Winter warmer: All inclusive 4nt Canaries mini break from £298pp incl. flights & hotel

Ahoy Pirates, escape the winter blues this November and treat yourself to a mini break in the year-round sun in the Canaries. Go all inclusive ahead of the festive period at the 4* Catalonia Punta Del Rey. For 4 nights - or 7 if that's just not long enough - you'll be able to top… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Scorchio! Flights from New York to London from £54 (one way)

Be quick with this one pirates! Using our Flights Finder we just spotted some one way flights from New York to London for just £54! There are limited last minute dates in July and August - peak summer in the Big Apple! For flight options to get from the UK to New York, see below.… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

5* Portugal wellness break in Cascais 3nts from £286pp - incl. flights & Sheraton resort

Ahoy mateys! Escape the dreary winter weather with a luxury wellness escape to Portugal and to Cascais - about 30 minutes drive from Lisbon. Here you will be staying at the impressive 5* Sheraton Cascais Resort offering a lush spa, fine dining and plenty of golf opportunities for those who would like to stay active… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

5* Luxury Cyprus family escape 4nts from £378pp - incl. spa hotel, flights & breakfast

Ahoy mateys! Next up we are sending you and you family to the the award-winning 5* Azia Resort & Spa in Paphos, Cyprus where you will be staying in the lap of luxury surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation. This holiday is available throughout the season we found some good October rates but you could… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Part One: TfL’s Helen Chapman talks Politics, Private Hire and Uber

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Helen Chapman has been a mainstay at Transport for London for a number of years. Occupying various roles within the taxi and private hire department, Helen is now TfLs director of licensing, regulation and charging. TaxiPoint’s UK Editor Steve Kenton would like to welcome Helen Chapman and you the reader to an EXCLUSIVE two part interview covering all things taxi related.

Today we talk about the politics surrounding the trade, private hire and Uber.

So let’s get started!

Last year it was revealed that over 13,000 PHV drivers, predominantly on the Uber platform, were operational with flawed DBS checks. How many of the 13,000 drivers have had fresh DBS checks and are there currently any drivers working without one?

The first thing that I would like to make clear is that the figure of 13,000 drivers is a myth.

When we first identified that there may be an issue with some of the DBS checks, we were asked by representatives of the taxi trade as to what the potential figure may be. We said there could be as many as 13,000, but that we were checking the actual figure. Once we had completed our checks, we identified the true figure was in fact 2,600 drivers that we wanted to obtain new DBS checks for. We did update trade representatives with the correct figure at that time. To put things into some context, the DBS checks themselves on the 2,600 drivers weren't flawed. Only the Disclosure and Barring Service carries out DBS checks and they liaise with the relevant police force (usually the Metropolitan Police Service) to determine what information to release to TfL. Our concern was that the ID check at the front end of the process, prior to it being sent to the DBS, hadn’t been carried out by our appointed and independent service provider. We wanted to be absolutely sure that our own service provider was carrying out the ID part to verify the individual, right at the front end of the process. Therefore we wrote to all 2,600 private hire drivers to ensure their DBS checks were redone, using our service provider, so that we could be absolutely sure that the ID check was carried out independently.

How many PHV drivers were allowed to continue operating with flaws found on their DBS checks?

We allowed a set period of time for the 2,600 drivers to provide evidence they had applied for their new DBS check and took licensing action on those who didn’t provide evidence.

As the original and subsequent DBS checks were all carried out by the DBS, no additional information was identified between the two different checks, other than those which might ordinarily come up in the course of a licence. For example, if the driver had gone onto commit a crime after the first check but this would be the case for all taxi and private hire drivers.

What has been the Government’s response, more specifically Chris Grayling's, to TfL's lobbying for controls on capping, cross-border hiring and defining plying for hire, given that there has been a stalemate between both TfL and the Government over these issues?

The Mayor and TfL been actively lobbying the Government on these issues for some time. For example, even in our response to the Law Commission report from 2014 we were asking for a statutory definition of plying for hire which we believe is vital to maintain and make clear the distinction between the two tier system.

We were very pleased, when, last year, the then Transport Minister, John Hayes, set up a taxi and private hire Task and Finish Group to deal with these issues in response to Wes Streeting‘s Westminster Hall debate in July 2017. The remit of the Task and Finish Group was to look at the taxi and private hire industry and how legislation can be reformed. TfL were invited to be part of that Task and Finish group and I have represented TfL. Other working group members include The LGA, taxi and private hire trade representatives, public safety groups and other government departments. As you can appreciate there are differing views around the table on topics with members having different ideas. What we have found is that everybody agrees that cross border hiring is a serious problem, although there are naturally differing views as to how to solve that problem. Ultimately the Chair will now produce the report with his recommendations going to Government to be considered. Separately TfL published a policy paper in February looking at the detailed issues of cross border hiring and contained our key legislative asks of Government. We provided this paper to the Working Group and we hope that our recommendations have been taken on board.

John Hayes is no longer in his position, he resigned last year, will his successor Nusrat Ghani continue with the process that John Hayes started?

Only time will tell on that one, but we are hopeful Nus Ghani will continue with the work that John Hayes started. What I can say is that the chair is quite clear that these proposals are going to be his recommendations based on him listening to all the feedback.

His report will go to Nus Ghani and it is then up to her to consider the proposals and decide the next step forward which we hope will include primary legislative change in the areas we have been lobbying for.

Given the lack of a relationship between the Mayor and Chris Grayling, will any proposals be willfully scuppered by the Government in what may be seen as a points scoring exercise between a Conservative Government and a Labour capital?

We feel that the proposals we have put forward are sensible proposals aimed at addressing issues not just in the capital but across the country.

It’s not just the Mayor and TfL that are pushing for these changes, we've spoken to a lot of authorities across the country that are having the same difficulties that we face on London. There is a real groundswell of support across the country for reforming legislation relating to the industry. We've looked really closely at what we think would work, what we think wouldn't work, as well as the reasons behind it. We've looked at some of the challenges facing the industry and how we can avoid making proposals that may be too onerous. We want to make sure that the right standards are being followed

A rumour has emerged on social media that you may be leaving TfL permanently, are you able to confirm or deny this.

I will be returning to TfL in October this year, after I have taken some of my maternity leave.

Does TfL accept Uber’s decision to define their own areas in relation to cross-border hiring, for example putting an area such as Windsor into their London area.

Changes to cross border hiring arrangements require changes to primary legislation and we are lobbying for this through the Task and Finish Group. This issue was raised in the recent court proceedings and the magistrate chose not to consider cross border hiring because it will require the Government to change the law.

If Uber fail to uphold any aspect of the conditions of their operator’s licence over the next 15 months, is there a one strike and you're out policy or will it be accumulation of non-compliance that could see Uber’s licence rescinded?

Like all other operators, Uber are required to fully adhere to their licensing obligations. The Magistrate agreed with our decision, as did Uber themselves, that they were not fit and proper at the time we refused them a licence. They have subsequently made a number of commitments to change and the Magistrate considered, at the end of the appeal process, that they are now fit and proper but has placed 14 stringent conditions on their 15 month licence. It’s now down to Uber to operate within the rules, including meeting the strict conditions. TfL will be closely monitoring them throughout the 15 month licence period. If we determine a condition has been breached we will need to consider the appropriate licensing action, depending on the nature of the incident.

PART TWO OF THE INTERVIEW WILL BE OUT ON MONDAY!

July 20, 2018 at 09:16AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Winter Venice city-break 3nts from £171pp - incl. flights, 4* Grand Canal hotel & breakfast

Arrr pirates! In Venice it's all about location, location, location and with a stay at the 4* Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal you can experience the most romantic city in the world as it is intended to: right on the Grand Canal. Here you will be staying an elegant hotel in true Venetian style… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Minicab union launches campaign demanding TfL and Mayor take action over driver exploitation

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The Independent Worker's Union of Great Britain launched a campaign yesterday demanding Transport for London and the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan make worker rights a condition of minicab operators licenses and to reduce the disproportionate regulatory cost burden on minicab drivers. The union says London's 114,000 licensed minicab drivers are currently being squeezed between companies such as Uber and Addison Lee, which deny them basic employment rights and regularly pay them below the minimum wage. They also claim their drivers regulator Transport for London is increasing the licence and congestion charge costs for these drivers but failing to protect them from exploitation and abuse.The IWGB yesterday written to TfL, the Mayor of London and the Greater London Assembly demanding:

Improve the representation of Minicab drivers in TfL's stakeholder programmeReduce the regulatory cost burden on driversThat TfL make a respect for basic worker rights a condition of licenseThat TfL take urgent action to reduce the rate of violence and abuse experienced by minicab drivers

A small protest was held in support of these demands outside City Hall yesterday to coincide with the London Mayor’s question time. Drivers were in the audience as Conservative assembly member Gareth Bacon quizzed Sadiq Khan as to whether proposals to charge minicab drivers to enter Central London was fair.

James Farrar, Chair of the United Private Hire Drivers branch of the IWGB union said:“The Mayor and Transport for London have pursued a cheap minicabs policy while remaining wilfully blind to the resulting worker rights catastrophe. It’s time for the Mayor to defend London’s most vulnerable workers not foster their further exploitation.”

July 20, 2018 at 08:05AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Say ahhh for the Azores: 7nts from £238pp - incl. flights & breakfast (hire a car from £43pp)

If summer isn't your thing mateys, you may be interested in this autumn/winter holiday to the stunningly beautiful Azores -- a week in this Portuguese paradise starts from just £238 per person, based on 2 sharing. It includes direct flights from the UK, 7 nights in the well-reviewed Vila Nova Hotel and breakfast daily. It's… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Guildford's 'longest serving taxi driver' distraught after council revokes licence for taking part in protest

Guildford 's "longest serving" taxi driver, who helped transport terrified people away from the wreckage of the Guildford bomb attack , is to have his licence revoked after taking part in a protest over lower fares.

David Williams-Wynn, 79, has been driving the town’s residents and visitors for 44 years but his long career is set to come to an end.

The father-of-four, who is chairman of the Guildford Hackney Association, was one of many taxi drivers to take part in a go-slow protest against a 16% cut in their meter rates on March 27. 

The hour-long protest, which involved cabbies driving slowly around the town centre’s one-way system , is currently being investigated by Guildford Borough Council , which also warned participants they could face disciplinary action. 

Latest on Guildford Taxi Driver Protest

On Tuesday (May 8), little more than one month later, Mr Williams-Wynn was told his Hackney carriage licence will be revoked due to his "traffic offences".

The letter sent from the borough council stated CCTV from the protest shows him driving his taxi around the gyratory as part of the protest.

It added Mr Williams-Wynn’s car obstructed the road "on a number of occasions" and he parked on 'blipped' double yellow lines outside the YMCA and, as a result, the grandfather’s "driver’s badge must be returned" within 21 days.

'It shouldn't end like this'

Daughter Lynne Stewart said she was distraught to hear her upset father tell her his career could come to an abrupt end.

"He has been a taxi driver in Guildford for 44 years and was there when the Guildford bombs went off and helped many people away from the blasted area – seeing things no man should have to see," she said.

"He has been a hard working man raising his four children in Guildford, one who was a policeman in Surrey for many years and myself, a nurse and midwife.

"We have contributed to the Guildford community in many ways, it should not end like this for my dad. I believe in democracy and he surely has a right to stand up for what he believes."

"He is not a criminal or a trouble maker, he is just a man fighting for what he believes in," said daughter, 'he's fighting for what he believes'

One of Mr Williams-Wynn’s sons is also a taxi driver and the pensioner "worries" for his future.

Mrs Stewart continued: "Dad was out protesting that day because the council cut their fare rate by 16%.

He was not doing this for himself, as he does not have many more years of working, but for the younger taxi drivers and his son who deserve to make a liveable wage.

"He is not a criminal or a trouble maker, he is just a man fighting for what he believes in."

She added: "For the council to revoke his Hackney licence in this way is an injustice to a man who has served the people of Guildford for 44 years. Finishing as a taxi driver should have been on his terms, not theirs."

A spokesman for the borough council said: "The council is aware that a number of taxi drivers took part in a protest with their vehicles on Tuesday March 27 in Guildford town centre.

"Whilst we acknowledged their right to peacefully protest, we investigated to determine whether any offences were committed, and liaised with Surrey Police where necessary.

"As part of the investigation the council considered if conduct of this nature, including preventing other road users from using the highways, was compatible with the relevant 'fit and proper' legal requirements.

"The outcome of the investigation was that disciplinary action was taken against drivers who fell short of the council's high standards for professional licensed taxi drivers who transport members of the public.

"As this is an ongoing matter we cannot comment any further on the details."

Taxi Leaks Extra Bit: 

Wonder who Guilford Council would feel with 10,000 odd London Taxis turning up at the next go slow protest. Especially if it was held over a 5 day period on a daily basis.

Would the London Taxi trade stand shoulder to shoulder with our provincial comrades?

Would you stand?

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Exclusive....Another Done Deal For London Taxis, From The Same Mob That Bought You Rear Fitted Credit Card Readers?

All the signs are ready....And it appears they are trying to force us to buy their over priced e-Taxi?

Are we to be banned from bus lanes?

Will we not be able to stop on red routes?

Unless we have bought a new eTaxi???

Then we get to the interesting bit...

You could well say:

TAXI LEAKS EXTRA INTRESTING BIT:

SO THIS IS HOW THEY INTEND TO FORCE YOU TO BUY E-TAXIS ???

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Barcelona 2nt autumn city break from £84pp - incl. hotel, breakfast & flights

We're setting sail for Barcelona pirates, one of our favourite places in Europe for a super cool city break! Right now Expedia is offering great rates at Lolita B&B, a cosy property that is walking distance from Gaudi's Casa Batlló and 10 minutes from La Rambla by public transport. We've added departures in October and… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Luxe 4* Crete half board holiday 7nts from £364pp - incl. flights & hotel

Ahoy mateys! We've clocked this great value for money holiday to sunny Crete in Greece placing you at the top-rated 4* Iberostar Creta Panorama & Mare Hotel. You'll have half board included in your stay here, along with a slew of top-facilities plus a private beach. Holiday details Travel duration: 7 nights (longer or shorter… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

All inclusive Bulgaria holiday from £270pp - 7nts 4* hotel & flights

Ahoy pirates it you are looking for an all inclusive holiday then check out this great getaway in Bulgaria. The holiday is for a couple sharing so grab your favourite matey and head off to Bulgaria. You can book this holiday today with a deposit! Holiday details Travel duration: 7 nights (longer or shorter stays… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Lush Croatian island escape from £296pp: 7nts in autumn w/ flights, 4* Hvar hotel & breakfast

Croatian islands are having a moment right now and Hvar is one of our favourites. It's just 30 minutes by ferry from Split and has some of the most turquoise waters in the Mediterranean. A 7-night autumn holiday there is available from just £296 per person, based on 2 sharing. Staying at the luscious Amfora… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Early bird bargain: 5* Tunisia break from £187pp - incl. resort, half board & flights

Pirates, book early and you can land some true bargains when you use our Holiday Finder. Currently we're seeing 7 nights at the 5* Mehari Hammamet in Tunisia at this low price. You'll be staying on a half board basis, making this an especially superb deal! The cheapest options depart in March, when temperatures are… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Atlantis The Palm 5* family break in Dubai 5nts from £699pp - incl. flights, meals & more

Ahoy mateys! Looking for holiday ideas for May half term next year? It's back again: The iconic 5* Atlantis The Palm arguably THE most famous hotel in Dubai with its pristine beach and celebrity restaurants signed Robert de Niro and Gordon Ramsey. Plus, let's not forget underwater dining at Ossiano. We've spotted this… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Majorca late season 4* holiday from £231pp - 7nts hotel, breakfast & flights

Ahoy pirates, Majorca has something for everyone and is really popular at the moment, check out this great getaway we have come across. The holiday in Majorca is based on 2 sharing, staying for a week in a gorgeous 4* hotel with breakfast included each morning. Holiday details Travel duration: 7 nights (longer or shorter… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Stunning 5* Phuket getaway from £654pp - incl. 9nts Swissotel, flights & bags

Pirates, bag yourselves a 5* bargain with this spectacular getaway to the Swissotel Resort in beautiful Phuket! This lush property has won a 2018 Travelers' Choice Award from TripAdvisor, and is just a stone's throw from the sands of Kamala Beach. The cheapest time of the year to depart is mid-September, when the area is… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Go Go Gozo: 6nt Malta island break from £289pp - incl. flights, 4* beach hotel & breakfast

Smart pirates know that Malta is super up-and-coming, but we predict the tiny Maltese island of Gozo is going to be the next big thing. It's a picturesque destination with spectacular beaches and a much more chilled out vibe. Why not check it out for yourself? Our holidays finder has a great value 6-night holiday… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT