-
capacity,
Malcolm then welcomed
ney over to the UK for the dinner and were
Christopher Ratcliffe and Dial-a-Cab’s
delighted to receive their Award.
John Barker
(F39) as Freemen of the
Company.
John told Call Sign: “When you do the
Ronnie Mitchell: A
Knowledge, days such as this are a million
taxi trade legend
miles from your thoughts, but I really feel
The final presentation of the evening was the
proud of being a licensed taxi driver today.”
Lifetime Achievement Award. This year it
was given to Ronnie Mitchell who first
Cab Guide students’
entered the cab trade in 1948. He drove a cab
success
until 1962 when he decided to further his
A ceremony for students of the recently com-
involvement in the trade, going into business
pleted Cab Guide Course came next. All said
as M & M Taxis renting and repairing cabs. In
they had enjoyed the course which is run by
1969 he sold his interest in the company, but
Company Master Malcolm Paice makes
because of the excellent reputation he had
the WCHCD Education Committee. Each stu-
John Barber a Freeman of the Company
dent received a badge and certificate and was
gained for fairness and good old fashioned
congratulated by the course tutors - Deputy
industry, John has served as a Member of the
customer care, there was a constant call from
Master Graham Woodhouse and Lower
the cab trade for him to return to business.
Monopolies and Mergers Commission,
Warden Dave Cannel. Congratulations went
served on the Defence Science Advisory
This he duly did and Stables Taxis was born.
to DaC’s Patricia Wilkey (T44), Stephen
This was very much a family business with his
Council and was for 5 years Chairman of the
Taylor (N40) and Paul Murphy (F12) in addi-
National Employers’ Liaison Committee for
beloved wife Edna and subsequently his two
tion to David Clements, Pete Cooper, Alex
sons becoming an integral part. His interests
the Reserves of the Armed Forces. He has also
Davy, John Dunne, Ian Gray, Michael Kingham,
been appointed the first Independent
were not just confined to business and he was
Dean Marshall, Michael McTernan, Jon
involved with the Committee of the Albany
Chairman of the Recovery Career Services
O'Halloran, Richard Pollicott, Ian Skiffington
Partnership, a venture between leading ser-
Charity at its inception as well as the War
and Gareth Spencer. The students made a col-
Veterans Charity. Ronnie joined the
vice charities and the Ministry of Defence. He
lection and presented a cheque to the Magical
gave an interesting speech.
Fellowship of Hackney Carriage Drivers in
Taxi Tour charity. Any Call Sign readers who
The WCHCD was delighted to present
1991 where he became an active participant in
would like to know more about the course can
Liveryman Bob McCulloch with the Extract
all of its activities, eventually reaching Court
do so by contacting The Clerk, Mary
of Matriculation which had been granted to
and Committee level as well as taking an active
Whitworth, either by email at wchcd@tis-
the WCHCD by the Lord Lyon in Edinburgh.
role in the annual Magical Taxi Tour as a driver.
cali.co.uk or telephone 01494 765 922. The
The document will now be on display in the
He has always been a keen campaigner for the
City Chambers of the Scottish City. Bob runs
relief of hardship for both those in and out of
next course starts in February 2015.
the Cab Guide Course in Edinburgh and the
the trade, making it truly apt that he was given
document means those successful students in
this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Worthy causes
the city are allowed to display the Company
There was a great round of applause as Ronnie
Throughout the year, the WCHCD makes
Coat of Arms and insignia in the same way it
accepted his Award.
donations to worthy causes and this year a
is allowed in London.
As Company Master Malcolm Paice said, it
donation was made to the family of 47 year
was a memorable evening…
old taxi driver Alan Henning, who was so
Bonjour assevillers!
cruelly murdered whilst doing humanitari-
Each year when the Magical Taxi Tour drives
an work in Syria. Another donation was
down through France, a refuelling stop is
Call Sign
also made to The Cabmen’s Shelter
made at Assevillers Service Station. Elior is
January 2015
Fund. This organisation is responsible for
a major global company operating 257 out-
Editor: Alan Fisher
the remaining green huts which are part of
lets and shops in 70 service stations through-
Address: 39 - 47 East Rd, London N1 6AH
the cab trade’s heritage and the Fund aims
out France; each year the Assevillers staff
Tel: 0207 251 0581 Fax: 0207 553 7293
to raise the profile of the 13 remaining
liaise with the trip organisers and Esso to get
Email: callsignmag@aol.com
shelters. More information is available at
ready for the arrival of the convoy. Whilst the
Website:-www.dac-callsign.co.uk
www.cabmensshelterfund.com
Printers: Premier Print Group
cabs and support vehicles are refuelled, the
25 - 31 Violet Rd, London E3
children are given an amazing welcome by
Design: Aldan Publications
Awards and thanks
staff at the service station; they are enter-
Tel: 07958 300 428
The guest speaker at this dinner was
tained by all the staff at the services, many of
Email: deborahfresco@gmail.com
Colonel J Bridgeman CBE TD DL, Master of
them in costume, and they provide free gifts,
Views and opinion expressed in Call Sign must
The Worshipful Company of Turners - a
face painting, stilt walkers and entertainers as
not be assumed to represent those of the Editor or
keen supporter of the annual Children’s
well as food and drink for the children and
Board.No part of Call Sign may be reproduced
Magical Taxi Tour. As well as having a 30
their families. Because of the time constraints
either manually or electronically without the express
permission of the Editor.
year international career in the aluminium
of the trip, the Magical Taxi Tour Committee
Call Sign January 2015
Page 10
The 15 year rule? Killing the Nissan taxi? Bike Superhighways?
What else can he do?
NOW BORIS TO BASH
KNOWLEDGE BOYS!
trade. It affects all knowledge students with
Even more shocking is that the new legisla-
bikes made before 2007…
tion will be in force for 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week. All vehicles - including motorcycles -
“Riders of motorcycles made before
2007, vehicles favoured by many
not meeting ULEZ standards will still be able
to enter central London but will have to pay
Knowledge of London students, face a
£12.50 daily charge to enter central
£12.50. A 7-day KoL week would cost hard-up
London under proposals by the London’s
students an unaffordable £87.50.
transport authority. The daily charge for
The Motorcycle Action Group is urging
entering central London's proposed Ultra
riders to respond to the consultation. There
Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) will be at the
is no set date yet when this will come into
same rate as cars and vans under plans
force but the affect it will have on knowledge
Is there still a future?
drawn up by Transport for London.
students - the future of our trade - will be
Call Sign contributor Tom Quigley (Y33), who
The charge will affect bikes made before
massive. There was a time when you would
also runs his own Knowledge school, has
July 2007, when the European emission
see groups of four or more KoL students rid-
passed on this piece of information that could
standard known as ‘Euro 3’ became a min-
ing together, nowadays if you see two then
have a devastating effect on the future of our
imum requirement for new motorcycles.”
it’s a lot.
Vito vital statistics
‘Fail’ notice will ensue on the annual re-licencing. The strips can be
espite its recent demise, there are many MB Vito taxis on
the streets of our capital and a number of outlets to keep
purchased from cab specialist and general motor spares outlets at
them on the road. A spate of enquiries from owner dri-
minimal cost and can save the inconvenience of a re-presentation
D
vers regarding servicing facilities led Call Sign to investi-
and all the inconvenience that entails.
gate further for the benefit of the whole trade…
Paul Leonard (T86) had problems with his Vito’s rear brakes and
after investigating possible service agents, was recommended to call
Stephen Parnham who operates near Heathrow.
“Stephen has a lock-up near Heathrow and also carries some
essential spare parts in his own cab,” Paul said. “I had the brakes
sorted fairly quickly and was back at work with the minimum of
fuss.” When Call Sign spoke to Stephen, he was very upbeat and
said he is usually around from 05.00 hours until about 18.00 hours
and often based in the west London area.
“Drivers phone me and we meet at a mutually convenient loca-
tion, or they come out to me if they can,” Stephen told us.
You can contact Stephen on 07980 610265.
Gary Martin (F62) had a warning light illuminated on his Vito
dashboard that suggested battery problems.
“I took the cab to Cab World in Goldsmith Row E2 and they
One final tip regarding the steps’ sliding mechanism - the runners
speedily diagnosed the problem as a faulty alternator,” Gary
should be lubricated with a silicone based spray several times a year
explained.
to ensure their smooth operation.
“However, they did not have the correct alternator for my model
Vito have since announced that they will be re-launching
so had to order one in, which meant I left the cab there overnight.
early next year.
Apparently, the older type alternator can be replaced in 25/30 min-
utes, but even with the special order I got my cab back early the
Alan Green, Call Sign Online
next morning, no problem,” Gary said cheerily.
“I was thinking that if my trouble had been the battery itself,
given where it sits under the central drivers’ console, it is necessary
Keith Reading
to remove the main support pole for the Dial-a-Cab data terminal.
With delicate wiring to the terminal, that may pose a bit of a chal-
Professional Toastmaster
lenge for anyone other than our Roman Way technicians, who are
Master of Ceremonies
very competent as you would expect.”
Cab World can be contacted on 0207 739 1605
Tele: 01279 465 938
Finally, Stephen Pluck (M17) was concerned that his Vito would
Mobile: 07774 860 374
fail its’ annual re-licencing inspection due to the fragmented appear-
Email: kgr.2@virgin.net
ance of the reflective orange strips on the edges of the extending
passenger steps and asked Call Sign to investigate.
10% discount for DaC drivers and staff
Indeed, the reflective strips are a safety feature, highlighting the
full length of the steps when extended and also alerting passengers
Fellow of the Guild of
to their presence when withdrawn into the Vito bodywork. As such,
Professional Toastmasters
it must present an unbroken line for the full width of the step or a
Call Sign January 2015
Page 12
DAC ELECTIONS: Drivers questions answered...
Last month’s issue of Call Sign
potential, but your share does not reflect
correct marketing is carried out, but that the
that; your long service can be compensated
cost of doing this will be controlled.
posed driver’s questions for can-
by increasing share value by years served. If
Our technology is second to none and
didates standing for the Board
an agreement can be reached, a guaranteed
while there are differences of opinion as to
of Management at next month’s
future value tariff will be integrated. This will
how we should proceed in this area, one vital
reflect work completed whilst with Dial-a-
improvement that needs to be carried out
Annual General Meeting. These
Cab with a service bonus, no-one will walk
and is currently being worked upon, is our
are the answers as received and
away empty handed. A residual value of any
dispatch system. Having a revised system will
published in alphabetical order.
company sale if voted for by members at any
allow us reasonable savings in maintenance
time will also be taken into account; your
costs together with being able to include a
The questions are printed on
share will become a permanent investment
wish list of enhancements.
page 16 of the December 2014
for you and your family.
Strength in the size of the organisation is
issue…
James Griffin may have asked a question
something that will be decided upon for the
that required only two answers, frankly it will
future. I strongly believe that now is the right
Answer to James
take more time and space to give all the
time to set new foundations for success and
answers required to correct our course and
setting up a new company that has estab-
Griffin (T97) from
this is just a short answer to a very big ques-
lished ideas on what benefits the driver,
Joe Brazil (K16)
tion that is just the beginning of steps we
knows how to deliver exceptionally good cus-
I'd like to thank
need to take if we are to protect Dial-a-Cab
tomer service, has proved it can manage costs
James
Griffin
for all our futures.
and be profitable as well as being very suc-
(T97 for asking
cessful in supplying a service like no other.
the question of
Perhaps there is no better time than the pre-
Answer to James
the candidates:
sent to investigate this further. I have always
“What are our
Griffin (T97) from
felt the radio circuits need to review their
top two ideas to
position and in my opinion having two suc-
Keith Cain (Q07)
improve DaC?”
cessful major players makes far more sense.
Being an elected
As I stated in my
Added to this, more clients are starting to
Board Member
address,
the
review their corporate taxi account because
does give one
chances of this
the stats are proving car companies are not
more of an insight
being answered directly without the usual
providing the service they promised. Our
as to the specific
hackneyed clichés is fairly remote
The terri-
revised service charges are beginning to
areas within the
ble truth is Dial-a-Cab has reached a “strategic
tempt them to talk to us again. One client we
Society
where
inflection point.” In business parlance this is
visited recently felt the corporate taxi account
improvement
defined as: The time of transition of company's
had gone full circle and would slowly start to
would be benefi-
competitive position that requires the compa-
come back to the radio circuits because of the
cial for the future.
ny change the current path and adapt to the
more realistic costs being offered and the
In my opinion there are more than just two
new situation or risk declining profits. This is
sizes of our fleets.
areas in need of improvement, but are all
a situation we all recognise. Brian Rice, our
All positive information, which although
complementary to each other for the future
Chairman for many years, is the necessary cog
would not be readily available to all prospec-
success of the Society
that drives the company, but I'm afraid it's now
tive candidates, does inspire confidence that
Our service levels, which I hasten to add
absolutely necessary to call time on some of
the opportunity for a successfully managed
are very good the majority of the time, do at
the people who surround him. Whilst you will
business can prosper in the future. These are
certain times of the day need to improve. The
no doubt hear the words "stability" and "on the
the areas I see that need to be developed for
improvement can be achieved by members or
job experience" do not be afraid of
the future and I would very much like to be
it can be with input of the Board making
change. Anachronistic views will only hamper
part of the management team to deliver them
unsavoury changes; I personally have always
our future path. There will be changes, some
to the members.
felt that encouragement of the members and
may feel uncomfortable to begin with, but as
correct policing is the right way forward.
will become obvious to you they are a required
Cost of service. Having been a total advo-
Answer to James
starting point.
cate of not selling the driver cheap, I have to
Griffin (T97) from
say I have had my eyes opened since being
What’s in a name?
back in Sales and in the front line of what
Allan Evans (Y83)
The name Dial-a-Cab will get a foot in many
prospective clients are asking for. I believe
In an ideal world,
doors, but to many of the travelling public
that for the future, members have to expect
as near to perfect
the term "dial" is no longer appropriate, this
reduced journey costs for the longer trips
coverage at cer-
will be omitted if my idea to run tandem
and expecting new customers to pay both a
tain times of the
work distribution engines on our terminal is
gratuity and Run-in is not an option. We all
day
(which has
adopted. In an APP dominated market, to
know what has prompted this to happen and
always been prob-
assume one brand is all that is required, is
by whom, but I believe for the future that we
lematic) will, I
folly. We must utilise our resources to maxi-
have to persuade clients to pay for at least
believe, help to
mum potential. Different terms and condi-
one. That is a compromise which I believe
s a f e g u a r d
tions that the driver can opt in and out of can
would generate business and would not
accounts, reduce
be integrated. The Sales department of Dial-
impinge on members giving a service.
customer complaints and in addition gener-
a-Cab will no longer be hampered in negoti-
Marketing the organisation is another area
ate new business prospects.
ations by a single ethos and be able to offer
that requires focussing on. While our Brand
As we move forward, increased marketing
multiple tenders to major companies, with
name stands us well, the timing is right to
and modern PR techniques will be very
only subscribers being offered the work that
revisit this. Marketing can be very costly and
important together with a calculated but fair
is generated.
experience tells me this has to be done pro-
and workable pricing policy for both mem-
fessionally. Unfortunately, professional mar-
bers and clients, that in the future may
Driver service rewards
keting firms can run away with expensive
require a further review of Run-ins, gratuities
This company that we all work so hard to
ideas that just wouldn’t work in our industry.
and fixed rates, especially on longer jour-
build and improve has obvious rewards
However, experience will not only ensure the
Call Sign January 2015
Page 13
DAC ELECTIONS: Drivers questions answered...
neys. These may well help our Sales team
never get a tip?
DaC, our Society, was being run.
compete on an equal footing in a very uneven
We don't need to reinvent ourselves here,
Today, it's a different matter. DaC is not
market and give them the means to take the
we’ve already got a reputation for being the
only stagnant, but taking huge strides back-
Society forward.
best. So to summarise, I’m asking you, the
wards in the market place, losing ground to
Our IT department are in my opinion sec-
drivers, to give up £1.80 per job with no gra-
Private Hire and other Black Taxi providers.
ond to none and the introduction of our
tuities and in return I'm offering you the
Speaking personally, my income from DaC
soon to be introduced new operating system
prospect of much more work.
has dropped by around 75%. I, like many oth-
and planned future development in new
ers, can no longer rely on DaC to provide
technology, will I am sure, be a tremendous
Answer 2
enough work. Drivers were voting with their
asset. Positive and constructive use of the
We are all very aware of the need to have
feet and leaving the circuit, searching for
social media, exploiting further the power of
much more coverage of accounts in the
greener pastures. In response, DaC has
‘Twitter’ and ‘Facebook’ as a means of pro-
morning between the hours of 7am - 9am.
changed the way it charges subscriptions to
moting our Society through the millions of
With this in mind, I propose that the 7.5%
try and seem better value for money, leaving
users could be very beneficial.
levied on all jobs taken between these hours
the higher usage drivers even further out of
For many years, we have all worked hard to
are removed. If we don't have accounts going
pocket. The easiest thing for me to do would
build a fantastic brand with the tools to
into their workplace, then we will not have
be to walk away from DaC like so many of our
match. With continuity, strong experienced
their return journeys home in the evening.
drivers have and try one of our competitors.
leadership and the support of the member-
I know that not everyone’s happy with the
I've decided I'm also going to vote with my
ship, we can look to the future with raised
new subscriptions introduced in September
feet, but I'm not going to leave DaC in search
optimism - it will not be an easy ride but with
of this year, but to be fair the day drivers don't
of those greener pastures, I'm going to stand
the help and commitment of all of us, it is -
receive a lot of work and reducing subscrip-
up, be counted and put myself forward to be
and will be - achievable.
tions to £12 inclusive of VAT plus 7.5% for
elected to the BoM. I want to be better placed
any work completed is more likely to attract
to make a difference and be able to shape the
new day drivers, which is needed to increase
future of our Society. Surely this is the true
Answer to Colin Jenkins
our fleet. I am also aware that a lot of night
reflection of my continuing commitment to
(Y22) from Patricia
drivers have seen their subscriptions in total
DaC.
double from £36 to £72 and this will have to
Graves (L53)
be looked at. With the prospect of new
How many AGM's
Answer to James Griffin
clients requesting a lot more fixed prices,
have I attended?
which I would like to see be more favourable
(T97) from Michael
Colin, I have been
towards our drivers, I would therefore
to twelve Annual
Parkins (Z03)
increase the minimum fare to £10, which is in
G e n e r a l
keeping with most taxi apps.
Meetings; some-
Can all the candidates for the Board elec-
James, I have tried to address your ques-
times I have elect-
tions give us their top two ideas to
tion openly and honestly. I hope I can count
ed to vote by post
improve DaC?
on your vote in the forth-coming election.
but I have still
Idea 1
gone to the AGM.
If you speak to our clients, whether they be a
I would like to think I can count on your vote
Answer to Colin Jenkins
large corporate account or a private credit
and be only the second women in the history
card booking, they'll tell you the most impor-
(Y22) from Michael
of Dial-a-Cab to be voted onto the Board of
tant factors they take into consideration
Management.
Parkins (Z03)
when choosing which taxi company to use,
How many AGM's
are coverage and price. They want a taxi that
have I attended? I
arrives on time, at a competitive price.
Answer to James Griffin
think this is a very
Coverage is key when it comes to winning
(T97) from Patricia
good question
and retaining contracts. I believe the most
Colin and I'm glad
efficient way for DaC to improve its coverage
Graves (L53)
you've asked. I
is to change from a zonal despatch system, to
My two top ideas to improve DaC?
can tell you exact-
a GPS despatch system. The advantages of
Answer 1
ly
how many
changing to GPS are clear. The closest avail-
James, thanks for your question, one that I
AGM's I've attend-
able driver gets offered the job first. A GPS
think is really appropriate. With the loss of
ed. None. In my 7
despatch system will greatly improve passen-
some of our most lucrative accounts over the
years of being on DaC, I haven't attended one
ger waiting times as their job will always be
past few years and of course this year, we are
single AGM and I'll tell you why.
offered to closest available driver. It will help
all too aware that we are now working in an
I've always felt DaC, up until recently, has
reduce job rejects as drivers won't have far to
extremely competitive market. In order to
been a company heading in the right direc-
run for pick-ups, again improving passenger
compete for new business, we have to firstly
tion. We had a growing number of large cor-
waiting times.
address our pricing structure. By not doing
porate accounts that kept our drivers busy
With our zonal despatch system, a driver
so we would not only be wasting our time
both day and night. We've moved to larger
on the eastern end of Strand booked into
but also the prospect of attracting any new
premises and fitted the fleet with new termi-
WC2 can currently be offered a job picking
business.
nals. With this in mind, I never felt the need
up from the top of Charing Cross Road, also
Our administration charges: Can they be
to attend an AGM. This isn't a reflection of my
in WC2. As the crow flies it's not a great dis-
reduced any further? We would also need to
interest in the running of DaC but a reflec-
tance, but when you take into consideration
look at that. Run-ins: Can these be withdrawn
tion of the trust I had in our Chairman and
the constant heavy traffic in Covent Garden
to make us more attractive to prospective
BoM. As I said in my CV, I work on average 50
and around Cambridge Circus, suddenly the
new clients? In reality, what we would be los-
hours a week and cover as much account
job becomes less desirable and has a greater
ing is actually £1.80, because when you arrive
work as my terminal can offer me. There
chance of being rejected. A driver who is in
at a pick up your flag fall is £2.40. As for gra-
were times when I could work an entire shift
Shaftesbury Avenue and booked into W1SE
tuities, some accounts no longer have them,
just covering account work, only taking
will not get offered the job, despite being
so I'm now asking for these to be removed
enough cash to cover that night’s diesel.
geographically closer to the pick-up.
too - how many of you do street jobs and
Basically Colin, I was happy with the way
Offering drivers jobs they're already close
Call Sign January 2015
Page 14
DAC ELECTIONS: Drivers questions answered...
to will greatly improve the chances of that job
or lose it because we didn't match our com-
passengers before they've even left the office.
being covered, again improving passenger
petitors, I believe the answer would've been
I want to see DaC make inroads into this
waiting times. Reducing the distance a driver
unanimous. Contracts that offer the volume
lucrative market and become far more proac-
has to run to reach a pick up means he/she
of regular trips that JPM did, need to be
tive in pursuing these types of smaller indi-
can engage their meter sooner, resulting in
looked after. If we can be more flexible and
vidual accounts. I would ensure DaC invest in
less dead time for the driver. The sooner a
offer a tailor made pricing structure for these
a marketing drive that really targets these
driver can engage their meter, the sooner
types of accounts, imagine how many more
individuals. We need to tell our prospective
they're earning money. I would keep certain
of these lucrative contracts we could poten-
clients exactly what we do and what we can
radio ranks such as WW00, CC00, EC5 and
tially have won.
provide.
the current setup regarding E14 and E14C, as
Personally, the impact of losing JPM has
It's no good having a fantastic product if no
I feel these existing ranks work well. I would
had on me has been immense. Drivers that
one knows about it. The app based market is
also introduce new radio ranks at London’s
regularly cover work on E14 will tell you that
worth hundreds of millions of pounds every
major stations such as Paddington,
our drivers are parked up all over E14, both
year and currently it's passing DaC by. I want
Marylebone, Kings Cross, Waterloo etc, for
day and night, to help cover our accounts on
DaC to market our own phone app much
use when drivers are physically ranking at the
the Island. After accepting a job, you could
more than has previously been done.
stations. This ensures any work coming out
see drivers doing laps of Bank and Upper
Supersides and drivers handing out cards
of a station gets offered to a driver who is
Bank Street to bring their meters up. Had
isn't enough. We need to get out and engage
already at the pick-up. Should there be an
these accounts come with no run-in, would
with the public to push the app.
occasion where no cabs are booked onto a
that really have affected coverage? The
Even as you read this response to James's
station rank, the job would be despatched via
answer is no. The difference between arriving
question, a price war is taking place between
GPS, again ensuring the closest available cab
outside an account with the maximum
Hailo, GetTaxi and Uber. Prices are being
gets offered the job.
amount on the meter and arriving with a
dropped, subsidised by the companies in an
Ultimately, I feel adopting a GPS despatch
dead meter is little. In the grand scheme of
attempt to win work on the run-up to
system will benefit DaC, its clients and it's dri-
things, it is peanuts. Again, had the drivers
Christmas. Why isn't DaC offering potential
vers. DaC's overall coverage will improve
been asked what was more important to
clients something similar? This opportunity,
because drivers are far more likely to accept
them, the chance to cover thousands of extra
like so many others, seems to have passed
jobs they're almost on top of. Our clients will
trips every month and arrive with a dead
DaC by. DaC is in a financial position where it
benefit from improved waiting times, making
meter, or lose the account all together, I
can offer incentives to new users for using
DaC a much more attractive proposition and
believe the answer would be unanimous. The
our services. There's nothing to stop us offer-
drivers will benefit from shorter run-ins and
same could've been said for many accounts
ing discounted trips or money-off vouchers,
less dead time. There's also a driver safety
DaC has either lost or are no longer the pre-
all subsidised by DaC at no extra cost to the
benefit of going over to GPS. Currently, dri-
ferred provider of taxis for: Citi Group,
driver.
vers have to take their eyes off the road to
Morgan Stanley, and Deutsche Bank to name
DaC is currently charging drivers 7.5% on
constantly keep booking into new zones.
a few.
all account jobs, an increase in account work
With GPS, the system already knows where
The door swings both ways though. Should
will lead to an increase in the subscriptions
you are and keeps you available to cover
DaC assist an account by offering these types
DaC receives that will soon pay back any ini-
work. The system does all the hard work for
of rates, DaC in return would want to cover
tial outlay. The goal of offering these types of
you; all the driver has to do is keep his/her
all trips from that account, not just trips in
tailor made pricing structures to both corpo-
eyes on the road and concentrate on the trip
and around central London. We all know that
rate and private accounts is for DaC to win as
in hand.
not every job is going to be a roader, but what
much work as possible. The more accounts
Improving our coverage and showing DaC
every driver wants is the opportunity to cover
we win, means more trips being offered to
to be the reliable, dependable operation we
the longer jobs out of town. I would want
our members. I really do believe these ideas
know we can be, will translate into more con-
DaC to be covering the accounts’ airport
are a winning formula that will enable DaC to
tracts being won and retained in the future.
runs, trips into the suburbs and beyond.
get a grip back on a market place where it has
The more contracts we have, the more
As well as offering tailor-made pricing
lost so much ground.
money our Society and its members will earn.
structures to larger corporate accounts, I
Should I get elected to sit on our BoM, I
want to see DaC do more to target private
would, on your behalf, ensure these ideas are
Idea 2
individual accounts. I believe DaC isn't doing
set in motion and strive to push DaC forward
Depending on the size of the contract and
enough to tap into the vast app based market
with the passion I've hopefully shown in
the volume of work an account can poten-
currently being dominated by the likes of
answering these questions.
tially offer DaC, I would have a flexible pric-
Hailo, GetTaxi and Uber. We offer the exact
My reasons for standing for election are
ing policy and make tailor made offers to
same product as Hailo and GetTaxi - a fully
simple. DaC needs to kick on from where it
each and every client. If a driver wanted to
licenced, fully insured London Taxi. Yet we
currently stands to ensure growth and finan-
buy one taxi from a dealership, he/she would
have nowhere near the volume of private
cial prosperity. I believe, as I hope you do,
not expect much of a discount. If the same
individuals using our services. You've got to
that I am the right person to implement the
driver wanted to buy twenty taxis, he/she
ask why? How many times have you seen a
changes needed to ensure this happens.
would expect a preferential rate in return for
person standing at the side of the road, obvi-
their business. The same can be said for our
ously waiting for a taxi, letting cabs with their
Answer to Colin Jenkins
customers. A larger account that can offer
yellow lights on drive past? That person has
DaC thousands of regular trips every month
used a phone app to book a cab. Hailo and
(Y22) from Javid Raja
will expect to be looked after more than a pri-
GetTaxi have a very clear, very direct market-
(N72)
vate account that only uses DaC a handful of
ing strategy. How many times at stations have
Hi Colin, no
times. As an example, let’s look at how we
you seen employees of these companies
AGMs. I have been
lost one of our largest accounts - J.P.Morgan.
handing out leaflets to the public that not
14 years in the
The sheer volume of work that JPM fires
only promote their services, but also contain
trade and a DaC
out every single day and night makes it one of
money-off vouchers?
journeyman for
London’s most lucrative contracts. ComCab
Not only do the likes of Hailo and GetTaxi
12 years (until last
knew this and offered no run-ins or gratuities
use that time to reach out to potential clients,
July) so I wasn’t
and subsequently won the lucrative contract.
they use that time to speak to potential new
eligible to attend
I believe if our fleet had been asked whether
drivers, expanding their numbers in the
AGMs until this
they wanted to retain JPM using those terms
process. Our competitors are getting to the
year’s meeting.
Call Sign January 2015
Page 15
DAC ELECTIONS: Drivers questions answered...
My mind works differently to that of the
companies failed to change: Nokia: Eaten by
while others are discarded or put onto the
entire trade. I am Asian, an immigrant (1966).
Microsoft without even a burp. Kodak:
back burner for the future.
With the new Yanks arriving in London,
Invented the digital camera because of greed
In my view, we must use every means at
they have brought modern day slavery to an
(kept selling film and processing) - they went
our disposal to market our service. Since the
end. I have taken advantage of this. I have
into bankruptcy.
development and the introduction of user-
caused disarray in minicab companies with a
To be more competitive, we have to over-
friendly online booking for clients, which has
desertion campaign. Business is a war; we are
haul our trading model. There will be more
proved to be successful, I believe more could
in total war now and it is the job of every dri-
‘carpet bombing’. Remember Dallas? My ini-
be done to increase that trend.
ver to get Addison Lee, Brunel and other dri-
tials are J.R. after all!
Mobile phones are now an integral part of
vers to desert - to destroy their business
They took our accounts so I now return
every area of business. Internet usage on
model. No drivers
= No company! The
fire on their business model. Let’s drown
phones has become more important than
mantra we all use is: You are a free man, go
them. The shares are now free. The breaking
ever for getting information on the move,
to Uber. Go to Cab Mate to rent your car. Do
news is that my people have sold the Addison
especially when competing for market share
it, all of you.
Lee database to Uber. This British Pakistani
of whatever business or service is provided.
We target all big companies. AL has lost 800
stands shoulder to shoulder with you, just as
The Internet is helping to keep many organi-
drivers so far. Let us help Uber to eat them.
our ancestors did in the Burma campaign.
sations ahead of the race by networking their
The feeding frenzy on our trade is reversed. I
Unity now! It’s war people! The B1 is
brand. Companies do use social networking
have also advised Uber where to attack them
loaded above Camden…
to promote their goods or services, which we
on our behalf. I also told them that London
do use to a degree. However, cost effective
will be their Vietnam, the cheeky bastards.
marketing using this format is most certainly
We need boots on the ground: Saturday
Answer to James
the way forward. We could also increase
10pm till 3am - your trade needs you! I have
Griffin (T97) from
other revenue streams, however from a pure-
also put people inside these companies to
ly commercial point this publication is not
cause chaos. They now offer £1000 to drivers
Michael Son (V52)
where we should mention new concepts. It
to return but make them sign three month
James, excellent
would be foolish of me to tell you exactly
contracts
- it’s working. They took our
observation and
what ideas I do have to further the future
accounts and I will return fire with fury. I
relevant question.
aims. However, it will be a pleasure to meet
have an entire team ready to go - a banker,
Prospective Board
and discuss with you or anyone else for that
destroy share price, Somalis, Pakistanis,
Members should
matter how I see the future.
Bangladeshis, Sri Lankans, East Europeans -
site their past
their hatred of minicab concerns supersedes
achievements
our dislike of them.
which gives the
Answer to James Griffin
Carpet bombing - no bombs just brains.
membership an
Welcome to Asian business management. Do
(T97) from Tom
opportunity to
you think anyone would have listened? The
gauge the calibre of the candidates. For exam-
Whitbread (Q09)
petty and juvenile disputes must stop. Unity
ple, candidates may well have had employ-
I am sorry James,
chaps, think not what your trade can do for
ment in other areas prior to becoming a cab
but I have to re-
you but what you can do for your trade. Have
driver and accumulated skills in areas that
iterate myself as
you called a summit meeting, Brian? I have a
could benefit the Society. I believe that any
this is what I have
list but can’t say who I want for strategic rea-
member that wishes to be a contender, prior
been advocating
sons.
to the election process, should be questioned
for the last 40 odd
Answer to Jaweid Iqbal
by a competent arbiter who could ask the
years regarding
prospective Board Member what experience
losing work. Since
(D65) from Javid Raja
they have and how they see themselves being
the first Renault
(N72)
an asset to the management structure and
Dauphines hit the
Hi Jaweid, I am opposed to the merger
ultimately to the membership. If a member is
road as Welbeck
because of the debt Radio Taxis has and its
elected to the Board without any experience,
Motors, I saw the writing on the wall.
links to Addison Lee as witnessed by me at
that would relate to the service DaC provides;
Although at their inception I was not a
Kings Cross Station. Any link to any minicab
taking up a BM job with all the responsibility
Licenced Taxi Driver, as soon as I got my
company will not be tolerated.
the position necessitates is not the way for-
badge I made my feelings known through
As for my plans for subs, they should be
ward for the future of the Society.
every type of media that was available to me.
reduced - we compete for drivers as well as
Although I was elected to the Board many
During the past years, I have got many a
work. They are ‘troops’ and it is war.
years ago prior to postal voting by 1500 or so
Lords / Dial-a-Cab drivers’ back up by accus-
My concept on dealing with enemies? To
members, providing you looked smart, your
ing them of burying their heads in the sand
deal with Johnson and TfL, we destroy the
and thinking that minicabs would go away. I
speech was what the members wanted to
election campaign of the “party of business” -
have said that the way we have to compete
not the taxi business! The ‘Don’t vote Tory’
hear and you weren’t confrontational, you
with them is on service; over the past 5 years
campaign.
stood a good chance of being elected. I
we should not have allowed any account
There is a criminal case for TfL to answer.
remember sometimes at the end of some
rides to go uncovered. Please don’t tell me
TfL: The most corrupt organisation in the UK.
election statements that “A vote for me is a
these are not viable journeys as I have seen
They have destroyed Nissan’s investment in
vote for you” always seemed to go down
£40, £50 and £60 jobs sent back to the client,
our new taxi and I see that as a clear sign of
quite well!
informing them we have nothing in the area
sabotage. I will take them on live radio -
Sorry James, that was a bit of a long wind-
when I know for a fact that there are Dial-a-
Hendy, Daniels
- ikbal@nuclearcab on
ed start in answer to your questions.
Cab taxis around the pick-up points. Since we
Twitter.
However, what of plans for the future.
have been computerised, drivers have been
It is important to be aware of forward plan-
allowed to hide behind their screens while
Answer to James Griffin
ning and ideas emanate from drivers and
despatchers have been letting the computer
(T97) from Javid Raja
Board members and are discussed at meet-
do their work and not trying to sell the jobs
ings. Whether Sales, IT, Contact Centre or any
in a fashion to intimidate the driver into cov-
(N72)
other department, ideas to take the Society
ering their own work.
Hi James, our entire trade has to change, for
forward are discussed, some are actioned
We also need to make sure that the taxi is
the market has changed - apps, Uber etc. Two
Call Sign January 2015
Page 16
DAC ELECTIONS: Drivers questions answered...
clean and the driver we present to the client
However, once customers are in the taxi we
sector and the new players whether it be via a
for the journey is well-dressed. I am not advo-
all use the same metered tariff. So that’s up to
tablet in the cab or an app.
cating a suit and tie, but a clean shirt,
members: Do you want a little extra at the
trousers and shoes. Most of our drivers fall
beginning or the metered fare where possible
into the first category; it is the ones who cut
at the end of the journey?
Answer to Martin
corners and dress like a beach bum that are
I say where possible because more and
Freeborn (C67) from
losing your work. The Board of Management
more clients want fixed prices for regular
cannot do their job in a manner that you
journeys; I know this doesn’t go down well
Garry White
want without the help of all of the sub-
with certain members but that’s the way the
In the December issue of Call Sign, Martin
scribers. Any Board Member who is soft on
trade is going at the moment. I’m not saying
Freeborn was allowed to write in the ques-
offending drivers is as guilty as the drivers
we should do fixed prices during peak
tions section for DaC election candidates,
who do not say anything to their fellow sub-
demand times, ie rush hours when it is hard
expressing his opinion about the way I pre-
scribers that are ruining the standards that
to gauge journey times to assess if it’s worth
sented a complaints meeting.
we need to uphold.
doing a fixed price job, because I like to think
I would like to answer his points as follows:
My second suggestion is that we have to
our knowledge of the city we work in and
Firstly, he said that I presented the com-
find some way to address the fare factor; I
good service is worth a premium over the PH
plaints sub-standardly. I can only read out the
know that we are governed by the meter and
sector.
rules that the driver has been accused of break-
we need every penny to cover our outgoings,
ing and how that offence occurred, then read
but every other business has sales to attract
the members written response to the rule or
Answer to Colin Jenkins
more customers. But by law we are not
rules broken.
allowed to do that. What we could do is give
(Y22) from Garry White
In the first instance, the driver replied to the
our account clients more fixed prices on long
When I was initially elected to the BoM of DaC
complaint without filling in a response or sign-
journeys. Private Hire and some other taxi
and shown round the building for the first time
ing the complaints form.
companies go in with very low prices and
by Brian, we had a conversation about how I
In the second instance, the driver acknowl-
administration charges when tendering for
would fit into the Society as a new Board mem-
edged his guilt and apologised. I am not the
accounts, but within months these are
ber. I said I could learn a lot from Brian about
prosecution in these matters, however only
increased to the same as our prices. We have
what he does and asked if he could introduce
there to represent the facts.
never given bribes or underhand payments to
me to clients and contacts within the trade to
The complaints committee are given the
capture work, but you are up against Addison
fully understand the business from the man-
complaints, which are printed out by a senior
Lee and John Griffin who since 2008 have
agement side as well as the drivers’ perspec-
member of staff - not I - who is experienced in
donated £754,045 to the Conservative party.
tive; I’m afraid this never happened.
the procedure of complaints far greater than I
Who else have they donated to that we do not
After being given the position of Compliance
am myself owing to the fact that this was only
know about..
Officer for DaC, I mentioned at a Board meet-
the second complaints meeting that I have pre-
ing this was going to reflect poorly on myself as
sented.
complaints are left too long before they get
He then goes on to state that I could not
Answer to Alex
answered. The response from Brian, along
print out a logger, as this is done in the IT
Constantinou (N05) from
with the rest of the Board agreeing, was that
department with the drivers MTD ID. This is
Board members were expensive and they
not something that I could have done from the
Garry White
couldn’t afford to have me in more often.
complaints meeting room. When the member
Firstly, I would
Keith Cain suggested I did two half days,
of staff gave me the logger that was requested,
like to point out
which I felt wasn’t helpful as I drive my taxi late
it was in a 24 hour format, which is why I took
that
I
do
evening into the early hours of the morning.
the necessary time to allocate the correct page.
Compliance one
Keith wrote in his proposal of Brian that he
A member can only be asked to answer one
day a week (on
feels a new Chairman should be groomed and
of the twenty one procedure rules that appear
Mondays) and
not put himself forward, as he and others are
on the complaints form; therefore for him to
deal with com-
not without ambition. However, I see it differ-
say that the complaint fell apart due to lack of
plaints that get
ently and if you want to influence change at
information, Martin is being totally disingenu-
forwarded
to
DaC, you need to be bold and make a chal-
ous.
myself from the
lenge. I have no personal problem with Brian
The complaints meeting is chaired, on this
dispatchers and
or any other Board member; I want to see the
occasion it was Keith Cain. He could have
account managers
Society face head on the challenges we now
given guidance if needed, once the complaint
in the best way I can in the time available.
have in front of us from other circuits, the PH
was presented by myself.
I always like to speak to a member before
putting them on complaint if it is possible
and if I feel a member has committed a mis-
demeanor, give them a warning as to future
conduct, which would not go in Call Sign
and like you, they accept their mistake and
do not commit the same offence again.
You also ask me about tenders; you’re cor-
rect in saying they are questions that need a
direct answer. However, like most tenders
once you’ve answered the mundane parts
they always come down to cost, and that’s
something we need change as a circuit.
We as drivers need to accept that not all
accounts are willing to pay run-ins and gratu-
ities and then complain when our tender
isn’t successful when our competitors in the
taxi supply market are winning tenders by
going in with a cheaper starting position.
Call Sign January 2015
Page 17
MARTIN HIZER:
SPURS OLDER
MASCOT!
Last month’s Call Sign ran a story about Alfie,
many years and he didn’t want Alfie to think
son of Dial-a-Cab driver Martin Hizer
he’d pulled a fast one on his dad, so he sent
(M47). Alfie, like his dad, is a passionate
us this photo from years gone by. It shows a
Spurs supporter and the December issue had
young Martin sitting next to Spurs Irish inter-
a photo of him on the Tottenham pitch before
national goalkeeper Pat Jennings, who in
the game against Stoke City when Alfie was
later years had a successful transfer to
one of the team mascots. Even though Spurs
Arsenal. Behind the pair is Martin’s older
lost (yet again), Alfie was still thrilled to be
brother Antony, who is also on DaC. Wonder
A very young Martin sits next to Spurs
standing in front of 36,000 cheering fans.
who the other 35,998 people at the games
legend Pat Jennings while older broth-
But Martin’s time as a Spurs fan goes back
are???
er Anthony sits behind
Thanks for my
‘Immaculate White Cab’!
hen Nadine Hoffman saw a
copy of Call Sign and spotte
W
an ad from Dial-a-Cab driver
Debbie Hope (W18) and her
Immaculate White Taxi - which Debbie
rents out for weddings together with
herself as the driver - Nadine phoned to
ask if Debbie had the date of her wed-
ding to Lee available.
“I always fancied having a white
taxi taking me to my wedding,”
Nadine told Call Sign, “but I never
realised that they were available
just for that. I assumed that if you
wanted one, then you’d have to
stand on a street corner and wait
for one to come along!”
Fortunately for Nadine, Debbie did
have the date available and she
arrived at her Waltham Abbey hotel on November 16th to
take her to the wedding at High Beach in Epping.
“Debbie was wonderful,” Nadine continued, “I really just expected the ride, but she made sure that I felt
comfortable, that my dress didn’t get caught or crease during the journey and just as importantly knowing
how important the day to come was, calmed me right down. Debbie was a real diamond and I would recom-
mend her to any bride wanting a white cab for their wedding.”
Debbie told this mag that she was happy to offer any assistance that she could on a bride’s big day - adding that
Nadine looked absolutely stunning!
Anyone looking for a white cab on the big day can reach Debbie on 07956 317 040.
Totally separately, DaC’s Keith Reading (W76) is one of the best toastmasters around and he also advertis-
es in Call Sign. Both he and Debbie offer a discount to anyone on Dial-a-Cab.
And finally of course, our best wishes to the new Nadine Anderson…
Call Sign January 2015
Page 18
pon receipt of the letter and read-
The latest buzzwords seem to be Ultra-Low Emission zone; so this is…
ing the consultation from
TfL/PCO concerning the proposed
A DAC DRIVER’S VIEW ON THE ULEZ!
U
Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ),
I, like every other cab driver was totally
der for somebody to make a profit on the
back of the cab driver)! I’m sure there are
dismayed once again at the sheer lack of
knowledge displayed by the representa-
many other demands we could include in
this, indeed I have few more of my own.
tives of TfL/PCO at both the current state
of the trade and how the trade runs; it
All bodies should now be in discussion
with each other; we are all affected - manu-
really is quite staggering.
I have addressed my comments on the
facturer, garage owner, proprietor etc. In one
shape or form we will all pay. If the authori-
appropriate Consultation website; however I
fear that the Consultation document is just a
ties have to meet these targets, let’s make
them pay, let’s not look like Luddites (they
publicity exercise in view of recent develop-
ments in the European Court and that court’s
didn’t stop mechanisation of their industry).
Let’s get the best possible deal for us; the
decision to fine the UK authorities - both
national and local - as much as £1million a
government are proposing a £500,000,000
budget, let’s get our share or more. The own-
day for not meeting environmental targets by
as early as 2016 if substantive plans are not in
ers of Addison Lee have probably already got
their hand out and are negotiating vehicle
place to meet said targets by 2020.
Unfortunately, we the cab drivers are about
prices and subsidies.
Let’s not be at the back of the queue for what is
to pay the price of successive politicians kick-
Terry Lewis: Trade organisations should
a derisory pot of money, let’s push our way to the
ing the can down the road for the past 15 years.
unite
front and get the best deal possible for the trade. I
Boris will not be touched either way; if the
plans go ahead, he will claim that he saved the
ver’s bodies - while the authorities address
am aware some will see this as defeatist and that
taxpayer a £1million a day. If they fail, he will
changes in the condition of fitness - should
the battle has just begun, but unless we the trade
claim he tried and will blame the cab driver.
be fighting to ensure we don’t have to face
have a duel policy of disgust while negotiating a
I now believe that in addition to voicing
retrospective changes to the conditions of
great deal for our trade, we will have everything
our overwhelming disgust at what could
vehicles during the life of a vehicle (as with
imposed upon us as with wheelchair access etc.
after all be a disaster for the trade, instead
wheelchair access etc).
This will result in the death of our trade
of trying to block the inevitable, the trade
They should also be fighting to ensure
and the death of the independent minicab
organisations should unite despite all
sufficient dedicated rapid charging space
driver, while the likes of Uber - who have
their disagreements - and that means all!
is available for cabs and that profit mar-
the money to meet the targets - will force
While we continue to protest, we should
gins for these charging facilities are
down driver income while boosting their
begin negotiating the best possible deal for
enshrined in any contracts that are given
own profits in renting drivers a vehicle.
all involved in the trade. If we must have elec-
for their installation and management
tric or extended range vehicles, then the dri-
(they will undoubtedly be put out to ten-
Terry Lewis (C33)
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 January 2015
Page 19
Recently the Editor related to Call Sign a
perplexing scenario while transporting
an elderly lady from the Paddington area
to Avenue Road NW8.
THAT’S A LOT
“It was several
years ago on the
Westminster
account,
Alan
told us. As we
OF SH*T!
approached
Avenue Road, I
tion to a degree. But in my 29 years of
Anthony Smith
looked in the
cabbing, I’ve been lucky enough to only
(F43)
looked
mirror to ask her
have to deal with vomit - and who would
incredulous when
which street number she wanted but
have thought that dealing only with
Call Sign related
couldn’t see her. For one brief
vomit would have been lucky!”
the scenario. “I’m
moment I thought she had collapsed
not sure how I
“There
are
because she wasn’t on the rear seat. I
would deal with a
increasingly fewer
looked round and to my amazement
situation like that. I
toilets in London,”
she was squatting on the floor of the
would imagine the
Ian Macdonald
cab surrounded by newspapers! She
passenger was not
(C64) comment-
had been defecating on the tabloids!
fully compos mentis
ed, “and the very
“I’m not usually short on words but
otherwise I would expect to be asked to
people
who
I just stared. The elderly lady began
stop wherever I was in the road. What an
decide on the loss
crying and said that she couldn’t help
awful situation to have to deal with!”
of these
(in)con-
herself and had just been caught
veniences are the very people who have
George Christou (E14)
short, but was too embarrassed to ask
a toilet at the end of their office corridor!
was particularly
me to find a loo. She was from a gen-
I think the only approach would be com-
positive in his
eration that didn’t talk about toilet
passion for the individual caught short
views.
“The pas-
habits! Thanks to the Evening
and be glad the cab carpet or interior
senger would be
Standard and the Daily Mirror, my
were not soiled.”
well out of order!
carpet remained unsoiled!”
She needed to say
“I would remon-
So Call Sign hit the road to garner
something because
strate with the
views from a few Dial-a-Cab sub-
as a Colitis sufferer
passenger and ask
scribers as to how they would have
myself, there are
what they thought
dealt with the situation.
generally steps you
they were doing,”
“What? Oh my
can take to prevent
said Geoff Levene
goodness” Louis
such an occur-
(W32J)
“and
Loizou
(T58)
rence. You ask to stop the cab, get out and
remind them that
exclaimed, “I real-
do it behind a bush, a tree, in the kerb-
my - or any taxi - is
ly don’t know
side, anywhere but not in the cab! It real-
not a public toilet. I would then get them
what to say or
ly should not have happened, so I find it
out of the cab as soon as possible.”
how I would deal
hard to believe really.”
with a situation
like that. I would
You may not need us now, but cut us out for when you do!
probably panic! I would not charge her
the fare, but I’d be concerned for her
health because I would think she may
LOCKHOUSE SECURITY
have been unwell or suffering from
dementia perhaps. Anyway, I might have
been tempted to whizz her - or any pas-
All types of locks, opened, repaired and replaced
senger for that matter - around to the
10% discount on keys and locks for DaC drivers
Wellington Hospital. I do know that I
Transponders / chipped keys
would be ‘relieved’ to get her out of the
On site key cutting services including taxis
cab.”
Locks replaced / fitted to insurance specifications (BS3621
“I would be
Burglary repairs / boarding up
absolutely mad,”
Additional security / security upgrades
Kevan Crowther
Safes opened, repaired and serviced
(T47) stated in
Grilles and security gates
astonishment.
“I
would
have
Specialists in UPVC doors and windows / patio doors
thrown her out
Free estimates / no call out charge
even though I take
24hr service
into account that
You can find us at:
she may have had dementia or physical
health problems. My father-in-law had to
8-10 The Arcade, Farnham Road, Harold Hill
give up driving a cab because of a weak
Tel: 01708 371115
bladder, so I can understand the situa-
Call Sign January 2015
Page 20
Last month, Bob Woodford told
of he and partner Steph
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu:
attempting to walk Peru’s Inca
Trail to try and raise the £1400
The conclusion
needed to sponsor a taxi taking
children with life-threatening ill-
nesses on the WCHCD Magical
Taxi Tour to Disneyland Paris.
This is the final part of their
story…
Inca trail: Day three…
I felt drained after managing little sleep
before our 5am rise and shine - ahead of
another tough day if we were to conquer the
two remaining mountain passes. Over break-
fast - which was a struggle because of my
diarrhoea problem - I decided that having
travelled 6,000 miles, I was going to com-
plete the challenge however long it took and
however many times I
had to disappear into
bush with my w
wipes!
Fortunately,
th
The llama looks concerned about Bob and his flatulence!
dosage of Imodiu
Inset): The group's guide Willow Torres
was beginning to wor
its
wonders an
ave to say that the Inca
Giving page had received nearly £600 in
because the runs wer
rail for me was much
donations - so we are still 55% short of
less frequent, the
ougher. That was because
our target. So it’s not too late to make
walking became more
f the effects of altitude
that donation - however small - online at
confident - although
ckness complications.
www.justgiving.com/robandsteph - or by
judging by the aroma
Would I recommend this
texting CUSC99 followed by
(leave a
lence on Runkurakay Pass, my fellow
event to others? Certainly!
space)
£1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10 and text
trekkers were having their own issues!
But let me advise you of a few do and do nots
that to 70070.
On the Phuyupatamarka Pass we negoti-
first (contact me via Call Sign), in addition to
Thanks from both Steph and I to everyone
ated a tunnel that led out to lush green
putting you in touch with a superb Adventure
that has supported our Magical Taxi Tour
mountains and snowy peaks as far as the eye
Challenge Company, a superb Guide and the
Appeal Fund!
could see, before then descending to our
advice of the Travel Clinic!
Bob Woodford
final campsite after 12 hours walking.
Has the Appeal Fund been successful?
At the time of typing these notes, our Just
Call Sign Online
Inca Trail: Day four…
Another early start in order to reach the Sun
Gate for the optimum view of Machu Picchu
Call Sign Says…
leaving us with one last steep push on those
original Inca steps, before we arrived at one
YOU COULD GET A LOT OF E-CABS WITH THAT!
of the world’s most breath-taking sights!
LibDem leader and Deputy PM, Nick
The challenge was over and it was a huge
Clegg, has announced new funding f
relief because it had certainly been a chal-
cycling in England - a hefty £214mil-
lenge
- but the challenge of a lifetime!
lion, while Chancellor George
Glowing with success, the sight of Machu
Osborne has added an additional
Picchu will stay with me forever!
£114million to share between anothe
We then descended to explore the fasci-
eight cycling cities outside of the capi-
nating buildings and ruins that make the
tal. That can be added to the £100
million that the Highways Agency will
city in the clouds so special. Fortunately
be spending on bikes over the next
we had a great Guide in Willow Torres,
six years.
who had been with us since we arrived in
According to Nick Clegg:
Lima and who made our guided tour all
“The inspiration and legacy of
the more enjoyable.
the 2012 Olympics and the Tour
We caught the bus down to Aguas
de France starting in Yorkshire
Callentes, a bustling market town hidden
began a revolution in cycling for everyone,
from Machu Picchu, before boarding the train
not just in velodromes, not necessarily in Lycra, but for going to school or
back to Cusco and a celebratory meal that
to work or to the shops. The rewards could be massive. Billions of pounds in savings for
the NHS, less pollution and congestion and a happier and safer population.”
was to follow the next evening.
Well, Mr Clegg, according to our beloved Mayor Johnson, who told the world how wonderful
we were at London 2012, the air we breathe could become much improved if the London licensed
On reflection…
taxi trade - black cabs to you - were given that kind of dosh to help us purchase electric taxis.
So would I ever consider taking part again?
Otherwise those companies building them will follow Nissan and just do a runner.
Never! Having participated in the Marathon
There are lots of votes involved here…although nowhere near enough to save you!
des Sables 14 years ago where you had to
Alan Fisher
cross the Sahara Desert on foot and which is
Call Sign Online
said to be the toughest footrace on earth, I
Call Sign January 2015
Page 21
After 42 years as a taxi driver with 40 of them on Dial-a-Cab…
Max Arnold Retires
arly December was a strange time for Max
Arnold (D66). After forty years on Dial-a-
Cab, he had to make what he called the
E
lonely drive from Clayhall to Roman Way,
where his taxi was going to be stripped of its
radio equipment. Soon after, even the cab itself
was about to get a new owner with Max pulling
the plug on 42 years of driving a taxi.
When we asked what he was going to do instead, he just
smiled and said that retirement usually meant exactly that -
retiring from work!
“To be honest,” Max told Call Sign, “I can’t face this trade
anymore! What with the traffic, the huge amount of opposition
and the constant regulations that push us further and further
away from the public, this isn’t the job that I loved so much for
so many years. Even our own licensed taxis radio circuits are
undercutting each other on price, the result of that can only
mean a gradual deterioration of the quality we are renowned
around the world for.”
Going back to the beginning, Max told us that he gained his
my Badge and Bill because they run till the end of 2016 and
Bill in January 1972 and within two years he was already feel-
you never know!
ing bored cruising the streets looking for work. He had applied
“But the thought of not driving a cab anymore has put a
to join ODRTS several months before but had forgotten all
smile back on my face and that’s a good sign! Can I through
about it and had even applied for a sales job outside the trade,
Call Sign thank everyone on Dial-a-Cab from staff to the Board
when suddenly the postman dropped an application form
through to the drivers for making these 40 years fly by. I will
onto his mat. Signed by the new Chairman Martin Gellman, it
miss everyone - but just not the job!”
invited Max to become an ODRTS member.
Good luck Max…
“I couldn’t say yes quickly enough,” said Max, and on 7 Nov
1974 he was to start a love affair with Dial-a-Cab.
“I know that over the past few years, so much competition
added to the recession meant that things were not as they had
been, but I remember the good days so well because there
were many, many more of those than there have been bad
ones. The truth is that I was doing really well by covering radio
work - and that was on a day shift. The radio was just so busy
that at times dispatchers would often look for drivers that were
Golf discount for all Dial-a-Cab Drivers
doing deliveries to see if they would marry up a passenger and
get paid twice! All feelings of boredom went as soon as I under-
Why not take advantage of our winter offers at
stood how to work on the radio with its dispatchers who
The Hertfordshire Golf & Country Club
seemed to use their own language! We used to go all over the
Come down and try out this amazing golf package on our
show and it was so different than working the streets!
superb par 70 parkland course and you will be treated to
“In fact it was so busy in those days that if I couldn’t sleep
because our baby daughter was waking up, I’d often go out to
work soon after midnight and return at around 6am, before
Coffee & bacon roll
my wife Rose even knew I had gone! And those six hours
~ ~
would provide you with non-stop radio work. In fact, as my
18 holes golf
last job of the night I often picked up a prostitute from the
~ ~
Hilton in Park Lane and took her to her home to Forest Gate
Snack lunch from our varied menu
- and before anyone says anything, she paid cash! Strangely
enough, this trade had a reputation for accepting passengers
such as that and accepting payment in kind! I think that was
All this for only £30.00
£25.00 per person
something of an urban myth because although some of the
girls would give you their card and offer commission for cus-
tomers you took to them, they never offered me anything
This amazing offer is valid
other than cash for the trip and I doubt they did to many other
Monday-Thursdays
drivers either.”
1st January to 31st March 2015
Now aged 65, Max says that his feelings about taxi work
(Minimum 4 players)
have returned to how they were in his first two years.
To book call now and speak to our sales coordinator
“I’m out at 3am nowadays and it’s nothing like it was in
Elaine Cochrane on 01992 466666 ext 249
those early days on radio and I’m getting bored again! I may
look for a part-time job and I’m certainly not going to hand in
Call Sign January 2015
Page 22
During his recent well-publicised illness, Tom Whitbread wrote
Buying a
about his early memories as a taxi driver. As he approaches full-fit-
new cab
ness once again, this will be the last of that series…
Going back many
years, the only supplier
of licensed taxis was
Mann & Overton in
TOM’S TALES
Wandsworth Bridge
Road and because they were the sole suppli-
a taxi ride - to local pubs or clubs if indeed
told me of her great need for a public con-
ers, they often would abuse the fact. Whilst
there were any. The exception was when in
venience. So as a joke, I informed the offi-
you sat in their waiting room to pick up your
London at Clarence House, where they were
cial at Buckingham Palace that I was in
shiny brand new always-black taxi, you could
in the centre of all the life of this great city.
great need of a bucket. When the large
listen to horrific tales from drivers waiting for
So when they travelled to Sandringham
truck arrived, the AA man parked in front of
repairs to be carried out to their still under
(Scotland), Windsor or Dover, it was likened
us and walked back to our coach. Opening
warranty taxis.
to a coach outing for the staff that travelled
the door, he asked in a loud voice who was
Little did I know that I soon would be join-
with me. One yearly trip was to Walmer
the person in great need of a bucket!
ing these hard put upon mushers. Not long
Castle near Dover where Her Majesty was the
Mary’s face went bright red as she slid
after buying my new cab, I noticed a leak that
Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports and
down the seat out of view!
looked to be coming from the nearside shock
Walmer Castle was where she stayed during
We hitched up the coach to the trucks
absorber, so I drove from Hackney to SW6
the visit.
winch and the AA man started to pull the
and rather than wait all day as you always had
As Walmer Castle is a Museum, all personal
coach forward, but it was at that moment that
to regardless of how small the job was, I
belongings had to be transported there for
the weight once again showed its insistence
caught a bus from New Kings Road back to
entertaining and for her personal care. So I
on not moving and black smoke began to
Hackney. Later that afternoon I made the
would load one of the coaches with the help
come out of the winch motor. So now the
long journey back from Hackney to Fulham
of Shaun, the Queen Mother’s third chauf-
manoeuvre was a start-stop operation until
to retrieve my early model FX4. As I walked
feur; this would include a trunk such as the
we had the coach safely aboard, then it was
down Woolneigh Street, I saw my taxi
ones seen in pirate movies - full of the silver
post haste down the motorway to the first
parked there and could see the shocker was
needed for a mini banquet! The weight of this
Little Chef. With brakes applied and gravel
still leaking. As I went into the M&O office, I
trunk, if lifted incorrectly, could result in a
spitting everywhere, the door flew open and
was greeted by a miserable looking recep-
delicate part of your lower body dropping to
Mary departed the lorry like an Olympic
tionist who told me that my cab was ready! I
your ankles and you ending up with a very
sprinter, last seen disappearing through the
told him it was still leaking but he assured me
high voice! There would also be a dining
door marked ladies as there wasn’t a loo say-
that they had changed the shocker. I went out
table, alcoholic drinks and mixers and glass-
ing Maids!
with a mechanic and it turned out that they
es, plus personal clothing in hanging
On arrival at the castle, the job was not fin-
had changed the offside one! When I queried
wardrobes! You actually felt like a Pickford’s
ished as the load now had to be carried by
it, they tried to blame me saying that I had
removal man.
hand up the narrow spiral staircases to the
told them it was the offside one. I think their
Then there was the time I was driving the
first and second levels. We were often lucky,
fitter was Stevie Wonder on an apprentice
coach along the A2 / M2 with all the above in,
as the local army barracks would send along
course, so I made them go through the waste
including the Royal staff. We were driving up
six fit soldiers to help. It was always amazing
bins until they found my instruction paper.
an incline and on this particular morning, my
how mention of Queen Elizabeth the Queen
They then told me I would have to come back
vehicle decided that the weight was just a bit
Mother would get that type of reaction. She
the following day as it was 4.45pm and they
above what it wanted to pull, so the gearbox
was very much still loved.
were closing!
sent out a sound like a police siren and then
So I informed them that I had my six
My sincere thanks to everyone that
with a large bang, refused to function any fur-
year old son with me and we would be
enquired as to my health following my
ther. I managed to get to the nearside barrier.
camping in their waiting room until my
recent operations that at one time looked
Luckily I had recently just purchased my
taxi was ready! Thirty minutes later I was
to have been serious enough to force me to
first mobile phone - almost the size of the
presented with my taxi and its new near-
wear a colostomy bag for life. Happily,
Royal coach
- and was able to contact
side shock absorber fitted!
that is no longer the case and I am practi-
Buckingham Palace to inform them of my
Once my cab was out of warranty, I used to
cally back to full fitness. Your good wishes
plight and to get them to arrange with the
have my servicing and overhauls done by
helped me greatly and I thank you all…
AA for their biggest relay truck to be
Tommy Whitford whose garage was in
despatched to our location. While I was
Ashwin Street off Dalston Lane and close to
Tom Whitbread
organising it, Mary - a lovely Irish lady who
a very popular and well-used taxi rank. As any
worked as a maid for the Queen Mum -
DaC Board Member
long time driver would tell you, Tommy was
a great guy. He rented a space at the back of
Sam Cooper’s garage where hundreds of
drivers filled up each day on their way home
The Hon President, Hon Chairman and Committee Of
eastwards. But Tommy was not known for
keeping a clean floor in his work area, so you
needed a pair of Wellington Boots as it was
The London Taxidrivers’ Fund For
akin to standing in a Texan oil field!
Underprivileged Children
Driving for the Queen
Would like to wish you all
Mum
Working as I did part-time for Her Majesty
A Very Happy New Year
Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother was
just so far removed from the life I led as an
With grateful thanks to all our drivers, sponsors, helpers and supporters
ODRTS taxi driver. Her Majesty’s staff
worked in what can be best described as a
“None walks so tall as he who stoops to help a child”
cocoon, because most of the royal residences
www.ltfuc.org.uk
were away from highly populated areas. So
they usually had a long walk - or occasionally
Call Sign January 2015
Page 23
Operations Manager Report
And chat from the Contact Centre…
Hello Ladies & Gents
off the staff. Credit Card trips are also increas-
I do hope that you have all had a profitable fes-
ing week-on-week and as I have mentioned
tive period and that you’ve also enjoyed a well-
previously, the average fares are almost £28, so
deserved rest and chill out period with your
well worth covering.
family and friends.
I do hope that the new Credit Card changes
2014 was interesting to say the least, with
that I explained about in my December article
our trade being disrupted and attacked from all
have helped you and although it is still early
sides. We have lost some of our members both
days, I hope the card coverage has improved.
old and new - some through retirement, while
On all Credit Card bookings (CCB)
sadly others are no longer with us and it is at
offered through the system, you no longer
this time of year that we can reflect on the good
have to ask for the card at the end of the
times, but also some of those sad times and our
journey. It is treated in exactly the same
thoughts go out to the people that are left
way as a normal account trip, which I
behind.
hope will further simplify things a little.
I must praise my staff in the Contact Centre
Of course passengers using Credit Cards
who have all worked so hard over each of our
when hailing a taxi in the street must have
three shifts, especially over the past month or
changes have worked well. I’ve listened to
the card!
so. We have made quite a number of changes
ideas and suggestions coming from members
Finally, I would like to wish you all a very
over the last 12 months to help streamline the
and staff alike and I will continue to do that for
happy, prosperous and successful New Year in
operation and make it more user-friendly. I do
as long as it continues to help improve the
2015…
believe that it has worked for the betterment of
Contact Centre and help make our operation
both driver and client’s point of view.
more efficient.
Allan Evans
We have trained a number of new dispatch-
Our online and App bookings continue to
Contact Centre Manager
ers and team leaders and I again feel that the
grow, which does help to take a little pressure
Operations Manager
HYDROGEN TAXI MAKER: BIG LOSSES!
“But still on the right road…”
Hydrogen fuel cell ma
ers, Intelligent
Energy, have hailed
the past twelve month
HACKNEY ROAD TAXI TYRES
as “transformational”
even though their loss
FOR THE BLACK CAB TAXI TRADE
es more than doubled
from £21million to
over £48million. But
• Austones for the TX
the company, which
made the hydrogen
• Barums for the Vito
fuel cell powered
taxis that were
• Michelin and Continental
paraded at the 2012
London Olympics,
also supplied
sounded confident
about the future -
4-wheel laser tracking
no doubt some of
that comes from
for the Mercedes Vito
TfL policies regard-
ing emission levels.
• Puncture repairs
In the November 2013 issue of Call Sign, we revealed that
two drivers on Dial-a-Cab had been road testing the temporarily
named TX4H - H being for Hydrogen - and would continue to
• Also free tyre checks
do so for a total of around two years. We agreed not to name
the drivers.
Intelligent Energy specialise in the development of mod-
Find us downstairs the
ular, low carbon fuel cell systems. They lead a consortium
DaC Credit Union at
whose intention is to introduce zero emission fuel cell elec-
tric taxis to London, featuring a hydrogen fuel cell and
The Peterley Business Centre,
lithium battery powered electric hybrid that should provide
472 Hackney Road, E2
a 250-mile driving range whilst still maintaining all the pas-
senger and luggage space that London taxis are famed for.
0207 729 5237
Refilling is said to take five minutes.
Call Sign January 2015
Page 24
At the onset of this prestigious cup for non-
The Lee Pearce Wembley dream lives on
league teams, the FA Vase, there were no less
than 605 teams battling to get to the Final,
which takes place at Wembley Stadium.
COLLIERS WOOD
From that first qualifying round, like thou-
sands of other players, Dial-a-Cab driver and
Colliers Wood goalkeeper Lee Pearce (J71)
CRUISE INTO LAST 32
had that dream of walking out at the most
famous football ground in the world.
amazingly long kick that was chested down
Yes, there’s the Bernabéu, home to Real
by Dan Harding and he hit it past the
Madrid, not to mention the ground where
Lingfield goalkeeper. Mario Embalo made it
they worship both Catalanism and Barca -
6-1 on 71 minutes and two minutes after that
FC Barcelona. There is even the Theatre of
he rounded the goalkeeper to make it 7-1
Dreams at Manchester United’s Old
and to claim his hat-trick. But Mario wasn’t
Trafford. But there is only one Wembley
finished and after 75 minutes he made it 8-1
Stadium and Lee Pearce wants to play there!
after being teed up by Dan Harding.
When Colliers Wood were given a home tie
You have to hand it to Lingfield because
in the third round of the Vase against
even with no chance, they kept going and
Lingfield of the Southern Counties East
after 82 minutes Joel Amos beat Lee Pearce
Football League, ‘Wood must have felt that
they had a chance - especially as the team
from outside the area with a powerful low
had been scoring almost at will, knocking in
shot that crept into the corner. But just
seven in their previous two league games.
before the end, Mario Embalo scored Colliers
But it turned into almost a rout!
Wood’s eighth and his fifth - which probably
CW opened the scoring after 8 minutes
made up for his hitting the post in the early
when Charlie Emery knocked in his first
stages. Otherwise he would have claimed an
The last time Lee Pearce captured sil-
goal for the club. Barely 60 seconds later, Eli
amazing double hat-trick and send CW into
verware was the Middlesex Senior Cup,
Ogunseye doubled the score. Soon after,
double figures!
but the FA Vase is the big one!
Mario Embalo hit the post - a miss he would
Lee Pearce told Call Sign: “We deserved to
more than make up for! Lingfield steadied
Wood third. Two minutes later, Lingfield’s
win although Lingfield were a bit unlucky to
their ship until the fortieth minute when
Dan Frith made it 3-1 following a corner,
catch us in such good form. We feel that we
Embalo, dropping back to help out the
Then just as half time approached, Lee Pearce
are capable of scoring against anyone now.”
defence, cleared to Dan Harding whose
managed to deflect a shot otherwise it could
Colliers Wood now face a tough away game
excellent pass put Ogunseye away and he fin-
have been 3-2.
against Hellenic premier league side Ascot in
ished well to pick up his second and Colliers
Then on the hour mark, Lee Pearce hit an
round 4 on January 17…
With Tom Quigley (Y33)
LOOKING AT (TAXI) LIFE
Shotgun deliveries
After Black Friday’s online shopping spree and the Boxing Day sales, the one thing for certain with all this shopping is that
the goods have to be delivered and the packaging of the goods have to be collected and disposed of.
Those of us old enough to remember will recall that deliveries were done by two men - the driver and his mate. The
mate’s job was to help with the loading/unloading and assisting the driver to negotiate tight turnings, generally acting as
a banksman, guiding and making sure that everything went smoothly whilst helping to speed up the whole process. The
term used was ‘Riding Shotgun’ harking back to the old Wild West days of having a man with a shotgun up front to
protect the driver. But I suppose in these days of drive-bys, it wouldn’t be PC to have a rider with a shotgun!
However, as all these delivery companies are looking to save money and boost their own profits, the opportunity for
a driver’s helper are few and far between. But their striving for profits comes at additional cost - who has not had a
vehicle parked that has somehow been damaged - often on wing mirrors or other side parts of their vehicle, garden walls and gate
knocked down, waited with your taximeter on as some articulated lorry tries an impossible manoeuvre in the road holding up traffic and costing your
passenger more money? Or even worse, when a supermarket truck delivers to a home with just one man carrying out their duties about 200 yards
from a 24 hour supermarket where many years ago this form of delivery would have been done by a lad on a bike from a local shop (strange how
some MPs and political parties supported by the big conglomerates are not advocating a return to this, particularly as they love the cycle campaign so
much).
All this damage and holdups mean we all suffer; new parts, repairs, insurance increases, the garden gate/wall being rebuilt, the
increased congestion? And dare I say it, the knock-on effect with increased emissions, the undoubted stress on the driver who is proba-
bly self-employed or on a zero hour contract.
Meanwhile, the longevity of such work will be impossible resulting with time off work and a period of sick pay - not from the company, but through
the DHSS, which is our money. As more and more companies strive for that profit, you often see a waste disposal company in the middle of the West
End holding up a whole fleet of vehicles while one man loads the bags of rubbish into the truck! Those contracts are awarded by the same Czars who
bang on about pollution and poor air quality. They even have the audacity to preach to others how all London companies should pay their staff a
“London Living Wage!” In the meantime, they just close their ears and eyes to the obvious cost-cutting and poor conditions of the workers.
Online shopping is handy, but the delivery systems and working practices of the companies need to be looked at; it might look as though we are
saving some money, but the hidden costs are far larger.
Rubbish disposal
Following the IRA terrorist attacks in the 70s and 80s, there was a reduction in the number of litter bins in London, especially in the centre. However,
with recycling and a cleaner looking London, there has been an increase in their numbers, which is very good. But have you noticed the positioning of
these bins? Obviously and rightly so, many are near bus stops etc where people gather.
But you try emptying any bottles or litter from your taxi into a bin and notice how many are on double red lines, zig zags or no waiting or loading bays
area with high camera CCTV activity. Surely this is not done on purpose? Is it…?
Finally I’d like to wish you all a very happy 2015…
Tom Quigley, Call Sign Online
Call Sign January 2015
Page 25
DaC’s Pat Keefe is the second driver to ask the same question:
UBER: WHERE DO
THEY GET OUR
ADDRESSES FROM?
obtained his mobile phone number and
by post. I have to question how they got
whether TfL had sold them on as at the
hold of my address as well as my phone
time our licensing authority were also
number.
advertising Uber on their TfL website. The
“To my way of thinking, they could only
text had read:
get it from within our own trade and from
Hi, have you heard of Uber? We offer
organisations such as Dial-a-Cab, the LTDA,
London PCO drivers the opportunity for
Tradex Insurance, Taxiworld Meters,
flexible work at the touch of a button.
LTPH/TfL, the LCDC, MB Vito or even per-
Join in October and Uber guarantees
haps the former KPM etc.
you earnings of £3000 in November.
“I'm sure you get my point. Although I’m
Sign up now to http://t.uber.com/pco-
sure it wouldn’t be any of the radio circuits,
driver.
I believe someone associated to our trade is
We asked TfL and they denied not only
selling us out to this carnivorous mob. If
not having sold the numbers but admitted
anyone out there does know, it would be
that they didn’t even have Jon Robinson’s
nice to let the rest of us know, so we then
number.
would have a choice to boycott them.”
But it was Uber that answered the
Does anyone out there know the answer?
question admitting that they received
(which probably means that they
bought) the numbers from a third party
where those contacted had previously
DAC CCB
registered themselves as London taxi
drivers (possibly via the small print) and
Please remember that passengers on
Pat Keefe and the Uber ad that arrived
had given consent to be contacted for
Credit Card bookings (CCB) offered
at his home
marketing purposes.
via your DaC terminal no longer need
Now another Dial-a-Cab driver, Pat
to show their card at the end of the
Keefe (G01), has told this magazine of an
journey. Those trips are now treated
n the November issue of Call Sign, Jon
advert from Uber that actually arrived in the
in exactly the same way as normal
Robinson
(E11) said that he had
post! So they also have a database of
account trips. Passengers using Credit
received a text message on his phone
addresses from somewhere! Pat told us:
Cards when hailing a taxi in the
I
apparently from Uber. As he had never
“A month or so ago, they sent me the text
street must still present their card for
been on Uber, he wondered how they had
that appeared in Call Sign offering me stu-
processing via your PED…
pid sky-high figures; now they are at it again
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variable bank interest rates?
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member of staff at Dial-a-Cab, then you qualify to join the
Dial-a-Cab Credit Union. Any member of your family residing
at your address also qualifies for membership!
Then if you are over 18, have been a member of the Credit Union for
over 3 months and have established regular savings, you can borrow
up to 3 times your total savings…
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Registration number 213263
Call Sign January 2015
Page 26
Taxi Driver of the
DaC at the 43rd TDo
On 7th December, around 100 guests enjoyed the
Of course, no matter how entertaining, the purpose of the evening
is the charity and presentations were later made to five of London’s
annual Taxi Driver of the Year Charity Fund din-
taxi trade charities. Incredibly, in its first 42 years it had given away no
ner and dance at its new location of the Holiday
less than £2.6million!
Inn, Regents Park - a venue that most agreed
Receiving welcome cheques for £1000 each were the East
London Cabbies Outing, the London Taxidrivers’ Fund for
made an excellent choice.
Underprivileged Children, the London Taxi Benevolent
Following a drinks reception and a minute’s silence to honour
those connected to the taxi trade that had passed away during the
Association for War Disabled, the Southend Taxi Drivers Charity
past 12 months, everyone enjoyed a truly excellent turkey dinner and
for Children and the Albany Charity Fund.
amazing dessert trio before settling down for an evening of dancing
Sadly, TDoY committee member Bill Tyzack and his wife Grace, who
to Fraternity.
have attended the function for many years, were unable to attend
Call Sign January 2015
Page 27
Year Charity Fund
oY dinner and dance
through illness. Also absent through illness was Audrey Sherry. All
three were missed.
Honorary Chairman of the TDOY Charity Fund, Russell Poluck
MBE (T55) and his wife Barbara work very hard to organise this event
each year and this year’s was probably one of the most enjoyable
they’ve put on - and after 42 years that is certainly saying something!
In his speech, Russell explained why the competition aspect for Taxi
Driver of the Year no longer seems feasible - and that is the small
matter of an approximate £40,000 that is needed nowadays to find
somewhere suitable to hold an event that used to be one of the high-
lights of the trade’s year and an event that was regularly won by Dial-
a-Cab drivers!
During the course of the evening, there was a popular tombola run-
ning with some great prizes, in addition to a raffle where the main
prize was a £1000 holiday voucher, which was won by the lucky Mr
G.Pike.
There was also a gift of an attractive purse/credit card holder for all
the ladies present, while the men received nail files.
Once again Dial-a-Cab was one of the sponsors and Chairman
Brian Rice was present, together with several Board members
and staff. Thanks also to sponsors Audrey Sherry, Dagenham
Travel, the LMCPSA, Radio Taxis, Len Roberts, Tradex Insurance
and Ubiquitous.
The raffle winners were (with information as given on the ticket
stub):
1st prize: £1,000.00 holiday voucher (Mr G.Pike 00878)
2nd prize: Overnight stay at a London hotel with 2 theatre tickets
(Constance 025001)
3rd prize: £100 Totes voucher (V.Thompson 01461)
4th prize: Champagne tea for two (M.Anderson 01320)
5th prize: Scooter (Freddie 00680)
6th prize: Hamper (Shifali 02868)
7th prize: Power Washer (Gitesh, Barclays Bank 02511)
Call Sign January 2015
Page 28
DaC driver Sean Farrell (B39) looks at trade history from a different angle
Brethren of the Whip
barrage of laughs came from the passenger,
magistrate and therefore a fellow gentleman.
Disney
while more quizzical looks appeared around
He even offered to name his club in London
and the
the court room.
(this was not deemed necessary by the court).
The passenger did not stop there; address-
The argument continued before the pas-
cabman…
ing the magistrate he bellowed that he (the
senger, who now gave his name as Edward
Towards the end of
magistrate) would know as well as the pas-
Disney from Ingatestone, bowed to the wish-
August
1865,
senger that “these cabmen are insulting fel-
es of the court and paid William Ivy his fare.
William Ivy picked
lows.” This was a bit much for Ivy, who also
And then he pulled out his trump card: “I
up a fare at the
addressing the magistrate said: “I beg your
must now have a go at the cabman.” William
Eastern Counties
pardon, sir. We are as much gentlemen as you
Ivy looked at him mystified. “What for,” came
terminus
(where
are.” That bought the retort from the passen-
the reply. “For not giving me a ticket, said
Shoreditch
over-
ger: “I did not say you were a gentleman, I
Disney.” He now had the cabman bang to
ground station now is); his fare consisted of
said you were an insulting fellow.” Which in
rights. The law stated that a ticket - a receipt
three people with several destinations being
itself was a strange remark as he had not
that had the plate number of the cab so they
involved.
alleged any insulting or insolent language
could be traced if necessary - had to be given
First he took them to Bow Street, waited
from Ivy.
at the beginning of every journey. Most cab-
before continuing onto St Martin’s Lane. After
Having ascertained that Ivy had carried
men did not bother giving them out as most
waiting there, he took them to Waterloo
three people in his cab, there seemed little
passengers did not want one. But Edward
House in Pall Mall, thence to Scotland Yard,
doubt that he was in the right and that the
Disney was not the first to use this against a
back to Waterloo House before finally finish-
passenger should pay the four shillings
cabman when they had lost a dispute.
ing up in Berkeley Square. A nice job assum-
required. The passenger objected:
Fortunately for the cabman, the magistrate
ing you get paid - and William Ivy didn’t! As
“I must dispute it. He has no right to charge
was on his side. He told Disney that if that was
the law stood at the time, the passenger could
time for I did not stop for a quarter of an hour
so, he would have to take out a summons
compel the driver to go to a police court to
at one single place and unless I do so, he can-
against Ivy and this he did after paying the req-
have the argument settled there and this was
not claim for stoppages however many differ-
uisite two shillings (10p). Ivy admitted offering
agreed to.
ent places I might take him to and stop.”
a ticket to Disney, but not at the beginning of
In Marylebone police court, Ivy retold the
It has to be said that an initial reading of
the journey and the magistrate fined him the
magistrate of his journey that morning and
the 1853 Act would allow no charge for stop-
princely sum of
6d (21/2p) without costs.
ended by saying that he required four
ping up to fourteen minutes, but it could be
Disney had won, but it cost him two shillings.
shillings (20p) for the job but his passenger
charged from the fifteenth minute. In the
He demanded an appeal but the magistrate
felt that only 3s 6d (17p) was the legal fare. As
dozen years following the Act, many had tried
informed him there were no grounds for
Ivy finished giving his evidence, the passen-
and failed to keep cabmen waiting around all
appeal and the case was now closed.
ger burst out laughing…
day without having to pay them.
It’s true that William Ivy only ended up with
“Ha! Ha! He is wrong; the distance as he
The magistrate, a Mr Mansfield, informed
the 3s 6d he was originally offered, but he
says is right.” All those in the court room now
the defendant that his interpretation of the
probably felt that the 6d he was fined in getting
exchanged glances as to what the defendant
law was wrong; the cabman had the right to
one over a magistrate was money well spent!
was talking about. Ivy replied that he hadn’t
add together all the various stopping times.
said anything about the distance yet, but he
The passenger still argued the point and then
Sean Farrell
then said it was four miles. To which another
informed the magistrate that he was a fellow
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Call Sign January 2015
Page 29
I used to do it whenever I could, but I hardly
Another true story from Geoff Levene…
do it at all now. The other person has to be
really special before I'll even consider sug-
gesting anything, but by and large I think I'm
AUTOGRAPH PLEASE?
too old for that sort of thing now. I refer of
course, ladies and gents, to asking for an
tain was pulled aside and there wearing a sil-
autograph. What did you think I meant?
ver lamé ball gown slashed to the thigh was
There have been so many over the years -
theatre critic Kenneth Tynan, famously the
Alec Guinness, Phil Everly, Harold Pinter,
first man to utter the f-word on TV. A good
Gary Lineker, Eric Clapton; I once spent an
looking man… but a rather unusual looking
entire journey wondering if it really was Faye
woman! We all stared open-mouthed.
Dunaway sitting behind me but I bottled out
“Oh my God,” he declared before disap-
of that one!
pearing back behind the curtain! I later read
One day I was on the rank at Harrods. A
he wore the outfit at the Dorchester and
man stood looking in the windows. Black
there is a picture in his "Diaries."
overcoat, jeans, cowboy boots and long
I decided to hire a monk's habit complete
blonde hair. It all added up to rock star! But
with the cowl or hood. I also thought it
which one? Then two young guys walked up
would look fun with a death's head mask. We
to him and asked him if he was David
drove to the party in my Dial-a-Cab taxi. At
Coverdale? He said he was and signed some-
the traffic lights by Highgate Station, the dri-
thing for them. I was a rock fan but I was then
ver on my right turned towards me and I
none the wiser. Then he got into the cab and
looked him full in the face. His eyes widened
and gave him the sweetest of smiles.
I thought why not! So I said I had always
and his mouth opened in horror, because
Not long after that, I was invited to one of
been a fan of his and would he mind signing
there on the A1 he had come face to face with
those Tarts 'n Vicars fancy dress parties. We
my book - hoping I would be able to read it!
the Grim Reaper - minus the scythe! Well, my
decided to get outfits from Bermans and
But my son was truly delighted as it turned
terminal was in the way…!!!
Nathans in Camden Town and took Dan with
out that David Coverdale had been lead
us. As we stood by the fitting rooms, a male
singer with Deep Purple and later formed
Geoff Levene (W32)
voice boomed out that he was going to need
Whitesnake.
a silver lamé jock strap with his outfit. A cur-
Call Sign Online
And then there was Julie Walters, Chris
Eubank, several Redgraves and Bob
Monkhouse, who was exactly as you'd have
My tribute to David Kupler
expected him to be. And at a children's show
with my boys, Rolf Harris obliged. As my
eldest said to me recently of the man cur-
JUST CALL ME
rently being held at Her Majesty’s pleasure:
“He was just so nice!”
MR MELLOR!
As much as I liked him, Tommy Cooper
Just call me Mr
Don’t be sarcastic or I’ll tear you off a strip.
was too drunk and a little scary. And in
Mellor;
Queen Elm's Square I was amazed when
I’m intellectually superior to most of
Albert Finney answered the door. As I
I’m a rude and
your class,
walked back to the cab, his neighbour -
arrogant fella,
I’m so important that I’m up my own ar*e!
swathed in towels and fresh from the bath -
I’ve met kings,
If this is being recorded, then I apologise
called out to him. It was Dame Maggie
queens and
For being rude, arrogant - and cutting you
Smith but the situation was just too surreal
heads of state,
down to size.
to dare ask for an autograph!
You think that
I’ll explain my outburst on LBC
Nobody has ever refused, but two made me
compares with a
feel uncomfortable - and they were both peo-
fare to Forest
It will come complete with an apology
ple I really liked. There was the star of a
Gate?
So next time you see me with my arm in
ground-breaking comedy sketch show of the
the air
I’m a QC, a writer and a VIP,
sixties and seventies which has recently had a
I’m so important - that’s obvious to see.
Please don’t drive past; I’m such a good
successful O2 revival. I picked him up from a
fare…!
So drive to the Palace and mind your lip,
castle-like house in St John's Wood. When I
Steve Shaller (Ex R75) Spain
asked him for an autograph, his lip curled
and he asked with a snarl if I had anything to
write on? I think he should have “looked on
the bright side of life!”
Nissan bi-fuel Cab
There was the Geordie actor who came to
fame in a series about builders working in
for Hong Kong
Germany. After waiting 20 minutes, he came
out, buried his nose in his paper and off we
In a move that could rekindle London interest in the Nissan NV200, the company
went. Five minutes from set-down in
Whitfield Street, he put the paper down so I
has launched its cab in Hong Kong. However, rather than the petrol-powered
thought I'd try. In a rather pompous voice he
taxis currently in New York and as had been proposed for London before the car
declared: “Well I am rather late.”
company pulled it, the Hong Kong taxis will run on a bi-fuel blend of petrol and
I said ok then, but he did sign. Sadly I lost
liquefied petroleum gas. The LPG standard is already common among taxis in
some respect for both of them. If all you’re
Europe and Asia and Nissan claims its implementation of the technology will
doing is just looking out of the window, then
reduce 80 percent of NOx emissions as compared to pure LPG vehicles.
it shouldn't be a hardship.
Nissan already has a significant share of Hong Kong's taxi market. The Cedric
When he was very young, my son Dan
twice came face to face with the great and the
sedan taxi has already been in widespread use over there since the 1970s. Its chief
good - although he doesn't remember either
rival is the Toyota Crown. NV200 taxis have also been in use across Japan as well
episode. Firstly we were in the old Biba on
as New York.
Ken High Street when Diana Ross appeared
Call Sign January 2015
Page 30
Mailshot
Either write to Call Sign at
Dial-a-Cab House
or email us at
and statements and published every sin-
callsignmag@aol.com
gle one that I received. Surely no one
would want me to make some up saying
Cycle Superhighways
that a candidate is wonderful or awful? Of
course, had I held some letters back that
Dear Al
I thought your Editorial on cyclists was very
said the opposite to Martin Freeborn,
then there would be a case to answer. So
John Brown Printers
restrained given the subject! Well it is elec-
tion year, so why not turn Mr Johnson into
I'm sorry Simon, but I just don't see what
and fraud
you would have liked me to do to
a liability and vote UKIP?
Dear Alan
David Hughes (A73)
improve that “poor journalism.”
Re the article in the November issue about
Simon says the mag is a vehicle for the
Hi David; as everyone knows, restraint
DaC’s former printers headed Call Sign’s
is my middle name! The current Mayor
BoM, yet when they don't say anything I
old printers, prison and a love nest; what
get castigated because drivers want
isn't standing but having spoken to him
doesn’t surprise me is to read about the
a few times, I can safely say that while I
to know what is going on, whilst the let-
antics of Phil Brown on his supposed reha-
ters pages often contain criticism against
will miss his sense of humour, I won't
bilitation. We hear it often about the off-
miss him as a Mayor! There will be a
the Board. Does anyone ever read anti-
spring screwing up a business that their
LTDA letters in Taxi or anti-LCDC in The
wide choice of candidates. We need to
parents worked their nuts off to make suc-
examine the list carefully and try to get
Badge? Yet you read anti-BoM letters in
cessful and Phil and Christian were two
Call Sign when someone has a beef they
a result by using our block vote. Party
examples. Neither of them needed to do
politics will be irrelevant; we need
want to air. Other than when I ask for a
too much when John passed the business
response to a letter, the Board don't see
someone who still believes that we are
over to them. They had a guaranteed £mil-
the best taxi service in the world and
the mag until they read it - usually a day
lion worth of steady business coming in
before you do. I really have no idea how
not someone who just pays us lip ser-
each year, which was an ideal platform on
vice …Ed
to please everybody, so I gave up trying
which to build up the business, and if you
years ago!
are young and energetic that is not too dif-
What I should add is that Simon and I
Election: Questions
ficult. But as is often the case, when some-
had a fairly lengthy exchange following
thing is handed to some people on a plate,
or comments?
receipt of his letter and I believe we both
they don’t appreciate it.
Martin Freeborn has clearly made a state-
now understand each other’s point of
I’ve known John Brown for over 40
ment on the DaC Elections: Questions
view. However, as several mentions were
years; back in the days when a group of us
for Candidates page. I find that poor jour-
later passed onto me by drivers on the
had businesses that allowed us at the drop
nalism on your part; surely the magazine is
LTDF website, apparently written by non-
of a hat to go up to Scotland for 4/5 days
supposed to be independent of the Board’s
members and criticising me, I have used
and play golf at St Andrews, Gleneagles and
views and give a balanced view for all can-
Simon’s letter to give my reasons as to
Carnoustie, we had some great fun.
didates? I have no axe to grind with the
what I’ve done re the election. Whether
He had a beautiful detached house on a
BoM, but it seems you and the Board are
non-members like them is irrelevant to
gated estate at Farnborough Common,
behaving like schoolyard bullies, some-
me, which is why, as a member, I
which must have broken his heart to sell to
thing I find distasteful. I think the majority
answered Simon’s letter. However, the
pay the legal fees for the boy’s defence.
of members would appreciate a more bal-
most amusing part of the LTDF ‘pop’ at
What also must have been degrading is hav-
anced view from the magazine - a magazine
me was from former DaC member Mark
ing that house searched from top to bot-
which I may add is paid for by the members
White who, referring to our election,
tom by the police thinking he was part of
so they can make an informed decision
obviously believes he is taking over the
the corruption his boys were involved in.
over the elections. At present Call Sign
LCDC’s paper because he says that if
When I last spoke to John, which was
appears to be a vehicle for the BoM and lit-
LCDC members write in to The Badge or
during the boy’s trial, he said that when he
tle else - that is clearly not fair to the other
its columnist Micky Walker - whose infer-
visited them in prison, neither of them had
candidates or indeed its readers
ence about one question verged on being
the decency to say sorry to their mum and
S.P.Wallis (M11)
racist - about what Mark White calls dirty
dad for the stress and hurt they had caused
Hi Simon; thanks for the letter and giv-
tricks, they “might” feel obliged to men-
them both and knowing they were being
ing me the opportunity to respond to
tion it in their January issue before
forced to sell their home.
what I hear has been a topic on taxi chat
adding that it is only £17 to join the
I told John to keep in touch and that
lists and Twitter. I must be honest in
LCDC! The words “dirty tricks” sound
when they had settled into their new home
that when I read Martin Freeborn's let-
funny coming from Mark White, as fol-
we could meet up for a beer or lunch. That
ter, I put it in as a question because I
lowing his expulsion from DaC he refused
was nearly four years ago and I haven’t
assumed that the Board member it was
to return his data terminal! There’s a
heard a word since.
aimed at, Garry White, would want to
word for people who take things that
Allen Togwell
answer it. Otherwise it would have gone
don’t belong to them - but he hasn’t yet
Ex-DaC Board member
into the Mailshot pages - which are far
invited “his” readers to write in saying
The story Allen Togwell is referring to
more widely read than any election
what that word is! So if anyone wants to
involved Call Sign’s old printers, John
pages. In fact, Garry has answered it
write to The Badge about the DaC elec-
Brown, and what police found following
inside this issue along with other ques-
tions it won’t bother me, but try also crit-
a raid at their Norwood premises. I
tions asked in the last issue of the mag.
icising their organisation and see if they
went there every month to sort out
Individual content of answers are not
print it! Actually, as I’ve said many times
aspects of the magazine’s printing and
up for discussion in the letter’s pages.
now, The Badge has become a good read
often wondered what was behind a
But putting that aside, I didn't really
under Grant Davis and I can’t see him
locked door. I only discovered what it
understand what you meant re your ref-
bowing to pressure from a chat list appar-
was when police revealed at their trial
erences to the Board. What balance are
ently consisting of failed accountants and
that John Brown’s sons, Phil and
you talking about? I asked for questions
terminal nickers! …Ed
Christian, had equipment there that
Call Sign January 2015
Page 31
Mailshot
continued from page 30
enabled the two of them together with
the Embankment and Lower Thames Street.
an employee to print counterfeit £20
There are no best routes at that time of
notes. A cousin, Daniel Brown, was also
evening. I’ve taken him before and he
involved - he in the production of 50
seemed pleasant enough; I even got a 20p in
euro notes. At Kingston Crown Court in
return for a receipt. But he is obviously care-
tive that members of the public do not lack
April 2011, Phil Brown pleaded guilty to
ful with money!
confidence in the integrity of the London
cultivation of cannabis and abstraction
But some drivers do get too stroppy; I usu-
Taxi trade.
of electricity. He was also convicted of
ally find that if you are nice to people that are
Brian Rice, Chairman, Dial-a-Cab
conspiracy to make counterfeit
£20
rude to you, it often shuts them up! I think
In an on-air apology on LBC, Mr Mellor
banknotes and conspiracy to deliver
David Mellor has got lots of problems but I
said: “I can't think what possessed me
counterfeit 50 euro notes. He was sen-
also wonder whether the driver got paid for
to lose it with that cabbie the way I
tenced to nine and a half years.
giving the tape to The Sun?
did. OK, I had a case but I threw it away
Christian Brown also pleaded guilty to
David Heath (Ex-W27)
by the way I spoke and I'm really, real-
the same charges and also received a
Brighton, East Sussex
ly sorry about that and I especially
similar sentence. The estimated total of
Thanks David. For those that didn’t see it,
want to apologise to you, our listeners
fraudulent notes produced was almost
I am reprinting the letter that Brian Rice
for trying your patience and risking my
£18million. The article also revealed
had published in the Evening Standard
own credibility with you by speaking
that Phil Brown was meeting up with a
the following day after The Sun article
the way I did. Anyway, it's water for me
lady on his day release time!
came out…
at the next celebratory lunch, I've defi-
Should driver have published Mellor’s rant?
nitely made that decision. Ironically,
David Mellor
David Mellor’s behavior seems abominable;
I'm one of London taxis' best customers
Hi Alan
there was no excuse for it. But I can’t help
and I thank a lot of them for speaking
I thought David Mellor’s taxi fare was prob-
thinking that the driver should not have
up for me.”
ably about right - Marylebone High Street
recorded the incident because what happens
He finished by saying: “I’d like to show
to St Katherine’s Dock might have been a
in a taxi should remain private. Lots of confi-
my appreciation for the London cabbies I
touch high at £29, but if traffic was bad
dential issues are discussed in cabs - that’s
have used for 40 years by making a sub-
then it could be right. I would have gone to
why the partition is there. I am sure the driver
stantial donation to their Christmas
Holborn Kingsway and then cut down to
was the exception to the rule, as it is impera-
appeal for underprivileged kids.”
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
As it’s still holiday time, this issue harks back to a 2003 issue of Call Sign and takes a look at a DaC
Marshal and a rather silly taxi driver…
From Call Sign, March 2003
AN EVENING IN THE LIFE OF AN ‘EFFIN DAC MARSHAL!
You will have read in the letters page of the last issue of Call Sign just how successful the Dial-a-Cab initiative at the British Genius
Site in the Battersea Park marquis has been. To their credit, DaC have at no time attempted to keep all this week for themselves,
realising that in order to make the Marshalled service to anything up to 2000 guests a success, that other circuits - and even some non-
radio drivers - would be needed.
These functions always have at least one DaC Marshal present and quite often more, but the good behaviour of licensed taxis
becomes very apparent because the system flows so well - or it did until one evening around Christmas time 2002…
A story has arrived on Call Sign’s desk from DaC Marshal, Mike Harris (F79), which shows how easy it would be to lose the facility.
After all, not too long ago, minicabs only were allowed to pick up there and we were banned other than for setting down.
On this one night, the rank had been moving well with lots of DaC drivers, along with some from ComCab, RTL and DataCab
getting good jobs. Next in line was a non-radio driver who, according to Mike Harris, looked extremely scruffy, although his cab was
reasonably clean. He refused to unlock the cab doors and insisted on speaking to the prospective passenger queue so that he could
pick a job that suited him.
Mike had the passengers standing next to him again asked the driver to unlock his door.
“Who the ‘effin hell are you,” the driver asked, “I can do whatever I want!”
Mike explained the situation to the driver, but the driver wasn’t having any of it. Swearing away, the driver
insisted that Mike’s parentage was in question and he only took the fare when he heard that it was going down the
A3. The four-hander got in and the driver pulled off towards the exit. However, 20 seconds later, he returned to
have another go at Mike - not liking Mike’s attitude towards him. As he swore yet again at the DaC Marshal, a lady
approached the cab.
“Is there a problem,” she asked the driver?
“Mind your own ‘effin business,” came the retort, “it’s none of your business.”
“I think it is,” said the woman as she revealed herself to be part of the Parks Police Force. “I suggest that you just leave
quietly.” Which is exactly what he did…!
Wouldn’t it be sad if this newfound business were lost back to minicabs because of a sad few…?