Call Sign May 2015

Call Sign May 2015

Page 3

from the editor’s desk

Suspicious drivers

easy process that you can look up online. You

Well, well, well, what a suspicious lot you are!

might save yourself some money - in the case of

the DaC driver I spoke of, around £3000…!

Perhaps it was the long Easter weekend that

gave drivers more free time than they would

normally have had, so they thought they’d

Bike tragedies

phone me instead. Of course I never mind hav-

How tragic it was to hear of the death of Moira

ing a chat, but when I got numerous calls on

Gemmill who was killed in a collision with a

Easter Saturday all asking the same question, I

lorry at Millbank Circus in April, just a few

found myself almost ready to pretend I couldn’t

months after Francis Golding was struck and

hear the phone. But my love of a good chat,

killed by a coach in Holborn. The deaths of Mr

over the glass of Merlot at my side, put that idea

Golding and Ms Gemmill made five cyclists that

to bed.

have died on London’s roads this year.

The deaths make it much harder to argue

So what was it that got those drivers so

wound up? Well apparently they all believed

against bike superhighways, but make it even

that the letter from the former ComCab

more difficult to argue, as Cycling

General Manager who is now with Addison

Commissioner Andrew Gilligan did in the last

Lee, Mike Galvin, was a subtle ploy by the

issue of Call Sign, to allow cyclists to use the

Dial-a-Cab Board to sound out Mike about

main highway when there is a cycling super-

ring to his Uber TAXI and then asking me how

coming to work with this Society.

highway in force. Yet that is exactly what Mr

much I would charge him… well sorry mate.

Coincidentally, on the same Mailshot page in

Gilligan told this magazine. He didn’t think it

You just carry on waiting!

the April Call Sign was a letter from another

was necessary to impose that restriction

“I’m going to report you,” he said, “what’s the

former ComCab GM, Malcolm Paice, who is

“because taxis aren’t forced to stay in bus

phone number of your company!”

lanes.” His statement was madness then and it is

now the Master of the Worshipful Company of

That sounded to me very much like someone

Hackney Carriage Drivers. Strangely, no one

even more imperative now that no cyclist be

who has tried to complain to Uber - not, appar-

asked me the same question of Malcolm.

allowed to travel outside of a cycling superhigh-

ently, the easiest of experiences. By now the dri-

So let me tell all those that didn’t phone me

way lane when there is one in place.

vers of the second and third cabs had come

the same thing I told those that did; the fact that

He told this magazine last month: “We're not

over, believing that I was trying to broom a job

Mike Galvin and Malcolm Paice were in the last

going to ban cyclists from using the road,

and making sure it didn’t get swept their way.

issue was purely down to me. No one on the

but our experience on the existing segregat-

But they soon saw what was happening and one

DaC Board knew about it until they read it -

ed track we've installed on Stratford High

of them told the prospective passenger where

albeit one day before you thanks to their copies

Street is that the vast majority (97 percent

to go in language that I hadn’t heard since 1959,

coming straight from the printers rather than

+) use the track. The tracks we're installing

when I managed to buy a copy of the unexpur-

will be 4m wide (mostly) - enough for fast

via the postal system. Their inclusion was not a

gated version of Lady Chatterley’s Lover and

devious plot to test driver’s reactions to them

cyclists to pass and overtake slower ones

thought about taking up gardening when I left

being offered jobs, because unless we have rep-

within the track itself. I don't think 3 per-

school after reading about Mellors’ exploits!

resentatives from both MI5 and MI6 here, then

cent makes much difference either way, to

He walked off still looking at his phone and

I would have heard something by now! And I

be honest. We're talking maybe 15 cyclists

the first passenger, of what was by now a small

haven’t. So there! Now where did I put that

an hour, tops.”

queue, came over.

glass of Merlot - and remind me not to publish

Well I’m sorry Mr Gilligan, I disagree totally

“UCH Hospital please driver,” came the

anything from Geoffrey Riesel…!!!

and if a cyclist dies in tragic circumstances after

request, “I know it’s fairly close but I can’t walk

being involved with another vehicle and they

so well nowadays.”

are cycling outside of a superhighway, we will

Kings Cross and Uber

“Not a problem,” I said lying through my

remind you of your statement.

I was rather naughty recently and knowing that

teeth, “which entrance would you like?”

this magazine is widely read with sections

And a message for TfL; the last we heard, the

appearing online almost before even I’ve fin-

It was at the top of Gower Street as we turned

yellow stickers sported by some taxis on their

ished reading it, telling Call Sign readers about

left. I nipped out, held the door open for her

rear nearside windows advising cyclists not to

it now could pose me some nasty problems. But

and lent an arm for her to lean on. She pressed

undertake on that side because of the danger,

hey, early retirement could mean more Spurs

a £5 note into my hand with a “keep the change,

had been banned. I sincerely hope that ban has

matches and even retaking my old Surrey CCC

driver, and thank you so much.”

been lifted…

seat at The Oval, especially now that KP has

And do you know something. Given the

returned to liven it up!

unlikely choice of taking Mr Uber to

Alf Townsend

It was a few weeks back and I’d been at the

Marylebone for double fare or taking this lady

I read in TAXI that Alf Townsend is now 80.

end of a long queue of cabs, but one that moved

to the UCH for nowt, I’d have taken the latter

Firstly, I’d like to wish the most famous writer in

fairly quickly and within 10 or so minutes I was

every time - not because he used Uber, but just

our trade a very happy birthday, but I’m just not

second and watching a tall man on his mobile

because of his sheer ignorance.

sure whether his telling the world that we have

phone, holding a briefcase that looked as though

My belated thanks to the two cabs behind me

80-year old drivers taking passengers around in

it had been owned by a previous Chancellor of

on the KX rank for backing me up and I’m now

taxis was the wisest move…?

the Exchequer - probably Dennis Healey!

ready to be carted away by Sir Peter and co…

I knew exactly what he was doing by the way

Holiday time…

he was looking at his phone and looking around.

Credit checks

Yep, as usual there is no June issue of Call Sign

He was waiting for an Uber cab. Then the first

At a time when second hand taxis are like gold

and we’ll be back on 1st July. However, please

cab took a passenger and I was on the point.

dust, I have just been told by a DaC driver who

don’t let that stop you sending in anything inter-

Then over he came to me.

bought a second hand cab off a non-DaC driver,

esting because my laptop never stops! But please

“You will have to take me to Marylebone

that he has since discovered there was still an

don’t send in details of events that take place in

Station; I think my Uber taxi has got lost. How

outstanding HP debt on the cab and that the

June that you want publicised - unless it’s a

much will you charge me? I bet it’s ridiculously

seller hadn’t paid it off with the funds obtained

report of one that you were involved in. Telling

high.”

from selling the cab.

drivers to go somewhere on June 14th in the 1st

A pretty standard job and while not the ‘road-

So there is an obvious answer. It may not

July issue won’t help to swell crowds by even one!

er’ we all think is coming our way any minute,

make you too popular with the seller because

Have a great holiday and hopefully things will

it was a job - but just not for him. Had he come

we all want to be thought of as honest - includ-

begin looking up when you get back…

over and asked for Marylebone, even though I

ing most sellers - but before laying out your

knew what he was trying to do, I’d have had no

hard-earned loot you should have the taxi you

Alan Fisher

choice and would have swallowed it. But refer-

are thinking of buying, credit checked. It’s an

callsignmag@aol.com

Call Sign May 2015

Page 4

reflections of the chairman

Merger with Radio Taxis

consideration, will improve the trade’s

Not a great deal of progress to report on

plight.

any merger with Radio Taxis aka

During this particularly lean spell, your IT

Mountview; we are still talking to them

department has continued with the devel-

but as you can imagine, their view on

opment of our new despatching system and

events is a little different from our view.

I’m led to believe that assuming they don’t

However, everything is very amicable and

come up against any unforeseen circum-

we are hopeful that we can come to some

stances, the development is still on track to

agreement, because what we do both agree

be delivered by the end of the second quar-

is that a merger of the two organisations

ter of 2015.

would certainly lead to economies of scale,

which again would definitely aid both

New logo

organisations.

Following my article in the last Call Sign

As I have explained in the past, I’ve had

re the new logos, this is an image of the

to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)

new design…

which obviously has an effect on the type

I must admit to having been somewhat

of information I can divulge. However, dur-

curious as to why Gabi wanted to see me

ing our ongoing discussions some informa-

and explain the working of his App,

tion has been relayed to their staff and dri-

because at the end of the day both organi-

vers that consequently puts it into the pub-

sations wish to transport members of the

lic domain. As such, I do not have any

public - albeit under slightly different cir-

problems about repeating it in Call Sign.

cumstances.

It would appear that Mountview have

Anyway, we got there in the end and Gabi

signed to sell their premises and I under-

said that he wanted me to explain to your

stand they will have to vacate Lennox

Account Customers how by sharing taxis

Road by the end of August. I also believe

and using the Maaxi App, corporates could

Hooray… a month off!

they will be renting new premises in

save a considerable amount of money

As many of you know, the Editor does not

Southgate. I really do wish them well with

annually; I don’t think I need say more on

produce a magazine during the month of

their move because we did just that eight

that subject…!

June; so that means I have nearly two

years ago and I must confess that moving

whole months where I do not have his con-

all the infrastructure to different premises

Despatching System

stant nagging for me to produce an article

does lead to a stressful experience for all

You don’t need me to tell you what a par-

for Call Sign. I will happily admit that

concerned. However, in the meantime, dis-

ticularly bad Kipper season we have expe-

those two months of the year do seem to

cussions between the two organisations

rienced this year, it was probably as bad - if

pass quicker than any other two and I real-

will continue.

not worse - than any in recent memory.

ly can’t think why!

However, it’s now getting close to the

Let’s just hope we all have a good sum-

Maaxi Taxi

Chelsea Flower Show, which was always

mer with lots of visitors from the Middle

You are probably aware that a new taxi App

considered to be the start of the season. So

East and the rest of Europe and that none

has been launched with the intention that

let’s hope that comes to fruition this year

of them worry too much about the strength

members of the public can share the taxi

as the licensed taxi trade could certainly do

of the pound against the Euro.

with others travelling in the same direc-

with some good news.

And of course, all of you drivers and staff

tion, with of course the fare being divided

Also, the General Election is on May 7th

who are going away for a deserved summer

by all parties that are travelling.

and once again the trade will hopefully

holiday, have a really great time…

I believe the App is primarily aimed at

improve once that is out of the way and

current bus users in the hope they will

everyone has a clearer idea what may lie

switch their allegiance from London

ahead for the next five years. Let’s hope

Brian Rice

Transport to Maaxi and I understand this is

that both these topics, when taken into

Chairman, Dial-a-Cab

leading to some consternation within TfL,

as they contemplate some erosion from

bus passenger numbers.

I am also led to believe that several

obstacles have been placed by TfL in the

PAUL’S TAXI SPECIALISTS LTD

path of Maaxi Taxi. It is a great shame

that the same diligence was not applied

to Uber when they applied for a Private

Unit 10, Ford View Industrial Estate, 83 New Rd Rainham, RM13 8ET

Hire Operators licence.

It remains to be seen whether or not the

new App is successful, but you don’t need

Tel: 01708 553037

me to tell you of the possible pitfalls that

could well be experienced by some pas-

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ness can be attracted into our trade, then

that must be a good thing. But we will have

TX2 servicing from £70

Rentals from £165 per week

to wait and see.

TX4 servicing from £90

On the same topic, I had a visit from

Maaxi Taxi CEO Gabi Campos, who

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together with Nat Rothschild initially sup-

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plied the funding for Maaxi. He went into

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breathe new life into the taxi industry, but

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Web: www.PaulsTaxiSpecialists.co.uk

as I stated earlier, only time will tell if it is

successful.

Call Sign May 2015

Page 5

UBER SUSPENDS PASSENGER

The woman

But you’ll never guess why!

tells him that

she has heard

ark Tiller (K90) recently rang Call

The passenger went on to explain to the

a traffic report

Sign to tell us about a passenger he

Dial-a-Cab driver of hearing that several dri-

on the radio

had picked up that day along

vers had issued complaints about him

claiming that a

Victoria Park Road and the aston-

expressing annoyance at incorrect routes

car was being

ishing conversation that occurred as they made

often being taken by the Uber drivers. But

driven on the

their way towards Bishopsgate.

his final complaint somewhat took the

wrong side of a

Mark’s customer asked him if he knew of any

proverbial biscuit!

dual carriage-

taxi apps because he had previously been using

It had happened when he was on his way

way and to be

Uber but had now been banned from them!

home and just about to join the North Circular

careful. The

He explained about the app’s rating system

Road. He was sitting quietly in the back seat

h u s b a n d

where passengers can give Uber drivers a mark

reading the Evening Standard and glanced up

replies that it

on how good or bad they are (ie didn’t know

for no particular reason other than to see if they

wasn’t one car,

the way etc), whilst drivers can give marks to

had reached the NCR yet and to make sure that

it was hun-

they weren’t lost - even with the satnav on.

dreds!

passengers (ie they were drunk etc). Several bad

Mark listened to his

reports and drivers can be sacked, whilst pas-

There is an old joke where an elderly

And that’s

passenger with aston-

sengers can be blocked from using the app if

woman phones her equally elderly husband

what happened

ishment!

too many drivers complain about them.

who is driving home along a dual carriageway.

to Mark’s pas-

senger. As he looked up, he screamed at the dri-

ver to pull over as he had somehow got onto the

wrong side of the North Circular and huge num-

bers of cars with headlights blazing were heading

E&C: 12 months

straight towards them!

The passenger got out and stayed out calling

the driver a silly billy (approx)! But the next time

he used his smartphone to get an Uber car (yes,

of chaos begins

we agree that some people never learn), he

As part of TfL’s continuing

learned that he had been banned for shouting at

the driver and for previously being given poor rat-

£4bn Road Modernisation

ings for telling drivers with a rather forceful voice

Plan, construction of the

that they were lost and were silly billies (again)!

major transformation of the

In future, he told Mark, he would use either

Elephant & Castle northern

the DaC or Hailo apps - by which time they had

roundabout has now begun.

reached Bishopsgate without Mark having to

The scheme, which was sup-

look up the route even once - but the passen-

ported by more than 80 per

ger didn’t comment on that because he knew

cent of respondents to a

that we were the professionals. And Mark was

public consultation in

too worn out from hearing the story to tell him

February 2014, supports

about Hailo. Besides, he didn’t want to risk hav-

Southwark Council's regen-

ing the passenger shouting at him!!!

eration of the wider area.

E&C is one of TfL’s prior-

Ron Yarborough

ity locations to deliver

Call Sign Online

improved safety for all road

users. The £25m overhaul of the northern round-

about has been designed to significantly upgrade facilities for pedestrians, cyclists

Immaculate White

and drivers by converting it into a peninsular, creating a new, more open and accessible

public space, with the road around it converted to two-way traffic.

The subways will also be replaced with new pedestrian crossings that allow people to cross

Cab Available for

directly, easily and safely between tube, bus and local amenities at all times of the day. New

dedicated cycle routes will also be created through and around the junction to improve safe-

Weddings

ty for cyclists.

The E&C is a residential area and while some necessary work will be carried out at night

and during weekends, the majority of work will take place on weekdays between 08:00 and

18:00. The main highway work is scheduled to be fully completed by summer 2016, with

work on the public space within the new peninsula to be carried out after an upgrade to

the Northern line station is completed in the early 2020s.

Ahead of the start of construction, TfL’s skilled traffic engineers have been developing

traffic management plans to ensure that the impacts on all road users are kept to a mini-

mum. Sophisticated traffic signal technology, which allows better management of traffic

depending on differing conditions at any given time, will be used to ensure that key routes

and junctions are controlled in real-time to help keep traffic moving.

Reducing the speed limit to 20mph is also being explored as part of this work,

which would improve overall safety conditions for all users.

The construction of the redesigned Elephant & Castle northern roundabout forms part of

the wider work being carried out across London as part of TfL’s Road Modernisation Plan.

With a budget of more than £4 billion from now until 2021/22, this overeaching plan repre-

Female driver

sents the biggest investment in London’s roads in a generation, including hundreds of trans-

10% reduction for Dial-a-Cab drivers

formational projects within the existing road network. Using radical ideas and innovative

Contact Debbie (W18) on

designs, the plan will make London’s roads greener, safer and more attractive for the benefit

of all Londoners.

07956 317040

Call Sign May 2015

Page 6

Jery’s World

“Listen chaps, I have some good news and some bad news. The good news is that recharging your electric taxis will be provided

by the Mayor’s office at no charge! The bad news is that the 15 year time limit on taxis is being reduced to 15 months. But as

I like you all so much, I’m trying to get that increased to two years!!!”

DACCU AGM

At the DaC Credit Union AGM held on 25 March 2015, President Terry Dodd on behalf of the “hard work-

ing Board and Committees” gave a wide ranging and dynamic report stating amongst other things “that

despite the cab trade facing competition and trading depression, our credit union (owner members own

it and no-one else) continues to flourish and grow as we do our utmost to serve the savings and loans

needs of our owner-members at all reasonable times.”

Audited Accounts presented to owner-members and approved, revealed from the Balance Sheet:

1. An increase on loans granted of 29.05% from last year.

2. “Cash in Bank” was far too high, earning little for the Credit Union in interest and it should be out on loan

to our owner-members. Would a bank help you with anything? Your credit union can (subject to underwriting).

3. Net asset increase (mainly the value of the Loan Book); an increase of 25.05% from last year.

4. A slight reduction in reserves from last year “as the repayment of new loans gained had not produced a full

interest yield (profit) at the accounting date.”

From the Profit & Loss Account:

1. Interest paid on owner-members investment, an increase of 24.25% over last year. Terry Dodd explained that “the Dial-a-Cab 7% gross offering on

fixed interest term shares is the best around and owner-members should wait for the next offering to open.”

The Report of Treasurer Brian Flanagan was most comprehensive and greeted with great applause; as usual the ever youthful John Riley retained the

perks of his office, the ‘Vice’ of Vice President.

A key point from the Auditors Report of Appleby & Wood to owner-members was to point out to the meeting that “the hands on control exercised

daily by the Board showed up in the audited figures, especially the control over bad and doubtful debts (non or slow payers) and that some smaller credit

unions have a percentage figure 30 times as great!”

Some significant Board and Committee changes occurred as a result of the democratic process and the need for the Credit Union to grow its leadership

team. Derek Griggs and Roger Kensit (W31) have been elected to the Board of Directors and Paul Smyth (R11) to the Supervisory Committee.

All the owner-members agreed unanimously with the recommendation to the Board of Directors to reject declaring a dividend on shares held, allocating

the trading surplus to the reserves to strengthen further the very strong financial position of the DaC Credit Union.

Under “Any Other Business” outside the Agenda of the Annual General Meeting, owner-members conducted a general discuss on the future develop-

ment of “our” Credit Union - you own it!

Lastly, whilst Julia Roberts did not attend the meeting as she is not member of our Credit Union, all who were there were in total awe of the sartorial

elegance of Roger Kensit who was “pretty in pink!” What will he wear next year? Attend and find out!

DACCU Reporter, For Call Sign Online

Call Sign May 2015

Page 7

So it's the march of the most important

Call Sign’s Gary Cox, in his own way, is…

British General Election in years so far as

European issues are concerned. Yes, even

LOOKING AT THE ELECTION

more important that the recent Dial-a-Cab

elections! But when all the ranting stops,

already knew, but his remarks were well

many will look back and begin to wonder if

timed and balanced to give us a nudge before

the last UK election on Thursday 6th May 2010

the election truly kicked off - even though the

was probably even more important than the

phoney war has been playing out for a year or

impending one - exactly 5 years on when you

more.

realise that tradition dictates it should be on a

Everyone is entitled to their vote and their

Thursday.

option to vote for the bloke in the big pink hat

Why was it more important? Probably due to

and Safari suit from the Monster Raving

an economic freefall of a descending spiral of

Looney party should they so desire. But me

despair, which left most holding their breath

personally, I’m a bit like Gary Cohn, an ex-

as bankers teetered on the edge of a moun-

London metal exchange member of the Board

tain, knowing the drop on the other side was

of Directors. I’m for changing the European

sheer with nothing between their skull and

malarkey from the inside and not the outside -

the deck below. Not to mention the possibility

even if I like the way Nigel Farage leans on

of a council school education for their kids…

the bar with a fag and a pint while enjoying

and the dole queue for them! That in turn

the benefits of a good looking German wife

would have found you, me and Uncle Tom

and the trimmings of a European Parliament

Cobley alongside them in a dole queue near

job. Yes, I want change, but not the same

you. And what chance would we have stood

change as Mr Putin and what’s left of his

up against such talent as Oxbridge and

empire, wants.

Harvard for a job working with Tower

Let me give you a tip; know who you're

Hamlets Council and/or Transport for

of a button will have found out who the per-

talking to, understand their background

London - the only ones in need of staff.

son is in the back of their cab - not that many

and which stables they have worked out of.

As for now, we must focus our minds on the

cabbies wouldn’t already know who Gary

And look at the medals on the table! Then

coming election because what has happened

Cohn - President and Chief Operating Officer

make your mind up about the options on

in the past has to be cast aside, with much

of Goldman Sachs was before or after his

the table.

regret from a card carrying Tory and Lib-Dem

appearance on BBC Radio Four telling all and

But if you're lucky enough to come across

supporter’s point of view. The bogie man

sundry that pulling out of Europe would be a

Mr Cohn, tell him: “Bad move that Uber one.

standing in the corner is the debate about

disaster for the UK, with I suspect, an under-

Mate!” I'll lay you a pound to a penny that he’ll

Europe.

current of:

laugh and with a wink of his eye say that you're

A debate? That’s a laugh! Have you ever

“God, stay in! We at Goldman Sachs feel

right, because he knows you interview

heard of any taxi driver - let alone one on

safe in Europe dealing with the way your

through the rear mirror for any tips on where

DaC - not having an opinion on any subject,

government services, schools, restaurants

to move your money. After all, he's a business

let alone how to run the country. And with the

and cabs work!”

man - albeit bigger than you. But only if the

advent of the Internet, most drivers at the tap

We didn’t need him to tell us what we

tape's not running…

Call Sign May 2015

Page 8

aC driver Sean Farrell (B39) looks at trade history from a different angle

Brethren of the Whip

son and they were fined. The passenger was

clerk thought the distance was under five miles

Rough

never fined for underpaying, they were just

“but I declined to have it measured.”

charged costs.

According to passenger Ward, cabman

Justice

What was the abusive language uttered by

Andrews’ “turbulence” in court drew a

On July 31st 1856,

Andrews: “Two shillings is not enough for a

threat from magistrate Corrie that he

cabman George

three shilling ride.” That’s all it was and for

would have his licence suspended for a

Mather Andrews

this he was fined the 2 shillings that he paid

month if he persisted; hardly the cabman

picked up Mr

straight away before exclaiming: “This is not

who gave his evidence in a “fair and impar-

Ward from his res-

justice.”

tial manner.”

idence

If a publican, grocer or draper did not

Andrews never got the right to reply, but if

Hamilton Terrace,

receive enough for their services, they’d be

Corrie had felt that the distance was under five

St John’s Wood

miles, there is little doubt he would have con-

and drove him to

within their rights to ask for the correct

vinced Ward to have the ground measured and

Highbury

amount. Anyone would do the same. But if

Andrews could have been fined for overcharg-

Place. When they arrived, Frederick Ward

a cab driver was not paid the correct

ing. He didn’t. It wasn’t…

got out the cab and proffered 2s (10p) to

amount for his services and he happened to

Andrews. The cabman looked at what was

mention this to the passenger, he was liable

Sean Farrell (B39)

being offered and said: “Two shillings is not

to be fined;

19th century justice on a

enough for a three shilling ride.” Ward

plate - or was it?

Call Sign Online

was having none of it and refused to pay what

The Examiner newspaper described the pun-

he saw as an exaction by the driver. Andrews

ishment of Andrews as “preposterous.” In

Alterations to the A11

took the 2s, gave him his ticket - a form of

fact, so inflamed was Ward by his portrayal in

TfL have banned turns at Mile End Road at

receipt that the cabman had to give to every

the press following the court case, that he

its junctions with Stepney Green and Burdett

passenger who hired him - and politely drove

returned to Court to seek advice from magis-

Road. They will also modify the banned turn

off.

trate Corrie on what could be done about it.

and prescribed route at Bow Road’s junction

It was not a lost fare so far as Andrews was

Corrie was non-committal. The fact, as he saw

with Fairfield Road.

concerned, he knew where Ward lived and had

it, was that Andrews had said “two shillings

Side roads affected in addition to mains of

actually picked him up several times before;

was not enough for four miles,” but the act

Whitechapel Road, Mile End Road and Bow

but this was the first time there had been a dis-

of parliament said it was and that’s why the

Road will be Bancroft Road, Goulston Street,

pute over the fare. The fare at the time was 6d

cabman was fined.

Fairfield Road, Tyne Street and Old Castle

(2.5p) a mile, so Ward obviously thought it was

One week later, The Standard newspaper

Street. The good news is that any driver with

under four miles, whilst the cabman believed it

printed a correction to its account of the case.

objections / representations can send them to

to be between five and six miles.

According to Frederick Ward, Andrews did not

TfL at Palestra, quoting reference

Twice Andrews went back to Hamilton

know the actual distance he travelled and Ward

RSM/PI/STOT/TRO, GLA/2015/0114-0117.

Terrace to get his money, but each time he

said he was taken “a way I’ve never been

The bad news is that they will take no

came away empty handed. He then felt com-

before.” After leaving him at Highbury,

notice as they had to arrive before 29th

pelled to take out a summons so the matter

Andrews went to Hamilton Terrace to get his

January 2015. But sadly, no one told us any-

could be settled by a magistrate.

shilling, “knowing that I was not there.”

thing about it!

In court, Andrews was described as “a cab-

According to Ward, both Corrie and the chief

man, who was very respectably attired

and who gave his evidence in a very fair

and impartial manner.” He related his ver-

Dial-a-Cab Credit Union

sion of events, with which Ward did not dis-

agree and the cabman said he’d be willing to

Ever needed money quickly but were anxious about

have the ground measured. In cases such as

variable bank interest rates?

this, the cabman and the passenger would each

deposit 5 shillings (25p) with the court. An offi-

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

cer of the court would then measure the short-

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

est route using a surveyor’s wheel. Whoever

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

was correct got their 5s back, the loser paid for

at your address also qualifies for membership!

the measurement.

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

Andrews was willing to have the ground

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

measured, but his passenger was not. There

up to 3 times your total savings…

was no need. The magistrate, Corrie, look-

ing at a map felt the cabman was clearly in

The cost?

the right and ordered Ward to pay the 1

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

shilling that was outstanding, 2 shillings for

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

the cost of the summons and 3 shillings for

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

Andrews’ loss of earnings in attending

court.

Call us on 020 7729 8171 or 020 7749 0585

Ward paid up and then asked for a summons

against Andrews for abusive language towards

Members of the Financial Ombudsman Service

Member’s funds protected up to limit set by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme

him. This was the bain of the cabman’s life.

DaC Credit Union Ltd, Peterley Business Centre, 472 Hackney Rd E2 9EQ

They were forced to go to the trouble of taking

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

a passenger to court for underpaying, then the

Registration number 213263

counter-summons was issued for whatever rea-

Call Sign May 2015

Page 9

OPERATIONS AND COMPLIANCE

Hello Ladies & Gents,

From Allan Evans

the accounts of these new procedures and

The Easter period was particularly quiet this

our reasons for doing it and so far it seems to

year and with the Chelsea Flower Show

be working. Again, I am asking you to assist

soon to be upon us, we would hope that the

with coverage, because without your help and

work will pick up in the normal manner.

support it will not have the intended impact

You’ll have read in last month’s Chairman’s

and will fail.

report that in addition to my present role, I

have been asked once again to oversee the

Signals explained

Compliance side of the Society. Working

Over the past three months, I have received a

closely with Shelagh Adkins, we will endeav-

small number of calls complaining of bad sig-

our to get things back on track and again

nals, which causes frustration and annoyance

make it fair and equal for every member. I

out on the road. Our IT department have

firmly believe that the vast majority are still

done everything in their power to help allevi-

playing by the rules, but it is now our job to

ate this problem, but in almost all cases it is

eradicate any blatant misdemeanours that in

the network that is letting us down.

the last year or so may have arisen.

There are around 90 million mobile

When I originally took the position over

reply there was no decision made as to how

phones in the UK and London has 30 per-

from Tom Whitbread, I explained in my arti-

the complaint would progress. This, in my

cent of them. In the early days, we had a

cle at the time how I perceived Complaints

opinion, was an admittance of guilt and a

series of base stations located in different

should be dealt with and this will not change

quite cowardly course of action by the mem-

parts of the capital; now we rely on

second time around. As the title indicates, my

ber in question who did not want to face his

almost five thousand masts for the sig-

role is to ensure that all our members operate

fellow colleagues. The motto of ‘don’t do the

nals.

within the Society’s rules and I can categori-

crime if you can’t do the time’ comes to mind.

In the London area they are close together,

cally reassure you that each complaint will be

Incidentally, the trip he was booking in for

further out they are more widely spread.

dealt with on its merit and without prejudice.

and hanging up to exclusively get has now

When a mast is out of action and unless you

As the Compliance Officer, you are not the

been evenly spread out amongst many of the

are within range of a functioning mast, the sig-

prosecutor but merely the processor of the

members. Dispatchers will be monitoring the

nal in all probability will be lost and you will

complaint - someone who is trusted to make

system more closely and I would politely ask

be unable to book in or sign off. In layman’s

the best judgement on how a complaint is

you all to book in within the rules, then the

terms, it will eventually pick a signal up when

dealt with. There are 21 Procedure Rules

work will be allocated fair and equally for

you are within range, but if you live near or by

that are in place to safeguard members and

everyone - which is how it should be.

a mast that is out of action, then again signing

clients alike and I have included them below

During certain times of the day, you may be

off will be somewhat impossible until the mast

as a gentle reminder to you all. It is purely

offered fixed price trips that are based on

is up and running. We frequently check O2’s

the decision of the Committee to decide what

mileage and the time it takes to complete the

website and report any ongoing problems, but

action (if any) should be taken, based on the

journey(s). As I mentioned in my address at

unfortunately they are network issues beyond

answer to the complaint and any additional

this year’s AGM, we must endeavour to offer a

our control. In actual fact, O2 now inform us

information that is discussed in the meeting.

workable fare for all sides in an effort to win

of serious problems such as the fire at

A Complaints hearing was held on April

back some of the longer, more lucrative work.

Kingsway that instantly wiped out fifteen

22nd, but due to some Appeals, the results

I have spoken to many of you recently and I

masts in the WC2 and surrounding areas, caus-

will be held over until the next issue.

don’t believe you will be adverse to covering

ing a major dropout in calls and lost signals.

Interestingly, one member immediately

trips that are competitive and which may in

arranged to leave the Society rather than

many cases lead to the account using us more

Allan Evans

answer his complaint, even though without a

frequently in the future. Of course we notify

DaC Operations and Compliance

Dial-a-Cab Procedure Rules 2015

TfL move!

1. Rudeness abuse or violence, threatened or actual,

position of which they have prior knowledge to

towards clients, other members or staff of ODRTS.

gain an unfair advantage.

Drivers can again personally take

2. Conducting him or herself in a manner likely to

12. Accepting and then failing to complete or trying

in licence applications…

bring the Society into disrepute.

to have recovered an ‘As Directed’ trip.

Anyone remembering the old PCO system

3. Conduct liable to prejudice the Society.

13. Trying to reject a non-rejectable trip by engaging

will know that most things could be done

the meter or timing out.

4. Arriving at the pickup point with more than the

at the Penton Street office. But since the

authorised amount showing on the meter.

14. Failing to accept a Company Charge Card or

office moved to Palestra in Blackfriars

Westminster Taxi-Card trip (Hail & Ride).

5. Taking a job allocated to another member or

Road, drivers have been unable to do any-

pulling off a job without the consent of the Call

15. Failing to keep his

/ her taxi in a good

thing in person. One Dial-a-Cab driver was

mechanical, clean and presentable condition.

Centre.

even once famously told to take the licence

16. Not adhering to a Rule as specified in The

6. Making a journey which is the property of the

application that he had wanted to drop

Company Rule Book.

Society his / her own.

into Palestra, over the road to the Post

17. Not producing his / her Motor Cab Licence

Office so that he could then have it posted

7. Clearing more or adding to the correct meter fare

within the time limit set by ODRTS.

back to where he was standing trying to

at the end of a trip.

18. Not displaying the company logo.

hand it in!

8. Misuse, non-accidental damage or tampering

But now a new over-the-counter scheme

with the ODRTS equipment.

19. Failing to use the ‘delay advise’ facility when

anticipating being late for a pickup.

has been re-introduced, albeit a bit further

9. Failing to complete a journey, as per trip details.

down the road at number 230 Blackfriars

20. Not transporting the passenger by the shortest

10. Using a badge number other than their own or

Road. Knowledge examinations will also

route without authorisation from the Call Centre.

allowing another to use their badge number.

take place there - as exclusively revealed

21. Accepting a credit card trip booked through the

11. Booking into a zone contrary to the Society’s

last month by Tom Quigley in his Call

DaC system and clearing it through a third party

procedure or placing him / herself in a favourable

Sign column. But you’d expect that…!

causing financial loss to the Society.

Call Sign May 2015

Page 10

To DaC driver David Burnetts and his lovely wife Maureen…

GOTCHA!

The couple were married at the

Norrice Lea Synagogue on March 6th

Freebie

1975, followed by a reception at the

Grosvenor Rooms in Willesden. But of

course that was well-planned and the

Theatre Tickets

soon-to-be happy couple were behind

most of those intricate plans. Forty

ince Tom Whitbread left the Dial-a-Cab

years on and it was to be a quiet meal

Board at the last AGM, there has been a

in Palmers Green with their children.

notable decrease in the availability of

But in a clandestine ruse that

freebie theatre tickets.

ould do credit to MI5 and

Now Tom has told Call Sign that any driver

rganised by those same chil-

who would like to be informed when compli-

ren, the unsuspecting duo

mentary theatre tickets are available should

were lured to Baskervilles

send him their email address and he will start

David and Maureen

Restaurant to be met by their

a database to allow those drivers to be noti-

40 years ago

closest friends and grandchil-

fied via email when and where freebie theatre

Inset: David now!

dren for a big celebratory tea.

tickets are available.

Memories from long ago

Just as when Tom advertised availability on

flowed together with the

driver’s terminals, it will always be first come

It’s always nice to

brew, as the ‘Groom’ still regaining his

first served until they are gone.

Send Tom your email address; put DaC the-

include happy events in Call Sign

composure from the unexpected sur-

atre tickets on the subject line and your name

prise and speaking for Maureen and

and so we’d like to congratulate

and call sign in the main part. Then whenever

himself, gave thanks to those attend-

Tom’s many theatre contacts give him details,

Maureen and David Burnetts

ing in addition to their daughters

he will pass them straight over to drivers

(S43) who recently commemorat-

Alexis and Ilona, along with their

email addresses. If you don’t send Tom your

respective husbands Matt and Tom,

ed their ruby - 40th - wedding

email address with those details as above,

for hosting the event.

then you can be certain that you won’t be

anniversary by being tricked into

Afterwards, David told Call Sign:

informed!

turning up at a restaurant by

“It was a lovely surprise - although

Emails to tom.whitbread@btclick.com

you have to be careful with shocks at

their friends.

our age!!!”

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

Woodhall Spa Golf Club

It is often debated as to which is England’s

finest inland golf course and the one that

usually comes out ahead of all the others is

the home of the English Golf Union, the

Woodhall Spa Golf Club’s Hotchkin course.

It's a devil of place to get to in Lincolnshire. I'd

suggest staying overnight and playing its sister

course, The Bracken, as well. Most golfers that

have played the Hotchkin course will have one

abiding memory - the bunkers! Deep cavernous pits of despair for the

average golfer - and that's not just the green side bunkers either!

Most of them actually have steps to enter and exit - always hoping that

will be after just a single swipe with the trusty sand wedge! But the

course contains so much more than just that memory.

It's a large layout of sandy soil; in the summer you have to plot your way round. There may be some peculiar bounces

that send the ball towards the fairway traps, but that's the 'fun' of golf.

Special mention; the par 3 12th, a 165 plus yarder to a green surrounded by the deepest bunkers on the course - up

to 12 feet deep! The best advice I can give is not to go in them!

Woodhall Spa might be a course for the seasoned golfer rather than beginners. But either way, it’s well worth the trip…

Happy golfing…

Simon Wallis (M11), Call Sign Online

Call Sign May 2015

Page 12

To the Licensed Hackney

Carriage Trade

Peter Johansen’s open

Last month, our parent company Geely

announced that it was investing £250 million

to build a new factory at Ansty, near Coventry,

letter to the trade: 2015

to put into production the next generation of

the iconic London Black Cab. The new TX5

resulted in the government more than dou-

will be a plug-in, range extended electric

bling the funding available to drivers who want

hybrid vehicle and will be available before 1st

to invest in a ZEC taxis when they become

January 2018 in order to meet the require-

available in 2017, with an additional £25 mil-

ments set by The Mayor of London for all new

lion specifically earmarked for London drivers.

taxis to be Zero-Emissions Capable (ZEC) by

Unfortunately, until TfL announce their final

that date.

decision later this year over taxi age limits and

Geely would not have had the confidence to

ULEZ, there will continue to be unhelpful

make this investment had it not been for the

uncertainty over these important changes.

strong support that we have received from the

However, there is already a way for taxi owners

Licensed Hackney Carriage Trade. Last year we

to protect their investment now, ahead of any

sold more TX4s in London than in any year

pronouncement on age limits or changes to

since its launch in 2007. The Chairman of

emissions rules.

Geely, Li Shufu, has asked me to send you his

There is currently a shortage of second

personal thanks for the confidence and loyalty

Transport for London. If any of these three ele-

hand taxis in London and consequently the

that you have shown in the iconic London

ments were missing, the crown would swiftly

value of these vehicles is at an all-time high.

Black Cab.

slip from London’s head.

This means that there has never been a bet-

In recognition of this loyalty, he has

We live in a rapidly changing world and one

ter time to trade in your vehicle, cash in on

decided that everyone who has purchased a

thing is for certain, the world will continue to

the equity that you have in it and enter into

new TX4 since Geely acquired The London

change and we must all adapt to the new chal-

£145 per week Personal Contract

Taxi Company (LTC) in February 2013

lenges that this will bring. We must protect and

Purchase (PCP) to buy a cleaner, greener

should receive a voucher which will entitle

expand the loyal and passionate base of cus-

new TX4. This PCP deal will give you a guar-

them to £1000 off the price of a new TX5.

tomers that our trade relies upon by continu-

anteed future value for your new TX4 that

Furthermore, this offer will extend to any-

ing to move with customer tastes and adapting

protects your investment regardless of any

one who buys a new TX4 between now and

to their changing demands.

change to the age limits. What’s more, you

the TX5 launch date in 2017. This is our

The private hire trade continues to

will also receive a voucher worth £1000 off

way of saying a big thank you for support-

expand unchecked both in London and the

the price of a new TX5. Don’t delay, visit

ing us.

Regions and the Licensed Hackney

Brewery Road today!

Two years ago, I set out the priorities for

Carriage Trade needs to unite and find a

We are already getting enquiries from taxi

LTC to put customers first in everything we

way to respond by using technology to

drivers who want to put their name down for

do, focus on improving the quality of our

attract more business; a dedicated national

the new TX5. In order to be fair to everyone,

goods and services and, if we achieve these

Black Cab only App for smartphones might

we are launching our ‘Get to the Front of the

objectives, then we will have created a sus-

be the way forward.

Rank Campaign’. We anticipate that there will

tainable, profitable business. This strategy has

As an industry, the Licensed Hackney

be an unprecedented demand for the new TX5

proved successful and customers realise that

Carriage Trade faces many threats to its liveli-

when it becomes available in late 2017 so those

we are treating them as the most important

hood, but there are also opportunities that

drivers who have bought a new TX4 since

aspect of our business. I am delighted to

should not be missed and we must face up to

February 2013 will have the first opportunity to

announce that LTC has made significant

these challenges together and speak with one

buy a new TX5. We are creating a ‘virtual taxi

progress in 2014 towards its aim of becoming

voice to government and the public. This is the

rank’ based on when you have bought your

a sustainable, profitable business. In 2014 we

only way to ensure that the licensed taxi trade

new TX4; those that bought one in February

made a £1.2m trading profit before tax and

is shaping its own future, rather than having it

2013 will be served first with others ranked by

other deductions and the UK group has a net

shaped for us. In the coming year, I intend to

the date of delivery.

worth in excess of £25 million.

work closely with the LTDA, LCDC, Unite and

So don’t be the last cabbie in the rank;

The build quality of our current TX4 is

RMT unions, The Worshipful Company of

buy a new TX4 today to reserve your space

the best it has even been with improved

Hackney Carriage Drivers and other similar

in the TX5 virtual taxi rank.

handling, electronic stability control,

groups to formulate a cohesive consensus of

greater ride comfort and lower noise levels.

opinion to drive forward those issues that

Thank you once again for your continued

If you don’t believe me, pop in for a test

directly affect our industry both in London and

loyalty and support.

Peter Johansen

drive and see for yourself; I promise you

in the Regions.

Executive Vice-President

that you will not be disappointed. In recog-

The uncertainty over taxi age limits and how

The London Taxi Company

nition of this improvement in quality, we

the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) will

have increased the comprehensive manu-

operate in London is adversely affecting confi-

facturer’s standard three year warranty

dence in the future. In our submissions to the

Call Sign

from 100,000 to 120,000 miles to give you

ULEZ consultation, and in subsequent repre-

May 2015

more peace of mind; another example of

sentations to TfL, we have strongly opposed a

Editor: Alan Fisher

putting our customers first.

ten year age limit under any circumstances and

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

The mission of The London Taxi Company

said that we would not accept any changes to

Tel: 0207 251 0581 Fax: 0207 553 7293

is to support the provision of safe, accessible,

the age limit without meaningful compensa-

Email: callsignmag@aol.com

durable and professional taxi services through-

tion for every owner affected. We put forward

Website:cwww.22-callsign.co.uk

out the world and our vision is to see the icon-

an alternative proposal of a 15 year age limit for

Printers: Premier Print Group

ic London Black Cab on the streets of major

Euro 6 taxis and a 12 year limit for older vehi-

25 - 31 Violet Rd, London E3

Design: Aldan Publications

cities in the world. London should be rightly

cles, but we do not know if this proposal will

Tel: 07958 300 428

proud that it is recognised as having the best

be acceptable to TfL. It is our view that the

Email: deborahfresco@gmail.com

taxi service in the world. This accolade is

debate on age limits misses the key point,

Views and opinion expressed in Call Sign must

derived from a combination of the quality of

because the best way to improve air quality is

not be assumed to represent those of the Editor or

the London Cabbies with their famous

to encourage drivers into new ZEC vehicles.

Board.No part of Call Sign may be reproduced

Knowledge, the iconic London Black Cab itself

That’s why I’m pleased to say that LTC has led

either manually or electronically without the express

permission of the Editor.

and stringent consistent regulation from

a successful campaign on taxi grants which has

Call Sign May 2015

Page 13

Our enemy’s enemy?

tests - as though they were going to fail anyone

recruitment may well no longer apply, as I

and turn down £100pw in circuit fees etc. These

believe the leadership of the London

included a spoken English and written basic

Professional Drivers branch has changed with

maths test.

Terry Flanagan, an old style trade unionist, hav-

In addition, they wanted all drivers who rent-

ing gone from the GMB altogether and there is

ed cars either directly from their circuit or

a new Branch Secretary. A possible consequence

through a company-owned subsidiary, to be on

of this is that GMB sponsored MPs will be

PAYE.

brought into any debate.

The GMB also wanted a legal minimum

Whilst I was talking to Steve, I received a

fare, better reporting and registering of

phone call from the man we all knew as the

crimes against both sets of drivers and a vast

Pope, the late John Paul Pace. I invited him to

n the April issue of Call Sign and at the

improvement of enforcement against tout-

join us for a cuppa as he wasn't far away and this

end of a letter from Addison Lee’s Mike

ing. This was costing them jobs with their

he did. Sometime later, I heard he had told peo-

Galvin where he berated Uber, this mag-

drivers turning up to discover their passen-

ple of “discovering” us having secret talks with

azine asked whether AL - having a similar

gers had been taken by touts. The only thing

the GMB. I never did agree with JPP that sitting

beef to the licensed taxi trade - meant that

the GMB wanted that I told him we would

at a pavement table outside the Pinner café

our enemy’s enemy could possibly be our

fight him through hell and high water over

opposite RMT headquarters in Chalton Street

friend? Eddie Lambert has been with Dial-a-

was our access to bus lanes - something

was a place for secret talks! Sometimes your

Cab for almost twenty years and for the

which was obviously a big issue. However,

enemies may be closer than you think and not

whole of that period, he has been involved

he did agree that they would not join any

necessarily who you think they are.

politically either with the former T&G Cab

campaign to get taxis out of bus lanes.

Section or more latterly, the RMT. So if any-

It would seem to me that what we, the

I also met Steve McKenzie, who was the

one should have an anti-Addison Lee feel-

Hackney trade and the vast majority of the

Branch Secretary of the GMB Professional

ing, it’s him. This is what he told Call Sign…

established Private Hire companies, want is for

Drivers London branch at the time. He agreed

the law of the land as we understand it to be

“Yes you are right about that, Alan. Working

to not recruit taxi drivers in London (although

with Addison Lee, whatever next? When I was

they do represent PH and Hack drivers outside

enforced and if a third party comes along and

Chair with the RMT Taxi Branch, London, I can

London) because of potential conflicts of inter-

tries to steamroller changes, for TfL to then

remember the stick I got for talking to GMB

est. Quite why that doesn't apply outside of

stand up to them and force them to follow a

Regional Organiser Terry Flanagan because

London I don't know, but I guess it’s just a mat-

legal path to achieve their aims.

they represented PH drivers in London.

ter of getting and keeping members.

The Status Quo should be supported until -

No notice had been taken of the fact that they

We also discussed other points above and

or if - any changes are judged, following due

wanted a numerical control of PH numbers in

apart from the bus lane issue and there was no

consideration, to be legal and any possible chal-

London, an outside independent body to carry

real difference of opinion, just a slightly differ-

lenges also to be considered.

out the map test for potential PH drivers instead

ent approach due to their start position.

of the PH companies carrying out their own

However, I should add that the position on

Eddie Lambert (V37)

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.

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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.

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Call Sign May 2015

Page 14

Making a splosh… in Kings Cross!

ow life changes! Not too long ago, the thought of building an

open sploshetorium - ie a bathing facility other than a regula-

tion swimming pool - anywhere other than Hampstead would

have been unthinkable. But no longer…

The developers behind bringing Kings Cross into the 21st century have

applied to Camden Council for permission to create Europe’s first man-made

natural pond where swimmers will be allowed to relax, right in the middle of

the KX regeneration site. If successful, it’s hoped the new sploshetorium will be

ready to use by mid-summer.

‘Big Show’ cab smash inside O2!

Call Sign was sent several

reports from Dial-a-Cab dri-

vers - and in two cases from

their children - of an extra-

ordinary RTA that occurred

on the stage INSIDE the O2

arena!

It happened on Monday 11 May dur-

ing an episode of WWE Raw. Most

episodes of the American Wrestling

program come from the USA and are

so popular in the UK that Sky Sports

show them live, beginning at 1am

every Tuesday morning and lasting for

an astonishing 3 hours and 10 minutes!

But twice a year, the show comes from

London and is shown in the US with a

tape delay because the UK show kicks

Big Show stands on the roof of a TX4 while Roman Reigns lays there after being

off at 7.30 - mid-afternoon US Eastern

choke-slammed onto it!

Standard Time.

As with most WWE shows, there are

into the roof of the cab. The sound of his limp body crashing into the steel roof

lots of lighting effects and fireworks

sounded horrific and Reigns hand could just about be seen poking out from the

etc, but with the London shows they

huge dent on the roof.

always have a real TX4 on stage along-

For a sport that is famously fake, they should have asked the London Taxi

side a large Union Jack.

Company if they could make them a taxi made out of marshmallow!

Inside the ring, wrestler Roman

Reigns was later carried to an ambulance but refused to get into it, got up off the

Reigns was being interviewed and said

stretcher and walked away. His only comment afterwards was that being smashed

some rather unkind things about a

into a London steel taxi hurts like hell!

seven foot giant who wrestles under

Thanks to all the drivers that sent us the info…

the name of the Big Show. As he left

the stage to walk back to the dressing

rooms, Big Show came out and

attacked Reigns, before then throwing

him into the side of the TX4. The thud

was described as “sickening” and as he

bounced off the cab, two huge dents

could clearly be seen. All the reports

Call Sign received suggested that this

was a real cab with the same bodywork

that we get in our cabs.

But Big Show wasn’t satisfied with

that; he then lifted Reigns up by his

throat and laid him on top of the cab.

Then he climbed onto the taxi roof via

the bonnet, picked up Roman Reigns

by his neck and choke-slammed him

Call Sign May 2015

Page 15

A different format, but at last it’s back…

TAXI DRIVER OF THE YEAR RETURNS

The Taxi Driver of the Year Competition has

www.UbiqTaxis.com.

not been held for around ten years, with

Commenting on the Award announcement,

many often asking the Committee when it

the Honourable Chairman of the Fund and

will be coming back. Sadly, the cost of

long-time Dial-a-Cab driver, Russell Poluck

putting the show on spiralled out of control

MBE, said: “Let’s not forget that the focus of

and eventually prohibited the reintroduc-

this initiative is to raise money for those less

tion of a competition that Dial-a-Cab dri-

fortunate than ourselves. We are really thrilled

vers always did so well in. But now it’s back

that with the help of Ubiquitous, we are able to

and looking for entrants.

reinstate the TDYCF Award and hope that the

In conjunction with leading taxi advertising

increased profile of the event will help to pro-

operator, Ubiquitous, the organisers of the Taxi

vide extra support for our charities. We urge

Driver of the Year Charity Fund have created a

the trade to get behind this initiative so we can

new approach which, with the input of the

successfully reinstate the great tradition of the

trade, will help get the competition back on

driver competition and raise more money!”

The TDOYCF was founded in 1972 and

the road.

since then has distributed more that £2.6mil-

TDYCF are inviting nominations from the

lion to charities, hospitals and private homes

trade for the Taxi Driver of the Year 2015,

Back in the 2004 competition and DaC's

in addition to the five trade charities.

which will not only raise the profile of black

Andy Daniels was laughing after getting

Of the three radio circuits, DaC had the high-

cabs and its drivers, but also raise money for

lost!

est number of winners, but it was someone

the five charities the Fund supports - Albany,

someone you consider upholds the values that

that didn’t win who made us smile the most! It

LTFUC, Southend Fund for Underprivileged

London’s taxi drivers are renowned for, then

was in the

2004 competition and Andy

Children, ELCO and War Disabled.

don’t hang around.

Daniels (A02) was competing in the ‘drive’

The finale of the 2015 Award will take

It costs just £200 to enter a driver, but this

section of the competition where competitors

place at the annual TDYCF dinner dance,

will include two tickets for the dinner and

had to make a trip with the meter on ‘stop’

which this year will take place on Saturday

dance - one for the driver and one for the per-

with the most points going to the driver with

November 7th in central London.

son nominating them. Additional drivers can

the lowest amount showing on the meter. Andy

If you want to nominate a driver as Taxi

be entered for £100 and this will also include

was really well placed and arrived back at the

Driver of the Year, firstly seek the permission of

the cost of their ticket to the dinner dance. The

show with possibly the lowest amount of any

the driver beforehand and make sure that he or

Taxi Driver of the Year Charity Fund would love

entrant. He told Call Sign at the time:

she is available to attend the finale at the

to see a great turnout for the Award at this

“I was doing really well, but I couldn’t find

November 7th dinner and dance, when the

years’ annual dinner dance. Tickets for the

the entrance to get back into the Show and

shortlisted drivers will be asked to take part in

function are just £65 per person and tables of

added an extra £2 onto the fare!”

a written knowledge test and meet the judges.

10 are available too.

Yes, 2015 will be a very different format, but

The winner will be decided on the night and

Driver nomination forms and dinner

with support from the trade and the kind

become the 2015 taxi driver of the year, col-

dance ticket booking forms are available by

sponsorship from Ubiquitous, it will still be

lecting a prize as well as the glory!

emailing Barbara Poluck at:

fun. But more importantly, it will help raise

So if you feel you know a driver who would

brussella@talk21.com or they can be

the profile of the trade…

be deserving of the title Taxi Driver of the Year,

downloaded by visiting the News section at

New

Harry Hizer

credit/debit

Barmitzvah

card stickers

Mum and

There are now

dad with

new parti-

Harry and

tion stickers

his younger

available at

brother Alfie

Dial-a-Cab

House, which in addition to

previous passenger information

(ie 10% charge with a mini-

mum of £2 for credit cards etc)

also add debit cards to that.

Some passengers have appar-

ently pointed out that the old

The eldest son of long-time Dial-a-Cab driver Martin Hizer (M47), Harrison - better

notice mentions just credit

known to his friends and anyone connected to Tottenham Hotspur FC as Harry - recently

cards, believing that debit

became Barmitzvah’d at the Perrymans Farm Road Synagogue in Newbury Park.

cards carried no charge.

Martin and his wife Amanda made a huge party for their son the following day at the

Royal Majestic Rooms in Willesden Lane. Martin’s planned retirement will now have

Please pick up one when you

been delayed by several years!

pass the office and replace the

Our congratulations go to the Hizer family and of course, to Harry the traditional

old one.

Jewish congatulation of mazeltov…

Call Sign May 2015

Page 16

Anthea Turner:

My Uber account

was hacked!

Once bought, these active Uber accounts

tually becoming inaccessible after getting

allow you to order rides on someone else’s

swamped with complaints from customers.

account using the payment information pro-

Uber denied the claims and said that cus-

vided on the file - at least until it is discov-

tomers should avoid using the same login

ered

- and not everyone checks their

credentials across multiple online sites.

accounts that frequently. One such woman

But the question must be why, with all the

must have been Kate Simon who discovered

problems Uber has had including security,

a shortfall of £5000 in her account that she

drivers getting lost and passengers dislike of

Anthea Turner was one of an alleged

blamed on Uber. Or perhaps record produc-

the surge pricing policy during busy periods

many Uber clients whose accounts

er Mick Crossley who recently told how he

when fares can become as high as quadruple,

were hacked

was presented with a £3,000 minicab bill for

people such as Anthea Turner still use them?

142 journeys that he hadn’t made. His Uber

And perhaps even more relevant, how it is

Something of a stink recently

account had allegedly also been hacked. He

that only TfL accept Uber without any prob-

surfaced when the New York

hadn’t checked his account for a few weeks -

lem, especially now that the licensing author-

Times revealed that Uber’s cus-

ity for London have said that refugee or asy-

bearing in mind that many only check their

tomer data base was hacked

lum seekers coming to the UK from abroad

statements monthly. Mr Crossley then discov-

into last year and that the com-

ered that an average of 10 rides each day had

and who drive minicabs over here, do not

need any background checks, just a letter

pany never revealed it until this

been made using his account, yet he says he

from a previous employer saying what nice

never received any warnings from Uber to ask

March - a period of almost five

people they are! Some probably are, but

if he knew his usage was going up dramati-

months.

would you want your child to take the chance

cally and that his contact details had sudden-

Although the hacking was first reported in

of getting into the cab of someone who could

ly been changed.

the US, more and more Uber UK customers

be a rapist or murderer in their own country,

If revealed, the hacked account details also

came forward and claimed that their accounts

when even the rules state that asylum seekers

contain other sensitive information such as

had been broken into. Perhaps even more dis-

are banned from working until their asylum

the last four digits of the registered credit

turbing, two separate vendors on a ‘dark web’

claim has been approved? TfL obviously see

card, together with the expiration date, trip

marketplace were said to be selling active

no problem with that scenario, so they are

history, email addresses, phone numbers and

Uber accounts complete with worldwide user-

hardly likely to worry about Uber…

information of users' home and work

names and passwords, one for just $1 each

addresses - all useful details for anyone com-

with the other asking for $5 and offering a

Jamie Corum

mitting fraud.

guaranteed period that the accounts would

The internet and Twitter soon filled with

Call Sign Online

remain active!

similar stories - Uber’s Twitter helpline even-

LOOKING AT (TAXI) LIFE

With Tom Quigley (Y33)

Lumbago cured?

bles’, ‘bleeding nutter’ or ‘got a screw loose’ as I

Do the advancement of medical science and the change of the English go

will have the mental health authorities on me -

hand in hand? There was a time when the Small Faces sang Gor’ Blimey

not to mention the Editor!

Hello Mrs Jones, how’s old Bert’s Lumbago!

There is no doubt that as we now know more

We would have all known what they were talking about, literally saying:

about our health conditions, we are also more

God Blind me, how’s old Bert’s bad back. The term ‘God blimey’ was first

aware of the causes. But sometimes it is reassur-

linked to James Joyce in Ulysses - the Irish always there being an in-joke to

ing to hear someone of the older generation say:

Trevor Knapman (K32) as he suffered seeing me cheering Ireland on in

“No wonder he’s put on weight, the lazy git, he

the 6 Nations!

doesn’t do a ‘stroke’ - sometimes a bit of non-

Back to the point; Bert’s Lumbago would no longer be recognised as

PC just tells the truth!

such, now he would probably be diagnosed as having Sciatica or some sort

Santander or Barclays… Labour or Tory

of degenerative disc disease borne out of overwork or sitting the same posi-

Well, we finally know that the new sponsor to the Boris Bikes are no longer

tion for long periods - an occupational hazard for taxi driver and not at all

Barclays with their bluish Tory colour, but the red (not Red Ken who had the

brought about by over indulgent meals, too many beers at lunchtime follow-

original idea for the scheme ) of Santander. It’s quite ironic really on many

ing a round of golf in the freezing and driving wind or rain while walking

fronts…

around with a stomach the size of a medicine ball! Call Sign forbids the use

Firstly, as I’ve mentioned previously, will the roads now be repainted back

of adjectives such as beer belly or fat gut!

to the new sponsor’s colour - meaning the original red routes painted blue

Got a dodgy knee with swelling? It’s no longer a carpet layer’s problem;

will now be repainted red?

today we have an aka Paul Gascoigne cruciate ligament injury with dam-

Secondly, how ironic that a bank that started in a country now flounder-

aged meniscus aligned to the fact that the problems with our feet are no

ing with financial depression, are sponsoring a scheme in one the major

longer ill-fitting cheap shoes from Curtess, but we suffer like David

financial cities of the world!

Beckham from Metatarsal problems.

Thirdly for me, is the great irony that they are being launched during the

Of course we no longer get headaches, but bouts of dehydration which

time of an election to see if Tory blue and Labour red are going to win. I’m

trigger off our recurring migraine. Growing pains are no longer acceptable,

not on Twitter, so by the time you read this it may be old news, but I’m con-

now it Osgood-Schlatter syndrome or disease.

ducting my own poll on how the country is going to vote. I just observe

We don’t put on weight or associate with the non-PC terms that come

which choice of bike the hirer chooses from the dual colour ranks, to see

with it, that’s all down to the trouble we have with our thyroids. Got a ‘frog

which way the election will go…

in your throat’? Most certainly not, it’s a glandular problem.

Tom Quigley

I daren’t even go down the road of terms such as ‘they’ve lost their mar-

Call Sign Online

Call Sign May 2015

Page 17

DaC Sales Report

With Keith Cain

Since I last wrote in the magazine,

supplier, but cost was a significant factor.

Perhaps there is some satisfaction in knowing that

the Sales team have been busy

none of our taxi competitors were awarded the con-

completing tenders, one of which

tract either. However, while I know that our costs

is purely to determine if our book-

were very low, for someone else to offer lower…

ing platform meets their require-

well all I can say is that their drivers must be paying

a very hefty price for the work!

ments.

On a brighter note, we have been notified by a

The Pre-Qualification Questionnaire require-

new account based in the EC2 area that our tender

ments have been met and our system does in fact

was successful and subject to finalising a couple of

offer more than required. This has come from a

Service Level Agreements, we will be the preferred

major account user in the City and was one of

supplier. It is not going to be a major account, but

those companies present when we demonstrated

certainly a respectably sized one. More information

it back in February. It places a whole new con-

will be announced very soon.

cept on how clients are looking at their transport

I have been looking very closely at those

needs and one we are following with interest.

clients that use cars for longer trips on the assumption they will

We were waiting for news of a few other tenders we have complet-

be much cheaper than using Black Taxis. Comparing the meter

ed and one, after a full year, has decided to withdraw the tender com-

fare to the car price, it is far more expensive, but what has

pletely because they have internally restructured their transport poli-

emerged is that our drivers would be prepared to undertake the

cy, which I take to mean that staff are ordering taxis on their corpo-

same trip at less than the meter price if given the opportunity.

rate credit cards and claiming back their business trips.

This has led to discussions with our IT department to see if it is pos-

The other company, which is based on the Island, informed us that we

sible to build into the dispatch system a way of highlighting these trips

were not successful on cost only. The winning supplier is a company not

to the driver. With the information I’ve researched, I’m ready to talk

really known to any of us which has a total fleet, so they say, of around

with some of our clients on an offer for them to use taxis for longer

160 vehicles! They are not based in London and while it’s extremely dis-

trips. I have even looked at the possibility of a system to offer trips

appointing to receive the announcement, I do get very frustrated when

back from the airport at lower rates. We are in the early stages, but the

you are told your commercial ability was equal to that of the selected

more you delve the more the opportunity is there to offer members

more trips. Of course, the choice of accepting these trips will be down

LTC: Another two approved

to the member and I will keep you all updated…

Keith Cain

service dealers…

Head of Sales

The London Taxi Company continues to put cus-

tomers first by improving its after sales network with

the appointment of another two Approved Service

Dealers.

Witham Vehicle Solutions and Bristol-based

HACKNEY ROAD TAXI TYRES

Chandler Motor Company, have both joined LTC’s

UK network of fully trained and approved after sales

epairers. Both businesses welcome LTC vehicles for

FOR THE BLACK CAB TAXI TRADE

servicing and warranty work as well as retail part sales.

Witham Vehicle Solutions, who operate from Lynfields Business

Centre in London Road, Witham, is a privately run business who are

already a SsangYong franchise and independent used car centre. They

• Austones for the TX

have a large fully equipped workshop, as well as a body-shop.

• Barums for the Vito

Commenting on the appointment, WVS owner Darren Cox said:

“We recognised an opportunity for growth within our business

and a family member, who is an owner of a London Taxi, helped

• Michelin and Continental

identify the need for service in the Essex area where taxi drivers

could be offered priority slots within our workshop. We fully

also supplied

understand the cost of downtime for drivers and want to min-

imise this.”

Perhaps surprisingly to some Call Sign readers, there are a number of

•

4-wheel laser tracking

Dial-a-Cab drivers who live in the West Country, some as far out as

Devon. So they will be happy to hear of the Bristol-based Chandler

for the Mercedes Vito

Motor Company. It is a family run business that services and repairs

Citroen, Peugeot, Renault and LPG vehicles. They have a large fully

equipped workshop, as well as collection and delivery services within the

• Puncture repairs

Bristol and Bath area.

CMC owner Peter Chandler said:

“We realised there was an opportunity as there were no

• Also free tyre checks

approved LTC dealers in Bristol, Bath or even South Wales, so we

were really keen to fill this gap by getting fully trained and quali-

fied mechanics to do servicing and repair work.”

Both new Approved Service Dealers boast a team of qualified and

Find us downstairs the

skilled workshop technicians and had to comply with LTC’s stringent ser-

vice standards in order to join the network. They also had to ensure that

DaC Credit Union at

all technicians received intensive diagnostic and mechanical training at

The Peterley Business Centre,

LTC’s new Training Academy, based at the current production facility in

Coventry.

472 Hackney Road, E2

To find out more about LTC’s Approved Service Dealers, includ-

ing services and times etc:

www.london-taxis.co.uk/approved-service-dealers

0207 729 5237

Call Sign May 2015

Page 18

The Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers

WCHCD NEWS

The iconic pic-

ture of St

Pauls standing

tall whilst all

around was

burning in the

Blitz

United Guilds service at

St Pauls

As Malcolm Paice, Master of the WCHCD

operate

and

together with other members of the

achieve. The stu-

Company, travelled to St Paul's Cathedral on

dent population

the morning of 20th March 2013, there was

multi-ethnic

little sign of the sun let alone the much her-

and multi-cultural

alded eclipse. But by the time this

73rd

and is a fully

United Guilds Service was over, the sun had

inclusive school

come out to greet London's Livery companies

with 25 students

as they left the Cathedral.

who have pro-

The first United Guilds Service was held on

found, severe and

Affiliation with the Royal

25th March 1943, Lady Day, selected because

multiple learning difficulties. They are taught

it was the first day of the year according to the

Docks Community School

by a specialist team of teachers and support

Julian calendar. Much of London had been a

City Livery Companies often have affiliations

staff, but are fully integrated into the life of the

bomb site back then and this service had been

with schools as part of their remit of

school.

introduced to raise morale. The area around

Education and for the WCHCD, their connec-

The school benefits from a committed, ded-

St Paul's now shows little evidence of the dev-

tion with Royal Docks Community School

icated and hardworking team of teachers and

astation that was all around the cathedral in

began in

2008. Since then, successive

support staff, headed up by the Head Teacher

1943; back then it was a different scene as the

Company Masters have attended the annual

Wendy Bower, who was appointed in January

Master and Prime Wardens of the Twelve

prize giving where an award is given by the

2014. The whole team is focused on raising

Great Companies held a meeting at the

WCHCD to the boy and girl who in the

standards and improving the quality of teach-

Goldsmiths' Hall and decided to hold a ser-

school’s opinion have made exceptional per-

ing and learning. The WCHCD is looking to

vice at St Paul's Cathedral for the Livery

sonal progress. There are also other prizes for

develop its link with the school further with

Companies and Guilds of the City of London

academic success.

visits to city Livery Halls, speakers from the

to help lift the spirits of the city following the

The WCHCD have previously organised

cab trade and others, as well as helping pro-

Blitz. In 1943, the Lord Mayor of London, Sir

trips in taxis, installed a greenhouse and the

vide work experience and shadowing within

Samuel Joseph, attended along with the

school is now preparing to plant a Royal

cab trade businesses. The present Master of

Sheriff, Court Aldermen and the Lord Bishop

Charter Orchard with donated money from

the WCHCD, Malcolm Paice, is helping the

of London, Dr G.F. Fisher, who preached the

the Company, following attendance of the

school with its employability programme,

sermon. In 2014, the Lord Mayor of London,

head teacher, head boy and girl at last year’s

which aims to prepare students for work with

Alan Yarrow, was present at the service.

presentation of a Royal Charter by Prince

CV, interview and professional profile skills as

The cathedral welcomes people of all

Charles to the WCHCD. In 2014, Past Master

well as working with businesses and organisa-

Christian traditions, as well as those of other

Andrew Overton became a governor at the

tions to offer work experience and full time

faiths and this service is an uplifting occasion

school, with a view to helping them with mar-

employment opportunities.

for all those who pack into the beautiful

keting and promoting the school to the out-

Last month, the newest Liveryman of the

cathedral. This year’s sermon was by

side world on schemes such as work experi-

WCHCD, licensed taxi driver, Kevin

Nicholas Holtam, the Bishop of Salisbury.

ence and apprenticeships.

Hennessey, went along to the school to talk

The procession into the cathedral is a spec-

The Royal Docks Community School is a

to pupils about the history of London, using

tacular sight; the Lord Mayor arrives to be met

purpose built, mixed, community compre-

some of the knowledge he gained during the

by the chairman of the Trustees of the United

hensive school for students aged 11 to 16

Cab Guide Course. The WCHCD is planning

Guilds Service and the Masters of the Mercers'

with approximately 800 students. Opened in

to develop its relationship with the Royal

and Grocers' Companies. The procession

1999, the school building has achieved

Docks Community School further every year

down the main aisle of the cathedral is led by

national architectural recognition for its

and is encouraging more of its members and

a Verger and the choir, the Bishop of London,

design and has a 3 year plan to become out-

associated contacts to become involved.

Chief Commoner, High Officers, Sheriffs and

standing. Their values are to aspire, learn, co-

Sandie Goodwin

Court of Aldermen, Clergy and the Bishop,

the Lord Mayor's Chaplain, Serjeant at Arms,

Sword Bearer and the Lord Mayor. They are

DaC Arbitrators

joined by the Masters of the Companies pre-

sent all in their ceremonial robes and regalia -

With three arbitrators having retired, Dial-a-Cab is looking

an impressive sight that shows how the Livery

for replacements. If you have been on the circuit for at least

is still flourishing and active in the City today.

five consecutive years and would like to be considered as an

Tourists and bystanders watched the digni-

Arbitrator, please let me know in writing by May 8th 2015

taries as they left the cathedral to the pealing

at the usual DaC address or via email to:

of St Paul’s bells. The WCHCD then joined

howardp@dialacab.co.uk.

with the Worshipful Company of Bowyers

If more than three drivers apply, then a postal ballot will take place at a later date.

and the Worshipful Company of Water

Howard Pears

Conservators to attend a lunch in the

Company Secretary

Guildhall Private Members dining room.

Call Sign May 2015

Page 19

Cup final is Lee’s swan song

when the unmarked Mark Corbett beat Lee

up Ogunseye to make it 4 - 2 and Mario got his

Pearce.

hat trick just moments later when he made it 5-

The second half went much the way of the

2 to take CWU into the League Cup Final.

first half and with just three minutes left to play

Lee told Call Sign: “It was a great result,

and Lee looking to be going out on a semi-

but I’m in my mid-thirties and after many

final, the team refused to give up. Dan

years of playing in goal and being banged

Harding sped down the right wing, centred

about, there isn’t a part of me that doesn’t

the ball and Mario Embalo headed home to

hurt. My hands, my knees, my feet - you

send the tie into extra time, just as the rain

name it and I have been kicked there! All

came lashing down.

the pain I have is just from playing football.

Wood went ahead on 102 minutes when

Perhaps to some, playing outside the

Dan Harding finished of a superb Mario

Premier league doesn’t count, but believe

Embalo cross and Wood kept the lead up till

me when I say the standard in these lower

the end of the extra time first half. Five min-

leagues is a long way above kicking a ball

utes after the restart, Farnham were level

around a park and you have to be fit. But

when Paul Douglass sent in a cross that went

you have to know when to stop and I decid-

straight into the net past a nervy looking

ed the Combined Counties League Cup

Colliers Wood defence. But the nerves van-

would be my goodbye to playing semi-pro-

ished after Theo Woodhouse fired just wide

fessional soccer. Did I think we’d reach the

and Mario Embalo put Eli Ogunseye away

Final? Well I hoped we would, but that’s a

Lee is going back to a less painful way

only to be tackled in the area. The ref gave a

long way from actually doing it, so I have to

of life - driving a cab!

penalty and Embalo made no mistake from

believe that the team played out of their

the spot.

skin in every round just make my farewell

Up until September 2006, Call Sign had been

Then within a few short minutes, Embalo set

game the League Cup Final.”

sponsoring the Dial-a-Cab Call Centre's

blonde Bombshell, Donna Merry and her

Mirkou MK30 shotgun as she battled into the

European and World skeet shooting champi-

ULEZ

onships. When she left, we transferred our

sponsorship over to DaC driver and then-

Wembley FC goalkeeper, Lee Pearce (J71).

countdown commences

Lee didn’t quite match Donna’s long blonde

locks, but what he had in common was that as

Mayor Boris Johnson has now officially

a goalkeeper, he was good at what he did.

given the go-ahead for the Ultra Low

Our sponsorship paid up in trumps the fol-

Emission Zone (ULEZ) in an attempt to

lowing season when DaC Wembley were select-

cut harmful emissions in London. Petrol

ed by the BBC's Football Focus and Match of the

vehicles will have to meet Euro 4, while

Day to be the team they would follow in the FA

diesel vehicles - including taxis - will have

Cup of that season - the idea being that once

to reach Euro 6 in order to be exempt

Wembley were knocked out, they would con-

from the ULEZ charges, which are sched-

tinue to follow the team that beat them until

uled to be introduced from September

eventually they reached the Final. Former

7 2020. Those daily charges for non-

Spurs legend Garth Crooks and a BBC team

compliant vehicles, according to TfL,

turned up at Wembley and Football Focus did

will be £12.50 for cars, vans and taxis,

a piece on the team, including posing with the

with heavy goods vehicles having to

cup itself.

cough (sic) up a huge £100 a day!

The DaC banners made several appear-

ances as they showed the team training.

According to the Mayor’s office, the full ULEZ package is expected to halve emissions

of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM10) from vehicle exhausts in the cap-

They didn’t win the cup, but the Match of

the Day team admitted being surprised at

ital, with over 80% of central London expected to meet the NO2 (Nitrogen Dioxide)

how good the standard was and 30,000 fol-

annual EU legal limits in 2020. The numbers living in poor air quality parts of town

lowed Wembley’s progress with the BBC

where levels of NO2 exceed legal limits are expected to fall by 74% with a reduction

streaming the match live online.

within inner London of 52%. Outer London, it is claimed, is expected to fall by 43%.

Call Sign followed Lee as he moved around

A £45million fund is said to be available to local authorities to support the

to several different clubs until he finally arrived

rollout of ultra-low emission taxis across the UK. The money is said to help

at South London’s Colliers Wood United in

reduce the upfront cost of purpose-built taxis and help install charging infra-

the Combined Counties Premier division.

structure - although the details claim that this facility will be for both taxis and

The April Call Sign told of the League Cup

private hire.

quarter final match and how the team beat

Of the £45m, £25m of the amount is said to be earmarked for the greater London

Badshot Lea 3-0 to move into the semi-finals,

area in order to help green and yellow badge drivers upgrade to Euro 6, with all new

where they had to play Farnham Town with

London taxis required to be zero-emission capable by January 2018.

the winners meeting league leaders

Taxis will also qualify for the plug-in car grant, which currently offers up to

Camberley Town at Woking FC on 1 May, just

£5,000 off the cost of an eligible low emission vehicle.

as you read this.

The air quality plans are scheduled to be submitted to the European Commission by

The first 30 minutes of the semi-final saw

the end of this year as part of EU legal obligations over nitrogen dioxide limits.

Farnham on top, but with neither side manag-

However, those plans will mean that the UK will not meet the legal limits in greater

ing to score the goal that looked as though it

London, the west Midlands and west Yorkshire until after 2030 - 20 years later than

would get their team through to the final. But

the original EU legal deadline.

on 33 minutes, Farnham took a deserved lead

Call Sign May 2015

Page 20

Ivan’s damper dismay!

“I was really disappointed,” Ivan Sobell

get it sorted. I made representation to V&H,

(P69) told Call Sign. “I heard a loud rattling

who rejected my appeal saying they could not

noise from the engine, stopped immediately

be expected to pay for someone else to repair

to take a look and found that the very long

my cab. Frankly, had I not had more pressing

fan belt that runs over numerous pulleys on

issues involving my wife attending hospital

my TX2 had frayed and that one of those pul-

on a regular basis, I would be taking V&H to

ley’s had broken off from its shaft, leaving me

the small claims court.”

immobile. The upside was that no further

So Call Sign turned to a regular friend of

damage appeared to have been done.

this mag for impartial advice. Sheldon Posner

“Realising that I wasn’t going anywhere

of Cricklewood Carriers told our reporter

soon, I called V&H Taxi Recovery, whose

that genuine LTC Parts are marked accordingly;

name I got from an advert I had seen in a

in this case an arrow indicates the correct ori-

trade newspaper. They came out

entation of the tensioner and carries the LTC

about an hour later and fitted a to

part number. He explained that if the unit was

pulley and fan belt. Thankfully I ha

fitted upside down, the tensioner plays a tug of

sufficient cash because they said the

war game with the belt as it is obviously pulling

didn’t accept credit cards.

and applying tension in the wrong direction

“Then around a week later, th

with possibly dire consequences.

noise returned and so I called them

In the interests of balanced reporting, Call

again and this time they fitted a new

Sign visited V&H in Clare Street E2. Despite

damper, which is the tubular part

a busy workshop, with staff working on cabs,

with an external spring bolted on

no one was available for comment. Our pages

behind the radiator and which appli

therefore remain open for their response.

to the fan belt. But I was still having problems

and made my own enquiries at an LTC dealer-

V&H Taxi Recovery can be contacted on

ship, who suggested that the replacement

07956 333 086.

Cricklewood Carriers can be contacted

damper was not a genuine LTC part.

A TX2 tensioner

on 0208 452 5461

“Eventually I discovered that the damper

(inset): Ivan smiling again now his cab

had also been fitted incorrectly

- upside

has been fixed

down - and it cost me even more money to

Richard Potter (T51) and a few things that are…

ON MY MIND!

Uber

I was recently stopped by a Knowledge Boy on Goodsway who tapped on the window and asked about continu-

ing with the knowledge considering all the Uber cars around. I didn't have the heart to tell him what I really

thought, but said that if it was better than what he was doing, then to continue and generally I gave him some

encouragement. Only in the UK could we create the best taxi service in the world whilst then doing the utmost to

let it crash and burn.

TfL will eventually have a number of questions to answer regarding Uber and it might need a Freedom of

Information request to find out the name of the lawyer who said that Uber was legal, considering that Sir Peter

Hendy could not remember it when questioned by GLA members. Uber was recently valued at $41 billion dollars

with virtually no assets and said that TfL were the easiest licensing authority they had dealt with! What could they possibly mean? They

are listed as a Disruptive Technology, have no credit facilities and take money direct from customer’s accounts.

Why would the big financial houses not give them merchant credit status? A recent media report claimed that on the “dark web” an Uber cus-

tomer’s account details could be brought for as little as 34p. A lady I picked up recently told me that she had stopped using Uber because the driver

was nothing like the one sent on the job details. He admitted that he was the licensed driver’s brother!

The enemy? Congestion Charging?

Talking of TfL, it`s now 12 years since the introduction of the Congestion Charge, which in my opinion is our real enemy. Why should punters sit in

traffic and pay for it. To summarise, traffic levels have fallen by 10% in that time, with travel times remaining the same. It takes just as long - or even

longer - to do a journey across town as it did before 2003. But surprise, surprise, net revenues for 2013 are up £35 million to £132 million from the

£97 million in 2004.

So let me try to understand that car journeys have decreased, yet revenues are up! As we all know, if the congestion charge had worked properly,

traffic levels would have gone down - but so would revenue. TfL make a number of excuses for why the travel time remains the same, but I think

it’s fair to say that each time TfL raised the Congestion Charge - £5 in 2003 to £11.50 in 2014 - they blamed the congestion and traffic speed and we

all know that this was created by them! And this is a body who tell taxi drivers what vehicles they must use by law, whilst in the same breath tell the

same drivers that those vehicles are not fit for purpose. Well in my opinion, it’s TfL who are the ones that are not fit for purpose.

The MoT v Annual inspection

Having taken my taxi to Crayford for its annual NSL inspection, I was surprised when I was called out of the viewing area by a tester who after putting my

cab on the ramp, pointed out that a brake pipe was a little corroded. Very interesting I thought as I pointed out that it had passed the MoT just five days

earlier. I asked if he was suggesting that I get it replaced, his answer was that he was failing the cab and if I didn’t like it, then I should complain to TfL.

The old PCO days are still here, unfortunately the bitter ex-PCO inspectors just work for NSL now. I doubt if he would have talked to the PH brigade

like that, but I’d like to know if NSL have the right to fail your cab on a mechanical issue and not a LTPH issue. The guidance says that things must be

up to MOT standard, which it was the week before. The gentleman concerned, who will not be named, is well known at Crayford. So just beware…

Richard Potter

Call Sign Online

Call Sign May 2015

Page 21

So far as taxis are concerned, the Chinese

city of Shanghai will forever be associated

UBER AND HAILO…

with saving the iconic London taxi. But

the Shanghai Daily has come up with an

Is China showing the way?

astonishing story involving Shanghai that

has nothing to do with London Taxi

Has China worked out

Company owners, Geely, but everything

the app menace to

to do with a taxi system that perhaps the

street hails?

London taxi trade could look at and

maybe learn from…

licensed taxis, who went

The city government is seeking to limit the

on strike in at least seven

use of taxi-booking apps during peak hours

cities around China earlier

as they struggle to deal with the impact these,

this year. The drivers were

like London, have had on China’s transport

complaining both about

market.

the high fees they had to

Beginning in early April,

6,000 of

pay to their companies

Shanghai’s 40,000 licensed taxis have been

and about unfair competi-

told to give priority to passengers hailing

tion from private drivers

cabs on the street or booking them by tele-

unburdened by such fees.

phone during morning and afternoon rush

The Chinese government

hours. Drivers from the city’s five biggest taxi

responded by banning app

companies will take part in the plan for four

Shanghai’s Transport Commission has

operators from using drivers or vehicles with-

hours each day, depending on their licence

said that under the new rules, residents can

out taxi licenses - saying this was partly to

plate numbers. The paper also said the move

report drivers who refuse to pick them up dur-

ensure passengers’ safety. Police are also

was a response to the rapid growth in the

ing rush hour by calling a hotline number.

reported to have been cracking down on pri-

popularity of smartphone booking apps,

However, it remains to be seen how successful

vate drivers. In Beijing, they have warned that

which have led to complaints by residents

the program will be. Shanghai announced over

anyone caught offering unlicensed taxi services

about the difficulty of finding a taxi on the

a year ago that it intended to ban all drivers

faces a fine of some £2000 (20,000 yuan).

street.

from using apps during rush hour, but with

In Shanghai, drivers working for Uber say

It may not be Uber or Hailo, but many dri-

apparently limited impact.

police have stepped up checks on cars they

vers at China’s licensed taxi companies make

Observers say the taxi-booking issue has

suspect may be operating as unlicensed taxis.

use of the country’s two main taxi-booking

highlighted tension between the interests of

They say drivers who are caught, face having

apps, Didi Dache and Kuaidi Dache, which

various groups, including citizens, drivers

their car impounded and losing their licence

together control 90 percent of a market esti-

and China’s powerful Internet companies.

for up to three months as well as facing large

mated to reach 45 million users this year! The

With many residents frustrated at how hard it

fines. Some drivers have responded by asking

two companies, invested in by two of China’s

can be to find a taxi, China has also seen

passengers to sit in the front seat and to tell

two largest Internet companies - Tencent and

a rapid expansion in the use of apps offering

police they are the driver’s friend if stopped!

Alibaba respectively - merged in February

private cars driven either by chauffeurs from

Others say they are planning to stop working

creating a company whose worth is estimated

existing car rental companies, or by private

via booking apps.

at £6.5billion.

individuals seeking to earn extra money.

Uber says it does not operate illegal ser-

However, analysts say the apps have creat-

Didi Dache entered the private car mar-

vices in China, but simply links customers

ed a digital divide. While young people using

ket last year. Other key players in the

with drivers from licensed rental services and

the smartphone apps feel they have made life

market include Yidao Yongche, some-

offers non-profit services via 'People’s Uber.'

more convenient, older or less tech savvy

times known as China’s Uber, as well as

But the latest developments are a

users have complained that they now have to

Uber itself, which entered the Chinese

reminder that the road for China’s booking

wait much longer to hail or book a cab. The

market last year. Uber and other compa-

app providers may be far from a smooth

government has also said that apps have

nies have sought to build market share by

one. And we wonder if there is something

undermined fairness and market order by

offering incentives to passengers and dri-

London can learn? But we have a problem

allowing would-be passengers to offer drivers

vers. However their growing popularity

in comparing our TfL with the progressive

extra money to pick them up.

has caused tension with drivers of

Shanghai Transport Commission…

Taxi Fares 2015/16

For those that don’t already know…

Following the annual review of taxi fares, which

included a public consultation in November

2014, the Transport for London (TfL) Board has

approved a freeze in taxi fares. The cost index

used to calculate changes to taxi fares showed a

0.1 per cent decrease this year and the TfL

Board agreed to defer this decrease to next

year’s fare calculations.

This is the first freeze of taxi fares since TfL

took over responsibility for licensing taxis in

2000 and will last until April 2016. Full details of

the taxi tariffs are available on the TfL website

at: Tfl.gov.uk/taxifares.

The paper considered by the TfL Board at its

meeting on 4 February 2015 is available on the

TfL website at:

https://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/publications-and-

reports/board-papers

Transport for London

Call Sign May 2015

Page 22

Another true story from Geoff Levene

FIGHTING THE BOREDOM

It's been busy hasn't it? You turn on the terminal, log on, book in and

So what can one do to fight the

within seconds the familiar beep, a job offer comes up and away you

boredom? Well, reading is always a

go. Do the job, CLJ and the next one please. Huge queues at Padders,

good option. I've always got a book

shared rides, a couple of airports a week and so it goes on. The Nissan

that’s left over from my holiday and

engine is going strong. Of course we had to get it converted to Euro

recently a passenger gave me the lat-

3, but now it will be good for... hmmm, forever? But Ken has brought

est John Grisham as a tip. On

in a second overhaul a year. Anyone who reverses that will get the cab

Sundays we get The Mail, The Times

trade vote for sure…

and The Observer. That's a lot of

But then beep, beep, beep - it's the alarm clock! And then I awake

newsprint - actually it's a small for-

and look around me, at four grey walls that surround me and I realise

est! The good lady wife reads them

that I was only dreaming (we'll forget about the guard and the sad old

first and then passes them on to me,

padre)!

plus cuttings from Woman,

Things are a bit different now. There seems to be a long time

Woman’s Own, Bella, Best and the

between jobs. You do get a good day now and then, but we get let

Radio Times! I have to admit I'm a bit behind, but I can tell you that

down by everyone - even our friends at the RMT. They keep threat-

Chamberlain is back from Munich! Sometimes I sit and think and

ening strikes on the tube but then cancel them at the last minute!

sometimes I just sit…

But one thing you can do to pass the time is to play Six

Degrees of Separation. This is based on the theory that everyone

is linked to someone famous by no more than six stages. So

here's how I'm connected to George III…

1. My late brother David.

2. The Queen who awarded him the OBE for services to HMRC - but

don't go there…!

THE DAY OF

3. Her father George VI.

4. His grandmother Queen Victoria.

5. Her uncle the Prince Regent - later George lV.

DECISION

6. His father George III.

Then there’s Mozart and me...

hen the LTDA agreed to drop their

1. A passenger of mine and well-known cellist, Stephen Isserlis. His

proposed criminal proceedings

grandfather (number 2) left Russia after the revolution when he

against four Uber drivers, it gave

(number 3) went to Vienna and (4) lodged with a very old lady who

told him about the “horrible man” who lived in her house when she

Transport for London the go-

was little. That was number 5, Beethoven and when he was a boy he

ahead to apply to the High Court to test

played for number 6 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart…

whether Uber are using what the taxi trade

Of course it doesn't work with everybody. For instance there's no

consider to be taximeters.

way I'm connected to Adolf Hitler. But hang on a minute. Back in the

seventies we had an account in Eaton Square. It was the Duchess of

Uber say their app measures fares according to the

Devonshire. The dispatcher was always at pains to point out it was a

smart phone GPS estimate of a journey distance and time

person and not a pub! She was actually the Dowager Duchess - the

- something that TfL’s legal team have said they agree

widow of the old Duke. I picked her up a few times, so she is number

with and that modern technology has caused their own

1. Number 2 was her son, who was the Duke at the time. 3 was his

rules - that private hire are supposed to operate under -

wife, the Duchess (she recently died), but before she married she was

to be out of date.

Debo Mitford, one of the famous sisters, two of whom - Unity and

However, our licensing authority have also said

Diana - were both Fascist sympathisers and my joint number 4. Diana

married the equally charming (and number 5) Oswald Mosley. The

that the High Court is the way to settle the argu-

honoured guest and witness at the wedding in Germany was number

ment - an argument that if it goes Uber’s way, could

6, Der Fuhrer!

signify the beginning of every minicab in London

So when you're next roasting on a rank, kill a bit of time by work-

having the equivalent of a meter.

ing out who you are connected to...

TfL told Call Sign: “We have made it clear previously

that it is our view that smartphones used by private hire

Geoff Levene (W32)

drivers do not constitute the equipping of a vehicle with a

Call Sign Online

taxi meter where they act as GPS tracking devices to mea-

sure journey distances and relay information so that fares

Keith Reading

can be calculated remotely from the vehicle.”

Professional Toastmaster

The LTDA, every other trade group and probably all

Master of Ceremonies

26,000 licensed taxi drivers disagree with TfL’s estimate of

the situation. If the Court decides against Uber, then it

Tele: 01279 465 938

would cause a huge setback with the company being in

Mobile: 07774 860 374

breach of the law and could bring an end to Uber in

Email: kgr.2@virgin.net

London until they find a new way of calculating fares. If it

decides in favour, then this trade will be in trouble.

10% discount for DaC drivers and staff

The case will undoubtedly be a day of decision for this

Fellow of the Guild of

trade and it will be sometime this year…

Professional Toastmasters

Call Sign May 2015

Page 23

In this series, Cab Guide, City of London Guide and City of

Westminster Guide Bob Woodford looks at infamous peace time

London explosions…

Blast!

responsible - and that this was one of a series

Rhodes being

of bomb attacks between 1970 and 1972 that

just one among of

included the disruption of a Miss World con-

number of chefs

Celebrities used to queue up to eat at

test at the Royal Albert Hall.

keen to master-

the Top of the Tower until it was blown

You may recall more recently in 2009, the

mind the project. Sources suggested that

up by terrorists

Tower was back with a bang and an impres-

BT had decided it could not justify the time

sive firework display to launch a countdown

and money being spent on the project during

In the early 1960s, an almost phallic-like sym-

bol rose above the London skyline that would

screen for the

2012 London Olympic

a period of national belt tightening, but I

Games.

rather suspect it’s really all about that 8 letter

replace Millbank Tower as the tallest build-

The space at the top of the pole now is cur-

word that you hear so often these days -

ing in London.

rently only used for BT corporate events and

security...

Looming above genteel Georgian terraces

below, this giant totem pole was a naturally

BT recently confirmed that it will not be re-

opening the revolving restaurant at the top of

Bob Woodford

alienating and foreboding structure to most

the Tower in the immediate future - Gary

Call Sign Online

of us at first. It held its number one ranking

until the 1980s when the Nat West Tower

(now Tower 42) rose higher and today the

BT Tower (formerly the Post Office Tower)

TAXI LICENCE FEES 2015/2016

has slipped down to 11th place.

The tower was designed by architects of

the Ministry of Public Building and Works

ollowing the annual review of taxi and private hire licence

led by Eric Bedford, with Prime Minister

fees, the Transport for London Board has approved the follow-

Harold Wilson officially opening the new

ing licence fees, which came into effect from 1 April 2015…

building on 8th October 1965.

It would be the Postmaster General Tony

Taxi vehicle application

- £65

Benn and holiday camp entrepreneur Billy

Taxi vehicle licence

- £33

Butlin that publically opened its star feature

for the new kid on the block - a revolving

Taxi driver application

- £80

restaurant to be named Top of the Tower,

Taxi driver licence

- £192

which would complete one revolution every

Knowledge appearance

- £400

22 minutes.

Knowledge written test

- £200

Some older readers may remember the

office of the Butlin’s group that was once on

Oxford Street near the junction of Betterton

Street and which for several years had an

account with Dial-a-Cab. On the other hand,

younger readers may not have realised that

this major UK communications hub in

THE SALIERI RESTAURANT

Fitzrovia was once open to the public, com-

plete with viewing galleries and a souvenir

376 Strand, WC2

shop.

But the peace and tranquillity of this

We Invite Dial-a-Cab drivers and their guests to our

dynamic London visitor attraction was

restaurant where you can partake of the finest food and wine

shattered because of a Halloween Blast

that took place on the 31st floor of the

And as a thank-you for helping our clients come

Tower at 4.30am on 31st October 1971,

but when fortunately, almost certainly

and go over the years, we are happy to be able to

due to the timing, nobody was killed or

offer you a genuine 25% discount on your bill

injured - although shrapnel and debris

rained down on Cleveland Street below,

so hopefully your taxi was well out of

We are certain that you will be delighted

harm’s way!

The physical damage took 2 years to repair,

which put a stop to celebrities queuing up in

the west end for Beluga Caviar and Atlantic

Smoked Salmon complete with a view that

stretched out to the home counties.

Interestingly, nobody claimed responsibili-

ty for hiding the device inside a toilet beside

Please bring along your badge or Bill as ID

a viewing gallery, despite early news reports

just minutes after the explosion that Scotland

Salieri Restaurant

Yard had received a call from the so-called

‘Kilburn Battalion’ of the IRA.

376 Strand, WC2

But in a 1973 book by Alan Burns called

Reservations: 020 7836 1318

The Angry Brigade, he claimed that the

British left-wing Anarchist Group were

Call Sign May 2015

Page 24

hilst the TX4 taxi

is seen by some

New LTC factory

as being noisy

with all the emis-

goes green!

sion downsides that diesel vehi-

cles are said to have, LTC’s

Mayor Boris,

Chinese owners Geely have now

David

Cameron, Li

put their money where their

Shufu and

mouths are and say they will be

Peter

turning the next generation of

Johansen at

taxis into a 21st century electric

the launch

vehicle with an aluminium body

and a driver relying on a battery

with over 200 miles before a

M o r e

recharge is needed.

recently, LTC

In an exclusive and lengthy interview with

in Coventry

Geely Chairman Li Shufu in the October 2013

has produced

Call Sign, he said that their next generation

its first export

green cabs would be the “most technologically

vehicle since

advanced taxis the world has ever seen and cru-

the company

cially, they would be the greenest ever.” As most

became part

newspapers world-wide have now confirmed,

Emerald Automotive, the electric van

of the Chinese

Mr Li kept his promise and set up a new £250

maker Geely acquired last year. They are

Zhejiang Geely Holding Group in

million factory in Ansty Park, Coventry, where

also based in Coventry.

February 2013. The purpose built taxi is

the new TX5 will go into production from

The new factory is looking to produce some

on its way to Melbourne, Southern

September 2017 ready for the January 2018

36,000 vehicles a year by 2023, around 80 per-

Australia. After approval, a further order

ULEZ emission rules. Geely claim that the fac-

cent of the TX5 taxis probably going for export.

of several hundred vehicles is expected

tory will produce jobs for 1000 workers by

The new vehicle will be developed using signif-

from the main Australian distributor - The

2023.

icantly increased UK and EU content, bringing

London Taxi Company Australia - into the

The new taxi will feature a 400kg battery

economic benefits through the supply chain.

city of Melbourne. The Taxi Services

that drivers will be able to recharge whilst

Mr Li said Geely was working with software

Commission has already approved the

on the move thanks to a small petrol

developers to find ways of countering the

London Taxi for use as a conventional taxi

engine. The TX5 has been designed with

Uber threat.

in the state of Victoria.

TEAM WILKEY AIM FOR MAY TITLES!

Alec Wilkey (W83) isn’t just a ten-year veteran of Dial-a-Cab,

he is also a very respected trainer in the world of professional

boxing and has a very busy May ahead - not involving his cab -

with no less than four of his boxers fighting for titles!

Based at Lansbury ABC in Poplar, the fighters are deep into

their training camps for their important upcoming bouts, with

the first being female fighter Areti Mastrodouka (8-0) who

has the chance to win three World Titles with the WBF, WIBF

and GBU versions all on the line for this unification bout on

May 9th in her homeland of Greece. Known as The Master,

Areti won the World GBU title on points last time out against

Hana Horakova and now fights Loli Munoz in a Super-

Featherweight contest at the Panathinaikos FC ground for

all the belts!

Alec also has three fighters vying for titles on 16th May at

York Hall, Bethnal Green, on the Goodwin Promotions

show which features 7 title fights. Former Prizefighter

Champion Johnny Coyle from Stanford-le-Hope in Essex beca

last contest and now fights for the Light-Welterweight Southern Area title against Phil Bowes in what should be a cracking match-up - one

in which the winner can look to progress to fight for more titles.

Danny ‘Cassius’ Connor is also back in action after competing in the Prizefighter tournament back in December. The 28 year-old Sutton

boxer is looking to secure a title in a third weight division after moving down to Lightweight, having previously won the Southern Area Light

Welterweight strap and Masters Welterweight title. Connor faces off with Andy Harris for the Masters belt this time out.

Also on the bill fighting for the vacant International Masters Bronze title is 24 year-old Adam ‘Raw’ Salman. The welterweight Morden

fighter is set to clash with Stanislav Nenkov and fights for his first title after moving into the paid ranks at the beginning of 2013.

It is sure to be an exciting night of action at York Hall with a host of other top fights on the bill including the likes of Jamie

Speight, Johnny Garton, Adam Dingsdale, Michael Devine, Dean Byrne and the Upton brothers to name a few.

To purchase tickets (£35), call 07944 791 360.

David Wilkey

Call Sign May 2015

Page 25

DaC Board Member Mike Son asks a simple question…

Whose side are TfL on?

compared to others, nonetheless I under-

industry and I really cannot understand how

stand that as members, your main concerns

the licensing authority can continue to allow

are your own individual earnings.

such an apparent lack of vetting procedures

At the AGM, there was much consternation

of minicab drivers. I am given to understand

and anger expressed to the Board as to the

that at the very least, there is not even an

direction being taken and what efforts and

appropriate driving test! It does make you

strategies were being put into place to

wonder just whose side TfL are actually on?

redress the loss of work to DaC members.

Again the lack of TfL’s responses to var-

But I can assure you that every effort is being

ious articles in the press and social media

made to obtain new clients and keeping

concerning the disreputable behaviour of

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen

existing accounts; but yes, it is proving to be

some of these drivers and the confidence

very difficult.

tricks used by some of the minicab com-

Although it’s a while ago now,

But new and imaginative marketing

panies when passengers use credit cards,

strategies are being viewed, which we all

really is quite unbelievable. Personally

this is my first opportunity to

hope will be the turning point in our efforts

speaking, I really cannot understand what

thank you for your support at

to regain control of our market share.

Transport for London’s agenda is.

the last AGM.

The cheap fares being offered along with

Although members of the public, along

Like you, I drive a taxi so I don’t have to tell

the absence of control by TfL on the ever

with some corporate companies, have been

you how difficult it has been lately due to the

increasing minicab fraternity and the mobile

using minicab companies and their mobile

general lack of work and although Dial-a-

app revolution, is proving to be extremely

phone apps in an effort to cut costs, many are

Cab is still in a favourable financial position

worrying for the future of the licenced taxi

coming to realise that some of the more

unscrupulous drivers are offering a clear and

current danger to passenger’s safety, security

10 or 15 years…

and to the general wellbeing of those who

choose to use private transport - all appar-

ently, with the blessing of TfL.

What to do for the best?

So getting back to the point of reduced

taxi work, especially radio taxi trips, we

are looking at different strategies but in

addition, we could also do with your help.

Whilst driving around town, just take a

note of the companies or buildings where

you see minicabs lining up waiting for pas-

sengers. Your help may prove to be extreme-

ly helpful to the sales team and give the

opportunity for members of our team to con-

tact the companies to introduce the Dial-a-

Cab services and products.

“I really don’t know what to do for the best, which way to go forward,” Stephen Hassan (P95)

admitted to Call Sign. “I’m waiting for Boris to make up his mind about this ten or fifteen year

The email address is:

rule,” he said, referring to the impending decision by the Mayor of London regarding the life cycle

sales@dialacab.co.uk or you can text me

of London taxis.

on 07710 388588…

“I have just had my last overhaul on this cab, so while it’s good for only another year so far as

the authorities are concerned, to me it is still a good tool to go to work in. I only cover around

Michael Son

9000 miles a year, need only one service a year and at this last re-licencing procedure, the smoke

DaC Board Member

test was better than a TX4! Yet I will have to say goodbye to my cab in 12 months’ time because

it will be fifteen years old, even though there is plenty of life left in it.

“At one point, I thought I might be able to convert it to gas, but I think I might be too late for

that because I remember reading in Call Sign that such a conversion had to be done before the

Euston Road

last overhaul to gain the additional five years of working life. I’m determined to stay on Dial-a-

Cab, but unless I can rent a DaC taxi, who knows what the end result will be? It really is a major

accident

headache for me right now until I can somehow resolve the matter.

On Thursday 23 April in Euston

“I may investigate those leasing deals currently available through dealerships, because the

options offer several advantages in that I can keep the cab at the end of the term if I wish or hand

Road, an unmarked police car went

it back, and I will know my regular monthly expenses during the leasing period. It is an option I

into a DaC taxi at full speed spinning

may seriously consider!”

the cab round and causing part of

Joining us in the conversation was Alex Hurley (K70). He too has an older cab and will be like-

the road to be closed.

ly to rent a taxi when his current workhorse comes off the road.

The two passengers and both

“I have been driving thirty-nine years, twenty of those on Dial-a-Cab and I would dearly like to

drivers were hurt and all were taken

stay on the circuit, but I will have to seriously consider renting because to me the future of the taxi

to the UCH by ambulance.

trade does not look too good and I do not wish to invest just now; so I will be looking to rent my

next cab,” Alex confirmed.

The driver was carrying out an

“I’ve investigated several possibilities and options, including a gas conversion, but I will hopeful-

account ride for MWM Boardroom

ly find a rental cab fitted with Dial-a-Cab…”

Consulting LLP. The driver and one

Call Sign is offering its pages to any Dial-a-Cab driver who is open to either of two

passenger were later discharged, but

options; if you are willing to rent out your taxi to another DaC driver whose cab has

the second passenger was kept in.

reached the end of its life, or if feel you might perhaps be interested in a new taxi but

We would like to wish the

don’t want to spend that much but would consider a shared ownership, then just contact

passengers and the driver, Brian

this magazine by either posting your details to the office addressed to Call Sign, or email

Shapiro (H41), a speedy recovery…

callsignmag@aol.com.

Call Sign May 2015

Page 26

I find it hard to understand - although I do con-

With all its rear-wheel steering system problems, Eddie Lambert

fess to not being an engineer or mechanic -

makes a suggestion to Mercedes and asks questions to Fraser Nash

why Mercedes have continued to try and recti-

about electric taxis…

fy the rear steering problem on the Vito. It

would seem to me to be a much better idea

altogether to do what Nissan have done with

their converted NV200 van - which has been

CHANGE THE VITO’S

shelved for the foreseeable future due to the

problems of dealing with TfL.

FRONT STEERING RACK!

That solution would be to make changes

to the front steering rack so that it can meet

The electric Metrocab

the required Metropolitan Conditions of

Fitness (MCF). Quite why Nissan hasn't pro-

would seem to me that

ceeded across the rest of the country,

somewhere in the region of

where local authorities for the most part

10% of the fleet number

actually seem to have intelligent people

would be more appropriate -

working for them and serving on Licensing

ie some

2,000 charging

Committees, I don't know.

points.

Even if Mercedes do finally crack their rear

Following the enthusiastic

turning problem, it will be a solution that is

harvesting of taxi ranks

only useful on a small percentage of the pro-

across central London by

duction run ie London Taxis and the very few

councils

- Camden and

councils that continue to use the MCF, which I

Westminster in particular - it

believe to be as low as 5 out of over 350 local

would seem that there could

authorities. Due to this limited number - possi-

be a lack of suitable ranks, so

bly as few as 3 to 4000 vehicles a year - the cost

perhaps induction charging

was disappointed to see they had not fitted the

will still be quite exorbitant and add some-

at major stations could be a part of the electric

latest collision avoidance system that is cur-

where in the region of 10 to 15% to the cost of

taxi answer - although not via physical contact

rently available. According to an article in the

the vehicles compared to those coming straight

or leads. The charging system could be incor-

Daily Telegraph Saturday car supplement, this

off the production line and become a solution

porated in the road with taxis accepting a

system makes it almost impossible to run into

that could be used in all Vitos across the whole

charge whilst waiting for their next fare.

the back of another vehicle or other obstacles

production run. The cost would then be

Another good place would be at green shelters

in the path of your vehicle. I suppose they

spread out while reducing the cost to well

and places such as Camley Street, the new

might make it an optional extra when you

under 1% of the total vehicle and make the Vito

Oak at North Wharf Road and Great Suffolk

order, but with the cost quoted in the article as

Taxi far more affordable - particularly outside of

Street, although the lack of any permanent

just over £100, it would help make the vehicle

London.

tenancy could be a possible problem. Perhaps

even more enticing to potential purchasers -

If all Vito vans across the country - or

the GLA/TfL could find some sites where a 10

not to mention that it could also help reduce

indeed the world - had “our turning circle”

year or so tenancy by the operators might be

insurance premiums.

then they could use the strap line: ‘As

possible.

Of course, the other issue with the new elec-

manoeuvrable as a London taxi’ in their

With the right number of charging points, it

tric Metrocab involves charging points, some-

advertising for the Vito.

might even be possible to reduce the size of the

thing that will also affect any electric taxi offer-

batteries and the overall weight of taxis.

ings from other manufacturers. I know the

Which leads me nicely to my final point:

And then there’s the

LTDA have called for 500 charging points

How much are we going to be expected to

across London, but with the London taxi fleet

electric Metrocab…

pay for the batteries and are we going to

of around 20,000 eventually having to go over

As a Metrocab owner-driver for over 18 years,

to electric vehicles, those 500 seem to be a

have to purchase or lease them separately

I have been watching the progress of the new

from the taxis?

rather conservative number and could hold

Fraser Nash Metrocab with great interest. On

back drivers from going over to electric taxis as

Eddie Lambert (V37)

reading the latest reports of their progress, I

quickly as they may have otherwise done. It

Call Sign Online

Kupkake Thanksgiving Service

Regular readers of Call Sign will remember this magazine’s

former poet and long-time Dial-a-Cab driver, David Kupler

To refer to David as brave is such a gross understatement; he went far beyond that description. It was in

November 2013 that a small shadow was discovered on his lung, but by February 2014 it had grown so

quickly that there was no treatment available that could help. But I was stunned when he said he had just

weeks to live and wanted to put some final poems into the mag. He also wanted to write his own obitu-

ary. And that is exactly what he did! He died 3 weeks later on 1 April 2014.

David was totally irreligious although he described himself as a not too strict Taoist saying that he

didn’t believe in any supreme being. His belief was that you are born, you live and then you die; but he

believed strongly that while we are here, we should try our best to help each other and as such he

signed a form that said after his death, his body should be donated to medical science.

“How else can future doctors learn,” he asked me. “How do we eradicate these types of ill-

nesses if they have no bodies to look at? What good does a grave and a headstone do for the

world? Those who want to remember me need just look into their hearts and I’ll be there, not to visit a cold cemetery to

read nice words on a piece of stone.”

And that is exactly what David “Kupkake” Kupler did. Now his cousin Stuart has told Call Sign that there is to be a Thanksgiving Service for David and

others who donated their bodies for anatomical research in the previous year.

It will be held at Southwark Cathedral on Friday 15 May 2015 at 11am and any drivers wanting to pay their respects can just turn up on

the day, but please be there at least 30 minutes before the service commences.

Alan Fisher, Call Sign Online

Call Sign May 2015

Page 27

STEVE v SATNAV!

“It really is quite remarkable when you

ing on the main road into Croydon. It’s a

think about it,” Steve Lederman (B54) told

straight road and you really cannot go wrong

Call Sign recently.

- unless, of course, you are a minicab driver,

“I had picked up an account client from

a slave to the car’s Satnav - but slightly cheap-

Canary Wharf to go to the Home Office

er!” Steve giggled impishly.

building in Croydon. As the passenger got

“The client was amazed and delighted and

into the cab, he asked me which way I intend-

as he got out, he congratulated me on the

ed going because the previous week a private

service that Dial-a-Cab provides and the

hire driver in a black Ford Galaxy - and guid-

competence of our drivers. As he walked off

ed by his Satnav - went via the A2 to the M25,

into the Home Office, he mumbled: “Just 43

along the motorway to the M23 and then

minutes door to door…brilliant!” Yes, of

back down onto the A23 to take them even-

course I was proud, but in reality it was just

tually into Croydon. He said that it took them

another day in the office and shows why we

absolute ages! He added that he hoped I

are so much better than private hire. It’s just

would know a better way!

a shame that big companies feel the saving of

“Firstly I’m a London taxi driver so of

a small amount is more important than the

course I knew a better way than their minicab

reason for the trip. End of!”

Steve won!!!

provider did and secondly, I actually live in

Steve grinned with the satisfaction that he

south London so yes, I’m familiar with the

House at Wellesley Road in Croydon.

had helped maintain the professionalism of

roads anyway. Nevertheless, I was very sur-

“We whizzed through the Blackwall

the finest taxi service in the world...

prised at that route taken, so I simply told the

Tunnel and into Blackheath Village before

Alan Green (E52)

passenger to sit back and watch, before mov-

heading towards Catford. Then it was

ing off swiftly in the direction of Lunar

Verdant Lane to Beckenham Junction stay-

Call Sign Online

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 month’s Flashback is from July

London Airport

1978 and is an ODRTS News & Views

London Airport jobs will be taken from the car park, which means a driver has to have a number. If there

article from Complaints Officer

are no cabs in the area, the point will be measured from the car park and not from the pick-up point.

Johnny Saunders…

Pye radios

With regards to our new radio sets ranging from 57000 to the 71000 series, the Pye engineer asks

Gentlemen

you to please note that when switching off, you should not apply excess pressure as this often caus-

Complaints

es malfunction in the switch and could lead to a complaint. Thank you very much.

There was recently a complaint made against

Johnny Saunders (B20)

a dispatcher after he had allocated a job in

ODRTS Complaints Officer

Kent to the wrong cab. The dispatcher was

then called into the office to answer the com-

plaint and when I read the answer, I agreed

that the driver had been justified in making

the complaint and I cautioned the dispatcher

to be more careful in the future. I then told

the driver my decision and he seemed to think

that his making a complaint against an ODRTS

dispatcher had been a waste of time.

I told him that this really wasn’t the case and

that only recently the Board of Management

had suspended another dispatcher indefinitely

EARLY TREATMENT MEANS SPEEDY RECOVERY

from the control room. I emphasised that I am

Treatment for pain & discomfort doesn’t have to be expensive

always available to listen to driver’s complaints

and I take no sides. So please, in future when

you feel that there has been a wrong done, get

The Centre offers fully qualified therapists in Physiotherapy,

in touch with the Complaints Officer.

Osteopathy, Sports Massage, Reflexology, Shiatsu, Remedial

Our complaints system has now been going

Massage, Indian Head Massage, Hydrotherm, Massage

since the last AGM in November 1977 and

most of the teething problems have been

Therapy, Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.

ironed out. Also, for those wishing to appeal

against a sentence given by the Complaints

Call us on 020 8507 8169

Committee, there is an Appeals Committee

or mobile 07973 639 473 for an early appointment

that has the power to change a sentence.

Email: andy@bptconline.co.uk or fax: 020 8507 9650

City jobs

Out of hours enquiries welcome

For an experimental period, work in the heavi-

ly populated part of the City will be called

Barking Physical Therapy Centre

from the point of the Moorgate rank between

90 Longbridge Road, Barking, Essex, IG11 8SF

the hours of 8am and 10pm. Hopefully this

Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 9am till 8pm and Saturday 9am till 2pm

will benefit both the drivers and dispatchers.

www.bptconline.co.uk

Call Sign May 2015

Page 28

DAC DRIVER’S HOSE AND WOES!

April was a bad month for three Dial-a-Cab dri-

“The recovery man said a

injector pipe had a hole in it

vers! When Melvyn Harvey (E87) noticed steam

probably due to metal fatigue

escaping from the front of the cab, he was very

which had then caused an air-

surprised as he’d had the heater matrix replaced

lock in the fuel system so no

amount of bleeding the fuel

some weeks previously after breaking down in

lines of air would have suc-

Harley Street and he wasn’t expecting further

ceeded and I ended up catch-

problems with the cooling system on his TX4.

ing a lift on the breakdown

He told Call Sign: “When I failed to proceed in the heart of the

truck to Frameright Taxis in

medical profession’s locale, the AA came out to me and I had to

Three Colts Lane, losing sev-

be transported to my dealership to have the leaking heater matrix

eral hours work.

replaced.

“At least Frameright got me

“That was five hours of grief and as I broke down early in the

back on the road with the

evening, my entire night’s work was lost and I didn’t get my cab

minimum of fuss. I was well-

back until the following day. So when I saw those wisps of steam

pleased with them,” Geoff

yet again, my heart sank as you can imagine.

added enthusiastically.

“On the second occasion I broke down, it was in Covent Garden

Frank

McCormack

and when I opened the taxi hood to see where the steam was com-

(C63) was lucky when he ex

ing from, I saw the split in the top hose that carries the engine

ing problems on his TX4.

coolant to the radiator from the engine and that’s when I realised

“The power steering felt very heavy intermittently and made

I wasn’t going anywhere yet again!

weird creaking noises as I turned the steering wheel. Early diag-

“The AA came out to me again and as usual I had to be ‘assessed’

nosis was a steering pump failure, but closer examination showed

for transportation, even though I tried to save time by stating the

the steering column was the culprit as the internal bearings that

cab was unrepairable at the roadside, the problem being that I did

support the steering wheel shaft had collapsed to the point of

not have a spare coolant hose for the AA man to be able to replace

being dangerous. The steering might have even locked up com-

the damaged one! So that was another evenings’ work down the

pletely, preventing me from controlling the cabs’ direction.

tubes; so you can imagine my disappointment.”

Anyway, those great guys at Ascott’s sorted it out in under an

Getting into the swing of things, Melvyn went on to say that

hour and I was back on the road safely!”

had he carried a few essential spares such as coolant hoses,

Frameright Taxis can be contacted on 0207 739 5617

drive/fan belts and a selection of light bulbs relevant to his

The Ascott Cab Company can be contacted on

model of taxi, his hose and woes problems would have been

0208 692 1122.

over because the AA would probably have sorted it quite

quickly and he would have been able to go back to work

without missing yet another night on the road.

“The cost of those few emergency spares - even if they were just

kept on the cab - would have been far cheaper than losing a sec-

ond nights’ work, so I’ve now learned my lesson and I’m passing

that advice on for the benefit of other Dial-a-Cab drivers!”

Call Sign was told that water hoses, like many flexible

materials used on the cab, become brittle and weakened

with age. The constant cycle of heating up and cooling down

as the engine runs can cause the rubber to crack and there-

fore fail. We were advised to check the condition of all hoses

regularly.

Geoff Levene (W32J) also broke down recently through no

fault of his own.

“Yes, you may have seen my cab sitting forlornly on the back

end of a flat-bed recovery truck recently! I was in Westbourne Park

Road when the cab suddenly lost power before actually stalling.

Try as I might, I could not re-start it. A kindly passing fellow cab

driver, assisted by a postman, helped push the dead cab into the

side of the road otherwise I may have caused a traffic jam back to

Shepherds Bush!

Theatre tickets

Don’t forget; if you read the piece on page 10 of this

issue and want to receive information on when and where

taxi driver’s complimentary theatre tickets are available,

then email Tom Whitbread on:

tom.whitbread@btclick.com

He will then put you onto a database of drivers

who will all receive information at the same time

regarding any freebie tickets on offer. More details

on page 10…

Call Sign May 2015

Page 29

Dear Alan

Embarrass the Editor of Call Sign? Former driver Chris Treadwell

Even though I left both Dial-a-Cab and the

shows how!

UK back in 1997, I still have fond memories

of both on two fronts. I read your excellent

online version of Call Sign and I also have a

BOX OF MALTESE MEMORIES

suitcase in the spare bedroom stuffed with

memorabilia that I took with me when my

wife Rose and I emigrated to the sunshine

island of Malta. We had always spoken of

retiring to Crete but somehow ended up

here - and never regretted it.

But it’s that suitcase that I hadn’t opened

for many years that I wanted to talk to you

about. Whenever I thought of opening it,

Rose always talked me out of it - not because

it might have contained some sad memories,

but more because it had so much stuff in it

that our small one bedroom apartment

would probably have been covered in old

newspapers, photos and small bits of junk

that she always said I’d wonder why we ever

brought them over with us!

Sadly, my Rose died last year and just a few

weeks ago I thought I’d take out the case to

see if there were any nice photos of Rose and

I. Indeed there were - along with some awful

junk that Rose was right in saying I would

Sign's

wonder why I ever thought of bringing them

over here. But not everything fell into that

category, because I also brought some mem-

Devon and it was a lovely way for us to spend

same person - and yes, I know that you were

ories of my 33 years as a green badge taxi dri-

two weeks together.

Big Al!

ver and some of it involves you!

But back to my suitcase; I also pulled out a

Best wishes to all at DaC…

I have always been a huge fan of American

copy of Call Sign. It was edited by Jery

Chris Treadwell

wrestling and would never miss a copy of Taxi

Craig, who was and obviously still is a bril-

Mellieha Bay, Malta

Globe, purely because it had a masked gentle-

liant cartoonist. But it also contained my

Thanks for the letter, the views of Malta

man by the name of Mr X who regularly wrote

favourite part of the magazine - Big Al. Most

and the two photos, Chris. As you can see I

about the sport. Back then, the only other way

drivers enjoyed reading him because he was

already have copies of both pics and used

you could read about it was via imported

so irreverent and would think nothing of

them. Does that answer your question!

wrestling mags such as Pro Wrestling

insulting even the Chairman! And that’s

I envy you having gone to Wrestlemania

Illustrated, which were great but usually

when I noticed something. Big Al and Mr X

with your son and although I only watched it

around two months out of date. Taxi Globe’s

looked very similar and I’m now wondering if

as a Sky PPV, it looked brilliant with 77,000

Mr X, however, was always up-to-date! I even

all I had to do was to ask Mr Craig for his

people in that magnificent San Francisco Bay

went to Taxi Globe’s office with my son

phone number and I’d have got the details of

stadium watching such amazing action -

Stephen - also a wrestling nut - to ask the

Mr X as well? I have scanned the two photos

especially when The Rock teamed up with

Editor for a contact number for Mr X. I can’t

for you and perhaps you will put me out of

one tough lady - UFC World Champion,

remember his name, but he was a shortish,

my misery! Were Mr X and Big Al one and the

Ronda Rousey …Ed

well-dressed man with glasses

(Rodney

Lewis…Ed). But he refused. When Rose and I

You may not need us now, but cut us out for when you do!

left for our sunshine island retirement home, I

obviously put a copy of Taxi Globe in my mem-

orabilia suitcase because I’m now looking at a

photo of Mr X with Sting - someone I saw

LOCKHOUSE SECURITY

fighting at WWE’s Wrestlemania, which both

Stephen and I went to in Santa

Clara, California recently. Stephen lives in

All types of locks, opened, repaired and replaced

10% discount on keys and locks for DaC drivers

Avoiding confusion

Transponders / chipped keys

On site key cutting services including taxis

with debit cards

Locks replaced / fitted to insurance specifications (BS3621

n page 15 of this issue you

Burglary repairs / boarding up

will read of the new partition

stickers available at DaC

Additional security / security upgrades

House, which in addition to

Safes opened, repaired and serviced

the previous passenger information (ie

Grilles and security gates

10% charge with a minimum of £2 for

credit cards etc) also add debit cards to

Specialists in UPVC doors and windows / patio doors

that. Some passengers have pointed

Free estimates / no call out charge

out that the previous notice mentioned

24hr service

just credit cards and believed that debit

cards carried no charge.

You can find us at:

To avoid confusion, please pick up

8-10 The Arcade, Farnham Road, Harold Hill

one when you pass the office and

replace the old one.

Tel: 01708 371115

Call Sign May 2015

Page 30

Howard Sales (ex-A11) was a for-

mer DaC driver and trainer who

Uber renting out kittens?

emigrated to Australia many

years ago where he opened a

Instructions are simple:

garage. He keeps in touch with

1. Download the Uber

Call Sign and sends the occasion-

app.

al update - but this was one we

2. Request the ‘KITTENS’

never really expected - Rent-a-

option in your app

Kitten for 15 minutes!

between 12pm and 4pm

He picked it up from Australian site, Your

(local time).

Friends House…

3. If kittens are available,

you will get to enjoy

“Following the huge success of

UberKittens in the US, UberAustralia has

15 minutes of kitten cute-

decided that delivering kittens to strangers

ness delivered to your

for fifteen minutes is a great way to give

office, your sweetheart or

everyone the warm fuzzies. According to the

even your favourite cat

Aus team’s blog: We were inundated with

lady!”

requests from riders and some amazing local

shelters to bring it to our shores so we could

during kitten visits goes directly to the partici-

Well, it sounds cuter

share the kitten love and spread the word

pating shelter in your city. It costs $40 and the

than the Norwegian taxi company that

about the importance of finding much need-

fact it’s for such a good cause outweighs the

offered a contraceptive delivery service!

ed homes for our furry friends.

logistical nightmare we can only assume comes

Mind you, Call Sign can think of a link

The best thing is that every dollar donated

from flinging kittens all around the city.

between contraceptives and Uber!

Taxi rank at Novikov

Evening drivers on Dial-a-Cab will have taken many passengers to

Novikov in Berkeley Street and felt frustrated at not being able to wai

on a rank to pick up at what is now a very popular restaurant, whilst

minicabs seemed to have very few problems in hanging around.

Well now there is a rank outside and it is important that it is serviced well and that the only

taxis on there are those that are for hire.

It was on November 5 2009 and very close to Novikov, when following a long battle a rank

was granted outside Nobu. It was this magazine that began the fight for that rank as far back as

November 2005, when DaC driver John Fisher (C45) contacted us about touting outside Nobu.

We contacted the tout squad and gave them a list of the tout’s minicab registration numbers.

Within weeks, Sgt Dave Hillson of the-then Cab Enforcement Section led a raid on the

restaurant and several minicab drivers were arrested. It took four years, but with much thanks

to drivers such as Natalia Shalom and Daniel Woodhouse who constantly “hung around”

outside Nobu and had ongoing and threatening “battles” with the bouncers, eventually the

rank was won and it is now regularly used. We must make sure that Novikov is used every

bit as well, because if we don’t use it, we all know who will.

Up until drivers got the point about a rank being outside Novikov, the LTDA AdVan tend-

ed to park there just to show drivers - even though the driver, Mike Calvey, was asked to

move away!

Novikov is Arkady Novikov’s first London restaurant and features both Asian and Italian food. Cheap it isn’t;

but the food is said to be delicious. But so far as most of us are concerned, all we need to know is that the rank runs

from 6:30pm until 8:30am and we can’t afford to let it be anything but well-serviced.

TAXI AIR

The Flower Mill

Creating Beautiful Flowers For Weddings

CONDITIONING

All makes and models

Tel:

07854 738895

serviced and repaired

Mobile service - we

Web: www.theflowermillessex.co.uk

come to you!

Call Mick Wheeler on

Email: theflowermill@yahoo.co.uk

020 8715 0079

Covering Essex & The Surrounding Counties

Covering London

“It is at the edge of a petal that love waits”- William Carlos Williams

and the Home Counties

Call Sign May 2015

Page 31

Mailshot

Either write to Call Sign at

said they’d had a 2 year old TX4 for sale at

£32k and it had been sold the previous

Dial-a-Cab House

Tuesday! That was all they had and I am

or email us at

on their list if anything comes in.

callsignmag@aol.com

So I agree with David Heath in the April

Call Sign that there are no taxis to buy

and because of the awaited ULEZ decision,

no one will buy mine because if it arrives

TfL did a midnight blitz on the West End

Lost taxi driver’s

in 2020, any buyer now would lose £6000

on a Saturday night, I’m sure they would

or 3 plate years. Currently, plate years are

catch loads of unlawful drivers. We need

medical reports

based on £2000 per year, the highest the

an undercover night squad to sort it all

Hello Alan

trade has ever known. To say that the

out, but maybe TfL don’t have this facili-

Regarding your article in the April Call

dithering TfL are pushing the trade to cri-

ty. Or maybe Uber are just bulletproof…?

Sign concerning lost medical reports, it

sis point is an understatement, as rental

David Heath (Ex-W27) - and still with-

seems to have solved a mystery that has

garages let old cabs go and don't replace

out a cab

baffled me since January. On reaching

them. Indeed it’s a real mess.

They had a blitz last year when they

the age of 67, I was expecting my annual

As for Mike Galvin writing to Call Sign

caught 34 drivers! What do you want

medical form from TfL. After quite a few

complaining about Uber taking work from

David - blood! …Ed

weeks, I started to think they had forgot-

ten and maybe I would get one next

Addison Lee; I find that a bit rich consid-

ering he jumped ship from the taxi trade in

Uber fares

December when my licence is due for

an attempt to take work from DaC! Now

Hi Alan

renewal.

Then at the beginning of March, I got a

that's what I call an outrage.

Is it true that Uber fares are increasing?

Richard Potter (T51)

Alex Constantinou (N05)

letter and form from TfL giving me some

twenty days to get my eyes tested by an

It does seem that the letter from David

Yes, their drivers were sent an email

Heath last month in which he wrote

that seems to have caused some con-

optician - the reason being that my med-

that LTC couldn’t offer him a second

sternation among them. The email

ical showed my eyes were not up to stan-

hand taxi so that he could rejoin Dial-a-

said Uber were going to raise prices

dard. I passed the eye test with flying

Cab after his own cab fell foul of the 15

for riders by 7% and that the commis-

colours and it cost me nothing but my

time. So I can only assume TfL were

year rule, has started something with

sion payable would go up to 25%.

many drivers phoning me to ask where

Drivers have complained that their

looking at past medical reports in which

the best place to get a second hand cab

minimum fares will now drop by £1

my doctor had tested my eyes. Now I’m

wondering if I was the only driver who

would be. My answer is that I don’t

each with normal fares down around

know but to keep an eye open because

3%.

has been overlooked.

I can only hope I get away this year

someone is always looking to sell a cab.

Call Sign would like to make a sug-

gestion to TfL. They are always quick

without having to pay my doctor his nor-

As for Mike Galvin’s leap, I believe he

to publicise taxi fare increases to the

mal £160 for his signature on a form. As

actually left the trade altogether before

press, so perhaps they could tell them

for health, I have two check-ups a year

going back with AL. And yes, they do

about the Uber increase while

free on the NHS so hopefully I am not

try to take work from DaC just as we

explaining that London taxi fares

endangering the public when driving my

would try to take any of theirs. But as I

have remained unchanged? Oh look,

taxi! If you print this, please remove my

asked last month, is it possible that our

is that pig still flying? …Ed

name for obvious reasons.

enemy’s enemy could be our friend

A DaC driver since 2007

because as much as we are on opposite

Everyone knows my policy of not

sides of the fence, we have two things

April Fool’s joke?

publishing letters that have no name,

in common - we both work legally and

Hi Alan

but this driver has signed it, given his

we both agree that Uber doesn’t. Is that

It hadn’t occurred to me that the Uber

call sign and I understand his reasons

enough to form the strangest alliance

award article (April Call Sign) might be

…Ed

the cab trade has ever seen? I really

an April Fool. I didn't read the article at

don’t know but I’d appreciate some

first as I have more important things to

sensible comments. Just calling them

do than read about Uber, but then when

Ray Sorene

names won’t help either of us.

my wife asked if I had seen any April Fool

Hi Alan

And is there anyone out there happy

stories, I suddenly realised that Uber

There was a big turnout for Ray

to admit that if a PH company offered

receiving an award from TfL as Taxi/PH

Sorene's funeral. It was especially mov-

you far more than you could earn as a

company of the year had to be one. Very

ing to see a contingent from Dial-a-Cab

licenced taxi driver, you’d refuse it out-

clever, putting it on the front cover. Must

including Board Members Keith Cain

right…Ed

be the truth if it’s on the front cover etc.

and Allan Evans, in addition to Alan

Having now read the article, I could not

Green (E52) from Call Sign and indi-

Uber and insurance

see any hint of an April Fool - unless the

vidual drivers as well. It was much appre-

Alan

person sending it has conned you.

ciated by Ray's widow, Mary and her

How easy would it be for Uber drivers to

Sean Farrell (B39)

daughter Carol. It was also nice to see a

get private hire insurance for

28 days,

The story was genuine, Sean! Uber

few RTG drivers there too.

meet the criteria and then go back to ordi-

won PH/Taxi Company of the year at

Dave Cohen (E94)

nary insurance, save money and yet still

the Royal Lancaster and it was pre-

A lovely man who deserved a good

pick up passengers! It looks wide open for

sented to them by TfL - who were also

turn-out …Ed

Uber drivers to duck and dive and avoid

part-sponsors. There was no April

current regulations and the law while

Fool joke this year as there are always

Second hand cabs…

clawing back some of the money they lose

some drivers whose postal service

Hello Alan

by undercutting fares. I know there are

seems to take two days to get the mag

I recently started thinking about selling

many minicab drivers in the past who have

and April Fool spoofs don't work on

my 08 TX4. When I phoned the LTC, they

not had proper insurance; if the police and

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