The Hostility Explained : Hundreds Of Met Police Officers Moonlighting As Minicab Drivers

Almost one in five Met Police officers have secondary business interests, figures obtained by the Evening Standard show

Hundreds of London police officers are moonlighting as minicab and private-hire drivers, the Evening Standard can reveal.

More than 300 Metropolitan police officers have declared business  interests as drivers or chauffeurs, figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act show.

In total, 5,395 serving Met police officers — almost one in five — declared business interests with the force.

Metropolitan Police Federation chairman Ken Marsh said many of the business interests were likely to relate to consultancy work or property. But he added: “Our job is a professional job and it clearly shows you we aren’t paid a professional salary. You have to ask the question, why does someone need a second job when they’re a police officer? It’s not right at all.”

Police officers declaring business interests included chief superintendents — one of the highest ranks.

But more than 70 per cent of officers with declared business interests were police constables, the lowest rank. A Police Federation spokeswoman added: “The sad reality is that some police officers are having to find additional means to make ends meet. Given the choice, officers would rather not take on a second job, but some unfortunately have no alternative.”

Scotland Yard allows officers to hold second jobs down 

The Met police said in a statement that secondary employment or business interests are permitted “providing it is compatible with being a member of the police service”.

It added: “An officer/staff’s role in the Met will always be considered as a priority over any business interest. 

“The police service, the regulations and procedures that govern external business interests recognise that there is a need to ensure that where officers/staff have secondary employment or business interests that these are compatible with their role and do not create any conflict of interest.” 

The figures come after a warning that key workers including police officers were being priced out of London. Only eight per cent of homes in the capital can be afforded by an officer on an average salary of £44,824, according to research by website reallymoving.com. 

One former Met officer, Claire Hearn, said she left the force after previously juggling her duties with a tea party business.

“It was never a problem,” she said. “But it’s not the sort of job you can do without giving 100 per cent. As the business grew, I realised the passion was with that really. 

“It’s not something that the Met stop you doing — they decide whether it’s something suitable you can do alongside the police.”

Source: Standard

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Do Londoners Dream of Electric Cars?

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There are 12,000 electric vehicles in London, that’s ten times as many as in 2012.

But the growth in the number of electric vehicles in the capital is outstripping the number of charge points and this could limit the number of people owning an electric vehicles, at a time when it is essential that Londoners move away from internal combustion engine vehicles.

60 per cent of Londoners do not have their own garage or driveway and would therefore need to rely on electric on-street charging.

The London Assembly Environment Committee publishes its report on electric vehicles today, which calls for a pan-London approach to electric charging points, spearheaded by the Mayor.The report found:

Encouraging Londoners without their own driveway or garage to get an electric vehicle is the biggest challenge for take-up, as concerns about charging points are deep-rooted. The spread, location and accessibility of electric charging points is more important than the number of charging points, so a strategic pan-London approach is needed. Car clubs are a golden opportunity to both reduce individual ownership and get more electric cars on the road, instead of petrol and diesel combustion engine vehicles.

The report recommends the Mayor should:

In the short-term for a limited period only, the Mayor should encourage all London boroughs to make parking for electric vehicles free or discounted, to drive take-up.Use his profile to spread the idea that charging need not be a barrier to owning an electric vehicle.Offer TfL capital funding to install electric charging points where private sector investment is not happening quickly enough.Set a target for the percentage of electric cars in London’s car clubs, to ensure car clubs see members sharing the cleanest vehicles.

Leonie Cooper AM, former Chair of the Environment Committee, said:“The time is ripe for London to take charge, if we want to future proof this city for an electric car revolution. The Mayor has a key role to play in spearheading the shift to electric vehicles, preferably not individually owned but shared via car clubs.“An electric vehicle is a great option for Londoners in the minority of cases when a journey can’t be done by public transport, walking or cycling. These cars are cleaner, quieter and much better for the environment. What puts people off though, is not knowing whether they will be able to find a charger.“We need to get the number and location of charging points right, as well as raise awareness of charging points in the capital. This infrastructure is essential if London is to continue the electric vehicles revolution.”

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Winter sun Turkey 5* all inclusive holiday from £198pp - 7nts hotel & flights

Ahoy there pirates, next up we have come across a luxury 5* holiday in Turkey which departs in December for under £200 each on an all inclusive basis. It can keep the costs down to visit out of the season, miss the crowds and the weather should be around 16°, however you can book to… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Uber fund Channel 4 program “Where to, Britain?” in bid for positive PR

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Where to, Britain?, a brand new series launches on Channel 4’s on-demand service All 4 today funded by Uber. The six episode series takes a look inside the cars as some of Uber’s more trusted drivers pick-up and drop-off passengers across the UK. The program comes just in time for the high profile court case in London where it bids to win back it’s operators licence.

Narrated by Dawn French, viewers will “share the lives, laughs and candid confessions of passengers and drivers across the country, where everyone will find something they can relate to”.People can also expect cameos from Manchester United players Ashley Young, Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford and Axel Tuanzebe, as they go to and from football practice. Uber are partners of Manchester United and have invested heavily to have their name attached to the football club. Each five minute episode was filmed in a different UK city – Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, Leeds, Newcastle, Glasgow. Notably its biggest market London was overlooked.

According to inews a spokesperson for the programme said: “Uber was involved in the process (creatively and financially), but Channel 4 had complete editorial control over the output, in line with Ofcom regulations. The shared ambition was to create compelling content, rather than advertising.”Stephanie Cunningham, a driver using Uber who stars in one of the episodes, said:“The best part about driving is meeting all the interesting, diverse people who represent all walks of life in Britain, so it was great fun letting cameras come along for the ride. I think a lot of people know what it’s like to be a rider on an Uber trip, but don’t know what it’s like to be behind the wheel. It’s really cool that this series highlights both for the first time.”This short form content series was produced by Gravity Road & Faithful Hound, and directed by Chris Faith for All 4.

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Last minute Sunny beach bargain group getaway from £92pp - 7nts hotel, flights, bags & transfers

Ahoy pirates, are any of you on the lookout for a last minute holiday, we have a real bargain holiday in Sunny Beach in Bulgaria up next. This great getaway in based on 4 sharing (2 sharing from £168pp), is with Tui and includes flights, luggage and transfers in the price. Holiday details Travel duration:… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Bravo, Costa Brava: 7nts from £180pp incl. beachside 4* hotel & flights

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Summer in Kavos: 7nts from £134pp incl. hotel, breakfast & flights

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Pirates, head to the gorgeous Spanish island of Menorca for 7 nights from £191pp including the 3* Carema Garden Village & flights. There are some great prices if you're prepared to visit outside of the main tourist season, so snag a bargain! Holiday details: Travel duration: 7 nights (longer or shorter stays possible) Example date:… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

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Ahoy pirates! How about a relaxing break by the azure waters of Lake Garda? We've found this very reasonably priced half board holiday placing you right by its shores at the 4* Casimiro Park Hotel, which has 2 outdoor pools and a wellness area. You can also go full board from £298pp, or a whole… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

What happens in Sunny Beach: 7nts from £173pp incl. 3* hotel, breakfast & flights

Pirates, grab a summer bargain with 7nights in Sunny Beach from £173pp including the 3* Belleville Hotel, breakfast & flights. The hotel is a 5-minute walk from the beach and provides a great base for experiencing the lively nightlife of Bulgaria's famous party spot. Holiday details: Travel duration: 7 nights (longer or shorter stays possible)… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Corfu in August: 7nts family holiday from £260pp - incl. flights, aparthotel, bags & transfers

Ahoy mateys! Haven't booked your summer holidays yet and are starting to panic a bit? There are still some bargains to be had! We've found this cheap and cheerful self-catering family holiday to Corfu with good summer holiday rates! Holiday details Travel duration: 7 nights Example date: 3rd Aug - 10th Aug Departure from many… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Minicab driver has his nose bitten off during unprovoked attack in Essex

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A minicab driver was subjected to an horrific attack on Saturday night when a man bit off part of his nose while stealing money from his cab. The 50 year old driver was assaulted in Romford Essex just before midnight when police were called. The attacker made off with cash and is still on the loose. A report in the Evening Standard confirmed that the victim is being treated in hospital for his injuries. The incident took place in Church Road, near the junction with Benskins Lane.Detectives are keen to talk to a man they believe could help with their investigations. Redbridge MPS tweeted:

May 28, 2018 at 04:45PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Dublin flights from £19 return - Departures from 10 UK airports

What could be better than exploring the quaint streets of Dublin in the summertime? Our Flights Finder is offering some spectacular fares to the Irish capital. Best of all, we've seen cheap flights from 10 UK airports - something for everyone! The cheapest options are in June, with July departures available for just a few… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Chic 4* Majorca break 4nts from £287pp - incl. hotel, breakfast & flights

Arr mateys! Costa del Calma on Majorca's southwest coast offers a relaxing beach break with some scenic sea-views. We've found good rates over at the popular 4* Maritim Hotel Galatzo offering 2 restaurants, 2 pools, a spa and a free beach shuttle what more can possibly want?! Holiday details Travel duration: 4 nights (longer… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Last minute Morocco getaway from £256pp - incl. 7nts hotel, breakfast, flights & transfers

It's time to check our marvellous Morocco with this deal from our Package Finder! With a stay at the Anezi Tower Hotel you'll be enjoying wonderful views of the beaches of Agadir. Flights are included with this offer, as well as breakfast, transfers and checked luggage. Departures at this fantastic price are available in June,… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

The LCDC Question, Submitted By David Kurten Of UKIP ...And The Mayor's Answer. Part 2.

WTF is Khan talking about when he answered David Kurtan at Mayors Question Time "designed to ensure London remains the world leader in regulating taxi and private hire service"

Why has no one challenging Khans statement?

Who told him the regulators were the best in the world?

London's Private Hire Trade (since the implementation of a Uber) has seen the statistics on PH driver rape and sexual assault go through the roof!

TfL have allowed an illegal operation to carry on in London for the last 6 years, while consciously discriminating against Licensed Taxi Drivers struggling to earn a living.

TfL have allowed an operation to continue knowing drivers had fake medicals, plus an alarming 13,000 drivers with fake criminal record DBS certificates.....how can Khan make his statement when he knows TfL have allowed this???

Hotels.com held a survey of the public around the world and it was the London Taxi trade voted the best in the world for eight years straight.....not the regulators who would feature somewhere close to the bottom.  

What Khan should have said:

London has the best and most stringently regulated taxi service in the world, but with a virtually unregulated and unsafe private hire trade allowed by TfL who obviously don't care about public safety.

TfL have purposely blurred the lines between Taxis and Private hire to dilute the complaints about rape, serious sexual assault, fraud, hacking and poor standard of driving. 

It is TfLs intention of dragging down the best Taxi service in the world and introduce a one tier system that they can milk the life out of to fill the void in their £1bn budget deficit. 

 

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Scenic 4* Sicily escape 4nts from £275pp - incl. flights, hotel & breakfast

Arrr mateys! Sizzling Sicily is up next. We've spotted good rates over at the gorgeous 4* Baia Taormina Grand Palace Hotel & Spa offering sweeping views of Taormina Bay, 2 pools, a wellness centre and wining and dining to die for. Breakfast is included in this holiday, with the option to upgrade to half board.… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Las Vegas mega bargain: 7nt break from £375pp - incl. Hooters Casino Hotel stay & flights

You pirates don't need to be high rollers to enjoy the Las Vegas deals from our Holiday Finder! We spotted this staggeringly cheap deal for 7 nights at the Hooters Casino Hotel, just 5 minutes from the Strip and walking distance from the MGM Grand. Flights are included in this offer. Book now for 2019… Samcana 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

New council regulations say all Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicles must have CCTV systems fitted

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New regulations by Craven District Council are being introduced to make sure all hackney carriage and private hire drivers fit CCTV cameras in their vehicles to improve working practices. The new regulations are set out to improve safety for both drivers and their passengers. In car CCTV systems are not cheap, prices range on average between £300-£400, so drivers have been given until 2020 to get them fitted, a report in the Telegraph and Argus confirmed. Which licensing authority do you work under? Do you currently have a CCTV system or dashcam system installed in your vehicle? Do you think it should become compulsory for all taxi and private hire drivers to have such systems fitted in their vehicles to improve standards and improve safety?

May 28, 2018 at 10:52AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT