“Uber is running scared” says LTDA following latest PR campaign

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2k8mork

Our enemy is throwing everything it can at trying to improve its image in London in time for its appeal hearing on the decision not to relicense it last year. This is not the act you would expect of a company confident of victory. In fact, it smells like desperation; this once cocksure predator is now grounded, with its wings clipped.

In case it slipped beneath your radar, its latest campaign is called Uber “makes sense.” Over the next few months it will be pumping out a series of feeble video ads highlighting the app’s apparent safety features in a bid to curry favour with our regulator, politicians and the growing number of disaffected former supporters. Uber will attempt to show that its drivers are fully licensed and how surge pricing works.

The first (rather cheesy) video which has emerged shows a customer receiving their driver’s name, picture, rating, car information, and licence details before they get in the car.

The campaign’s lack of a catchy headline aside, the whole thing suggests that Uber is clearly keen to ramp up its PR to prove to City Hall, TfL and the public that it deserves a place in London and “makes sense” for Londoners to use. It’s hardly the work of a genius, and not likely to go down in the annals of history as a classic. It’s more akin to something a couple of sixth formers could have scribbled down on a napkin at breaktime if you ask me. Still, with the court hearing over its licence approaching in June our nemesis has obviously got the jitters. And it has a right to.

In the past fortnight, Brighton and Hove Council has joined the ranks of local authorities refusing to let Uber on its streets. After lengthy considerations the council’s Licensing Committee said they were “not satisfied” that Uber was a fit and proper operator – people in high places at last seems to be catching on. They raised concerns about the massive data breach that Uber hid, and the number of drivers cross-border hiring in Brighton under licences issued by other local authorities. The Chair of the Licensing Committee stressed that these problems are continuing despite Uber blocking drivers using the app who are not licensed in the south-east region. Unsurprisingly, Uber is appealing the decision and, as in London, will be able to continue operating in Brighton and Hove during the appeal. Even if it loses this appeal the ability of Uber drivers to cross-border hire in Brighton remains a huge problem, for it and everybody else who is trying to earn an honest living in this business.

All Change

Val Shawcross announced that she is retiring and stepping down from her post as London’s Deputy Mayor for Transport in the summer. Heidi Alexander, the current MP for Lewisham East, will be giving up her seat in Parliament and taking on the prole. A Labour moderate, she’s close to Sadiq, having worked as his deputy when he was Shadow Minister for London. She ran his campaign to become Labour’s candidate for Mayor in 2016.

It’s a shame to lose Val as she really seemed to get the issues facing the trade and was committed to supporting us. Nevertheless, as soon as Heidi takes over in the summer I’ll make sure to meet with her as soon as possible. It’s critical that she understands why continued taxi access is important for London, that we need more rapid charging points if we’re going to lead to way in going green, and that she supports TfL’s efforts to better regulate PHVs and crack down on companies such as Uber which doesn’t seem to think it should have to play by the same rules as everybody else.

May 20, 2018 at 11:26AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Magical Madeira: 7nts on Portuguese island from £248pp incl. hotel, breakfast & flights

Pirates, jet off to the stunning Portuguese island of Madeira for a blissful 7 nights in July from £248pp including the 3* Residencial Vila Lusitania, breakfast & flights. While many have only heard of the place for birthing Madeira wine or Cristiano Ronaldo, this gorgeous, sunny enclave makes for a wonderful holiday. Holiday details: Travel… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

4* Warwickshire spa hotel with indoor pool from £28pppn: Summer dates available

Get away to the English countryside this summer and stay less than 20 minutes from the historical towns of Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon, with this deal we've discovered on Booking.com. You can stay at the Grade II listed Mercure Warwickshire Walton Hall Hotel and Spa from as little as £28 per person, per night. This includes… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Every fourth Addison Lee fare funds a call at Childline

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2IyXs7f

Addison Lee is partnering with the NSPCC this summer to help fund their vital work through Childline.

Every 25 seconds, Childline receives a call from a child in need. Over 1,400 trained volunteer counsellors respond to these calls, however due to the sheer volume that they receive, they’re only able to respond to 3 out of 4 of the children that need their help. See for yourself the work that Childline volunteers do, and why it matters.

From the 16th May for two months, Addison Lee will donate £1 to the NSPCC every time their participating business clients make a booking via their app.

This means that every fourth app booking will enable Childline to answer a child’s call for help.

May 20, 2018 at 08:01AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Flights to exotic South Pacific island of Vanuatu for £682rtn - incl. luggage & meals

Wow! Drop what you are doing right now dear globetrotters, and check this out: Cheap flights to the remote exotic island nation of Vanuatu, nestled deep in the South Pacific, east of Australia. This hidden jewel should appeal to those of you who prefer something a bit different and off the beaten track. It's your… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Italy in July: 7nts near Rome from £214pp incl. cute bungalow w/ pool access

Pirates, if you're looking for something fun for the summer holidays, snap up 7 nights in Italy from £214pp including the 3* Flaminio Village Residence (Bungalow Park) & flights. This leafy green haven is the perfect spot to relax in the sun, with the added bonus of being only a short drive from the delights… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Some Heathrow Express prices are rising. London Cabbies may be able to capitalise

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2KFGZ1J

From May 20, the price to travel on the Heathrow Express will see an increase during peak hours of 6.30am-9.30am. Prices will rise to £25 from £22 for the 15 mile mile train journey. Although for a singular person to make the journey it works out cheaper, if 2 or more people are traveling together it could actually cost less to travel directly to your designated terminal in a licensed London taxi. Depending on where you are in London, a journey to Paddington station in one of London's iconic black taxi's could cost you anywhere from £10-£30, where a direct trip to Heathrow airport ranges between £50-£90. If you combined the cost of a taxi ride to Paddington station and then two or more Express tickets, you are probably looking at a minimum of £60. It's well advised to speak to your passengers who are heading to the Heathrow Express to see if it would in fact cost less to travel directly to the airport without the hassle of dragging luggage from one mode of transport to another.

May 19, 2018 at 06:48PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Groovy Greece: 7nts in July from £260pp incl. 3* hotel, breakfast & flights

Pirates, spend a July week in Greece from £260pp including the 3* Aegeon Hotel, breakfast & flights. Decent prices for high tourist season, when the weather is set for scorching and the sea is warm for swimming... Holiday details: Travel duration: 7 nights (longer or shorter stays possible Example date: 11th 18th July 2018… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

All that Algarve: 7nts off-season from £134pp incl. 3* aparthotel & flights

Pirates, pack for Portugal with 7 nights off-season in the Algarve from a mere £134pp including the 3* Parque Mourabel - Oasis Village - Pe do Lago Hotel & flights. A short walk to the beach and near the golf courses of Vilamoura, the hotel is a great base for exploring this beautiful area. Holiday… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Go all out in Poland: 2nt break to Krakow from £116pp incl. flights & apartment w/ spa bath

If you're one for a cheeky cheap city trip then we have the answer for you. Krakow, Poland hosts a number of plush accommodations at super cheap prices meaning you can make your money go further on a 2 night break away. Stay for 2 nights at theLeo Aparthotel in the centre of Krakow's Old… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Union Chiefs say drivers working excessive hours too afraid to seek help for mental stress

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2GwQSMI

Union chiefs have warned that Glasgow taxi drivers and private hire drivers are now working under extreme pressure since the introduction of firms such as Uber, and are failing to seek help for mental stress caused from having to work excessive hours to cover the cost of living. It has been claimed that drivers are now having to work up to 70 hours a week to earn a living wage by Union secretary Steven Grantas reported in the Evening Times. It's claimed that there is now a massive over supply of drivers within the private hire sector since the rise of ride-hailing app Uber, and there is simply not enough work to go around. Drivers having to work 10 hours a day 7 days a week are refusing to see their GP to discuss mental health issues caused from work related pressure because they fear having their licence revoked, it has been suggested. Glasgow City Council have confirmed that they will be looking into capping the amount of private hire drivers in the city but first they must receive guidance from the Scottish government. Glasgow is not the only city that has seen a significant rise in the number of private hire licences being issued, London is also dealing with a huge number of new drivers joining firms such as Uber on a weekly basis. What city do you operate in? Do you think it's important to cap the number of licenses being issued? Let us know in the comments below.

May 19, 2018 at 03:29PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Liverpool to Belfast: Foot passenger ferry tickets from £10 each way (Kids from £5)

Mateys, if you are looking for something cheap and cheerful to do this summer, why not take the ferry? Stenaline has just launched foot passenger fares between Liverpool and Belfast from just £10 per adult or £5 per child, each way. The 2 ports are really close to the city, perfect for a mini-break. Belfast… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

4* East London hotel stay from £35pppn: July & August dates - 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

Calls To Close 'Loophole' Allowing Minicab Drivers From Outside Winchester To Operate In City

TAXI drivers in Winchester are calling for an end to a loophole allowing Minicabs from other parts of the country to operate in the city.

Colin Smith, a registered Hackney taxi driver, says private hire drivers from Wolverhampton in the Midlands, are operating in Winchester, despite being licensed miles away in their home city.

Now Winchester City Council has revealed it is lobbying the government to change the law. 

In a letter to the council, Mr Smith said: “At the moment there are 15 or more Wolverhampton plated minicabs working in Winchester... Instead of applying to Winchester City Council (as they don’t think they can pass the relatively easy knowledge test), they bypass this and get a licence very easily at Wolverhampton, or even TfL where PH licenses are given out like sweets, they then can work (cross border) as a private hire worker.”

Mr Smith also raised concerns that these drivers don’t pay fees to the council, are not subject to safety spot checks and are taking work from struggling local cabbies.

A spokesman for the council (WCC) responded to the letter, saying: “The Deregulation Act 2015 enables private hire taxi operators to sub-contract their work to a driver licensed by another local authority subject to certain requirements. 

It's the private hire operators in Winchester that are taking advantage of this, actually sending drivers to become licensed by Wolverhampton City Council, and the drivers can then return to Winchester and work for these operators.

“WCC is writing to the government and to Wolverhampton City Council to explain that this current practice is detrimentally affecting our controls over the private hire fleet operating in the district.

“WCC is asking TFL (Transport for London) to join with them and lobby the Government to change the law but until this is done then our controls over the practice are limited.” (Good luck with that one)

However, a spokesman for Minicab firm Wintax, the oldest in the city, says that the real problem is the council’s “extremely hard” tests.

The spokesman told the Chronicle: “I myself currently do not have any of those [Wolverhampton licensed] drivers working with us. I still say if the likes of Uber are going to exploit the market then why not the take the same advantage as they did. It is all legal.

“The main issue in Winchester is the test has always been extremely hard for some unknown reason. All drivers from any council that has a legit PH plate and badge have paid for this and have had an enhanced DBS check at the least.”

He added: “I can not fault [Wolverhampton drivers] because they have just taken advantage of a loop hole that gives them more control. I agree there should be a balance but there has always been an imbalance in Winchester.”

Both Winchester and Wolverhampton city councils have been approached for comment but had not responded at the time of going to press.

In the past the city council has decided to let the market decide how many licensed PH vehicles should operate across the Winchester district. This has seen the number of Minicabs  greatly increase since the early 1990s.

from Taxi Leaks https://ift.tt/2GxY23b
via IFTTT https://ift.tt/2IQHIjo https://ift.tt/12cqxIH

Late summer Majorca from £153pp: Flights & 7nts Cala d'Or aparthotel (2-4 share)

Book an end-of-season bargain now, and you'll have the whole summer to look forward to your great value holiday to the island of Majorca, safe in the knowledge that you've scored a brilliant price. Starting from just £153 per person, based on 4 sharing, you'll get return flights from the UK, plus 7 nights in… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

End-of-season Costa Brava from £96pp: 4nt group getaway - incl. flights & apartment (4-share)

Arr mateys! If you can hold out til the end of summer, we've spotted an excellent value for money holiday to Costa Brava, staying at the 4* Blau Apartments in popular Lloret de Mar just one minute walk from the beach. We've based this holiday on 4 people sharing and it starts from just £96… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

2 weeks in the Mexican sun all inclusive from £882pp incl. flights, hotel w/ private beach & more

Get your summer off to a flying start this year with not 7 but 14 nights in June, relaxing in the Mexican sun. Jet off to Puerto Vallarta in the next few weeks and relish the luxurious surroundings of the 4* Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort and Spa which boasts it's own stretch of private beach.… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Spain-to-Brazil cruise from £339pp: Epic 13nts with full board (go all inclusive for £130 more)

This next deal is a super early bird offer (it doesn't depart until 2019) but the early bird gets the bargain as this 13-night cruise works out at just £26 per person, per night -- the total price is £339 per person, based on 2 sharing. You'll sail from the Spanish city of Barcelona to… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Wolverhampton taxi driver protest was about “protectionism and self-interest” says councillor

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2KF444t

A protest at Wolverhampton Council in response to the cheap and easy-to-gain minicab licences handed out was branded nothing more than “protectionism and self-interest” by a councillor.

Taxi drivers travelled in from around the Midlands to hold the protest outside the Wolverhampton Civic Centre on Wednesday. The protest was sparked after a recent Freedom of Information request showed roughly 4,000 private hire drivers who lived outside of the Wolverhampton licensing area had acquired a licence from there. Drivers then used their Wolverhampton licence back in their hometowns, which included places like Weymouth and Blackpool, as part of a cross-border licensing loophole.

One driver in the Express and Star who attended the protest said: “What they are doing is morally and ethically wrong. They are destroying the lives of thousands of taxi drivers.

"Why should we suffer the detriment because Wolverhampton council decide to make a profit from a fast licensing application?”

However, Councillor Alan Bolshaw, chair of licencing at Wolverhampton council said: "A small number of Hackney Carriage drivers from Coventry arrived in Wulfruna Street to protest about increased competition from the private hire trade. Coventry Hackney Carriage fares have recently been identified as the most expensive in the country. This small protest was about protectionism and self-interest and passed off without incident."

May 19, 2018 at 10:06AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Direct flights to Orlando, Florida from £217pp

Pirates, get yourselves a trip to Florida this year with these sensationally cheap Orlando flights we spotted on our Flights Finder! Flights are direct from several UK cities with TUI, with an inflight meal included. We've seen availability in May and June - a perfect time to visit as the strongest heat of the summer… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT