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

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

Solo in Bilbao: Fly to Basque Country from £38 return in late Summer & Autumn

Mateys, Bilbao is a destination we don't often see deals to, so don't delay in jumping on these great value easyJet flights to Basque country, starting from as little as £37 return from a number of UK airports. As well as being an up-and-coming foodie destination, Bilbao is growing in popularity as a 'Game of… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Super cute Devonshire Shepherd's hut stay w/ hot tub: 2nts from £80pp (sleeps 4) dog friendly

Grab the crew and head out to Devon for a cute staycation in the countryside. These shepherd's huts lie near the town of Cullompton, surrounded by countryside. There are 2 huts sleeping either 2 or 4 people, both are dog friendly and have a hot tub - perfect for a relaxing 2 night break away!… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

TfL and Siemens set to deliver the next generation of urban traffic management

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Transport for London (TfL) has awarded Siemens Mobility Limited a 10 year contract to deliver a world leading upgrade to London's road network management system.

The cutting edge new Real Time Optimiser (RTO) system will revolutionise the current traffic light control system that has been keeping London moving for over 30 years. It will help TfL make much better use of the road space by optimising the traffic light timings to enable more people and goods to move on the capital's road network with fewer delays. When the road network is disrupted by an unplanned incident, planned work or events, TfL's 24/7 control centre will have a more sophisticated tool to help return the road network back to normal as quickly as possible.London already has an extensive network of SCOOT-controlled traffic lights, which use sensors to detect traffic and adjust the signal timings to manage queues and give buses priority if they are running late. This alone keeps traffic delay 13 per cent lower than it would otherwise be. New sensors to balance signal timings for cyclists and pedestrians are being introduced, but the current system is struggling to optimise effectively for everyone.The new RTO technology will be able to take in a range of new data sources, connect to new types of sensors and support innovation, including sharing data with connected vehicles, which could include autonomous vehicles in the future. Data generated by the system can then be used to better inform road users of current or expected road conditions to support improved journey planning.Working closely with TfL, Siemens will develop and maintain the new system, which will be pivotal in achieving TfL and the Mayor's Healthy Streets Approach for London, which aims to improve air quality, reduce congestion and make sustainable travel more appealing and accessible to everyone.The RTO contract allows for ongoing development of the system throughout the duration of the partnership to maximise its potential benefits and ensure a market-leading product. The RTO system will be made commercially available to other organisations, with TfL benefitting from future revenues. All TfL revenue from sales of the RTO system will be reinvested back into London's road network.Glynn Barton, TfL's Director of Network Management, said:'This world-leading new traffic management system will be a game-changer for us in London. It will use new data sources to better manage our road network, tackle congestion, reduce delay for people choosing healthier travel options and improve air quality. And by providing our control centre with a tool which supports more effective incident response, everyone will benefit.'Wilke Reints, Managing Director at Siemens ITS, said:'Having worked in close partnership with TfL on a wide range of traffic solutions in the past, we are absolutely delighted to have been selected to work with them on such an exciting and pioneering programme. This is a major development for London and its road users and for the traffic industry as a whole.'Given TfL's clear focus on delivering the safest and most efficient traffic network for all road users, we believe this is a unique opportunity to build a robust, reliable system that will meet the needs of one of the world's largest cities. Once RTO is successfully introduced, London will be a showcase for intelligent traffic solutions for megacities worldwide.'The current Urban Traffic Control system in London is over 30 years old and operates on out-dated technology. RTO will replace this current capability, and then build on the current optimisation technique, SCOOT. This system automatically adjusts traffic signal timings to minimise traffic delays, give priority to buses, especially when they are detected as running late, give additional time to cyclists using segregated lanes when numbers are high, and at busy pedestrian locations, extend the green pedestrian invitation to cross signal.

July 01, 2018 at 05:33PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

We love Barcelona: 4* hotel close to the sea & w/ rooftop pool from £63pppn flights from £54

Barcelona, it's a city with everything, the beach, great shopping and even greater food. So why not organise a cheapy trip this autumn? We've found this beautiful hotel near the beach that offers a comfortable, stylish stay. The Barcelona Princess is a 4* accommodation close to the water and it's own rooftop pool - you… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Sardinia holiday on La Maddalena island 7nts from £234pp - incl. flights, hotel & breakfast

Ahoy mateys! We've found this excellent value for money autumn holiday placing you on the gorgeous little island off Sardinia's northern coast La Maddalena. Home to arguably some of the best beaches in the world here you will be staying in style at top-rated 4* Excelsior right by the port! Holiday details Travel duration:… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Super last minute 5* bargain: 7nts all inclusive in Cape Verde from £679pp incl. flights & hotel

Immerse yourself in luxury without breaking the bank this summer with a last minute all inclusive bargain trip to the Cape Verde islands. Grab this deal with both hands and you could be staying at the 5* Sensimar Cabo Verde Resort which lies right on the beach this July. We also have a voucher code… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

2019 spring break to Zante: 4nts in 5* resort from £262pp incl. flights & breakfast

Isn't it about time you got a little 5* treatment Pirates? Well, you're in luck with this mini break to Zante. The Mabely Grand Hotel boasts no less than 16, yes SIXTEEN, swimming pools as well as sweeping views over the sea. You'll be able to call this plush accommodation home for 4 nights next… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

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