Last minute Turkey package from £116pp - incl. 7nts hotel, flights, breakfast, bags & transfers

Our Package Finder is offering deals as hot as the Turkish summer sunshine pirates! With this deal you'll get 7 nights at Lagoon Hotel in the Dalaman region, with flights, breakfast, luggage, transfers and ATOL protection also included. There are limited dates at this price in early June, so get in there while you can!… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

TfL wins in court as new licence fee structure is seen as lawful

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The new licence fee structure for private hire operators is lawful says judge as Transport for London wins its High Court battle against the Licensed Private Hire Car Association.

London’s regulator brought in the changes in October 2017, but was swiftly challenged by private hire representatives. Concerns surrounding the fee increases faced by smaller operators could mean they are hit hardest as they struggle for market share.

The increase in fees range from between £3,174 and £2,897,174 for a 5-year licence, which had previously cost just £2,826.

Helen Chapman, TfL’s Director of Licensing, Regulation and Charging, said: “Our number one priority is the safety of the public, which is why when faced with the huge growth of the private hire industry it was appropriate to ensure our regulatory and enforcement capabilities grew too. We robustly defended our position in court and welcome the court’s decision that the changes we made to the licence fee structure for private hire operators are lawful. The changes to the fees fund an additional 250 compliance officers who do a crucial job in driving up standards and ensuring Londoners remain safe.”

The Licensed Private Hire Car Association are yet to make a statement.

May 30, 2018 at 04:53PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Jet to Germany: Summer flights to Frankfurt from only £13 return

Ahoy, we have come across these cheap flights to Frankfurt Hahn in Germany on our flight finder for the bargain price of £13 return. The flights are available from Stansted and span many dates in July and you can fly from Manchester to Frankfurt airport from £31 return. Add a hotel and you have yourself… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

New government enforced regulations could see the end to Uber in Turkey

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New regulations could see the end to controversial ride-hailing app Uber in Turkey. The Turkish government have put in place a new set of rules to prevent illegal passenger transportation. Taxi associations now claim that the new regulations will see an end to Uber. Police will now have the powers to fine and issue points to any Uber driving that is caught. If the same vehicle is caught for a second time, the certificate of the related firm will be revoked, according to a report in the Hurriyet Daily News. If a firm's certificate is revoked it will be unable to re-apply for a new one until a two year period has lapsed. Taxi associations are said to be pleased with the new regulations although a few suggest even harsher punishment for any drivers working for mobile application based systems like Uber. In the last few months there has been an ongoing battle between traditional taxi drivers and those driving for Uber. Tensions have led to mass protests and even physical altercations between the two sides. Uber have said they will continue operations in Turkish regardless, stating they will continue "business as usual".

May 30, 2018 at 03:24PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Scorchio! Open jaw Canada flights from just £86rtn (Newfoundland, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver)

Hold on to your maple syrup pirates! Our Flights Finder is offering some truly spectacular deals to cities in beautiful Canada, with return flights available for less than £100! The cheapest are to St. John's in Newfoundland, with superb prices also available on flights to Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. We've added flights in June and… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Taxify secure investment from German automotive giants Daimler

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Estonian ride-hailing firm Taxify have raised over £130million of funding as they look to close the gap on their biggest competitor Uber. The latest round of investment was led by German automotive giants Daimler who own Mercedes Benz. Daimler are no strangers to the ride-hailing industry with investments already in car2Go, Flinc and MyTaxi who compete in London against Uber. In addition to Daimler, Taxify have secured new funding from Europe based Korelya Capital, Taavet Hintikus and Transferwise. China's ride-hailing giants Didi Chuxing were among the returning investors this time around. A report in TechCrunch has now confirmed that the latest round of funding takes Taxify's valuation to the $1billion mark (£750million).Taxify now has over 10 million users worldwide with a driver base of over 500,000 making it one of the biggest competitors to controversial ride-hailing giants from across the pond, Uber.

May 30, 2018 at 02:45PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Last minute Mexico all inclusive bargain from £549pp - incl. 7nts resort, flights & transfers

Arriba pirates! Get yourselves out to the fabulous beaches of Mexico with this all inclusive deal from our Package Finder! You'll be staying at the Canto del Sol, located almost right on the caramel sands of Las Glorias Beach in the heart of Puerto Vallarta. Flights are included, as well as luggage, transfers and ATOL… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Breaking News : LPHCA Has Lost Its Challenge To TFL's New Operators Licence Fees.

The Licensed Private Hire Car Association (LPHCA) has lost its case against TFL's proposals to increased fees for operators with over 11 vehicles to over £3,000, when they were previously under £3,000. It said the measures could "wipe out" operators, "leaving the futures of many drivers, industry suppliers and others connected to the industry in jeopardy".

The UK's largest private hire trade body, United Private Hire Drivers (UPHD) applied to intervene in the case, which was heard in the High Court, but its application was rejected.

It has argued that the change in fees breaches the Equality Act of 2010 by forcing drivers to shoulder "unfair costs and regulatory burdens" while denying them representation in the stakeholder process.

TfL announced last year that it was increasing charges for private hire operators for the costs of licensing, compliance and enforcement to reflect the growth of the private hire industry and the costs required to regulate it.

The number of privately licensed drivers soared by 78 per cent from 65,000 to 160,000 last year, while the number of vehicles increased from 50,000 to 112,000 over the same period.

TfL expects the cost of enforcement alone to reach £30m - up from a previous estimate of £4m - over the next five years. With the costs of licensing and compliance taken into account, the total reaches £209m over the same period.

​A TfL spokesperson said: “The licence fee changes reflect the increased cost of regulation and associated enforcement activity that has been driven by the huge growth in the private hire industry.

“The changes will fund the additional 250 compliance officers who do a crucial job in driving up standards and ensuring Londoners remain safe. After listening to the views of stakeholders during consultation we amended the fees structure to take into account the potential impact on small and medium-sized operators.

“We consider the changes to fees to be proportionate and will be defending our position.”

James Farrar, chair of the UPHD branch of the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain, said: "It's not surprising that gig economy bosses represented by the LPHCA are fighting tooth and nail to pass their cost and regulatory burden on to drivers. But it's dismaying to see TfL work so hard to avoid answering some troubling questions about how it discriminates against 117,000 mostly minority minicab drivers. We will be watching this case very carefully and we'll continue to pursue other avenues to challenge institutional racism at Transport for London."

An Addison Lee spokesman said: “We fully support TfL’s efforts to improve safety in the private hire sector through better regulation and more enforcement officers. Addison Lee recognises that these measures need to be paid for and we are happy to play our part through the increase to our licence fee.”

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Luxury 5* winter sun half board Tunisia holiday from £296pp - 7nts 5* hotel & flights

Ahoy there pirates, escape the bad weather in the UK this November and head to Tunisia and enjoy some sunshine staying in a luxury 5* hotel. For this Tunisia holiday you will be staying on a half board basis and you can upgrade to all inclusive at time of booking if you wish. Holiday details… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Summer Menorca group getaway from £251pp - 7nts hotel, flights, luggage & transfers

Ahoy there sun loving pirates, we have a found a holiday in Menorca at a great price departing in July when the weather should be nice and toasty. The Spanish getaway is based on 4 sharing so grab your favourite mateys and get booking. Holiday details Travel duration: 7 nights Example date: 6th - 13th… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Luxe 5* Corfu half board escape 3nts from £329pp - incl. flights & Adults Only seaside hotel

Arrr pirates! Sometimes you just gotta treat yourself a little, and next we've laid eyes on the super luxurious, brand new 5* MarBella Nido Suite Hotel & Villas an Adults Only hotel right by the Ionian Sea surrounded by fragrant gardens. We found some good rates in October, perfect to beat the crowds, and… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Scenic 4* Devon seaside hotel with spa & award-winning restaurant - from £34pppn

Ahoy pirates! Treat yourself to a break on the glorious English Riviera with a stay at 4* The Imperial Torquay in Devon. This classic 19th Century Victorian hotel offers a clifftop location with spectacular views, fine cuisine with a AA Rosette-awarded restaurant and a swimming pool and health club. All this just 10 minutes’ walk… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Direct flights to Singapore from £369rtn on British Airways - incl. luggage & meals

Pirates, our Flights Finder just keeps treating us to even more long haul bargains! Today it's the turn of Singapore, a fascinating city state in its own right and a great gateway to Southeast Asia. Flights are direct with British Airways, so you'll be there in double quick time! We've seen availability between October and… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Have a Wales of a time this summer: 4* Cardiff spa hotel from £27.50pppn - incl. some weekends

If you fancy a staycation somewhere different this summer mateys, why not try Wales? We've unearthed barrrgain rates at a stylish 4* spa hotel in Cardiff that starts from as little as £27.50 per person, per night, based on 2 sharing. This includes selected weekend nights throughout June, July and August, so you could even… Niamh_UK 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

Costa Blanca 4* autumn holiday 7nts from £292pp - incl. flights & hotel

Ahoy mateys! How about a relaxing sunshine break in Costa Blanca? With this offer you will be staying at 4* Bahia Calpe right by Playa del Arenal Beach with a host of modern amenities and pretty sea-views overlooking scenic Ifach Rock. Holiday details Travel duration: 7 nights (longer or shorter stays possible) Example date: 10th… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Ibiza in July from £229pp: 7nt group trip incl. flights, apartment, bags & transfers (4 share)

Peak season in Ibiza normally costs an arm, a leg and your first-born child but not when you're a pirate! Use our package finder to nab yourself a week on the Balearic island in July for less. Prices start from £229 per person, based on 4 sharing and include return flights, checked bags, airports transfers… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Summer in The Azores: 7nt Portuguese island break from £371pp - incl. 4* hotel & flights

Discover a new destination this summer pirates! Thanks to some sumptuous rates in our Holiday Finder, now is the time to discover the Portuguese archipelago of The Azores. Alongside some bargain flights, this deal includes 7 nights at the 4* Vale do Navio. The cheapest time to go is late-June/July, the start of summer when… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Group lodge stay in Caersws, Wales from £117pp - 4nts with hot tub (4 share)

Pirates, we have come across these cool lodges at booking.com, the cheapest option to to share your lodge with 3 of your mateys, so grab your friends or family and get booking. The lodge will be well equipped for a relaxing stay and offers your very own hot tub. Offer details 3 or 4 night… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Local Government Association highlights concerns on failure to update taxi legislation

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Currently there are no national minimum standards for taxi operators and drivers. Additionally, if a driver has been banned or refused in a particular area, it is difficult for councils to be able to stop that person from gaining a licence somewhere else if the driver does not disclose their previous history.The Local Government Association has over a period of several years consistently called for a taxi licensing regime “fit for the 21st Century” that would update Britain’s outdated and unfit-for-purpose licensing laws for taxis.Some taxi laws date back to 1847 and the era of horse-drawn hackney carriages, and the current patchwork of outdated laws leaves councils with restricted powers to enforce taxi licensing requirements in their area.Alongside safeguarding worries, the LGA has concerns that a failure to update cab legislation:

Takes no account of the increase in app-based taxi services such as Hailo, Uber, and other companies, which has led to concern over how new models fit within the outdated framework and results in legal challenges which are costly and disruptive for councils, residents, and industry.Has opened the floodgates for drivers operating across licensing authority borders, with councils unable to take enforcement action against taxi drivers licensed by other local authorities, even if they are operating in their areas.Has undermined the level playing field between different parts of the cab industry and drivers licensed in different areas.In the absence of Government introducing new legislation or even guidance on minimum standards, the LGA has been working with its members to try to strengthen the system, including the development of a national register for sharing information about individuals found to be not fit and proper to hold a taxi licence.

The Local Government Association said:“Councils have been making the case for our outdated patchwork of taxi laws to be updated with a taxi regime fit for the 21st Century, and it’s now time for government to deliver this.“The current regime is not fit for purpose – some parts of the law pre-date the internal combustion engine, let alone apps and smartphones – and it’s long past time we had taxi licensing laws that reflect the everyday realities of this industry, and its vital role in our communities.”“We’ve seen numerous cases where drivers have abused the trust of their passengers, with even children becoming victims of sexual exploitation cases. In some cases, drivers banned in one area have simply gone to the other part of the country and got a licence under false pretences, without being honest about their history.“In other cases, drivers are getting a licence in one area, then working in another part of the country entirely.“We need to move towards taxi licensing that accounts for today’s challenges, with drivers licenced to national minimum standards and required to work in the area where they are licensed.“We would urge the Government to deliver a licensing framework fir for the age in which we live.”

May 29, 2018 at 05:58PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT