Call Sign January 2017

Page 3

from the editor’s desk

irst things first; I have no way of even

city, where most of the big businesses will start the

guessing when this copy of Call Sign

trek to base their businesses in other European cap-

will be falling onto your mat. Thanks

itals, will be proved right over the next few years as

to the printers’ early closing for the

more and more companies decide there are too

holiday season, I’ve had to get the mag ready

many disadvantages in being in a city where man-

almost a week earlier than usual so that they

made traffic jams have just become intolerable.

can catch their postman before pushing off to

Being Mayor obviously gives the incumbents to

start on their turkey. When that post will reach

that position carte blanche to look after them-

your postman remains a mystery, but whenev-

selves. Boris was a cyclist so bike lanes became a

er that time is, the message will still be the

priority regardless of the hold-ups caused by

same... a very happy New Year to you all.

squeezing motor vehicles into half the road space

they previously had. Sadiq isn’t a cyclist that I know

Oxford Street Consultation

of, but he is, apparently, an asthmatic and that can’t

sorry, yet roadworks such as that would have

This issue contains a press release from

be helped by motor fumes. So let’s get rid of

been with us for months.

Transport for London that gives details of a

motors!

Let’s also look at temporary 4-way traffic

Consultation to clear Oxford Street of up to 40

So my sincere apologies to Mayor Sadiq Khan

lights that mean you and your passengers are

percent of the bus numbers that currently use it.

for suggesting that he had more commonsense

going to have to wait for several minutes if

I don’t need to tell you the same story that I’ve

than his predecessor when it has become

you just miss the green light. How often do

been spouting for several years - that most of the

apparent that his medical condition, aligned to

buses going along the UK’s premier shopping

you sit and wish there was still some com-

his power of office, has enabled him to do as he

street are usually 75 percent empty and often

monsense rather than what appears to be

wants and that my suggestion that he would be

Health and Safety issues because you can see

even more!

far fairer to motorists was obviously a load of

So the Consultation makes sense; but what

that the lights do not need to be 4-way.

danglies! Don’t get me wrong; the air we

worries me is what happens after the bus num-

Yet no one cares if motorists have to wait, so

breathe needs cleaning and yes, there are far

bers are cut, because there has been much talk

they just plonk the lights where they want and

too many vehicles on the road. But to squeeze

about shutting the street to all transport and I

leave us to roast. How often is it when two

them all together into a single lane is helping

have to wonder if this is a precursor to

human beings could control the traffic around

no one; all it does is to make matters worse.

Westminster Council telling us that we are to be

the works? How often do you come up against

On the day I’m writing this, air quality in an area

banned from there and will have to use Wigmore

temporary lights where there is more than

to the south of the Euston and Marylebone

Street along with getting a few taxi setting down

enough room for traffic to pass by in both direc-

Roads down to the Thames has been classified as

points. It had been previously mentioned that

tions? How often have you sat for ages with traffic

moderate, which is said to be far too high regard-

Oxford Street was to be pedestrianised by 2020.

on red in all directions so pedestrians can cross -

less of the terminology. It is also just over a week

A few months ago, Oxford Street was closed

yet there aren’t any! Is it Health and Safety or is it

since the Mayor announced that he was pumping a

for roadworks and all traffic including buses

that no one really cares about drivers???

further £770 million into more bike lanes - almost

was diverted along Wigmore Street. The result

Did anyone care when I was in Poultry recent-

doubling the current amount.

was that nothing moved. But the Council and

ly heading east and a bus was picking up at the

Let’s forget for the moment the stupidity of cycle

walking groups that are so keen on Oxford

stop. Someone with the brainpower of a pea has

lanes that take up half of some roads and ask how

Street being for pedestrians only are bound to

plonked the stop right next to an island so that

many of those motor vehicles need to be in the

tell us that now bus numbers have been cut,

when buses stop, nothing can get past. Is that

area? How about those who drive around in circles

we will have nothing to worry about!

Health and Safety or stupidity? A car had to stop

looking for non-existent parking spaces or even

But we all know that with even an extra 10 per-

behind the bus as did several others. Then came

worse, just looking at the Christmas lights! Then

cent of buses using Wigmore Street, it will make

my taxi, which was close to the traffic lights at

there are those who take a drive “up town” to

the current Oxford Street jams seem like nothing.

King Street where there is another island. The

relieve their boredom. But what this capital city

Time will tell...

result was that nothing could move until the bus

needs in order to get around relatively trouble free

moved. But suddenly a police car came up

is its official transport system and those vehicles

Health and Safety

behind me with its siren on. They were also stuck

making deliveries. Yes, London’s transport system

I don’t know much about ‘Health and Safety’

because they couldn’t get onto the westbound

includes the best taxi service in the world and a

regulations other than they often seem to be a

lane to pass us all as the island blocked them.

nowhere near the best licensed minicab system

nuisance. I’m sure much of it makes sense, but I

There was only one way that he could move

with companies such as Addison Lee, what’s left of

always get the feeling that it goes over the top and

and that was if I passed all the traffic and the bus

Green Tomatoes, another that includes Carrots in

causes us many unnecessary problems. This issue

by heading east along the westbound side. I’m

its name, plus a few others. But it doesn’t need an

of Call Sign, like the past few, contains a press

ashamed to say that for several seconds I wanted

Uber service that is creating records in low pay, the

release from TfL detailing court action they take

to stay there to let the police know how we felt

number of accidents its drivers are involved in and

against local councils or companies who are said

about the stupidity surrounding us everywhere.

its aim of getting the largest number of drivers

to not provide enough safety where roadworks

But I did it. I pulled out, passed everything

going the wrong way down one-way streets in the

are concerned. It may well be correct, but if you

including the bus and then pulled in. That

world. Where’s the Guinness Book of Records

drive through Europe you will often come across

allowed the police car to pass the King Street

when you want it!

a man with a drill and a few cones around him.

island and everything else. A hand came out of

And of course the partial answer to why

He does his work and goes home. The traffic is

the passenger side to acknowledge what I had

there is so much traffic alongside the bike lanes

usually unaffected.

done. I suppose that had his emergency been

is the 117,000 PHVs! There’s a chart inside this

The same thing in London will involve a narrow-

cancelled at that moment, he would have nicked

issue showing how fast PHV numbers have

ing of two lanes into one from around half a mile

me! It wasn’t the bus drivers fault or the cars

risen.

before the actual problem, often causing a huge

behind. It was the pea brains who do not have a

TfL always blame the Government and they may

tailback. Then when you finally get to the actual

clue about real life.

even be right - after all, the law of averages says that

work, you can’t see anyone because they have

Is it Health and Safety, laziness or just sheer

must happen occasionally! The only question then

either gone for a tea break or finished for the day.

stupidity that puts motorists in those positions?

is why they didn’t ask HMG to stop the ridiculous

Every one of us can pinpoint roadworks that

Read page 9 and then you tell me...

climb of their numbers many years ago and not wait

have been around for yonks; then you read about

until it was far too late. They claim that 70 percent

the huge 30 metre wide, 15 metre deep sinkhole

Mini Holland

of traffic crossing Blackfriars Bridge are cyclists.

that appeared on a main road in the Japanese

The so-called Mini Holland scheme where all the

But that’s because cars aren’t moving thanks to the

city of Fukuoka. It was deservedly described as a

boroughs are supposedly digging deep to pay for

bike lanes. TfL are woeful but we can’t seem to stop

gaping chasm. Yet within a week it was fully

their territories to go over to bike lanes at the

them killing London...

repaired and traffic once again drove over it.

expense of motor vehicles, is apparently well under

Fukuoka Mayor, Soichiro Takashima, even apolo-

way and being led by Waltham Forest.

Alan Fisher

gised! When was the last time any authority in

Those of us who believe that a carless capital will

callsignmag@aol.com

London genuinely apologised? They might say

eventually also see us become a commercial-less

Call Sign January 2017

Page 4

Reflections of the Chairman

licences because it really does seem that

Time again

they are lying to the taxi trade. Why are

The Editor has been bullying me once again

we not surprised! If they were wrong to

for an article, even though it seems that I’ve

suspend taxi licences in the past, then

just finished the last one for his December

they obviously broke the law and didn’t

issue. But as he always tells me each year at

do their homework before making their

this time, my piece has to be completed extra

decision!

early due to the holiday period and the

Whichever way you look at it, Transport

extended break the magazine printers take.

for London have undoubtedly scored anoth-

Mind you, he’s been telling me that same

er own goal. What can we say about our so-

story every December for the past twenty

called licensing authority other than that they

years and I have never really thought about

really are pathetic and lead us to wonder

checking! I’d hate to think that Mr Fisher is

when they are going to employ people who

just sorting out his own time-off schedule for

actually know what they are doing?

the holidays!

meeting at their Palestra building in

There certainly do not seem to be many

Blackfriars where many taxi drivers had

at TfL that currently even remotely fill

Sale of the building

turned up - many of them being Suburban

that description.

I do not have much to inform you about

Yellow Badge drivers; they were protest-

I really believe that this whole scenario

regarding the building etc other than to

ing at the fact that their respective sectors

is a very serious cock-up and TfL should

tell you via Call Sign that all the relevant

were totally oversubscribed with drivers

advise a trade that it is constantly kicking

information that is required regarding

and that they were finding it extremely

in the teeth, which scenario is actually

any future sale is currently being collated

difficult to make a living. I also suspect

correct. I for one would really like to

before we go to market after Christmas

the identifiers that had recently been

know because for over forty years now, I

and it appears that everything is currently

brought in just added to the misery of the

really believed the licensing authority

going to plan.

‘kosher’ drivers.

could not suspend issuing licences, so TfL

If I recall correctly, that meeting was

must inform the trade about which sce-

around five years ago and the then Director

nario is correct.

Taxi Leaks

of Taxis and Private Hire, John Mason, decid-

My sincere thanks to Jim Thomas and Taxi

I must confess that I read Taxi Leaks online -

ed that there should be a suspension of issu-

Leaks for jogging my memory on this really

although there is nothing wrong with that -

ing further taxi drivers licences in certain sec-

important issue.

and that should I miss a few days due to other

tors pending a review.

commitments and not see the site, it’s very

I’m sure that Mr Mason’s decision to

easy to just scroll down and catch up on any

And of course...

suspend the issuing of licences in

stories I may have missed. Not only is the site

2016 wasn’t much of a year for the

Barking/Dagenham,

Havering,

very interesting, but you can also add your

licensed taxi trade, but we always live in

Newham/Redbridge, Merton/Sutton and

own point of view if you so desire.

hope and look for a much better 2017.

Kingston/Richmond was completed with

Taxi Leaks is maintained by Jim Thomas

So to everyone at Dial-a-Cab - drivers

the blessing of TfL! My apologies if some

who must spend many hours producing

and members of staff - I wish you all a

of those sectors do not go together.

and researching for this online site.

far more successful New Year than the

So, taking the above into account, it now

Jim - who is often referred to as Thomas

last one, but more importantly, a very

begs the question that if TfL were correct in

the Taxi - has been a taxi driver and in the

healthy one...

suspending taxi driver licences back then

trade for as long as I have and it’s comforting

pending an inquiry, then why can’t they sus-

Brian Rice

to know that there are people in our trade

pend private hire licences today?

Chairman

who are just as emotional about it now as

If they were correct then, surely they

they were forty years ago.

Dial-a-Cab Ltd

could do it again today with private hire

So to get to the point; I read a story on

there recently about the Mayor and TfL cap-

ping the number of private hire licences that

are currently being issued - the last I heard

there were

117,000 private hire licences

PAUL’S TAXI SPECIALISTS LTD

issued and at the rate of approximately six

hundred a week, that figure is now almost

certainly already out of date!

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

Obviously this cannot continue due to a

gridlocked and polluted London, however,

the Mayor and TfL have stated that as long as

Tel: 01708 553037

a prospective taxi driver or private hire driver

meets the required standards, then a licence

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I have to admit that for many years I was

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under that same impression. When our last

Mayor, Boris Johnson - who devastated our

TX4 servicing from £90

industry even though I don’t suppose he was

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any worse than what we have now - stated

that he wanted to cap private hire licences, I

Servicing - Running Repairs - Overhauls - Small Fleets Welcome - Discounts Available

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assumed that he couldn’t do that... and of

course he didn’t!

Starters - Batteries - Alternators - All with 2 year Warranty

However, reading Taxi Leaks reminded

me of a situation that occurred a few

Fax: 01708 551443

Web: www.PaulsTaxiSpecialists.co.uk

years ago regarding TfL. I attended a

Call Sign January 2017

Page 5

Project PED completed!

“Yes, the last few weeks have

for the benefit of those drivers

who could not get over here to

been really frantic,” Roman Way

Roman Way during our normal

depot manager Dana

working hours for that essential

Thananjeyan told Call Sign, “but

PED upgrade. The weather was-

n’t always kind, but we were

working solidly together, we did it

determined,” he added.

and completed the PED upgrade

“The tight schedule to

on time and I feel immensely

upgrade every cab was because

the old PED will

‘die’ quite

proud of my techie team!

soon and that meant drivers

“We worked closely with the Dial-a-Cab IT

would be unable to work off

department to keep things running smoothly

and they in turn took over the upgrade pro-

the system, so we pulled out

all the stops to keep everyone

cessing of cabs while my guys went for breaks

etc when they were at Dial-a-Cab House, so

happy. This was of course as

that there was no interruption to the work

well as our regular maintenance duties and

through

flow, which was important in order to main-

install / refit appointments for the fleet gener-

the very busy times...”

tain our tight time schedule,” Dana

ally. Anyway, it’s done now,” Dana confirmed,

The photo shows the Roman Way tech

explained.

“so it is a big ‘thank you’ to my small team for

team: Vic, Dana, Sam, Satha and Steve...

“We had technicians working by day and

their dedication to the task, and a ‘thank you’

Alan Green

also late into several evenings at East Road to the drivers for their understanding

Call Sign Online

Consultation to cut bus numbers

fL has launched a consultation on proposed changes to 23

journeys, but

central London bus routes to better match bus services with

the new Hopper

demand from passengers. The changes would improve the

fare introduced

reliability of a number of bus routes that currently get

by Sadiq Khan

caught up in congestion along Oxford Street and improve air qual-

means the sec-

ity and safety on the street. TfL wants to match bus services with

ond journey

demand in London in a smarter way. As it does so in central

would be free.

London, additional services will be provided to support residential

All buses are

growth areas across the Capital, particularly in outer London. The

fully accessible

forthcoming Business Plan, subject to TfL Board sign-off, will see

and the pro-

total bus mileage maintained across the Capital over the five year

posals would

life of the plan.

ensure that,

As Londoners travel patterns have changed, passenger jour-

where possible, customers can change

neys on bus routes outside Zone 1 have increased by 23 per

buses at the same stop to complete their journey.

cent over the last 10 years. Overall, bus journeys entering

Ahead of the arrival of the Elizabeth line, which is expected to

Zone 1 have increased at a much slower rate of just over six

b ring 60 million visits to the West End annually, it is essential that

percent. On some central London routes passenger numbers

there is genuine traffic reduction to ensure the West End retains its

have fallen.

position as a world class retail destination. TfL's proposals would see

A number of other factors are being considered, including a faster

more bus routes starting and finishing at Park Lane, Trafalgar

and more reliable Tube, with the Victoria and Northern lines now

Square and Tottenham Court Road rather than moving at very

among the highest frequency services in Europe with a train every

low speed along Oxford Street, one of the country’s most important

two minutes. Route 73, which closely follows the Victoria Line

retail hubs.

route, has seen up to eleven percent fewer customers this year com-

The consultation is at www.tfl.gov.uk/west-end-bus-

pared to 2011, as they choose the tube and other forms of travel.

changes. It closes on 29 January 2017.

The Night Tube is also providing new travel options to and from

(See Editorial on page 3).

the West End and the opening of the Elizabeth line in late 2018 is

significant as it will transform how people travel across central

London. When fully open, the Elizabeth line will boost rail capacity

in central London by 10 percent and provide a key new east-west

Keith Reading

link across the Capital with 24 trains per hour in each direction serv-

Professional Toastmaster

ing step-free stations at the heart of London. Many will choose to

Master of Ceremonies

use these services rather than a bus.

The Elizabeth line will have two new stations at Tottenham

Tele: 01279 465 938

Court Road and Bond Street and will therefore play a particular

role reducing bus demand on Oxford Street. The Mayor is already

Mobile: 07774 860 374

working with the City of Westminster to make Oxford Street more

Email: kgr.2@virgin.net

pedestrian friendly and proposals for changes to bus services in cen-

tral London are designed to start reducing the number of buses run-

10% discount for DaC drivers and staff

ning along Oxford Street. The proposals in the consultation would

reduce the number of buses going along Oxford Street by around

Fellow of the Guild of

40 percent.

Professional Toastmasters

A small number would need to change buses to complete their

Call Sign January 2017

Page 6

Jery’s

World

“Well, if we work on the assumption that it can’t get any worse, we must be on the up!!!”

BT prosecuted for risking public safety

or the fourth time in 12 months, TfL has prosecuted British Telecom for a

range of offences, including dangerous and disruptive work, with the

telecommunications giant being ordered to pay more than £10,000 for two

serious safety breaches that put public safety at significant risk. The latest

prosecution follows unsafe work carried out at Bruce Grove, Haringey on 16 April

and Hook Road, Kingston-Upon-Thames one month later.

On 16 November, BT pleaded guilty to the unsafe execution of works with significant

risk to public safety at Westminster Magistrates Court. They were fined a total of £7,000 and ordered to pay £3,570 in

court costs.

TfL Streetworks Inspectors carrying out routine inspections had discovered unsafe working practices at both sites. Both loca-

tions had poor signing, lighting and pedestrian guarding as well as incorrect traffic control. The prosecution comes as London

Mayor, Sadiq Khan, had announced plans to lobby Government for greater powers to manage roadworks, including increas-

ing the current level of fixed penalty notice fines and also widening their scope to cover road safety offences.

In passing sentence, the Magistrate said: “We appreciate the works are often subcontracted, but BT must assume responsi-

bility for the shoddy manner of these works, particularly in Hook Road where the works were very close to a primary school.

BT must continue to work with its contractors to ensure improvements.”

TfL COO for Surface Transport, Garrett Emmerson, said: “Extra care should always be taken around roadworks, not just for

those working on site, but for members of the public passing by. Our Streetworks Inspectors have an important role checking utility

work is being carried out correctly and safely, acting swiftly when they spot a problem. It is vital that companies such as BT ensure

safety on site and we will always push for the strongest possible action against those companies who put the public at risk.”

Since the beginning of 2016, TfL has issued BT more than 200 Fixed Penalty Notices, prosecuted the telecommu-

nications company four times for dangerous and disruptive work offences and 14 times in total for all streetworks

offences.

Call Sign January 2017

Page 7

Obituary

DAVID BROWN

n the December 2010 issue of Call

David was the nicest and most honest guy I

Sign, we published a letter about the

had ever had the pleasure of meeting, know-

condition of a former Dial-a-Cab driver

ing and being friends with.

David Brown (ex-B13J). David used to

At the time, he had already had a leg

drive the taxi of another former DaC driver

amputated but was fully approved by

and CS correspondent, Ron Colman (ex-

the-then PCO to drive a London taxi,

J09).

which he did in a splendid manner.

David became well known in the trade as

He very much loved his family and friends

the only driver to be allowed by the PCO to

and like me, always supported the Dial-a-Cab

drive a licensed taxi following the amputation

BoM. Within the trade he was very highly

of a leg. Sadly, several years later David again

regarded, but due to his continuing health

had to return to hospital to have his other

problems was eventually forced to leave the

leg removed. He then had to spend all his

trade and he moved to Gorleston near

time in a wheelchair as the amputations

Great Yarmouth where he bought a lovely

necessitated removing the complete limbs

bungalow. He enjoyed life to its fullest but

leaving nothing to fit prosthetic limbs onto.

then sadly his health worsened and he had to

David never whined and always remained

face that second amputation.

upbeat.

In his early days he regularly attended the gym and because

David also wrote and had published four books - One Only

he was a man of strength, this aspect helped him to withstand

Kid, Manny’s War and Peace, East End Boys and East End Boys

the trauma that had befallen him.

at War - all of which were published by Aesop Publications. His

Alongside this, his wife Marlene became ill and is today in a local

publisher, Martin Noble, said that David’s books were up and coming

care home where she has dementia. And as unbelievable as it may

and selling well. We have now heard from Ron Colman again...

sound, David’s family had another appalling shock when David’s

It is with deep regret that I have to tell you of the sad pass-

grandson was killed in a motorcycle accident a few weeks back, which

ing on 1st December 2016 of David Brown following a heart

has involved a police investigation due to the circumstances.

attack.

David will be remembered with fondness by his many Dial-a-

When I was driving my Metrocab some 13/14 years ago and was

Cab friends and those he made after having to leave taxi driving.

Black 13, dear David was my dayman and we got along like a house-

May his dear soul rest in peace...

on-fire. Our friendship was truly fantastic and having been around for

Ronald S. Colman (Ex-J09)

a number of years and meeting numerous people, I can truly say that

Call Sign January 2017

Page 8

Call

Sign’s

Drumslayer,

Marc

Turner (R97), remem-

The Loz legacy

bers a man to whom

many in this trade can

say ‘thank you’ to for

their good health; a

man known simply as

The Loz. He passed

away following an illness last April...

Phil

‘The Loz’ Hewson, once a fair-

ground boxer, PT army instructor, Louis

Armstrong devotee and cab driver depart-

ed this mortal coil at the age of 76 last

April. He had dedicated 36 years to keep-

ing London Taxi drivers physically fit and

well.

Loz never pretended to enjoy cab driving -

in fact he often claimed that he detested it.

He just couldn’t get to grips with the seden-

tary nature of long days in the saddle. He

realised early in his cab dri-

ving career just how detri-

mental this job was to our

health.

In 1980, Loz started his

Some of the current batch of drivers keeping fit include DaC drivers

first exclusive-to-Taxi-drivers

Paul Taylor (M01), Mike Husk (P41) and Andy Ma-Nu (D37)

fitness class at the Seymour

Inset: Phil 'The Loz' Hewson

Leisure Centre. In 1984, his

long time attendee Gary

2pm. At £5 a session for body condition-

fitness classes moved to

Mullins to take the reins of

ing, stamina building and fat busting,

Woodfield Road, where the

this trade institution. Dial-a-

surely it is a life-saving bargain. Also, fol-

LTDA were so impressed

Cab’s Mike Husk (P41) has

lowing Monday and Friday sessions and

with Loz that they built

been a stalwart of Loz’s classes

time permitting, Gary organises

him a gymnasium in their

or nigh on 30 years. Mike cred-

minute each way football matches for

basement! In 1997, Loz’s

s Loz for keeping him alive and

those that fancy it.

three classes a week

n good shape for a man of 74.

All that’s left for me, your Drumslayer,

moved to their present

So if your New Year resolu-

to do is to wish you and your families, a

home, John Orwell Sports

tion (as usual) is to shed some

happy and healthy New Year...

Centre in Wapping.

pounds and get fit, then you

But what Loz started all those years ago,

are more than welcome to join the regu-

Marc Turner

continues to thrive in his absence. Before

lars at Loz's fitness classes, on Monday,

Call Sign Online

Loz’s sad passing on April 16th, he anointed

Wednesday or Friday between 1pm and

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…

Berkhamstead Golf Club

Firstly I should apologise, as when I played Berkhamstead a few years

ago I was representing Dial-a-Cab and sadly had an absolute shambles of

a round!

It had all started so well with a nice 5 iron to position A on the first, leaving a

half wedge in. If you've ever had a case of the shanks, you'll know how destruc-

tive it is. Needless to say the ball went off at right angles, nearly taking a playing

partner out!

From there on in, it went from bad to worse, culminating in launching

a ladies tee box 30 foot into the air after trying to hit a long power

drive halfway through the round! Highly embarrassing!

Onto the course; if you're not a great bunker player, this course is for you...

it doesn't have any! What it does have though is heather and lots of it! Much

the same as, although not quite on the grand scale of Royal Ashdown

Forest. It's a clever layout that has greens surrounded by humps and bumps. It also advertises itself as being a

perfectly natural course with no man-made hazards.

Berkhamstead runs a famous yearly amateur tournament with many famous past winners such as Nick Faldo and Sandy Lyle amongst others.

This is a lovely course with position play more important than power, but just don't get the dreaded shanks!

As ever, happy golfing and of course they do say a shank shot is very close to being a perfect shot!

A very happy new golfing year...

Simon Wallis (M11)

Call Sign Online

Call Sign January 2017

Page 9

n June 2015, Ying Tao, a 26 year old

Call Sign Says...

beautiful, newly-married cyclist, was

tragically killed by a tipper truck near

the always busy Bank junction. Ying had

been an Oxbridge graduate and was a strate-

TRAGEDY LEADING

gy consultant for Price Waterhouse

Coopers. She died as she cycled to work. Her

death was the eighth London cycling fatality

of that year and it was still only June.

TO MADNESS???

The following day, the London Cycling

Campaign staged a flash demo during rush

just being there, therefore making it more

hour at Bank junction, which they said was in

dangerous!

response to the cycling fatality at Bank and

WHAT??? By that logic, we should apply

another in Harrow. Their statement said they

to knock down Guildhall and all the

would be gathering to remember Ying Tao

buildings behind it so that we can cut

and to highlight the need for safe space for

through to London Wall! Taxis are sup-

cycling; not just at Bank, but across

posed to be a part of the London trans-

London. They went on to demand more

port system, yet we are treated more like

“high quality space for cycling across London,

lepers when it comes to decisions such as

to enable people of all ages and abilities to

these. Hopefully the Corporation will see

ride safely in our city.” They ended by saying

how ridiculous the logic to ban taxis from

that lorries should be made safer.

Bank is, otherwise I think that there will

Ying Tao’s death was nothing less than an

be major problems around that junction.

absolute tragedy, but what does it have to do

How sad that the death of a young lady

with taxi drivers, surely the safest drivers on

should cause a magazine Editor to write in

the road, drivers that need two driving tests

these tones, but the safest drivers on the road

to get a licence. We have some sympathy for

should not be punished for a death, however

lorry drivers who must have a terrible job try-

tragic, that was absolutely nothing to do with

ing to weave through London’s traffic. Then

us. For the article and for bringing back

there are buses, which also have been

Ying Tou's death was an appalling

details of such an appalling day, I humbly

involved in accidents involving pedestrians. It

tragedy, but it wasn't our fault and we

apologise to Ying’s husband Jin, but this deci-

can’t be easy for them either. Having driven a

shouldn't be punished for it...

sion is grossly unfair. Yes, there is a case for

London bus for several years, I know how dif-

banning trucks between those hours and

ficult it is to see what goes on around you,

We’re now entering 2017 and the City of

quite probably to consider rerouting some of

because there are some people who will

London Corporation have come out with

the many bus routes going that way.

always do stupid things!

their plan to sort out Bank junction from

But why punish us just because we are

Then in October 2016, the chairman of the

Spring

2017; ban everyone except buses

there? Could it possibly be because buses are

Planning and Transportation Committee at

between 7am and 7pm - and that includes

losing money hand over foot and based on

the City of London Corporation, Chris

taxis!

tragedy, the City Corp are giving their mates at

Hayward said:

Yet records show that buses are involved in

TfL a lifeline? If this carries on then London

“Bank junction is currently congested, dan-

far more accidents involving cyclists than

will eventually die as a major city and instead

gerous and polluted and it doesn't work well

taxis, yet buses are ok but taxis aren’t. The

become a cycler’s paradise. If that’s what we

for anyone - cyclists, pedestrians or drivers.

decision was apparently based on modelling

want, then we’re going the right way about it,

We are therefore looking at what we might do

carried out by the CLC and they actually

because is this not a restraint of trade???

to improve safety, reduce pollution and cre-

admitted that taxis were not directly involved

ate an appropriate setting for the beautiful

in many accidents, but they contributed to

Alan Fisher

and important buildings - Mansion House,

significantly increased congestion at Bank by

Call Sign Editor

The Bank of England and the Royal Exchange

- at the heart of the City.”

A press release at the time said the

Corporation’s intention would be to block

Dial-a-Cab Credit Union

all entrances to Bank junction for cars and

trucks. Cyclists would be allowed to go

Ever needed money quickly but were anxious about

through the junction, BUT THEY HAD

variable bank interest rates?

NOT YET DECIDED ABOUT TAXIS.

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

However, with our unparalleled safety

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

record, surely that would be a given?

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

at your address also qualifies for membership!

Call Sign

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

January 2017

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

Editor: Alan Fisher

up to 3 times your total savings…

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

Tel: 0207 251 0581 Fax: 0207 553 7293

The cost?

Email: callsignmag@aol.com

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

Website: www.22-callsign.co.uk

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

Printers: Premier Print Group

E6 6 LP

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

Design: Aldan Publications

Call us on 020 7729 8171 or 020 7749 0585

Tel: 07958 300 428

Email: debbiefresco@googlemail.com

Members of the Financial Ombudsman Service

Views and opinion expressed in Call Sign must

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

not be assumed to represent those of the Editor or

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

Board.No part of Call Sign may be reproduced

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

either manually or electronically without the express

Registration number 213263

permission of the Editor.

Call Sign January 2017

Page 10

The Beatles, the DaC driver... and his Fairway!

Spice Girls, and Beatles are linked by Graham Waite and his Fairway!

Dial-a-Cab driver Graham Waite

group - no less than

than as a

group).

(B35) often gets called by film

The Beatles - albeit

Officially,

companies wanting to use his

not the real ones!

Abbey Road

Graham told Call Sign:

(released in

immaculate Fairway taxi in a

“It was for STV (Scottish TV)

September

movie. It was one of five taxis

and they wanted a Fairway

1969 and in the

used during the 2012 London

for part of a film they are

album charts

making called The Beatles

for

81 weeks)

Olympics when Scary, Sporty,

Lost Album. It’s set in the

was their last

Baby, Ginger and Posh Spice -

early 1970s and covers the

studio album,

better known as the Spice Girls -

Fab Fours split and the last

although Let it

album they started but

Be was released

stood atop five London taxis.

never finished (although

after that but the

More recently, it was involved

many of the songs they

tracks had been

with an even more famous

later went on to release independently rather

recorded earlier.

The filming took place over 3 days in and

around Soho, Fulham, Regents Park and

some old back streets near Waterloo. The TV

film is scheduled for release in the New Year.

Taxi and Private

Graham also uses his Fairway for the

occasional wedding and there is an advert

inside this issue.

Hire numbers

As we enter 2017, we would like to

BANK

wish Transport for London a happy

new year with a reminder to them of

JUNCTION

how they and they alone have

DEMO

attempted to decimate the most

famous taxi trade in the world - one

Representatives from LTDA, LCDC,

that is amazingly still the best after

UCG, Unite and RMT have agreed

to hold a demonstration on 12th

everything that TfL have thrown at us.

January at Bank Junction. A func-

tion is scheduled at Mansion

The figures below say more than we could in

House on that date with many

an encylopaedia let alone a magazine!

politicians and bankers expected to

attend. If you’re not sure what it’s

January 2007: Licensed taxi drivers 24,600

about, read the article on page 9

January 2007: Licensed private hire drivers

and then ask yourself how many

38,000

passengers of those that currently

January 2017: Licensed taxi drivers 24,400

do, will still want to go from

January 2017: Licensed private hire drivers

Moorgate to London Bridge or

117,000

Charles I - still with his head!

make the reverse trip when their

taxi can no longer access Bank

Yes, TfL, a happy new year; disregard the fact that had this been in the time

Junction. It’s your business that is

of King Charles I when he had that disagreement with Olly Cromwell, you

being taken from you by the City

would have all been headless by now!

of London Corporation...

Call Sign January 2017

Page 11

nly four months after Mayor of

London, Sadiq Khan, announced

the dramatic expansion of TfL’s

Fifty new TfL Compliance

Taxi and Private Hire Compliance

team, the first wave of new officers have hit

Officers hit the streets

London’s streets.

More than 4,800 people applied for the

that these officers have the powers and support

250 Compliance Officer positions when it

they need to ensure that the rapidly growing

was announced the unit was to quadruple in

number of private hire vehicles on the capital’s

size back in August. The 50 new officers are

roads are properly insured and abide by the

joining the existing team of 82 who provide

rules of the road, as well as to clamp down on

a highly visible uniformed presence across

illegal plying for hire.”

the Capital. Officers will be cracking down on

The Taxi and Private Hire Action Plan sets out

illegal activity such as touting and plying for

the Mayor’s programme for improvements to

hire, as well as undertaking vehicle checks,

the taxi and minicab trade that will drive up

ensuring drivers are licensed and have the

standards, improve safety, and protect the

correct paperwork. They will also provide

future of the iconic black taxi. As part of the

advice to the public on how they can get

Action Plan, TfL will open up additional bus

home safely.

lanes for use by taxis, use technology to pro-

Over the next six months, the team will con-

vide customers with information on how to get

tinue to grow, so by summer 2017 there will be

a taxi quickly and easily and increase the num-

Steve McNamara: Important first step

more than 300 Compliance Officers working

ber of taxi ranks by 20 per cent by 2020. To

across London. This is the largest number of

These enforcement officers are an important

make the Capital’s taxi fleet the greenest in the

Compliance Officers in Mayoral history.

first step in addressing illegal Taxi and PH activ-

world, money will be made available to drivers

Officers have spent an intensive period train-

ity. However, there is still more do. It is vital

who scrap the oldest and most polluting taxis.

ing, both in the classroom and out on the

streets, being taught about legislation, regula-

After winning their case against Uber, minicab union GMB sends a message...

tions, health and safety and vehicle standards.

Since April 2016, TfL’s existing Compliance

COURTS MUST REJECT UBER APPEAL

Officers have stopped approximately 37,000

A minicab union has called on gig economy private hire firm Uber to stop their legal appeal following

black taxis and minicabs to check drivers are

the damning original tribunal ruling won by the GMB.

carrying correct identification and paperwork,

The shamed private hire company have lodged an appeal in the High Court against a ruling that they

and checking their vehicles for any defects.

have denied their drivers basic workers’ rights. GMB won the monumental victory in October after

bringing two tests cases to the Central London Employment Tribunal.

TfL carries out regular operations with its

The judge said the company had acted unlawfully and that Uber drivers were entitled to receive holi-

partners to deter and disrupt illegal minicab

day pay, a guaranteed minimum wage and an entitlement to breaks. The ruling has major implications

activity in the Capital and protect the public

for more than 30,000 drivers across England and Wales - but the San Francisco based company has

from touts. Operation Neon is a joint opera-

decided to appeal the decision in the High Court.

tion between TfL, the Metropolitan Police

GMB has now called on Uber to stop their legal action and hopes the courts will uphold the

Service and Westminster City Council that takes

original decision.

place every weekend.

Maria Ludkin, GMB Legal Director, said:

“GMB is very disappointed that Uber has decided to lodge this appeal in a bid to deny their workers

Sadiq Khan, said: “As I outlined in my mani-

basic rights. The findings in the original tribunal were damning, and continuing this course of action is

festo, we must ensure that safety standards are

frivolous.

rigorously enforced across London’s black cab

“It’s a waste of time and money - Uber should hold their hands up and admit they were wrong. We

and private hire industries. I am delighted to

hope the court will reject this appeal and uphold a ruling which was an incredible victory for workers in

announce that from today there will be an

the gig economy everywhere.”

additional

50 trained compliance officers

cracking down on illegal activity and providing

reassurance for passengers on London’s streets

- and this is just the first step. Drivers who are

unlicensed or flout the rules not only pose a

risk to Londoners’ safety, but also undermine

the work of the hard-working and professional

drivers who provide a vital service to millions

of Londoners every year. Every Londoner and

visitor to our city must feel safe getting around

EARLY TREATMENT MEANS SPEEDY RECOVERY

London. The roll-out of more compliance offi-

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

cers over the coming months will be crucial in

driving up standards and ensuring Londoners

The Centre offers fully qualified therapists in Physiotherapy,

remain safe.”

New recruit, TfL Compliance Officer, Lesley

Osteopathy, Sports Massage, Reflexology, Shiatsu, Remedial

Haggerty, said: “Training has been extremely

Massage, Indian Head Massage, Hydrotherm, Massage

intense, but I have enjoyed every minute of it.

Therapy, Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.

Throughout my learning, what has struck me is

the range of vehicle and driver regulations

Call us on 020 8507 8169

there are which, as a passenger, you don’t

think about. Every aspect is extremely impor-

or mobile 07973 639 473 for an early appointment

tant because it’s the public’s safety we’re look-

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

ing out for as well as safeguarding genuine dri-

Out of hours enquiries welcome

vers and operators. We need to make sure dri-

vers are licensed and the vehicles they use are

Barking Physical Therapy Centre

safe and roadworthy, if they’re not, action will

90 Longbridge Road, Barking, Essex, IG11 8SF

be taken.”

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

Steve McNamara, LTDA General Secretary

www.bptconline.co.uk

welcomed the announcement. He added:

Call Sign January 2017

Page 12

The London Taxidrivers’ Fund for Underprivileged Children

HON CHAIRMAN AND TREASURER’S

REPORTS - 2015/2016

Up to 650 children, along with families or

Hon Chairman’s Report

Hon Treasurer’s Report

carers, enjoy this annual party where chil-

It’s been a plea-

It is my privilege

dren can get up close and personal with

sure these past

to present the

their favourite TV and film characters, be

three years serv-

L T F U C

entertained by a fantastic variety of acts

ing the LTFUC as

Treasurer's

and dance until it’s time to go through

Report for the

H o n o r a r y

the Christmas toy grotto and pick up a

year ending 31st

Chairman.

parting gift.

October 2016.

Working along-

May saw us reintroducing the Spring out-

I am very grate-

side my fellow

ing and we returned once more to Woburn

ful to the Fund's

trustees in these

Safari Park. The children were so happy and

Trustees for tak-

challenging

inquisitive of the day ahead and the highlight

ing time to pro-

times, I am

was driving through the Safari enclosure; the

vide me with

pleased to say

excitement on their faces at seeing lions,

their ongoing support in respect of my role as

we have managed with the help and generos-

tigers and bears - oh my!!!

Hon Treasurer. The trustees continue to carry out

ity of the cab trade, their families and the pub-

their roles with relentless dedication, continuing

July was time for the annual Summer out-

lic to continue our work providing outings,

to make their respective contributions to the char-

ing, a fantastic day for the children by the sea

entertainment and special needs equipment

ity.

at Southend and probably the event our char-

and supporting London’s underprivileged

With the help of many donations - sponsors old

ity is mostly closely associated with. No mat-

children. The amount of preparation and

and new - and the generosity of the general pub-

ter how many years I have taken part in this

organisation to make these events happen is

lic, the fund has maintained reserves to enable

outing, it never fails to touch me how people

incredible and would not be possible without

continued support for many disadvantaged chil-

remember and come out to cheer and wave

volunteers that put in their time, effort and

dren of Greater London. By keeping up the

heartfelt enthusiasm.

our taxi convoy on its way. Whatever our

reserves, we were able to take many disadvan-

We started 2016 with our legendary

route over the years, we see people waving

taged children on a fantastic day trip to Southend,

from near and far and this makes the children

have a fun packed day at Woburn and to party at

Mad Hatters Tea Party at the Grosvenor

House and I would particularly like to

feel so special. It is always an action-packed

our annual ‘Mad Hatters’ Tea party at the

fun day.

Grosvenor House. Yet general administration

thank the hotel for their ongoing support.

In 2018 we shall be celebrating the 90th

expenses have once again been kept down to less

year of our charity and we are proud to be

than 2p in the pound, allowing nearly every

penny of income to be spent on improving the

the oldest of the London Taxi charities… but

quality of life for those in need.

no jokes about the age of the committee

TX1

During the past year, the charity has granted

members please! We are planning some cele-

£3,683.56 by supplying specialised equipment to

brations throughout 2018 and shall be releas-

families in need of help, monies being used for a

ing details as we go into 2017. We hope to see

TAXIS

desperately needed air con unit and a buggy, plus

as many of you as possible come along to cel-

other donations large and small given to many dif-

ebrate our heritage and plans for the future.

ferent organisations and families for other urgent-

WANTED

On behalf of all the trustees, I’d like to take

ly needed equipment.

this opportunity to offer our heartfelt thanks to

The cost of the annual Grosvenor House

David Lessman (DaC D19) and his family.

children's Christmas party at

£6,062.99

David has stepped down after serving the char-

against the previous year figure of £6,882.83

ity for over 32 years. His contribution has been

shows a saving, this being due to the previous

great over the many years and his knowledge

year's hire charges for the Great Room. The

and experience of the LTFUC has been a fantas-

annual outing to Southend cost £16,971.64,

tic support to me in my three years as Hon

which showed an increase against the previ-

ous year’s figure of £16,038.77. Woburn costs

Chairman. David, we’ll miss you and wish you

were £4,767.76.

and your family all the very best for the future.

In such challenging times, the Fund has been

By the time you read this, my three

successful with street collections at events such

years as Hon Chairman will be up and I

Your old TX1 Taxi is wanted

as the Burlington Arcade, Sainsbury's (Low

shall have already relinquished the reigns

Hall) Chingford and London's Victoria

of the chairmanship into the capable

✓ Quick viewing and decision

Station. Collection boxes placed around

hands of Michael Son BEM (DaC V52), an

London has helped raise money to meet an

✓ Cash waiting!

experienced and longstanding member of

ever-increasing demand for our help.

the committee. I wish him well and offer

Thanks to the tremendous generosity of peo-

✓ Top price paid for really clean

him the support of the trustees and

ple's donations and sponsoring, the Fund has

myself so that we can continue our work,

been able to recover all our outlays and more, giv-

examples

which of course is always focused on

ing 100s of disadvantaged children great memo-

London’s less fortunate children.

ries to cherish.

Thank you one and all for your support of

Thank you to everyone that has supported

Please ring Graham on

the London Taxidrivers' Fund for

the charity in whatever capacity; your efforts

Underprivileged Children and we look for-

are always appreciated. All that remains is for

ward to helping many more disadvantaged

me to wish you all a very happy and healthy

or e-mail on

children in the forthcoming year.

2017.

oldlondontaxis@yahoo.co.uk

Sim Yiannikaris

Lilian Julier

LTFUC Hon Chairman

LTFUC Hon Treasurer

Call Sign January 2017

Page 13

he London Taxi

The London Taxi Benevolent Association for War Disabled

Benevolent

Association for

War Disabled

held a luncheon at

Millwall Football Club

on December

1st to

age to Ypres and the Menin Gate; accompa-

visit the D-Day beaches. We will launch Back

thank all our sponsors

nying us was British ambassador Alison Rose.

to the Beaches trip at the Spitfire Café,

and a group of Veterans who have over the

It was an honour and a privilege to have her

Biggin Hill on Sunday 22 January 2017. We

past year and in all weathers collected money

with us. In June we held our annual trip to

would like to thank Castle Rock Brewery for

for the charity at various locations around

Worthing, stopping off at South Homewood

coming on board; they have produced a beer

London.

where the people of the village always make us

with a Back to the Beaches label on the bottle

Guests began arriving at the club from 11am

so welcome and have continued to be sup-

for general sale. There are some very special

in taxis from Waterloo and Victoria stations,

portive of our charity for the 68 years we’ve

people with us today; we have Headley Court

with a large number from London Bridge in

been in existence.

as well as a charity that we will hopefully have

the Millwall FC bus.

In July there was another first and well-

strong links with in the future, Kart Force. We

A minutes’ silence was held for those no

organised trip to the Bluebell Railway. I’m

also have RAF Servicemen and Women with

longer with us; the Reverend George

sure everyone enjoyed it albeit on possibly the

some of their Vets.

Parsons said Grace and lunch was served.

hottest day of the year! August and September

I would like to thank on behalf of the charity

Afterwards we were entertained by St Jude’s

saw two of our Vets, Mr Glover and Mr Pieri

all those that have supported and continue to

School Choir who sang Christmas Carols but

support us over the years and would like to

doing two parachute tandem skydives in five

finishing with a rendition of it’s a long way to

days. The first over Merville Barracks in

mention just a few: Millwall Football Club

Tipperary with everyone joining in. This was

and their staff here today, the trade organisa-

Normandy with the second one back in the

followed by Sean Chambers singing some

tions, collectors who go out in all weathers,

UK. They were accompanied by two commit-

popular songs, which was greatly appreciated

Lizzie and Rachel for being windows to the

tee members Francis and Graham - a job well

by everybody.

world on our website, Susie for all her hard

done and a very proud and humbling experi-

The LTBAWD Chairman then made the

work on this Christmas lunch, the girls from

ence for all those concerned.

following speech, which was followed by a

HSBC who are selling our raffle tickets and

presentation to Kart Force - an organisa-

We also held a tea party at the Royal

Janet Hodgson for her dedication and film

tion that enables injured ex-service and

Hospital, Chelsea during which we were

work.

serving members of the armed forces to

awarded the National Lottery award for the

Then of course there is the committee of

compete in motor sport and we are happy

Best Volunteer Charity for 2016. It was so

our charity for their continuous and out-

to support them in this venture.

nice to have this recognition. A big thank you

standing work throughout the year and a

“The President, Chairman and Committee

to Janet Hodgson for her work in making the

massive thank you to London’s licensed

would like to thank all the staff here at

tea party a success for us; Janet has released a

taxi drivers - without them this charity

Millwall FC and all our supporters and taxi

film about the charity and a trip to Holland in

would not function.

drivers for their help over the years. So wel-

2015, which has received rave reviews in the

We Wish you all a Merry Christmas and a

come to this years’ Christmas lunch. This has

local area of Hastings.

happy New Year...”

been a fantastic year with many events, starting

The charity is already in the process of

with the Collectors lunch. In May, we took 98

organising different events for 2017; possibly

Derek Leone

veterans in 64 London taxis with paramedics

one of our largest trips to date will be the

LTBAWD Press Officer

and breakdown crews for a three day pilgrim-

Normandy trip on the 4th - 8th June 2017 to

Simon Scott is one of the new generation of taxi drivers whose life is captured

as a blog. The continuing story of his time as a butterboy is…

A Blogger’s Tale

1994

The rain was dribbling in through the broken seal on my windscreen, it trickled steadily

down the inside of the glass forming a pool below; the wind was howling outside and try-

ing its best to reduce the already low temperature inside my cab. I squinted into the inky

dark night as we rattled through the cobbled backstreets of 1990s London. The headlamps

could barely manage a weak glow, shining a little dancing yellow light into the rain. Once

might have had a slight problem, but it isn't

again I wiped the inside of the windscreen with my rag, it didn't help. I decided to go home.

a Porsche is it? It doesn't have every little

I began to turn the cab around, but just as I did I heard a nasty bang. I thought I'd hit something; I

accident recorded.”

jumped out but there was nothing there, just the empty road, I lifted the bonnet and shone my torch

“Every little accident,” I replied? I could-

into the engine compartment and took a step back in disbelief. The engine had moved forwards,

n't believe his attitude. “This cab has had

forcing the front fan through the radiator!

a complete front end smash and to make

My night was over and on the train home I decided I needed a change. The next day after the

doom laden prognosis on my old cab, I made my way to see a lovely looking Fairway I had spotted

it worse, you fitted old panels to it.”

the week before at a cab garage. It was a beautiful dark blue with a slightly lighter blue vinyl roof; it

He fixed me with his beady little eyes and looked

had air conditioning, a comfy s eat and a sliding sunroof. After the briefest of negotiations, I happily

around to check he couldn’t be overheard. He

shook hands, hope completely outweighing expectation.

almost whispered: “Look, this is the way it works; if

The cab was great in every respect apart from a very important one, the front had started to rust

you can wait until I find someone who needs a

away very badly - it happened slowly but steadily. Almost every day the dark brown patches seemed

new rear end, we'll have a little accident right here

to grow bigger and more obvious. I mentioned it a few times to the previous owner; he seemed dis-

and I'll replace the panels with new ones!”

interested but would mumble something about doing it on the next overhaul.

Needless to say he ended up keeping the

One day I decided to take it into a main dealer, I asked them to take a look and tell me why the

cab and tearing up the hire purchase agree-

front was rusty and the back wasn’t? The examiner had a good look all over and eventually turned

ment. I called the finance company a few days

to me and said the front of the cab was much older than the rear! The best case scenario being that

later just to check it had been settled.

it had been in a big crash and they replaced the whole front end, but had used old panels. I put my

Lesson learned…

outraged hat on and drove straight to the garage and confronted the previous owner:

To be continued…

“You sold me a ‘cut and shut,” I told him. He looked genuinely horrified and came out to

Simon Scott (O40)

have a look. As we stood side by side looking at this now rusty old cab, he said: “Look, it

Call Sign Online

Call Sign January 2017

Page 14

“I didn’t have any of the usual symp-

toms,” Dial-a-Cab driver Phil Jacobs (D13)

said while speaking to Call Sign recently,

“just a severe heartburn in the centre of

my chest. So I took a few Rennies indiges-

Cardiac Arrest!

tion tablets, which had no effect whatso-

wasn’t moving. Suddenly all hell broke loose

ever. When I looked in the mirror later

as the medical team went into overdrive with

on, I noticed a few beads of sweat on my

the ’crash cart’ to defibrillate my heart. I’ve

lips and forehead, which I thought unusu-

had jump starts as a cab driver but this ‘jump

al because I had not been doing anything

start’ was apparently just like the ones you see

particularly strenuous.

on TV hospital dramas like Casualty!

“The previous Friday I was in the gym,

“Thankfully, my heart re-started and I

swam 20 lengths and did a 2.5 mile track run

came back to life, which was a great relief

without any ill effect whatsoever and was qui-

to my sister and family as you can imag-

etly feeling proud of my fitness level. Yet here

ine!” Phil grinned as he added... “and to

I was on the following Monday morning, hav-

me of course! But I don’t recall any of

ing simply moved around some light furni-

that, nor how long I was theoretically

ture while awaiting an internet engineer and

dead for. But when I did open my eyes, I

this intense feeling discomfort persisted,”

was told that I had indeed suffered a car-

Phil continued.

diac arrest.

“Having some medical interest and my

“So now, after three months off work and

own blood pressure gauge, I took a read-

having gone through all the various stress tests

ing but it was only slightly up from usual

and the like, TfL have returned my cab driving

so I went onto the internet and punched

licence and I’m back on the road, fully recov-

in my symptoms. To my astonishment

ered. Amazingly, I did not have any of the usual

and horror, the stark message on the

Phil swum 20 lengths followed by a 2

pains either in my arm or left side of my chest

computer monitor just told me to Dial

mile run. Days later he suffered a heart

and when I did smoke, it was only a few ciggies

999 - which did cause me concern!

attack...

a day - something I have not done for quite a

“I phoned my sister Stephanie who I

long time. So while my heart problem is a bit of

thought would be quicker than the ambu-

Stephanie called for a nurse. I was taken

a mystery, I’m very lucky and grateful to be here

lance. She was round very smartish and

back into the Triage room where a doctor

relating this experience! I have one stent which

rushed me to Whipps Cross Hospital. I was

told me the blood test results showed a

was put in at Bart’s Hospital and I feel so

sent straight in to see the Triage nurse who

heart problem and I was quickly placed

much better now.

told me there was no sign of me having a

on a trolley and wired up to electronic

“But the best feeling is just being here...”

heart attack, but took a blood sample as a

monitoring equipment to measure my

precaution while I was told to wait outside

heart beat and all the other stuff that goes

until they had the results.

with it.

Dennis Latchett

“As we waited in an anti-room for the

“I don’t remember any more after that, but

Call Sign Online

blood test results, my pains got worse and

was told my sister looked at me and noticed I

Book Aiden Kent

for your event

here are times in life

when you just don’t

...and make it go with a swing!

know what to say.

Such a time happened

several weeks ago when we

heard that Aron Baker, son of

Dial-a-Cab driver Neil Baker

(D55), had tragically died after

being struck by a car on the

Ratcliffe Highway at Hoo in

Kent while walking home follow-

ing a night out on Sunday 4

December.

He was knocked down by a silver Vauxhall Vectra just after 3am when

close to home. Aron, who was just 24, was taken to a London hospital with

serious injuries, but sadly died later that day.

To Aron’s mum Allison, dad Neil and all Aron’s family including girlfriend

Daniella, we offer our heartfelt sympathies.

Officers from the serious collision investigation unit are investigating

the incident, which happened on the Rochester-bound carriageway

between the junctions with Bell’s Lane and Main Road and want to

Tel: 07956 456 360

hear from any witnesses. They are also keen to speak with anyone

who may have seen Aron at the time leading up to the collision.

Email:

Anyone with information about the crash can call the appeal line on

aiden.kent@btinternet.com

01622 798538 quoting reference 04-0185 or email

Web: www.aidenkent.com

sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk.

Call Sign January 2017

Page 15

Confident in the future...

When Call Sign

fortable to drive, it’s

very quiet and far

popped into

more powerful than

our Roman

the old one. It will be

Way depot

a pleasure to go to

work in it - and work

recently, two

it is what I’m going to

brand new

have to do!”

taxis were

Stuart drove out of

Roman Way without

being installed

DaC's Stuart Silver and Mitchell Freeman have both decided to upgrade to new

his usual puff of

with Dial-a-Cab

TX4s

smoke, but with a big

terminals.

smile on his face...

Stuart Silver (N01) had decided to replace his ageing cab for a

Also being fitted out was Mitchell Freeman (V33), who had

Euro 6 model to take him forward. He told Call Sign that he had pre-

swapped his 08 model for a shiny new example of similar mar-

viously spent quite a large sum of money keeping his former cab on

que.

the road and was beginning to wonder how much longer it would last

“Like Stuart,” he told Call Sign, “I had spent money galore on the

before the next big expense.

old bus and was concerned it would probably start to cost even more

“It was due to come off the road fairly soon anyway due to the

yet again in the near future. I would then be stuck with an ageing taxi.

age restriction rule, so I thought about renting because that is

I’m 56 years old, intend to continue working for a few years yet and

now possible on DaC. I weighed the renting options up against

can usually find work - despite what others may say! So I too expect

the repayments and general running expenses of buying a new

this new tool to keep me going into the foreseeable future with com-

cab and after considering it for some time, I decided that buying

fort and reliability so that time off the road other than for planned

a new cab would be the best option as I still have every confi-

maintenance will minimal.

dence in the future of the taxi trade. The fact that the newest cab

“This new TX4 Euro 6 cab has a lot going for it and I’m looking for-

model is Euro

ward to the future.”

compliant and car-

Then, just minutes after Stuart left the DaC fitting bay,

Taxi

ries a comprehen-

Mitchell did the same. We wish them both the best of luck.

sive three-year war-

A new TX4 Elegance can be bought for much less than renting

ranty is not to be

a new model and includes a three year warranty. Either LTC at

insurance

sniffed at!

Brewery Road or the Ascott Cab Co at Blackhorse Road will be

“Unsurprisingly

happy to show you the cab with no obligation or you can phone

perhaps, this cab is

for DaC

so much more com-

03300 245 922 for the London Taxi Company or 020 8692 1122

for the Ascott Cab Company.

drivers

Cards now in the back but…

On behalf of Dial-a-Cab, Hillier Buchan Ltd

“We have the best PED system, I’m sure of that,” Phil Connor

in Bexley have negotiated exclusive rates

(R71J) told Call Sign “but with it now being re-sited into the

for DaC members. We believe our rates are

carriage of the taxi, it surely cannot be too long before a driver is

competitive in today’s market for experi-

either attacked or an unfounded allegation toward the driver is

enced licensed Black Cab drivers.

made regarding inappropriate behaviour. There will also surely

At Hillier Buchan, we understand every driver’s

come a spurious claim made by a passenger as to the ‘difficulty

circumstances are different; therefore our policies

of using the PED’ which would then require the driver to leave

can be tailored for the individual driver. We offer

the safety of the front of the cab to sort it out. If that request is

a 5% discount for DaC members, with additional

discounts for existing protected Bonus policies.

purely to lure the driver into the back, the result will surely mean

Hillier Buchan was established in 2002 by

it is no longer safe for females or older drivers, especially those

David Hillier and myself with in excess of 50

working unsociable hours, to accept cards.

years experience as high level Brokers working in

There is also the guise of a passenger inserting their card, only to quickly remove

the City of London for major broking houses. We

it while telling the driver not to bother with a receipt and then leaving the taxi

have established a reputation for professionalism

quickly. The next thing the driver knows is when the PED prints out a ‘void’ notice,

and service in our chosen fields.

by which time the passenger is long gone.”

We have extensive London Market contacts;

Phil also enquired about the legality of passengers being injured due to contact with a

consequently we are able to offer our clients a

quality of security from companies that are all

PED fitted in the back, because Phil had heard insurance companies could refuse cover. Call

available in the world’s pre-eminent insurance

Sign checked and it appears passengers are still covered while travelling in your taxi, that’s

market. As a result, our clients achieve quality of

what you pay your premium for. However, as some card readers are hired out by different

security and service upon which we pride our-

companies, should that PED be damaged through vandalism or any other reason, the PED

selves and a competitiveness of premium that

may not covered by your policy and so drivers should seek redress from the company from

our clients find particularly attractive in today's

whom they hire their card reader terminal. It follows that any company hiring out card read-

climate.

er terminals would have insurance cover for such an expensive piece of kit, but it was sug-

Our philosophy is to build long-term relation-

gested to Call Sign that someone using such terminals would be wise to check that the

ships using balanced service teams providing

continuity and expertise. Compare our prices and

electronic wizardry installed in the cab is indeed insured to prevent any unwanted surprises

give us a call. See our ad on page 20 inside this

should the terminal require maintenance or repair, a potentially expensive cost.

issue of Call Sign .

Alan Green

Phil Buchan,

Call Sign Online

Hillier Buchan, 01322 553313

Call Sign January 2017

Page 16

I was very much hoping I’d have some good

news regarding an NHS Hospital account

that we tendered for recently. The specifica-

tion was for transporting patients and hos-

DaC Sales Report

pital staff, with the supplier needing to sup-

ply wheelchair accessible vehicles. There

was a requirement to have a dedicated tele-

With Keith Cain

phone line into a contact centre, have expe-

ter word - a number of individuals who hold a

rienced and trained drivers who could offer

grudge against our trade and just want revenge!

a top service for all their passengers paying

We speak with our own clients regularly

special attention to transporting vulnerable

and they tell us how they have instructed staff

patients, notwithstanding transporting over

to use cheaper options and only use a taxi

300 staff journeys on Christmas Day. A ded-

when absolutely necessary. Even if the service

icated account manager was required who

received is inferior, cost is paramount.

would on a daily basis communicate any

One prospective new client who was receiv-

service issues, oversee performance reports,

ing an abysmal service from their PH company

attend regular meetings and present perfor-

wanted us to match their prices and reduce our

mance data on the general service provid-

admin. After consideration, I agreed to it but at

ed... and all for a very economical price!

the last minute they decided to keep with their

We set about completing the electronic docu-

existing supplier because despite receiving a

ment and went to extreme lengths to demon-

poor service, they still felt a black taxi account

strate our capability and expertise in being able

could work our more expensive. This is becom-

to service a large account of this nature. A good

these types of tenders for car companies to offer

ing even more of an issue where companies are

point was that we were short-listed to give a pre-

no admin and an all-inclusive price. The argu-

prepared to put up with bad service just to keep

sentation of our service and answer any ques-

ment then becomes of what is the driver receiv-

costs down. Clients have also gone back to the

tions the selection panel had. This we did and

ing for the trip? Even if the car company holds

days of having staff internally to reconcile

were duly complemented on our answers. Body

back 20% from the fare, the amount paid to the

employees travel expenses and pay back money

language and comments made during the pre-

driver becomes such a small amount it is no

into their salary. With most transactions being

sentation came across to us as not only being

wonder we see PH drivers complain they are

receptive, but being very positive of our overall

earning less than the minimum wage.

taken via credit card, it is still a timely exercise

service. We even received comments such as that

It is my opinion that if drivers cannot earn a

which clients are calculating is more beneficial

our package was just what they were looking for

reasonable living, they will most certainly cut cor-

than having a black taxi account and the charg-

and that our ability to download secured data

ners with regard to what they spend on their sup-

ing mechanism being automated by the taxi

was excellent.

posed business. The tools of their trade will be

company. We are coming up against more obsta-

After the evaluation process was complet-

the first to see reduced expenditure. Money will

cles than we have ever encountered before, but

ed, we received a letter notifying us that our

not be spent on repairs to keep the vehicle in tip-

we still keep plugging away wherever and

tender was overall sound in the following

top condition.

whenever we can.

areas: Wheelchair vehicles, drivers and

Minimum amounts will be spent on spare

Despite a rather gloomy report, I still wish

training, bookings, cancellations, customer

parts just to keep the vehicle running, which

you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year...

service, incident reporting and compliant

then questions reliability of service. We have

procedures. There were also positive

already heard of some PH drivers not having

Keith Cain

reports on our quality standards and assur-

adequate insurance cover. I’m convinced

DaC Head of Sales

ance, contract monitoring, performance

this is associated

reviews and rendering of accounts. The only

with a lack of earn-

part of the tender we fell short was within

ing ability - not what

the commercial schedule, which reflects the

we are used to in a

cost. Our costs included fixed rate journeys

CORINTHIAN

severely regulated

priced at 25% to 30% below the meter and a

taxi industry.

much reduced administration charge that it

It seems that some-

could be said would mean we would be run-

one or somebody has

ning the account for next to nothing.

GOLF CLUB

declared war on the

The winning supplier just happened to be a

licensed London Taxi

car company who only a short time ago, so we

Cabbie Specials

Driver, refusing to

were advised, had gone bust and were subse-

give us the opportu-

quently purchased. That company is Green

nity to compete - or

HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED JOINING A GOLF CLUB BUT

Tomatoes and the parent company is Transdev.

throw off our shack-

They boast of €6.6 billion in revenue, have

WONDERED IF YOU WOULD REALLY USE THE MEMBERSHIP?

les to fight back. At

83,000 employees in 19 different countries over

Now’s your chance to try our course. Any black cab driver who shows us their

the last count, there

5 continents with variations of vehicles number-

badge gets a 10% discount for green fees and societies on Mondays,

were 114,000 regis-

ing 43,000. They also have 13 different trans-

Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and a discounted membership fee.

tered Private Hire dri-

port modes and 22 light railway networks. Their

vers against

23,000

claim for the UK was they own Green Tomato

Licensed Taxi Drivers.

CABBIE GOLF SPECIAL

Cars, “...the operator of London's leading

It’s as if those that

environmentally friendly private hire (pas-

Our 9 hole course is the perfect place for you to relax and get some fresh air

want to see the

in the beautiful countryside of North-West Kent.

senger car) company, which focuses on

demise of the London

excellent customer service and a sustainable

Renovated and restructured greens and improved fairways to play on, with

business mode!”

cabbie are standing

food and a bar on site to refresh yourself after a round.

I find it hard to express the disappointment

behind £multimillion

we felt at losing out to a company whose busi-

or £multibillion heav-

For more information call Jacquie or Sue on 01474 573116 / 573113

ness model consisted of being “the most envi-

ily invested compa-

A friendly welcome awaits you.

ronmentally friendly private hire company” as I

nies who are out to

believe they have less than 100 cars. Obviously

disrupt and destroy

Corinthian Sports Club, Valley Road, Fawkham, Longfield, Kent. DA3 8LY

corinthians@billingsgroup.co.uk / jacquie@billingsgroup.co.uk

their inexperience within the passenger indus-

our industry. They

www.corinthiansportsclub.co.uk

try and having to contract out wheelchair vehi-

must be getting great

cle work, counts for absolutely nothing if the

satisfaction in watch-

price is right. We must be talking of mileage

ing us struggle. Over

rates as low as £2 to £2.20 per mile being

the years we must

offered... or if the rates were good ones, per-

have upset - chosen

haps £2.40 to £2.60. It is not uncommon in

for the sake of a bet-

Call Sign January 2017

Page 17

This year’s Taxi Driver of the Year Charity Fund’s dinner & dance - which was celebrating its 45th

anniversary - was deemed the best one ever by guests that Call Sign spoke to following this year’s

annual bash!

The evening - held once again at the Holiday Inn, Carburton Street - began with a champagne reception and was followed by an excellent

four course meal. But this year’s dinner was slightly different when the large hall was turned into a night club as the 110 guests were treated

to a 30 minute cabaret act from the man known as the Singing Cabbie - Aiden Kent.

Aiden had previously been seen with Bradley Walsh on ITV’s Sunday Night at the Palladium and was shortly to leave for Las Vegas, but

kindly donated his usual fee to the charity, for which they were grateful and those seated at their tables thoroughly enjoyed the Act.

Once again there was tombola with great prizes in addition to a raffle. The result was that at a presentation held later in the evening, all four

trade charities were presented with cheques for £1000 each with a promise that should the final total be more, then they would get equal

shares of any extra money.

But filling up the evening brilliantly was Deemer Street, a great five piece band who kept the floor filled by playing the type of music that

everyone knows! Bopping along to them were “groovers” such as TfL’s Helen Chapman and Peter Blake, DaC Chairman Brian Rice and the

former DaC dispatcher who on 22 November 1988 was in the dispatcher’s seat as we went from voice to data dispatching, Phil Kirby! Phil

looked exactly the same (as he did last week and not 1988)!

There was also a presentation held which honoured Ubiquitous Director Micky Harris as the new Vice President of the TDOY

Committee and Brian Rice for DaC’s help in sponsoring the event over the past 20 years.

Once again, TDOYCF Chairman, Russell Poluck MBE and his wife Barbara have worked their socks off to provide a night of sheer pleasure

and enjoyment...

For those who bought a raffle ticket but weren’t there, these are the winners as per the ticket stub:

1st prize £1000 Holiday voucher (N.Sweeney ticket 02304); 2nd UK holiday voucher (S.Green 01926); 3rd Overnight stay at the Lancaster

Hotel (J.Wheeler 01232); 4th Free service at LTC (JB 02649); 5th Two taxi tyres (Sarah 01945); 6th Two taxi tyres (G Mankelow 00039); 7th

Cutlery set (Suzy 02654); 8th £50 Totes gift voucher (P Brennan 01822); 9th £50 M&S voucher (Chick 01534); 10th £50 Boden voucher (Arriff

01290); 11th Magic Bullet (John Dixon 02915)…

The Singing Cabbie, Aiden

Phil Kirby shows how

Kent, opens the evening's

ComCabbers do it!!!

entertainment

Russell presents £1000

Mickey Harris and Russell

cheques to each of the four

Poluck MBE

trade charities

Brian and Brenda Rice

Call Sign January 2017

Page 18

avid Ford (E10) admitted to Call

Sign that he had been unsure what

to do after picking up a rather

Credit Card Prepayments

drunken lady from the West End to

taining her

her down safely at her destination, but it would

Shepherds Bush.

and

have been better had I been able to pre-autho-

David told us that because of her state of

asked him

rise the trip before we even got under way.”

somewhat unsteadiness, he had reservations

to punch it

Call Sign asked a DaC Board Member

about actually getting paid at the end as she

into

the

who confirmed that it was possible to agree

had already told the Dial-a-Cab driver that she

ATM key-

a fare before the start of a journey, clear it

did not have any cash and asked if she could

pad! David

and then refund the passenger the balance

pay by credit card. Although David told her that

declined,

in cash if the metered fare was less than the

he accepted cards, he told Call Sign that his 13

admitting

estimated fare. Alternatively, the card could

years on this circuit had taught him that pas-

that he felt

be run through the PED again if the fare

sengers under the influence weren’t always

shocked

was more than the estimated cost.

capable of using a PED; so he suggested that

she was that

Naturally you should be certain that the

they stopped en-route so she could get some

drunk to

passenger understood what you intended

cash from an ATM.

even think

doing at the end of the journey.

“Frankly,” said David, “I was very hesitant

of giving

The subject has also been mentioned by DaC

about going all the way to W12 and find no

such

Chairman Brian Rice at meetings where other

payment forthcoming, but, I was completely

important

members had raised similar concerns. In addi-

unprepared for what happened at the ATM!”

David had concerns over

piece

tion, at the next software update, it is expected

David said that his passenger had managed

drunk passenger's ability

information

that pre-authorised credit card trips will be

to exit the cab and get to the ATM without too

to use credit cards

to a total

allowed...

much difficulty, but was clearly having trouble

stranger!

putting her card into the machine once she

“We resolved the matter in the end,” David

Jamie Corum

reached it! She then returned to the cab and

continued, “and I was quite relieved when I set

Call Sign Online

gave David a screwed up piece of paper con-

Few trades contain such a variety of unbelievable tales where we can say that it really is...

Unbelievable...but true!

Eustace Clarke (034) pulled

“I have been to all sorts of places both far and near in the course of

up a seat next to a Call Sign

my cabbing career, but that is without doubt my shortest journey. It

reporter and recounted his

was unbelievable, but true!”

story that only cab drivers

would accept as believable!

“I had managed to

squeeze on to the Marks &

Spencer store rank on

Oxford Street by Orchard

Street and sat there for

quite some time until I had

eventually worked my way

up to reach the point.

Finally, two Middle

Eastern women holding

several carrier bags each

walked up to me and just

said Primark. The whole

time they just continued

their personal conversa-

tion as they stepped

into the cab and I

couldn’t get a word in,

so I just assumed they wanted the

Primark store at the far end of Oxford Street where it joins Tottenham

Court Road After all, they surely wouldn’t want the one virtually just

across the street! So I began moving off eastwards.

“No sooner had we reached Selfridges than one of the women inter-

rupted the flow of her conversation by asking where I was going. I polite-

ly said that they had asked for Primark and that’s where we were heading

to. She said they wanted the one opposite to where they had got in!”

As he recalled the incident, Eustace still had an amazed look on his face.

“I asked if she was joking, because I truly believed she was just having

a laugh. But no, she came back to say that they felt weary and that their

feet hurt, so they just needed to cross the road!”

Eustace smiled between his teeth as he spun round and stopped the

cab just past the M&S store where they had got in and set them down

just yards away outside the Primark shop! Eustace was grinning by now

thanks to the stupidity of his story.

“Who would think to get into a taxi just to cross the road,” he asked

rhetorically. “There was £3 on the meter and that’s exactly what they paid

me! It would have been even less had they stopped rabbiting! Strangely

enough, just then another driver had pulled of the M&S rank so I just

spun round again, drove forward a few yards and put on it again!

Call Sign January 2017

Page 19

hope you have all had a prosperous and

happy festive period and that your bat-

teries are now fully recharged. I spoke to

OPERATIONS AND

many of you at Roman Way recently and

had a few questions posed about adding a

gratuity to a credit card trip when you have

COMPLIANCE REPORT

already pressed the Process button on the

terminal. Hopefully this article - with the help

of Training Manager Daren Morley - will

help and assist you.

Printing a

As I have already mentioned, a gratuity

Contactless Receipt

prompt and the facility to pre-auth a card

will soon be available, but in the short

for Customer

term please follow these instructions:

If a passenger

If you have already sent the amount to the

requests

PED, you need to cancel the transaction prior

Contactless

to processing the new amount. If you do not

receipt, ask them

cancel the old amount, it will process the first

to press the . ,’

transaction without the gratuity. DaC can

button situated

only pay the amount the PED has processed.

directly

above

Below is a step by step guide on how to add

the green Enter

a gratuity to a credit card trip at different

button. Please

Press to reprint

stages of processing the payment.

note the amount

Contactless

receipt

does not need to

unless the first trans-

be showing on

Process button not

action times out, it

the PED to

pressed

will process the first

reprint

the

If the Process button has not been pressed,

transaction without

receipt.

just add the gratuity into the gratuity field

the gratuity.

I’d also strong-

and then press the Process button. You will

Ask the passenger

ly suggest that you carry a book of manual

then be asked to confirm the amount, press

to press the red

receipts at all times in case you experience a

the OK button to confirm the amount.

Cancel button on

signal problem, or worse still encounter a

the PED and then

person or persons in the back that may cause

instruct them to

you a problem for the obvious reasons. The

remove their card.

card can then be passed to you in the front to

Press the Red

The amount will

process the trip manually. So long as you

Cancel button

then disappear from

have a record of the card number, expiry date

the PED and your terminal screen will no

and a signature, it can be processed from the

longer be greyed out. At the bottom of the

office. Far from ideal, but it allows you to

screen you will see the message:

remain in the taxi and perhaps be a little

Transaction Status Error: Not Processed.

safer.

Enter the gratuity in the Gratuity field and

Lastly can I wish you all a very happy

then press the Process button. You will then

2017.

be asked to confirm the amount, press the

Allan Evans

OK button to confirm. The amount will then

Process button

DaC Operations

be sent to the PED. The passenger then

pressed

enters their pin to complete the transaction.

Compliance Manager

If the Process

button has

been pressed

but you have

not pressed

the OK but-

ton confirming the amount, just press the

Cancel button on the Confirm Amount box.

Enter the gratuity into the Gratuity field then

press the Process button. You will then be

asked to confirm the amount, press the OK

ccording to a recent

button to confirm the amount.

Inrix traffic information

study taking in 100

Process button

European cities, Great

Britain came out worst with over

pressed and amount

20,000 traffic hotspots - more

confirmed

than double that of Germany and

If you have already pressed the Process but-

over ten times the number in

ton, confirmed the amount and then sent the

France. Top of the pile by far is

information to the PED, you MUST cancel the

London with over 12,000

transaction on the PED prior to adding the

hotspots just on its own!

gratuity. Additionally, if you have pressed the

Perhaps a few more bike lanes

Cancel button on the terminal Credit/Debit

and junction closures and we can

Card Completion screen, the PED MUST also

set an unbeatable hotspot record!

be cancelled. Failure to do so will result in

Where’s Boris when you need

the PED queueing the two transactions and

him!!!

Call Sign January 2017

Page 20

After over 10 years of asking, separate sex numbers are finally revealed..

n January 2015, Call Sign pub-

show how unsafe the minicab fraternity is. Call Sign has no doubt

lished a report by the GLA which

that the reputable side of the industry such as Addison Lee may not

pulled no punches in labelling

be our friends, but neither are their drivers likely to be the main cul-

Transport for London as being

prits. We all know who we’re talking about here and their name

“woefully inadequate. Even Addison

begins with U.

Lee accused them of letting London’s

Earlier in 2016, the Internet came alive with Met Police figures

taxis down by allowing Uber to march

claiming 141 sex attacks of which 31 were of alleged rape. Of the

into London to do whatever they want-

total number, 32 of the attacks were alleged to have been carried

ed. Little has changed.

out by Uber drivers. They differ from the TfL figures, but have one

Going back around 12 years and looking at

similarity: Even though there was one reported sex attack by a

old Call Sign files, between April 2004 and March 2005 the total

licensed Taxi driver, as a whole we are just not part of the prob-

number of arrests for taxi / minicab offences was 1160. I had several

lem. The problem is twofold - firstly, perverted minicab drivers

chats with Sgt Dave Hillson

- then of the new Transport

who think that picking up females is a licence to attack them and

Operational Command Unit - and asked why out of 1160 offences,

secondly, Transport for London who themselves have fought so

we weren’t told how many were licensed taxi drivers? Dave was

long and hard to avoid publishing the separated numbers.

always helpful to Call Sign so I was amazed when he said that not

And considering how long we have been fighting for the infor-

only did he not know, but that the PCO (as it was then) had decided

mation, wouldn’t you have thought our TfL “Masters” would

not to differentiate between them. After weeks of exchanging emails

have issued a press release explaining why the numbers are

and phone calls explaining that as a licensed taxi driver, I felt entitled

now being shown separately rather than sneaking it out

to know if our reputation for being the best was actually true because

online? Are they perhaps showing signs of shame? If not, then

if a large proportion of those 1160 were taxi drivers, then we really

they certainly should be...

were in trouble. They stuck to their guns for several weeks until I said

If TfL have any compassion towards the poor people who thought

that I would put in a Freedom of Information request. I was told in

they were safe in a minicab then there should be a mass resignation

no uncertain language that I would be wasting my time as the two

of those at the top. But they won’t, because when it comes to shame,

groups were lumped together.

they have none! And they are the people we have to take orders from?

Suddenly an email appeared giving me the details I had asked

The only question is for how much longer. They should go now...

for - out of the 1160, just 9 had been taxi related offences with

1151 being linked to minicabs. I was told not to publish as the

Alan Fisher

figures were not official. I disagreed and went ahead.

Call Sign Online

Ever since then, Call Sign has asked TfL to differentiate between

private hire and taxis when it comes to sexual and non-sexual

offences, but they always claimed it would be too difficult. Why?

They’re big boys; they surely know the difference between the two

sides of the trade. If they don’t, we’ll be happy to send them a photo

of a taxi and a taxi driver’s badge. After all, they are very quick to ask

for them at railway stations, but apparently not when it comes to accu-

sations of rape.

At a recent Mayor’s Question Time attended at City Hall by

Call Sign, we heard Mayor Khan promise to reveal the figures as

Exclusive Taxi Insurance Scheme

separate entities as soon as possible. That has now happened

dedicated to DAC members only

and taking the two years of 2014 and 2015, over 270 sex

offences - including 56 rapes - were alleged to have been carried

out by minicabs. Placed against those figures is one sex offence

registered against a licensed taxi driver - and that was in 2014

with none recorded for 2015.

✓ 5% Discount for members

So have TfL finally done the right thing? Sadly not because they have

✓ Additional discount for existing protected Bonus policies

shown time and time again that they will not denigrate the PH indus-

✓ Public Liability

try and even now they are placing the blame on “unlicensed or

unbooked private hire drivers.” In a statement, which confirms how

✓ Breakdown Cover

TfL have failed when it comes to preventing the curse of touting by

✓ Much more available

both licensed and unlicensed minicabs, they said:

“Unlicensed and unbooked PHV drivers pose the greatest danger to

Call below for quotations

the travelling public and are the alleged offender in the majority of

rape offences. 13 out of the 14 drivers charged with rape in 2014 and

2015 were unlicensed or unbooked PHV drivers.”

Hillier Buchan Ltd, 18, Bourne Road, Bexley, Kent. DA5 1LU

But they go on to add: “Many reports of offences are unbooked and

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority - Firms Ref No: 304318

the drivers can't be traced. The police are more likely to be able to

Company Registration No: 4319231

trace and take action against a driver when they are licensed and

the journey is booked through a licensed operator. For this reason

Tel: 01322 553313

licensed drivers may appear over-represented.”

And yes, there are lots of them...!

Fax: 01322 523315

They then provide figures which make very disturbing reading and

Call Sign January 2017

Page 21

he December issue of Call Sign ran a

story on long-time Dial-a-Cab driver

Bernie Silver’s decision to retire at

the end of November. Bernie (until

recently G08) had phoned to tell us his deci-

Bye Bye Bernie!

sion. He had been with the Society since 1975

and although 41 years is a long time, he never

really sounded as though he was even think-

ing of calling it a day. But he told us that with

the way things were, there seemed little point

in renewing licences and updating cabs etc.

Then one evening, Bernie’s wife Jackie sug-

gested they went out for a meal at one of

Bernie’s favourite haunts - The Central fish

bar in Central Street. What he didn’t know

was that some of his many friends had organ-

ised a secret farewell dinner for him. He

thought he was going to the fish bar just with

Jackie but was stunned when a big table had

been set up and so many friends and their

partners were waiting for him. And even

Bernie looked quite humble when they both

walked in and everyone got up to applaud!

Bernie sits midway on the left side at his surprise retirement dinner

Bernie told Call Sign:

“I have just returned from a surprise

retirement party put on by my fellow Dial-

a-Cab drivers; it was such a surprise that

my friends would do this for me. I would

like to thank Howard Flavin (A16J), David

Marks (R22), Pat Graves (L53), Jim Moore

(M58), Steve Field (F99J), David Morris

(M62), Bill Chatterway (A43), Steve

Goldberg (A77) and their partners for such

a moving send-off. My special thanks also

go to Howard's daughter Leanne for mak-

ing the most fantastic taxi cake you have

ever seen!

“Once again thank you all so much and

so sorry you couldn’t make it Alan...”

Good luck Bernie and enjoy your retire-

ment...

Bernie's amazing cake, made by Leanne Flavin (see her ad on page 18)

JUST WHAT’S GOING ON IN SAN FRANCISCO???

Call Sign recently received a press release from a Chicago legal department informing

us that the Yellow Cab Co-operative of San Francisco had filed for bankruptcy and that

everything in the company was now up for sale. But it was the reason for the bank-

ruptcy that puzzled us; there was no mention of Uber, instead the claim was

“unfavourable verdicts in personal injury suits relating to taxicab accidents.”

San Francisco is awash with a form of minicab known as Transportation Network Carriers - or

TNCs. These came around several years ago when Taxis were said to be too few, while Uber - unlike

London - was said to be too expensive. Black Cars, best described as “official” minicabs that can

hire whomever they want and charge as much as they want, were the other alternative and they too

were said to be expensive.

But what San Francisco has also had for many years are carpools, where at given pick-up

San Francisco Yellow cabs go into

points people would wait until a driver was going in their direction and give them a lift. Then

bankruptcy

someone came up with the idea of normal people with their own cars signing up to be “car-

pool” drivers, with prospective passengers calling them on their cell phones an d being charged “voluntary donations.”

Companies such as Sidecar, Lyft and Uber X soon joined the party and cashed in and TNCs were born! The only question was whether the

guy in the white hat with that nice blue car and his reasonably priced trip into town, actually had insurance for passengers?

Insurance for vehicles offering transportation in the Californian city is very, very expensive and that is probably in part due to the proliferation

of so many TNCs. Either way, taxis were suffering. We have to wonder whether this is a sign of things to come???

We asked Call Sign’s man in San Francisco, Charles Rathbone, about the Yellow Cab situation. He told us...

“The Yellow Cab Co-operative in San Francisco declared bankruptcy in January 2016. The cause was a large judgment against the company fol-

lowing an at-fault collision. At that time, the company had still not fully recovered from a previous very large judgment against it. Yellow’s insurance

premiums became ruinous despite a $100,000 deductible per accident - the equivalent of UK’s ‘excess’ policies.

Meanwhile, TNCs are flush with new billions and outnumber licensed taxis by 20-to-1. Lyft employees stand at the busiest bus stops in San

Francisco passing out $50 ride coupons by the thousands. November saw yet another $20 free ride offer arrive from Uber by mass postal mail.

Despite this perfect storm, the Co-operative might have continued in operation but for an ongoing shortage of drivers. TNC drivers receive

incentives and bonuses above what their customers pay and far beyond anything that a cab company can provide. Even so, at least one San

Francisco taxi company attempted to acquire Yellow in recent weeks, but the deal fell through. The court-ordered sale of Yellow’s assets is a

great opportunity for an innovative investor to acquire a dominant position in a major US taxi market, but that investor will need deep pockets

to compete with the TNC’s seemingly unlimited access to capital.

If a non-taxi purchaser acquires Yellow’s assets, the 500 individual Co-op members will need to affiliate with other cab companies. It's possible

that will cause a temporary service interruption as companies seek to expand capacity against the backdrop of 45,000 TNCs...”

Call Sign January 2017

Page 22

any Call

Some people are on the pitch, they think it’s all over!

Sign read-

ers would

h a v e

played football at their

local park as young-

sters; most of us did at

Bob Woodford looks at London’s long lost sporting venues

a very junior level. But

any dreams of that

team - be they school,

cubs, scouts or just a

local area club progressing to professional level

would have been left in cloud cuckoo land!

However, this certainly was not the case

of St Andrews Sunday School who formed a

football club in 1879, taking to the park in

light and dark blue colours and taking on

other local sides in west London. Those

founding

fathers

Greyhound

Road formed the St Andrews Football and

Cricket Club and played their sports fixtures

on a field adjacent to the Parish Church,

now covered over partly by the Queens Club

and late-Victorian housing.

The Church, of course, is still standing and

just like the other London clubs mentioned in

this series, these fledglings led a nomadic life -

mostly playing at their home ground of Fulham

Fields before finally setting down roots at a

The original Craven Cottage

venue that is so familiar to us today.

These former churchgoers and choir boys

and you naturally think of football, but the

Greyhound Road. It has a plaque commentat-

became Fulham St Andrews from 1886, before

original cottage was actually a charming villa

ing Fulham Football Club’s foundation.

finally dropping ‘St. Andrews’ to become Fulham

in 5 acres of woods built in 1780 by Lord

Happy New Year to one and all!

Excelsior in 1887 and finally just plain old

Craven for his wife - the thatched house (see

Bob Woodford

Fulham FC in 1888 - perhaps by then many of

pic) often used by acquaintances of the a

their players had become less God-fearing!

Prince Regent (later George IV) for secret

Call Sign Online

Whatever the make-up of the playing team

and illicit affairs!

around that time, they certainly started to turn a

That old ivy-covered cottage stood empty

few heads by winning the West London

from 1872 and in the early hours of the morn-

Amateur Cup in 1887, with even more success

ing of 8th May 1888, a suspicious fire broke out

following in the 1892/93 season when becoming

and burnt it to the ground - it makes me won-

West London League Champions!

der if any of those aforementioned sinners were

By now The Saints, as they had been orig-

involved!

inally nicknamed, adopted a black and

After eventually clearing the rubble and

white striped shirt, more in keeping with

overgrown field, Fulham Football Club played

today’s colours - perhaps the white stripes

their first match at their new ground, defeat-

represented the saints and the black ones

ing their old

- and now defunct rivals -

the sinners!

Minerva FC. Spectators had just the one basic

But it was time to find a permanent home

wooden stand to assemble in at first until the

now that the club’s association with the church

Stevenage Road stand was built on the site of

was receding - and one site that took their eye

the old thatched cottage, and eventually the

was an overgrown field alongside the River

club's new headquarters were built and called

Thames - although still in their locality.

Craven Cottage.

Any mention of Craven Cottage these days

Fulham’s mother church still stands today in

• Immaculate Fairway taxi available

for Wedding Hire

• Covers most north, east and

central London locations

• Used in Olympic closing ceremony

with the Spice Girls!

• Full leather interior

• Discounts for DaC drivers

Ring Graham (B35) on

or email oldlondontaxis@yahoo.co.uk

Call Sign January 2017

Page 23

Not such a hoot for David!

“I discovered my cab hooter wasn’t working

a quick ‘jump start’ to get me going again.

and decided to fix it there and then so I

Several Dial-a-Cab drivers stopped to enquire

stopped in Duchess Street behind the

if I was OK while I was at the roadside and I

Langham to sort it out,” David Ellis (J11)

soon discovered the leads I had were not good

explained to Call Sign. You just never know

enough to cope with starting a cab. Then along

when some thoughtless pedestrian glued to

came John Davis (V41) who immediately

their mobile is going to step out into your path,

pulled out his own heavy-duty jump leads, con-

or a cyclist is going to whizz across the front of

nected them my cab and the engine burst into

the cab and you need to make them aware of

life. To my astonishment, John told me to keep

your presence, because not all of them have

his leads until I had sorted out my battery -

much in the way of sense!”

which needed to be replaced. His kind gesture

So the Dial-a-Cab driver stopped his

salvaged the rest of the evening for me and

engine to look for the cause of him being

proves not only what a real gentleman he is, but

hooter-less, but it took longer than he had

also those other DaC drivers who stopped to

anticipated fixing the wire that had worked

assist me. Between them, they restored my faith

its way loose - some 20 minutes - and dur-

in humanity and the camaraderie that is Dial-a-

ing that period, David had left his cab lights

Cab!

on, the DaC terminal and even had music

“So through the pages of Call Sign, I

blaring out of the radio.

would like to thank everybody that offered

“When I finally came to re-start the engine,

me assistance - including the Call Centre -

the battery had run down to the point of being

but especially to John.”

pretty much flat. I phoned the Call Centre who

David's jump leads were useless

Cab batteries take a beating during the win-

put out a fleet message explaining my predica-

ter; starting a cold engine, needing lights on for

ment and told them that I had my own battery leads. All I needed was

much longer periods, heater fans going full blast, the DaC terminal and

even listening to the radio... they all take their toll on the heart of a taxi,

so any weakness in the battery will be highlighted without mercy. Dirty

or corroded battery terminals and leads are a major cause of battery fail-

ure, so keeping everything clean is paramount. Also, get a pair of com-

mercial jump leads because those thin ones are no use to anything big-

ger than a Smart car!

Naked Uber!

Baghwat Singh

American Hubert Horan has 40 years

Call Sign Online

of experience in the management

and regulation of transportation

companies. He has no financial links

with any car service, investors or reg-

ulators or any firms that work on

behalf of industry participants. So his view on Uber

is based on business experience and not a prejudice

on either side...

Mr Horan’s view on Uber is that the car company is staggeringly

THE HON. PRESIDENT, HON. CHAIRMAN AND COMMITTEE OF

unprofitable, it is the industry’s high cost producer and that it cannot

grow into profitability. So what is it doing? Well, in his view, Uber’s cheap

fares are a mirage. In a US article, Horan says that Uber is staggeringly

THE LONDON TAXIDRIVERS’ FUND

unprofitable, relying on $billions in subsidies to undercut taxi operators.

FOR UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN

The transportation giant’s aim, he says, is to wipe out the competition

and then they would need to quadruple their fares in order to become

profitable!

Would Like To Wish You All

“Unlike most start-ups, Uber did not enter the industry in pur-

suit of a significant market share, but was explicitly working to

drive incumbents out of business and achieve global industry

A Very Happy New Year

dominance,” Mr Horan wrote in Naked Capitalism.

“Uber's growth to date is entirely explained by its willingness

to engage in predatory competition funded by Silicon Valley bil-

lionaires pursuing industry dominance.”

With operating losses of US$2 billion (£1.6 billion) a year - more than

any other start-up in history - Mr Horan argues there is no evidence that

Uber's rapid growth is driving rapid margin improvements as achieved by

other prominent tech start-ups as they grew into profitability.

“In fact,” he adds, the "absolute magnitude of losses has been

increasing.”

According to limited financial information provided to investors for the

year ending September 2015, Uber posted losses of US$2b ($2.82b) on

WITH GRATEFUL THANKS TO ALL OUR

revenue of US$1.4b ($1.97b), a negative 143 per cent profit margin.

DRIVERS, SPONSORS, HELPERS AND SUPPORTERS

He ends by making a statement of logic: “Thus Uber's current oper-

ations depend on $2 billion in subsidies, funded out of the

“None walks so Tall as he who Stoops to help a Child”

$18.31b in cash its investors have provided.”

Mr Horan’s view may not help taxi businesses such as Dial-a-Cab and

ComCab, but it helps us to understand exactly what we are up against...

www.ltfuc.org.uk

Call Sign January 2017

Page 24

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 goes back 1967. Phil Emden was an ODRTS ‘News and Views’ magazine

editor as well as being a Board Member. This was his first day on radio...

From the May 1967 ODRTS Monthly

A day in the life of a 1967 new radio driver

aving recently fitted my cab with

swarming with MI5 and police but it was quieter than

ODRTS radio, I was keen to get out

Bournemouth in November. I asked where the ship was

and press that button. My finger was

berthed and given explicit instructions from one of my pas-

hovering on that first day.

sengers. He certainly knew his way around the docks - he

“First call Cavendish Square,” came a faceless

obviously smuggled VIPs all the time! I felt scared. Wild

voice on the radio. I pushed the button and

schemes were running thr ough my mind. Had they inter-

called out Charlie 84. The voice asked where I

cepted my call, after all they do have the latest electronic

was but I was a bit quick for 100 yards away on first call... being

equipment on these jobs. Would I see James Bond! What

at Pont Street! I didn’t get the job but was told that it happens

was I thinking, but where were those blasted cops? Bet if

to all us finger happy new recruits - but to watch out in future!

I’d been speeding or parking... I told myself to keep calm,

It was later that day. I curtailed my long breakfast and visit to

not to lose my head! I was talking to myself now!

the throne room where I usually read the sports page, so that I

“Turn left in here and stop,” a foreign voice jarred my thoughts.

could learn to master the radio. But the front page made me sit

There across my path was an overgrown rowing boat about the

up. It said that a VIP scientist was missing, believed to have been

size of the Queen Mary. I braked sharply, I had to as I was dri-

smuggled out of the country. Cor! What with the brain drain,

ving straight for that hunk of metal. Suddenly the whole dock

now scientists, the only citizens left soon would be cab drivers!

came to life. Hooray for the boys in blue, they were everywhere;

Enough deep thinking, it hurts! Besides, the remaining public

on top of hangars, around corners and behind boats. Before I

were waiting.

even had time to switch off, four plain clothes men rushed over

Trade was pretty brisk thanks to my new toy. Sure enough,

to my cab. The passengers were flabbergasted. One of the offi-

while driving along Bayswater Road the radio called an embassy

cers asked me to leave the cab while he spoke to my “fare.” I

in Kensington Gardens. I accepted the job and waited outside.

stood back, grinning all over my face. I felt very pleased with

After about five minutes, an eastern European looking chap

myself. I could see headlines now: ‘London Cabman intercepts sci-

appeared. He could have been Frankenstein’s father with his

entist smugglers' - perhaps I would get an OBE, or was it an

deadpan face, glassy eyes and slow determined walk. He opened

MBE? I've already got B.O.

the passenger door and without a word proceeded to measure

I could see the embassy officials gesticulating wildly at MI5. Try

the inside of the cab. He then grunted and left. Another similar

and talk your way out of that, I thought to myself. The box was

looking chap then confronte d me and speaking in broken English,

then removed from my cab, the strips cut off and the lid prised

said he wanted to take a box to Surrey Commercial Docks. He

open. This was it, I thought. As the MI5 men looked into the box,

said I would “get paid good!” I nodded and he vanished back

their eyes bulged; they stared at the men and then beckoned me

inside the embassy.

over. I swaggered confidently over to the scene of the crime and

I started to read the paper when out of the corner of my eye I

there to my amazement, lying comfortably and sound asleep was

saw four husky men hauling a very large wooden box towards my

unmistakably... a greyhound! I just couldn't believe it. They had

cab. It was secured by metal strips and had small holes bored all

done a Ho udini on me. The couriers explained: “We have no ani-

round it. The men gingerly placed the b ox inside the cab - it fitted

mal as good as yours, so we take home to improve standard of

perfectly. As I put my paper down, the headlines about the miss-

racing.”

ing scientist hit me again. I got out of the cab and tried to inspect

What a boob! I’ll draw a veil over the next hour but have

the box as my suspicions were now aroused, but I was gently

never been to a greyhound meeting since

eased away. I insisted on looking at the box on the pretext that it

Phil Emden (C84)

may damage the upholstery. I decided the holes in the box must

have been air-holes.

The journey to Surrey Docks g ave me time to come to a

decision. Was there a boffin in the box? Was this diplomatic

Driver required for

baggage? I casually glanced over my shoulder, but the par-

tition was firmly slammed. I couldn’t understand the lingo

non-radio TX4

anyway so why close the window? They had something to

hide and that confirmed my suspicions, so I contacted the

Monday to Friday

radio room with an emergency call.

The dispatcher said: “Come in emergency cab.” I opene d my

Changeover Warwick

mouth but nothing came out. The perspiration was slowly drip-

ping down my back and I felt the beady eyes of the foreigners

Ave or Victoria

piercing my back. The dispatcher again asked for the emergency

cab to come in and I quickly blurted out my story. There was an

£140 per week

ominous silence at the other end. Then there was a “Roger, Roger

Charlie 84.” I wondered all the way to the docks whether I had

Full back up

been overheard. I glanced back but the men were engrossed in

conversation.

Tel Dave 07876 728 792

As I entered the docks, I expected to find the place

Call Sign January 2017

Page 25

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

Brethren of the Whip

Seasonal

drive a cab, but gave him the benefit of the

Alfred Fitter denied being drunk; he had

doubt. Carden was one of the few magistrates

spelt the word ‘Belvidere’ (sic) at the station

Drinks

who had a genuine liking for cabmen.

and offered to write his name and address,

Until the arrival of the

Wickstead was fined 10 shillings (50p) or seven

according to the court reporter. Fitter lived in

motor cab, a cabman

days. Unfortunately, he could not pay the fine so

Belvedere Buildings, Webber Street and the

having a drink at work

he was locked up for the week.

reporter may himself have been drunk. There

was considered part

Some doctors were known to ask prison-

was conflicting evidence and Magistrate Selfe

of the job. As long as

ers to say

‘now Constantinople’ several

had misgivings about the policeman’s version of

the driver was not

times without error to show they were

events, but it was enough for the charges

“decidedly drunk” or

sober. In 1900, an un-named cabman was

against Fitter to be dismissed.

caused an accident,

examined with a magnifying glass!

Benjamin Pearce was active in trade poli-

such instances were

“Couldn’t the doctor see the driver without

tics and a member of a delegation that met

generally ignored

- even though frowned

one,” enquired the magistrate? The arresting

with the Home Secretary regarding trade

upon by police and magistrates alike. The

officer explained that the glass was used to

grievances. He was an advocate of having

Christmas and New Year period was usually

examine the driver’s eyes. Such scientific

Sunday as a rest day and was a total abstain-

an exceptionally busy time and magistrates

endeavours saw the driver fined 10s. The Daily

er. So it probably came as a surprise that he

often remarked on the large number of cab-

News thought the use of a magnifying glass was

was arrested for being drunk. He denied the

men before them at such times.

“…about as bad as Constantinople! A man

charge, his passengers said he had not had a

But how do you prove a driver was drunk? In

whose drunkenness could only be discerned

drink, the police surgeon said Pearce was

many cases the word of the policeman was

microscopically could not have erred very

completely sober and even the desk

enough if he claimed that “the cab was going

deeply in his cups and might even be justified in

sergeant refused to accept the charge.

from one side of the road to the other” or that

driving a cab.”

Pearce was released without any stain on his

he saw the driver “nearly falling from his seat!”

An elderly cabman was arrested for being

character. However, less could be said for

These were common enough claims that saw

drunk on the night of Christmas Eve 1895.

the arresting officer. He had to pay Pearce

many a cabman fined. From around the 1850s,

He denied the charge. An independent doc-

£5 for wrongful arrest, payable at

£1 a

drivers could pay 7s 6d (38p) to have an inspec-

tor verified that the driver successfully

month - a sizeable chunk of a PC’s wages

tion by a doctor but even if found to be sober,

repeated ‘the artillery extinguished the con-

back in 1879.

the driver was not always reimbursed the fee.

flagration early’, which a drunk man could

A very happy New Year to all...

So how did doctors decide if the man before

not have done. The charges were dropped

them was sober? In 1878, James Brooks was

but the driver faced a bill of 18s 6d (93p) for

Sean Farrell

asked to stick out his tongue. The doctor

calling out two doctors at such an unsocial

Call Sign Online

looked at it and declared Brooks to be drunk!

time!

“I couldn’t have been drunk,” Brooks

declared. “I remember everything. I even inter-

preted for a foreign gentleman.” The magistrate

asked the arresting officer if this was true. The

THE SALIERI RESTAURANT

officer said it wasn’t and all he had done was to

say to the gentleman: “Parlez-vous, Francais”

repeatedly! It made the magistrate laugh and

376 Strand, WC2

Brooks walked out of court a free man.

Charles Fairclough was made to feel his

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

own pulse - a test the arresting officer himself

restaurant where you can partake of the finest food and wine

witnessed. Fairclough too was released without

charge and the magistrate rebuked the police

And as a thank-you for helping our clients come

for employing such an incompetent doctor.

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

In 1882, Henry Wickstead was accused of

being “…undoubtedly drunk, very drunk”

offer you a genuine 25% discount on your bill

by a police inspector. “How can you say

such a thing?” exclaimed Wickstead. “Why,”

We are certain that you will be delighted

he continued, “I even considered that the

constable acted so improperly when he

interfered with me, that I asked him to lend

me a pencil in order that I might take his

number. Could a drunken man do that?”

There was a roar of laughter in the court as

Wickstead continued. “There is the number

as I took it down. Is that like a drunken

man’s writing? The magistrate, Sir Robert

Please bring along your badge or Bill as ID

Carden, looked at Wickstead’s licence and

saw that he had been fined for being drunk

Salieri Restaurant

just two weeks previously.

376 Strand, WC2

“Ah, that was the fog” replied Wickstead, “I

was not drunk at all, but the fog got down my

Reservations: 020 7836 1318

throat and made me stupid.” Carden did won-

der if Wickstead was a fit and proper person to

Call Sign January 2017

Page 26

Call Sign was very sad to hear of the passing of former Board member and long-time Dial-a-Cab subscriber

Gordon Poluck (ex-R34). Gordon had been in a home for a number of years and until recently still insisted

on getting his copy of Call Sign. But his memory, which he told us back in 2004 was deteriorating rapidly,

finally went.

In February 2004, some time after being diagnosed with the onset of dementia and advised medically to

give up his green badge, Gordon suddenly turned up at Brunswick House and caused a few men at Dial-a-

Cab to swallow when they saw him. One told this magazine at the time:

“It was a very emotional experience and even Gordon, who was usually the most jovial of toastmasters,

had to wipe away the odd tear himself!”

Gordon’s “other job” was that of a toastmaster and several months before his appearance at DaC, he kept a promise to Alan and Linda

Fisher when Linda’s son Marc got married and Gordon did the job as toastmaster. It was his last one.

When Call Sign spoke to Gordon again - several weeks later - he had returned to somewhere approaching his old self with the occasion-

al awful joke and 1001 stories. But as Gordon admitted, that was masking the symptoms that caused him to prematurely retire. But even the

odd period of forgetfulness wouldn’t stop Gordon talking about his connections to the London taxi trade. Father Elmo and brother Russell

are testimony to how deep that connection goes. He also visited Chairman Brian Rice, who told us:

“We spoke in my office for well over two hours and covered every subject you could think of. He also looked and sounded

exactly as you would have expected him to. It is a very sad day...”

Before his illness, Gordon shocked everyone when he disclosed that he had decided to throw his hat into the ring and oppose sitting

Mayor Ken Livingstone at the 2004 London Mayoral election! He became an official candidate before the cost caused him to pull out. He

had previously been a councillor for the borough of Croydon.

In 2004 and after pulling out of the Mayoral race, Gordon again phoned us and showed how astute he was when he said:

“I haven’t really changed my views on anything since I first announced in May that I wanted to stand as Mayor. I am very concerned that

Congestion Charging is destroying London. West End stores are losing money because people are not prepared to pay a fiver and then get

ripped off by horrendous car park charges. Even if public transport was brilliant - and just filling the streets with hundreds of empty buses

doesn’t make it that - not everyone wants to use it. That results in fewer people in town, which will eventually filter back to us and affect

the taxi business. It may be busy in the run-up to Christmas, but we can’t survive on Christmas alone. People are London’s life blood and my

main priority would have been to get people back into the capital. But the final cost has given me no chance.”

Chairman Brian Rice represented Dial-a-Cab at Gordon's funeral.

Our sympathies go to his wife Shirley, daughters Rochelle and Melanie, brother Russell, sister Sharon and all his family...

“I view life a lot differently

now,” Stephen Field (F99J) told

Call Sign when referring to a

Pick Yourself Up…

collision he suffered at the

hands of another driver who

owed on the balance of the repayments, so

was on his mobile phone at

that was one headache resolved. Over the

the time instead of concentrat-

next six months I became a hospital tourist,

making regular visits to Queens Hospital in

ing on the road ahead.

Romford, Moorfields Eye Hospital, The

“As the song goes, you just pick yourself

Whittington in Highgate and also St

up, dust yourself down and start all over

Thomas’s at Lambeth. Having undergone

again. Life’s too precious to just sit around

numerous scans and various tests on my eyes

and mope! I certainly view life much differ-

and head and the offer of medication which I

ently now.”

steadfastly refused, here I am, six months

Stephen told us about the accident...

later with a return of my eyesight to 20/20

“It was 17.15 on Monday, March 14th 2016;

vision and looking forward to starting anew,

I was on the A13 at the Beckton Flyover and

getting back to work on the cab full time.

heading homewards. The traffic at that time

Naturally I’m grateful my eyesight has

of the day is always slow and I was almost sta-

returned of its own accord, healing itself after

tionary, but suddenly there was an almighty

such a long recovery period, but it has given

bang into the rear of my Vito taxi, throwing

me another outlook on just how precious life

me forward in my seat against my seatbelt,

itself really is.

with the impact jolting my head sideways and

nerves having been jarred by the impact

“So my humble advice to the younger gen-

downwards into my shoulder. I think it also

while the rest of my body was restrained by

eration is that when you are struck by adver-

hit the driver’s door even though I don’t

the seatbelt and that’s why it is thought that

sity, think positively, because there is nothing

actually recall that happening. However, it

my head may have struck something hard,

more important or fragile than life itself. So

would explain what happened to me the fol-

possibly the door as I mentioned. Either way,

just pick yourself up, dust yourself down...

lowing day.

it clearly meant I couldn’t work because there

and start all over again!”

“Naturally, with such a heavy force, I was

was no way I could possibly drive safely - and

With that, Stephen left us to go to work...

very shaken up - and my cab didn’t look too

for a licensed taxi driver, that, of course, is

humming the tune as he went!”

good either having been rammed in the rear

the absolute priority above all else.”

at speed by a Ford Transit van while the dri-

“When it became obvious that I was not

ver was busy talking on his mobile!

going to be able to work for an extended

Alan Green

“As a result of the RTC, the following day I

period of time, I lost my cab because I had to

started to experience double vision, my optic sell it, thankfully recovering the money I still

Call Sign Online

Call Sign January 2017

Page 27

hen one of Call Sign’s eagle-

eyed readers saw Donald

Dacas’ (P76) cab being towed

by an AA recovery van, word

Quick Reactions

soon got back to our nerve-centre that all was

not well in the Dacas camp!

“Yep, trouble again,” Don confirmed. “I

Donald's quick reactions saved him

was turning left into Cardington Street on

from even more costly repairs

my way to Euston Station when the steering

suddenly became very heavy and smoke

because it was being tugged by the still run-

began pouring out from under the bonnet.

ning engine. The force of the engine pulling

Something was obviously wrong, so instinc-

the fan belt against the seizure of the alterna-

tively I reached down to the ignition switch

tor then caused the alternator drive pulley to

to turn off the engine as quickly as I could.

buckle, which added to the Dial-a-Cab dri-

When the smoke cleared, I could see the fan

ver’s grief. The smoke and burning smell was

belt was frayed from where it had obviously

the fan belt being torn to shreds.

been rubbing against something and I knew I

“The garage said that my quick reactions

wasn’t going to do much more work that

saved further damage being caused, not to

day!”

mention the possibility of a fire starting as the

Donald was towed to his regular garage at

fan belt got hot from the friction of being

Downs Park Motors; they diagnosed seized

pulled over an immovable object, the alterna-

bearings in the alternator and it was the

tor pulley and the force of the still-running

engine running and the alternator unable to

engine!

turn that caused the fan belt to fray as it was

“I had to have another alternator, pulley

forced over the stationary alternator pulley,

and of course a replacement fan belt, so

that’s more expense when the work is not

exactly busy,” Don told with a sort of resigna-

tion in his voice.

“The cab drives nicely when it’s running,

Chas and the giraffe!

but there are times I wish I had my old TX1

back. That cab was so reliable, whereas this

hen you have been driving on the streets of London for decades,

TX4 has cost me around £3000 this year

you build up a fund of stories

alone,” Donald moaned.

and experiences and Chas Levy

“It’s not only the cost of regular servicing,

(R61) is no exception. Chas

but when you’re faced with repairs, especially

recalled one to Call Sign that stayed in his

unexpected ones such as this one, it gets real-

memory.

ly expensive when you factor in the cost of

“I remember some years ago doing a two-cab

the parts, fixing the repair and the time off

job where I took the passengers, while the sec-

the road to effect the repairs; it all mounts up

ond driver transported a stuffed toy giraffe in his

and gets kind of costly…”

cab, the type of huge toy that children can

Then Don drove away on the long journey

actually sit on.

to recoup some of his day’s expenses...

It was quite late in the evening and the sky

was darkening as we both got on the road. The

Ron Yarborough

first driver moved smartly away from the kerb-

Call Sign Online

side; I followed, driving the passengers as

smoothly as I could while trying to keep up

with him. With no need to worry about

throwing his passengers around, the lead cab

kept up a lively turn of speed. However, the

toy animal wasn’t secured inside his cab and

so as he turned round corners, I could see

the giraffe roll from side to side within the

cab, giving the impression it was a live ani-

mal trying to get out!”

Chas giggled as the scene returned to his memory...

“Anyway, we got to our destination and I helped him remove the toy from his cab; I

remarked how real it had looked moving around inside his cab and how pedestrians

had given him strange looks as he passed by them on the road, but then thought no

more of it. Between us we then heaved the stuffed toy onto the kerbside.

It was only the following morning when my co-driver called me and said the police

had phoned him some minutes earlier, responding to reports they had received from

pedestrians seeing the two cabs passing. They asked the first driver where he got the

giraffe from and were obviously concerned that it might have been stolen from a zoo -

even though they admitted that no reports of a missing giraffe had been reported to

them. Perhaps that should have been a clue!

The driver gave the police all the trip details of our two cab journey and the matter

Female driver

was quickly wrapped up, with the police officer and the driver having a good laugh!

10% reduction for Dial-a-Cab drivers

But the thought of it still makes me smile and you have to wonder about people

Contact Debbie (W18) on

believing that a giraffe could actually fit into a cab!”

Alan Green

07956 317040

Call Sign Online

Call Sign January 2017

Page 28

Another true story from Geoff Levene…

Holiday time...Whether you want it or not!

It’s that time of the year again. No, I

good lady wife is that my birthday is just a week

before Xmas day. I’ve told her she doesn’t need to get

don’t mean the final of ‘Strictly’ or ‘X

me ten things anymore. Shirt, jumper, book, CD,

Factor’. It is - or was until a few days

aftershave and then more seven days later. It’s too

ago - CRIIIIIISSMAAAS!

much and it’s difficult to keep on surprising each

It was around this time last year that I picked up a

other, so we say what we’d like and nobody is disap-

genial looking old chap who asked for Euston. He

pointed! It’s often something shiny and smelly or

wore a tweed jacket, cord trousers and had a shock of

maybe opera tickets. I've just put myself on offer for

grey hair. He reminded me of the Professor in Back

next year!

to the Future! When I turned around to give him his

One thing I think she’d like is a bit of Whitefriars

receipt, I realised who it was

- Sir Nodrington

glass. This would entail a trip round antique markets,

‘Noddy’ Holder. I was thrilled. I’ll always be a Slade

bric-a-brac shops or boot sales. But the problem these

fan. Not so keen on ‘that song’ but it’s been good for

days is the proliferation of antique programmes like

him. I've heard the figure of £500,000 a year going

Antiques Roadshow, Flog it and Cash in the Attic.

into his stocking thanks to Merry Xmas Everybody!

Time was you could walk down the High Street in and

So it’s peace and goodwill to all men. Help the

out of the charity shops and come out with a couple

poor? I give a few bob. Take in the homeless? Well,

of Rembrandts, a signed copy of Oliver Twist and

I'm afraid there’s no room at the Inn. Just like those celebs and

some Battle of Waterloo artefacts... and still have change from a ten-

politicians who were going to throw their doors open to

ner! Now everyone's an expert, so you've got no chance of picking up

refugees, but strangely enough palpably failed to do so.

a bargain.

I don’t know if it was the festive season when a certain merchant

However, I did find a curio the other day. It was a CD called The Saudi

banker went above and beyond the call of duty. He, his wife and two

Arabian Top Ten. It was fascinating. I stuck it straight in the cab’s CD

children lived in a big house in the somewhat edgy area of

player and the best seven - in no particular order - were these:

Kennington. This was handy for the City and for his other career -

1. Imam a believer... 2. Sheikin’ all over... 3. Halal be there...

Member of Parliament. I don’t suppose it’s relevant that despite his

4. Omar he's makin’ eyes at me... 5. Bagdaddy cool... 6. Yasser

company having a Dial-a-Cab account, it was a minicab that waited

that’s my baby... 7. Beirut 66...

outside to take him to the Airport at four-thirty in the morning when

So let's forget about Christmas until next year but hope for a happy

two lads strolled up...

and prosperous New Year... whether you have a religion or not...

“Take us to Peckham, mate,” they asked the driver.

“Sorry, I'm waiting for someone here.” They looked at the big,

Geoff Levene (W32)

expensive house.

Call Sign Online

“Do you think they’d let us use the toilet?”

“You'll have to ask,” replied the driver.

So they did and guess what; the merchant banker MP and future

special adviser to David Cameron lets them in, showed them upstairs

and waited while they... grabbed everything they could, bid him good-

night and made their getaway! Mr MP made a bad decision - albeit one

that nobody in their right mind would have made. I wondered what

other brilliant ideas he came up with while working at Number 10.

Merchant banker indeed!

So anyway, the shops were stuffed full of goodies. Oxford Street,

both Westfields, Brent Cross and Lakeside all wanted our money. It

was presents, presents and more presents all the way. I have to admit

I’m not terribly good at that kind of thing. It was easy when the boys

were young. You could fill the house with parcels and know that

there’d be something that would amuse them until Boxing Day. But

it’s much harder with adults. And what makes it even harder for the

Lambeth Bridge:

Roundabout Improvements

TfL and Westminster Council have announced planned improve-

ments to road safety at Lambeth Bridge northern roundabout. The

plans are designed to deliver road safety benefits in the short term

while they investigate a longer-term solution for a more fundamental

change to the layout of this junction. Construction will begin in

January and include the extension of footways and traffic islands to

reduce traffic speeds and provide more space for pedestrians, raising

zebra crossings to the same level as the footway on all four junction

arms in order to reduce traffic speeds and increase safety and provid-

ing narrower, better-defined lanes to discourage motorists from weav-

ing between lanes on the roundabout.

TfL do not expect the finished scheme to affect road user journey

times through the area but say that there will be some short-term dis-

ruption during construction.

Call Sign January 2017

Page 29

hen you’ve been driving a taxi

for almost fifty years, you usually

know a wide circle of fellow dri-

vers and can sometimes influ-

ence their thinking. Such is the case with

MOVING HOME!

Chas Levy (R61), who after some years with

another radio circuit, returned to Dial-a-Cab

several months ago and was so pleased with

his decision that he told his friends... and

they decided to move home too!

One of them was Fred Denney (R63) and

his enthusiasm for DaC was palpable...

“I’m getting on very well, thank you! I’ve

been driving a taxi since 1988 and Dial-a-Cab

is a far more professionally run circuit than

my previous company. The training I received

here to operate the MDT was very thorough

indeed, which meant that I could go out on

the cab and work with confidence which,

when you are working late into the night,

means you can cope with the many situations

that face you knowing that there is a friendly,

helpful team ready to assist if you really do

get stuck with a problem that you can’t easily

resolve from the cab.

“I was very disillusioned with the sale of my

previous company to an App set-up, which I

did not want to be a part of. So when Chas

Daren Morley trains all new drivers

told me he had moved over to Dial-a-Cab, it

“I prefer the radio to street work and I’ve

driver / customer relationship - and that’s

didn’t take me too long to follow!”

found DaC to be a really friendly bunch of

how it should be. When the other company

Dean Pearson (F02) was also encouraging

people and far more professional than the

was sold to an App, I knew I had to ‘Gett’ out

about his move from the same north London

circuit I left, with the emphasis being on the

- so here I am!

circuit as Chas and Fred.

“Also, here at DaC there appears to be a

more sensible policy regarding Fixed Price

trips ie with fair prices and that suits me fine.

When I did have a problem with a DaC trip, it

was sorted out quickly by the ladies in Driver

Paddington rank

Services with the minimum of fuss. That is

just wonderful!”

DaC trainer Daren Morley is the man

Circa 1930s

behind all new drivers learning the correct pro-

cedure in readiness to go out on the road...

ADDINGTON STATION seems to have settled into some semblance of

normality nowadays, although many drivers still probably remember the

Michael Toomey

set down point as it was when taxis entered down the slope from

Dial-a-Cab Online

Praed Street. Some may even remember the old entrance that led you

straight down onto the platform where passengers could just get off the train

and head straight for a waiting taxi. But we’d bet our last Rolo that no Dial-

a-Cab driver remembers this overflow cab rank from the early 1930s! The

photo is from Graham Waite’s (B35) collection of old taxi memorabilia..

Call Sign January 2017

Page 30

Either write to Call Sign at

one that wants to offer legal advice!”

Gas conversions

“You can't do that,” she said, “you'll never

Dial-a-Cab House

Hi Alan

be allowed to operate without qualified

Has there been any feedback from the com-

or email us at

people!”

pany that brought the converted gas cabs

callsignmag@aol.com

My friend again jumped in with the

down to Dial-a-Cab for drivers to take out on

knockout punch: “According to you, that

test drives? It was mentioned that they were

business model works with Uber cars, so

Change.org petition

looking to present the cab to TfL sometime

why can't I use it for solicitors!!!”

in October for approval and if approved, I

Hi Alan

She never said another word!

I received a petition to sign from

would consider buying one subject to checks

Alec Wilkey (W83)

with other users. Look forward to hearing

Change.org asking me to support them by

Great story, Alex, I suppose that if any-

asking Mayor Sadiq Khan to cancel plans

from you.

one knows about a knockout punch it

Ian Macdonald (C64)

to make minicab drivers take an English

would be DaC’s Alec Wilkey, one of pro-

Hi Ian, you are just one of many drivers

language test. Written by the daughter of a

fessional boxing’s premier trainers... Ed

enquiring. The cabs are successfully

PH driver who has been doing the job for

being tested in Birmingham but London

10 years, she says it would be unfair for him

seems to be taking an age to catch up.

to lose his job. Yet isn’t the fact that his

Gratuities

The company, Autogas, is in the final

daughter thinks he may fail after 10 years

Dear Alan

stages of the process before the final

the whole reason why they are doing the

Just read the December Call Sign mag and

durability test begins. The approval

test! Dah!

read that Alan Nash (A95) was happy with

process up until now has taken a little

Gordon Bennett (Y91)

the VAD system. He also pointed out that

longer than they expected with the result

Quite right Gordon! If they speak good

that they had to make some small

tips are non-existent on credit card work. I

English then they will have no problem

can totally agree with that and would per-

amends and additions to the build manu-

passing the exam. If they don’t, then they

sonally put it at around just 5 percent of

al and then had to have an independent

shouldn’t be driving a minicab... Ed

card jobs that you receive a tip. Recently I

engineering inspection carried out and a

report produced. There was also an IVA

have been driving a cab fitted with another

(Individual Vehicle Approval) inspection

CC facility. Because this particular machine

Gearbox problems...

to be carried out along with another one

offers customers the chance to tip, I've

Hi Alan

by TfL. Following this, the vehicle will

found that over 80 percent of customers

Just wanted to tell you about my taxi gear-

then require emission testing and then

tip, generally the 10% option. I estimate

box/transmission issues and the cheap

they can commence the 10,000 mile

the loss to each Dial-a-Cab driver could be

solution I found to it. I had been having

durability test. As the above info is a few

over £1000 a year. I would like to ask our

lots of issues with reversing my taxi for the

weeks old, I must assume that they have

IT department to change the PEDs so that

past two years, especially when the gearbox

progressed close to the stage when they

they offer customers this option. After all I

was cold. Anyway, I was getting fed up with

begin - if they haven’t already - the dura-

keep reading they are the best.

pushing the taxi out of parking spaces etc

bility test. As soon as I get any update, it

Barry Spear (Y16)

so I visited a few taxi transmission special-

will be published… Ed

The next software update will include a

ists who told me that the seals were proba-

gratuity box. Unfortunately, because of

bly going in the transmission/gearbox and

a Barclaycard cock-up, DaC IT had to

that I would need to spend £800+ to have

So you use Uber?

sort out that problem first, hence last

the necessary repairs done. So I thought I'd

This was a fellow cab drivers response to a

month’s recall of the fleet which had to

struggle along for a while but then spoke to

typical Uber fan. I'm actually thinking about

take priority. Then came the sad but

a Dial-a-Cab driver who recommended I

setting this company up because it’s brilliant!

still time-consuming fitting of card

visit a taxi transmission specialist in

My friend picked up a lawyer recently from a

readers into the rear of cabs following

Stratford who might be more reasonable

well-known law firm. The female lawyer was

TfL’s decision that showed they could

when carrying out repairs. So I visited

raving about Uber and how cheap they were.

not care less what we think... Ed

Allard Transmission Services and he rec-

The driver told her he was in talks with a

ommended the change of a valve and a ser-

mate who was a whizz at IT and who devel-

vice. Whilst he was carrying out the service

oped apps. He was looking at starting up

Saturday payments

on my taxi, he noticed that the 'overdrive'

something similar to Uber - but this one was

Hi Al

cable had been left undone and he plugged

for solicitors and how it would enable the

Could you please ask the new directors at

it back in. I was charged just £60 for the

public to get a solicitor for £50 per hour, of

DaC if they could move the cut-off date

valve replacement and service. This morn-

which 10% would be paid to his company as

from Friday night to Sunday night to save

ing, I reversed my taxi from stone cold with

a commission. He went on to tell her that he

waiting 9 days for Saturday card payments,

no issues at all!

and his friend would be rich in a year as there

as many of our rival card machine suppliers

So I’d like to recommend Allard

were lots of people that needed solicitors but

offer next day or 3 day payments.

Transmission Services to any driver that

who couldn’t afford to pay several hundred

Jon Robinson (E88)

might be having gearbox/transmission

pounds per hour. The solicitor was becom-

I did ask DaC’s financial side for you Jon,

issues. They are at

9 Thornham Grove,

ing quite irate by then and said that the dri-

but they seemed to think I was rather

Stratford and the phone number is 0208

ver would never get a trained solicitor to

barmy and said that on weekly payments

534 8268.

work for £45 per hour after commission was

you can only get one Saturday, but that if

Karen Menpes (E01)

taken

off.

the Government brings out weeks with

Thanks Karen, Call Sign is always happy

My pal jumped straight back in: “Who said

two Saturdays in, then they will relook at

to publicise good service... Ed

anything about trained ones? I will use any-

the situation!... Ed

Call Sign January 2017

Page 31

book of regulations, which includes a topo-

another driver. We thought that after demu-

Pollution, pizzas and

graphical knowledge test. Will Uber in

tualisation and formation of the new compa-

drink-driving...

London stay as cheap as chips? That is highly

ny, separation into property and trading

Take a look at the cycle lanes and the pollu-

unlikely once the opposition has been con-

divisions, completion of surveys and valua-

tion they are causing; take a look at the

quered. No doubt many will lament for the

tions followed by instructing property

Uber drivers’ accident record; take a look

black cab, but it will then sadly be too late as

agents, advertising and search for prospec-

at the cable car across the Thames and the

yet another home grown iconic industry

tive purchasers of the building, taking fur-

instruction that if someone in a police vehi-

slowly dies and bites the dust. Game over...

ther legal and financial advice, there would

cle is in pursuit of a motorcycle and the

job done.

by this time be a noticeable reduction in the

rider takes his helmet off, the pursuit must

David Heath (Ex-W27)

number of drivers eligible to share in the

be called off - and don’t put that one at the

Ex-Brighton and now Gloucester

proceeds! Thus, the few surviving drivers

door of the Met police. And nobody should

David, who gave you the figure of 80,000

would get a larger pay-out once older and

be allowed to delivery pizzas on a motorcy-

PH vehicles in London? The last I heard it

sick drivers had been transported to the

cle of any size without a full licence - but

was 117,000. And if you are right that TfL

COS (Carriage Office in the Sky) while oth-

that won’t happen because TfL do not pick

are trying to get rid of us, I very much

ers went off to Carey Street! If, say, just 25

up the medical cost! Besides, most senior

doubt that if Uber becomes the only play-

drivers survive this lengthy process, I won-

staff at TfL get free BUPA so they don't

er in town that they will entertain TfL.

der what the forecast distribution would be

need to stand in line with mere peasants to

They won’t be as accommodating as we

to each surviving shareholder.

be seen at the hospital!

have been and simply won’t need or put

Best to you and all drivers for the New Year...

Christmas may now have passed by once

up with them. What was it that Ral

Laurence Kelvin (W88)

again, but nevertheless, anyone found

Donner once sang - you don’t know what

Sounds rather drawn out Laurence; how

drink-driving should be banned for seven

you’ve got until you lose it

about a series of duels with the winner

years first time. TfL stands for Totally

taking all! I should tell you though that if

Failing London and you may ask what that

a shareholder passes away, his/her

The DaC Tontine

has to do with drunk drivers? Simply, TfL

shares go to next of kin!

don't have the money to pay for a ‘Don't

Investment Scheme!

A Happy New Year to you and everyone

drink and drive’ campaign, the reason

Dear Alan,

at DaC... Ed

being that it’s all going to the few at the

About 50 years ago I saw the comedy film The

expense of the many.

Wrong Box with

I’ll close with a thought; tomorrow, a

Peter

Sellers,

police officer will knock on a family’s door

Michael Caine,

and have to tell them their son or daughter

Peter

Cook,

is dead, killed, they suspect, by a drunk dri-

Dudley Moore and

ver. Spare a thought for that officer who

R a l

p h

then has to go home to face his own chil-

Richardson. It was

dren.

the story about a

Gary Cox (O46)

tontine investment

Not much I can add, Gary... Ed

scheme. This is a

project

where

members

con-

Uber in Brighton

tribute into an

EVERY SATURDAY AT WEST THURROCK BOXING &

Transport for London has it seems

endowment and

FITNESS GYMNASIUM

embarked on a course to decimate a highly

the accumulated

regulated and globally admired industry...

fund pays out to the

From 10.15-12.15 - £10 per pupil

the black cab. Uber have been allowed to

last surviving mem-

come on stream, greatly undercutting, and

ber. The comedy

Minimum age of 16

parachuting in with little regulation, just a

was based on ways

Kids Class: 12.30-1.30pm from age 8yrs to 15yrs

licence fee and CRB check / refugee status

in which family

£5.00 per pupil

character reference. Current estimates are

members tried to

Suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to

over

80,000 private hire vehicles in

keep their relatives

accomplished boxers

London, nearly half of which are Uber. Is

alive so that they

this decimation of the black cab currently

would get some

Female ONLY classes subject to demand

taking place by TfL a pragmatic attempt to

inheritance, while

punish the black cab in favour of the Uber

at the same time

legions, recruited almost exclusively from

tried to hasten the

the poor, to make the rich richer in the new

death of other

gig economy sweeping the country.

potential beneficia-

Interestingly Uber have not been successful

ries.

in every UK city! Brighton - London on sea

This came to

- being a prime example. Brighton council

mind recently when

has insisted that any Uber driver must meet

I was discussing the

the exact same regulations that every pri-

proposed future of

vate hire and Hackney driver has - the blue

Dial-a-Cab with