Super romantic geo dome glamping in Wales: 3nts w/ hot tub from £184pp - pet friendly

Avoid the airport madness this August Pirates and instead opt for a romantic staycation with your special someone. This funky geo-dome glamping experience is set just north of the Brecon Beacons, Wales. On site there is a luxurious living area with killer views over the hills as well as a hot tub! Why pay kennel… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Tenerife 5* winter holiday 4nts from £292pp - incl. iconic Iberostar hotel & flights

Arrr! Escape to the scorching Tenerife dear pirates with a stay at the prestigious 5* Iberostar Grand Hotel Mencey in Santa Cruz. The elegant hotel is located in a colonial style urban building with an outdoor pool and wellness centre situated in a quiet location. What's more, the ferry port with regular crossings to the… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Croatia last minute group holiday from £182pp - 7nts 4* apartment, flights, luggage & transfers

Pirates, Croatia is a stunning place to visit with it's clear waters and relaxed atmosphere, so why not head to the Island of Korcula. The holiday in Croatia is based on 4 sharing and includes luggage and return airport transfers. Tui are offering a code BEACH50 which gets you £50 off holidays during summer with… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

TfL: Motorists reminded inappropriate speed is dangerous

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Transport for London (TfL) have launched a new campaign to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on London roads by reminding motorists including motorbike riders of the dangers they pose when travelling at an inappropriate speed.'Risk Up' warns drivers that inappropriate speed, driving too fast for the condition of the road, increases the risk of injury to themselves and other road users and to slow down. The campaign, which will be seen across the capital from today states simply, 'Drivers. On built -up streets, when your foot goes down, the risks go up.'There are also advertisements aimed at motorbike riders reminding them of the dangers they face, and pose to others, when travelling at inappropriate speeds, stating 'Motorcyclists. If you're in a hurry, when you throttle up the risks go up.'In 2016, there were 804 collisions resulting in death or serious injury as a result of illegal and inappropriate speed, with 329 of these involving a motorbike.TfL is committed to reducing road danger, by working in partnership with the police and London boroughs to achieve the Vision Zero ambition of creating a road network free from death and serious injury by 2041. This includes investing in safer junctions, removing the most dangerous Heavy Goods Vehicles from London's roads and supporting boroughs to transform their roads with funding such as TfL's multi-million pound Liveable Neighbourhoods scheme. TfL's full action plan to achieve Vision Zero will be published in July.There can be a number of occasions when motorists can inadvertently drive at an inappropriate speed including:

driving or riding too fast in built up areasgoing too fast round corners

The Highway Code states that driving at speeds too fast for the road and traffic conditions is dangerous. It recommends reducing speed when:

sharing the road with for example pedestrians or cycliststhe road layout or condition presents hazards, such as bendsweather conditions make it safer to do sodriving at night as it is more difficult to see other road users

Inappropriate speed can also magnify other motoring errors, such as driving too close to cyclists, multiplying the chances of causing a collision.Christina Calderato, Head of Delivery Planning Transport for London, said: "It is vital to change attitudes towards driving at speeds not suitable for the conditions of the road. Motorists who drink and drive are seen as behaving in a dangerous and selfish manner with little regard for the safety of other people. However, those who drive too fast are often not regarded in this way, unless they grossly exceed the speed limit. By clearly explaining the dangers, in the way that has been done for drink-driving, Risk Up aims to work towards a general acceptance and ownership of the problem of inappropriate speed. Just because it's legal doesn't mean it cannot be fatal."

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

Set your sights on San Fran with return BA flights from £255

Here's a great deal for all you Scottish Pirates out there. Don't get all down in the dumps as August draws to a close, take yourself off to the Californian coast with British Airways this September/ October and enjoy some US hospitality. Fly with British Airways to San Francisco from either Inverness, Edinburgh or Glasgow… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Plenty in Portugal: Early bird 7nts from £125pp incl. hotel, breakfast & flights

Pirates, book for off-season and snap up a bargain with 7 nights in Portugal's gorgeous Algarve from £125pp including the 3* Pinhal Do Sol Hotel, breakfast & flights. Avoid the tourist crowds and catch yourself a good deal to boot. Holiday details: Travel duration: 7 nights (longer or shorter stays possible) Example date: 6th … jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

TfL set to begin CS11 construction in July

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Transport for London (TfL) has today announced that work will begin to build Cycle Superhighway 11 (CS11) at Swiss Cottage in mid-July, the first section of a new route that will enable safer cycling to the West End.The gyratory will be removed and two-way working introduced on Finchley Road and Adelaide Road. Avenue Road between College Crescent and Adelaide Road will become bus and cycle only with a stepped cycle track, creating a new public space. The transformation of Swiss Cottage is expected to be complete in September 2019 and comprehensive travel advice for all modes will be published at the end of the month.As well as being a key part of CS11, changes to the one-way system at Swiss Cottage form part of TfL's ongoing review and modernisation of the capital's most dangerous and intimidating junctions. The changes will make Swiss Cottage a better place to live and work, making it easier and safer for people to move through the area. The route will improve safety for both cyclists and pedestrians in the area - encouraging non-polluting and more active travel for people living, working or passing through.Measures to reduce disruption will be in place, including adjusting traffic light timings and suspending parking and loading bays to increase traffic flow, as well as taking advantage of the quieter summer holiday period.

The consultation on CS11 received 60 per cent support from more than 6,000 respondents, but TfL needed to carry out additional work to address concerns from the borough councils and local community, including concern among local residents that there would be an increase in the amount of motor traffic on some minor roads. TfL will now allow motor traffic to make right turns from College Crescent into Finchley Road, and from Finchley Road southbound into Hilgrove Road. Traffic modelling indicates this will reduce the amount of traffic into nearby minor roads, and could also improve access for local people who want to reach destinations to the west of Swiss Cottage. Following consultation feedback, buses and cyclists will be allowed to turn left from Finchley Road into College Crescent.Subject to agreement, CS11 will then run along Avenue Road, the Outer Circle of The Regent's Park, Park Crescent and Portland Place.The Mayor has committed a record £169m per year on average over the next five years to improving cycling conditions in the capital. The Mayor's aim, set out in the Mayor's Transport Strategy, is for 80 per cent of journeys to be made by foot, bike or public transport by 2041. In doing so, improving Londoners' health, tackling congestion and cleaning up London's air.

Will Norman, London's Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said:'I'm delighted that work will be getting underway in a matter of weeks on the first section of CS11. High-quality segregated cycle routes play a crucial role in keeping cyclists safe, and also encourage more Londoners to cycle as part of their everyday routine. Our plans will improve the environment around Swiss Cottage and make this busy junction safer for everyone who lives and works in the area.'We've been working very closely with the council to look at the consultation results to ensure the views of local residents are taken on board, and the amended plans will both mitigate any impact on traffic in surrounding roads, and provide substantial benefits for pedestrians too.'Gareth Powell, Managing Director of Surface Transport at TfL, said:'I'm thrilled to see construction starting on this important new addition to London's growing network of cycle routes in central London. Encouraging more Londoners to walk, cycle and use public transport is essential to keeping London moving and growing. This new cycle route around Swiss Cottage will dramatically improve safety in this busy part of the capital and will enable even more Londoners to move around by bike.'

May 08, 2018 at 03:44PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Last minute Menorca group getaway from £131pp 7nts hotel, flights, bags & transfers (11nts £148pp)

Ahoy there, any of you fancy heading off to Spain later on this month? We have come across another bargain group getaway offered by Tui staying for a week on the lovely island of Menorca. The holiday is based on a group of 4 sharing, so grab your squad and get booking - if you… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Last minute 4* Costa Rica break from £483pp - incl. 7-14nts resort, flights, breakfast & transfers

Bag yourselves some last minute tropical goodness with this package to beautiful Costa Rica! You'll be spending 7 nights at the 4* Esplendor Tamarindo - a property as lush as the jungle that surrounds it, situated almost right on the beach. The infinity pool looks out over the sea, and there's even a spa onsite… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Stunning St Lucia: 2 week summer holiday from £735pp - 14nts hotel, flights, luggage & transfers

Pirates, fancy 2 weeks in the stunning Caribbean at a really awesome price? This holiday in St Lucia is based on 2 sharing for only £735 per person departing in June and staying into July. There is £150 off this holiday right now using code LONG150 (on 14 night holidays departing before October 2018 with… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Val Shawcross to retire as London’s Deputy Mayor for Transport

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The Mayor of London has today announced that Val Shawcross CBE will be retiring as London’s Deputy Mayor for Transport. Val will be stepping back from full-time public life after 18 years at the GLA. Sadiq Khan paid tribute to Val for her exceptional service to Londoners, as Leader of Croydon Council, then as a London Assembly Member for 16 years, including eight years as chair of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority, and as Deputy Mayor for Transport since 2016. He recognised the deep expertise she has brought to the Mayor’s office and the GLA overseeing London’s transport network.The Mayor is also announcing he is appointing Heidi Alexander MP as Val’s successor as Deputy Mayor. A previous Deputy Mayor of Lewisham and member of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee, Heidi has been MP for Lewisham East since 2010, and was Shadow Secretary for Health.Val will retire in the summer, with Heidi taking over. In law it is not possible for Heidi to be both Deputy Mayor and an MP, so she will stand down as a MP before taking up her post. Sadiq also in due course intends to nominate Heidi to succeed Val as the Deputy Chair of Transport for London.The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I want to thank Val for the exceptional service she has given to London as an Assembly Member and Deputy Mayor – and for her personal friendship. Val is hugely respected by politicians from all parties and her deep expertise on transport in London has made life better for millions of Londoners – whether making our public transport network more accessible and affordable, delivering huge projects such as the Elizabeth Line, or improving TfL as an organisation.“I’m delighted that Heidi Alexander has agreed to become our new Deputy Mayor for Transport. Heidi knows this city inside-out, and her work both as Shadow Health Secretary and campaigning over the best Brexit deal has demonstrated the terrific job she will do as part of my team standing up for London. “Heidi is respected across the political divide as a parliamentarian and campaigner, and Londoners can be confident she will ensure we deliver our ambitious plans to transform London’s transport network over the coming years.” Val Shawcross CBE said: “It’s been a huge honour to work as Deputy Mayor for Transport under Sadiq’s leadership, working with colleagues at the GLA and TfL to make our city a better and fairer place for every Londoner. Working as an Assembly Member and then Deputy Mayor, I hope I’ve played my part ensuring our city has a high-quality, affordable and accessible transport network that serves the needs of every Londoner, whatever their background.“After more than 18 years at the GLA, and having steered through the Mayor’s Transport Strategy and five-Year Business Plan, now is the right time for me to stand down. There’s so much I want to do with my husband and my family, and this will give me the time and space to do so.”

Heidi Alexander MP said: "I am really excited to be joining Sadiq and the team at City Hall. Val is going to be a hard act to follow but I can't wait to get started.“After eight years as the Member of Parliament for Lewisham East and six years as a local councillor, I know just how important it is we ensure everyone has access to a high-quality and affordable public transport network, with safe cycling routes across the capital. London is a fantastic city. I know Sadiq wants its transport system to be the envy of the world and I am looking forward to playing my part in making that happen."

May 08, 2018 at 12:17PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Wine not try Bordeaux? Summer flights to French wine region from £27 return

Make like a vine and hang out in luscious Bordeaux. This famous French wine region has cheap flights from London (Stansted) during the summer month of June starting from just £27 return. You can also fly direct from Edinburgh or Cork but flights are a bit more, starting from £76 return in September. Offer details… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Last minute Rhodes bargain group getaway from £131pp - 14nts hotel, flights, bags & transfers

Pirates, we have yet another bargain getaway for you at a really amazing price. The holiday in Rhodes is for 14 nights for just £131 each, working out at under £10 per person per night! There are a range of departure airports and prices will vary - be quick this deal is sure not to… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

New law for electric taxis means “white noise” warnings to be fitted to silent vehicles

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All electric vehicles sold will have to sound “white noise” to warn the public that the vehicle is approaching as of next year.

The new regulations have been put in place following pressure on the government to introduce safer electric vehicle features.

Those lobbying for change argued that the public were put at risk from the rising number of electric vehicles moving silently at low speeds.

The new regulation will come in place in July 2019 and will see all new electric and hybrid vehicles sold with noise warning systems. All other electric vehicles will require the “white noise” warning to be fitted by 2021.

Campaigners who forced the change in law said that blind people and cyclists using headphones are most at risk from the new electric vehicles.

Kevin Clinton from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said “The greatest risks associated with electric vehicles are when they are travelling at low speeds, such as in urban areas with lower limits, as the noise from tyres and the road surface, and aerodynamic noise, are minimal at those speeds,”

As Taxi trade across the UK adapts to the new electric technology could taxis receive a unique noise to alert the public, especially those visually impaired, of the taxi’s availability?

May 08, 2018 at 10:34AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Thanksgiving in USA from £469pp: 4nt iconic New Yorker hotel stay & flights (4 share)

Thanksgiving falls on 22 November this year and you can spend it in the Big Apple, at one of the most iconic hotels in the city that never sleeps for a barrrgain price. Grab your squad for the holiday of a lifetime, staying at the 4* New Yorker hotel in Midtown and with return flights,… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

4* Sorrento Coast weekend escape in Italy 3nts from £185pp - incl. flights, hotel & breakfast

Arrr pirates! Here's another scenic escape to the beautiful Sorrento Coast that we've just stumbled upon. Here you'll stay at the luxe, top-rated 4* Miramare Stabia offering a rooftop pool with panoramic views across the Bay of Naples, with Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii nearby. We found good rates spanning September, October and November. Holiday details… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

5* Dubai break from £439pp - incl. 4nts spa hotel, breakfast & flights

Pirates, get yourselves the 5* treatment this June with a trip to the decadent Ghaya Grand Hotel in Dubai. This lush property offers trendy guest rooms, a spacious outdoor pool and 5 restaurants on site. For an extra treat, sample the spa's 2 saunas, 2 Jacuzzis and range of treatments (for an extra fee). Flights… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Awesome 4* Majorca family holiday 7nts from just £198pp - incl. flights & aparthotel (2-4 share)

Ahoy mateys! We've just laid eyes on this fantastic value for money Majorca holiday, suitable for families and couples alike, placing you at the top-rated, contemporary 4* Alua Hawaii Mallorca & Suites (ex Intertur) just a short stroll from the beautiful beach of Palma Nova. You can choose from a range of room options, durations… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Smart Motorways, Not So Smart

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Anyone who drives around the M25 will have noticed that the speed limits set on the overhead gantries appear to bear no relation to the traffic volumes. Speeds are often set at 60, 50 or even 40 for no obvious reason. Other “Smart Motorways” across the country show the same problem, and the result has been a large increase in the number of people fined (or diverted to speed awareness courses) for exceeding the set speed limit. The number of infringements doubled last year according to the Times.The justification for smart motorways was that they can reduce congestion by smoothing the traffic flows and help to maintain safety. The speed limits are set partly by automated systems that measure the speed of traffic, but apparently they are also set “pre-emptively” by staff where known congestion is likely to occur at busy times. But as traffic volumes can be unpredictable this sometimes results in lower speeds being set than is appropriate – you can frequently see this around the western side of the M25 around London airport and on the eastern side near the Dartford Crossing.In addition it is known that the odd particularly slow moving vehicle can result in the speed limit being reduced by the automated system. In other words, the “smart” system is not at all intelligent.However Highways England is now undertaking a comprehensive review of variable speed limits on motorways. Surely it would be better to simply have an advisory system to tell drivers that there was congestion ahead so that they can slow down and avoid the “stop/start” problem that reduces traffic flows?At present you have a dumb system instructing intelligent humans (which they mostly are) with the result of needlessly slower traffic speeds and drivers being caught out by unexpected changes in the limits or signs they may not have seen or noticed.

May 07, 2018 at 09:13PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Flights to Ethiopia from £281rtn - incl. luggage & meals

Pirates, take a trip off the beaten track and explore the cradle of civilisation! We spotted some bargain flights to Ethiopia, one of the oldest countries on earth and home to some incredible scenery. We've added departures in May and June - a great time to visit before rainy season starts. Flights include checked luggage… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT