A mini break to Malta: 4nts form £186pp incl. flights & 4* hotel w/ rooftop pool *Solo for £262*

Ahoy Pirates, you all know by now that it's the perfect time of year to snap up a late season bargain. Dismiss the post summer blues with a cheeky 4 night trip to the historical island of Malta. The 4* Solana Hotel & Spa will be your base for the duration of your trip, sun… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Appeal After Four Die In Uber Road Traffic Collision

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Police are appealing for information following a road traffic collision involving an Uber vehicle in Leeds that resulted in the deaths of four men.The four, aged 18, 19, 19, and 21, were pronounced dead at the scene on Broadway, the A6120 Leeds Outer Ring Road, near to the junction with Bank Gardens in Horsforth.Officers were called to the collision between a grey Seat Leon car and an Uber private hire vehicle, which was a grey Seat Alhambra people carrier, at 2.41am this morning. The Leon had been travelling in the direction of Weetwood and the Alhambra was heading in the opposite direction.Those who died were among six occupants of the Leon. Two girls, aged 16 and 17, from that vehicle were taken to hospital with serious injuries. The 16-year-old remains in a critical condition and the 17-year-old’s injuries are not considered life threatening. All those involved are local to the area.The driver of the Alhambra, a 42-year of man from Bradford, was taken to hospital with injuries that are serious but are not considered life threatening.Sergeant Fiona Hoodless, of West Yorkshire Police Major Collision Enquiry Team, said: “This is a very tragic incident where four young men have lost their lives and three other people are in hospital with serious injuries.“The families of those involved are devastated by what has happened and we are doing everything we can to support them at this very difficult time.“We are carrying out extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and that investigation is still at a very early stage. Early indications are that the Leon was travelling at speed at the time of the collision.“We would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision itself or saw the circumstances leading up to it. We are also keen to speak to anyone who saw the silver Seat Leon being driven in the area at any point prior to the collision, particularly anyone with dashcam footage that could assist the investigation.Chief Inspector Richard Padwell, of Leeds District Police, said: “The deaths of four young people in these circumstances is clearly very tragic and our thoughts and condolences go out to everyone affected by it.“We don’t underestimate the impact that the deaths of these young people will be having in the community and we would ask that people focus on supporting each other and supporting the police investigation.”

June 30, 2018 at 01:59PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Late season Croatia holiday from £224pp - 7nts hotel with infinity pool, breakfast & flights

Ahoy pirates, Croatia is an absolutely gorgeous country and we have found this 7 night holiday on our holiday finder at a bargain price. You will head to Novigrad and stay near the beach, breakfast is also included in the price of your stay. Upgrade to half board for just £264 per person. Holiday details… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

ABD: Get the Speed Limits Right and Arguments About Enforcement Could Vanish

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It is very easy when we hear people complaining about speed limit enforcement, to assume that the person complaining is somehow irresponsible, liking to drive faster than is safe. We hear it a lot. When we delve a little deeper however, whilst there are inevitably a tiny minority of this ilk, the vast majority including all of us here in the ABD fully support enforcement against anybody who drives faster than is safe. The issues they have are invariably with the way enforcement is targeted, and many are very angry indeed that it appears all too often to be targeted at the safe, sober, responsible driver on the safer stretches of road where the limit appears unreasonably low to a significant number of drivers, and perhaps worse still, those speeding in dangerous places are not targeted at all.

What is the exact nature of the problem?

Well the problem with current enforcement is that it incentivises targeting at high revenue sites. This isn’t just to make profit, it is also because empires that are self-financing and self-perpetuating have been encouraged by government policy, With no fine income, the empires die. When vehicles, equipment and staff have no income stream financing them, they simply die out. Targeting areas where the majority of drivers sense danger and therefore slow down is not viable because although those caught would be the ones everybody wants them to catch, the numbers are lower so it is not financially viable.

And the solution?

Well it’s two-fold. Firstly we could take the financial incentives away by sending fine revenue directly into the tax system and fund ‘safety partnerships’ directly from government, rewarding them for casualty reduction only.Secondly, if limits were properly set then there would be no unreasonable limits for the ‘safety partnerships’ to target. All the arguments about enforcement would simply go away and the authorities would return to being respected and supported by everybody, something nobody would argue was currently the case.So, how do we get limits right?Well we need to depoliticise limit setting. Take it out of the hands of local politicians who, although often well meaning, are unqualified on the subject and are also often keen to go with whatever they think will win them votes. There needs to be a national policy on the setting of limits and they need to be in the hands of qualified experts. There is a system which we in the UK abandoned a few years ago which set limits using a method proven all over the world to maximise safety. It is called the 85th percentile rule. Put simply it measures the speed of free-flowing traffic on a particular road in the absence of a limit. The limit is then set at a speed below which 85% of drivers naturally choose. There are exceptions but as a broad principle this method creates limits which earn respect and are respected. Using this method would raise some limits and lower others. The ABD calls for an end to the current unsustainable fiasco and a reintroduction of the 85th percentile. It saves lives, increases respect for the enforcement agencies and gives smoother traffic flow. There really is nothing not to like.And what else needs to be done on speed?Limits are far from the only tool in the box. Setting one’s speed safely to the conditions is probably the most vital skill a driver needs to master. But it isn’t about numbers. It is about looking ahead, well ahead, observing potential hazards and continually reappraising one’s speed. Put simply, the main discipline is to ‘always drive at a speed where you can safely stop in the distance guaranteed to be clear’. It is virtually all that matters and needs to head up all education campaigns. When, however did you last hear these words? Did you ever hear them from anybody in the speed management business or authorities?

June 30, 2018 at 12:02PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Former TfLTPH John Mason Takes To Twitter, To Give His Opinion On Uber Appeal.

Former Director of TfLTPH John Mason, took to Twitter late on Friday night, to give his few remaining  Taxi driver followers, his take on the Uber appeal division and the verdict of judge Emma Arbuthnot. 

In a series of eight tweets John said:

Without wanting to poke the bears that are my last London taxi driver followers, at the end of this week I would put forward the following:

The decision this week was not about whether #Uber should have been licensed. 

I read all the skeleton arguments and supporting evidence and I personally feel that TFL put up a strong justification for their action. Given #Uber agreed that the decision was correct then the Magistrate seemed to only have to decide whether #uber were fit and proper now.

I could be wrong of may have missed it but given the speed it looks like those conditions were provisionally agreed between TFL and #Uber if the Magistrate was minded to issue a licence.

I thought Helen was robust and TFL Counsel Martin Chamberlin was very good. He led the Add Lee Bus Lane action and was very good from my experience.

I do agree with a lot of the irate taxi drivers and indeed PHV operators that are on Twitter that this decision is inconsistent. I agree that smaller operators and individuals would not get such an easy ride if they admitted what #uber had.

I know a lot of cabbies that may end up reading this may still feel aggrieved that they were licensed in the first place. I maintain they were licensed as the met the conditions of licensing at the time.

I struggle to see what legal action the UCG or any other Org can take that may have any chance of success but I’m not party to info and advice they have.

In conclusion, based on what they admitted they did and what TFL started they did, I am surprised. I don’t buy into the whole Chumoracy stuff but in this day and age who know?! Maybe it was the Russians?

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5* family holiday in July from £345pp: Turkey 7nts - incl. flights & all inclusive (2-5 share)

Pirates, we all know the most cost effective way for families to holiday is the all inclusive way and with summer well underway, we've unearthed some bargain July holidays that tick all the right boxes. We've tracked down a great value offer to Turkey, staying 7 nights in a suite at a top rated 5*… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Proposed medical charges for disabled cabbies branded discriminatory

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Disabled taxi drivers in Dundee could be hit with a £50 charge for obtaining a medical exemption negating them from a section of the 2010 equality act.

The act currently states that if a taxi driver operates a wheelchair accessible vehicle, he must, without charge, assist the passenger in and out of the vehicle, if they are disabled or are in a wheelchair. It is a criminal offence to refuse to carry out that particular duty.

Taxi drivers can obtain a medical exemption from this particular aspect of law, if the driver is disabled themself.

Dundee council have informed drivers that if they wish to be exempted from assisting wheelchair users on medical grounds, drivers will now have to pay £50 to the council to have this application processed.

One union has stated that this is discriminatory against drivers who may suffer from a disability or have mobility problems.

There are also concerns that because some drivers operate non-wheelchair accessible vehicles and some do, those who drive WAVs will be penalised for the vehicle that they drive.

It is alleged that because a GP has to assess a driver and fill out the exemption form, which could cost a driver £100, the true cost of this added burden could reach £150.

The council will make a final decision on the proposals in September.

June 30, 2018 at 11:12AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Crazy cheap flight alert: Fly return to magical Singapore from £260 (singles from £168)

Mateys! We didn't think you could get to Southeast Asia for under £270 return without an error fare but Norwegian has slashed the price of direct flights to Singapore for winter to just that. Get these incredibly cheap flights as part of a city trip, or use them to take an extended break across a… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Winter sun: 7nt Cape Verde break from £398pp - incl. resort & flights

Book early and you can truly land some winter sun bargains! Our Holiday Finder is offering 7 nights by the beach in beautiful Cape Verde for this low price. You'll be staying at Aguahotels Sal Vila Verde, with direct flights and ATOL protection also included. This price is for a January departure. Due to its… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Last minute: Santorini group holiday 7nts from £521pp - incl. villa w/ infinity pool & flights

Ahoy mateys! We've just come across some cheap Santorini July flights, and have spotted this gorgeous uber-lux villa with infinity pool, hot tubs, steam room and even it's own helipad (!), which sleeps 7 people. Perfect for a group or family holiday. But there's only limited availability left so you better round up them troops!… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Uber driver who brandished sword at officers outside Buckingham Palace set for retrial after jury fail to reach verdict

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Uber driver Mohiussunnath Chowdhury, 27, from Luton who brandished a Samurai sword at police outside Buckingham Palace back in August of last year will face a retrial after a jury was unable to reach a verdict. Chowdhury drove his blue Toyota Prius at a police van. The two officers present were able to spray him with CS gas and apprehend their attacker who was in possession of a four-foot blade. It is believed Chowdhury had left his home with the sword and a blade sharpener and set out to peruse an attack. The incident took place at around 8:30pm outside the Queens Palace. A jury at the Old Bailey was unable to reach a verdict on one count of preparing to commit an act of terror. Chowdhury was heard shouting "help me Allah Akbar" during the incident and has said he was feeling lonely and depressed and only wanted to get himself killed by threatening the police officers with the sword. Mrs Justice Bobbi Chema-Grubb discharged the jury after almost 11 hours of deliberation with no verdict. Prosecutor Timothy Cray said the Crown would be seeking a retrial. Chowdhury denied one count of preparing to commit an act of terror.

June 29, 2018 at 07:40PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Last minute Dom Rep break from £600pp - incl. 7nts all inclusive resort, flights & transfers

Pirates, grab yourselves a dreamy Caribbean break with the help of our Package Finder! With this offer you'll be spending 7 nights in pretty Punta Cana at the 4* Sunscape resort. You'll be staying on an all inclusive basis, with return flights, luggage, transfers and ATOL protection also included. There are limited dates at this… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Late season Ibiza getaway from £283pp - 7nts 4* hotel, breakfast & flights

Ahoy pirates, we have come across this awesome holiday in Ibiza, staying in an award winning hotel for a week in the sun. Breakfast is included and the holiday is based on 3 sharing and is only £34pp more to book for a couple. Holiday details Travel duration: 7 nights (longer or shorter stays possible)… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Addison Lee And Laura Kenny Launch ‘Addison Lean’ Initiative To Protect Cyclists From ‘Car Dooring’

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Addison Lee, the UK’s premium car service, has partnered with 4x UK Olympic cycling gold medallist, Laura Kenny, to launch the ‘Addison Lean’ initiative – a manoeuvre which encourages car drivers and passengers to exit the car correctly and protect cyclists from a ‘car-dooring’ accident – where they are hit by a car door being opened carelessly. The company is calling for the move to be included in the Highway Code after data showed that 65% of UK cyclists have either been involved in a ‘car-dooring’ accident, or know someone that has, with over half of those in an accident (54%) injured as result. At the same time, the government is pushing for the number of cyclists to double by 2025.

Originally conceived in the Netherlands – where it’s known as ‘The Dutch Reach’ and forms part of the Dutch driving test – the ‘Addison Lean’ manoeuvre involves drivers opening the door with the hand furthest away from the car door, forcing them to lean across and look into their wing mirror, meaning they can see approaching cyclists.The move has already been incorporated into Addison Lee’s driver training, with the ambition of training all 5000 drivers on the initiative. In-car signage will also be used to ensure passengers are aware of how to exit the car safely and help make roads safer.

Laura Kenny CBE said: ‘With cycling’s increased popularity, being hit by a car door as it is opened, is a serious threat to the cyclist. That’s why I’m supporting Addison Lee and their Addison Lean initiative, a simple manoeuvre that every driver can use to protect themselves and cyclists.’After incidents involving Addison Lee drivers and cycle couriers, Addison Lee commissioned research to get a picture of the extent of the problem of ‘car-dooring’. In a poll of 2,000 cyclists:

65% of cyclists surveyed have been involved in a ‘car dooring’ incident themselves, or know someone who has54% of those involved in an accident are injured; Of these, 78% are either hospitalised, or forced to take time off work43% of cyclists who have been ‘car-doored’ have considered giving up cycling84% think it should be included the Highway Code

As well as in-car signage, wing mirror stickers have been created to remind road users of the manoeuvre and Addison Lee will be offering them free of charge to members of the public.Andy Boland, Addison Lee’s CEO said: “Safety is at the core of what Addison Lee does – not just for passengers, but for drivers, cyclists and all road users. With car dooring such a widespread problem, adopting the Addison Lean – a straightforward manoeuvre that protects everyone on the road – makes perfect sense.“He added: “We hope that The Highway Code will also take the Addison Lean on board.”Helen Chapman, TfL’s Director of Licensing, Charging and Regulation, said: “Our Vision Zero approach has the ambitious goal of eradicating deaths and serious injuries from London’s roads by 2041. We are investing in safer junctions, removing the most dangerous vehicles from the roads and developing a world-leading bus safety standard.“However, we can’t achieve our goal alone and need the support of local government, campaigners and the wider transport industry. This initiative by Addison Lee is to be applauded and should set a template for others to follow. Educating private hire drivers and their passengers about the perils of opening a car door on a cyclist will help to guard against one of the most common collisions involving those on two wheels.”James Durbin, CEO of Madison Sports Group who own and operate the Six Day professional track cycling series, said: ‘We welcome the initiative that our valued Six Day London Commercial Partner, Addison Lee, is promoting. As passionate advocates of cycling, at all levels, we recognise safety for cyclists on the roads as a matter of significant importance. We are delighted to be part of the Addison Lean campaign and think it will make a real difference in improving road safety for all cyclists.”

June 29, 2018 at 05:57PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

3 in 1 epic adventure: 10nts B&B in Thailand, Malaysia & Bali from £599pp incl. flights & hotels

At Pirate HQ, we're all massive fans of south east Asia, the trouble comes in deciding where to go in this magical corner of the world. So our friends at TourCenter have come up with this incredible 10 night multi stop adventure. Discover the delights of Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Bali in this epic exploration.… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Rustic Tuscany: 2nts romantic break from £122pp - incl. 4* hotel, breakfast & flights

Ahoy pirates! You guys know we have a soft spot for Tuscany, and this time we think we have delivered again. Escape to the rolling hills of the region, famous for its outstanding cuisine, wine and thermal baths and a popular foodie destination for people from all over the planet. We have found the grand… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Welcome to Miami: Flights from £283rtn (Several UK departures)

It's time to party on South Beach pirates! Our Flights Finder is offering scorching fares to Miami - one of our favourite destinations in the USA! Flights are with Air France, Air Canada and other fine carriers, so your meals are included. The cheapest flights are in September and October - plenty of opportunities to… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Flights to Krakow from £34 return

Pirates, Krakow in Poland has just been voted in the top 10 Cities in the World by TripAdvisor so you know it's for sure a great place to visit. We have found these great flights to Krakow departing in September from London, however there are great prices from Liverpool, Bristol and East Midlands too. Use… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Jet off to Jamaica: 7nt all inclusive from £760pp incl. flights, 4* hotel w/ waterpark & more

What's the best way to escape the winter blues? An all inclusive week in the Caribbean sun of course! Jet off to Jamaica this November where you can enjoy the beachfront location of the 4* Sunscape Splash Montego Bay. Not only does this awesome accommodation boast 3 pools and 5 restaurants but it also has… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Open Letter From Jim Thomas To TfL Commissioner Mike Brown.

Open letter to Mike Brown

Dear Mike, can you please tell us how many laws you will allow Uber to break before revoking their London Licence under the terms laid down in the recent court case by Judge Emma Arbuthnot. 

Uber have been granted a probationary 15 month license in the same way as a convicted felon being let out of prison on licence. One hit and your out. With the felon, first further arrest and back to the nick, so with Uber, one serious complaint about the company and the licence should automatically be revoked. But Mike, is this really the case, will you act on a one hit and your out basis with Uber?...or will all contraventions be dealt with, by a nod and a wink from TfL, as with the 13,000 Uber driver fake DBS certificates...Will the Taxi trade have to take TfL to court to get you to do your job???

The day after Uber were given their probationary license, they carried on breaking the law by picking up passengers outside the Met Police district of Greater London -such as Stanstead and Gatwick Airports, using the Uber app- Under the terms of cross border hiring they can only do this if the customer has requested a trip with a licensed operator in these areas, then the booking is subcontracted over to Uber.... this isn’t happening...Uber are still plying for trade with their app directly in the vicinity of these areas, as they do in many other areas they are not licensed to operate in. 

Will TfL now revoke their licence with immediate effect....?

MIKE, WILL YOU NOW MEET WITH THE TAXI TRADE TO DISCUSS THESE CONTRAVENTIONS NOW THE COURT CASE IS CONCLUDED...instead of hiding away again?

Uber in Southend:

UBER has been told to stay away from Southend after it won the right to operate in London again. Uber cars could regularly be seen picking up at Southend Airport.

The controversial minicab firm was awarded a temporary licence for the capital this week after previously being denied a five year licence over safety fears for passengers.

The company accepted it had made “serious mistakes” and Transport for London was correct in its September decision. 

But it told an appeal hearing this week it had made reforms. Although the reforms haven’t actually been made public, we just have their word on this. 

Tony Cox, conservative councillor for Shoebury, has been a fierce opponent to Uber due to being concerned about the safety of the the taxi service.

He said: “It’s a hollow victory.

“I was saying long before TFL took notice that Uber wasn’t fit for purpose or to hold an operator’s licence.

“I was shocked it took them so long to do something about it.

“They compromised people’s safety.

“You actually cannot get an Uber car in Southend itself now.

“They are not welcome here and if they ever want to come here I will campaign heavily against them.

“It’s good riddance.”

Uber was asking for a five-year licence when TFL rejected the application but the judge issued the shorter one with stringent conditions after concluding the firm had made “rapid and very recent” changes.

Under the licence, Uber must inform the Metropolitan Police of criminal allegations, face regular independent audits and not employ anyone who has helped evade law enforcement.

Even though Uber won the appeal, they unusually offered to pay  TfL’s £425,000 legal costs.

John Watson, managing director of Southend-based AC Taxis, said: “We as a trade are disappointed with the ruling as there are clearly lots of public safety issues in the way Uber operate.

“These haven’t been addressed, for an example they will be operating in areas where the local enforcement officers will have no authority over them.

“As for Southend, Uber does not have a Southend licence so had decided two months ago to geo-fence their app meaning TFL cars are unable to work in Southend.

“Our view is that Uber is welcome to work in Southend as long as they have a Southend licence so their drivers are kept to the high Southend Safety Standards.”

Mark Flewitt, cabinet member for public protection, added: “We understand Uber has been given a short term licence to continue to operate in London, and we will be monitoring the situation for further developments.”

TAXI LEAKS EXTRA BIT.... LEAST WE FORGET:

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