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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Beachfront Mexican winter escape: 7nts all inclusive from £703pp incl. flights, hotel & more

Nothing beats the winter blues better than an all inclusive week in the Mexican sun! Jet off this November to the beaches of Mexico to give yourself some much needed R&R. The Riu Dunbar is a brand new (as of December 2017), 4* establishment that offers beachfront accommodation as well as modern amenities and more… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Super cute converted barn stay in the Cotswolds from £52pppn incl. breakfast - August dates

We all love a good romantic staycation, right Pirates? Well, they don't tend to get much cuter than this adorable converted barn stay in the middle of the Wiltshire countryside. The Cowsheds are surrounded by English countryside and beautifully manicured gardens, giving it a peaceful atmosphere. Breakfast is included in your stay as well and… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Mega bargain Corfu August holiday from £194pp - 7nts adults only hotel, flights, bags & transfers

Pirates, stop what you're doing and check up this absolute bargain holiday in Corfu we have found departing in August. The Greek getaway is based on 2 sharing and is under £200 per person - which is a banging price for the peak summer season. Holiday details Travel duration: 7 nights Example date: 26/08 -… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Venice 4* city-break 3nts from £177pp - incl. flights, Grand Canal hotel & breakfast

Arrr pirates! In Venice it's all about location, location, location and with a stay at the 4* Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal you can experience the most romantic city in the world as it is intended to: right on the Grand Canal. Here you will be staying in the heart of the city at… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Technology and tradition; Keeping up with the public transport resurgence

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Digital technology shows no sign of slowing down, particularly within the wider automotive sector. With noticeable improvements made to public transport services in recent years, accompanied by the rising costs of vehicle ownership, the taxi trade has seen a resurgence of sorts. Here, Derek Way, managing director, at world-leading mini printer specialists, Able Systems explains how taxi providers can use technology to keep up with this increase in demand and retain a loyal base of customers. For many, particularly city dwellers, public transport has always been the preferred method of travel. However, for others, including the increasingly environmentally conscious younger generation, it is now becoming a much more appealing option. The rising cost of fuel, maintenance and insurance means that owning your own vehicle is becoming less viable, especially when such reliable and cost effective alternatives are now readily available at the touch of a button. This is backed up by recent figures from the DVSA, obtained by motoring website Honest John, which show a 28 per cent dip in the number of young people taking their driving tests. This has accumulated in a decrease of 100,000 since 2007/8. As more people endeavour to cut down the size of their carbon footprint, taxi manufacturers are increasing their focus on improving their eco-credentials too. We’ve seen measures already implemented across the board, including the incorporation of natural gas powered engines into vehicles. With green initiatives also being launched by local authorities, electric taxis are now common sight in major cities across the UK. It’s incentives such as these, which help sway the mindsets of an increased number of commuters and tourists into using these vehicles - all without the worry of the longer-term impact on their surroundings. While companies must continually adapt to cope with an increase in passengers, it is important to consider the standards expected of those that have long used this type of transport. Ticketing and receipt systems, for example, must be able to cope with heightened levels of demand, whilst still offering the same guarantees they have previously. It’s no secret that we will continue to see a general shift towards online platforms that offer travel, namely Uber and MyTaxi. These convenient methods have their warrants, but the tradition, and convenience, of simply hailing a cab will always remain. The app-focused alternative also fails to take into account the importance of retaining physical records. The receipt is still required by many, including the older generation who may not yet be comfortable with new technologies. There are also business people to consider who require paper trails for expenses and records of travel. The printing of tickets also prevents any potential errors from handheld technology, such as failing smartphones losing vital information, or the risk of human error when handwritten receipts are issued. With this in mind, it is still of paramount importance not to alienate a customer base whilst attempting to capture a new one.For more information on Able Systems and its printing solutions, visit here.

June 29, 2018 at 08:37AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Able Systems THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Hotel Misprice? 5* Crete resort from £11pppn - autumn dates - flights from £36 o/w

Mateys, we know that it's always cheaper to travel 'off season' but this is something else! Now, we aren't sure if this one is a pricing error or just really really good value but you can book a stay at teh 5* resort in Crete from just £11 per person, per night on dates in… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

5* Luxury Cyprus family escape 4nts from £382pp - incl. spa hotel, flights & breakfast

Ahoy mateys! Next up we are sending you and you family to the 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 October rates but you could… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

London: Weekly TfL roads and events update

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Full Closure of Great Cumberland Place (between Bryanston Street and Seymour Street)

Monday 11 June for minimum of three weeks

• The closure is taking place between Bryanston Street and Seymour Street, and is required for deep level drain repair works • Going north, vehicles will be able to turn right from Great Cumberland Place into Bryanston Street and exit on to Portman Street • Going south, vehicles will have to use the diversion route via Edgware Road (south) and access via Marble Arch • The taxi rank and feeder rank at the Cumberland Hotel will be unaffected by the works, but travel disruption is likelyBrewer Street

Monday 25 June – Friday 27 July 2018

• There will be a road closure on Brewer Street between Wardour Street and Lexington Street for public realm works • Brewer Street (Madam Jojo) taxi rank will be inaccessible and will be suspended for this period of time • There will be no vehicle access during this period of timeHighbury CornerFrom today, Thursday 28 June until late 2019, roads in and around Highbury Corner will be busier than usual. This is due to construction work to introduce two-way traffic and build a new cycle route. Charing Cross RoadFrom 08:00 Saturday 30 June until 18:00 on 1 July, Charing Cross Road southbound will be closed between Denmark Street and Shaftesbury Avenue, with lane restrictions in the northbound carriageway. This is to facilitate a crane operation.

Finsbury Park – Community Festival • Finsbury Park will be hosting a Community Festival in the park on Friday 29, Saturday 30 June and Sunday 1 July • The taxi rank in Finsbury Park Station will be suspended from 21:00 until 23:30 on the Friday and Saturday and from 20:30 until 22:30 on the Sunday • There will be a temporary taxi rank in the suspended bus stop on Green Lanes (directly opposite Manor House Station) • There will be a pre-booked PHV area in Osborne RoadMusic festivals, Hainault Forest Country Park

Saturday 30 June and Sunday 1 July • Hainault Forest Country Park will host two, ticketed, music and dance festivals; Garage Nation on Saturday will operate from 11:00 until 23:00 and ‘One Dance’ on Sunday will operate from 12:00 until 21:30. Both days will have a capacity of 15,000. There are no road closures for this event but local traffic and transport may experience delays due to increased numbers of pedestrians in the area • Taxi and private hire arrangements – There will be a dedicated area within Hainault Forest Country Park for Taxis and PHVs which will be marshaledPeople’s Assembly Protest

Saturday 30 June • From 12:00, over 10,000 people are anticipated to form up in Portland Place outside the BBC building • At 13:00 those assembled will march to Parliament Square via Langham Place, Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, Haymarket, Cockspur Street, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall and Parliament Street. Upon arrival in Parliament Square, a rally, including live performances by musicians, will take place until 17:00 • The march will be facilitated by the MPS with road closures and short traffic holdsSummer Streets, Regent Street

Sunday 1, Sunday 8, Sunday 15 and Sunday 23 July • The first of the four annual Summer Streets events will take place from 12:00 until 18:00 • To facilitate this car-free day event, Regent Street will be closed in both directions from Piccadilly Circus to Oxford Street between 08:00 and 20:00 • Additionally, Regent Street will be closed southbound from the junction with Mortimer Street to all traffic except London buses • New Burlington Street will be closed between 05:00 and 21:00. There will be associated closures or restrictions on adjacent roads

June 29, 2018 at 06:59AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT