July 2015
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Sid Gold:
A DaC legend dies...
Call Sign July 2015
Page 2
NASH’S NUMBERS
From Alan Nash (A95)
This is the 200th edition of Nash’s Numbers. I know there are repeats at times, especially ‘Eurostar Arrivals’ and the annual
distance chart, but none of them are purely repeats. They may look similar to a previous article, but it will have been updated
to the latest situation. Whilst this month is about hotels, it is somewhat different from my previous lists; it features recently
opened hotels or even still being built or in planning for 2013 to 2017, I guess DaC drivers find out first! But I can’t believe the
official name for a hotel will finish up as ‘Park Plaza near Waterloo Station’!
New Hotels 2013-2017
Call Sign July 2015
Page 3
from the editor’s desk
Yes, we’re back!
road. I’m waiting to see my first set, because to
Back from a lovely break in and around Bruges,
me there have been no reductions in waiting
Belgium, where in addition to the lovely olde
times. But hey, what do I know, I only drive a cab!
worlde feel of this capital city of West Flanders, it
Now TfL have also said that Cycle
was also close enough to Dunkirk to allow Linda
Superhighway 1 will run from Tottenham to
and myself to drive there in time for the celebra-
the City on quiet side streets running parallel to
the A10. Journeys along it “will be substantially
tions that took place 75 years after the amazing
quicker, safer and more pleasant than using the
Operation Dynamo evacuations between 27
main road.” Well at least it will be for those on
May and 4 June 1940.
Now I’m back - quite astonishingly as I head
two wheels!
into my nineteenth year in the Editor’s chair! So I
More than 1000 people are said to have
responded to a public consultation on the route,
really feel that I should look back at the promises
with 77 per cent being in favour. But that wasn’t
I made at the time of my first issue in June 1997.
enough for TfL and Hackney Council. They have
The trouble is that it’s so long ago… I can’t
gone further by closing even more side streets in
remember them! So that’s that!
the area and shoving motor vehicles into the main
Speaking of my month off, I hope you will
roads, where they can breathe in even more of
understand if some of the trade news that would
One of the dads wanted me to publish details
those dangerous emission fumes that the Mayor
usually have appeared in last month’s issue seems
of his son’s losses (almost £800) including his
claims he wants to get rid of.
slightly dated in this month’s mag, but as June
name. I didn’t think that identifying him - and
So excuse me, Mr Mayor, but it seems to me
doesn’t exist in this magazine’s vocabulary, it’s
thereby the dad as well - would serve any useful
that it’s actually you that is causing more and
how life is! But I’ve tried to minimise them when
purpose because very few would know of his son
more congestion and as a by-product, pollut-
possible. So it’s just on with the show…
from a taxi magazine. He eventually agreed.
ing the atmosphere even more. I sometimes
I take no pleasure in being told by both of
wonder whether we should tell the European
Vito doors
those drivers that I was right to refuse the ads, my
Commission - the same Commission that may
Call Sign has been told that should any
only hope being that those who criticised my
fine us up to £300million a year for being
Mercedes Vito be involved in an accident and
decision to refuse the ads and their freebie offers
over the emissions limit - about the stupidity
needs a new door, then the replacement will now
of start-up cash at the time from the online casi-
of TfL’s road planning. Does any trade organ-
be coming direct from Mercedes rather than via
nos, can at least understand why I made that deci-
isation have the testicular fortitude???
Manufacturer of the Year award winner, Penso, as
sion. It wasn’t to stop drivers gambling should
Among the so-called major enhancements is
was the case before. The old doors were fitted
they choose to, but because of the possibility of
one to the junction of Great Eastern Street and
with ADLS (Automatic Digital Lights System) - you
driver’s children seeing the ads, using their par-
Old Street. And guess what? These are to allow
can see the red lights on the inside of the doors.
ent’s credit card details and then opening up
cyclists to cross more safely! And if you want to
As a result, insurance companies will have to
accounts because everyone thinks they can win.
get to Dial-a-Cab’s office, road closures at
accept that any repairs involving the doors will
Advertising revenue isn’t that important to me…
Pitfield Street probably won’t help!
take a further three hours following an accident.
More time for cyclists and cyclists
There will also be a segregated track on Balls
Just thought you’d like to know!
Pond Road and other short stretches where the
and cyclists!
route has to use a busy road, but again, cyclists
Operation Neon
TfL have announced the trial of a new technology
can choose to ignore them and use whatever part
TfL’s announcement that they had launched a
that will help give cyclists more time on green
of the road they want to. The segregated tracks
two-month attack on wrongdoers of the PH and
lights. The trials are taking place along Cable
will link the scheme to the Old Street round-
taxi trades via Operation Neon, seemed to be
Street on Cycle Superhighway 3 and detect the
about, which will become unrecognisable next
good news when looked at quickly. Indeed, some
numbers of cyclists travelling along a route, which
year - in addition to being unused if you have
of it was; but surely hearing that just 8 PH drivers
enables traffic signal timings to be adjusted to give
more than two wheels! This is following (the
were reported for hire offences, whereas 30 dri-
more green time when there are high numbers of
same?) 1000 respondents to the Mayor’s consul-
vers were reported for parking on taxi ranks
cyclists at key junctions during peak times.
tation on how to rid London of any traffic and
seems rather a waste of resources! Don’t get me
Apparently a radar based technology detects the
send all our major businesses following HSBC
wrong; there is little more irritating that seeing a
heat of riders as they enter the detection zone.
back to anywhere but here!
minicab parked on a taxi rank as though they had
Sadly they aren’t quite efficient enough to detect
So where was I? Ah yes, the Old Street round-
the heat emanating from motorists who have
a right to be there, but compared to other
about; that will be converted into an attractive
offences that are committed before the eyes of
already given more time to pedestrians - regard-
new pedestrianised public space with lovely seat-
most licensed taxi drivers many times each day, to
less of whether any are around - and now have to
ing for tired cab drivers who have lost the will to
put up with horrendous traffic hold-ups caused
find just 8 drivers reported seems to be a ridicu-
live - oh yes - and some lovely trees for those
during the building of the cycle superhighways,
lous waste of emphasis on what needs to be done.
same drivers to sit and stare at. Did I mention that
hold-ups that must be sending emission levels
Then there were the 600 drivers who were
of course, cyclists will still be able to use it! And by
through the roof!
moved on from Swallow Street, Dover Street
the way, 63 per cent of the 1000 who replied con-
And now finally, two months after our inter-
and Berkeley Street. Moved on? Doesn’t that
sidered that the changes would “improve condi-
view with Cycling Commissioner Andrew
infer they were doing something wrong, yet they
tions for bus and Tube users.” Yes, I put that into
Gilligan in the April Call Sign when we
were apparently just moved on - that, no doubt,
inverted commas because I couldn’t understand
revealed to the world that cyclists won’t even
courtesy of Westminster who took their parking
the logic in that either!
enforcement officers with them and probably cov-
have to use the new lanes and that they can
Hackney Council is also proposing further
ered their costs via PCNs! Personally, I’d have
still keep to the main highway, the whole of
area-wide closures in De Beauvoir Town, which
thought an all-out assault by the police might
London now finally sees TfL’s stupidity fol-
will make sure that you can’t cut off the traffic
have done more good. But hey, what do I know, I
lowing Mayor Boris finally admitting that fact
along Kingsland Road! But then again, Hackney
only drive a cab…
on LBC!
Council has never been famous for acting logically.
Also, according to the Mayor, London is leading
It all sounds stupid to me. It will cause horren-
Online gaming ads
the way in new technology trials that have the
dous traffic hold-ups, horrendous emission prob-
Long-time Call Sign readers will know this maga-
potential to bring significant benefits to cyclists.
lems and will lead TfL to once again blame taxis
zine’s policy regarding online gaming ads - we
Sadly, the rest of us are being left to stew, even
for it all. And does anyone know someone that
just don’t accept them. Now two Dial-a-Cab dri-
though we are told that over half of all junctions
filled in the consultation document who wasn’t
vers have told me how online gambling has affect-
in London now use 'Scoot' technology, which is
actually a cyclist? But hey, what do I know, I only
ed them with their offspring - one son and one
said to use sensors buried in carriageways that
drive a cab!
daughter - losing fairly large amounts using the
detect real-time traffic conditions and optimise
credit cards of their dads who were out trying to
traffic light timings to reduce delays, after work-
Alan Fisher
earn a living in their cabs at the time.
ing out how many people are waiting to cross that
callsignmag@aol.com
Call Sign July 2015
Page 4
reflections of the chairman
TfL and Consultations
of Call Sign and hopefully some progress can
It seems that TfL are always producing
be made then.
Consultations regarding future decisions that
could affect our trade. We’ve had them regard-
Bank of England
ing Cycle Superhighways, Private Hire
I have regular meetings with the Bank of
Regulations and now Credit Card Mandating.
England as they consider the London Taxi trade
All the Consultations that are produced via the
to be a very good barometer on how the econo-
TfL website can be completed and returned by
my in general is faring. Under normal circum-
any individual or organisation, but it has
stances, I would say that the economy in gener-
become apparent that some sections of society
al for the whole country was pretty good.
complete them en masse; for instance the
However, as I explained to them, the Taxi indus-
Consultation regarding the Cycle Superhighway
try is really suffering at the moment due to facts
was completed and returned by many cyclists
that you as drivers are only too well aware of.
who were advised to do so by various factions
I explained that the trade was on its knees
within the cycling fraternity. I wonder how
and unless there was some intervention by the
from a much lower cost base.
many licensed taxi drivers completed that
authorities, that consequences could be dire.
I have never known the morale of the cab
Consultation? We then just sit and complain
I’ve seen downturns in our trade in the past,
trade to be so low, with the reputation of the
about the horrendous congestion that will be
but not like this. Past downturns have been due
body that governs us to be held in such low
caused by these highways and the extra pollu-
to wars, acts of terrorism such as 9/11 or just a
esteem by the trade. However, it does seem that
tion emitted by traffic stuck in the jams, while
general slowdown in the economy. But this time
we do have allies in the shape of the London
also being told that a good way to combat this
it’s different; the downturn is due to unfair
Assembly Transport Committee chaired by
extra pollution is to insist that every new taxi
competition such as rogue apps and an unregu-
Val Shawcross and Caroline Pidgeon. These
sold from 2018 has to be zero emission rated!
lated and unfettered Private Hire industry with
two ladies and their colleagues on the commit-
And then to add insult to injury, the extra con-
very little enforcement from TfL
- the very
tee are aware of the harm that TfL are doing to
gestion will make taxi fares even more expen-
authority that should be protecting the public’s
our trade by not enforcing the law and obvious-
sive! We really are taken for a bunch of idiots by
safety by regulating both industries but which is
ly realise that if TfL do not improve their record
TfL, but in reality we only have ourselves to
failing miserably. I’m not sure that giving my
and start giving some protection to the Licensed
blame because we do not participate enough in
views to the Bank of England will change any-
Taxi trade, corporate work will be completed by
topics that concern out trade.
thing, but the more people that become aware
Private Hire and the general public will be trans-
After stating the above, it does appear that
of our plight the better.
ported by Uber. Taxis will be left with the occa-
many taxi drivers have attended the last
I have just read through all the above and
sional trip between Trafalgar Square and
three public meetings at City Hall, although
boy is it gloomy! On a brighter note, there has
Buckingham Palace for the odd tourist. Unless
the last one was not as well attended as the
definitely been more enforcement at night and
TfL drastically improve their track record, we
first two. At that last meeting where the
let’s hope this continues. The Mayor now
will not have a Taxi trade as we know it today!
Mayor was in attendance, the frustration
seems to have woken up by stating he believes
from the taxi industry began to show
there are too many minicabs in London,
Merger
through when the Mayor was heckled on a
adding to pollution and congestion and says
Not much has happened since my last report;
few occasions, unlike the first two meetings
he will seek to limit their numbers. But the
negotiations have not been terminated with
where the behaviour of the trade was exem-
trade with help from the Transport Committee
Mountview but some of their people have been
plary.
must keep pressure on TfL to ensure they ful-
on holiday or away at conferences and that sce-
However, on a few occasions during that last
fil the role they are supposed to…
nario coupled with planning for their impend-
meeting, the Mayor let his guard slip when dis-
ing move at the end of August has not left a
carding his usual bluster and buffoonery to
Brian Rice
great deal of time available for talks. However,
become rather irritated and aggressive. On one
at the time of writing we have a meeting
Chairman
occasion while being heckled regarding Uber,
planned for around the time you read this issue
he stated quite aggressively that it was a ‘free
Dial-a-Cab
market’ out there. I don’t know what planet the
Mayor is on, but it is anything but a free market!
In fact our part of the trade is a highly regulated
market. How could it be a free market when the
average time to complete the KoL is just over
PAUL’S TAXI SPECIALISTS LTD
four years; we are then told what vehicle we
must drive and what tariff we must charge -
how on earth is that a free market?
Unit 10, Ford View Industrial Estate, 83 New Rd Rainham, RM13 8ET
On the other side of the coin, there is the
Private Hire industry where entrance to the
trade is extremely easy; even the test for the
Tel: 01708 553037
topographical knowledge that is contained
within the 1998 legislation is ignored. The test -
FREE AIR FILTER WITH EVERY SERVIC
WE ALSO HAVE CABS FOR RENT
if you can call it that - is conducted by the
TX1 servicing from £48
TX1s, TX2s, TX4s and Vitos
Private Hire operator! That surely is just laugh-
TX2 servicing from £70
Rentals from £165 per week
able and undoubtedly not what was meant in
the original legislation. Again it’s a story of TfL
TX4 servicing from £90
condoning the harm being done to our indus-
All Work Undertaken
try; no wonder there are nearly 80,000 minicab
drivers out there with another 1,000 licences a
Servicing - Running Repairs - Overhauls - Small Fleets Welcome - Discounts Available
month being issued.
All TX1, TX2, TX4
There isn’t any doubt in my mind that TfL are
Starters - Batteries - Alternators - All with 2 year Warranty
doing serious damage to our trade; you cannot
expect a highly regulated trade to be in a posi-
Fax: 01708 551443
Web: www.PaulsTaxiSpecialists.co.uk
tion to compete with an industry that has no
qualifications and consequently can operate
Call Sign July 2015
Page 5
SID GOLD: October 1921 - June 2015
Although it’s true that no one lives forever,
appearances on London’s streets became
many over the years had often started to
fewer and fewer. But he always kept in touch,
believe that Sid Gold (ex-E20) might have
insisted that he stayed on Call Sign’s mailing
proved that to be wrong! Sadly, on 11th June
list and we felt honoured to be invited to his
2015, Sid passed away after a spell of pneu-
90th birthday party. His sense of humour still
monia.
abounded when he asked me to see if Brian
Sid had been one of Dial-a-Cab’s longest
Rice could take him back as a driver at 90
serving drivers until finally calling it a day with
because he was getting bored!
the Society at the astonishing age of 86. He
Then, 12 months later, we had a phone call
told Call Sign at the time:
from Sid’s son Larry telling us that following a
“I’m over 86 years of age, so it’s a bit of
heart attack, his father was undergoing open
a responsibility. Although I have regularly
heart surgery. His chances were given as slim,
passed my PCO medicals with flying
yet as each week passed he got stronger until
colours, driving a radio taxi carries much
the day he was discharged. On his release
responsibility with it. But Dial-a-Cab has
from hospital, he even said to Call Sign how
been such a big part of my life and I real-
upset he was because his heart attack now
ly am so sad to let it go, however that time
meant he would have to wait 6 months before
had to come one day. But I still have my
he could get his taxi licence back! No mention
cab with a plate on, so I can occasionally
of being 91 and he never did say if he was jok-
Sid celebrates being 90 in 2011
go out to work the streets and I won’t
ing! Knowing Sid, we felt that he still had that
starve! I’d also like to thank Brian and the
urge to get behind the wheel again!
went into radio and TV sales and repairs. He
Board for their support over the years. Not
Sid was born in the London Hospital in
worked from two different shops in Brick
every company would have been so kind
October 1921. He began driving in 1939 but
Lane until 1961 when he decided to do the
to someone of my age. ”
never passed a driving test as there were none
Knowledge of London on a part-time basis so
He was then London’s oldest driver and
in those days. He was in the RAF throughout
that he could also run his other businesses.
still continued for a short time; however his
the war until his discharge in 1946 when he
Sid did the KoL with two friends, but not on a
bike - the trio bought an old FX3 between
them and did it in that!
Taxis will again get the blame as the Euro Court gets tough over
Sid showed his toughness when at the age
diesel but…
of 82 he was left lying on the floor in Cheshire
Street after three yobs - one of whom held a
2014: OVER HALF NEW CAR SALES
gun to Sid’s head - attempted to rob him of
his takings. They knocked him to the ground
WERE DIESEL!
but he refused to give them his wallet, lying
on top of it until the two thugs gave up and
left. He was back at work the following night,
when he recounted the story and showed off
a bruise with the excitement of a 15 year old!
Sid joined Dial-a-Cab in 1965 and left 43
We all know, and indeed have become used to taxis being blamed by the Mayor’s office for air
years later much to the sadness of the girls in
pollution problems said to be caused by diesel vehicles. Yet according to Sue Robinson, Director
the call centre. Political correctness wasn’t
of the National Franchised Dealers Association, diesel vehicles share of new car sales has been
something that Sid ever coveted and he
increasing steadily, with figures published for 2014 showing more than half of new cars sold ran
would get away with saying the most outra-
on diesel.
geous things to them. But they loved him.
By the same token, petrol sales fell by 10% in March to a record low of 1.31bn litres, following a
Sid Gold was of the old breed - a real
4% growth in February when drivers took advantage of the 22p a litre petrol price reduction com-
pared to 12 months earlier.
character. Now he has gone and we’re left
Ms Robinson added: “The decline in petrol sales has been apparent for several years as motorists
with just memories. Our condolences to
switched to diesel for better fuel economy and lower carbon dioxide emissions. Diesel fuel sales
his family and our thanks to them for
overtook petrol sales in 2007 (diesel 25.5bn v petrol 24bn litres) and have continued to grow to
sharing Sid for all those years…
27.9bn litres in 2014 in contrast to just 17.6bn litres of petrol.”
It came at the same time as the Government was ordered by the European Supreme
Alan Fisher
Court to act immediately in complying with EU pollution limits, following a case brought
Call Sign Online
by campaigning group ClientEarth against the Environment Secretary and was related to
the nitrogen oxide amounts produced by diesel engines, which could lead to tighter con-
trols in UK cities.
HMG claimed they would be on target by 2030 - 20 years after the original 2010 deadline.
Call Sign
However, the panel of five Euro judges said that HMG must submit new air quality plans to the
July 2015
European Commission by the end of the year and that will undoubtedly involve the taxi trade.
Editor: Alan Fisher
According to air quality expert, Dave Mackay, taxis should switch their engines off every time
Address: 39 - 47 East Rd, London N1 6AH
they set down a non-account passenger to sort out a cash or credit card transaction. Holding an
Tel: 0207 251 0581 Fax: 0207 553 7293
air quality monitor close to an idling cab, he demonstrated that air quality deteriorates every time
Email: callsignmag@aol.com
a taxi stops for over 30 seconds.
Website:cwww.22-callsign.co.uk
“Research proves that if your vehicle remains idle for 30 seconds or more, you are not only doing
Printers: Premier Print Group
serious damage to the environment, you are also doing damage to your vehicle and wasting fuel.
25 - 31 Violet Rd, London E3
Every taxi we saw today setting down a passenger idled for an average of 90 seconds; there are
Design: Aldan Publications
25,000 taxis in London and if they all switched their engines off whilst handling fares, that would
Tel: 07958 300 428
save London over 3,000,000 hours of wasted pollution every year.”
Email: deborahfresco@gmail.com
As we said at the beginning, over half of the new vehicles sold in 2014 ran on diesel, but
Views and opinion expressed in Call Sign must
who was certain to get the blame? Right first time. Us!
not be assumed to represent those of the Editor or
Jamie Corum
Board.No part of Call Sign may be reproduced
either manually or electronically without the express
Call Sign Online
permission of the Editor.
Call Sign July 2015
Page 6
MINICABS
Jery’s
World
IN BUS
LANES
Despite Euro Court decision,
could it still happen here???
shock story appeared in
French
newspaper
La
Connexion that could pro-
A
vide a warning to London dri-
vers. A dedicated bus / taxi lane on the
A1 motorway to Paris Roissy (Charles de
Gaulle) was suspended by order of a
court after véhicules de tourisme avec
chauffeur
(minicabs) complained. The
drivers said the fast bus/taxi lane caused
unfair competition to them.
The Montreuil administrative court
agreed as part of a referred decision - a
fast-track temporary measure. A final
decision is expected after the court
looks at the matter in more depth, but a
lawyer for the minicab drivers says he
believes the court will reinstate the lane,
allowing them to use it too.
The head of Taxis Bleus - one of sev-
eral Parisien radio circuits having close
contacts with Dial-a-Cab
- recently
told Le Parisien that nothing was defini-
tive until the court takes its final deci-
sion. French taxi drivers believe their
case is made stronger by the recent
European Court ruling against Addison
A day in the life of a Mayor!
Lee who felt they should also have
Cabbie: “You’re a tosser!” - Mayor: “Yes, we all need a hobby!”
London bus lane access.
The French lane opened at the end of
April and a bylaw was passed at the end
of May allowing for a similar measure on
Freebie Theatre Tickets
a lane of the A6a towards Orly “in case of
congestion.” But in the case of the A1
ince Tom Whitbread left the Dial-a-Cab Board at the last AGM, there has
been a notable decrease in the availability of freebie theatre tickets. Now
lane, the judge reportedly decided that
Tom has told Call Sign that any driver who would like to be informed when
reserving a motorway lane just for the
S
complimentary theatre tickets are available should send him their email
taxis and buses was not justified by suffi-
address and he will start a database to allow those drivers to be notified via email
cient public interest.
when and where freebie theatre tickets are available.
After the French government asked
Just as when Tom advertised availability on driver’s terminals, it will always be
minicabs to accept fixed-rate tariffs
first come first served until they are gone.
between the airports and central Paris
If you haven’t already, then send Tom your email address; put DaC theatre tickets
from next year, their union said yes but
on the subject line and your name and call sign in the main part. Then whenever
only on the understanding that they
Tom’s many theatre contacts give him details, he will pass them straight over to
would be able to avoid being stuck in
drivers email addresses. If you don’t send Tom your email address with those
jams - ie bus lane access.
details as above, then you can be certain that you won’t be informed. You have
And if it happens, would it give
already missed the Beatles ‘Let it be’ and Flatley’s Lord of the Dance among others!
Addison Lee grounds for a further
Emails to tom.whitbread@btclick.com
appeal against the Euro Court’s decision
in favour of licensed taxis?
Call Sign July 2015
Page 7
Ever since former Dial-a-Cab dri-
Numerous TX1 owners kept asking Call Sign…
ver Stanley Roth told Dial-a-Cab
drivers through Call Sign about
TX1 GAS CONVERSIONS NOW HERE!
the benefits of changing 15 year
ously have two separate filling points and two
different fuel indicators in the cabin with a
old cabs over to LPG from diesel
changeover switch that allows the driver to
and giving your TX1 an extra five
swap from fuel to fuel at any time.
years of licensing, we’ve had a
The first Dial-a-Cab driver to have the
constant stream of drivers asking
conversion was Garry Farr (R87). He told
Call Sign:
if it was available yet. The
“The Engine is noticeably quieter than the
answer was always that no one
old diesel engine, especially when starting
was actually doing it… Now they
it up in the morning. The acceleration is faster
are!
than the old engine, but it’s something you get
Your cab will be converted by Battersea
used to. As for filling up, that is very easy
Autogas in Elcho Street, Battersea using
although you do have to get used to a different
technology from GasTech. It can be done on
way compared to how it is with your current
TX1s only and needs to be completed anytime
diesel cab. But again, you get the knack very
up to one day before the 15th birthday of the
quickly.”
taxi according to the date of first registration
So the $64,000 question to Garry - does he
on the logbook - not according to the plate.
regret having it done and are there any down-
Bookings are required from up to 2 months
sides?
in advance due to numbers of cabs that want
Garry Farr: The first DaC driver to get a
“No regrets; I’m extremely happy with the
the gas conversion to LPG. However, you do
gas conversion on his TX1 and gain an
cab, the conversion and the performance and
not require any TfL authorisation to have your
extra five years
I really would recommend it to anyone who is
cab converted as Battersea Autogas are
and fully reconditioned engine that has been
considering a conversion to LPG and getting
approved by TfL and as long as your cab is
converted from diesel to one that runs on
the extra 5 years.
within the above criteria, your TX1 can be con-
petrol and LPG, but from the same Nissan
I have only one negative comment; living in
verted and you will be able to get the extra 5
TD27 family. It comes with a warrantee of
Essex, there are not too many garages that sup-
years out of it.
20,000 miles or one year.
ply LPG, but once you are in London then it’s
The cost is £6000 + VAT, which takes it up to
Your taxi will be returned with two different
no problem.”
£7800. It sounds a lot but means that your
fuel tanks and a rear end conversion. A small
cab’s extra 5 years will cost you £31 a week -
petrol tank (for back up only) is fitted instead
All enquiries to Battersea Autogas
substantially cheaper than renting, even
of the diesel one and a 80+L GAS tank occu-
on 0208 871 2233
adding the usual expenses. The price includes
pies the space of the boot. You would obvi-
1-4 Elcho Street, Battersea, SW11
an engine replacement for a radically modified
Call Sign July 2015
Page 8
Thanksgiving at Southwark
Cathedral for Kupkake
Stuart Cohen, the cousin of Call
Sign’s long-time poet, David
“Kupkake” Kupler and himself a for-
mer Dial-a-Cab driver, attended a
thanksgiving service on 15 May at
Southwark Cathedral to honour the
memories of those whose selfless
last deeds were made to help
humanity - one of those being hon-
oured being David Kupler.
In November 2013, a small shadow was dis-
covered on David’s lung that within three
months had grown to such
an extent that there wa
treatment available
could help. David died
1 April 2014 - less t
five months after the ini
David's picture at the front inside the Cathedral along with others
diagnosis.
who donated their bodies to medical science
With just weeks to li
nset: David as many remember him
David contacted C
Sign telling us that
emember me need to just
“Speaking personally, I am so proud of David
would like to write h
ok into their hearts and
for what he did for medical science and that
own obituary and tw
ll be there; not to visit a
pride was added to by the tributes coming
new poems to put int
ld cemetery to read nice
from Kings College professors, doctors and
the magazine after hi
ords on a piece of stone.”
clergy all echoing David’s words - it would be
death. And being David
Following the service, Stuart
so difficult to find cures without having those
that is exactly what he
d us: “The thanksgiving ser-
prepared to donate their bodies after death so
did. He died three
e was very comforting and
that doctors can learn what causes these terri-
weeks later, but not
gnant for all the families
ble illnesses. David's photo was placed at the
before shocking us
cerned, with around 500
front of the table.
even further by telling
ple inside the Cathedral to
“Nothing can bring David back, but his mem-
us that he had filled i
offer thanks for the lives of the 300 people that
ory will surely live on when incurable illnesses
body to medical science after death and even
had donated their bodies for anatomical
finally have cures found for them because of
asking us to post it.
research in the past year. Among those repre-
courageous people like my cousin David…”
“How else can future doctors learn,” he
senting David were his daughter Rachel and
asked. “How do we eradicate these types of
Stuart Cohen
grandson Daniel.
illnesses if doctors have no bodies to look
Call Sign Online
at? What good does a grave and a headstone
do for the world? Those who want to
Driving licence paper
Dial-a-Cab Credit Union
counterpart now obsolete
Ever needed money quickly but were anxious about
From 8 June 2015, the paper counterpart of the
driving licence (D740) was abolished and is no
variable bank interest rates?
longer issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing
Well wonder no more! If you are a subscriber, journeyman or
Agency (DVLA). According to Sue Robinson,
Director of the National Franchised Dealers
member of staff at Dial-a-Cab, then you qualify to join the
Association:
Dial-a-Cab Credit Union. Any member of your family residing
“There will no longer be a need for drivers to
at your address also qualifies for membership!
keep the paper part of the driving licence as the
photocard part will be all that is now needed.
Then if you are over 18, have been a member of the Credit Union for
More sophisticated on-line systems allow data to
over 3 months and have established regular savings, you can borrow
be stored about individual motorists driving
up to 3 times your total savings…
offences, making the counterpart driving licence
effectively redundant. Counterparts after 8 June
The cost?
2015 no longer have legal status and motorists are
advised to destroy their counterparts. However,
Just 1% per month on the outstanding balance (or APR of 12.7%).
paper driving licenses issued before 1998 will
Loans can be paid back early AND there can be an annual dividend on your shares.
remain valid and should not be destroyed.”
Ms Robinson added that changes to the coun-
The question is: Can you afford NOT to be in it…?
terpart licence affected the UK only and if drivers
Call us on 020 7729 8171 or 020 7749 0585
were going aboard, they needed to check the
licence requirements for each country before hiring
Members of the Financial Ombudsman Service
a vehicle.
Member’s funds protected up to limit set by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme
DVLA offer an on-line system to check driving
DaC Credit Union Ltd, Peterley Business Centre, 472 Hackney Rd E2 9EQ
licences which can be accessed at:
Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority
www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence.
Registration number 213263
Call Sign July 2015
Page 9
everal Dial-a-Cab drivers have written
over the past few months of the diffi-
Renting or sharing
culty in obtaining a second hand taxi
S
after their cab hit the 15 year limit. As a
result, Call Sign will be happy to give the
a DaC taxi
details of any driver whose cab will soon be
approaching the end of its life and who is look-
ing to permanently rent another driver’s cab in
the next few months.
However, if you are thinking of buying a new
taxi and would rather go into a deal as partners
with another DaC driver, then we’d also be
happy to put your name, call sign, mobile
phone number and the area you live in to see
if there is anyone near you with similar
thoughts.
Post your details to Call Sign at DaC
House or email us at callsignmag@aol.com.
Bernie Silver (G08) has been on DaC since
1975 and will be looking for a cab to rent on
DaC from 24th August. He lives in the
Barkingside area has a full no claims bonus to
transfer if that helps.
James Griffin (T97) has been on DaC for 10
years and is interested in the joint purchase of
Bernie Silver is looking to rent and James Griffin is looking to buy a shared cab
a new taxi. James lives in the Carshalton area.
VITO TYRES SHOCK!
n November 2011, Call Sign published an articl
about a Dial-a-Cab driver whose Mercedes Vito
taxi had failed to be relicensed at SGS because
I
of two tyres - both of which were new!
Now four years later, another driver has complained about the exact same thing
and this magazine is concerned that the message about Vito tyre suitability isn’t
being given to the cab’s owners. This time Eleftherios Eleftheriou (A23) -
known as Akis to his friends - complained to this magazine with virtually the sam
story as that driver did four years ago.
He told us: “It’s all about the Speed Rating as indicated on the sidewall of the
tyre and whether the rating is suitable for that particular vehicle - in this case it
was my Vito. I’ve been using the same type of tyres for four years and no one
has said a word. Suddenly the SGS tester told me that he couldn’t pass the cab
as it had R rated tyres and it should have had T rated ones. I just couldn’t under-
stand why the tyres I had always used were suddenly not good enough, but
realising that they wouldn’t change their mind I said I would go and change
them for the correct ones and come straight back. But shock number two came
when they said they couldn’t fit me in for a further 5 days!
So not only did I waste £400 on new tyres that I now couldn’t use, but I had
to buy a new lot and throw away the old ones. On top of that I was also los-
ing the best part of a week’s work. When I took the cab back, the tester just
walked round the cab in seconds and passed it. So much for a system that is
supposed to help us!”
We asked Hackney Road Taxi Tyres, who are situated directly below the
DaC Credit Union, what the difference between the two tyres was. We were told:
“R rated tyres are only rated at up to 97 mph whilst T rated tyres have a maximum speed of 104 mph and the Vito is capable of
doing over 100 mph - even though to do so would be breaking the law.”
The Taxi Licensing Inspection Manual says that taxi tyres must be of the designated size, speed and weight rating for that make and
model of vehicle as prescribed by the vehicle manufacturer, which suggests that it’s down to Mercedes.
So be warned; taxi tyres should be T rated. Otherwise you may have a wasted trip to your local SGS centre…
Call Sign July 2015
Page 10
“It was a bit strange,” Paul Campbell (W68)
DaC’s Paul Campbell isn’t a Red Indian brave - there is a reason for
confided to Call Sign. “I was sitting on the
his name of…
rank in North Wharf Road reading my news-
paper when I became aware of another Dial-
a-Cab taxi slowly reversing really close and
parallel to my luggage door. The rank on
Paul Two-Keys!
North Wharf Road is situated on the right
hand side of the street, leaving cabs nearside
doors visible and accessible from the main
roadway. There are always a steady stream of
taxis using the one-way street to gain access
to the Royal Oak eatery, so for a moment I
didn’t pay a great deal of attention when the
other cab got even closer, because I thought
he was going to back up into the tiny space
behind me.
“But soon the other cab was literally just
inches away from mine, so I wound my win-
dow down with the intention of telling the
driver that if he was trying to join the rank
then there were several cabs waiting behind
me further down the road and that he would
be queue jumping if he continued his
manoeuvre. But to my utter astonishment,
the other driver calmly leaned out of his dri-
vers’ window, stretched his hand out towards
my luggage door, then pulled out and hand-
ed my cab keys to me through my open near-
side window! He then just drove off without
saying a word!”
But hang on, have we missed something
Paul (and his two keys)!
here? How did a set of Paul’s cab keys get
left in his luggage door when Paul was
his passengers down at Paddington Station,
tracted and he just forgot to remove the spare
clearly sitting in his cab at the time with
he left the cab and nipped round to the lug-
keys from the door and drove around to
his keys in the ignition?
gage door to assist with the suitcases but left
North Wharf Road with his spare keys still
The simple answer was that Paul had previ-
the cab engine running with his main set of
protruding from the luggage door, until the
ous lock and key problems, so much so that
keys. He then pulled the spare set from his
other Dial-a-Cab spotted them. And that’s
on one non-auspicious occasion his passen-
pocket to open the luggage door.
where we came in!
ger became locked in the cab! So Paul keeps
At that point, having removed the suitcases
Alan Green (E52)
a spare set of keys on him and while setting
and shutting the door, his attention was dis-
Call Sign Online
Ascott Cab Co appointed official TX4 retailer
Taxi
ontinuing its journey to com-
mercial excellence, The London
Taxi Company has announced a
charging
C
new strategic alliance with
Ascott Cab Co, appointing it as an offi-
cial retailer of its TX4. The agreement
partner
will allow Ascott Cab Co to sell the
iconic London Taxi to retail customers
through its flagship dealership in
for TfL
Blackhorse Road, Deptford, giving cus-
tomers greater choice and flexibility. It
rom 1 January 2018, all
will become the first TX4 retailer in
newly registered taxis must
London outside the London Taxi
meet a zero emission capable
Company, which has its showroom in Brewery Road,
F
standard. With the new
Islington.
Metrocab already here and LTC
The alliance with Ascott Cab Co will allow the London Taxi Company to benefit from the com-
pany’s position in the market and high standards in customer service.
expected to follow fairly soon with a
Ascott Cab Co will take responsibility for vehicle plating, meter installation, customer insurance
TX5, many more rapid charge points
and part exchanges, with the London Taxi Company retaining responsibility for product quality,
will be needed so that 80 percent of a
vehicle registration and manufacturer warranty provision.
full charge will be available in less
Commenting on the deal, The London Taxi Company’s Vice President of UK Operations, Peter
Johansen said:
than 30 minutes.
“The standards that Ascott Cab Co upholds in customer care and quality perfectly reflect our
Transport for London is now look-
values at the London Taxi Company and set a benchmark for the future. It will allow the compa-
ing for partners to assist with the
ny to take advantage of the vast market knowledge, loyalty and connection it clearly has with its
programme of putting in charging
customer base.”
The deal will run for a six-month trial period and, if successful, there is potential to use it as a
infrastructure in London, to explore
platform for the next generation of products as the London Taxi Company looks to the future.
the full range of technology available
Andy Ascott of Ascott Cab Co said:
and to see how it can be deployed
“This is an exciting opportunity for Ascott Cab Co and welcome recognition of the high stan-
across the capital.
dards we set ourselves. I think our appreciation for customer service and the understanding of
the trade in London means we’re well positioned for success now and in the future.”
Call Sign July 2015
Page 12
n 22nd May 2015, Call Sign paid a
visit to Dunkirk to watch the 75th
Call Sign at 75th Dunkirk
anniversary commemorations of the
O
mass evacuations in 1940 at the
Battle of Dunkirk or Operation Dynamo,
Evacuation ceremony
when hundreds of little ships criss-crossed the
Channel to rescue thousands of stranded Allied
John's final letter
troops as the German forces quickly advanced
towards the Channel, leaving the Allies
trapped.
back. But don’t worry.
The ceremony took place in front of
Love John.”
Prince Michael of Kent, together with civil-
He was later reported
ian and military authorities
missing, assumed killed.
from the British, French a
His body was never
Belgian Veterans Association
found and he was
The operation in
1940
believed to have been
between May 26 and June 4
Britain’s youngest war
was the largest evacuation in
victim. He was one of a
military history and an amazing
family of seven and still
success with many thousands
aged just 15…
of the troops getting back to
the UK, including many non-
I made a ferry
English speaking “Aliens” arriv-
But war soon came and on June 1 his
through the foam,
ing here for the first time and
parents in Gravesend received a
Dunkirk and Deal, Dieppe and Dover,
knowing nobody. Official
oignant letter from their son that was
I brought the flower of Britain home, and
totals showed 338,226 Allied
o prove to be prophetically true.
took the fruits of freedom over.
soldiers waiting in Dunkirk
Giving an address of just Dover
(Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsay)
harbour and on the beaches
arbour, John’s letter read: “Dear Mam,
Alan Fisher
were rescued. Sadly many also
are under the Navy now. We are
died - probably around 100,000.
going to France and might never come
Call Sign Online
It had been just 10 days earlier when the
Germans invaded Holland, Belgium and
Luxemburg. Within days, the British
Expeditionary Force in France found itself cut-
LOOKING AT (TAXI) LIFE
off from supplies with nowhere to go except to
retreat back towards the coast. Soon after,
With Tom Quigley (Y33)
Calais surrendered to the Germans and
Keep it amongst ourselves…
Operation Dynamo got into full swing. Troops
The industry war over Taxis, minicabs and Uber rages on. But could we help
waited on the beaches for their turn to be evac-
ourselves a bit more? Living in the suburbs of a typical Yellow badge area,
uated, injured soldiers going first. British
I’m sure that I am not alone in using a local minicab firm; some would argue
minesweepers attempted to keep three chan-
that there are not enough Yellow badges riding around to hail, whereas I’m
nels clear. Every single available ship - big or
equally as sure they would argue there are too many for not enough work.
small - was forced into action.
But a change of our off-duty usage away from local minicabs and into
our own trade would maximise their work. As we approach the holiday
It was a further 5 years until Dunkirk was
season, using a London Licensed Taxi driver - Yellow or Green badge - for the airport drop would
freed of the Nazis as Allied troops forced their
have a significant effect on our industry. I have a brother driving a Hackney Carriage in Essex, who
way forward once again, but on that occasion
says most of his work comes from London Taxi drivers on a night out or Stansted Airport pick-ups.
to gain complete victory.
I’ve been on Dial-a-Cab for a number of years and I am guilty as charged in not having
Although Call Sign was the only representa-
an account or credit card booking with our own Society. In fact I don’t have an account
tive of the London taxi trade, we mentioned
with any of the Taxi accounts on offer.
the London Taxi Benevolent Association for
It’s very hypocritical of us to bemoan people using other ways to get home in London, when we
War Disabled to many of the Vets we spoke to
ourselves do the same. It would be a great step forwards to increase the income of our industry
and all spoke in high praise of the organisation.
by keeping our monies circulating amongst ourselves and not by financing our enemies - and not
One very elderly French Vet in more than pass-
just looking to outsiders for assistance…
able English told us how he remembered 9
Green Badge success
June 1994 when the LTBAWD brought a whole
On a happier note, I am into my second year of running a Knowledge School/Club. Within our
fleet of London taxis across to Normandy for
small group, we now have four students passed out and driving taxis. These young men (there are
the fiftieth anniversary of Operation Overlord -
lady students as well) have been typical butterboys, working away to try and get back to a finan-
the Normandy landings - remembering it as
cial status quo and I’m pleased that they are working the unsocial weekend night shifts, thereby
being the most moving day of his life and the
helping the industry during busy periods. Every job they do is a job the opposition doesn’t.
day he learned to love the English!
I’m also pleased that despite reports of an easing of the Knowledge and mismanage-
We could write pages and pages about
ment by TfL, that from where I’m standing, all the students are having to work just as
hard as each and everyone one of us ever did.
the day and the many boats that returned
They still come back after their appearances, beaten up, broken, having been put through the
for the ceremony, each of which told its
mill, moaning about dropped points and dodgy lines; but more often they return elated that their
own story in print alongside its mooring.
efforts are being rewarded as they move to the next stage.
But we have picked just one short story to
Yes, the legends and tales of Messrs Ormes and Finlay often come flooding back to the mem-
concentrate on to represent all those that
ory, but to those on the KoL now, they have been replaced by new examiners with similar reputa-
didn’t make it - that of 15-year old John
tions. The ethos has not changed, despite apps, books, laptops and every aid that the modern age
Atkins who died in trying to preserve the
has, you still have to go out to do the work, call your Blue Book and get a good call over
freedom of his country.
partner(s) who will probably become lifelong friends and probably along with their families too.
All of his life John dreamed of going to sea.
The only difference is that in modern day parlance, they no longer call it a Badge; students have
He left school at 15 had found work in a facto-
nicknamed it the Green Medal!
ry, but the pull of the sea was too strong and he
Tom Quigley
Call Sign Online
eventually found work as a cook on the barge,
Lady Rosemary. He soon became third mate.
Call Sign July 2015
Page 13
What do you prefer? A three
letter questioned, or a four let-
ter rant…?
It would seem the situation between London
Brazil
Calling
taxi drivers and the authorities that govern
London transportation are reaching a point
where our democracy has failed us. We, as in
elected councillor and onward to the zenith of
common with most people within a democra-
public office to better his life and that of the
cy, have come to realise that we have no real
people he serves. He is the man with the power
influence on the people in power other than
to question decisions.
our vote. That vote in parliamentary terms
We have trained for years to obtain credit for
allows us to choose who represents us, but in
our position in life, only to have it usurped by
London a quango has emerged that with a
an unrepentant bureaucracy.
£10.1 billion turnover, answers to none of us.
It is time we had our elected representa-
We have in fact become alienated from
tives ask questions of TfL. The law is under-
the decision-making process. The bureau-
stood regarding plying for hire; it is under-
cratic machine that drives Transport for
stood regarding immediate hire and being
London has become engulfed by special-
available for immediate hire. Also, the
ists, driving an unwanted agenda and exer-
meaning of a taximeter as a device for cal-
cising all those involved with their special-
culating the fare is also unambiguous…but
ist knowledge.
… now all are nevertheless questioned with
selves.” Well, it would seem “big society” is not
The network of rules that govern TfL have
advanced law theory and the laser guided
necessarily an open society.
now reached a point where the complications
philosophy of the language of Wittgenstein.
TfL and its decisions must be open to
of a decision cannot be challenged, laymen no
We, with the help of the Right Hon Secretary
public scrutiny… decisions must be open
longer have any possibility to control TfL’s
of State for Transport, Mr Mcloughlin and the
for inspection by those involved before
administrative activities.
government he represents, must do all in our
implementation and available to the scruti-
TfL have in fact developed a reflexive system,
power to stop the” tax efficient” big businesses
ny of law before enactment. We must not
they have become authoritative and self-gov-
that are bringing the stench of irregular prac-
allow a culture where undemocratic deci-
erning. What recourse have we to challenge
tice to London. It must be stopped - and
sions become the norm and we are left to
their decisions? Must we constantly wait for the
stopped at the top if necessary.
try and survive, whilst being crushed by a
courts to decide because of the semantics of
London is a byword for quality worldwide,
bureaucratic quango beyond the reach of
law?
its services unparalleled. Competition is best
common man. We vote for our government,
The term “plying for hire” has been
served by bringing all to our world class stan-
but have other lawmakers foisted on us by
understood in law since before 1789 and
dard instead of joining the race to the bottom
long departed administrations imbued
with legal theory being questioned, lawyers
that has been brought into our great capital by
with the political rhetoric of defunct prede-
have decided to challenge this term and
four-lettered Silicon Valley investors.
cessors.
many other parts of Hackney Carriage law
as being de facto.
Joe Brazil
In Britain, we have been told that the culture
So, how do we proceed?
we work in has become a “big society,” David
The Secretary of State for Transport is the
DaC Board Member
Cameron expounding this American philoso-
Right Honourable Patrick Mcloughlin MP, a
The Right Honourable Patrick
phy as it drives its mantra, telling us to listen as
former miner from Cannock. I would presume
Mcloughlin, Secretary of State for
“it tries to influence choices in a way that will
he more than understood the plight of workers
Transport, is available by letter at:
make choosers better off, as judged by them-
- he himself went from the belts of a mine to an
House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA
or on twitter at @Patrick4Dales.
Designed to clamp down on illegal minicab activity
TfL and Operation Neon
Immaculate White
Transport for London announced in May that the first five evenings of their high visibility, multi-
Cab Available for
agency operation to clamp down and disrupt illegal activity by minicab and taxis, Operation Neon,
saw a total of 331 private hire drivers had been reported for failing to comply with regulations.
Weddings
Eight drivers were reported for plying for hire offences, 30 drivers for parking on taxi ranks and
73 tickets being issued for parking offences. Around 600 vehicles were moved on from outside
clubs and late night venues. Priority locations such as Swallow Street, Dover Street and
Berkeley Street were said to have been kept clear of such vehicles. This action continued through-
out June.
Operation Neon involved TfL enforcement and compliance officials, Metropolitan Police
Service officers and Westminster City Council parking attendants and had substantially
increased the levels of visible enforcement in central London, combating touting and other illegal
activity. It also kept ranks clear to support legitimate taxi and private hire drivers and claims to
have received positive feedback from trade associations.
TfL claim that as a result of Operation Neon and other offences, the proportion of
women approached by touts at the end of a night out in London has reduced by 77%
since 2003. Since April 2013, the TfL funded Cab Enforcement Unit has reported 148 dri-
vers for unlawfully plying for hire, resulting in a 97% conviction rate of those that have
gone to court.
Garrett Emmerson, TfL’s Chief Operating Officer for Surface Transport, said: “We are deter-
mined to protect the livelihoods of all legitimate taxi and private hire drivers through robust
Female driver
enforcement action. Following engagement with the main trade associations (LTDA, the LCDC
10% reduction for Dial-a-Cab drivers
and UNITE), we will continue to be relentless in enforcing the law through action such as
Operation Neon to protect the legitimate trade, improve public safety, promote high levels of
Contact Debbie (W18) on
compliance and tackle illegality.”
07956 317040
See Editorial on page 3…
Call Sign July 2015
Page 14
After spotting this minicab, a DaC driver asked us about…
ADVERTISING ON PH VEHICLES
private hire vehicles. Those regulations
uring Call Sign’s one month hia-
state that while a private hire vehicle
tus, we received an email from a
Dial-a-Cab driver who wanted to
may carry an advertisement that covers
D
remain anonymous. He attached
the whole rear windscreen, such materi-
the photo that you can see with this article
al must not obscure rearward vision or
and said he had been under the impression
be visible from the inside of the vehicle.
that PH vehicles were not allowed carry ads
This advertisement appears to break
other than just their company name and
both of those regulations. As well as this,
phone number. The car in the photo
private hire vehicles are only permitted
seemed to go way beyond that.
to carry advertising featuring the tele-
Regulation 11.5 on TFL’sGuidelines
phone number and/or the website of
for Advertising on licensed London
their operator. Again, this regulation
Taxis and Signs on licensed London
seems to have been breached.
Private Hire Vehicles’ clearly says that
Thank you for bringing this vehicle to
no commercial advertising is permitted
our attention
- the matter will be
on PHVs.
passed along to our compliance team.”
But we thought we’d check with TfL any-
Now we know…
way. They told us:
“The driver you spoke to is correct in
Ron Yarborough
that this particular vehicle advertise-
ment signage contravenes the rules for
Call Sign Online
There are
16 left
LEFT HAND
hand
drive
minicabs
in
DRIVE PH?
London
all Sign has received reports from several drivers over
the past two months claiming to have spotted a private
hire vehicle sporting a left hand drive. Not being sure
C
about the rights and wrongs of the situation, we asked
TfL’s General Manager at London Taxis Private Hire, Helen
Chapman, to give us the answer. She said:
“It is a requirement for private hire vehicles to be right
hand drive. However, TfL will consider exemptions for
exceptional circumstances on a case-by-case basis. These
circumstances may include disability dispensations or a
model of vehicle not being available in the UK. There are
currently 16 private hire vehicles with an exemption of
this nature.”
We asked if there were any left hand drive London taxis and
were told that as our cabs are manufactured specifically for the
market, there are no left hand drive versions - at least not in
London. Hope that answers the questions…
DennisLatchett
Call Sign Online
Keith Reading
Professional Toastmaster
Master of Ceremonies
Tele: 01279 465 938
Mobile: 07774 860 374
Email: kgr.2@virgin.net
10% discount for DaC drivers and staff
Fellow of the Guild of
Professional Toastmasters
Call Sign July 2015
Page 15
n Sunday 26th April Dial-a-
Cab driver Colin Greaves
Colin’s Marathon for
(M91) and his son Ben
O
completed the 2015 Virgin
London Marathon, crossing the line
together in a time of 4 hours
Haven House Hospice
22 minutes and 44 seconds.
In completing the Marathon, they have
raised a combined total of over £10,300
But then came his quote after
for Haven House Children's Hospice
miles, when he said that he wo
in Woodford Green, which rises to
never, ever do it again, follow
around £12,200 with the inclusion of
three miles later with a sincere m
Gift Aid Tax Relief.
sage to his dad: “I hate you f
Apart from the pride of completing
making me do this!”
the Marathon with his son, Colin told
But at the finish line, a prou
Call Sign that his memories of the
Ben looked at Colin and said ju
day will always be the ‘buzz’ at the
as sincerely: “I'm really so please
start line, the amazing support of the
we finished this together - thank
crowd along the whole 26 mile route,
dad.”
recognising his family and friends on
Colin, Ben and everyone a
route and the sheer relief of seeing
Haven House Children's Hospice
and crossing the finish line!
would like to thank everybody
He said he would also always remem-
for their support and contribu-
ber the whole range of emotions
tions to their London Marathon
encountered by his son Ben in complet-
Appeal. It was very much appre-
ing his first (and as he said at the end -
ciated.
his last) London Marathon. Some quotes
from Ben on the day included at the start
Haven House Children's
when he said it was brilliant, that he
Hospice supports families and
couldn't believe the number of people
cares for children and young
there and the amazing atmosphere, up
people with life-limiting and
to the 10 mile mark when he still said it
life-threatening conditions
was great and he was enjoying it so
across North and East
much that he was thinking about doing it
London, West Essex and East
again in 2016!
Hertfordshire.
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 July 2015
Page 16
Another true story from Geoff Levene…
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A SUNDAY MORNING
You can’t expect to do this job without occasion-
ment. Its vinyl top was covered with insulating tape
ally having to lend a hand in some fashion. We’ve
and the legs held in place by string. He handed me
all got to the point of a station rank when out
the electric key.
comes mum, dad, young Zane and little Tiscali.
“Can you see meter number 9 up there, put the
They’re just back from Spain and have been flying
key in that,” he said as I nervously nodded.
all night. There are four cases, a pushchair, teddy-
Now as you can imagine, that entailed climbing
bears, a cup of coffee, three hamburgers, a foot-
onto a rickety stool, standing on tiptoes while
ball and Tiscali’s blanket.
reaching up as high as I could and then pushing a
So you leap out (remembering to start the
key into a meter.
meter first) and start to load up. Time was before
You see there are many things in life that
the wheelchair ramp and Dial-a-Cab data termi-
worry me; here are just a few:
nal took great lumps out of the luggage area, you
1. Being attacked by a vicious guard dog (it's hap-
could get three or four cases in the front. But now
pened).
you just about get one in and the rest goes in the
2. Breaking down on the M4 while POB to the
back.
airport (it's happened).
And I know I'm getting older when a teenage girl tells me not to get
3. Having my keys stolen (it's happened... twice).
out because it’s very heavy! But I've already grabbed it and realise she
4. Loading so much luggage that you have to open the boot - or
has no idea what ‘heavy’ is until she's lifted the good lady wife’s stuff!
spare wheel compartment as I believe it's officially known - and bal-
But there’s a driver I haven't seen for a while who is obese. I've seen
ance a case on the lid. And then as you drive along the lid collapses,
him arrive at the cafe in Camley Street and pull right up to the door.
the case falls out and is crushed by a truck (it's happened, but thank-
A girl brings out a huge plate of meat and potatoes which he balances
fully not to me)! Paranoid? Me? Nah!
on his vast stomach. The luggage compartment is taken up with his
And 5. Standing on tiptoe on a rickety stool while reaching high
Zimmer frame. It's a shame, but there's no way he could help anybody
above my head! Anyway I did it.
- certainly not in the situation I will describe below.
“Right,” he said, “if you come up to the third floor, I'll pay you.”
Oh no! I've now got to follow the old boy up to the top floor. At his
It was a Sunday morning at about 7am. I was sitting at the corner of
speed this is going to take an age. But then an amazing thing hap-
Delancey Street and Parkway when an old man came rushing up
pened; although he could barely walk on the flat, he was brilliant on
waving frantically. Actually rushing was the wrong word. He was stag-
the stairs and I couldn't keep up! A passing mountain goat would have
gering along holding onto every lamp post, letterbox, crash-barrier
been left open-mouthed with envy!
and parked car before finally making it to the cab.
He paid me £20, so £30 of electricity cost him £50…
“Thank you,” he said, “I don't want to go far, just the paper shop at
the beginning of Camden Road.”
Geoff Levene (W32)
We were soon there but it wasn't open yet. He directed me to anoth-
er place in Kentish Town, but we drew a blank there as well.
Call Sign Online
“What are you after?” I asked. He said that he needed to top up his
electric key.
We got lucky at Morrisons garage at Chalk Farm. He struggled to
get up, so I helped him make his slow, tortuous passage to the till and
HACKNEY ROAD TAXI TYRES
back to the cab. He put £30 on the key. Then back to Parkway.
“You'll have to help me,” he said and we headed for the front door.
FOR THE BLACK CAB TAXI TRADE
Once inside, he opened a cupboard and pulled out a stick with which
he opened a meter box high up on the wall. From the same cupboard
appeared a four-legged stool. To call it rickety was a gross understate-
• Austones for the TX
• Barums for the Vito
TfL counter and
• Michelin and Continental
also supplied
online service
s Call Sign wrote several months ago via Tom Quigley’s col-
4-wheel laser tracking
umn, TfL’s new counter service launched on 1 June at Chancel
for the Mercedes Vito
Street, Blackfriars. In addition, an online application service
A
has also been introduced.
Go to http://www.tfl.gov.uk/info-for/taxis-and-private-hire/ for that ser-
• Puncture repairs
vice.
The counter service was reintroduced as a result of requests from both
sides of the trade. The service will be by appointment only and is princi-
• Also free tyre checks
pally for customers who need help with driver or operator application
process. It opens from 9am to 4pm on weekdays, the counter service will
have Customer Advisors who will be able to assist with any questions or
Find us downstairs the
difficulties that applicants may have regarding their application. However
they will not be able to issue licences, badges or identifiers, which will
DaC Credit Union at
continue to be printed by TfL’s secure print partner. To book an appoint-
ment, call 0343 222 4444. A confirmation email will be sent, including
The Peterley Business Centre,
information on what you should bring with. TfL will not be able to see
472 Hackney Road, E2
anyone without an appointment.
TfL will evaluate how the two new services work and continue to evolve
them to ensure they meet customers’ needs.
0207 729 5237
Call Sign July 2015
Page 17
Almost at the same time as the
Evening Standard published a
Uber’s real view of taxis!
piece from student nurse Daisy
Riley who took a video of her
now witnessing growing public safety prob-
lems with touting and clear regulatory breach-
Uber driver watching a movie on
es from some new entrants. It has been impos-
his phone whilst driving her
sible to miss the international backlash against
home, Uber’s CEO was at a US
companies such as Uber. Amongst its cata-
logue of regulatory breaches, its recent prose-
conference repeating his future
cution for permitting a driver to operate an
plans.
uninsured vehicle is particularly concerning.
We’re used to hearing Uber’s UK head hon-
Add to this the accusations of it offshoring its
cho, Jo Bertram, claiming that not only are
profits to avoid UK tax rates and the negative
they are not against the London black cab but
impact of its operations is felt more widely as
to almost profess a hidden love for us - before
a threat to the fair competitive environment
also adding that they pay “all the taxes they are
and rigidly-enforced regulatory regime on
liable for.” However, something tells us she
which the high reputation of the capital’s pri-
would be delighted to see the back of us! Now
vate hire sector lies.”
her boss and the boss of all things Uber, CEO
Travis Kalanick: Driverless cars will let
He also told the Mayor: “As the regulator of
Travis Kalanick, has admitted it once again.
him sack all his drivers!
our industry, TfL’s response to these changes
The part we’re not that bothered about at
has been deplorable. Through a hesitance to
nice character, but he’s so woven into the
the moment is that he plans to ditch all his dri-
apply the same regulatory standards for pri-
political machinery and fabric that a lot of peo-
vers after buying out Google’s self-driving cars
ple owe him favours. We have to bring out the
vate hire operators to app-based firms, it has
when they finally hit the road. At present
truth about how dark and dangerous and evil
enabled these e-hailing services to distort pub-
Google have 23 of them out on test in
the taxi side is.”
lic perception of the wider sector.”
California, but the last Call Sign heard was
Now we have Addison Lee CEO, Liam
He later went on to add: “We recognise that
things are now being done to resolve previous
that they had been involved in no fewer than
Griffith, writing to Mayor Boris Johnson and
mistakes, but the fact that the problems TfL
11 RTAs since the testing programme began.
seemingly coming from a similar page to that
have allowed to happen over the last two years
Hey Mr K, we can do that too, we just don’t!
of licensed taxis, albeit with one difference
have adversely and significantly impacted pub-
But notwithstanding the fact that he still has
being their belief that there should be no cap
lic safety can’t be ignored. The two-tier system
to use human drivers and to show his rather
on PH licence numbers. Some of the items Mr
of hailed taxis and pre-booked private hire
dislikeable heart, Mr Kalanick added: “The
Griffin wrote to Boris were:
cars, which has successfully ensured opera-
upside of Uber using them will be greater than
“We welcome fair competition and new
tional order and optimum passenger safety for
the downside of having to let the drivers go!”
entrants to the market who are prepared to
years, and is fundamentally important to our
We’re not sure that his drivers will see it that
compete fairly. However, the arrival of several
business - is now in jeopardy.”
way! But he then went on to speak about taxis.
app-based operators in this new wave has
And this was before The Guardian caught
“We’re in a political campaign and the can-
caused a number of problems that are now
Uber out on driver’s insurance scam..
didate is Uber. The opponent is an asshole
harming not just London businesses, but the
Previously, Addison Lee had written to
named Taxi and nobody likes him. He’s not a
general public too. It is undeniable that we are
Call Sign insisting that any of their dri-
vers caught touting would be dismissed…
WCHCD
New
at Royal Docks Community
School ceremony
credit/debit
he Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers recently unveiled a new
card stickers
orchard at the Royal Docks Community School as part of their ongoing affilia-
T
tion with the east London school that began in 2008.
There are
Last year the WCHCD made a donation to the Royal Docks School, which the school
now new
used to plant the first trees in what is hoped to be a long term initiative to create an
partition
orchard. In May, current Master Malcolm Paice, along with Past Master and former
Governor at the school, Andrew Overton, unveiled the orchard and its first planted
stickers avail-
trees thanks to the WCHCD donation.
able at Dial-a-Cab
In the presence of school Head, Wendy Bowyer, her staff and a delegation of the
House, which in addition to
students led by the head girl and boy, Malcolm and Andrew listened to the wonderful
previous passenger information
school choir before Malcolm cut the ribbon to announce the orchard as being open. The
(ie 10% charge with a mini-
Company Master said:
mum of £2 for credit cards etc)
“We’ve been given a wonderful welcome here today and it is a privilege to be
part of this great relationship between the school and our Company. The
also add debit cards to that.
orchard is a great idea that will be here for many years for future generations
Some passengers have appar-
of the school’s students to enjoy.”
ently pointed out that the old
The orchard was created by the school as the Royal Charter Orchard in commemora-
notice mentions just credit
tion of the WCHCD receiving its Royal Charter from HRH Prince of Wales last year. The
cards, believing that debit
school itself is a purpose built, mixed, community comprehensive school for students
cards carried no charge.
aged 11 to 16, with around 800 students. Opened in 1999, the school building has
achieved national architectural recognition for its design and is a rapidly improving fully
Please pick up one when you
inclusive mixed school, which is now at an exciting stage in its development with a 3
pass the office and replace the
year plan to become outstanding.
old one.
Call Sign July 2015
Page 18
DaC driver’s
lucky escape!
tion and smashed straight into my taxi, impact-
acknowledged with a grin borne more out of
ing itself at my drivers’ door.
relief than humour.
“I was really shaken about, being thrown
“I took the cab to my regular service agent,
sideways inside the cab with the force of the
George Jackson in Scrubs Lane, but his
collision. My mind was buzzing in those initial
bodywork repairer was on holiday and so hav-
few seconds at just how lucky I had been, not
ing previously lived in Cricklewood, I took the
having sustained any serious physical injury.
cab into Cricklewood Carriers where
Forcing my drivers’ door open, I staggered out
Sheldon and his team were just brilliant!
Robert had a lucky escape!
of the cab still in a state of shock, to determine
Everything went smoothly; they were very
exactly what had happened in what had been
helpful and made a really good job, so I have
“To quote the Duke of Wellington after the
the blink of an eye. It appeared that the driver
no complaints!
Battle of Waterloo,” Robert Deans (C49)
of the Renault had become confused at the
“Mind you,” Robert said as he finished his
told Call Sign, “it was a damn close run
traffic lights filter arrow and had jumped ‘his’
story, “I still marvel at the strength of the taxi
thing!” Robert was referring to his non-fault
red light and subsequently collided with me.
to have sustained such an impact and yet kept
accident with a car.
“The other driver admitted liability immedi-
me safe inside, even if I was ‘shaken but not
“I was on Mortlake Road, heading back
ately, but that of course is no guarantee that
stirred!”
towards London; it was raining and the light
the insurance company will pay up or that the
Robert laughed as he drove away...
was fading. I was driving across a green traffic
driver wouldn’t change their story later, so I
George G Jackson can be contacted on:
light and still actually within the yellow-box
was extremely grateful when even in my dazed
0208 9641929. Cricklewood Carriers can
junction, when a small Renault car suddenly
state of mind, a passing pedestrian offered her
be contacted on: 0208 452 5461
appeared on my right coming from the Kew
details as a witness in my favour. From then
Alan Green (E52)
Green direction heading towards Kew Road
on, the other driver’s insurers had no way
and travelling at some speed, entered the junc-
back other than to accept liability,” Robert
Call Sign Online
Taxi Driver of the
Year back for 2015
he Taxi Driver of the Year Competition is back for 2015 (see page 15 May Call Sign)
and the charity’s committee - in conjunction with leading taxi advertising operator
Ubiquitous - have come up with a new approach to help get the competition back
T
on the road after many years when exorbitant costs prevented the former yearly
taxi competition taking place.
The TDYCF are now inviting nominations from the trade, cabbies and anyone that would like to
enter the Taxi Driver of the Year 2015, which will not only raise the profile of black cabs and dri-
vers, but also raise money for the five charities that the Fund supports. The Finale of the Award will
take place at the annual TDYCF dinner dance on Saturday November 7th in central London.
If you want to nominate a driver for the Taxi Driver of the Year competition, firstly you must get
Fifteen years ago and Howard Kott
permission from that driver and make sure that he or she is available to attend the Finale on
wins the first of his 3 TDOY titles!
November 7th when the shortlisted drivers will be asked to take part in a written knowledge test
and meet the judges. The winner will be decided on the night and announced as the 2015 taxi dri-
ver of the year, collecting their prize as well as the glory!
Spaces for finalists are limited and all entries must be received by 17thAugust 2015.
TAXI AIR
It costs just £200 to enter a driver but this includes two dinner dance tickets, one for
the driver and one for the person nominating them. Additional drivers can be entered for
£100 and this will include the cost of their ticket to the dinner dance. It would be nice to
CONDITIONING
see a great turnout for the Award at this years’ dinner dance. Tickets are just £65 per
head and tables of 10 are available.
All makes and models
Driver nomination forms and dinner dance ticket booking forms are available by email-
serviced and repaired
ing Barbara at brussella@talk21.com and can be downloaded by visiting the News section
at: www.UbiqTaxis.com.
Mobile service - we
Charity Chairman, Russell Poluck MBE (T55) said: “Let’s not forget that the focus of this initia-
come to you!
tive is to raise money for those less fortunate than ourselves. We are thrilled that with the help of
Ubiquitous, we are now able to reinstate the TDYCF Award and hope that the increased profile of
Call Mick Wheeler on
the event will help to provide extra support for the trade charities. We urge the trade to get behind
the initiative, so we can reinstate the great tradition of the driver competition and raise money for
020 8715 0079
them.”
Dial-a-Cab drivers have an excellent record in winning the TDoY title, especially Howard Kott
Covering London
(B74W) - the only driver to win it three times in consecutive years! Hopefully we can now win it again.
and the Home Counties
Call Sign July 2015
Page 19
Call Sign’s Gary Cox looks at Uber and spells it out to the Mayor…
IT’S MAKE YOUR MIND
UP TIME!
arteries of all Government departments. The
SW1 to WC1 - the licensed London taxi trade
last time I heard something similar was when
that Oliver Cromwell breathed life into will
the Nazis decided to march on Poland to save
never ever be the same again.
the Poles from democracy and freedom.
The trade will be divided into two sections;
Well, one or two good things did come out
those that keep muttering their cab badge is
of the war - like going to the moon. But
their pension, and those who accept that you
Mayor Boris Johnson must be thinking
are never going to earn a living from a 40
whether this is his equivalent moment to
hour week and start to think like the raison
The time has come to accept that
Winston Churchill's crisis with the
d'être of Eaton Square, whose concept and
Dardanelles?
thought process is to get the monies in and
the world in which we live can
We may suspect that the subject of Uber will
then worry about how to distribute it. One
never be the same again and
show us all how good the Mayor is playing
thing is for certain; there’s no room at the inn
that we must now choose
politics at the big table. He knows that if he
for dinosaurs.
calls it right, he calls Britain right for the next
Take your pick Brenda, Dean or Arthur
between one of two paths.
Path one: The parental path of a race to the
50 years. Meanwhile the world holds its
Scargill
- and a job at B&Q matey.
breath awaiting the court hearing to see if
Why do I write so candidly? Because I believe
bottom with Mr Sit your bottom down, do
as I say, don't do as I do, copy that. That
Boris is master of all he surveys - or the mas-
every word and I'll tell you what I think you
ter of none. The time has come to accept that
need to hear. Any complaints with anything
comes down to a society of Pound and coffee
shops whose staff will be continually sub-
the midnight gravy train of Socialism that
I’ve written, contact your trade association.
sidised by the nation's taxpayers while its lead-
made us able to support an ageing popula-
But phone and make an appointment first,
ership counts its money offshore with a grate-
tion, has gone and we will all need to pull our
because if you go in on the off-chance son,
ful thanks to you and a low paid, unskilled
weight - that’s you, me and the zero hours
they will probably be busy talking to their
workforce takes the public’s life in its hands as
contract employers in the modern age of our
financial advisor…!
part-public part-private world.
they occasionally lift their head over the top of
After this debacle is over and Sir Peter
the steering wheel to avoid the odd cyclist,
Gary Cox (O46)
Gerard Hendy CBE walks out the door with
while knowing full well they will hit the kerb
before the pedestrian, as they work for and
an even bigger gong - or by having his collar
Call Sign Online
grabbed and rear end kicked all the way from
subsidise another 'legal' parasitic business blot
on the landscape for someone else's get rich
scheme at societies expense.
Path two: a well-educated, independent
Starstruck? Me? Naaah!
minded, forward thinking workforce like our
“Carrying people from A to B is fine while ferrying the famous - and in some
cousins in Germany and our Eurovision
instances the infamous - it’s part of the job,” John Kenny (Y23) told Call
Song Contest cousins, the Israelis; a well-
Sign, “but there have been a few instances that have stuck in my mind
educated stylish workforce where the value
regarding celebrities.
of its citizens is to build a civilisation para-
“I remember stopping onetime outside a restaurant in W1 in response to a
mount to its aim.
raised female hand. I must admit that she was stunning as she spoke to give
In plain language, Mr Mayor, it’s make
me her destination and as my eyes took in this shapely woman, I realised
your mind up time!
that by her side was none other than footballing legend George Best!
Do you lead us all down the path of
“I took a deep breath, thought ‘wow’ and got under way towards their
President Google and the tumbleweed con-
destination. I remember thinking what a lovely person he was as we chat-
ted amiably during the journey. But I did have some difficulty solely concen-
nection of middle America, where the value of
trating on George, as in my mind I considered the attributes of the young
your opinion is judged by the number of dol-
lady sitting beside this world-famous footballer!” John laughed at the
lars in your pocket and if you can raise a bil-
image the memory brought back.
lion of them, then you can be President. And
“That’s the way it is; when a hand stretches out from the kerbside to grab your attention, you
spending that amount of money, you're bound
stop and they get in. Sometimes you recognise them instantly, other times it takes a moment or
to be right in your judgement.
two,” John said.
The power of the Mafia at this high tech
“Such was the case when a group of men and a young woman stopped me on the street and the
corporation is frightening when you think
lady gave me their destination. They all piled into the cab and off we went. I overheard one of the men
ask the woman whether she thought the driver knew who they were, but didn’t catch her reply. I dug
of where they could soon be if
deep into my memorybank as her image was somehow familiar and I do remember suddenly thinking
left unchecked and then be able to decide
that I did know who they were. They were pop group T’pau and she was their lead singer, Carol
a whole nation’s diplomatic policy towards
Decker. There was no mistaking that lady’s mop of fiery red hair. When they got out and she paid me
great swathes of our continent.
off, I said good luck with the record. She smiled and thanked me as she walked away towards the oth-
Thus we look forward to a future where
ers. The record I referred to was China in your Hand which became a big chart success.”
thinking and the ability to challenge the
“I also remember an account ride from Chelsea where the trip details were simply Mrs Michael
actions of the man in the big chair, will be all
Caine. Indeed, it was Mrs Caine who walked towards the cab and as I stepped out to open the cab
but gone and the one-stop-shop will truly
door for her, it was then that I noticed Mr Michael Caine right behind her! My mind buzzed as I recalled
The Ipcress File, Zulu and countless other movies I had enjoyed seeing - and there was the very man
arrive. After all, it will supply the life blood to
standing right in front of me!” John smiled recalling the moment.
your every moving part and it won’t be that
“I must have looked a little shocked as I mumbled ‘M-Michael, what can I say! In an ultra-friendly
far removed from reality.
reply and in his familiar London accent, he simply said: ‘You can start by saying hallo’ and extended his
Uber is a business that proudly announces
hand to shake mine! Then they both stepped into the cab and settled down onto the seat! Just another
how it likes to disrupt the market place, so it's
day in the life of a Dial-a-Cab cabby,” said John as a broad grin spread over his face.
sure as hell going to disrupt
HM
Alan Green
Government’s Treasury - and to all intents and
Call Sign Online
purposes will very quickly go through the
Call Sign July 2015
Page 20
ALL WHITE ON THE NIGHT
Hello Ladies & Gents
being a friend of the taxi trade in the days
when he courted us to vote for him when he
Uber
first ran a campaign for becoming Mayor of
For those that follow me on Twitter, you will
London and visiting taxi rest stops to gain
know my utter contempt for Uber and for the
votes, to now saying when asked about Uber
way they have circumvented taxi legislation in
at Mayoral question time that it's a “free mar-
London by operating an on demand service via
ket” and that we need to accept that “it’s cus-
an app straight to the drivers mobile phone,
tomer choice.”
without the booking going through a licensed
With rumours and revelations a-plenty
private hire premises.
about how deep Uber’s contact reach at City
The way Transport For London have inter-
Hall and the Westminster Village is and the
preted this as being within their own rules,
High Court ruling still to come, I'm watching
goes against what is written on their website.
the media daily for more news on this US tech
So no wonder the United Cabby's Group
co’ as more and more cities ban them from
have used their TFL initials against them with
operating, whereas we in London just watch
the Totally Failing London slogan.
and wait.
Sir Peter Hendy was recently on the Eddy
If you, like me, Tweet and you see a danger-
Nester's drivetime radio show on BBC Radio
ous Uber driver and manage to take a photo,
London, where he said he would like to limit the number of private
don’t forget to add the #ubered when you tweet your photo with a
hire licenses being issued, which currently stand at 1000 a month.
caption.
However he didn't say when this would happen, so don't expect it
sometime soon!
LTDA
Boris Johnson, however, seems to have changed his stance from
It’s been good to hear the radio ads being played on various radio sta-
tions promoting the trade in a positive way and also to see the LTDA
advertising van being parked outside Mayfair touting hotspots. This
has helped us win back work previously lost to the touts.
Getting away with
However, the best ad and parking place the van has been of late was
at the Mansion House in the city for George Osborne’s annual
speeding tickets?
speech to the city. I just hope all the media outlets that saw the van
will ask the Chancellor some awkward questions about Uber's lack of
tax payments to the UK.
Call Sign has heard that
Be lucky…
one in four of the UK’s
Garry White
speed cameras have bee
DaC BoM
switched off or are just
out of action with no
repairs planned.
However, there are still
1714 fixed sites in the
UK and between them
they caught 968,715
speeding drivers just in
2014 alone. There is
also the chance of
being caught by a
mobile camera and
between the 345 of
them in the UK, 2014 saw their total
reach a staggering 774,537 motorists caught.
Confused.com carried out a recent survey that saw five per
cent of drivers claim they’d had an accident as a direct result of
the presence of the cameras, with 20 per cent saying that they
been affected by the erratic driving of others close to speed
cameras. But the survey - apparently not involving robot Brian -
also revealed that 66 per cent of drivers admitted speeding
when they assumed there were no cameras nearby.
Roger Reynolds, the policeman who first brought speed
cameras to the UK, says that speed cameras have not always
proven an effective method of tackling speeding offences. He
told the Press Association:
“Enforcement agencies have been too strict with minor
offenders and one in eight motorists say they have been
sanctioned for driving just 1-4 mph over the limit. This is
in order to raise revenue and ignores those who really
pose a danger on the roads.”
But the best way to avoid the legal consequences of being
caught speeding is simply not to speed - especially when your
living is at stake.
Call Sign July 2015
Page 21
DaC driver Daryl Wood asks Call Sign to pass a message to DACCU…
A VERY BIG THANK YOU!
visiting Wendy every day and that cost me £20
thought I needed to get by until Wendy was
each time. As she was in hospital for a week or
back on the road to recovery and assured me
more each time, £140 a week when you’re not
it was already in my bank at the press of a but-
really working is no laughing matter.”
ton!” Daryl beamed, his eyes moistening as
Daryl told us that Wendy’s operations
he recalled the moment at least one heavy
were so complex, that each one took six
weight was removed from his shoulders.
or more hours and that when she finally
“That gesture meant I could concentrate
came around in the recovery room -
on attending to Wendy, knowing that all our
where he would be waiting - she looked
outgoings were being met and that meant so
and indeed was, completely exhausted.
much to both of us. I understand there is
She hadn’t been able to eat for many
interest to be paid on the loan - nothing is
weeks - taking in fluids only - and losing
free of course - but that added sum was more
A smiling Daryl back in his cab again!
around 35lbs in body weight.
than reasonable and the request was met so
“Actually, just saying thank you to our Dial-a-
“She now calls me fatty,” Daryl told us as a
positively in my hour of need. So you can see
Cab Credit Union really isn’t anywhere near
smile came to his face. “My priority through-
why I say that just a ‘thank you’ is hardly
enough to express my deep gratitude to
out was my Wendy’s health, but I was natu-
enough.” Daryl ended his story - still with
those great people,” Daryl Wood (G07) told
rally stressing big-time about how all the
that regained smile on his face.
Call Sign, his voice breaking with emotion.
expenses were going to be met; the cab,
Call Sign spoke to DACCU Vice President,
“My wife, Wendy, has been very seriously
house and all the other bills you don’t usual-
John Riley, He told us:
ill over the past few months having to under-
ly think about when you’re able to work reg-
“We’re all cab drivers at DACCU and we
go several gastric operations while enduring
ularly and have money coming in to cover all
know how tough it is out there, so we were
many bouts of excruciating pain in the
these things. So I went to the Dial-a-Cab
delighted to help Daryl and Wendy when they
process. It also meant that I have been unable
Credit Union, not knowing what they would
needed us. We know there can be unforeseen
to work with any regularity as I’ve shouldered
say about a loan that was nothing to do with
problems, so we are here for Dial-a-Cab dri-
the majority of her care - both medical and
the cab. There was only one question they
vers and anyone else that needs us and is a
personal - together with my family when they
asked: How much did I want? You just can’t
member of the CU.
could help,” Daryl explained.
imagine the relief I felt at that moment!
“We had a lovely card from Wendy express-
“Wendy has undergone treatment in two
Almost as good was the fact that they trans-
ing her thanks, which we appreciated here in
hospitals - initially at St. George’s (Tooting) and
ferred my request by the close of business
the office, but when it came to it, we were
also as an emergency patient in Queen
that very same day! No complicated ques-
just happy to be able to help…”
Elizabeth’s at Shooter’s Hill, neither of which
tions, no ‘sorry you do not fit our criteria’ or
You can contact DACCU at:
are an easy journey from our home in Sidcup.
‘your request has been declined’ as I hear
Unit 14, Peterley Business Centre, 472
And don’t get me started on hospital car park-
almost daily about other financial institu-
Hackney Road, London E2 9EO
ing fees, which I think are outrageous. I was
tions. They just asked me how much I
Tel: 020 7729 8171 or 020 7749 0585
Zero emissions Metrocab: Volume production next year!
Frazer-Nash Research Ltd and Ecotive Ltd, the makers of the all-new
Metrocab - the only zero-emissions capable black cab currently operating in
London - have announced that the UK Metrocab will enter volume produc-
tion in Coventry next year as part of a new partnership with manufacturing
specialist, Multimatic.
Multimatic is a privately held global corporation supplying components, systems
and services to the automotive industry. The company is headquartered in
Markham, Ontario, Canada and has operating divisions in North America, Europe
and Asia, with manufacturing partners in South America and Australia.
Multimatic’s core competencies lie in the high volume manufacture of automotive
mechanisms, structures and suspension components, as well as the design and
development of automotive body and chassis systems.
Multimatic Niche Vehicles (MNV) manufactures complete cars as well as
body/chassis assemblies for low volume programs such as Aston Martin’s One-77,
Zagato and GT12, the Lagonda Taraf and Ford GT. Multimatic Engineering supplies
customers as diverse as Red Bull Formula One, Tesla and Mercedes AMG. Multimatic
has a well-established manufacturing facility in Coventry, which is now undergoing
a programme of expansion to accommodate the start of Metrocab production next year.
Metrocab chairman, Sir Charles Masefield, said: “This announcement marks another important step in bringing the
all-new electric powered Metrocab to volume production. Our prototype fleet is already operating very successfully in London, proving that our Range
Extended Electric taxis are the solution to delivering on the City’s Ultra Low Emission Zone promises from 2018. Next year we will enter volume produc-
tion with the hugely respected and experienced Multimatic. We are delighted to be working with such an established partner to fulfil our ambitions,
following our significant investment in developing this product and to bring further skilled jobs to the UK.”
Multimatic Vice President, Larry Holt added: “We have been following closely the development of zero-emissions capable taxis in the UK and have
worked with Metrocab for a number of years to bring their prototype fleet to the market. We are all delighted with the performance and operational
results of this first fleet and it is very satisfying to now commit to enter series production of the all-new Metrocab. The taxi has clearly been designed
and engineered from the ground up with the global market in mind and Multimatic has the facilities and capabilities to make this a truly international
product - a prospect which really excites us.”
The new Metrocab is driven by two electric motors, with a 1-litre petrol engine range extender coupled with an optimised generator
to recharge the battery pack (which takes as little as 10 minutes while driving). Charging is also available via any mains electric outlet
providing even lower fuel consumption.
The cab is said to provide 98 MPG on the European ECE101 cycle, emits 75% less CO2 than any comparable current London taxi and
have a combined range of 560km.
*There is a possible legal action in the pipeline over the shape of the vehicle…
Call Sign July 2015
Page 22
Kenny Tarr
Sadly, Call Sign has to report another long-time Dial-a-Cab driver who has
passed on. Kenny Tarr (T41) was with the Society since 1996 and the sad
news was passed on by his brother Micky (R02). The Tarr family as a whole
also sent the following message to DaC drivers…
“Thank you to all the many drivers who attended Kenny’s funeral. Thanks also to the drivers who sent
some lovely messages. Kenny made many friends on DaC.
He missed the Finz where he would meet the gang! He was in his element when the mickey-taking
started, those late night and early mornings when he would tell his many stories and have an audience
for his corny jokes!
Our sincere thanks again for the kind words and support we have received in these sad times.”
The Tarr family
Board Member Allan Evans, who represented DaC at Kenny’s funeral, wrote:
“Kenny was very well liked at Dial-a-Cab and he will be greatly missed by his many friends on the circuit. It was obvious to me what a
close family Kenny has, and in this very difficult and sad time I am sure they will all help to comfort each other.
Our deepest condolences to his wife Janet and the whole family.”
NY cab driver Michael Higgins writes for Call Sign…
Is Uber going down the tuber!
are posting Uber's so-called wealth as $50 billion. Why? Because Uber says so?
Where's the maths, the numbers? When do they open their books? Listen you
guys at Dial-a-Cab; I've driven cabs in New York City off and on for damn near
twenty years. You're not gonna bullsh-t me. I invented bullsh-t and I know
bullsh-t when I see and smell it! And it smells exactly like an Uber driver who's
now living in his $65,000 SUV with very little business and the stink of an 18-
hour shift on his back and buffet of fast-food crumbs littering the floor.
How do I know that? Well Uber passengers tell me whilst explaining why they don’t
take Uber anymore. Duh! And not to mention women passengers who tell me that
they've had too many Uber drivers who are 'creepy.' Welcome home, girls…
But hey Call Sign - that doesn’t mean I’ve finished writing for the month yet! Just because
you get a month off doesn’t mean the rest of us are doing nothing! So listen up Al…
There’s another little diddy in that some farkakta group say they want the City of New
York to give Uber a 'pass' on regulations because they are apparently one of their corpo-
rate homies. Well farkakta you! Get out of NYC, mo' fo's…
I hope New York Mayor, Bill de Blasio, finally takes a stand for the legitimate working
Will NY Mayor Bill de Blasio help
drivers and gets all this straightened out - starting with the heroic Yellow cab drivers and
medallion owners who have finally weathered the storm! Woo hoo!
legitimate NY cabbies?
And as a PS ...Don’t think we haven't noticed that Lyft and Gett weren't as upset at the
TLC regulations as their 'friends' at Uber. Hmmmm
Well, well, well. So the New York City
Taxi & Limousine Commission is final-
Michael Higgins
ly requiring strict new regulations for
Editor New York City Taxinews
share-ride operators and their drivers.
Call Sign Online
It seems that recent deaths and
injuries caused by reckless non-yel-
lows over here have finally have
forced their hand!
Then there’s that other little bit of news
that came down the Pike from Craine's
New York - a respected publishing con-
glomerate based in Detroit, Michigan
who include in depth finance items and
who have started asking questions such
as where are the number$ for Uber’s
alleged wealth?
First their Chief Financial Officer resigns.
RED FLAG! Then they get an infusion of
$1.6 billion new dollars from the
Goldman Sachs death star. Yet their $40
billion dollar alleged value doesn't
budge. Huh???
Now their internet minions / slaves
Call Sign July 2015
Page 23
Like most of us, Roy Carter (H79) has seen
You’ve heard the one about a dog biting the driver, but not…
many strange things in his 16 years as a Dial-a-
Cab driver, but most of it you just learn to
accept and look the other way at - even some
bilks.
PASSENGER BITES
“Sometimes they really aren’t worth the has-
sle of catching someone and going through the
whole police rigmarole of statements and court
DAC DRIVER!
cases. But there is a line where I won’t allow
the passenger to cross and that is if I believe
Gary's
that they have got into the cab with the inten-
passenger door
tion of bilking the driver because they have
is still open as
done it before and obviously got away with it.
police turn up
And that’s exactly what Roy came up against.
and arrest his
The bilk was for over £13, but it wasn’t the
passenger
money that made Roy take this one seriously.
He picked up an approx 25 years old lady in
been serious. But
Portland Place who wanted to go to Goswell
she wasn’t messing
Road. Roy admits that he found it strange that
about when trying
on a hot and sunny day where temperatures
to 0punch and kick
were up in the mid-70s, this young lady should
me. The police
have a heavy Parker coat with the zip pulled up
came quickly with
to the top, but overlooked it because if she was
around 10 officers
cold then what’s it got to do with him!
and several police
But Roy’s vague suspicions turned to reality
anyone could give; so he immediately gave
vehicles! They took her away and I didn’t hesi-
when he slowed down in Goswell Road and
chase, caught and restrained her. There were
tate in saying that I would support a charge
she opened the window to release the door
two witnesses and the police were called.
against her because she undoubtedly knew
from the outside - obviously knowing that
She was carrying a drink and threw that over
what she was doing.”
there would be a delay in opening the inside
Roy in addition to kicking, punching and then
Roy is waiting to hear of any developments…
with Roy’s foot still on the brakes. Then she
biting the DaC driver!
made a bolt for it! At the same time as she got
Baghwat Singh
“Fortunately she didn’t puncture my skin,”
out, Roy suddenly realised that the Parker was
Roy told Call Sign, “because that could have
Call Sign Online
probably to hide any descriptions of her that
In his last competitive soccer match, it’s…
Extra time heartbreak for Lee!
When Dial-a-Cab driver and Colliers Wood goalkeeper, Lee Pearce (J71), told Call Sign in the
last issue that he was going to retire at the end of this season, he couldn’t have thought
that his team would fight their way into the League Cup Final. But that’s exactly what they
did and Lee was hoping to go out with a bang in his last match and a cup winner’s medal.
The game was on May 1 at the Woking FC ground and they were up against Camberley
Town - runners-up in the Combined Counties League Premier Division and the team with
the fewest losses all season after just failing to take the league championship. They started
the game as hot favourites…
Camberley began by strongly pressing Colliers Wood, who were really stretched in
keeping them at bay with Lee Pearce making several important saves to keep the game
goalless at the halfway mark.
CW’s goal scoring machine, Mario Embalo, had the first opening in the second half but
shot straight at the Camberley goalkeeper, followed soon after by a Charlie Ottoway shot
that also missed the target. But it was still Camberley that had most of the play and they took
a deserved lead after 64 minutes through former CW striker Manny Quarshie. He trapped
the ball, before then volleying it home past Lee Pearce with Wood’s players looking lost. Eli
Ogunseye then came on to replace Sam Mead for Wood and he soon saw action when stretching the
Camberley’s defence.
Minutes later, Ogunseye was heading goalwards when he was pulled down inside the area and the referee immediately blew up for a
penalty from where Mario Embalo made no mistake. Then with just two minutes to go, Embalo rounded Camberley defender Craig
Bradshaw but passed rather than taking a shot himself and along with it went the last chance of league cup glory for Wood.
So the game went into extra time. In the first half of extra time it was Camberley that looked the stronger, although Dan Harding put the
ball into the Camberley net but the linesman’s flag went up signalling that Dan had handled the ball first.
So it was down to the last 15 minutes with the scores still level and a possible penalty shootout. Then with just minutes to go, Camberley
were awarded a corner. The ball was nodded down to Marcus Cousins who hit it past Lee Pearce to win the cup for Camberley even though
the supposed underdogs, Colliers Wood, had pushed them all the way.
After the match, Lee Pearce told Call Sign: “It would have been nice to bow out with a winner’s medal, but it wasn’t to be. The lads played
their hearts out but on the day the better team won. I’m now 38 and been goalkeeping for many, many years diving onto rock hard grounds
and to be honest, there isn’t a part of me that doesn’t ache! During my career I’ve met and played with some real legends of the game from
former Spurs and England manager Terry Venables to Arsenal and England ‘keeper David Seaman to Argentinian World Cup winner
Claudio Caniggia and many others. But I think it’s now time to get out while I can still walk!
I’m hoping to stay in the game either as a GK coach or perhaps even management. But Becky and I have baby number five due on August
28 to add to Jack, Lauren, Holly and Sophie, so there’s stuff to do at home! And of course I will still have to drive my Dial-a-Cab taxi! But
with all its ups and downs, football is still the greatest game in the world…”
Call Sign July 2015
Page 24
Phil Davis (F10) has been on Dial-a-Cab
The Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers
since 2008, but for much longer than that Phil
For over twenty years of chairing the WCHCD organising committee
has been a valued member of the WCHCD, in
fact right from the time it restarted up as a
for the annual Children’s Magical Taxi Tour to Disneyland Paris…
Fellowship in 1990. In 1997, Phil became the
Master - at the same time as its status was
DaC’s Phil Davis wins City
updated to that of Company.
In 1994, Phil was made Chairman of a com-
Livery Company award
mittee that was going to organise a trip to
Disneyland Paris that would see taxis taking
parking. Then before leaving France, the fol-
children suffering from life threatening illness-
lowing year’s dates are booked in with the
es on a Magical Taxi Tour to the French won-
hotel and all the fund raising starts again!
derland. No one knew whether there would
The City Livery Club Root and Branch Award
be a second trip, but so successful and well
seeks to recognise exemplary works from
organised was the trip, that it became an annu-
within the City Livery Companies from indi-
al event and for the past 21 years Phil has led
viduals who have made a noteworthy contri-
his committee into action to make sure that
bution to charity and the Livery. The criteria
upwards of 100 taxis filled with kids (and
and competition is tough, with many remark-
helpers) have the weekend of their young
able nominations coming from across the
lives.
eclectic range of City Livery Companies. This is
Now Phil Davis has been announced as
only the second such award but Phil’s tireless
Pic: Phil receives his award from Sir
the winner of the City Livery Company
work on the annual Children’s Magical Taxi
David Wootton, Alderman and
Root and Branch Award for 2015.
Tour has touched the lives of thousands of
President of the City Livery Club
Anyone that knows Phil won’t be surprised
children and their families over the past 21
to hear that his first comments were to say
(Courtesy Beverly C Smith)
years. The fact he has engaged the support
how delighted and honoured he was to have
which enhances the understanding or profile
from such a variety of Livery Companies is a
been given the Award, but that the trip was not
of it. Phil certainly meets these criteria. All
testament to his incredible contribution to the
just thanks to his work, but that of everyone
those involved with the Children’s Magical
City Livery movement and he has always acted
else involved - from the committee to the dri-
Taxi Tour will testify as to how much work Phil
without seeking reward or recognition.
vers.
has undertaken during the years he has been
Current WCHCD Master and former
“I am really very delighted and surprised to
involved - not just in the actual planning but
ComCab GM, Malcolm Paice, said of Phil:
receive this award and know it recognises not
also during the trip itself when he is either
“As a Livery Company we are very proud to
just me but the work that my committee and
meeting and greeting guests at the Big
have Phil as a Liveryman and Past Master, but
the Company do for sick children. My aim is to
Breakfast send off, or donning his high-vis
the whole City Livery community should also
put smiles on the faces of these children and I
jacket to direct drivers. Then in his support
be proud to have such a remarkable ambas-
could not attain this goal without their sup-
vehicle, he is in constant touch with the other
sador for the City and its charitable works. I
port and that of many City Livery Companies,
committee members and support vehicles,
am sure you will all join me in congratulating
to organise the Magical Taxi Tour every year.”
liaising with both the UK police and the
him on this splendid and well deserved acco-
To be nominated for the Award, a Liveryman
French gendarmes. He has to direct opera-
lade.”
has to have made exceptional contribution to
tions at the fuel stop and then on arrival at the
We think the whole trade echoes those sen-
the work of his Livery or the wider Livery,
Disney resort he will be busy directing cab
timents…
Every issue of Call Sign takes a look back at ODRTS history through the pages
of the magazines of the time with a Flashback…
DIAL-A-CAB FLASHBACK
This issue goes back 19 years and looks at how a DaC driver “saved” Princess Diana!
From the April 1996 issue of Call Sign
DAC DRIVER SAVES DIANA!
You will have read in the national press recently about an incident where a loaned car driven by Diana, the Princess of
Wales, was hit by another car that had crossed the centre of Cromwell Road and caused an accident involving several
other cars.
Fortunately for HRH, the vehicle following her car was a Dial-a-Cab taxi, the driver of which saw the whole incident -
although being somewhat modest, he has asked Call Sign not to name him. Our driver immediately jumped out to see if
the person in the car in front was injured. He had no idea who was in the car and could not believe it when he opened
the door to see Princess Diana in the driving seat. For the first few moments, he was dumb-struck, but soon realised the
security aspects of the situation and advised the Princess to go with him to the nearest police station. Also having
regained his composure, he enquired after her well-being and Diana told him that she was a bit shaken but otherwise ok.
The driver had a lady passenger in his cab at the time of the accident and when he went back to the cab and
explained that he was sorry but she would have to get out to allow another passenger in, she was not best pleased until
she saw who the passenger was. The driver saying there would be no charge helped placate her as well!
En route to the police station, Diana told him that she always had a high regard for London taxi drivers and that this
incident only confirmed that faith in us. On arrival at the police station, the DaC driver ushered HRH into the reception
where they were faced with staff who looked somewhat surprised at seeing Princess Diana being escorted in by a taxi
driver. The driver told Call Sign that he was happy no one made a joke about whether he had caught her trying to bilk
him!
The driver was interviewed and gave a full account of the incident before going back to work and looking forward to recounting the
story to any driver prepared to listen - and believe him!
But then early the following morning, the subscriber was awoken out of his dreams by a phone call from Kensington Palace thanking him for his swift
action and all his help in making sure that Her Royal Highness was kept safe in difficult circumstances. He told Call Sign that he was taken aback by the
genuine sincerity and he apologised if he seemed non-compos mentis as he was a night man and had been woken out of his sleep!
In his excitement while on his way to the police station, he told us he was rather upset that he had not mentioned to HRH about opening an account with
DaC while explaining the virtues of our Female Taxicard Service. Will Allen Togwell ever forgive him for this missed opportunity!
Jery Craig, Editor, Call Sign
Call Sign July 2015
Page 25
OPERATIONS MANAGER UPDATE
some of the longer type of journeys. I
Hello Ladies & Gents,
hope that with your assistance, we can con-
Fixed Price trips
tinue to do so.
Since my last report, you may have noticed
that we are now introducing more Fixed
Complaints meeting
Price trips to our regular account holders. It
You will see below the results of the most
was quite apparent to me that the only way to
recent Complaints hearing and I hope that
gain more lucrative trips was to offer them
you will all now work within the Procedure
competitive rates that our rivals are offering.
Rules that I listed in my last article. The sys-
Over the most recent period, we have dis-
tem is now regularly monitored and I would
patched more trips to both Heathrow and
politely ask you all to book in correctly, espe-
Gatwick and in addition, have seen journeys
cially in EC5.
as far as Nottingham, Ipswich, Swindon
These rules are in place to protect the
and Clacton-on-Sea, to name but a few that
Society and to make things fair and equal for
have been offered to you, the members.
all of us and I will do my level best to bring
The feedback from many clients has been
things back on track. This Society has never
very positive and although it is still early days,
operated on a free-for-all basis; it has always
this new policy allows clients to use a black
offered each member a fair and honest allo-
a Fixed Price is rejectable without penalty, but
taxi, which many of them still prefer. Prices
cation of work - and rightfully so!
I hope you will understand why we are intro-
are based on mileage and distance and the
Lastly, the Chairman has previously written
ducing this aggressive approach and that you
length of time it may take to complete the
about the new Society logo, but I have
will give us your full support in an exercise
actual journey that is being offered.
received a number of calls and emails from
that we anticipate will not only increase these
To make the journeys more acceptable to
members that have reported Dial-a-Cab taxis
types of trips, but will help our Sales team in
the account holders, on certain trips the rate
failing to carry the logo. Please display them;
their tenders for new business.
will remain on the fixed price but a waiting
they are there for a reason.
It’s pleasing to know that we are now offer-
time premium equivalent to £26 per hour
Allan Evans
ing members trips that we haven’t seen for
will be incorporated into the final fare if a
quite a while and in the process, regaining
DaC Operations / Compliance
Fixed Price excess is applicable. As you know,
Complaints results: April 2015
There was a Complaints Hearing held at DaC House on 22 April 2015.
Due to Appeals, all the results were held over until this issue as Call Sign does not publish a June issue…
Name & call sign
Description
Verdict
Ian Gaffney (Z35)
Driver booked into WW00 when
2. 1 week suspension
true location was Slough W99.
3. 1 week suspension
Rules 2, 3, 11
11. 2 weeks suspension
Christopher Marquis (G99) Driver booked into EC5 when true
2. 1 week suspension
location was Upminster.
3. 1 week suspension
Driver accepted fixed price trip from
11. 2 weeks suspension
EC4 to E14. Cleared trip 3 minutes
later and booked back into EC5.
Rules 2, 3, 11
Alan Alty (N47)
Driver booked in to E14C when true
2. Warning
location was A102. Drivers must be
3. Warning
within security points at Canary
11. 2 weeks suspension
Wharf to book in.
Reduced to above following Appeal
Rules 2, 3, 11
Darren Lazarus (C89)
Driver reported by DaC members
3. 4 week suspension
that he was approaching drivers
2. Expelled
at LCA to join GetTaxi.
Decision upheld at Appeal Hearing
Rules 2, 3
DAC’S NEW ARBITRATORS
On page 18 of the May Call Sign, there was a request from Company Secretary Howard Pears for
members to fill three vacancies on the Arbitrator’s list. As the piece said, should more than three
members apply then there would have been a postal ballot.
However, as only three responded, these have now been added to the list of drivers currently
on that committee.
The three members are: Richard Potter (T51), Gary Cox (O46) and Mark Tiller (K90).
Call Sign July 2015
Page 26
It was a Blast from
In this series, Cab Guide, City of London Guide and City of
a shotgun, fired by
Westminster Guide Bob Woodford looks at infamous peace time
a crazy, deranged
unhinged
and
London explosions…
unsuccessful busi-
nessman
that
brought an abrupt
and cruel end to
the life of Tory
Blast!
leader
Spencer
Percival - the only time in British history
that a Prime Minister has been assassinated.
Old Bailey and despite his lawyer’s
At
5.15pm on the afternoon of Monday
plea of insanity, was hung by the neck
11th May 1812, a pistol ball fired by John
until he died - 6 days after the killing
Bellingham, a member of the public sitting
and 2 days after Percival’s funeral.
patiently by a fireplace in the Lobby of the House
The British Prime Minister, a
of Commons, would bring a dramatic end to the
Londoner, left a devoted wife and 12
life and promising career of Percival.
children. He was cut down in his
The PM had walked through the Lobby en
prime and before he could make
route to the Chamber when Bellingham stood up
any lasting mark, he was blasted
and walked towards his victim and pointed the
away…
gun at his chest. Blast! As Percival stumbled and
then crumpled to the floor, he shouted out in
Bob Woodford
agony: 'I am murdered!' whilst Bellingham calmly
Call Sign Online
strode back to the fireplace and sat down again.
Percival was hit with one shot to the chest and
with the bullet lodged in his ribs, he was escorted
by a group of bystanders, led by Independent
Geely suing Metrocab
Member William Smith (maternal grandfather of
Florence Nightingale), to the Speaker's apart-
The producer holding the license to the London’s iconic TX4
ments where he was laid on a table - but after a
has decided to call into court the companies that have banded together to deliver an emis-
few minutes of sobbing, he died before a doctor
sions free competitor, claiming the almost identical design would be confusing for drivers
could be rushed into the room.
and clients.
Back in the Lobby meanwhile, the assassin was
The London Taxi Company, which is owned by China’s Geely Automobile
seized and his firearm confiscated, but it was
Holdings, has announced that the Frazer-Nash Research Ltd. and Ecotive Ltd zero-
some time later before it was discovered that he
emission Metrocab is violating its trademarks.
had on his person another pistol, primed and
“It is actually all about the shape,” said the LTC lawyer Douglas Campbell. The companies
loaded, hidden in a secret compartment of his
are scheduled to go to trial in November. The problem began when London Mayor Boris
overcoat.
Johnson said last year that the city wanted all new taxis to be emissions free by 2018 to
Bellingham was taken to the Sergeant-at-Arms
help curb London’s pollution.
quarters for questioning, while a journalist at the
Geely is currently spending £250million on its new plant in Coventry to manufacture envi-
scene mentioned that he had frequently seen the
ronmentally friendlier variants of the TX4. Meanwhile, Frazer-Nash Research and Ecotive
man in the Visitors’ Gallery of the House of
have said that they will begin building their new Metrocab next year in a deal with privately
Commons, where he regularly asked questions
held manufacturer Multimatic Holdings.
about the identities of speakers - most notable
“The identity of the manufacturer of the car is a matter of supreme indifference to the
Cabinet Ministers.
passenger,” Frazer-Nash commented in documents at a London court hearing. Their £50mil-
He remained surprisingly calm, while there was
lion joint venture facility is also in the Coventry area. The zero-emission Metrocab is currently
uproar around him and admitted the killing,
on trial in London.
because he had been denied the redress of his
grievances by Government. He stated that he had
been ill-treated and was a most unfortunate man,
but had felt sufficient justification for what he had
done.
Earlier in the afternoon, Bellingham had been
with friends at a private art collection, when he
asked to be excused because he had some “busi-
ness to attend to” - and his blame for failed busi-
ness interests was directed at the Prime Minister,
who was blasted away!
EARLY TREATMENT MEANS SPEEDY RECOVERY
The murderer was despatched to Newgate
Treatment for pain & discomfort doesn’t have to be expensive
Prison some 3 hours later after revealing that he
had previously been falsely imprisoned for sever-
al years for debt in Russia and the British Embassy
The Centre offers fully qualified therapists in Physiotherapy,
refused to help. His sense of grievance mounted
Osteopathy, Sports Massage, Reflexology, Shiatsu, Remedial
to the point where he decided to kill the PM!
Massage, Indian Head Massage, Hydrotherm, Massage
While Bellingham was confessing, the news
went around beyond the Palace of
Therapy, Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.
Westminster and an angry mob assembled in
Parliament Square - not mourning the death
Call us on 020 8507 8169
of the PM, but intent on rescuing Bellingham!
or mobile 07973 639 473 for an early appointment
But they were surged back by Life Guards.
Email: andy@bptconline.co.uk or fax: 020 8507 9650
Just like today, any excuse was needed for ‘rent-
a-mob’ and this time it was the serious conditions
Out of hours enquiries welcome
of the economy and the war with France that
sparked it off - and it was quickly crushed for fear
Barking Physical Therapy Centre
of a break out in violence among the working
90 Longbridge Road, Barking, Essex, IG11 8SF
classes.
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 9am till 8pm and Saturday 9am till 2pm
The murderer, a Liverpudlian, was tried at the
www.bptconline.co.uk
Call Sign July 2015
Page 27
aC driver Sean Farrell (B39) looks at trade history from a different angle
Brethren of the Whip
long as I sit as a magistrate.”
and out of court all day. The court usher
The cabman,
With that, he ordered Mrs Reece to pay
was then called and he testified that the
the widow
the 5s fare and a further 6s 6d in costs. But
man, Mrs Reece’s brother, had been pass-
one month later, all the parties were back
ing information to witnesses outside the
and a case
in the same court with the same magis-
court.
of lying…
trate to hear a charge of perjury. Mrs Reece
Once again Magistrate Knox saw fit to
however was not in the dock, it was ‘the
bring an end to the trial. He attacked Mrs
On January
6th
very respectable looking cabman’ William
Reece for her countless contradictions and
1865, a young cab-
Gates, who was now on trial!
had not “the slightest hesitation in most
man by the name
Mrs Reece testified that she first gave the
distinctly and emphatically discharging
of William Gates
maid the cabman’s fare of 3s 6d, but she
William Gates from the charge of perjury.”
picked up the high-
returned with it saying the cabman was
The court erupted in applause at the ver-
ly respectable - but
demanding 5 shillings. Mrs Reece then
dict.
recently widowed - Mrs Marian Reece
sent down the page boy, but likewise he
William Gates could be forgiven for
and took her to several destinations
returned with it. She then sent down her
thinking that was the end of the matter,
before finally setting her down outside her
cook who reported that the cabman had
but just one week later he was summoned
own house. Gates informed his passenger
finally accepted the money.
to appear at the Old Bailey, charged under
that the fare, allowing for distance and
the Vexatious Prosecutions Act - this was
Mrs Reece’s son George was then
waiting at the various stops, was 5 shillings
called. He testified that before the first
for his summons against Mrs Reece’s son
(25p) but Mrs Reece told him his fare was
for perjury. Mrs Reece was not going to
trial, he had gone to William Gates’ res-
3s 6d (171/2 p) and that was all he was
give up that easily!
idence in Conduit Street to settle the
going to get! Without paying him even that
But she had to! A grand jury looking at
matter out of court. He claimed that
amount, she then went into her house.
her application to prosecute Gates was
Gates stated he would only the settle
Gates waited a few minutes before
“ignored” by them and she now wished to
the matter if he was paid 10 shillings.
knocking and informing a servant that he
withdraw from any further proceedings in
This was denied by Gates and he had
was still waiting for his fare and that it was
the matter.
already served a counter-summons
5 shillings. The servant returned and
“It was,” remarked Gates’s legal repre-
against George Reece for perjury relat-
informed the cabman that if he wanted his
sentative, “all the result of a mistake.”
ing to this evidence.
money, he would have to summons Mrs
While George Reece had been giving his
Reece.
Sean Farrell (B39)
evidence, a man in court had spoken a few
Marylebone Police Court must have
words to him. Gates’ defence team had
Call Sign Online
been a daunting place to the young cab-
objected to this and noted he had been in
man; he was only 22 years old and had not
been a driver for long. But he gave his side
of the story, only for the highly respectable
Mrs Reece to give a totally different one!
She said she had sent her page boy out
THE SALIERI RESTAURANT
with 3s 6d to pay the cabman and that her
housemaid, Isabella, had witnessed the
376 Strand, WC2
transaction. Isabella then stepped up to
the witness box and stated that she had
We Invite Dial-a-Cab drivers and their guests to our
not seen any money passed over. This was
quite brave for the servant, as it would
restaurant where you can partake of the finest food and wine
then be unlikely that she would remain in
And as a thank-you for helping our clients come
her position for going against her mistress.
No matter how much Mrs Reece pres-
and go over the years, we are happy to be able to
sured Isabella, the maid stuck to her testi-
offer you a genuine 25% discount on your bill
mony; she had not seen the cabman get
his fare. Mrs Reece said the policeman
must have seen it as he was there at the
We are certain that you will be delighted
time. Gates agreed there was a policeman
present, but what he saw was Isabella pass
him a card with Mrs Reece’s name and
address upon it.
The policeman was not in court and the
magistrate, Mr Knox, adjourned the case
until the following day so that he might be
present. When he did appear, he backed
Please bring along your badge or Bill as ID
up the cabman’s version of events that no
money had been paid to him. Knox had
Salieri Restaurant
heard enough. He accused Mrs Reece’s
defence of attempting an imposition upon
376 Strand, WC2
the court:
Reservations: 020 7836 1318
“It is a shocking case of lying. I hope
I shall never hear such a case again so
Call Sign July 2015
Page 28
Choccies for the Editor???
Call Sign always tries to publish personal stories and photos sent in
where customers
from drivers such as weddings, barmitzvahs and new grandchildren
also be able to
added to their families, but very rarely does Editor Al publish anything
the most amaz
personal to himself - well not until now!
cakes.
Alan has always been a self-confessed chocoholic, so his granddaugh-
When I told A
ter Shelby’s long held desire to become a pastry chef was a dream come
that I’d be writi
true for him and he always bravely said she could practice on him! And
about his gran
now at the end of her third and final year at college, Shelby has achieved
daughter, he to
her aim and seems to have the ability to make anything sweet, including
me: “What can
the most stunning gateaux and has even taken on private orders to make
say; she’s go
wedding cakes.
geous, funny an
The photo shows Shelby’s latest masterpiece; but if you think
can make the mos
that what she is holding is a box of chocolates, then you’d only be
delicious cake
half right because the whole thing is chocolate - including the box
and chocolate
and the ribbon! So just for our editor to drool over, Shelby’s mas-
What else could I
terpiece is a white chocolate box filled with a variety of milk, dark
want!”
and white chocolate pralines with fillings of Baileys caramel, choco-
When I men-
late whiskey and chocolate orange and the edible chocolate bow!
tioned the sub-
Shelby is doing a Level 3 NVQ patisserie course with the box of
ject of weight,
chocolates being part of a 60 hour course in chocolate work, making a
the editor said it
variety of items from lollies to chocolate bars before ending with the
was no problem
exam where Shelby did that amazing choccy box!
because
his
Often placing photos of her work online, Shelby was head-hunted by
other grand-
caterers, Seasoned Events, who host amazing parties, networking
daughter,
events, dinners and receptions at the Tower Bridge Walkway, where
Imogen, was
guests can eat with the most amazing views surrounding them. A com-
going to be an
pany representative spotted Shelby’s portfolio of cake designs and
Olympic gym-
gateaux etc - well before she had made her chocolate box - and
nast and she’d
approached her to work for them, but Shelby said she wanted to com-
rustle up a
plete her course. So they said they’d wait and allowed her to go in when-
few exercises to help him lose it -
ever she had some free time! Now her NVQ has been successfully com-
round about every fourth month!!!”
pleted, Seasoned Events have snapped Shelby up on a full time basis,
Michael Toomey
although her ambition is to open her own upmarket tea shop/patisserie
Call Sign Online
Albany: 2015 Run to the sun…
On Monday 15th June, the Albany Taxi Charity
Fund set out on their annual outing to Hastings
with around 200 children and carers in 70 taxis.
After a hearty breakfast supplied by Charlton
Athletic FC and sponsored by the LTDA, they
left the football ground at 9am, along with
police and unit support riders who all did a
wonderful job getting the convoy to Hastings
with no problems.
They arrived at Bewl Water at 11am for a toilet break, cup
of tea and a chat while also looking at the wonderful view of
the lake. Then it was off again to Hastings. They arrived at
Sainsbury’s en route, where they were met by the Mayor of
Hastings together with the Hastings crew who help them
each year. This team is led by the one and only Gina Sexton.
Then a slow ride into Hastings Old Town car park and the children
were off to enjoy the free rides including Flamingo Amusement, Aquarium, Blue Reef, RNLI and the
Shipwreck Museum.
At 3pm it was back to the cabs for the short ride up the coast to Azur Marina at St Leonard's-on-Sea for an afternoon tea of fish
and chips; then it was time to enjoy a disco before leaving the south coast behind at 6pm for the journey home and to drop the chil-
dren at their respective homes.
The committee of The Albany Taxi Charity would like to thank Ascott Cab Co for once again sponsoring the diesel and
the LTDA who sponsored the breakfast at Charlton; but a great big thank you goes to all the drivers who give up their
time to support the outing.
Their next trip will be to Herne Bay on Monday 13th July. If you would like to take part please telephone Ray Ali on 07779 798872.
On a footnote, next year will be the 25th ‘Run to the Sun’ at Hastings. The dates to be announced. Many thanks to you all…
The Albany Committee
Call Sign July 2015
Page 29
A four page article in Classic Motorcycle Mechanics tells the
world about it!
f you own a motorcycle and look after it,
then you probably read Classic
JON AND HIS SUZUKI X7…
Motorcycle Mechanics anyway! But on
I
the off chance that you only stick to
your taxi, you may be interested in a four-
page article on Dial-a-Cab driver Jon
Robinson (E88) in that monthly motorcy-
clist’s bible. Jon has been on DaC for the
past 22 years, but his love of fast bikes goes
back much further and an article - X7th
Heaven - in the issue published on May
20th tells the story of that love.
It was on his 17th birthday that he got the
bike he’d been dreaming of, one that would
allow Jon to get to the magical 100mph - a
Suzuki GT250 X7. It was 1979 and £765
was a lot of loot - over £1000 when you
added insurance and number plates etc -
but he wanted nothing else other than that
red and black power machine. Jon admits
that he never did see 100mph during those
early years, but he loved the bike like fami-
ly - and still does! However, he didn’t drive
it like family, was constantly pushing it to
the limit and the repair bills kept mounting
Jon and his Suzuki publicise DaC in Classic Motorcycle Mechanics
up. As Jon so succinctly puts it in the article:
“God, that bike kept me poor on my
- the bike’s and not Tracey’s - began rusting
who were waiting for the real races to start.
apprentice’s wage!”
from the inside and eventually the bike
But it still gave Jon a day he says he will
But Jon showed his cab driver’s sense
ended up in a council lock-up for 16 years.
never forget! Now on most Sundays, Jon
of humour when telling the story of his
Jon tried to part-exchange it for another
and his bike can be seen around the Kent
only bad smash when girlfriend Tracey
bike, but the dealer’s words of it sounding
countryside. But the full story of Jon and his
was sitting on the back. He hit a wet
like a bag of rusty nails put an end to that!
GT250 X7 - which he still has after over 35
manhole cover, which saw the bike slide
He bought a few other bikes over the years
years - is in Classic Motorcycle Mechanics.
and topple over. But Tracey must have
while the Suzuki remained hidden from
And perhaps hankering for a PR job with
realised that it was love when Jon
public gaze, but it was his dad who talked
DaC, two of the photos used for the story
picked her up before looking at his
Jon into restoring the bike and over the
feature Dial-a-Cab!
beloved X7! They are now married.
next four years, every nut and bolt was
Classic Motorcycle Mechanics is pub-
But trouble followed when the fuel tank
replaced - and of course it got a new fuel
lished on the third Wednesday of each
tank.
month…
That led to Jon and his Suzuki going on a
Dennis Latchett
memorable 15 minute flat out blast around
Brands Hatch watched by a full race crowd
Call Sign Online
GUBER!
You may not need us now, but cut us out for when you do!
ot long after Uber chief,
Travis Kalanick, said that
he’d like all his cars to use the
LOCKHOUSE SECURITY
N
Google self-drive cars when
they finally arrive, a further link has
emerged when Rachel Whetstone
All types of locks, opened, repaired and replaced
swapped positions from Google to Uber
10% discount on keys and locks for DaC drivers
as Senior Vice President of Policy and
Transponders / chipped keys
Communications.
On site key cutting services including taxis
The story becomes interesting when
Locks replaced / fitted to insurance specifications (BS3621
you discover that Ms Whetstone had
worked alongside current PM David
Burglary repairs / boarding up
Cameron in previous employment some
Additional security / security upgrades
time after leaving Bristol University
Safes opened, repaired and serviced
where surprise, surprise, she studied poli-
Grilles and security gates
tics! Then you have hubby Steve Hilton,
who used to be a senior advisor to guess
Specialists in UPVC doors and windows / patio doors
who - got it in one… David Cameron!
Free estimates / no call out charge
Not sure if it’s worth mentioning, but
24hr service
Rachel was also linked to another former
PM - Michael Howard - in 2003 when
You can find us at:
she became his Chief of Staff.
8-10 The Arcade, Farnham Road, Harold Hill
Is it just us, or can any Call Sign read-
Tel: 01708 371115
ers see a pattern forming!!
Call Sign July 2015
Page 30
PROPHECY???
a halt and put it down to too many minicabs.
buses floating about and blocking up every
He didn’t mention the Caledonian Clowns - or
road they go down.
their better-known name of Uber.
So after hearing that Knowledge applications
Of course he could also have spoken of the
are down by 20% and minicabs up by around
horrendous congestion being caused by the
10,000 or so and increasing by around 1000
new cycle superhighways, which Call Sign
each month, Boris went into his speech about
was firt to discover that cyclists don’t actually
too many minicabs saying there had to be a
have to use and that should they choose to,
limit to their numbers - late as usual.
they can still bypass and use the main section
So we thought it was the height of irony
Prophecy or temporary breakdown?
of road! Perhaps it’s us, but doesn’t that make
when on the same day Call Sign’s Gary
You tell us...
the whole thing pointless?
Cox (O46) spotted this Knowledge bike
The biggest racing certainty of the year was that
Then there are the traffic lights that give
complete with obligatory directional
during Call Sign’s annual month off, some-
more and more time to pedestrians - regard-
details on its just as obligatory KoL board,
thing fairly sensational would happen. And of
less of whether there are any about - than
being carried away by a breakdown
course it did when Mayor Boris Johnson final-
they do to vehicles paying a fortune to be
truck. Prophecy - or just a temporary
ly realised that London was slowly grinding to
there. Or the numerous numbers of empty
breakdown…???
An occasional review from a struggling 14 handicapper at some of the marque golf
courses I've had the privilege to play in my golf days away from the taxi…
SIMON’S GOLF COURSES
Teeing off -
Littlestone Golf Club
overlooked
On Monday 11th May, some golfing
by the club-
cabbies and myself made the trip
house!
down to Littlestone Golf Club on
the Kent coast. It’s a links course that
I've wanted to play for some time
and I have to say it was all I had
hoped for… and more.
The first hole is probably one of the
easier holes on the course, but if you
have jangly first tee nerves, the tee box
is a mere two strides from the club-
house and its balcony will make that all
here for a reasonable green fee. It really is exceptional.
important first drive a tad more nervy!
Of course I’m far too modest to mention in Call Sign that I hit a birdie at
There are many great holes at
Littlestone - the finest 4 iron I've ever hit! And the editor wouldn’t let me tell
Littlestone; at the turn the course
you anyway!
begins to turn the screws on as a test
Happy golfing…
of golf. Two holes off the white’s tees
Simon Wallis (M11)
deserve special mention - and if the
Call Sign Online
wind is blowing towards you, a good
card may well be ruined.
The 16th into the wind is one the
sternest par 4's I've played; it is also
The Flower Mill
majestic on the eye. A slight dog-left
Creating Beautiful Flowers For Weddings
around a dune leaving a long iron or
wood to an undulating perched green
(I'd play it as a 5 next time).
Tel:
07854 738895
The par 3 seventeenth is spectacu-
lar - in fact the par 3's at Littlestone
Web: www.theflowermillessex.co.uk
have the best collection of 3's I've
played anywhere. From a high
Email: theflowermill@yahoo.co.uk
exposed tee with the sea 100 yards
away, you need to arrow your shot
Covering Essex & The Surrounding Counties
through the wind over a ravine and
past numerous deep pot bunkers…a
“It is at the edge of a petal that love waits”- William Carlos Williams
fabulous hole. Test yourself at links
Call Sign July 2015
Page 31
Dave’s bilk
loss repaid!
Thanks to his CabCam and a police officer…
2014 issue) from where they just got out
a serious business and means she will have to
and walked away from his cab without
keep her head down in future,” Dave added.
“What a resounding result,” Dave Stewart
paying the fare.
“I’m really grateful to Police Officer Solanki
(M13) enthusiastically told Call Sign. “When
“I do have a CabCam fitted in my taxi and
for his determined efforts on my behalf and
a brown envelope recently dropped onto my
the images from that provided the evidence
that justice finally prevailed. In the very few
doormat, I thought it was yet another bill, so
for Officer Solanki of Ruislip Police
instances where these situations occur, the
imagine my surprise when it turned out to be
Station to tenaciously investigate and bring
travelling public must realise that they cannot
a letter from Her Majesty’s Court Service for
the matter to a successful resolution in my
get away with not paying their taxi fare…”
London enclosing a cheque for £60, being the
favour. The delay in me receiving payment
full payment of the ‘bilk I suffered some
was because the whole process had to go
months ago.”
through strict court procedure, from where I
Alan Green
Regular readers will recall how Dave
believe the lady concerned was given a police
Call Sign Online
took two females to Ruislip (December
caution. It may not sound much, but it’s quite
UBER LOSE ‘WHAT ARE WE’ CASE
Are they employees or independent contractors???
The New York Times recently reported on a ruling regarding a San Francisco cab driver and Uber, where the California Labor Commissioner’s
Office has now said that Uber driver Barbara Ann Berwick should be classified as an employee and not an independent contractor - something the
app claims should be the case.
The ruling ordered Uber to reimburse Ms Berwick with $4,152.20 in expenses and other costs for the eight weeks she worked as an Uber driver in
2014. Uber has always claimed that it is merely an app that connects drivers and passengers and has no control over the hours its drivers work, but
the Commissioner’s Office cited instances in which it said Uber acted more like an employer. Uber is appealing the decision, which only applies to Ms
Berwick.
Uber has won cases in at least five other US states in keeping its definition of drivers as independent contractors. But the San
Francisco ruling stands out because officials formally laid out their arguments for why Uber drivers are employees. According to
the newspaper, that could bolster class-action lawsuits against the company in the state where California law expressly requires
employers to reimburse employees for business expenses and several suits proceeding against Uber are based on that state law.
Technology companies such as Uber have long contended that their virtual marketplaces, in which people act as contractors and use their own pos-
sessions - eg a car - to provide services to the public at the touch of a smartphone button, afford workers flexibility and freedom. Whereas anti-Uber
activists have said that people working as freelancers and having little certainty over their wages
and job status provide a way for companies such as Uber to minimise costs, even as they main-
tain considerable control over drivers’ workplace behaviour.
The California ruling, which was made in June and only came to light after Uber filed an
appeal, noted that the company provided drivers with phones and had a policy of deactivating
its app if drivers were inactive for 180 days.
“Defendants hold themselves out as nothing more than a neutral technological plat-
form, designed simply to enable drivers and passengers to transact the business of
transportation,” the Labor Commissioner’s Office wrote about Uber. “The reality, how-
ever, is that defendants are involved in every aspect of the operation.”
Uber now faces class-action lawsuits from other drivers who also say they were misclassified
as independent contractors. Shannon Liss-Riordan, a Boston-based employee and labor rights
lawyer who is involved in the lawsuits on behalf of drivers against Uber, said the commissioner’s
office ruling would be “helpful” to the suits, which argue drivers should be reimbursed for
expenses.
“This is a very big deal,” she said. “Uber has been fighting very hard against any decisions
like this coming out and when a fact-finder sat down and looked at the situation they deter-
mined that Uber was an employer.”
In an interview with NYT, Ms Berwick said she began driving for Uber last summer because
she had grown bored of working by herself at her computer. But she quickly took issue with
Uber’s policy of classifying drivers as independent contractors.
“People who drive people are employees,” Ms Berwick said. “Bus drivers are employees.
Paratransit drivers are employees.”
In the course of driving for Uber from July to September 2014, working 60 to 80 hours a
week, she said, she earned about $11,000 before expenses and taxes.
“If you work it out, if I didn’t get compensated for expenses, I’d be working for less than min-
imum wage.”
Ms. Berwick has a history of being litigious. Since 1991, she and her company have filed at
least 20 lawsuits in California. In one case, she sued an employee of a pizza parlour for $500 in
damages for leaving restaurant menus on her gate. She was not awarded any damages…
Call Sign July 2015
Page 32
Richard Potter (T51) and a few things that are…
Kevin Gilby
I am sure that every London Taxi driver was
saddened to hear the news that one of our
colleagues was killed instantly in a collision
between two vehicles in Chislehurst on the
morning of 5th June. Even though it is very
ON MY MIND!
rare, it is always very sad and I am sure every-
one at DaC including myself sends their con-
London to Brighton
dolences to the family and friends of Kevin
Bike Ride
Gilby.
Finally, on Sunday 21st June my mate Steve
Grange and myself cycled the London to
Uber: The net closing in?
Brighton Bike Ride. This is the 5th year in a
It appears that the net is closing in on Uber
row we have taken part and we really enjoy it
as The Guardian and TV programme
- not just the ride, but the atmosphere. It
Watchdog get their teeth into the company. It
often takes ages to get from Clapham to
was interesting to see Jo Bertram trying to
Banstead because of the sheer volume of rid-
explain to Anne Robinson on BBC 1 con-
ers, but it`s a great day out and all in a good
sumer program Watchdog about how it was
cause.
that so many Uber customers were having
If you would like to add to our sponsorship
their accounts hacked and why those same
by a £1 or 2 to help raise money for The
customers were then unable to contact any-
British Heart Foundation, then please use
one at Uber to get a refund after the hackers
written back saying that I have failed to sup-
the following link. Many thanks…
fraudulently used the accounts for cab rides.
ply the information required!
www.justgiving.com/stephen-grange3/
Why don’t they have a phone line? Because
You actually get a polite email from TfL thank-
their technology savvy users apparently pre-
ing you for your email and saying that they will
Richard Potter
fer emails - even those that moaned to say
contact you within ten days. Then nothing!
they couldn’t find a phone number! So now
Call Sign Online
Come on TfL, get yourselves sorted out.
we know! Who needs a phone to complain!
But then again, why would they want to
complain because according to Jo, it was-
n’t their fault anyway; it was the fault of
LEN PLUMB
the customers for using the same log-in
on several different online facilities!
1939 - 2015
What was almost as fascinating was when
Watchdog showed the routes taken by the
Those drivers who read Len Plumb’s latest article in The
hacker’s cabs. They almost made me feel
Cab Driver where he wrote of suffering a heart attack
dizzy watching how the drivers patently had
following a cycling holiday in
no clue as to where they were going.
Majorca must have been shocked to hear that he had
However, as the “passengers” weren’t using
passed away on 8 June, soon after publication.
their own loot, who really cares!
There can be few, if any, members of the London taxi
Ms Bertram didn’t seem to do much better
trade who have been writing regularly for such a long
when questioned by The Guardian about
period of time. He was regularly in TAXI and Steering
licensing checks and it seems that anyone can
Wheel, often writing a whole page of trade news - but
sign up to Uber, but of course we’ve been
astonishingly, it was all in rhyme!
saying that for months so to us it`s not any-
The only way we can think of to describe Lenny Plumb
thing new.
was that if you had to picture a true London cabby who cared deeply about his trade, you’d
Ms Bertram always says that Uber don't
see Len!
advertise but use their disruptive status as a
Our condolences go to his wife Mags and his whole family.
tool, as those being disrupted tend to publi-
cise Uber by complaining about it. How lazy!
Remember how the trade was criticised
when we held a drive-in to complain
THE CALL SIGN INTERNET LIBRARY
about Uber and all Jo Bertram could say
was that the Uber app had been down-
Want to look up something in an old issue of Call Sign?
loaded at a far greater rate on that day
due to us complaining, but not how sorry
Don’t want to spend hours looking through old issues?
she was for the trouble they had caused.
There is a simple answer - the Call Sign Internet Library!
Uber are indeed quite unique - but for all
Log on to www.dac-callsign.co.uk or on to www.dac-callsi
the wrong reasons. I honestly believe that we
have gone away from the days where people
Then either browse through every issue of Call Sign since
didn't trust the internet, to now when it is
1998 by using the Search facility or type in a clue and let
believed as gospel. The people need to be
our search engine do the rest
aware.
If you want to read each complete issue with ads, you can do that.
TfL: Polite if nothing else!
Since the May 2006 issue, you just need to click on the PDF logo.
I know some people think that the trade is
No search facility for that but if you know the page then go to it,
hanging TfL out to dry at the moment, but
press CTRL F and a box will appear. Just type in the word and the text
the appalling issues some drivers have are
on that page will be highlighted.
quite true. It took a friend of mine three
months to renew his licence due to delays,
There are also issues from 1967, 1977 and 1987 as a reminder of the old days!
which he could do little about.
I have emailed TfL three times with copies
THE CALL SIGN INTERNET LIBRARY
of my driving licence details to prove my
medical fitness and three times they have
Call Sign July 2015
Page 33
Yes, it’s that time of year again;
strawberries, cream and the
Taxis at the Wimbledon
Wimbledon tennis champi-
onships! They began last
Monday (29th) and continue
Tennis Championships
until July 12th. As usual there
will be special taxi arrangements
Well, you never
know!
for the duration of the tourna-
ment.
Taxi drop-offs:
Taxi passengers coming from Southfields
Station should be dropped-off at the taxi rank
in Church Road, near Gate 4. Stopping else-
where on Church Road is not permitted. Taxi
passengers coming from Wimbledon Station
Westminster Bridge
should be dropped off in Somerset Road
inclusive: £12.00.
near Gate 13.
Addresses
in
Postal District WC1;
Taxi ranking:
addresses on Euston Road East of
Journeys to other locations:
Southfields Station: A taxi rank in Augustus
Tottenham Court Road; Euston, Kings
Fixed-fare, shared-taxis are also available
Road near Southfields Station will operate
Cross and St Pancras Stations: £14.40.
from the rank near Gate 4 to the following
during the Championships and fixed-fare,
Addresses in postal districts EC1, EC2,
destinations:
shared-taxi trips to the Championships will
EC3 and EC4; addresses in the area bound-
operate from this rank.
ed by London Bridge, Duke Street Hill,
The taxi rank in Wimbledon Park Road
From the taxi rank out-
Tooley Street, Bermondsey Street, Thomas
near Southfields Station will not be opera-
Street, Bedale Street, Borough High Street,
side Gate 4, Church
tional for the duration of the Championships.
Southwark Street, Blackfriars Bridge and
Wimbledon Station: Fixed-fare, shared-taxi
Road:
the River Thames inclusive: £14.40.
To addresses in the borough of
Taxi drivers must still start their meter at the
trips from Wimbledon Station to the
Championships will be operating for the dura-
Hammersmith and Fulham on and south of
commencement of the journey and any fare
tion of the Championships.
Hammersmith Bridge Road, Hammersmith
agreed in advance must not exceed the
Broadway and Hammersmith Road: £7.20.
metered fare at the end of the journey. If a pas-
Church Road, Wimbledon Tennis Club: A
temporary taxi rank will operate in Church
Addresses in postal districts SW4, SW8
senger or a group wants a normal (unshared)
and SW11; addresses on Clapham Road,
taxi service, the marshals at the rank will ask
Road (near Gate 4) where fixed-fare, shared-
taxi trips will be available for passengers going
Harleyford Street, Kennington Oval and
taxi drivers if they are willing to take the pas-
to Southfields or Wimbledon stations. This
Harleyford Road: £8.40.
sengers. However, if a driver cannot be found
Addresses in the Royal Borough of
after a reasonable time, the normal rules on
taxi rank will also operate normally for pas-
sengers wishing to travel to central London
Kensington and Chelsea in the area bound-
refusals will apply and the first free taxi on the
ed by Cromwell Road, Brompton Road,
rank should accept the hiring.
and other destinations
Passengers will be advised to join the queue
Sloane Street, Sloane Square, Lower
Refusing these fares or loitering to wait
at the rear of the rank near Gate 5 if they wish
Sloane Street and Chelsea Bridge Road
for a shared hiring is not allowed and any
to travel to Wimbledon or Southfields stations
inclusive: £9.60.
driver doing this could be subject to action
and local destinations, or the queue at the
Addresses in Postal District SW1 east of
by TfL
front of the rank near Gate 4 if they wish to
Sloane Street, Sloane Square, Lower
All taxis on the rank must be available for
travel to central London.
Sloane Street and Chelsea Bridge Road:
hire and no taxi must be left unattended on
Drivers should ensure that Gates 4 and 5 are
£10.80.
any taxi rank. All taxi drivers who hold an All
kept clear at all times and that they take care
Addresses in the area bounded by
London taxi driver’s licence or hold a Merton
when u-turning on Church Road.
Warwick Road north of Cromwell Road,
and Sutton Suburban taxi driver’s licence can
Somerset Road, Wimbledon Tennis
Russell Road, Russell Gardens Mews,
use the taxi ranks at Wimbledon Station,
Club: During the Championships a tempo-
Holland Road, Holland Park Avenue,
Southfields Station, Church Road and
rary taxi rank will operate in Somerset Road
Notting Hill Gate, Pembridge Road,
Somerset Road.
(near Gate 13) offering fixed-fare, shared-
Pembridge Villas, Westbourne Grove,
taxi trips to Wimbledon Station. The rank
Bishops Bridge Road, Bishops Bridge
Pre-booked taxis
will also operate normally for passengers
Harrow Road, Edgware Road, Marble Arch,
Space for pre-booked Dial-a-Cab and other
wishing to travel to central London and
Park Lane and Knightsbridge inclusive and
radio circuits to wait for their passengers
other destinations. Drivers should ensure
Brompton Road and Cromwell Road exclu-
has been allocated in Marryat Road.
that Gate 13 and the area in front of the rank
sive: £12.00.
Taxis play an important role in helping spec-
is kept clear at all times.
Addresses in Postal District W1; address-
tators get to and from the Championships.
es in the area bounded by Edgware Road,
There will be local police, borough enforce-
Church Street NW8, Lisson Grove,
ment officers and Transport for London (TfL)
Fixed-fare, shared-taxi
Rossmore Road, Park Road, Allsop Place,
compliance officers working during the
fares:
York Terrace, Upper Harley Street,
Championships, so it is important that all taxi
Wimbledon and Southfields Stations: The
Marylebone Road, Euston Road and
drivers (plus all private hire operators) and
fare for fixed-fare shared-taxi trips between
Tottenham Court Road inclusive: £12.00.
drivers who are planning to serve the
Wimbledon or Southfields Stations and the
Addresses in Postal District WC2;
Wimbledon Tennis Championships this year
Championships is £2.50 for adults and
Waterloo Station; addresses in the area
are aware of the designated areas where taxis
£1.25 for children between 2 and 10 years
bounded by the River Thames, Waterloo
(and PHVs) may stop to drop-off and pick-up
old. Children under 2 travel free. It is ille-
Bridge, Waterloo Road, Baylis Road, Lower
passengers and also do not stop or park in
gal to charge more than these fares.
Marsh, Westminster Bridge Road and
areas where this is not permitted.
Call Sign July 2015
Page 34
Mailshot
Either write to Call Sign at
Dial-a-Cab House
or email us at
callsignmag@aol.com
get to a garage to change the leaking pipe.
could not use time and distance to charge
Renting or sharing
Bernie Silver (G08)
for the journey. It has long been the prac-
If anyone has any useful hints like
tice of the PH Industry to have fixed prices
a cab
Bernie’s, please let Call Sign have them to
for their trips from A to B and points in
Dear Call Sign
pass over to drivers …Ed
between. One only has to look in the win-
I read with interest the piece regarding
renting/sharing a cab. My TX2 is 13 and
dow of any PH / minicab office to see a sam-
clearly I'm starting to consider options in
Uber ‘taxi’
ple of these prices quoted on their walls,
these uncertain times. I've been lucky with
Hi Al
windows and often on a board outside.
my cab and it has only cost me an average
I've done the same as you did at Kings Cross
Now, the piece of equipment used by
of £650/year in servicing and repairs since
(May Call Sign Editorial). I was on the
Uber may not look too similar to the
Marriott Swiss Cottage, an hotel already
taximeter mounted in full view of the cus-
paying off the cost of buying the vehicle
quickly when I was a keen and busy butter-
renowned for their love of minicabs. But I
tomer in a taxi, but to quote an
occasionally stop there to use the loo. A
Americanism: “If it walks like a duck, and
boy! Clearly a new cab, whilst a lovely
thought, is gonna seem very expensive to
woman was standing on the stairs with
quacks like a duck, it's a Duck...”
phone in hand while looking up and down
Eddie Lambert (V37)
me.
What are the Society’s rules regarding
the road. Actually, she was looking every-
Quack, quack Eddie. quack, quack …Ed
where but in my direction! After about 2 min-
renting/sharing and maintaining full mem-
bership? I thought you had to own your
utes, she rapped on the window; I lowered it
Uber Plumbers
and she asked me if I had a satnav? I said I did
own cab or be a journeyman. Either way I'd
Hello Alan
and started to put the window back up. But I
be interested in exploring a cab share with
I spotted a trade van the other day with a
knew what was coming next.
a suitable partner and assume that depend-
livery that advertised Uber Plumbers.com.
“I've ordered a taxi, but my driver is travel-
ing on interest, there will be some kind of
Have they got their fingers in more than
ling in the opposite direction and going away
forum for matching drivers etc.
one pie?
from the hotel. You'll have to take me,” she
On another note, I'm glad the new logo
Francis Robinson (G18)
said. I asked which 'taxi' company she used.
is in the pipeline. Even my young kids often
Would it surprise anyone if they had!
She was an Uber user so I let her know that
say: “Dial-a-Cab? Who dials for a cab these
However, Uber Plumbers are a long-
Uber wasn't a taxi company and politely sug-
days!” Hang strong everyone!
established firm of local plumbers
gested that she waited for her car as it was
James Griffin (T97)
whose office is close to DaC in Paul
obvious that she didn't want a taxi at all. She
There have been quite a number of dri-
Street and with whom we have an unof-
protested a bit, but not for too long as she
vers enquiring since the article
ficial agreement
- they don’t supply
had to move out of the way for some real taxi
appeared in the May issue. Call Sign’s
cabs and we don’t fix sinks! …Ed
users who were waiting behind her. I did the
pages will be open to any Dial-a-Cab dri-
same as you and explained to the drivers
ver who is either willing to rent out his
behind what was going on. The best taxi ser-
Impressed…
or her taxi to another DaC driver whose
vice in the world shouldn't be anyone's sec-
Dear Sir/Madam
cab is soon to reach the end of its life;
ond choice.
I am impressed. Earlier today and on behalf
or if feel you might perhaps be interest-
Mickey Lappin (Ex-E46)
of Fountain Court Chambers, I booked
ed in a new taxi but don’t want to spend
Let me clear one thing up Mickey; just
cash job
(number TO0012). Every tele-
that much and would consider a shared
because we did exactly the same thing,
phonist pertaining to this job has been very
ownership, then just contact this maga-
that doesn’t make it right - but hey, let’s
kind, friendly and highly efficient to deal
zine by either posting your details to
hear what out masters at Blackfriars
with. A couple of people I spoke with were
the office addressed to Call Sign at DaC
think about us! Surely they will agree
Jackie and Wayne. I have been given up to
House or email callsignmag@aol.com.
with our stand. Oh look, that pig is still
the minute updates. I find your driver and
The Society’s rules say that shared own-
up there whizzing about …Ed
booking liaison to be highly efficient and
ers of a cab are allowed, but only one of
your firm will be my first port of call for my
you would be classed as the “owner” so
bookings here at Fountain Court. Well
far as DaC is concerned and be allowed
Uber, the regulations
done…
to attend AGMs, with the other being
and ducks…
Coren Lawrence
the journeyman. Judging by atten-
It is a well-known saying that “the spirt of the
Fountain Court Chambers
dances at that meeting, it obviously
law saves and the letter of the law kills.” So in
isn’t too much of a penalty to many!
considering the current situation legally as to
An ex-driver looks
…Ed
whether Uber is breaking the law regarding
their use of an app in conjunction with a
back - and forward…
Handy hint
modified mobile phone as a taximeter in
Dear Alan,
Hi Alan
actuality, perhaps a look at the intentions of
As you know I retired (by choice) from cab-
Re the May Call Sign article (DaC driver’s
the Act they are deemed to be breaking by
bing some years ago and have been resid-
hose and woes) where Melvyn Harvey
both the London Taxi and Private Hire indus-
ing in Spain for nearly 11 years. When you
(E87) and Geoff Levene (W32J) broke
tries, should be considered. The Act states:
have been working for 50 years and 40 of
down with various leaks from rubber or
“No vehicle to which a London PHV licence
those were as a taxi driver, going out to
metal pipes. A good idea is to carry a roll of
relates shall be equipped with a Taxi Meter.”
work becomes part of your life, part of your
silicone rescue tape (made by Bond). It
A Taxi Meter is a piece of equipment that
daily routine. You cannot imagine life with-
costs under £10 from a plumber’s mer-
records both the time and distance that a
out work and being a self-employed taxi
chant and will fix any leaks it sticks to itself
journey has taken. Therefore it must be quite
driver there isn’t anyone there to pull the
to and keep you on the road until you can
clear that the Act intended that PH journeys
plug on you and present you with a clock
Call Sign July 2015
Page 35
Mailshot
for your mantelpiece.
London Black Cab drivers have come togeth-
Work can be a bad habit, one that is hard
er to stand united against what they describe
to give up especially when you realise that
as the “woeful failure of Transport for London
in doing so one’s standard of living could
to regulate the taxi and private hire market in
unions promote SaveTaxi to their members
drop by two thirds. I think that if I would
London.” With the aim of garnering further
urging them to join us on Facebook and
have stayed in the UK I could well have
support from the public and highlighting the
Twitter. Thank you from the team at
been tempted to continue part time work.
demoralising effects TfL’s lack of regulation
SaveTaxi.
It’s nice to get out of the house and do a lit-
enforcement is having on families and con-
For more information please contact
tle work and then meet your friends for a
sumer choice, Facebook’s Save Our Black
Group Director Artemis Mercer:
cup of tea and share a joke. No need to
Taxis has gained 5,000 supporters in a matter
artemis.mercer@sky.com or Head of PR
chase serious money but just a few hours to
of weeks. In addition, the organisation has an
and Comms Georgiana Foster: geor-
top up that miserable state pension. But
active Twitter account @SaveTaxi with over
gianafoster@live.com.
here’s the rub. There is very little room in
1000 followers and which continues to gain
Artemis Mercer
the taxi industry for part timers these days.
popularity by the day. With a peaceful, static
Save Taxi
With the price of taxis and the expensive
demo planned (on foot) for the 31st July
upkeep, the part timer is slowly being
outside TfL’s offices at Windsor House, 8
Following the demo 2…
squeezed into retirement. It is a pity that
women are working tirelessly in order to
As we stand on the precipice of an abyss
people in their 60s and 70s are faced with
organise the day, spread the word about the
full of futility, desperation and disappoint-
either retirement or having to buy a new or
cause and attempt to save a trade that means
ment, the words too little too late are begin-
very young taxi and take on so much
so much to each of them.
ning to sound the bells of inevitability. I feel
expense forcing them to work full time.
The team fronting the group includes
the need for greater leadership and total
Initially when I gave up work, I definite-
cabby’s wife Artemis Mercer who set up
unity under one banner could be a possible
ly felt that there was something missing
the group, cabby’s girlfriend Cher
way to save our industry. So I wait with
and indeed there was. I missed a routine
Morresey, black cab driver Linda Morris
anticipation and bated breath for the rise of
that had become part of my life; leaving
and PR and Marketing specialist
a positive new unified era in our industry,
home in the evenings, working that cab,
Georgiana Foster. In addition, Amanda
with cooperation rather than the current
meeting my friends in the City, sharing that
Shea, Deborah Martins, Shevonn Melvin,
individual ideology on how to scratch a liv-
joke and talking shop. Work all night and
Johanna Pankhurst and Gail Kyprianides
ing. However, just like the second coming, I
sleep the mornings away.
have combined their efforts in helping to
fear the words ‘not in my lifetime’…
It has taken awhile to adjust to another
plan the demonstration and assist with
Andy Colli (C84)
type of life; a life where time is of no impor-
the development of creative ideas.
Following the demo against TfL on
tance, where jobs can be done in my own
Artemis commented: “TfL is simply not
Tuesday 26 May - one that both Andy
time and I can pursue the hobbies and
doing enough to enforce rules that ensure
and I were on - we came to the same
interests of my choice. All days can feel the
public safety in London taxis. While the
conclusion that as long as we have so
same, so much so that sometimes I have to
world around them evolves and adapts,
many splinter groups all trying to
ask what day it is, or is that early dementia?
London’s cabbies have been left high and dry
“save” the trade, we will never get any-
What has helped the withdrawal symptoms
where. However undoubtedly well-
without the support that they so desperately
of not working is listening on the TV and
meaning they all are, we agreed that we
need from their own governing body.”
reading trade magazines (in particular Call
need just one trade organisation that
Cabby’s daughter Georgiana continued:
Sign Online) about how the trade is fair-
everyone belonged to. But I think that
“This campaign is purely to highlight TfL’s
ing (no pun intended). It does not make
Andy’s last three words might just have
incompetence. We’d like to stress that our
good reading. It is apparent to me and oth-
easily have come from me. But I wish
demonstration is not in any way directed
ers of my ilk that we have seen better days -
Save Taxi good luck in their quest…Ed
towards Uber as an entity. It’s all too easy to
if not the best days - of an industry that
deem cabbies protesting about the way Uber
appears to be slowly dying day by day. Such
is regulated as them actually moaning about
a slow erosion that you perhaps wouldn’t
Oooobaa!
Uber’s existence. We simply want to see an
notice the decay until you are in a position
Hi Call Sign
equal playing field.”
I’ve been off sick for a while and I hope I
to look back decades in time.
Artemis added: “My husband has been a
am not getting paranoid, but I keep seeing
I hope and pray that things will get bet-
black cabby for over 10 years. For months
ter for the trade and that there will always
Oooobaa stuff around. See how the rich
now I have listened to his anguish over how
and powerful are ranged against us and our
be a living for those presently working and
bad this situation has become. The last straw
brothers and sisters in the trade. Will they
for those Knowledge boys and girls biking
came when he said he was no longer proud
put as much effort into bombing their tax
around town.
to be a London cabby! I feel so strongly that
havens? I think we know the answer to that
Steve Shaller (ex-F34)
we as families deserve to be heard, we too
one. How ironic that an article in The
Let’s hope you are right, Steve …Ed
have a voice and I thank everyone for their
Times should appear on the same page as
support so far.”
that featuring a picture of Piccadilly and
Following the demo 1…
We have recently contacted all of the Taxi
our forefathers!
Hello
Unions requesting support and promotion of
Gordon Bennett (Y91)
In light of the ongoing dispute between
SaveTaxi. Although SaveTaxi is not affiliated
Gordon is referring to a Times feature
London’s black cabs and the business activ-
with any one union, we strongly believe this
on Uber’s new spin Doctor, Rachel
ities of unlicensed firms and new private
is a cause that transcends any union politics.
Whetstone (see Guber on page 29),
hire market entrants, a brand new trade
Our core ethos is one of unity and family. We
coincidentally alongside a photo of a
organisation with a difference has been
have received support from a few key unions
taxi bustling Piccadilly Circus in 1890
formed. Spearheaded by cabby’s wife
already and are waiting to hear from the rest.
advertising an exhibition at the London
Artemis Mercer, thousands of partners,
We kindly ask our cabbie members to suggest
Metropolitan Archives …Ed
wives, husbands and families of Licensed
to their union representatives that the
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