Magistrate “had already decided that Uber were too big to fail” says LTDA

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Uber have been given a 15 MONTH licence with various conditions attached. The appeal hearing lasted only two days out of the expected 3 or 4, and from the moment it opened I gained the impression the Chief Magistrate, Mrs Arbuthnot, had already decided that Uber were too big to fail. At times the hearing felt almost rushed, she asked few questions and paid scant attention as a catalogue of Ubers mistakes and disregard for TfL and licensing rules in general were read out. Ubers general manager, Elvidge, was decimated by TfL’s QC during questioning on Ubers operational methods. He openly admitted a plethora of lies and rule breaking including the fact that the app had been operating in contravention of the 98 Act but by Monday afternoon it had become clear the Magistrate was merely going through the motions. In fact, she could have saved everyone a lot of time, effort and money had she admitted as much and given them the licence there and then!

When giving her decision she made great play of talking to Uber and its army of lawyers about the perils of not following the conditions of the licence to the letter, but at this point they had all stopped listening and were busy texting, obviously having decided it was back to business as usual! Our biggest concern was always that the worldwide implications, massive press interest and sheer scale of this appeal would prove to be too much pressure for a Magistrate, and unfortunately we were right, she avoided the limelight, being involved in countless appeals and upsetting the status quo by taking the easiest option, the path of least resistance and simply bowed to the pressure, it is a sad day for British Justice. We will be holding talks with our lawyers as to what, if anything, we can do. I will update members shortly.

June 26, 2018 at 06:16PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Paris in Summer: 2nt August minibreak from £143pp - incl. flights/train & Eiffel Tower hotel

Pirates, we are seeing prices for Paris falling in August, which is perfect for anyone looking to get a little summer getaway in before Autumn kicks in. Discover a 2-night stay in central Paris -- at a hotel with views of the Eiffel Tower and return train or flights -- from as little as £136… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Judge Emma Arbuthnot Deals London Taxi Trade A Slam Dunk...In-spite Of All The Evidence

   Emma Arbuthnot.            Husband Baron James Arbuthnot 

Day two of Uber's licence appeal, the court heard from Uber's QC that in their opinion they haven't been operating illegally (even though this has been proved in two previous court cases and was confirmed by Tom Elvidge yesterday. They also denighed that they have been dispatching 2 million jobs illegally on a weekly basis for the last six years. (Also confirmed by Elvidge).

Senior District Judge (Chief Magistrate) Emma Arbuthnot, who's husband ex Tory MP and front bench minister, now Baron James Arbuthnot-thanks to close chum(ocracy)  David Cameron- had to decide if the decision by TfL not to relicense was right or wrong. She has to decide today if Uber are fit and proper.

As the gallery filed back in the Judge started talking about booking process.

Elvidge accepts it was false.

She then said "I have to find if this was deliberate, it would be unfair if I found on dishonesty without hearing from those involved but Uber painted a force picture".

The decision:

Uber granted 15 month short term licence pursuant to complying with a list of conditions. 

How predictable...

According to the LTDA Twitter feed, the Magistrate was overawed by the scale and worldwide interest in this case, standing up to a $70 billion dollar company was just too much for her!

Unbelivably she has gone against all the evidence and granted Uber a 15 month breather.

Not unexpected the LTDA went from being "an interested party" to "its not our case it's TFL's"....

This verdict has stunned the London Taxi and private hire trades.

Over 100 London cabbies and have been handing their badges back to TfL over the lady 18 months. 

Hundreds of Private Hire operates have been put out of business, not being able to compete with Uber's subsidised predator pricing.

British justice at its best???

Or as Mr Bumble said when being removed from his parochial office "If that's the law sir....then the law is a ass. If that's the law sir then the law is a bachelor. And all I hope sir is the law learns by experience......by experience sir. 

Is there a case for a class action for compensation to drivers who've had their legitimate work stolen illegally over a six year period???

Uber employee lied on oath...

TfL directors lied to the London Assembly on multiple occasions...

Even after complaints, TfL allowed Uber to carry on operating from an unlicensed operation centre until they applied for a licence variation... 

TfL directors and managers hid illegalities and swept damning statistics under the carpet on a regular basis....

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Super funky Madrid break in August: 3nts from £176pp incl. flights & 5* hotel w/ rooftop bar

Who says that summer mini breaks have to cost the earth? Not us that's for sure! That's why we're excited to bring you this super stylish 3 night getaway to Madrid in August. Set your sights on the Spanish capital where you'll be staying at the 5* Puerta America Madrid. This accommodation has the funkiest… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Uber win London operators licence appeal

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Uber have overturned Transport for London’s decision to strip them of its operators licence by winning today’s court hearing. After only two days at Westminster Magistrates Court Judge Emma Arbuthnot arrived at the controversial decision to relicence the minicab firm much to dismay of 10,000’s of people associated to both taxi and private industries in the capital.Uber lost its licence in September 2017, but continued to operate in the city whilst the appeal process has been exhausted.

The much maligned ride-hailing company based it’s appeal around changes to corporate culture and practice. In the lead up to this weeks hearing Uber were offering to accept an 18-month licence, instead of the usual five year licences granted to operators, to prove to the authorities that it had significantly changed. However, Judge Arbuthnot said she thought 18 months "would be rather too long."

June 26, 2018 at 05:13PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Krakow at Kristmas: 3nt Xmas market break from £130pp incl. flights & hotel - go solo for £180

Cool yourself down during this heatwave by planning your Christmas getaway now. Get in there before everyone else and snap up some great early bird deals. Like this great 3 night trip to Krakow, during the Christmas market season. Stay in the 4* Zulian Aparthotel, a stylish accommodation within walking distance of the city's Old… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Cruise from Italy to France, Spain, Malta, Greece & ends in Rome from £469pp - 11nts full board

Pirates, check out this awesome cruise we have found that will see you departing from Genoa in Italy and visiting France, Spain, Malta, a number of places in Greece and ending in historic Rome. A cruise is a great way to see many places in one go at an affordable price, you will see 9… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Irish cabbies in bid to thwart Uber

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As Uber attempts to regain its license in london, Irish cabbies have issued a warning against Uber entering into the market.

With Uber fighting against TfL in regards as to whether it is fit and proper to hold an operators license, Uber have been told that they aren't safe enough by the Taxi drivers Federation in Ireland, with the President of the federation stating that private vehicles are being used to carry out public service vehicle work.

Taxis in the Republic of Ireland are stringently regulated as well as drivers being subject to being interviewed and inspected by inspectors at any given point in time, according to the federation.

June 26, 2018 at 03:27PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Historic 5* London hotel beside Big Ben from £95pppn - Summer dates incl. some Friday nights

Mateys, we aren't gonna lie; this next deal is pricier than other London deals we've run but it's an experience we don't think you'll forget in a while. How often do you get to stay you've stayed at a historic 5* hotel in Westminster -- in peak summer season -- for less than £100 per… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Man jailed for beating Taxi driver before stealing and crashing vehicle into parked cars

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A man who assaulted a taxi driver and then took his vehicle for a joyride before crashing into a row of parked cars has been sentenced to 20 months in jail by a judge at Oxford Crown Court. Joseph Hammond, 29, who was under the influence of alcohol, faced charges of assault by beating, aggravated vehicle taking, drink driving and driving without insurance or a licence. The incident took place last November in the centre of Witney. Hammond jumped into the cab at a taxi rank at around midnight. A discussion about cost sent Hammond into a rage before the taxi driver asked him to exit the car. Hammond refused to leave the taxi, but instead began to punch his victim several times in the side of the face, forcing him out of the driver's seat and onto the pavement. Hammond jumped behind the wheel, speeding off. Drunk and unable to control the vehicle, Hammond was seen swaying across lanes before the joyride came to an abrupt end when he drove the taxi into a row of vehicles. Hammond managed to flee the scene but police officers caught up with him shortly afterwards when he was arrested. According to a report in the Oxford Mail, Hammond was sentenced to 20 months in jail, along with a £1,000 fine and a four year ban from driving.

June 26, 2018 at 02:24PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Magaluf group getaway in August from £277pp - 7nts hotel near beach, flights, luggage & transfers

Calling all party pirates, we have come across this getaway in Magaluf based on 4 sharing, so grab your squad and grab this price while it lasts. You will be staying in a recently renovated adults only hotel in Majorca just a short stroll from the beach and the strip - the perfect location if… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Mini break with a difference: 2nts B&B in famous German waterpark accom. & flights from £165pp

Fancy a mini break with the 'X Factor' Pirates? Well we may have found the answer! Jet off to Berlin this autumn because just outside of the city lies the famous Tropical Islands. A waterpark with different types of accommodation within it's grounds, it'll appeal to both big and little kids alike. We have found… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Waka Waka: Return flights to South Africa from £367 - incl. bags

While not the prettiest of cities, Johannesburg is often used as a gateway to explore the stunningly beautiful South Africa. Safaris, wineries and wildlife are all waiting for you in this bucket-list holiday destination. Get there for less with these cheap 1-stop flights on Turkish Airlines; prices start from just £367 return, including a generous… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Cheap flights to Belfast from £19 return

Pirates, fancy a cheap trip to Northern Ireland, bag these cheap flights to Belfast then you are half way to booking a great mini break! The flights depart from London in September but you can also fly from Manchester for only a little bit extra. Flight details Direct flights Departures from London and Manchester Example… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Wolverhampton Minicabi protest off after council bosses threaten legal action

The West Midlands Private Hire Drivers’ Association (WMPHDA) had organised the ‘go-slow’ protest for Thursday over Wolverhampton Council’s private hire licensing system, which they say makes to too easy for people to get a licence. 

It was due to take place on Thursday and could have seen the city centre grind to a standstill, with hundreds of drivers travelling from all over the country to take part. 

But the protest has now been called off after the authority threatened to invoke legislation designed to stop car cruisers, which forbids large numbers of vehicles driving in a convoy or causing an obstruction on a public highway, whether moving or stationary. 

Bosses at the WMPHDA say they plan to apply for a temporary suspension lifting the injunction, allowing them to run the protest at a later date. 

Spokesman Shaz Saleem said: “Due to the bullying tactics of Wolverhampton Council, Thursday’s protest has now been postponed. 

Shaz Saleem, Ebrahim Suleman and Raheel Shah have helped stage previous taxi protests in the city 

“This is not the end of the matter. We will be applying for the injunction to be lifted temporarily, and we are also looking at other protests such as a walking march through the city. 

"If the council wants to play games we will fight back.” 

The protest was to see private hire vehicles drive through the city at 20mph. 

It was widely publicised on social media and had attracted interest from drivers from all over the country. 

Council licensing manager Chris Howell, said the authority had not received official confirmation that the protest was off. 

He added: “The council are in discussions with the organisers, to ensure that the safety of the public is not unduly compromised, and will continue to seek an agreement through dialogue which will prevent drivers from carrying out a reckless and potentially illegal protest within our city.”

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Spring into Portugal in 2019: 7nts in riverside apartment w/ infinity pool & flights from £180pp

Set your sights on 2019 you early bird bargain lovers because with as the summer draws closer more dates for holidays in 2019 are being released. Jet off to the Algarve for something a little different next year. Spend 7 nights on the banks of the Arade river in the 4* Agua Hotels Riverside. This… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Win a Holiday and Wardrobe Makeover Worth £2000!

Ahoy pirates! We've teamed up with Zalando to bring you the most fabulous competition yet! Not only can you win a holiday worth £1000, you can also win £1000 of Zalando vouchers; so you can look drop dead gorge in your holiday selfies. We'll also be sharing our top tips for fashion and holidays, to… matt-admin POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Montenegro late season getaway from £337pp - 7nts 3* hotel, breakfast, flights, luggage & transfers

Ahoy there pirates, Montenegro seems to be the place to be this year so why not head there before the prices really hike up. This holiday in Montenegro is for a week long stay, includes breakfast each morning of your stay and includes luggage and transfers also. Holiday details Travel duration: 7 nights Example date:… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

2019 spring break to Malta: 7nts from £167pp incl. flights & 4* hotel w/ cave bar & rooftop pool

Another day another early bird bargain for you Pirates! Book your early 2019 break now and make some great savings, like with this 4* escape to Malta. Stay in the Pergola Hotel & Spa for 7 nights in the spring for less than £170pp! The hotel boasts a number of great features like a cave… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Taxi trade to learn Uber’s licence fate as judge gives verdict today

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The taxi industry will hear today whether Uber’s bid to overturn Transport for London’s decision to strip them of its operators licence was successful or not. After only one day in Westminster Magistrates Court Judge Emma Arbuthnot has revealed a decision will be made today on Uber’s future in the capital.

Uber lost its licence in September 2017 but can continue to operate in the city whilst the appeal process has been exhausted. Today’s decision can also be appealed, which means the whole appeals process could take years.

The much maligned ride-hailing company based it’s appeal around changed to corporate culture and practice.

In the lead up to this weeks hearing Uber were offering to accept an 18-month licence, instead of the usual five year licences granted to operators, to prove to the authorities that it had significantly changed. However, Judge Arbuthnot said she thought 18 months "would be rather too long."

Today the court will hear from Helen Chapman, TfL's Interim Director of Licensing, Regulation and Charging, after which Arbuthnot will then give her decision. A full judgement would follow later according to the judge.

June 26, 2018 at 08:10AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT