5* Ultra all inclusive Kos break from £516pp - incl. 5nts hotel, flights & spa discount

Pirates, it's time to treat yourselves to some true luxury with an ultra all inclusive getaway to the gorgeous Greek island of Kos! This deal from Voyage Privé will see you getting the VIP treatment at Kipriotis Panorama, a 5* marvel that overlooks the Aegean Sea. The property has 2 outdoor pools, as well as… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Judge Arbuthnot rules in favour of Uber again as TfL driver deemed not to be plying for hire in Reading

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2N4tpWV

A London private hire driver working on the Uber platform was deemed not to have been plying-for-hire in Reading despite picking up in the Uber-free licensed authority.

Judge Emma Arbuthnot, the same judge that awarded the controversial minicab firm a 15-month reprieve to its London operators licence just last month, found the vehicle not to have a “distinctive appearance” and that the TfL roundels “were not of such prominence that it could be said that there was something on the vehicle which cried out I am for hire”.

Reading Council brought the test case against Uber driver Mudassar Ali who held only a Transport for London licence rather than the local authority licence. Uber are not licensed in Reading either.

The council argued that the American based firm did not hold a licence in Reading and had created a market by plying for hire via its app in their authority. Charles Holland QC representing Reading added that without advertising the vehicles availability there would be no market in the area stated .

Philip Kolvin QC representing Mr Ali and Uber pointed out that the drivers services could only be booked by a member of the public who had downloaded the Uber Rider App and then entered into a private hire booking through the App.

Judge Emma Arbuthnot awarded Uber and Mr Ali the case dismissing all charges.

July 10, 2018 at 05:16PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

All inclusive Mexico from £900pp: 14nts - incl. private whirlpool, flights, bags & transfers

Jet off to Puerto Vallarta this summer and spend 14 nights relaxing in the Mexican sun, relishing the luxurious surroundings of the 4* Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort and Spa which boasts it's own stretch of private beach. This offer from First Choice includes an extra £100 off this 2-week holiday (when you use the discount… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Reading Verdict, No Consistency From Judge Emma Arbuthnot

You just couldn’t make it up 

Judge Emma Arbuthnot finds Uber Driver in Reading not guilty 

There’s a surprise...not 

Last week, in the Transport for London Case, judge Arbuthnot agreed with the defence that Uber drivers now do not accept jobs directly in their vehicle... she agreed they are accepted first by Uber LL before being passed to the driver. 

Unbelievably in the Reading case, she accepts the case that it is the driver who accepts the bookings first 

WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?

where is our largest org with its million pound war chest?

Where are the legal objections and appeals? 

What are the members paying subscription for?

Will this be another case if “lets wait and see what happens in 15 months” .....???

https://files.acrobat.com/a/preview/2b5c2564-a91f-4c47-ba2a-ea6402b1d06f

from Taxi Leaks https://ift.tt/2JblZ1y
via IFTTT https://ift.tt/eA8V8J https://ift.tt/12cqxIH

Plush 5* waterside Croatian escape in 2019: 4nts B&B from £301pp incl. flights & hotel

If you're a Pirate who like to look ahead for any early bird bargains, snap up a 4 night mini break on the Croatian waterfront next spring. Life the 5* lifestyle in the Croatia Hotel, which is right on the waterfront - you can even see Dubrovnik old town from some of the terraces of… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Cruise the Caribbean: 7nt Full Board MSC cruise from £749pp - incl. flights & Miami hotel

Like true pirates we love to holiday on the open sea, and it's tough to beat a full board cruise in the beautiful Caribbean! This package from TourCenter will have you jetting off to glamorous Miami and spending 1 night in a South Beach hotel before embarking on an epic full board cruise to some… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

LTDA: Removing the human element from the decision-making process poses many dangers to passengers

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2zpGGqP

Artificial Intelligence is coming we are told, and in some instances it is already here. It will have many uses in the modern world – many of them good, such as in the diagnosis of serious illnesses. Some of them frankly idiotic – to use AI to stop an ex from sharing nude pictures of you online, entails sharing nudes with Facebook itself. Awkward enough perhaps, until you learn that Facebook says a real live human will have to check them out.

Artificial intelligence, it seems, has a hard time telling the difference between a real naked body and a painting.

Some uses for AI are bad, which is where, as usual Uber comes in.

Uber’s latest wheeze is the creation of AI technology that will be able to detect whether a passenger is drunk or not, and thus refuse them a ride.

Currently, passengers can put themselves at the mercy of an Uber driver at any time of the day or night. Anybody can, whether they are smashed off their faces or not, unless of course they have a guide dog and then frequently they are left at the side of the road as their driver speeds off into the distance.

Uber drivers, of course, can only guess whether their prospective passenger is sober or not, depending on whether

they are themselves: sober, not blind or completely brain dead.

Uber wants to end this game of chance. Helpfully, this will allow predators the chance to know first hand how likely their passenger is to be easy prey.

Uber’s patent never says that it is targeting drunk passengers, but this is clearly intended as one of the uses. The patent itself refers to people who are “tired,” although it’s unclear how this would be useful, unless of course you were hoping your passenger might doze off, so you could take them on detour around the M25 to boost your coffers.

The technology analyses a user’s behaviour based on previous uses and patterns. This could include how someone holds their phone, makes excessive typos, and even if someone is walking down a street near a nightclub; slowly, quickly or staggering.

If a user exhibits abnormal behaviour, then the Uber app could alert the driver that their potential passenger is “in an unusual state,” or only allow drivers with experience of dealing with drunken passengers to pick them up.

Someone in an “unusual state” could also be blocked from joining a carpool or just flat out denied a ride.

Obviously, there many potential pitfalls, and the data that Uber wants to people to sign away the rights to is quite extensive. Do users want companies to know what angle they are holding their phone? Or how many typos they’re making? Do users want companies to gather intimate personal data to make inferences about their mental and physical state?

Clearly, telling drivers which passengers could be drunk poses a danger to people and could encourage predatory behaviour.

Drivers could become approved to pick up drunk passengers by racking up a positive track record, only to assault someone at a later date.

What if the AI misjudges someone’s physical state and prevents someone who is sober from rightfully hailing an Uber? Does this mean that in order to get an Uber at specific dates, times, and locations, that one must try to appear upright and proper?

Removing the ability of drivers to make the decision in person also removes the human element which also risks leaving a vulnerable person at the mercy of the night.

If Uber really cared about it’s passengers as it claims, then perhaps it could allow this technology to operate in reverse. It could show potential passengers whether their drivers were behaving erratically and careering all over the place, but then perhaps then they would get no passengers at all.

July 10, 2018 at 02:45PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Woah we're going to Ibiza: 3nt getaway from £95pp - hotel & flights (2-4 share)

Ahoy there bargain hunting pirates, we have a super cheap holiday in Ibiza for you next which is under £100 per person. The holiday is based on 4 sharing so you are sure to have a great time, couples can travel from £110 each. Holiday details Travel duration: 3 nights (longer stays possible) Example date:… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Just opened: Funky East London hotel from £36pppn - 10 mins from Liverpool St

Take a trip to up-and-coming East London and stay in one of the cities newest hotels -- the Moxy Stratford, part of the Marriott Hotel Group -- from as little as £36 per person, per night, based on 2 sharing, including weekends! This fabulous hotel features fantastic wall art and chic decor throughout, and is… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Super luxurious family treehouse 2nt stay in Devon from £184pp

OK, OK so this is a little dearer than many tree houses out there, however, many tree houses can only dream of providing the luxury that's on offer at The Fox and Hounds Hotel. Set in the hotel's grounds, this stunning wooden building offers a luxurious living space that can be yours to enjoy with… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Man pleads guilty to racially abusing Taxi driver in Hartlepool

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2ulY0HH

A 49 year old man has been given an 18 month community order and must undertake 22 rehabilitation activity days after being found guilty of the racially aggravated abuse of a taxi driver in Hartlepool.Paul Keers had spent the day drinking after attending a funeral when he attempted to catch a taxi home. Because of the state he was in, the driver refused the journey which sent Keers into an abusive frenzy. Keers was heard by police calling the driver of the taxi a "p*** b******". The police arrested Keers and said that he continued to shout abuse throughout his time in a police cell. During his trial at Teesside Magistrates Court, the driver said Keers was abusive towards him because of his colour and said that he was told to "go back home" during the verbal onslaught. Keers was also accused of kicking the door of the taxi. According to a report in the Teesside Live, a police officer was flagged down by a member of public and the arrest was made. Keers was taken to Hartlepool police station and later transferred to a cell in Middlesbrough. Keers denied kicking the car door but did admit using racist language. He added that he was panicking with anxiety and suffers from a delusional disorder. Along with his community order, Keers was also ordered to pay £805 in costs.

July 10, 2018 at 12:09PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Santorini sizzler: 7nt autumn holiday from £262pp - incl. flights & breakfast

Because it's winding up for the year, late season (September or October) is one of the most affordable times to visit Santorini. Peak season holidays on this hugely popular Greek Island can often run into the high £800's. Take, for example, this deal we found on our holidays finder from just £262 per person, based… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Dubai long weekend from just £409pp - incl. 4nts hotel & flights

Give yourselves something to look forward to this autumn with a long weekend in decadent Dubai! Our Holiday Finder is coming up with some tantalizing fares for short trips to this incredible destination. September is the cheapest time to depart. Direct flights are included with this deal, alongside 4 nights at the Carlton Palace Hotel.… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Controversial Manchester Airport Drop-Off Charges Come Into Force Today

Controversial drop-off charges at Manchester Airport come into force on Tuesday. 

Drivers dropping passengers off will be charged £3 for five-minute stays, or £4 for 10-minute stays.

Alternatively motorists can use a free drop-off area and catch a shuttle bus to the correct terminal, but that’s located at the current Jetparks 1 site, which is near to Terminal 2.

From the free drop-off area, shuttle buses with journey times ranging from five to seven minutes, depending on the terminal, will run.

Manchester Airport (Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)

Buses will run 24 hours a day with marshals on hand to assist passengers and drivers.

Airport bosses have been accused of ‘getting every last penny from passengers’ but they insisted the tariff policy was needed to ease congestion.

Charges at Liverpool John Lennon Airport (JLA) remain lower, with the 'express drop off & pick up' site charging £3 for up to 20 minutes, jumping to £10 for up to an hour.

JLA also has a drop-off point free for 40 minutes around 10 minutes' walk from the terminal.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport. (Image: Colin Lane)

The Manchester move is set to mean holiday-makers paying more for taxis to Manchester airport, as drivers would have to charge them to recover the drop-off costs, although a concession card is available for private hire drivers.

Blue badge holders are allowed to drop off outside of the terminals free of charge.

The chargeable drop-off areas are located directly outside each terminal building at departures level.

There is no change to arrangements for picking people up, with those collecting passengers asked to park in the car parks at each terminal, which cost £4 for 30 minutes.

The airport said on its website: “The changes that we are introducing only impact those dropping-off.

“The process for picking-up passengers remains the same – passengers can be picked-up in the arrivals car parks and multi-storey car parks with a charge of £4 for 30 minutes.

“We will have staff on hand to direct those dropping-off and picking-up to the right places.”

Airport bosses say more passengers, security rules around forecourt capacity and limited space has led to extreme congestion, especially at peak times.

They added that profits would go towards a new public transport fund being set up by the airport with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Transport for Greater Manchester and Cheshire East Council, supporting measures to improve access for both staff and passengers who use public transport

from Taxi Leaks https://ift.tt/2m7Pd8x
via IFTTT https://ift.tt/2NFSsk4 https://ift.tt/12cqxIH

Controversial Manchester Airport Drop-Off Charges Come Into Force Today

Late summer Sunny Beach break from £225pp - incl. 7nts resort & flights

Pirates, get yourselves some sunshine and beach time this summer at one of the sunniest beaches around - Sunny Beach! This deal from our Holiday Finder will see you staying at Esperanto, just 300 metres from the beautiful Black Sea. Flights are also included in this deal. The cheapest time to depart is late-August -… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Karhoo announce integrated network of over 50,000 vehicles has joined its UK network

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2L6N8o2

Ride-hailing app Karhoo unveiled that it is now integrated with over 50,000 vehicles making it one of the largest UK open networks.

Having signed with over 300 Taxi and PHV companies across the UK, representing a total of 51,000 cars, the news marks a significant milestone in Karhoo’s ride-hailing expansion. The firm brings together even more regulated, licensed taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) fleets from around the world onto its electronic platform.Karhoo announced integrations with Autocab, Cab Guru, Haulmont, iCabbi and Magenta Technology with others almost finished.Karhoo partners with legally accredited fleets and allows its customers to compare choices based on their own criteria whether it be brand, price, ETA, type of vehicle or other services. Karhoo hopes to become the largest platform of taxis and private hire vehicles in the world.The host of new fleets, large and small, now integrating with Karhoo will benefit from the increased demand provided by Karhoo’s platform, as well as the chance to secure access to major contracts through Karhoo’s fleet partners.Karhoo Co-CEO Boris Pilchowski said:“In 2018, people expect and deserve as much choice as possible when it comes to booking a cab. By working with all of the major DMS partners, our customers will now have a range of options, the expanse of which has never before been seen in the ridesharing sector.”

July 10, 2018 at 08:15AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Bargain Berlin: 2nt city break from just £75pp - incl. flights & well-located hotel

Party pirates, it's time to join the cool kids with a trip to Berlin! We're eyeing up a stay at Motel Plus Berlin, well situated in Neukolln - the trendiest neighbourhood of Europe's trendiest city! Book this package over at Expedia and your flights are included, along with ATOL protection. The cheapest time to getaway… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Councils to be offered funding for low emission taxis

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2u8dxva

Councils are to be offered funding to assist in establishing charging points for low emission taxis.

£6 million has been ring-fenced, in what is the second phase of a £20 million commitment from the government to ensure that the taxi industry has a viable infrastructure.

This latest phase is aimed at making funding more accesible for local councils, negating the need for feasibility studies when bidding for funds.

With a view to stimulating the low emission taxi market, the government announced last March that new, zero emission capable taxis would be vehicle excise duty exempt.

July 10, 2018 at 05:56AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

ITA To Pick Up The Baton (Again) As Trade Fails To Act...Met's Contact Centre, Just Window Dressing

During the recent TfL vs Uber appeals trial, Uber's QC claimed that former Uber employee, Jo Bertram lied to the court during a previous employment trial, to help the case.

This is perjury....This is a fact.....

Will the @UKSFO be looking into this?

Or do We as a trade have to make a formal complaint?

These are questions asked by London Taxi Driver Lenny Etheridge on the social media platform Twitter.

Lenny, using the reply facility to the Metropolitan Police claim that their Twitter account is for non-emergency enquires said:

"The question was asked on 29th June 2018 at 12:01 pm.

So far, the Met have refused to answer".

It appears the claim from the Metropolitan Police is an empty one.

It seems their Twitter account is just window dressing, and the @metpoliceuk wonder why they're losing touch with the public.

It's not as if the Twitter account has been rushed off its feet!

As London's Taxi orgs have failed to pick up the gauntlet on behalf of their 10,000 odd subscribers, the Independent Taxi Association (ITA) which is driver led and has no paid representatives, have once again picked up the baton. 

The ITA have issued this statement today:

ITA Press release, our intentions.

We will get a few of hundred drivers to queue outside a prominent London Police Station to individually make a formal complaint against Uber and Jo Bertram for perverting the course of justice.

1. The meter case.

2. The employment case.

#Perjury 

TAXI LEAKS EXTRA BIT :

At the top of this post is a statement, made by Rosa Parks.

This beautiful soul stood up against a lot more than we face today.

She had the strength and grace to face more than most of us could ever imagine possible.

Because she had right on her side.

We have right on our side!

Fight now, or forever "give up your seat" to the oppressor 

Lenny Etheridge.

from Taxi Leaks https://ift.tt/2zoQlhq
via IFTTT https://ift.tt/2u8rVUj https://ift.tt/12cqxIH