5* Sicily luxury break 3nts from £270pp - incl. flights, top-hotel w. Clarins spa & breakfast

Ahoy mateys! Next up we've spotted this gorgeous Sicily getaway placing you on the west of the island close to some of the island’s finest beaches. You will be staying regally at the refined (and top-rated) 5* Giardino di Costanza situated in a tranquil haven of palm trees and fountains, all surrounded by olive groves… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Lux in Bucks: Cosy 5* UK inn from under £30pppn

Pirates, for a spot of country comfort, head into rural Bucks, UK (only a 33-minute bus from Maidenhead) and enjoy an overnight stay at the 5* Olde Bell Hotel from £30pppn. Add breakfast for two to your booking with the room rate from £75pn (it's cheaper to add breakfast through the room rate with Booking.com,… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Sardinia holiday 7nts from only £168pp - incl. flights & aparthotel

Ahoy mateys! We've spotted this great value for money Sardinia holiday placing you at the popular Badus Residence in the north of the island situated only a 15-minute bus ride away from the sandy beach boasting 2 pools, amongst other things. There are cheap May and September dates starting from as little as £168pp for… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Say 'Hallo' to Berlin: 2nt German city break from £118pp incl. flights & quirky 4* hotel

Ahoy Pirates, if you're looking for a chic city break away then why not hop on a plane to Germany's capital?With an eclectic mix of bars, restaurants and shops mixed with a whole host of history, Berlin is the ideal place to escape to for 2 nights. We have paired the aptly named 4* Hotel… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Mega bargain Greek getaway from £102pp - 7nts hotel near the beach, flights, luggage & transfers

Pirates, we have come across yet another bargain break in Greece this time you will head to Thassos and stay for a week in the sun. The holiday is based on 2 sharing and as there is limited availability you will need to act fast to grab this Greek getaway at this bargain price. Holiday… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Uber In Westminster Magistrate Court For Case Management Hearing.

Uber has sought to “repair and reform” its business as it faces being banned from London, a court has heard.

The firm was told last year that it would not have its licence renewed in the capital by Transport for London because of public safety concerns.

It is due to appeal against the decision at a full hearing in the summer.

During a case management hearing today at Westminster magistrates’ court, Philip Kolvin QC, representing the cab-hailing app, said lessons had been learned from extensive criticism by TfL.

He said operational changes have allowed the list of issues to be discussed in the appeal to reduce from 25 to 11.

Senior District Judge Emma Arbuthnot, however, asked if the changes were just a "smokescreen."

"They were villains then, I’m exaggerating for effect, but now they’ve transformed themselves," Arbuthnot said. 

She said if there were still examples of Uber operating in an unlawful way, "then I want to know about it."

TfL accepted changes had been made but felt “it is really for the court to decide whether, in light of the changes made, Uber is fit and proper”, according to a statement read by Mr Kolvin. 

He said: "TfL served a 21-page letter ... it was a most thorough document and the issues included not just what Uber did but how it did it, and underpinning those issues was a critique of Uber's approach.

"The reaction of Uber to that letter has been one of repair and reform.

"It has accepted a large number of those criticisms made by TfL. It admits it has failed in many respects. It has apologised.

"It has made changes to the way it operates - it has changed its leadership, its directors."

The operational changes made by Uber reduce the list of issues to be discussed in the appeal from 25 to 11, he said.

He continued: "Making these cultural changes has put a huge burden on Uber, but we also recognise that it has put a huge burden on TfL and I would like to publicly acknowledge that."

Uber has also altered its app, so a user is now told that the booking has been accepted by them before they are linked with a driver.

Chief magistrate Emma Arbuthnot said behaviour of Uber in the past was “pretty abysmal.”

The Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association (LTDA), which has been allowed to participate in the appeal, made an application to extend the list of issues.

The GMB union was also supposed to be involved in the proceedings but has since sadly been withdrawn following reassurances about health and safety from Uber. This will not go down well with the GMB's Licensed Taxi branch members who were expecting full support of the Union.

TfL has a number of concerns about Uber, including its approach to reporting serious criminal offences, how drivers’ medical certificates are obtained, how criminal record checks are carried out, and its use of technology which allegedly helps it to evade law enforcement officials

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Dominican Republic all inclusive family holiday from £564pp - 7nts hotel, flights, bags & transfers

Ahoy, be quick to grab this super cool Caribbean getaway in the stunning Dominican Republic. There are great prices on a choice of dates and for both couples and families. There are a couple of codes on offer right now, you can get £50 off summer holidays using code BEACH50 (min spend £700) and if… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Lovely Lodge stay in Cotswolds from £58pp - 2nts with private hot tub *sleeps 4*

Pirates, hopefully you are going to love this super cute lodge we have come across on our holiday home finder! The lodge sleeps up to 4 and you will enjoy your very own hot tub. The lodge is located in the Cotswolds and there is a minimum stay of only 2 nights and great prices… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Uber tells court they will “repair and reform” in bid to win London licence back

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Controversial minicab service Uber has told the courts they will “repair and reform" in a bid to win back it’s London operators licence.The private hire company hailing from America was told in September 2017 that it would not have its license renewed due to a number of public safety concerns.However today during a case management hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court Uber’s representative Philip Kolvin QC suggested that the firm had learned from previous failings.The QC told the courts that changes made by Uber have reduced the number of points to be discussed, when the appeal starts on 25th June, from 25 to 11. One of the key changes centres around the booking process. Uber now claim that all rides are received by the operator first and then directed to its drivers. Philip Kolvin QC went on to say: "Transport for London served a 21-page letter to Uber ... it was a most thorough document and the issues included not just what Uber did but how it did it, and underpinning those issues was a critique of Uber's approach."The reaction of Uber to that letter has been one of repair and reform."It has accepted a large number of those criticisms made by TfL. It admits it has failed in many respects. It has apologised."It has made changes to the way it operates - it has changed its leadership, its directors."In a statement made by TfL and read by Kolvin the regulator said "it is really for the court to decide whether, in light of the changes made, Uber is fit and proper". “Making these cultural changes has put a huge burden on Uber, but we also recognise that it has put a huge burden on TfL and I would like to publicly acknowledge that."

April 30, 2018 at 01:47PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Heck yeah, Hanioti: 7nts beachside Greece from £210pp incl. hotel & flights

Pirates, head for Hanioti with 7 nights from £210pp including the 2* Nereides Hotel & flights. This lovely hotel is a classic example of the non-standardized hotel "star rating" hiding some surprises: these cute beach-side apartments and crisp blue pool certainly offer a lot more for your money despite being rated 2-star. Reviews on TripAdvisor… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Mega cheap last minute Menorca group getaway from £128pp - 7nts hotel, flights, luggage & transfers

Ahoy, pirates, take a look at this bargain holiday in Menorca that we have just come across on our package holiday finder, it even includes luggage and transfers in the price. The holiday is for 7 nights and there is a range of dates available at really cheap prices, and if you wish to travel… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Tesla driver banned after using autopilot in passenger seat

Advance Algarve: 7nts in Portugal from £117pp incl. top-rated 3* hotel & flights

Pirates, plan ahead for Portugal and enjoy some remarkable rates for an off-season getaway: a week in the Algarve from £117pp including the 3* Plaza Real by Atlantic Hotels & flights. This cheerful self-catering hotel has a bang tidy TripAdvisor rating (4/5 on TripAdvisor + Certificate of Excellence) so you know your stay is in… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

August family holiday in Gran Canaria from £242pp - 7nts hotel, flights & choice of board basis

Pirates, we know going on holiday in the school holidays can be super expensive so be quick to grab this holiday in Gran Canaria in the sunny Canary Islands at this great price. It's flying from Edinburgh (we know August isn't school holidays in Scotland) but it's a great deal for anyone from the Newcastle… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

The UK Parking Control suspended and under investigation by the DVLA

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UK Parking Control (UKPC) has been suspended by the DVLA following allegations of 'data misuse'. The multi million pound company which has over 2,000 sites nationwide, including NHS, supermarket and retail centre car parks, and a turnover of more than £11.6m is under investigation for failing to follow guidelines in regards to a previous suspension that was enforced back in 2015. In 2015 the UKPC was served a suspended for admitting to faking time stamps on tickets to catch out drivers. A number of employees were found to of manipulated the system by finding a "loophole" which enabled them to alter times and subsequently issue fines to drivers who had in fact parked legally. After the incident in 2015 the UKPC were prevented from chasing any unpaid fines due to their inability to use the DVLA data to trace drivers addresses. This guidelines were not followed and car park attendants were found to be telling drivers that were issued with tickets that they would still be pursed. According to a report in the Independent, the UKPC claimed its staff misunderstood an email regarding the suspension and its conditions. The DVLA will now investigate the allegations against the parking company.

April 30, 2018 at 09:52AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Direct to Dubai: Flights from £257rtn with Virgin Atlantic

Get yourselves out to glittering Dubai in double quick time with these direct flights we spotted in our Flights Finder. These great fares are with Virgin Atlantic, a fine choice for a long haul flight! We've seen availability between May and June and September and November. Add more high quality accommodation using our Hotels Finder.… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Nissan Dynamo remains set for “summer” London launch

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The capital’s first 100% electric and emission free taxi remains set for a “summer” launch according to a Nissan Dynamo spokesperson.

The much anticipated Nissan Dynamo taxi follows the arrival of the LEVC TX eCity on to the streets of London. A third electric taxi, Metrocab, will also provide cabbies further choice however no indication in terms of its release date has been announced.

The new Dynamo taxi is set for a retail price of £42,500 (after grants); over £10,000 less than its current competitor. The taxi is ready for production at it’s manufacturing plant in Coventry however drivers must wait a few more months as Dynamo await the “new models to come with the long range battery”.

Earlier this year Dynamo revealed to TaxiPoint that the finance package will cost drivers £200 per week for five years, with no deposit and no final balloon payment.

The spokesperson went on to say: “Dynamo Motor Company are respectfully and humbly entering into the London Hackney carriage market. The Dynamo Taxi isn’t for everybody, but for those who ply their trade in the City, for those who are open to change and can see the benefits of Electric, it fits perfectly.

“The range of 174 miles really is a game changer in the Electric Taxi market, it removes any anxieties regarding range that drivers perceive. Being the only 100% zero emissions Taxi, drivers who sit in their “office” for up to 12 hours will no longer be breathing in their own poisonous fumes.

“With proven reliability worldwide, running costs of around 3p per mile (home charging) the Dynamo offers huge savings for drivers in the Taxi world.”

April 30, 2018 at 09:02AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Plan ahead: 7nt Winter escape to Malta from £175pp incl. 4* hotel, breakfast & flights

Pirates, set off for the beautiful island nation of Malta with 7 nights from £ including the 4* Maritim Antonine Hotel And Spa, breakfast & flights. The hotel is a 12-minute walk from the beach, with a glorious rooftop pool, spa and three lovely restaurants. Just the thing to escape that grey British winter -… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Stoke cabbie convicted of refusing to pick up a disabled passenger

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A Stoke cabbie has been prosecuted this week for refusing to pick up a wheelchair-bound passenger.

Mohammed Butt, 56, from Wellesley Street in Shelton, refused to allow 25 year old Bal Deol to enter his taxi in Lichfield Street, Stoke on Trent.

Butt caimed in court that he had refused to take the student because he was concerned that the wheelchair may tip over in his vehicle, and thought that she was drunk due to her words being slurred because of her disability.

Miss Deol, who suffers from Generalised Dystonia said in court that she had tried to explain the law surrounding the carriage of disabled people in a taxi, however he closed his window and ignored her.

The driver was subsequently charged and convicted under section 53 of the Town amd Police Clauses Act 1847.

This was the first ever prosecution under this act in Stoke on Trent.

Butt was fined £300 and ordered to pay £750 costs as well as a £30 surcharge at North Staffordshire Justice Centre.

The cabbies licence is now being reviewed by the council's licensing and registration committee.

April 30, 2018 at 03:54AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Part One: From School Boy to Knowledge Boy to Butter Boy

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After finishing year 11 at high school and not knowing what I wanted to do long term, other than become a professional boxer, I decided to stay on to at sixth form to give myself time to figure out what I wanted to do career-wise.

During this time I had quite a successful amaetur boxing career and I decided I would turn pro but had to have a job that would fit in with my training. My dad had been a cabbie for 15 years and it seemed the logical step for me to take. I would be my own boss and could fit being a cabbie in with my training. And so the journey began...

So where do I start – well let’s start where every Knowledge boy starts – Manor House Station to Gibson Square. In June 2013, I found myself driving up Seven Sisters Road to start the first of the 320 blue books runs. Finding Manor House Station was easy enough, as was finding all the points along Green Lane such as the Castle Climbing Centre. However, the sense of being completely lost if I dared to stray from the route that was pinned to the board on the front of my bike was overwhelming.I finally ended up at Gibson Square and immediately phoned my dad feeling like I had achieved something on the Knowledge… how little I knew. I sat on the kerb looking at the map and taking notes on the square and the points nearby before setting off to start the second run – Thornhill Square to Queen’s Square.Finding my way from Gibson Square round the corner to Thornhill Square was the first time I found myself lost on the Knowledge. I later realised that becoming ‘lost’ is a very helpful way to learn as you discover an area of London which you haven’t yet come across and then realise certain roads in the new area take you to an area which you already know, resulting in your knowledge of London broadening. This is exactly what happened. After missing the turning for Liverpool Road, the next turning I took was Pentonville Road. As I had heard my dad mention this road in the past, I thought I would go for it. What a mistake that was. Travelling around the one-way system at King’s Cross, I was concentrating more on not crashing, as vehicles were coming at me from all directions.I eventually ended up on Copenhagen Street and needed to stop to see where the heck I was! A few moments of looking at the map and road signs, I realised I was at the juntion of Matilda Street, the exact road I needed to take me to Thornhill Square. Result!Before heading to Queen’s Square, I had a quick moment to reflect on how big the task of learning the 6 mile radius of London was. I’d got completely lost on my second run, how was I going to cope learning the next 318?! So off I went, continuing my journey with the slight feeling of confusion and being stranded in the middle of a very large ocean.

Next week... Dean talks with appearances.

In the meantime, Dean Richardson returns to the ring at York Hall, Bethnal Green for his seventh pro fight.Having won his first five fights by way of knockout, he was taken the distance for the first time in his last outing where he won by unanimous decision against Jan Balog.Richardson’s next fight, which is on 19th May, will be a step up as he is scheduled to fight in his first 8-round bout. Due to the early stoppages, he has only gone a maximum of four rounds, despite one bout being scheduled for six.Winning this bout will take Dean another step closer to a fight for the Southern Area Light-Middleweight Title, which he hopes will be within his next two fights.Tickets are priced at £40 Unreserved Seating, £65 Ringside and £100 VIP and are available on 07702 887088. Alternatively if you wish to pay by credit/debit card, please click here.

April 29, 2018 at 11:36PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT