5* Crete half board escape 4nts from £345pp - incl. Radisson Blu beach hotel & flights

Let's meet on Crete, dear pirates! We've found a string of good rates over at the luxurious 5* Radisson Blu Beach Resort for October this year, so you can take your pick of dates. Cheapest starts from just £345 per person, based on 2 sharing. Half board is included and at your disposal you'll find… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Summer in Berlin: 2nt break from £68pp - incl. arty hotel & flights

Berlin is one of the most stylish cities on earth, and with a stay at Arte Luise Kunsthotel you'll be surrounded by works by local artists. Guest rooms each have their own unique, modern décor, with inspiration taken from around the world. Our Flights Finder is offering bargain flights to Berlin from across the UK.… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Heidi Alexander: who is the new Deputy Mayor of London for Transport?

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In the wake of Val Shawcross resigning as Deputy Mayor of London for Transport, we take a brief look at her replacement, Heidi Alexander.

Heidi Alexander first came to prominence within the political arena after she was elected to Lewisham Council as a councillor for the Evelyn ward in 2004. She later served as Deputy Mayor of Lewisham and Cabinet Member for regeneration from 2006.

In October 2009 she was selected as the Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Lewisham East and was subsequently elected to Parliament in 2010.

Ms Alexander was a member of the Communities and Local Government Select Committee, she has also served as the Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Mary Creagh MP.

She was appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Health in September 2015, after Jeremy Corbyn became leader of the Labour party.

Ms Alexander is an outspoken critic of Jeremy Corbyn, and has in the past described the shadow cabinet as dysfunctional, inept, shoddy and unprofessional.

Commenting on her new role within the GLA, Ms Alexander 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."

The appointmemt of Heidi Alexander will now trigger a by-election for her Lewisham East seat, which is regarded as a safe Labour seat.

May 09, 2018 at 08:12AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

4* East London hotel stay from £35pppn: July & August stays - incl. weekends

Plan a trip to London this summer and book a bargain stay in a modern 4* hotel, just 20 minutes from central London, from as little as £35 per person, per night -- including some Friday and Saturday nights! We've found lots of dates in July and August available; at that price you could even… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Grand 5* Tuscany summer seaside break 3nts for just £268pp - incl. flights, hotel & breakfast

Ahoy mateys! Tuscany is up next! We've found some phenomenal rates over at the impressive 5* Grand Hotel Palazzo MGallery by Sofitel in Livorno on the seaside (just 15 minutes by train from Pisa airport.) It is set in a historical 19th century building with that classic Italian old world elegance, offering panoramic sea-views, fine… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Chic 4* Mykonos escape 4nts from £281pp - incl. flights, hotel, breakfast & welcome drink

My, my Mykonos! Pirates, next up we've spotted this great value for money holiday placing you on the gorgeous Greek island in the Aegean Sea. You'll be staying at the chic 4* Rhenia Mykonos hotel in the quiet Tourlos Bay on the west coast, a short walk from sandy Aghios Stefanos beach and the island's… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Cool 4* Morocco winter holiday 7nts from £361pp - incl. flights, beach hotel & breakfast

Ahoy mateys! We're absolutely smitten with these cool surfer bungalows, a mere 2 minutes walk from the beach in Agadir in Morocco. Perfect for couples, groups and families alike! The Melia 4* Sol House Taghazout Bay Surf complex offers stylish facilities including an outdoor pool, a couple of restaurants, bar and a spa. Relax in… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Off-season Costa Blanca bargain: 7nts from £146pp incl. apartment & flights

Pirates, head to Spain's colorful Costa Blanca for 7 nights from £146pp including the 3* Gemelos II-IV - Gestaltur Aparthotel & flights. Just a 7-minute walk from the beach, these cute apartments are in the heart of Benidorm. Avoid the crowds and take advantage of cheaper rates by booking for a week in off-season. Holiday… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Fuerteventura last minute getaway from £181pp - incl. 7nts hotel & flights

Pirates, plot yourselves a fantastic trip to Fuerteventura with the help of our Package Finder! With this fine Canary Islands getaway you'll be spending 7 nights at Caybeach Caleta, just 600 metres from the beach. Direct flights are included in this package, as well as transfers, checked luggage and ATOL protection. The cheapest options are… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

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