Work Stopped On Oxford Street Pedestrianisation As Residential Votes Were Not Counted By TFL

Westminster’s cabinet member for Oxford Street, Daniel Astaire, has now told officials to stop working on the pedestrianisation plan. At a full council meeting last week Mr Astaire said: “TfL and the Mayor are the main proponents of the changes to the street, but it belongs to the council and the decision rests with us.  

Westminster council now says TFL's plans are “unacceptable”

“I have informed them — much to some surprise — that detailed work on a scheme is to be stopped. They had even wanted to appoint an artist to design street concept art, but I have stopped this too. At present there is no scheme nor a proposal which is acceptable to the council.”

He said Westminster could only back a plan that addressed the concerns of residents. Mr Astaire warned that any legal move by TfL to take control of what has been described as Europe’s most polluted street could take four years.

In his manifesto for the 2016 mayoral election Mr Khan said he would: “Restore London’s air quality to legal and safe levels, with action to make travel greener and pedestrianise Oxford Street, while protecting the green belt.”

When the Mayor then launched his proposals for Oxford Street in November he was accompanied by Westminster’s deputy leader Robert Davis, suggesting support from the council. 

Mr Davis has stepped aside from his role while he is investigated over claims that he received more than 514 “gifts and hospitality”.

TfL bosses initially claimed that the most recent round of consultation — between 6 November and 3 January — revealed 64 per cent outright or partial support for pedestrianisation.

However, it later emerged that many responses from residents had not been recorded because TfL had given out an incorrect email address. 

The deadline for responses was extended to April 6. 

Mr Astaire, who steps down next week, said “the overwhelming majority of Westminster’s residents and businesses” were against the plans.

Local Conservatives are under pressure from three candidates standing for the single-issue Campaign Against Pedestrianisation of Oxford Street party in next Thursday’s council election. 

Westminster Conservative leaders are worried that CAPOS could draw enough votes away from the Tories to allow Labour to win West End, Marylebone High Street and Bryanston and Dorset Square wards.

The Tory candidate for Bryanston and Dorset Square ward, Eoghain Murphy, said in a tweet this week: “Only the Conservatives will protect residents’ interests against the Labour Mayor’s plans. Don’t waste your vote!”

A spokesman for the Mayor said: “The Transformation of Oxford Street is a joint project between Westminster council, TfL and the Mayor… We continue to work closely with Westminster council to look at all the latest consultation responses in detail, and ensure everyone’s views are taken on board before a final proposed scheme is  presented.”

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Uber launch Destination United

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Manchester United and Uber are bringing Old Trafford to Bengaluru in India to surprise a devoted Manchester United fan and allow him to be the first fan to experience Uber’s 360 Old Trafford Destination United Experience, which encapsulates the essence of the Theatre of Dreams.As the club’s Official Ride Partner, Uber have created the experience as part of its global campaign, Destination United, supported by COPA90, to celebrate its support of Manchester United football fans around the world, collapsing the distance between the fans and the club by bringing them closer to the team they so passionately support.The Old Trafford Destination United experience kicks off in Bengaluru from 27 to 29 April, and will include an appearance from club legend and IPL player, Wes Brown.Thanks to the latest technology, an immersive group 360 experience pod has been created which will encapsulate the essence of the Theatre of Dreams, transporting the visitors through a unique fan journey into the atmosphere and history of Old Trafford.Destination United will also be celebrated at Old Trafford with Uber’s manifesto, pledging its desire to bring fans close to the club displayed around Old Trafford. Two deserving fans chosen by Uber will also be the team’s mascots on the day, leading out the first team on The Theatre of Dreams’ hallowed turf.Manchester United’s Group Managing Director, Richard Arnold, commented: “Through Destination United, Uber have come up with some really creative ways in which they can connect with our fans worldwide. Their ability to do this on a global scale allows us to engage further with these fans, creating lasting memories and once-in-a-lifetime experiences for supporters of all ages, no matter where they are in the world.”Chief Brand Officer at Uber, Bozoma Saint John, said: “We are collapsing space and time between the MUFC global fan base by bringing them closer to their passion for the sport and their fellow supporters, creating an opportunity to experience the Theatre of Dreams in a way only Uber can do.”

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Have a corker in Corfu: 7nts from £144pp incl. 3* hotel & flights *July from £246pp*

Pirates, get your scurvy selves to lovely Corfu, Greece, with 7 nights from £144pp including the 3* Lord Complex Hotel & flights. The super cheapo rates are to be found in May, but with prices around £250pp for peak July & August, this cute family-run hotel is a great option at several times of year.… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Fuerteventura group getaway in June from £221pp - 7nts aparthotel & flights

Ahoy pirates, grab your squad and head to one of the nicest of the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura. For this holiday in Fuerteventura you will stay for a week in great apartment and the holiday is based on 4 sharing, however there are still great prices to holiday as a couple. Book with just £49 each.… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

All inclusive 5* Hilton in Egypt: 14nt beachfront family holiday from £376pp - incl. flights

Love it or hate it pirates, Egypt is still hugely popular with UK tourists, so we're pretty chuffed to show you this great deal for one of Egypt's best 5* resorts. You can spend 2 weeks relaxing and unwinding at the 5* Hilton Hurghada in early summer season from just £376 per person, based on… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Institute of Licensing launches Guidance on determining suitability of Taxi and Private Hire applicants

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The Institute of Licensing has this week launched guidance to assist local authorities making decisions about the suitability of applicants and licensees in connection with taxi and private hire driver, vehicle and operator licences. The document was officially launched at the IoL’s Taxi Conference by Institute of Licensing President James Button and Stephen Turner, Chair of the working party responsible for drafting the Guidance. The Taxi Conference took place in Swindon with an audience of over 100 licensing practitioners hearing from a range of expert speakers. The document entitled ‘Guidance on determining the suitability of applicants and licensees in the hackney and private hire trades’ (click to download the document) considers how regard should be had to the antecedent history of the applicant or licence holder and its relevance to their ‘fitness and propriety’ or ‘suitability’ – this would include previous convictions but may also include other information coming to light for the licensing authority to consider.

This Guidance cannot have the force of legislation, new or amended; the need for which is both abundantly clear to, and fully supported by the Institute and the other organisations working with it. The Guidance can be used by local authorities as a basis for their own local policies and if widely adopted will achieve greater consistency so that applicants are less able to shop between authorities. It is acknowledged that consistency cannot be fully achieved without the imposition of national minimum standards. Cases such as the exploitation uncovered in Rotherham and subsequently other areas, together with other individual cases have highlighted the importance of vetting and assessing potential licence holders and the potentially catastrophic consequences of inadequate vetting. A level of consistency across the country would do much to ensure safety of passengers including children and vulnerable adults. The Institute of Licensing are delighted to present this Guidance which has been produced in partnership with the Local Government Association (LGA), National Association of Licensing and Enforcement Officers (NALEO) and Lawyers in Local Government (LLG). IoL Chairman, Daniel Davies said: “This is an important step forward for taxi licensing standards. This Guidance has been produced by the IoL in partnership with the LGA, LLG and NALEO and provides an opportunity for local authorities to raise standards and consistency in the licensing of taxi and private hire drivers, vehicles and operators. This is fundamentally needed in the absence of new law, to provide a better standards for safeguarding passengers, including children and vulnerable adults. “The majority of applicants and licensees are professional, hard working people and this guidance will assist local authorities in setting the bar for entry to the trade to ensure that that professionalism is protected and preserved. I commend the Guidance to local authorities and hope that it will prove invaluable in their role as licensing authorities charged with the sometimes difficult task of vetting applicants and licensees in the hackney and private hire trades.”

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Luxe 4* Budapest city-break from £163pp - 2 nts hotel w/ 2 rooftop pools, breakfast & flights

Ahoy mateys! Budapest is arguably one of the prettiest cities in Europe, boasting spectacular buildings and the world-famous baths and it's also still relatively cheap! So live it up in style at the grand 4* Continental Hotel Budapest boasting a roof-top spa with indoor and outdoor pools plus fine dining in a central location.… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

A Jaunt to Jersey? Stay at fancy 4* hotel in St Helier from £55pppn incl. fab breakfast

Pirates, treat yourself to a stay at the 4* Hotel de France in St Helier, Jersey from £55pppn. The hotel has a fabulous spa and pool complex to enjoy, and has a picturesque garden. Offer Details: Many travel durations possible - 1 night minimum stay Sample dates spanning November 2018 - January 2019 Example Dates:… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Stick or twist - The EV, LPG and diesel dilemma. What do you buy next?

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With ULEZ requirements having come into force on January 1st of this year, many cabbies are trying to decide how to get the best value for money on a compliant vehicle over the coming years.

Decisions will very much depend on drivers’ individual circumstances. Below we consider a case study of one particular driver (who wishes to remain anonymous). We look at the upfront and ongoing costs of staying in a TX4, leasing a eTX or investing in a Gas Conversion.The Scenario

To many longer serving drivers in the cab trade, this should hopefully sound a fairly typical situation. Our driver is in his mid-50’s. Although he’s not earning as much as he did in days gone by, his financial pressures are less heavy than they used to be as his kids are grown up and his mortgage is less than it used to be. Semi-retirement, or at least slowing down work-wise is on the horizon in the not too distant future. However, he still wants the option of remaining active in the trade over the mid to long-term future. So, in this instance, the driver owns his 10-year-old TX4 outright. He’s had it valued at approximately 10K. He’s had a few issues with it in recent years and is loath to spend any more money patching it up, only for something else to crop up. Therefore, he’s considering his options and trying to determine the best way to go in terms of a vehicle purchase.Cost Comparison Tables

Gas Cab Analysis

In this scenario, the weekly running costs of the Gas Cab are far lower than either the eTX or the TX4 still running on diesel. However, it’s very important to remember that they don’t take into account the fact that he would have almost £23,000 tied up in the vehicle. Our cabbie wouldn’t be able to afford the Gas Conversion outright and would need to finance it somehow. In a future blog, we’ll discuss finance options in more detail, for the time being, there’s too much additional info to consider, but it’s definitely important that those costs are kept in mind. In terms of insurance costs, the gas cab is only marginally more expensive, as our policy would cover the cost of the conversion. This is done on an “agreed value” basis to include protection for drivers against the potential risk of the vehicle being stolen or involved in an incident that might render it a total write off. In these circumstances, without the agreed value, the drivers’ investment in the conversion would be lost. As the TX4, in this case, is currently only 9 years old, fitting a gas conversion in order to extend its shelf life beyond TfL’s existing 15 year maximum age limit isn’t a priority. If it were an older vehicle the conversion could make his cab compliant with TfL’s regulations for up to another 5 years. The re-sale after that period is difficult to predict but presumably, after it’s no longer licensable by TfL, a number of authorities across the country will still find the vehicle acceptable and the investment will retain a degree of value. For our cabbie, due to the age of his cab, plus the fact he’s already spent out a large amount of money in recent years on significant maintenance issues, including an engine replacement, he’s ruled out the Gas Cab conversion. However he was impressed by the performance of the test vehicle he drove, and if he had a lower value vehicle he may well have plumped for this option.eTX Analysis

This particular cabbie drives on average 50 miles per day in town, plus he has a 20-mile round trip commute. From speaking to other drivers he believes the range of the electric taxi should comfortably cover the 70 miles total distance he travels each day. Therefore he should be able to complete a day without dipping into the petrol reserve tank. As he can charge the cab on his drive at home, the electric taxi should produce around £40 of fuel savings each week compared to his diesel TX4. At this mileage, he is well below the 152,500 total mileage allowance on the 5-year lease agreement (after which he’d incur a 6p/mile charge.) Due to the comprehensive maintenance package that comes with the lease, he should also be able to budget £48 less per week for ongoing repairs. Removing that potential headache from his working day is an attractive bonus for him. Talking about improving his working day, when he test drove the eTX he was really impressed with the performance and comfort of the vehicle. This is to be expected when you take into account the higher price of the more modern vehicle. The day to day improvement in his work environment is difficult to value but it definitely has a strong appeal for this cabbie. Another important factor that the electric taxi costs listed above don’t reflect is that the lease will allow this particular cabbie to free up the £10,000 from the potential sale of his TX4, to spend as he so wishes. Having said that the cost of the vehicle does work out (presuming the above costs are accurate and nothing else goes majorly wrong with his TX 4) at around £6,446 each year over its 5-year duration. Although Gary Jacobs of DriverTax informs us that, “The lease payments will be tax deductible for cabbies as they won’t be buying an asset.” He also believes they will be able to claim charging costs against income.TX4

The cabbie in question has spent £12,600 on maintaining his cab over last 3 years. With that in mind, he almost feels like that not many serious faults left to crop up in the next couple of years. For that reason, he’s only preparing to set aside £2000 in the next year to cover servicing, repairs and replacement parts compared to the higher amount he’s spent in recent years.Conclusion

Despite the 5-year manufacturer’s warranty, 5-year battery warranty, 3 years free servicing and 3 years free RAC, our cabbie was still concerned about being an early adopter of the new technology. With much higher vehicle purchase costs, for many younger drivers, the days of owning cab are likely to be a thing of the past. The cabbie in question here is seriously weighing up whether to embrace the new or stick with what he has got? However, for the time being, he’s going to sit tight and see how things play out over the next couple of years. We’ll also need to mention that offers on the eTX are regularly changing. The figures and facts on this blog may have changed since the time of writing. Please make sure you check the details and small print on any agreement that you are considering entering into.

Sources and assumptions listed below All figures are based on a 5 day working week covering no more than 70 miles.

eTX Ascotts offering – £196 inc full warranty (inc. brake pads, shock absorbers, battery) and services Servicing included for the first 3 years. Range based on driver test feedback of 70 miles a day – 50 miles chargeable plus a 20-mile round trip commute Only maintenance liability should be tyres that presumably shouldn’t need replacing in the 1st year *First year only exemption for E-taxi on MOT. Range based on driver test feedback of 70 miles a day – 50 miles chargeable plus a 20-mile round trip commute Charge costs based on full charge overnight at home £3.50 each time = 70 miles Weekly insurance costs are based on the individual in question paying it outright and budget for the annual weekly cost – they do not include finance costs.TX4 MOT costs based on 2 tests at £55 each. Diesel costs on £1.24/litre = £5.65/gallon. LEVC site estimates that your TX4 should get 32 miles/gallon = £12.43/ day on diesel. Maintenance costs based on fitting set of new tyres £2800, brake pads £80 and pump £240. Weekly insurance costs are based on the individual in question paying it outright and budget for the annual weekly cost – they do not include finance costs.GasCab costs Vehicle costs based on TX4 valued at £10,000 Cost of conversion £12,990 LPG Gas at 59.9p/litre = £2.54/Gallon MPG after conversion = ave. 32.8 70 miles/day = 2.1 Gallons/day Fuel costs/day = £5.33 Road tax is £510 as engine releases 80% less CO2 than a TX4 Euro 6 which would mean 44g/k MOT costs based on 2 tests at £55 each. Maintenance costs based on fitting a set of new tyres £280, brake pads £80 and pump £240. Weekly insurance costs are based on the individual in question paying it outright and budget for the annual weekly cost – they do not include finance costs. www.filllpg.co.uk https://ift.tt/2r2Hv29 https://ift.tt/1IXBvva https://ift.tt/2r1M7FW

April 27, 2018 at 08:42AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Salou full board group/family holiday 7nts from £250pp - incl. flights & hotel

Ahoy mateys! We've just spotted this excellent value for money group / family holiday to Costa Dorada placing you right in the heart of sunny Salou at Cye Holiday Centre situated close to the marina and a short walk from the beach! Full board is included in this deal and there's availability all season… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Make the Most-a Costa Brava: 7nts from £193pp incl. 4* hotel, breakfast & flights

Pirates, if you fancy a break in Spain, check out this deal: 7 nights in Costa Brava from £193pp including the 4* Costa Encantada Aparthotel, breakfast & flights. The hotel is an 8-minute walk from the beach, with gorgina indoor & outdoor pools to chillax in. Holiday details: Travel duration: 7 nights (longer or shorter… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Venetian Riviera break 7nts from £219pp - incl. hotel w/private beach, breakfast, flights & transfers

Ciao pirates! Today we're chasing La Dolce Vita thanks to this deal to the gorgeous Venetian Riviera from our Package Finder. You'll be spending 7 nights at Christian Hotel in Lido di Jesolo. This cute hotel boasts a rooftop pool and is just 50 metres from its own private beach! Venice is less than 1… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Celebrate Christmas in Amsterdam from £148pp - 3nts 4* spa hotel, flights & free airport transfers

Pirates, it's never too early to book a trip away and we have found these great rates staying at an awesome hotel in Amsterdam with flights included in the price. For this festive getaway in Amsterdam you can choose to stay any duration starting at 3 nights and there are even cheap prices to stay… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Don't falter with Malta: 7nts from £178pp incl. 4* sea view hotel, breakfast & flights

Pirates, plan in advance and snap up a winter escape in Malta with 7 nights from £178pp including the 4* Seashells Resort at Suncrest, breakfast & flights. This lovely seafront resort affords fab views of the Mediterranean, with a pool and wellness centre on site. Holiday details: Travel duration: 7 nights (longer or shorter stays… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Spring into Sweden: Flights to Stockholm just £18 return

Ahoy there pirates, how do you fancy visiting a really cool city in stunning Sweden? We have found these cheap flights to Stockholm using our flights comparison site. The flights start at just £18 return which is only £9 each way and there are a range of dates departing in May. Offer details Fights to… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Tory MP Liz Truss, Confirms Tory Party Support For Illegal Ride Share App.

In the Telegraph today a Tory minister warned:

"Labour will ban Uber and AirBnB if they gain control of councils. She goes on to brand the Conservatives the party of the gig economy".

Liz Truss, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, writes in the Telegraph about how the Tory party is the true party of young people, as it allows them to innovate in the new economy.

She warns that the Labour Party will ban start-ups such as Uber, Deliveroo and AirBnB, or stifle them with regulation so they fail, pointing to Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan’s battle with Uber in London. This caused the ride-hailing app to lose its license, a decision the company is now appealing. 

MORE TORY LIES !

This is more proof (as if any were needed) that the Tory party is 100% behind the continued licensing of this USA based company that doesn't pay full UK tax or VAT, has an extremely poor passenger safety record, failed to protect customer data, and spies on licensing regulators.  

More Tory lies !

Mayor Khans battle with Uber never happened. Khan has spent most of his time in the job defending Uber. 

The decision not to renew Ubers licence was made reluctantly by TfL, citing the apps poor passenger safety record, poor driving ability, data hacking of customer accounts and the greyball software which stopped secret shoppers investigating passenger complaints. 

More Tory Lies !

Fact is in London, the party leading councils will have no effect on Ubers relicensing appeal bit. 

TAXI LEAKS EXTRA BIT:

Comment From Robert Moore on FaceBook 

Liz Truss is a Conservative is Chief Secretary to the Treasury, what she is actually saying is that she thinks Labour’s election pledge to clamp down on the gig economy is a bad thing - or to put it another way; the Tories have no intention whatsoever to ban Uber & their like.

So a vote for the Conservatives is a vote to continue the free for all that is destroying our industry, and we all know what that will mean for the Taxi Trade.

Vote wisely!

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Last minute Dom Rep package from £491pp - incl. 7nts all inclusive resort, flights & transfers

Wowzers pirates! Act fast and you can secure an absolutely incredible Caribbean bargain - 7 nights of the all inclusive treatment for just £491pp! You'll be staying at the Riu Naiboa, situated just outside Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Direct flights are included in this package, alongside bags, transfers and ATOL protection. Everything you… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Sin City summer: 7nt Las Vegas break from £488pp - incl. 4* hotel & flights

Fancy a flutter pirates? You won't need to hit the jackpot with this Las Vegas deal we spotted at Expedia! You'll be spending 7 nights at SLS Las Vegas, a 4* property just off the main strip. Flights are included. This deal departs in June, when summer is just starting to heat up and you… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Summer in Spain: Barcelona family holiday in August from £272pp - 6nts 4* hotel & flights

Ahoy, if you are still looking for where to take the family this summer how about Barcelona, it really has everything from shopping, history, sporting events and stunning beaches. For this Barcelona holiday you can choose how many nights to stay in this awesome family friendly hotel. Holiday details Travel duration: 6 nights (longer or… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Party on South Beach: Miami flights from £292rtn - incl. luggage & meals

The party starts here pirates! Our Flights Finder is offering scorching fares to Miami - one of our favourite destinations in the USA! Flights are with British Airways/American Airlines/Swiss, so your meals and checked luggage are included. The cheapest flights are in June, September and beyond - plenty of opportunities to catch some rays in… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT