Last minute 5* Mexico package from £634pp - incl. 7nts spa hotel, flights, bags & transfers

It's time to get the 5* treatment you really deserve with a stay close to the beach in marvellous Mexico! The 5* Grand Sirenis has a lush infinity pool that looks out over Banderas Bay, and spa facilities that include a plunge pool and steam room. You'll be staying on an all inclusive basis, so… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Luxury spa hotel stay in Hampshire from £112.50pp - 1-2nts full board, spa gift & leisure access

Ahoy, check out this great deal Groupon are offering, a stay in Champneys at Forest Mere including a buffet-style breakfast, hot and cold buffet-style lunch and three-course dinner. You can choose to stay 1 or 2 nights (2 night stays include a 25 minute spa treatment) and enjoy full use of the leisure facilities and… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Uber announce “Partner Protection Insurance” with AXA for free UK driver health insurance

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Starting this June, Uber is launching Partner Protection, protecting eligible partner-drivers and delivery partners from the financial cost of life-changing events with insurance from AXA.

Uber claim that events like injury, sickness or having a baby don’t have to come with all of the additional financial stress.This insurance is provided at no cost to the driver as Uber use the strap line “You’re independent, but you’re not on your own” to it’s drivers. So what’s covered? Here’s what Uber say via a blog to their driversInsured for major costsIf you’re one of the many eligible independent contractors who use an Uber App for flexible earnings opportunities in United Kingdom, you are now automatically insured by AXA to protect you when you’re On-Trip. Cover includes medical expenses, death, permanent disability, hospitalisation and injuries (see coverage details).Protected against lost incomeWe want to help you protect yourself from the risk of lost income due to accidents or injuries that could occur while On-Trip and Off-Trip. The program also provides insurance protection to eligible partners for some life events that happen while you’re not working, but still impact your ability to make money. Cover includes inconvenience compensation for injuries and severe sickness, and one-off payments for maternity/paternity and jury service (see coverage details).It doesn’t cost you a thingAs part of our global commitment to safety we have partnered with AXA, the world’s leading insurance brand, to provide you with this protection. There’s no need to sign up — all eligible independent partners are automatically protected by the insurance, at no cost to you.

May 23, 2018 at 01:14PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Ice Ice baby: 3nt Iceland trip in Northern Lights season from £197pp - incl. flights

November to February is now well-known as Northern Lights season in Iceland, meaning tourists flock to the area during these months and prices undoubtedly rise. Which is why we were pleasantly surprised to still find bargains can be had; like this 3-night trip from as little as £197 per person, based on 2 sharing, including… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Why Have TfLTPH Given A PH Operators Licence To A Company That Doesn't Dispatch PH Work ?

A few weeks ago I contacted TfLTPH on Twitter, reporting a Toyota Prius which had a small advert on the rear, promoting the car rental company Otto Cars. This is something I've done frequently and have always in the past been met with the same reply "thank you for reporting this, we will pass on to compliance. 

The last time I reported this I got a different reply, "Otto cars is now a licensed private hire operator, and as such can have his name on his vehicles.... 

I do believe the TfLTPH is not playing by the rules!

Although, we regularly see the likes of Addison Lee, displaying their name on the rear window (which is allowed).... Private hire cannot have adverts on the body work. This has been explained in grant detail by TfL notice on more than one occasion. 

Having said this....how on earth have Otto cars been granted a private hire licence???

As far as we know, Otto cars do not advertise a passenger service under the name Otto Cars Ltd, and do not dispatch work. Virtually all their cars are rented out to work on the Uber app as they are an Uber preferred partner!

However, they do advertise the fact they have teamed up with a company called FarePillot. This is an free app that informs Uber drivers which areas are busiest, and also keeps a record of their Uber takings.

So if they do not dispatch work, and only rent cars to Uber drivers, why have they applied for and received a private hire operators licence?

What is TfLTPH up to in granting such licence?

I was under the impression that before any PH company was granted an operators licence, their operation was inspected and scrutinised by TfLTPH compliance, to make sure that everything was above board and legal. 

Perhaps Helen Chapman's replacement Graham Robinson would care to answer the question, "How have TfLTPH granted an operators licence to a company that doesn't dispatch private hire jobs, but rents vehicles to drivers to use on the illegal Uber platform???"

We know that TfLTPH have been bending over backwards to support any form of operation in competition with black cabs and it's obvious they are heavily into our demise. 

They knew back in 2013 that Uber were operating illegally and said nothing. They have allowed 13,000 Uber drivers to carry on working even though they know and have known for over a year that these drivers have fake DBS certificates. 

It has also been bought to our attention that NWCars of Cricklewood London NW2, have started to put door and boot adds on their vehicles contra to the Private Hire vehicles act 1998. There vehicles have been seen all round central London. 

Taxi Leaks editor has recently written to Graham Robison asking for an explain action as to why TfL took no compliance action over the fact that a black Taxi only app was dispatching private hire work to Private hire drivers without being in possession of a private hire operators license?

So far Mr Robinson has failed to reply!

We will post the letter sent later this week. 

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Last minute group getaway in Menorca from £175pp - 14nts hotel, flights, luggage & transfers

If you are still looking for a last minute getaway we may have the holiday for you, this Menorca getaway is based on 4 sharing and even includes luggage and transfers in the price. This holiday is coming in at a mega cheap price and even better there is a code BEACH50 saving you £50… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Thrice as nice: 10nt Thailand, Malaysia & Bali adventure from £649pp incl. flights & 4* hotels

South east Asia is such a magical corner of the world that it can seem quite overwhelming when deciding where to go first. That's why our friends at TourCenter are offering this 10 night multi stop adventure. Discover the delights of Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Bali in this epic exploration. Everything you'll need comes included… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Direct to Dubai: Flights from £270rtn 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 in May and June, as well as between September and December. Add more high quality accommodation using… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

5* Cyprus family escape 7nts from £328pp - incl. half board, Protaras beach hotel & flights

Ahoy mateys! We've spotted some good rates over at the elegant 5* Constantinos the Great Beach Hotel in Protaras, Cyprus situated right by the sandy beach! There are in total 4 restaurants and 3 bars here along with a spa and a lush lagoon pool. Half board is included in this holiday along with flights,… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Rickshaws must be regulated, says MP

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In London, at least 1,400 rickshaws seek to attract tourists with their brightly coloured covers and music playing. Many cabbies, residents and businesses want them banned or controlled. Either way, they remain the only form of public transport in London to be unregulated. As a result, there is no requirement for insurance, fares are not fixed or consistent, and neither vehicle condition nor driver quality is assessed. The behaviour of some pedicab operators causes problems for businesses, as they block highways, harass customers and cause serious risk to visitors and workers.

There have been a few pedicab-related accidents in London. One man told the Evening Standard in 2016 how he had been knocked out and left with a broken cheekbone after being hit by a rickshaw, whose driver allegedly spat in the face of a member of staff in Covent Garden before pedalling away in a midnight hit and run.

Fortunately, there have been no deaths in the capital so far, though the fact that an off- duty soldier died after falling out of a pedicab in Edinburgh back in 2010 shows that it is very possible. Of course, accidents can happen whatever regime exists, but even the most basic checks will reduce the likelihood.

The other main concern with unregulated pedicabs is the lack of protection for passengers when it comes to fares. In 2016, an undercover filmmaker revealed examples of rickshaw drivers boasting about charging three Chinese tourists £350 each for a 35-minute ride, and charging £200-£300 to go the half mile from Oxford Circus to Piccadilly Circus.

Through a 10-minute rule motion in Parliament, I have proposed the primary legislation required to allow the mayor to introduce sensible regulations, a move supported by many businesses and residents’ groups who have come together to form the Regulate Pedicabs Coalition. These are: London MPs from all parties, Westminster council, Transport for London and the Department for Transport. With this support, I hope that I am pushing against an open door, but legislating is never straightforward.

The fact that London is the only part of the country where pedicabs are not regulated demonstrates the complication.

Pedicabs are considered to be hackney carriages under section 4 of the Metropolitan Public Carriage Act 1869, in every part of England and Wales, apart from London. In the capital, a legal anomaly means that they are treated as stage carriages, which are not subject to the same arrangement.

The leading court case about pedicabs in London reached the opposite conclusion to case law relating to the rest of England and Wales when looking at clarifying the position of this mode of transport.

Many cities across the world have looked to regulate pedicabs. Despite different contexts, several themes recur, such as pedicabs’ legal status as bicycles, passenger safety concerns and fare transparency. New York and Rome failed in their attempts to introduce a blanket ban, but San Diego successfully introduced comprehensive regulation.

San Diego City Council voted to strengthen regulations on pedicab operators following the death of a tourist in an accident. Pedicab operators there are required by law to display fares openly, and numbers are capped in high-traffic areas. They are banned from using metered parking spaces and drivers are required to carry proof of insurance and ensure that seatbelts are worn. Operators with criminal convictions are banned.

London is a global city with a positive international reputation. Some 20 million people come to our capital every year. It vies with Bangkok each year to be the most visited city on the planet. Although London has so much to offer visitors, we should not take our tourism industry for granted. Making sure that visitors have a wonderful experience, feel safe, get value for money and have a great time is vital to keeping those figures up and ensuring that people share positive stories about their trips with their friends and keep coming back.

My bill would enable TfL to develop a regulation system but does not prescribe what that system should be. However, there is every indication that TfL will conduct a background check of the driver and a safety inspection of vehicles, which are usually bought or rented from a few providers. There is also indication of placing a cap on fares or rates charged and set out sensible rules as to where and how drivers can park and tout for business.

This will allow Transport for London to give consumers, whether they are Londoners or visitors, protection against excessive fares and safety protection through driver and vehicle checks, and to give others, including pedestrians, local businesses and nearby residents, some peace through reasonable and proportionate regulation. Londoners are pressing for this small but significant change. Parliament needs to listen and respond.

The Pedicabs (London) Bill 2017-19 is being considered by Parliament.

May 23, 2018 at 09:32AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Late season Costa Brava bargain from £173pp - incl. 7nts hotel & flights

Summer doesn't have to end when you find great deals on our Holiday Finder! We spotted 7 nights at the rather lovely Hotel La Palmera & Spa for this great price, with flights also included. The beach is just a 5-minute walk away, and spa facilities at the property include a Turkish bath, sauna, outdoor… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

#HolidayFriends - Win a trip worth £4,300

Step1: Click on the Take Part button Step2: Enter your E-mail Step3: Enter your E-mail Step4: Start sharing with friends Step5: After a friend signs up, you will recieve 10 additional entries Step6: Encourage your friends to share and increase your chances to win together! Take Part c_schnurbein POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Stunning Mauritius 6nts half board from £1172pp incl. Sofitel stay, direct flights & 23KG bags

Calling all romantically minded Pirates, this one is for you. Maybe you're looking for a honeymoon? Or just feel like you need some couple time away from the UK? Then check out this incredible half board holiday heading out to Mauritius where you will spend 6 luxurious nights in the beachfront 5* Sofitel resort. This… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Late season luxury: 5* Rhodes half board holiday from £357pp - 7nts hotel & flights

Ahoy there pirates, get in there quick to grab this late season luxury 5* holiday in Rhodes at this great price. The Greek getaway is on a half board basis meaning you will receive breakfast and another meal during your stay. The holiday is based on 4 sharing so grab your favourite mateys and get… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Summer all inclusive Tenerife holiday from £490pp - 7nts hotel, flights, luggage & transfers

Ahoy, are any of you pirates looking for an all inclusive holiday this summer? How about heading to Tenerife and staying on one of the lovely Canary Islands. You will stay in a hotel with great views for a week in the sun in July with all meals, snacks, drinks included in the price as… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Make mine Malta: 7nts from £151pp incl. 3* hotel & flights

Pirates, avoid the bite of British winter with a 7-night stay in gorgeous Malta from £151pp including the 3* Allegro Hotel & flights. The hotel is a short walk from the beach and promenade, while Malta's Mediterranean climate is a kinder alternative to the cold of the UK during the colder months. Holiday details: Travel… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Last minute Sunny Beach break from just £149pp - incl. 7nts resort & flights

If you pirates want some sunny beach time this summer you need to go direct to the source! Sunny Beach is located on the gorgeous Black Sea in Bulgaria, and with a stay at Esperanto you'll be just 300 metres from that sandy beach. Flights are included from a variety of UK airports. The cheapest… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

September in the Costa Blanca: 7nts in beach style bungalow w/ flights from £178pp (2-4 share)

Why does the summer have to end come August 31st? Extend your summer season with this September getaway to the Spanish coast with your mates. The cute bungalow accommodations at the 5* Marjal Guardamar Resort ooze modern sophistication and present a comfy living space close to the beach. Echoing a beach hut style inside, the… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Bella Italia: Rustic Bari group getaway 5nts from £227pp - incl. flights, villa w/ pool & Jacuzzi

Ahoy mateys! We are dreaming about an Italian seaside break this autumn, and have just spotted this awesome villa situated in Bari. Nestled in olive trees and boasting a large pool and Jacuzzi, this villa pays homage to its Apulian heritage and sleeps up to 10 ppl. From your villa you will have easy access… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Cheap city break in Aalborg, Denmark from £67pp - 2nts accommodation & flights

Pirates, we found some cheap flights to Aalborg - a super cute city in Denmark and teamed them with an accommodation to make this city trip for you at a bargain price. The city break is for 2 nights but there are many flights to choose from so you can extend your stay if you… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT