New direct flights to Tampa from London: £330 return on Norwegian

Be one of the first to book Norwegians brand new direct flights from London (Gatwick) to Tampa in Florida later this year. Seats have just gone on sale at a special launch price from just £330 return. Flights go 3 times a week with the cheapest departures and returns on Wednesday. Flight details Direct flights… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Chic 4* Turkey holiday 7nts from £378pp - incl. flights, Bodrum hotel, breakfast & more

Arrr mateys! Turkey is on the cards with this stylish holiday we've spotted placing you in Bodrum 1 minute walk away from a private beach at the elegant 4* Cape Bodrum Beach Resort. You can choose anything from 3- 14 nights stay with breakfast included and date availability spanning July - October. Holiday details Travel… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

TfL’s actions a “betrayal” says UCG as legal funding starts

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The conditional renewal of Uber’s Private Hire operator licence in London came as no surprise to us at the UCG.

It was a fait accompli with a little theatre and drama through the means of the witness stand at Westminster Magistrates Court, Uber and TfL played a merry game of chase, only to have Uber declared the winners.

I’ll admit the first day of the hearing had me feeling upbeat and positive about the potentiality for a ban of the renegade Venture Capitalist Minicab Phone App, Uber. Only for my hopes to be dashed on the second day, as the hearing ended two days prematurely as the Magistrate had already had her mind made up. Once they were talking conditions of re-licensing, that was it, evidently thought out beforehand, they just needed the exposure and mandate of a courtroom to seal the dirty deal.

The curious elements to be noted are the mea culpa pleas of Uber, these frank admissions open up a plethora of potentialities as they were made under oath in a courtroom. They admitted to operating illegally, they admitted to the driver taking the booking, they were and still are in breach of the Private Hire Act 1998.

That’s all well and good, but who gives a fig, if nobody does anything about it, the public have their seemingly ubiquitous cheap rides and on hand availability. The courts shuffle the responsibility back to TfL, who gladly receive a much needed injection of funds from Uber, the price of doing illegal business and getting away with it, in Mayor ‘Khan’s’ Open for business London.

Well, previous the the day of 25/6/18, which we all had etched into our diaries as Uber’s Day of Reckoning in the capital, the UCG had to come up with a contingency plan to redress the balance in the Taxi Wars, that London is going through at the moment.

By our thinking, the blame for non enforcement and lapse licensing cannot be put to Uber or their underlings on the streets, but surely of all people it had to be TfL themselves. Their remit is to govern their patch, Greater London, and make sure all taxi and Private Hire operations are within the auspices of the Acts of Parliament laid down for those given enterprises.

After having consulted with our legal eagles, we felt, as did the silks, that we had a case, that TfL had to answer for. Cab drivers have knowingly suffered from TfL’s woefully inadequate governance since their inception and moreover since 2012, when they licensed Uber to replicate the exact conditions under which our work is undertaken without the burdens and costs we face in order to be up to scratch.

Essentially it was a betrayal. I cannot go into the details, that’s what lawyers are for, and that is why we need to engage with them to get the kind of outcomes we need for the survival of our noble trade and to put TfL in check. Their weak interpretations of the law have to be challenged in order to secure our futures and the successful running of London from the perspective of being a world leader in finance , trade and tourism, as well as a great place to live and work for all who use our services.What is essential now is put forward a solid coherent argument that the trade can get behind, not just the cab drivers, it is an existential fight we are undertaking, so we have to get it right, or live with the fact that we’re no more than overqualified minicabs in quirky cars in a one tier system.

It is a trade action, let that be clear, it is for any interested party in the trade who earns from it or benefits from it. Primarily apolitical as it is a commercial concern. I’m not one for trade unity per se, but if ever there was a need for a non partisan action to be pursued for the greater good of all our careers and livelihoods, it is this one.

It would be appreciated if everyone could put into the legal fund. If 23,000 drivers donated a £20 job every month, our budget would be £660,000, so ask yourselves, what price, my job? Our backs are against the wall, we need to take action if we want to secure out futures.

Be Lucky

Brian Garvey UCG Committee

July 01, 2018 at 09:00AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Crazed Moped Rider Assaults London Taxi Passenger

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A terrified taxi passenger was injured after a moped rider launched an unprovoked assault on a cab in Edgware Road.

The woman received minor cuts after being showered in glass when the man leapt from his bike and began attacking Glen Smith’s taxi on Monday, June 18, at 7.30am.

Glen told TAXI that he was waiting to turn left into Marylebone at the lights in Edgware Road when the moped stopped in front of him.

The 45-year-old, from Loughton, said: “I’m flabbergasted to honest. This moped pulled up close in front of me and I mean close – he looked behind and scowled at me. When the lights changed to green it didn’t move and there was a toot from behind me, so I tried to edge around him. Suddenly, he punched the bonnet of my taxi and then he jumped off his moped and tried to open the door, before going to the rear passenger door and smashing the window, causing the glass to break, covering my passenger.

She was asking what was going on, but I had no idea why it happened.”

The attacker walked back to his bike and sped away from the scene leaving Glen to look after his shaken passenger.

He managed to flag down another cab for her to continue her journey and spoke to several witnesses, all of whom agreed the attack had been unprovoked.

He said: “My passenger was terrified, and I had to put her in another taxi. I contacted her later and it seems that she was cut by the broken glass – she had a small cut on her leg and was pretty shaken up by what went on. At the time I was trying to work out whether it was a road rage or a robbery – it just makes no sense. The witnesses said I had done nothing wrong and I tried to think about whether I had done anything wrong – even now to think about it. It’s lawless out there.”

Glen managed to take down the registration plate of the moped and police are now investigating.

July 01, 2018 at 07:46AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Late summer Majorca from £146pp: Flights & 7nts Cala d'Or aparthotel (2-4 share)

Book an end-of-season bargain now, and you'll have the whole summer to look forward to your great value holiday to the island of Majorca, safe in the knowledge that you've scored a brilliant price. Starting from just £146 per person, based on 4 sharing, you'll get return flights from the UK, plus 7 nights in… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Super luxurious Mexican break: 7nts all inclusive in Aug from £962pp incl. flights, 5* hotel

Grab a week away in the Mexican sun at the tale end of August this year and relax in the adults only, 5* surroundings of the Platinum Yucatan Princess. Push the boat out and you'll reap the rewards like a stay in one of their plush junior suites as well as your choice of an… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Christmas market season in Amsterdam: 4nts from £196pp incl. flights & city spa hotel

OK Pirates, so we don't want to think about winter either BUT if you play your cards right you can book a Christmas market early bird bargain now and avoid the rush later on in the year. We have discovered this super cheap 4 night city break to Amsterdam when the smell of mulled wine… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Nottingham PHV driver suspended by council for string of offences

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A Nottingham private hire driver has lost his appeal against a one month suspension by Nottingham council after a string of offences.

The council, which operates a penalty points system, so as to raise standards amongst the PHV and taxi industry on the region, suspended 48 year old Javed Iqbal for a month after he was asked by a council officer to move out of a lay-by, where he was parked.

Mr Iqbal, gave the "royal wave" after initially refusing to move, he then moved four or five feet according to the council officer.

The council officer then examined the vehicle and found one tyre was under the legal limit and one tyre was under the council tread-depth limit for tyres.The officer also found that Mr Iqbals license was not visible.

Mr Iqbal initially received 3 penalty points and a £200 fine and was suspensed by Nottingham council for a month after also being caught parked on double Yellow lines on three occasions.

The suspension was appealed by Mr Iqbal at Nottingham Magistrates Court, but the suspension was upheld.

Mr Iqbal was ordered to pay £500 in court costs.

June 30, 2018 at 05:33PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Luxury in the Costa Rican jungle: 7nts all inclusive from £924pp incl. flights, hotel & more

Sometimes in life you discover something so amazing that you just have to spread the word as fast as possible. This is one of those moments Pirates, we are so excited to bring you this amazing deal to Costa Rica. Enjoy 7 lavish nights in the 5* Dreams Las Mareas resort on a super all… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Transport for London holding £300m 'cash mountain' left on dormant Oyster cards

Warning millions in potential refunds has gone unclaimed as scheme celebrates 15th anniversary

Transport for London (TfL) has been urged to help customers reclaim their share of the "cash mountain" sat on dormant Oyster cards as the contactless scheme marks its 15th anniversary.

Official statistics released by the transport authority show the total balances and deposits on cards that have not been used for more than a year currently stands at £321m.

Lib Dem London assembly member Caroline Pidgeon has accused TfL bosses of remaining "incredibly quiet" about the growing pot of cash sitting in dormant Oyster accounts.

"As we celebrate Oyster's success we should not overlook the staggering rise of dormant Oyster cards, creating an immense cash mountain for TfL," Ms Pidgeon said.

“The total amount left on dormant Oyster cards is soaring, almost certainly in part due to the increasing number of people who have switched to contactless payment.

"TfL never stops bombarding us with advertisements and information campaigns, but highlighting this cash mountain is one issue that they remain incredibly quiet about. 

"It is time TfL devoted far more time and energy telling the public how they can get their own money back."

More than 100 million people have used Oyster cards since they were launched on 30 June 2003.

The scheme has revolutionised the way in which public transport is paid for in the capital and can be used for travel by Tube, rail, bus, boat and cable car.

Fares are capped, meaning users will never pay more than they would for an equivalent paper ticket for their day's travel.

Oyster users are able to reclaim the £5 initial deposit they paid for their card, as well as up to £10 pay-as-you-go credit.

However, few are choosing to do this and the TfL is sitting on an ever increasing fund of cash accumulating on dormant cards.

The figure has risen by almost £100m in the past two years, up from £223m in August 2016.

The transport authority is however planning for a £1bn deficit next year after a fall in passenger numbers prompted by factors such as changing work patterns and the rise of internet shopping has hit its revenues hard. 

Several Tube upgrade programmes have been shelved after it lost a government grant worth £700m a year, while a significant number of bus services are also due to be cut.

"The Oyster card is an essential part of London and we're delighted with how popular this innovation has become in the last 15 years," said Shashi Verma, TfL's chief technology officer.

"It has transformed travel on public transport in London, become a world-recognised product and helped provide more affordable and convenient travel for everyone."

The transport authority is however planning for a £1bn deficit next year after a fall in passenger numbers prompted by factors such as changing work patterns and the rise of internet shopping has hit its revenues hard. 

Several Tube upgrade programmes have been shelved after it lost a government grant worth £700m a year, while a significant number of bus services are also due to be cut.

"The Oyster card is an essential part of London and we're delighted with how popular this innovation has become in the last 15 years," said Shashi Verma, TfL's chief technology officer.

"It has transformed travel on public transport in London, become a world-recognised product and helped provide more affordable and convenient travel for everyone."

Additional reporting by PA

The transport authority is however planning for a £1bn deficit next year after a fall in passenger numbers prompted by factors such as changing work patterns and the rise of internet shopping has hit its revenues hard. 

Several Tube upgrade programmes have been shelved after it lost a government grant worth £700m a year, while a significant number of bus services are also due to be cut.

"The Oyster card is an essential part of London and we're delighted with how popular this innovation has become in the last 15 years," said Shashi Verma, TfL's chief technology officer.

"It has transformed travel on public transport in London, become a world-recognised product and helped provide more affordable and convenient travel for everyone."

Additional reporting by PA

The transport authority is however planning for a £1bn deficit next year after a fall in passenger numbers prompted by factors such as changing work patterns and the rise of internet shopping has hit its revenues hard. 

Several Tube upgrade programmes have been shelved after it lost a government grant worth £700m a year, while a significant number of bus services are also due to be cut.

"The Oyster card is an essential part of London and we're delighted with how popular this innovation has become in the last 15 years," said Shashi Verma, TfL's chief technology officer.

"It has transformed travel on public transport in London, become a world-recognised product and helped provide more affordable and convenient travel for everyone”.

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Winter flights to Vienna from £39 return - incl. Christmas markets dates

We know...we know! It's still summer. But now is a great time to get bargain flights to some of Europe's most popular Christmas market cities, like Vienna from just £39 return from London or Dublin. These direct flights depart on heaps of dates between November and December, perfect for an excuse to go and have… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Influx of thousands of out of town private hire drivers causing major safety concerns in East Midlands city

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Taxi and private hire drivers in Derby have raised major concerns about the influx of around 1,000 new drivers now operating who have been registered elsewhere, some in areas that run very little checks before issuing licenses for as low as £69. Drivers who are licensed in Derby have to undertake a points system which checks previous offences to ensure the safety of the public, but now issues with other licensing authorities are being highlighted with growing concerns that children in particular are taking rides to school with many drivers who have not been checked accordingly. Another concern raised by the "cross-border" hiring system is that vehicles licensed outside of Derby cannot be checked by Derby City Council, leaving them powerless. The increase in numbers of private hire drivers has now left most drivers having to work 60 hour weeks just to get by. The belief is that since Derby City Council introduced new licensing rules nearly a year ago which meant any applicants would need to demonstrate basic skills in IT, English and maths, many wannabe private hire drivers are choosing the easier route to obtaining a licence by going to a less stringent licensing authority. According to a report in the Derbyshire Live, the city council have confirmed that private hire operators that have contracts with local schools are able to use any driver regardless of where their licence was issued.

June 30, 2018 at 02:51PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

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