Nice cabbies in protest against Uber

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Taxi drivers in Nice took to the streets yesterday to protest against a partnership signed between the local town council and Uber.

The partnership with the Ligne d’Azur bus network will see annual pass holders able to get an Uber to, or from some tram stations as well as on bus routes which have finished operating.

The scheme will be running at a flat cost of €6 (£5.50) after 8pm.

Furious taxi drivers in the area are calling for the town council to have a rethink of the scheme, claiming that it constitutes unfair competition

July 06, 2018 at 12:04PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Cheap flights alert: Fly to Venice from only £19 return

Pirates, Venice is a must see destination and we can't believe how cheap these flights are, return flights for only £19 - wowsa! The flights to Venice depart from Bristol on a wide range of dates spanning September, grab them quick as at these prices they're sure to go fast. Check out our flight finder… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Changes proposed to Private Hire Congestion Charge exemptions to reduce traffic and improve air quality

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Transport for London has today launched a public consultation on measures to reduce traffic and improve air quality in central London. The new proposals would see the exemption from the Congestion Charge for private hire vehicles (PHVs) removed and the introduction of a new Cleaner Vehicle Discount to replace the Ultra Low Emission Discount.It is proposed that these changes would take effect from 8 April 2019, and by ensuring that the emission standard for those receiving a full discount are tighter than the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), would help to further drive demand for the greenest vehicles.Since the Congestion Charge launched fifteen years ago, the number of vehicles entering the zone every day has decreased by around 30 per cent. However, over the same period, the number of different PHVs entering the zone in charging hours has gone from an expected 4,000 a day, to more than 18,000, with knock on impacts on air pollution and congestion in central London.

Alex Williams, TfL’s Director of City Planning, said: “If we are to clean up the capital’s toxic air and tackle congestion in central London, we need to have the appropriate incentives as well as the right interventions.“The Congestion Charge has had a real impact on improving London’s roads for all since it launched fifteen years ago. However, over that time the availability and standard of low-emission vehicles has greatly advanced and the number of private hire vehicles entering the zone during charging hours has rocketed. It is only right that we keep the discounts and exemptions for the scheme under review to make sure it continues to be effective.”Analysis carried out for TfL indicates that the removal of the PHV Congestion Charge exemption could reduce the number of individual PHVs entering central London by up to 45 per cent. Removing these vehicles, which often repeatedly circulate within the zone, could reduce congestion and improve journey times for bus passengers, while reducing emissions. It is proposed that the exemption would remain for wheelchair accessible PHVs, to support TfL’s commitment to make the capital an accessible city for all.The consultation seeks views on replacing the Ultra Low Emission Discount with a new phased Cleaner Vehicle Discount from 8 April 2019. The current Ultra Low Emission Discount applies to cars or vans that meet the Euro 5 standard for air quality, as well as emitting 75g/km or less of CO². The first phase of changes proposed would mean only zero-emission capable vehicles will not have to pay the Congestion Charge on environmental grounds. It is expected that, if the changes are made, around 10 per cent of the vehicles currently eligible will no longer receive a discount.To encourage the uptake of the cleanest vehicles and support the ambition in the Mayor’s Transport Strategy for zero-emission road transport by 2050, there will a further tightening of the Cleaner Vehicle Discount in October 2021, with only pure electric vehicles qualifying. Further consideration will be given to future incentives for the uptake of zero-emission vehicles after 2025, which, subject to consultation, could include a central London zero-emission zone.

Bridget Fox, Sustainable Transport Campaigner at Campaign for Better Transport, said: "The Congestion Charge plays a vital role in cutting unnecessary traffic, keeping London moving and helping clean up our dirty air. It's right that TfL is keeping the Congestion Charge under review and integrating it with other clean air measures. We hope Londoners will take this opportunity to speak up for healthier streets.

July 06, 2018 at 11:30AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

August departures to Crete from £285pp - 7nts 3* hotel, breakfast, flights, luggage & transfers

Pirates, we are always keeping our eye out for the last minute bargains this summer and we have found this little gem of a holiday to Crete in Greece. The holiday departs in August and there are a choice of dates and departure airports. Breakfast is included each morning of your stay. Holiday details Travel… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Quirky north Italy break: 4nts B&B in arty hotel & flights from £187pp - near Lake Garda & Verona

Don't let your summer end as soon as the 31st August rolls around, give yourself something to look forward to with a late season trip to northern Italy. Along with one of the quirkiest hotels we think we've ever seen, flights and breakfast are included in this deal, all for less than £190pp! Holiday details:… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Amsterdam flights from £33rtn - several UK departures

Pirates, treat yourselves to a autumn break in one of the most fun cities in Europe! Our Flights Finder is offering some great prices on flights in September - when the weather is still perfect for wandering those canals! We've spotted cheap options from London, Belfast, Bristol, Edinburgh, Manchester and Liverpool. To find some great… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Last minute Tunisian treat: 7nt all inclusive package from £368pp - incl. hotel, flights & bags

Pirates, it's time to get some of the all inclusive treatment for an unbelievable price thanks to our Package Finder! As well as being located almost right on a terrific Tunisian beach, Marco Polo Hotel has a spectacular swimming pool. This lovely package also includes return flights, luggage, transfer and ATOL protection. Cheapest departures are… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

GMB call on Welwyn Hatfield Council for stronger licensing enforcement following strike at AAA Taxis

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GMB call on Welwyn Hatfield Council to take stronger stance on licensing enforcement as drivers at AAA Taxis strike over TfL and non-local drivers taking local work

It is clear that push has really come to shove as drivers have chosen to strike, says GMB LondonGMB, the union for taxi and private hire drivers, have called on Welwyn Hatfield Council to take a stronger stance on licensing enforcement after drivers from AAA Taxis in Hatfield held a two-day strike, following multiple issues including price reductions made on app and phone bookings as well as TfL licensed drivers being used to carry out local work.AAA drivers are also concerned that non-local licensed drivers are carrying out work for local education contracts.With the increase of drivers from outside the area taking work, drivers are questioning the enforcement by Welwyn Hatfield Council.Steve Garelick, GMB Regional Officer said:“It is clear that push has really come to shove as drivers have chosen to strike.“AAA clearly do not want to discuss matters unless drivers return back, which shows a disdain for those who provide the service.“As an example, after 11pm until 7am drivers should see time and a half, however they are paying £5.50 per journey as a minimum based on the company showing more concern for consumer than driver.“I would also imagine that Welwyn Hatfield Council would want to support local small business people, but clearly this does not seem to be the case.”

July 06, 2018 at 05:58AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Zoom: New York City considers minimum wage for Uber drivers

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New York City may become the first to implement a minimum wage for Uber drivers and others who find fares using a ride hailing app.

Drivers in the private hire and taxi business in the state say they are not making enough money to pay their bills and support their families which many in the UK may find familiar. According to the New York Times, six professional drivers have killed themselves in recent months.The move will be welcomed by those struggling to deal with the industry shift towards the gig economy, with many yellow cab drivers saying they have been left in financial ruin and decimated the industry.The proposed rules from the Taxi and Limousine Commission were outlined in a study released on Monday (1st July) and seeks to address the price differentials in Uber’s business model: that their rides are often cheaper than taxis but that many of its drivers are struggling to make a living after the company takes its cut.“Their low pay has persisted despite the rapid growth of the industry,” the study said.The report suggests that if a driver’s earnings fall below $17.22 per hour over the course of a week, the companies would be required to make up the difference. It found the median net hourly earnings were $14.25. To combat this shortfall, the study suggested companies could increase hourly take home by lowering their commission rates, currently about 10 to 25 per cent of the fare.This is not the first time a city has tried to deal with how to regulate Uber. In South Africa, strikes are taking place and in London Uber took Transport for London to court over its decision not to renew its operating license.Seattle was the first city to approve a law allowing Uber and app drivers to form a union but this is facing a legal challenge. The mayor of Honolulu recently vetoed a bill to cap price surging by Uber during peak periods.The New York pay rules would apply to four major car service apps — Uber, Lyft, Via and Juno — all of which provide more than 10,000 trips each day in New York.“This is an important step in addressing one of the many pressing challenges that face the for-hire and taxi industries today,” said the taxi commissioner, Meera Joshi.Unsurprisingly, Uber said it had major concerns over the study and its findings. Spokeswoman Alix Anfang said the company was concerned the increased earnings for drivers would be passed onto the customers rather than Uber themselves lowering their commission.The study uncovered statistics showing that about forty per cent of drivers have incomes so low they qualify for assistance with healthcare, called Medicaid, and about 18 per cent qualify for good stamps. Some drivers feel they were duped into the industry and promise of good wages, stumping up $5000 for vehicles and now being trapped in a debt cycle.A spokesman for mayor Bill de Blasio said the city wouldn’t “move in any direction until we review the report and the mayor makes a decision” but that the mayor supported a “comprehensive package” to address the challenges facing the taxi and for-hire vehicle industry.It is not the first time the politician has tried to start a battle with Uber: in 2015 he tried to put a cap on the number of vehicles in the city and found himself the subject of an aggressive campaign by the company.At the heart of the study is a proposal to make drivers using ride hailing apps more efficient, driving a greater proportion of the time. This is to combat a current inefficiency, say the report’s authors, which was created bThis oversupply is a key factor in depressing wages, which in the UK means that drivers are subsidised by in work benefits and other assistance measures whilst Uber itself does not pay a large amount of tax.The study, which relied primarily on data collected from the companies by the taxi commission, was written by Dr. James Parrott, of the Center for New York City Affairs at the New School and Professor Michael Reich, of the University of California at Berkeley.But despite the calls for a minimum wage the report was not welcomed by the Taxi Workers Alliance, which was disappointed that the general pay structure of Uber and other companies has been accepted.Their lawyer, Zubin Soleimany, said it was this which has created a race to the bottom that hurts both app drivers and taxi drivers. The TWA would instead prefer the apps to charge the regulated taxi fare at a minimum, and giving drivers a guaranteed percentage of that fare.Other researchers have also found that app-based drivers make low wages. A study earlier this year by the liberal Economic Policy Institute, relying on data released by Uber, showed that the company’s drivers make about $11.77 per hour on average nationally, after deducting Uber’s share and vehicle expenses.

July 06, 2018 at 05:58AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Masked thugs call minicab operator to tell them they are battering one of their drivers during horrific attack

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(Image:Facebook - A1 Taxis Mablethorpe)

A private hire driver from Lincolnshire has been hospitalised after a brutal beating at the hands of three masked thugs. Adam Scandell, 35, who works for A1 Taxis, was brutally attacked when three people wearing black hoodies and masks smashed the window of the vehicle, possibly with a bat of some kind, then repeatedly whacked the same object around Scandell's head causing cuts, bruises and swelling. The three attackers then ran off leaving Scandell in agony. The attack took place at Mablethorpe Caravan Park at around 11:45pm on Monday July 2. It comes after a string of unprovoked attacks which has left local residents worried for their safety. During the attack, the three masked thugs used Scandell's communication equipment to radio through to his controller shouting; "We have got your taxi driver and we are kicking the s**t out of him". Local residents have said they could hear the victim screaming for help during the mindless assault. According to a report in the Lincolnshire Live, A1 Taxi office has had a number of incidents over the last two years which have costs them thousands of pounds. Teenage thugs between the ages of 14 and 17 seem to be at the root of the violence. Residents say that when the police do catch any of the offenders they are simply let off with a caution and then continue terrorising the locals. Mr Scandell's car was left with his blood splattered all over the interior. The windscreen and side windows were all smashed in. Mr Scandell is now unsure of whether he will be able to continue working as a driver in town. Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or know of the three attackers, to contact them. You can report any details by; -Email -- force.control@lincs.pnn.police.uk -- using reference 553 of June 2-Non emergency number -- 101-Through the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on -- 0800 555 111

July 05, 2018 at 08:26PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Solo in Croatia: 4nt escapes to suit every budget from £196 incl. flights, hotel & breakfast

Escape for some 'me time' next spring time to the stunning country of Croatia. But if you're having trouble looking for the perfect solo break to suit your budget, we're here to help. We have selected some of the best deals out there from the budget getaway to the luxury escape, with a mid-range one… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Late summer sun: All inclusive Dom Rep break from £608pp - incl. 7nts resort, flights &

Pirates, keep on basking in the British sunshine and plot your holidays for later in the summer! Our Package Finder is offering some superb rates to the Dominican Republic, giving you 7 nights of the all inclusive treatment at Playa Bachata Resort. The cheapest options depart in September, with options in late-August for a few… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Autumn sun in Gran Canaria: 7nt break from £191pp - incl. flights & aparthotel

Sunshine in September? Yes we Gran Can! With a little help from our Holiday Finder we've lined up a week in the Canary Islands, staying at Natural Park in Gran Canaria. Flights are also included from a selection of UK airports. We're eyeing up a September departure, when temperatures hover comfortably in the mid-20s Celsius.… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Flights to lovely Lisbon from only £37 return

Pirates, if you are looking for a cool city break, these are the flights for you, we have come across these bargain flights to Lisbon that won't break the bank. Team some cheap flights with a great hotel and you have your self a nice little getaway to lovely Lisbon. Use our flights finder for… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Pride 2018: Ride with Pride

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This years Pride will take place on Saturday July 7th and begins at Portland Place finishing up at Trafalgar Square.For London cabbie Ian Beetlestone this weekends event holds a special place in his heart having taken part in the parade in a specially designed London Taxi.The first official UK Gay Pride rally was held in July 1972, inspired by the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York. It became an annual fixture in London’s calendar, and by 2007 it had swollen to one of the largest and most prominent pride events in the world – and it’s still growing! It provides a platform for everyone from the diverse spectrum of London’s LGBT+ community to raise awareness on issues they still face, and to celebrate what has already been achieved.

Back in October 2013 Ian Beetlestone wrote his first blog post about picking up the Bishop of Salisbury, the Church of England’s first bishop to back same-sex marriage. He wrote about the stereotypical idea of the London cabbie as a man of socially illiberal views and fantasised about what a positive message about the trade it would send to drive around in a rainbow cab in solidarity with the LGBT rights movement.In January 2015 he resolved to get more involved in the gay community and contacted Martyn Loukes, chair of TfL’s LGBT network OUTbound, with a view to making his rainbow cab dream a reality. His suggestion was that he drove his cab in TfL’s entry into the Pride parade in June 2015, and that the cab was covered with a rainbow livery for the occasion. Martyn was instantly keen and both got cracking on making it happen.TfL designed the livery along the same lines as that of the number 8 bus already in service, taxi advertising firm Ubiquitous sponsored the fitting, and Ian’s gracious gaffer Howard at Easyrentacab in Bethnal Green gave permission for his cab to be wrapped and driven in the parade.Ian said in his blog: “It is such a thrill to drive this cab. It has changed my job. I am constantly photographed as I go around town. People point, stare, smile; I hear them reading out loud as I go by, “Ride with Pride? Ride with Pride!” I get thumbs ups. People shout, “Love it!” as I pass. The positive response from pedestrians, passengers and other cabbies has been overwhelming.

“It is very nice indeed that despite the current, many and much discussed elsewhere disagreements between TfL and the taxi trade, we have been able to work together to make this happen. I am absolutely delighted that for the first time, this year a hackney carriage will be parading with TfL in Pride alongside a Routemaster bus, right at the heart of the London transport family, which is exactly where we should be.”

Ian still drives his “Ride with Pride” taxi and has teamed up with London Taxi PR to help deliver a positive social media campaign during this years Pride weekend.Check out Ian’s fantastic blog for more stories here.

July 05, 2018 at 05:44PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Winter warmer: 4nt B&B break in 5* Fuerteventura Sheraton hotel w/ flights from £338pp

Set your sights on the 5* lifestyle this winter Pirates! Because we have found this glorious mini break to Fuerteventura in January. Jet off to the Canaries and stay in the 5* Sheraton Beach, Golf & Spa Resort for 4 nights. The resort has wonderful views out onto the sea so you can relax in… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Energiewende Taxi! TX enters respected Berlin market

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London EV Company has launched it’s electric taxi, the TX, in Berlin – and has announced its intention to partner with Volvo Germany to sell and distribute the vehicle.The TX combines cutting-edge technology with classic British design. The vehicle is intended to play a role in Germany’s energy transition, helping operators move away from conventional fossil fuel powered vehicles, reducing their carbon footprint and improving air quality in cities across Germany. This a timely arrival for the vehicle – as Germany risks missing its 2020 carbon reduction targets due to the carbon intensity of its road transport network.

Speaking at the launch event, Carl-Peter Forster, Chairman of LEVC said:“Everyone is realising that the goals of the “energy transition” and improvement of air quality can only be achieved if more electric cars drive on German roads. We can help with our TX.”

All LEVC products include eCity technology - an advanced battery electric powertrain with a small back-up petrol generator. Applied to the all-new TX, the technology allows for a range of 640km (377 miles) including up to 130km (80 miles) pure electric range.

A trusted partnerLaunching a new brand in a new country requires a trusted partner, and for that reason, LEVC is proud to announce that it will be working with Volvo Germany to import, sell and maintain this vehicle. This makes use of the technology synergies between the two brands.

Thomas Bauch, CEO of Volvo Cars Germany said:“Volvo Cara Germany and LEVC will work closely together in marketing and service in Germany. The drivers can therefore fall back on the Volvo network after the conclusion of the contract negotiations.”

July 05, 2018 at 04:28PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Bargain flights to Reykjavik in Iceland from only £35 return

Pirates, Iceland is calling, check out these mega cheap flights to Reykjavik we have found for just £35 return! Wow! These flights are from London and you can also fly from Edinburgh - use our flights tool for all options. There are many dates available at great prices so get booking as these prices are… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

London: Weekly TfL roads and events update

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Brewer 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 timeCharlie Brown’s Roundabout - Monday 9 July - Monday 23 July • From 21:00 until 05:00 every weekday from Monday 9 until Monday 23 July, works will take place to improve the roundabout to minimise traffic disruption • The A406 will have lane closures clockwise/eastbound and the Southend Road off-slip will be closed between the junction and Lechmere Avenue • Chigwell Road (north) will be access only between Broadmead Road and Raven Road junctions with no access to the A1400 • There will be no access to or from Latchett Road and Maybank Road from the A1400 Southend Road • Alternative diversion routes will be sign-posted on the siteVictoria Embankment • Cadent Gas is due to carry out essential gas works on Victoria Embankment by Blackfriars Underpass from 6 August until mid-September 2018. As a result, Victoria Embankment will be closed westbound between Southwark Bridge and Westminster Bridge. Read more to find information on alternative travel routes and how you will be affected

Wimbledon Tennis Championships • The Wimbledon Tennis Championships are currently taking place until Sunday 15 July. Read our notice about special arrangements in place for taxi and private hire vehicles during the tournament.Finsbury Park - Wireless Festival - Friday 6, Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 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 RoadBST Music Concerts - Friday 6, Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 July • The first weekend of British Summertime (BST) concerts takes place in Hyde Park, with doors opening at 13:00 on Friday, 12:30 on Saturday and 12:00 on Sunday. Last entry on all days at 21:00. Up to 50,000 people are expected to attend on Friday, and 65,000 people are expected to attend on both Saturday and Sunday • From 21:00 until 23:45, Park Lane may be closed between Marble Arch and Hyde Park Corner and the eastbound up-slip from Knightsbridge to Hyde Park Corner. This is to assist with post-event egress • If the closures are implemented, traffic will be diverted via Hyde Park Corner Underpass • Police units will be in attendance to assist with traffic movements on Marble Arch and Hyde Park CornerPride London - Saturday 7 July 2018 • There will be various road closures in place to facilitate the parade through Westminster • The parade will form up in Portland Place from 08:00 and is due to start at 13:00. The route will take the parade via Regent Street, Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, Regent Street St. James’s, Pall Mall, Cockspur Street and Trafalgar Square into Whitehall where it will disperse at the junction with Whitehall Place by 16:30 • From 07:30, Hostile Vehicle Measures (HVM) will be implemented to facilitate security measures prior to the form up • Full road closures will be implemented along the remainder of the route and adjoining roads from 10:30, with all closures expected to be in place by 12:00 • Road closures in Pall Mall East and around Soho will be implemented from 06:00 and will be removed as soon as it is safe to do so once the events have included, crowds have dispersed and cleansing has been completed. Historically, these roads do not reopen until 02:00 on the Sunday morningSummer Streets, Regent Street - Sunday 8 July • The second annual Summer Streets event 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.

July 05, 2018 at 03:19PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Super plush beachfront Ibiza break: 3nts B&B from £216pp incl. flights & stylish beachfront hotel

Looking for somewhere to get away to that'll match your fashionista lifestyle? Then we think a mini break at the 4* Sol Beach House Ibiza is the perfect solution. Looking out over the ocean, this modern accommodation is perfect for a few days away to escape the oncoming autumn weather of the UK. Holiday details:… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT