London Assembly urge Sadiq Khan to use Emergency Powers to push through pedestrianisation of Oxford Street

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London Mayor Sadiq Khan has been urged by the London Assembly to consider using so-called "emergency powers" to push through the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street after Westminster Council decided to scrap the plans following a backlash from residents within the area had concerns regarding noise and pollution caused from diverted traffic. Members of the London Assembly agreed on Thursday 5, a motion calling on Khan to consider pushing forward with the project regardless. The motions comes under the Greater London Authority Act (GLA) 1999. Assembly member Caroline Russell has stressed her disappointment with the decision by Westminster council to deny the proposal, raising concerns of "clogged" traffic causing pollution which is making shopping an unpleasant experience. The motion within the Greater London Authority Act allows the Mayor of London to take over any road in London with the consent of the borough, or more importantly in this case, the government.

Lib Dem member Caroline Pidgeon believes Oxford Street would die as a global shopping destination if the plans to ban all vehicles were not to be approved. According to a report in City A.M, Sadiq Khan has warned Westminster council that if they can not come up with a suitable alternative he will be "mindful" of what funding he will issue to them for future projects. £8 million had already been invested in the abandoned project.

July 06, 2018 at 07:28PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Return flights to Hong Kong from £338 return - incl. bags

Frommer's calls Hong Kong a "feast for the senses". Upon arrival you'll be hit with many delicious smells, strange sounds and vivid colours but that's all part of the fun of this furious metropolis. Lose yourself to this fantastic city by getting super cheap flights starting from as little as £336 return. These Air China… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Luxurious stay in Ireland's 'Leading spa resort' from £84pppn incl. breakfast - flights from £32

It's time to pop over the Irish sea Pirates, because this award winning spa hotel is worth the journey. The 4* Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa is a stunning accommodation right on the beach looking out on to the Atlantic ocean. You will stay in a super plush room with a terrace and be treated… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Magical Mykonos late season holiday from £238pp - 3nts 4* hotel, breakfast & flights

Ahoy pirates, time for a bit of Mykonos, we have come across this great getaway with breakfast included each morning of your stay. The Mykonos holiday is for 3 nights but you can choose to stay longer if you wish - and why not! Holiday details Travel duration: 3 nights (longer stays possible) Example date:… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Wunder-bargains! Germany flights from £12rtn (Cologne, Berlin, Hamburg & more)

Pirates, get yourselves a late season treat with these bargain fares to Germany! We've spotted great prices on flights to Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne and more! The cheapest time to travel is early September, when temperatures are still great for a city break. We've added departures from London, Manchester and Bristol. Offer Details Cheap flights to… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

All aboard: Virgin Trains First Class seat sale from £17 one way

All aboard pirates! If you're looking to visit friends/ family or just fancy a great British staycation this August, Virgin Trains have launched a great sale on a number of their West Coast routes. Journeys between London and Birmingham start at just £17 each way - but what's more on a first class ticket you… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Early 2019 5nt cruise from Savona to Naples, Bari, Dubrovnik & Venice from £189pp incl. full board

Pirates, we are seeing cruises become more and more popular, so get it quick to grab them before everyone catches on and the prices hike up. This cruise departs early 2019, departs from Savona in Italy, visits Naples, Bari before heading to Dubrovnik in Croatia and then stopping in Venice. You can add your own… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

IWGB union says lifting congestion charge exemption for minicabs in London will punish precarious workers and give Uber a free pass

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IWGB union says lifting congestion charge exemption for minicabs in London will punish precarious workers and give Uber a free pass

Transport for London 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 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.

However, James Farrar, Chair of the private hire drivers branch of the IWGB said: "Lifting the congestion charge exemption will punish some of the poorest and most exploited workers in London while Uber, Addison and their customers continue to get a free ride. Drivers will be forced to work longer hours to cover the additional cost which will worsen rather than ease congestion. The only way to reduce minicab congestion in London is to cap out of control licensing and the Mayor must agree a plan with central government to do so urgently."

July 06, 2018 at 02:18PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Last minute Mexico beach bargain from £681pp - incl. 7nts all inclusive, flights & transfers

Arriba pirates! Get yourselves out to the fabulous beaches of Mexico with this all inclusive deal from our Package Finder! You'll be staying at the Canto del Sol, located almost right on the caramel sands of Las Glorias Beach in the heart of Puerto Vallarta. Flights are included, as well as luggage, transfers and ATOL… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Cuba 2 week all inclusive holiday from £772pp - hotel, flights, luggage & transfers

Ahoy mateys, if Cuba is on your bucket list then maybe this is the deal for you. Head to Cuba for a 2 week break for under £800 per person, which works out at under £60 per person per night! The holiday in Cuba departs in September (more dates available) and even better, you will… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

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