Ultra-Low Emission Zone to expand up to North & South Circular says Mayor Sadiq Khan

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The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, today confirmed that the capital’s Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) will be expanded up to the North and South Circular boundary in 2021.The new ULEZ will cover an area 18 times larger than the Central London Ultra Low Emission Zone and will affect large numbers of polluting vehicles that don’t comply with strict emission standards. It is estimated that 100,000 cars, 35,000 vans and 3,000 lorries might be affected by the expanded zone and tighter standards every day.These bold measures will deliver a major improvement to Londoners health by reducing the toxic air quality that is currently responsible for thousands of premature deaths and other serious conditions. Research demonstrates these effects disproportionately impact the poorest Londoners.Recent studies by the University of Oxford have shown the health damage from cars and vans costs £6 billion annually to the NHS and society, with the bill from London vehicles totalling £650 million a year.Expanding the ULEZ beyond central London and strict standards for heavy vehicles across London will result in more than 100,000 Londoners no longer living in areas exceeding legal air quality limits in 2021, a reduction of nearly 80 per cent compared to without expansion. All areas of London are expected to see reductions in pollution, including on the North and South Circular Roads and only 4 per cent of roads in Outer London are expected to exceed legal limits in 2021.The expanded zone will be managed in the same way as the central London ULEZ, which is being delivered in April 2019, 17 months earlier than planned and will operate on top of the congestion charge, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.Drivers within the expanded zone using non-compliant vehicles will pay a daily ULEZ charge of £12.50, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. These include:

• motorbikes that do not meet Euro 3 standards• petrol cars and vans that do not meet Euro 4 standards (roughly the equivalent to not being more than fifteen years old for cars in 2021)• diesel cars and vans that do not meet Euro 6 standards (roughly the equivalent to not being more than six years old for cars in 2021)Across London diesel buses, coaches and lorries will need to meet the Euro 6 standard.Following an extensive consultation, the Mayor will also tighten the standards for the most polluting heavy vehicles including buses, coaches and lorries across the whole of London from October 2020, using the same boundary as the existing Low Emission Zone.The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Tackling London’s lethal air and safeguarding the health of Londoners requires bold action. Air pollution is a national health crisis and I refuse to stand back as thousands of Londoners breathe in air so filthy that it shortens our life expectancy, harms our lungs and worsens chronic illness.“I promised hard-hitting measures to tackle our shameful air pollution and today City Hall is confirming the next stage of our plans to expand the Ultra-Low Emission Zone up to the north and south circular roads.“We’re doing everything in our power to tackle this issue and are starting to see improvements in air quality with the wide-ranging action we’ve taken already on tackling the most polluting cars, and cleaning up our bus and taxi fleet. An expanded Ultra-Low Emission Zone, in conjunction with the Central London ULEZ, will really help transform the air that millions of Londoners breathe.“Some motorists will need help switching to greener transport options, which is why City Hall are urging Ministers to deliver a diesel scrappage scheme to get the dirtiest cars off our roads and offer drivers a fair deal, especially the many diesel drivers who brought vehicles thinking they were more environmentally friendly after Government advice.”

June 08, 2018 at 02:22PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Marvellous Marrakech: 7nts winter break from £148pp incl. 3* riad & flights

Pirates, if you want to wander through the winding streets of Marrakech, check out this deal: 7 nights from £148pp including the 3* Riad Boutouil & flights. Morocco is perfect for a winter break, with temperatures in the balmy 20's even in December. Secure today with a deposit from only £35pp. Holiday details: Travel duration:… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Neapolitan Riveriera break: 4nts from £119pp incl. quirky hotel, breakfast & flights

Pirates, pack for Italy's glorious Neapolitan Riviera with a 4-night break from £119pp including the 3* Purple Sorrento Hotel, breakfast & flights. This quirky property is in a former convent along the Sorrento coast, offering great views of the Gulf of Naples. Holiday details: Travel duration: 7 nights (longer or shorter stays possible) Example date:… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Uber driver likely to lose licence after getting caught selling illegal substance outside UK university

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An Uber driver who was filmed in a BBC documentary inhaling psychoactive substance, nitrous oxide, before joining the ride-hailing app, has been caught selling the banned substance to students outside Northumbria University. The documentary called Inside Out, which was filmed in 2016, saw asylum seeker Siavash Taheri, inhaling the substance before it was made illegal, and only a year later he was caught selling boxes of the gas canisters to a female university student. When police searched Mr Taheri's home, they found 61 large boxes containing 36,000 canisters. Security guards at the university confirmed seeing Taheri's car parked outside the university on a number of occasions. Taheri claimed he was selling the canisters for "legitimate" uses and not to be used as a recreational drug, but according to a report in the Daily Mail, a female buyer confirmed she had purchased nitrous oxide from him on a number of occasions and had his name on her phone under "nossman". Judge Mallett sentenced Taheri to nine months imprisonment, suspended for two years, with rehabilitation requirements. Taheri is likely to lose his private hire licence now as a result of the conviction.

June 08, 2018 at 11:41AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Late season Costa Brava break from £170pp - incl. 7nts hotel & flights

Autumn sunshine doesn't costa lot when you browse our Holiday Finder dear pirates. We don't intend to let the summer end this year, so we'll be jetting off to the Costa Brava for 7 nights at Boix Mar in Blanes. Click here for some September sunshine, or browse our Calendar Feature for departures in other… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Hot USA flight fares: Los Angeles to London from £35 one way

We have found incredible flight prices from Los Angeles to London, starting from just £35 one way. Many dates are also under £50 one way. We've found available dates in late 2018 and early 2019. These flights are operated by Norwegian and come with 10kg carry on luggage, with the option to add on checked… Michael POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

We Love Lisbon: Return flights from £44 this autumn

This deal is sweeter than a Portuguese egg tart pirates! Our Flights Finder is offering up some great deals to luscious Lisbon, one of Europe's hidden gems. The Portuguese capital is easy on the wallet and boasts a lovely climate, as well as delicious food (and wine!) The cheapest flights depart in autumn. Find more… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

New York early bird break from £491pp: 4nts incl. 4* Times Square hotel & direct flights

The Big Apple is calling you pirates! Be in the heart of the action in New York City - our Holidays Finder has a great price on a 4* hotel just a block from Times Square. Prices start from just £491 per person, based on 2 sharing in January and this includes 4 nights at… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Luxe 5* Kos break 3nts from £341pp - incl. Suite w/ outdoor Jacuzzi, flights, breakfast & more

Kos you deserve it, pirates! We've laid eyes on this luxurious escape placing you at the brand new, Adults Only 5* White Rock of Kos in the village of Kefalos. Here you will be staying in a stunning Junior Suite enjoying your very own private outdoor Jacuzzi with sweeping sea views. Breakfast, flights and airport… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Epic Italy-to-Caribbean 13nt cruise from £339pp - incl. meals (just £100pp more to add drinks)

Mateys, we've discovered another barrrgain trans-Atlantic cruise that we think you'll love. Starting in Italy and sailing to the Caribbean, via France and Spain, this 13-night cruise works out at just £26 per person, per night -- the total price is £339 per person, based on 2 sharing. It departs later this year, so not… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Fantastic family holidays in Orlando Florida from £434pp - 7nts hotel, flights, luggage & car hire

Pirates, it can be super expensive to head to Orlando in Florida so if you are able to travel this June or July you should take a look at these getaways. These family holidays in Orlando are with Tui and are really great prices for this time of year and in summer. Holiday details Duration… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Santorini summer group getaway from £350pp - 7nts 3* hotel, flights, luggage & transfers

Pirates, Santorini is simply stunning but it can be super expensive to got there in the summer, until now, we have come across this great group getaway in Santorini departing in July for £350 per person. The holiday is based on 4 sharing but couples can travel for £410 each. You can save £50 off… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Waymo brought it's driverless vehicle's to European streets for the first time this month

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Driverless vehicle giants Waymo have tested their latest technology on European soil for the first time on June 1. Waymo showed off a fleet of it's cars at Italy's Balocco Proving Ground. It's "level 4" system was in operation with no human drivers behind the wheel ready for assisting. A total of 70 rides were undertaken in an controlled environment. This is the first time Waymo has tested its vehicles outside of the U.S, where it already has a fleet of cars operating in several cities.Waymo hope to launch it's ride-hailing service in Phoenix later this year, but has yet to reveal it's plans of expanding across to Europe. The company has now covered over six million self-driving miles since it started working on driverless technology in 2009. Waymo is considered the leading firm in it's field of autonomy and is expected to reach "level 5", where no traditional human controls are required, at some point in the future. According to a report in the Business Insider, Waymo are now letting ordinary people sign up to test its self-driving cars in Phoenix Arizona.

June 07, 2018 at 04:23PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

5* Luxury Cyprus escape 3nts from £365pp - incl. spa hotel, flights & breakfast

Ahoy mateys! We've spotted some last minute rates to the award-winning 5* Azia Resort & Spa in Paphos, Cyprus where you will be staying in the lap of luxury surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation. This holiday is available throughout the season we found some good June rates but you could also book your winter… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Wonderful Warsaw: 4nts from £159pp incl. 4* aparthotel & flights

Pirates, pop to Poland with 4 nights in Warsaw from £159pp including the 4* Platinum Residence Aparthotel & flights. Warsaw is a lively city full of history, culture and a mix of architecture, so it's a great place to spend a few days. Holiday details: Travel duration: 4 nights (longer or shorter stays possible) Example… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Gett look to raise $350 million as plans for larger amount is shelved

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Global ride-hailing app Gett are seeking to raise $350 million as plans for a larger fundraiser is shelved according to Israeli financial website Calcalist today. Calcalist claim Gett may have faced problems bringing in new larger investment due to its perceived high valuation of $2 billion.

Gett are looking for new investment following a $300 million fundraiser from Volkswagen in 2016.

Gett operate in more than 100 cities across Europe. In London alone, nearly half of all black cabs run on Gett. The ride hailing company also claim to the global leader in business ground travel, trusted by over 12,000 leading corporations worldwide.

June 07, 2018 at 02:29PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

4* London hotel stay from £26.50pppn - welcome drink and one-way cable car tickets

>Pirates, you know you can always count on Groupon to come up with some awesome savings and we have found the super cool Good Hotel in our fav city London at some really cheap rates. The prices start at just £53 per night which works out at £26.50 per person - which is really great… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Banstead Resident claims London cabbies are 'misusing' taxi rank to do their shopping at Waitrose

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A taxi rank is being ‘misused’ by London taxi drivers outside the Banstead Waitrose, claims an irate resident.

The claim was made as a public question demanding better enforcement on the two cab taxi rank to deter London cabbies from doing their shopping there.

Local resident Iain Gordon submitted the question to Surrey County Council and Reigate and Banstead Local Committee adding that local borough taxis rarely used the rank and that the space should change to accommodate disabled users in a bid to regain control. Mr Gordon’s question said: “The ‘rank’ is regularly misused by London taxi drivers for parking, whilst doing their own private shopping.

“Very rarely is there a Reigate and Banstead taxi there and even then it is unoccupied and not plying for hire.”He went on to say that the misuse of the rank by London’s cabbies was ‘unenforceable’ adding: “In view of all this it may well be an asset to the community if the ‘unenforceable rank’ were to be designated for ‘disabled parking’.”

Local taxi associations have stated they wish the space to remain a taxi rank, whilst Reigate and Banstead councillors have admitted the rank could be better enforced.

June 07, 2018 at 01:00PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Totally Failing London Part 2 ..... Special Announcement From TfLTPH to clear Uber's Name.

TfL have said on a number of occasions that they've never shown grace or favour towards Uber, the eHail Minicab app that were last year refused a new licence on the grounds the were not fit and proper to hold a Private Hire operators licence.

This week we heard news of a really nasty attack on a woman and baby. The name of the alleged The checker was published by the police who wanted to interview the suspect. 

A few posts appeared on social media linking the name of the suspect with TFL's private hire licence checker web page. 

But the agency who say they have shown no grace or favour to a certain currently unlicensed Minicab firm, have put out this statement first thing this morning. 

Their statement reads :

Police have confirmed that the accused involved in this alleged offence is not a licensed private hire driver in London.

Keeping this in mind.....when have TfLTPH ever contacted the media (TV, Radio or printed press) with a statement saying that the driver in a particular scenario was not a licensed London 'Taxi' driver. Virtually all TV new channels and almost every news agency have mistakenly called rapists, murders, terrorist 'Taxi Drivers', yet not a peep from Mike Brown's merry men at TfLTPH.

Can we now expect this type of statement the next time an alleged Minicab rapist is called a Taxi driver by the BBC!

Can we expect this type of statement the next time the Standard refers to an Uber driver saying:- Taxi Driver ploughs into pedestrians on Exhibition Road??

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Dreamy Durham: Stay at gorgeous countryside 4* hotel from £32pppn

Pirates, if you're looking for a treat, why not spoil yourself and a loved one with a night at the 4* Hardwick Hall Hotel from £31pppn. The property is surrounded by lush countryside, providing a gorgeous location to relax and enjoy the view. Offer Details: Many travel durations possible - 1 night minimum stay Sample… jcrdawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT