All inclusive Mexico holiday from £675pp - incl. 7nts resort, flights, bags & transfers

Pirates, give yourselves some early autumn cheer with an all inclusive holiday to marvellous Mexico! Our Package Finder is offering 7 nights at the Royal Decameron Complex, located in beautiful Nuevo Vallarta on the Mexican coast. As well as staying on an all inclusive basis, this package includes flights, checked luggage, transfers and ATOL protection.… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Salou family holiday from £374pp - 7nts hotel, unlimited theme park & water park access & flights

Ahoy pirates, we have found this great deal for a family to head to Salou in Costa Dorada and stay at one of the PortAventura hotels. You will have unlimited access to the theme park throughout your stay as well as access to water parks and 1 days entry to Ferrari Land. Holiday details Travel… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Tighter regulations could be put in place to slow down the influx of Uber drivers in Brighton and Hove

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Uber drivers who get licensed in Lewes could soon be required to fit CCTV cameras in their vehicles. Many want-to-be Uber drivers seek private hire licences from Lewes District Council and work in Brighton due to the ease of obtaining a licence there. An eight week consultation will now take place addressing potential changes to regulations in order to improve passenger safety. Brighton has seen an influx of Uber drivers with Lewes licences since the controversial ride-hailing app encouraged potential drivers to seek the quicker and easier route to a life behind the wheel of a Toyota Prius (other models are available). The consultation will include Hackney Carriage drivers who will also be required to fit CCTV if the new proposals are approved. Other issues being raised in the consultation will focus on which types of vehicles should be driven by private hire drivers, electric and modern hybrid engines in-particular. The question on whether drivers should attend training sessions on diversity, disability awareness and child exploitation and safeguarding will also be raised. Brighton and Hove taxi drivers staged a protest in Lewes back in March over Uber pointing future "partners" in the direction of Lewes District Council to obtain a licence, stating it as "quicker and cheaper" than it would be to access one directly through Brighton and Hove council. Secretary of the GMB Brighton and Hove taxi branch, Andy Peters told Brighton and Hove News, that the consultation and a complete overhaul of current regulations "couldn't come soon enough".

July 13, 2018 at 06:41PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Chic Ibiza break: 4nts in funky hotel & flights from £175pp - solo from £300

If, come the end of August, you're not ready for summer to end, then why not spring for a late season mini break to the white isle of Ibiza? By travelling out of season, you can pick up a super bargain 4 night trip in the 4* Anfora Hotel for under £180pp! This super stylish… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Elle vient à la maison! Flights to France from £19rtn

Head off and explore the home of the World Champions* with these fancy fares to France from our Flights Finder! We've seen deals from sea to shining sea, with destinations including Grenoble (great for accessing Lyon or the Alps), Paris, Marseille and Strasbourg. *Definitely not trying to jinx them. No no. Flight Details Flights: UK… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Uber may have been issued a reprieve in London, but will it be able to keep regulators at bay in the rest of Europe

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With Uber managing to overturn Transport for London's refusal to renew their operators licence on the grounds that they weren't a fit and proper operator, you would be forgiven for thinking that Uber operating freely in the rest of Europe would be plain sailing. Well, it seems that the rest of Europe may be a more difficult nut to crack than first anticipated.

On the back of a major charm offensive, as well as capitulating to certain requirements prescribed by TfL, which included a dedicated 24/7 helpline, full co-operation with the police and limiting driver hours, Uber were granted a 15 month licence to operate in London.

This approach may not work in the rest of Europe, where only recently the European Union's highest court ruled that Uber were a transportation company.

As regulatory reforms take place in the rest of Europe, Uber will find it more difficult to operate in their current format without having to push prices up, and may have to adapt their business model to that akin of a typical European taxi operator.

In the past, Uber had attempt to circumvent numerous regulations by claiming that it was a tech platform rather than a transportation platform, however, with the EU court ruling, even countries who are hardened Uber-files will have to force Uber to comply with any given national taxi standard.

Although the London case was seen as a defeat for TfL by the taxi industry, in the rest of Europe it has been seen as the opposite, as TfL managed to extract a number of concessions from Uber, previously thought as near-impossible to do.

The costs to Uber's European operation could be heavy as they are forced to comply with numerous regulations.

Uber operate to a system which requires them to move quickly and crush the competition with low prices, thus emerging as the only player in town, this is how the Uber product is sold to investors.

Uber's pricing structure is subsidised by venture capitalists, as soon as investors pull out, prices have to rise. If the European mainland market proves too troublesome, Uber may decide to cut their losses.

July 13, 2018 at 05:00PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Steve Kenton THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Cyclist 38 Dies After Being Hit By A TfL Licensed MiniCab On Goswell Road

http://www.islingtongazette.co.uk/news/cyclist-38-dies-days-after-goswell-road-crash-1-5602862

Cyclist, 38, dies days after Goswell Road crash.

A 38-year-old cyclist who was hit by a car in Goswell Road in the early hours of Friday has died today, police have said.

The man’s bike collided with the vehicle at the junction with Percival Street at 12.20am. He was left in critical condition and had spent the last five days in hospital.

The driver of the car stopped at the scene and has not been arrested.

Anyone who can help officers in their investigation can contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at Alperton on 020 8991 9555and quote CAD 97/6Jul.

Officers are particularly keen to hear from anyone who saw the crash and has it on camera.

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Exclusive : Sean Paul Day's Complaint to Judicial Conducts Investigation Office

Below is Sean Paul Day's letter of complaint to the Judical Conducts Office.

Why is it that again, an ordinary rank and file working driver has had to do what drivers are paying their respective orgs to do. 

I’m writing amidst the growing concern over what appears to be a conflict of interest where certain political affiliations might be construed as showing favour in respect of a particular company,  undermining the Chief Magistrate’s impartiality in two cases.

 

Senior District Judge (chief magistrate) Emma Arbuthnot oversaw proceedings at Westminster Magistrates court on the 6th July 2018 and Reading Magistrates Court on the 10th July 2018. The first case was brought by Uber as a matter of  appeal under the Private Hire Vehicles Act 1998 and by Reading Council in a case to determine if a driver using the Uber ‘model’ on the dates given was Plying for Hire? Both cases can be found here 

 

Case 1

https://is.gd/mFN22t

 

Case 2

https://is.gd/UuR5mA

 

The conflict arises due to Magistrate Arbuthnot’s marriage to Baron James Arbuthnotand his friendship with the former PM David Cameron. Cameron’s close relationship with individuals working for Uber in marquee positions is well documented. This is further evidenced by Uber’s close links with  the previous administration at Number 10 & 11  who now enjoy financially rewarding positions with companies who invest heavily in Uber Technologies Inc. Cameron also nominated James Arbuthnot as a Life Peer in the Dissolution Peerages List 2015 of August 2015. The concern is that JamesArbuthnot’s closeness to the former PM might compromise Magistrate Arbuthnot’s ability to apply discernment in cases involving Uber. The concern is legitimately heightened on learning the same Magistrate has presided over a second trial involving Uber and both times Magistrate Arbuthnot has ruled in Uber’s favour. 

 

Without considering the merits of both cases in detail the conflict of interest was compounded on during the Reading verdict when Judge Emma Arbuthnot on Page 4, section 14 (how the app works)…in her summary stated that it was the driver who accepts the job and only then Uber makes the booking. This is illegal act that contravenes  legislation laid out as part of the 1998 PH Regulations.

 

TfL Operator License explicitly state in their terms that a Private Hire booking can only be accepted by a licensed operator at their registered operating centre.. There is a specific duty on private hire operators to keep certain records of their operation. These include booking records which must include ‘the main destination specified at the time of the booking’ (paragraph 4(d) of the PHV (London) (Operators’ Licence) Regulations. To disambiguate, the defining characteristic of a PHVs is that it must beaccepted through an operator. The Act also references  that no person other than a Private Hire Operator (PHO) shall make provision to accept a booking.  

 

No person shall in London make provision for the invitation or acceptance of  Private hire bookings unless he is the holder of a Private Hire Operators license for London (In this Act, referred to as London is PHV operators license

 

A  person who makes provision for the invitation or acceptance of Private hire bookings or who accept such a booking in contravention of his section is guilty offence and liable  on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level four or standard style.

 

The statutory structure/definition is referred to frequently by TfL and was referenced in the legislative provisions before Justice Ouseley. 

 

CITATION Number: [2015] EWHC 2918 Admin Case No: CO/1449/2015. 

 

Conversely, at the earlier trial on the 6th, Magistrate Arbuthnot was unhesitant in her acceptance of an explanation that Uber had altered its app, and was now equipped with a feature informing the user that the booking had been accepted by Uber London LTD (ULL). Only afterwards is the user linked with a driver. If this is the case, and as yet there is no evidence to suggest it has been altered,  the app would now comply with current legislation. 

 

This I starkly inconsistent with  ‘the driver accepts...then uber confirms the booking…‘nevertheless, Arbuthnot ruled that his actions did not constitute plying for hire. Itshould be noted also that Uber do not hold a PHO licence in Reading. 

 

The case holds gravitas as a ruling either-way could detrimentally impact on the lives of tens of thousands of sole traders and their families. It would also elevate a corporate entity to a position that resides above the law of the land. The concern here, is that a certain ruling will be used to determine future  Government policies which are relevant to both cases.

 

Whilst the complexity of the issue  – such as what constitutes a Hackney Carriage- cannot be understated and until such clarity can be addressed in the Courts, it would be easy for perspicacity to prevail and weight the trial in favour of vested interests. A seismic shift culturally, in the way we move about has implications that reach far beyond taxi and minicab rivalries, and a Magistrate influenced  by a conflict of interest could prove to be a very dangerous one

 

I trust the matter will be looked in to. 

 

Yours Faithfully

Sean Paul Day

London Taxi Radio

 

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7nt Khao Lak B&B beach break from £759pp (solo £976) incl. flights, 4* hotel, bags & transfers

Be tempted by Thailand this winter with a week in Khao Lak. Escape the awful UK weather this December and instead head out to south east Asia when temperatures can reach the 30s. You'll be staying at the peaceful beachfront Grand Southsea hotel on a bed and breakfast basis, the cheapest option is to go… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Escape the winter and head to Cyprus from £195pp - 7nts hotel & flights

Pirates, imagine escaping the cold weather in the UK this winter to enjoy some sunshine, well with this deal you can do just that. This holiday in Cyprus is for 7 nights, based on 2 sharing, staying in a lush hotel with spa. Holiday details Duration is 7 nights - more durations available Flights from… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Man brandishing gun arrested for attempting to rob Taxi driver in Liverpool

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A man has been arrested for the attempted robbery of a taxi driver and a takeaway in Kirkdale, Liverpool. Police were called after reports of a man brandishing a gun demanded cash from a taxi driver at around 2am Friday 13. While officers were taking a statement from the taxi driver they received a second call of an attempted arm robbery of a takeaway close by. Staff at the shop confirmed that the weapon was in fact a plastic replica and the robber was unable to collect any cash. Armed officers were called to the scene and soon arrested a 33 year old man on suspicion of robbery of a person and robbery of a business. The accused was detained for questioning. According to the Liverpool Echo, officers searching the area for any evidence found a police-style baton in a nearby wasteland. The replica gun is yet to be reported found.

July 13, 2018 at 02:35PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Summer on sale: Hotel stays in UK cities from £16pppn with Travelodge

Plotting a staycation this summer pirates? With the latest Travelodge sale, you can find hotel deals up and down the land with prices that start at just £16 per person per night! These prices are valid on certain dates and certain properties (see below) up until September 26th. There will be limited rooms available at… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Price drop on Tenerife: 7nt summer holiday from £209pp (Go half board from £96pp more)

Time to get summer sorted pirates! Spend 7 nights in Tenerife with the help of our Holiday Finder. You'll be staying at DC Xibana Park in Puerto de la Cruz, with flights included from several UK airports. Dates in peak August season start from £209 per person, based on 2 sharing, when temperatures out there… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Pan out in Portugal: 7nts in Lagos from £190pp - incl. flights & apartment stay

Ahoy pirates, check out this cheap holiday to the Algarve on our holiday finder for later this summer. You'll be staying in Lagos, in a great rated, award winning hotel, plus get return flights from an array of UK airports; prices start from just £190 per person, based on 2 sharing or £262 for a… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Last minute Santorini group getaway from £254pp - 7nts hotel, flights, luggage & transfers

Pirates, check out this awesome last minute group holiday in Santorini we have come across staying in an excellent rated hotel. The hotel rates 5/5 at TripAdvisor which is a perfect score so you know you are staying somewhere for great for the week. Be quick pirates as this holiday has limited availability. Holiday Details… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

London Taxi PR launches ‘The Knowledge’ campaign to boost numbers

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The London taxi trade is set to receive a welcome boost as a new advertising campaign starts promoting the world renowned taxi test the Knowledge of London.

London Taxi PR announced that it is launching the new campaign this month in a bid to signing up new applicants to the infamous test each applicant must pass to become a licensed London Taxi driver.

The campaign also highlights that ‘The Knowledge’ is in fact inclusive and open to all, regardless of their gender, religion or ethnicity.

All images used in the campaign have been provided by Terry Gibbins, a passionate & proud London Taxi driver and Photographer, who has been photographing drivers for several months.

Once again London Taxi PR have teamed up with 8 outdoor media who will provide 29 large format digital billboards across Central London. The campaign which will run for a month, will feature London Taxi drivers of all genders and ethnic origin, which reflect the current diversity within the trade, with the headline “I did it, so can you”.A spokesperson from London Taxi PR said:

“The aim of the campaign is to encourage more people to sign up to do ‘The Knowledge’ and become a London Taxi driver. We believe the job offers great opportunities for all who are prepared to put in the work and meet the high standards required of the profession to be a licensed London Taxi driver.”

All of London Taxi PR’s campaigns and publicity has so far been been funded by fellow London Taxi drivers, many of whom have signed up to donate to the cause on a monthly basis, indicating how passionate they all are about their industry and the cause.

July 13, 2018 at 10:32AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Travel like royalty: 4* Scottish castle stay from £38pppn - incl. breakfast

Pirates, treat the king or queen in your life with a dreamy stay in a Scottish castle! Melville Castle offers guests the elegant surroundings of an 18th century castle alongside modern facilities such as free WiFi, flat-screen TVs and comfy beds. The property is just 7 miles from Edinburgh city centre, making a night of… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Luxe 5* Costa del Sol escape 4nts from £172pp - incl. spa hotel & flights

Sunny Costa del Sol awaits next with a stay at the Adults Only 5* Senator Banus Spa hotel in Estepona. Boasting an impressive spa area, a restaurant serving up Mediterranean and international dishes and a piano bar for light evening entertainment, here you will be only a short walk from the beach. We found loads… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Menorca late summer getaway from £268pp - 7nts hotel, flights, luggage & transfers

Ahoy there sun loving pirates, we have a found a holiday in Menorca at a great price departing in September or October when the crowds die down but the weather is still nice and toasty. The Spanish getaway is available from just £266 per person, based on 2 sharing from many UK airports, so grab… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Tax man targets taxi firm Metrocab

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The Metrocab manufacturer is once again facing winding up proceedings over an alleged tax debt to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs .

In February, Frazer Nash, warded off a challenge by Italian company, SALT S.R.L. – which was itself in liquidation – over money it owed.

However, at an initial hearing of the case in January Frazer-Nash was given a month’s breathing space to sort the matter out and when the case returned to court in February the winding up moves were dismissed.

Now it is the HMRC which is seeking to wind the company up over alleging an undisclosed tax debt.

Frazer Nash last year won a test case legal battle with the London Taxi Company (LTC) over a new style of black cab were back at London’s High Court today facing winding up proceedings for the second time this year.

But at a brief hearing before the insolvency court in London, Judge Jones, Frazer-Nash again won more breathing space. The case was adjourned until July 25.

If the move to wind the company up had succeeded its affairs would effectively have been handed over to the Official Receiver.

His job would then have been to do his best to ensure that all debts were paid off by selling any available assets and then bringing business to a close.

In the test case last year, which began in the High Court and later moved to the Appeal Court, LEVC (formerly LTC) suffered a double defeat in a complex trade mark dispute with Frazer-Nash.

LEVC claimed the new Metrocab was too similar to its TX range, infringed its trademark and amounted to passing off.

LTC had claimed among other things that it owned the goodwill in four styles of Fairway taxis and that the new Metrocab infringed the design.

But Lord Justice Floyd said in dismissing the case in the Appeal Court that the new Metrocab was “strikingly different” to the LTC taxis and found there had been no passing off.

The new Metrocab is expected to be built in Coventry and to be on sale by the end of the year.

July 13, 2018 at 07:09AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI LTDA THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT