Just launched: New easyJet flights to Lapland from £56 return - visit Santa this winter

easyJet have just launched a number of new routes from London Gatwick, but our absolute favour are these direct flights to Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland -- also known as the home of Santa Claus! Dates align perfectly with the winter season, meaning you can score flights to see the big man in the red suit… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Uber driver found guilty of raping unconscious passenger and faces 20 years in jail

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2M9QIm0

An Uber driver has been found guilty of raping a female passenger who had passed out in the back of his vehicle. A surveillance video showed Westagne Pierre, 30, carrying his victim from the back of his vehicle into a Maryland motel. The victim woke later confused and days, calling the police to come to the motel. The victim, clearly shaken and in distress, told officers that she had no idea how she woke up in the motel. A three-day trial this week found Pierre guilty of second degree rape of his victim which took place in October 2016. He now faces up to 20 years in prison for his crime. According to a report in the Washington post, the 32-year-old victim was placed into the back of Pierre's Uber by an acquaintance after a night out enjoying a meal in downtown Washington. The journey was part of the UberPool option. Pierre went on to pick up two other women who, once seeing the unconscious woman in the back, decided not to take the ride. Both women testified in court to seeing the unconscious woman in the back of the Uber that Pierre was driving that night. The victims destination was Fairfax, but when they were just a few blocks away from her home Pierre terminated the trip on his Uber drivers app.

Pierre took his victim to a Budget Inn motel and rented a room. A surveillance camera filmed Pierre carrying his victims limp body into the motel where he sexually assaulted her. The assault took about 10 minutes before Pierre left the motel to purchase snacks from a local 7-Eleven with his victims credit card. He was then seen on camera returning to the motel. The following morning when the police were called, Pierre was removed from the Uber app and arrested. Pierre was not charged with first-degree rape because it was not clear if a weapon was used to commit the assault, but has been found guilty of second-degree rape and now faces 20 years in prison. Pierre is due to be sentenced on October 25.

August 11, 2018 at 02:51PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

It's raining Menorca: End-of-season 7nt holiday from £163pp - incl. flights

Top up your summer tan with a late-season bargain on the chilled out island of Menorca. We are seeing the price of October holidays drop dramatically, with this 7-night self-catering option now starting from just £163 per person, based on 2 sharing. Holiday details Travel duration: 7 nights (longer or shorter stays possible) Travel dates:… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

3nt Iceland getaway from £175pp - incl. 4* hotel & flights (Northern Lights dates)

Jet off to the Land of Fire and Ice with this deal we spotted over at Expedia! You'll be spending 3 nights at the Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura, a lovely 4* property that's a short distance from the city centre and which has a great indoor pool. We're looking at going in mid-November, one of… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Autumn sun: Luxury 5* Mykonos break 7nts from £558pp - incl. flights, top resort & breakfast

Ahoy pirates! The Travellers' Choice awarded 5* Myconian Ambassador Hotel & Thalasso Center in Mykonos has been haunting our dreams, and we've found some formidable rates for a luxurious autumn getaway placing you right by popular Platis Gialos with panoramic views of the Aegean Sea! Holiday details: Travel duration: 7 nights (shorter/longer durations available) Example… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Half-term beach-ing: Italy half board family break 7nts from £304pp - incl. flights & hotel

Ahoy mateys! Next up we are sending you to the heel of Italy in the very south of the country, home to gorgeous beaches with crystal clear water including the so called Maldives of Italy, Pescoluse beach. You'll be staying just outside popular Gallipoli at family-friendly Ecoresort Le Sirene. Here you'll be next by… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Romantic Halkidiki boutique getaway 7nts from £303pp - incl. flights, hotel & breakfastt

Ahoy mateys! The small and intimate Petrino Suites in Afitos in Halkidiki offers a romantic-rustic setting away from it all. There's a pool here surrounded by a charming garden, and the hotel's private beach is a short walk away. Holiday details Travel duration: 7 nights (longer or shorter stays possible) Example date: 3 - 10… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Sherbet London seeks more drivers to join its new electric taxi fleet

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

Following the relaunch last month, Sherbet London continues forward with their vision to develop into London’s largest electric London Taxi fleet, with a call to arms to all professional London Taxi drivers.

The 500-strong network is calling for 50 of London’s finest to come forward to join their elite, electric fleet.

“We’re looking for the best of the best,” says Sherbet London CEO Asher Moses, “A professional driver coupled with a London Taxi, one of the world’s safest modes of public transportation, is an award-winning combination. Combined with our vision for a cleaner, leaner and greener fleet and state-of-the-art tech, we believe it’s a winning combination for all stakeholders; drivers, passengers and media partners too. Our new vision is about how we work in partnership with our drivers and media partners, to future-proof our network and industry. We’re excited about the future and we want like-minded drivers to join us.”

Sherbet London is initially seeking 50 drivers to create an elite fleet of electric vehicles.

Both owner-drivers and rental drivers are invited to get in touch with the team at any one of Sherbet’s four London locations. Drivers who join Sherbet’s elite team will receive additional training, plus access to a new, purpose-built mobile phone app which will provide drivers with a steady stream of high quality corporate bookings.

“This is an exciting time for Sherbet London and we are actively seeking professional London Taxi drivers who want to drive with a different type of fleet and who are passionate about electric vehicles and the industry. By focusing on what we can do better, rather than worrying about competitors, we’ve highlighted several strategic and tactical objectives. We’re forging new and important partnerships across the industry with like-minded organisations, such as the team at London Taxi PR, who understand that we all hold the keys to our own destiny and future.” Asher added.

August 11, 2018 at 06:52AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Frequently Asked Questions: Who is taking group action against Uber and why?

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

What is Group Action?

Group action is a term used in the UK for when multiple claimants sharing grievances with common characteristics join together to seek a remedy against the same or multiple defendants. In other jurisdictions, this is often called a class action. In England and Wales, there are various procedural mechanisms available to bring group actions which are becoming far more regularly used. Group litigation can redress the balance between individuals and large, well-funded defendants as by joining together individuals can benefit from collective strength, expertise and the sharing of costs and risks, thereby facilitating access to justice.

What is the justification for taking Group Action against Uber?

The group action will bring a claim in the High Court by licensed taxi drivers in London against Uber for loss of income on the basis that Uber has operated unlawfully under the relevant statutory framework between mid 2012 until at least the end of 2017, with the intention of causing loss to the licensed taxi trade. We believe Uber’s failure to adhere to the statutory framework to the detriment of licensed taxi drivers who operate lawfully is fundamentally unfair and Uber should be held responsible for its actions.

What is the legal process for embarking on the group action and what are the timescales for this?

We are still in the early stages of embarking on the claim. The first step is to sign up as many eligible drivers as possible to participate in the claim over the next few months. We will be able to advise further on timescales once this process has concluded.

What is the value of the claim?

We believe that it is possible to demonstrate a significant overall loss of income to licensed taxi drivers collectively following Uber’s entry into the London market. The period we are looking at is June/July 2012 to at least end of December 2017. The total value of the claim will depend on the number of licensed taxi drivers who participate.

We are working with economists and expect that damages could be in excess of £500 million. As we collect data from participants, we shall we able to more accurately and robustly estimate the loss attributable to Uber’s alleged unlawful operation.

Who is Mishcon de Reya? What is its interest in taking forward group action against Uber?

Mishcon de Reya is a law firm based in London, with significant experience in group litigation. It is taking forward the group action against Uber. In the past few years it has acted for claimant groups in cases involving RBS, Royal Mail and Google.

Who is Harbour Litigation Funding? What is its interest in taking forward group action against Uber?

Harbour is a leading litigation funding firm. Harbour will be funding the group action, subject to a minimum number of drivers signing up, and will pay all of the legal costs in return for a share of any damages received. If the group action is unsuccessful, you will not have to repay Harbour any money.

Who is Newington Communications? What is its interest in taking forward group action against Uber?

Newington Communications is a corporate and public affairs agency and is supporting Mishcon de Reya in its communications around the group action, to help get as many drivers involved as possible.

Doesn’t Newington Communications work for the LTDA? Is this an LTDA campaign?

Newington Communications works with a number of players in the taxi sector, including the LTDA and sponsors of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Taxis. On this group action, Newington is working on behalf of Mishcon de Reya and is focused on supporting a successful group action through communications. The group action is open to all taxi drivers licensed by TfL to operate in London, not just LTDA members. Mishcon de Reya, supported by Harbour and Newington, are working to engage all of the relevant taxi associations and representative bodies to secure support for this group action and to help reach as many drivers as possible.

August 11, 2018 at 06:52AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Will Ola Out Uber, Uber? Woman on way to Kempegowda International Airport forced to strip, pose for pictures by Ola cabbie

A traumatic ride: 

Keep quiet or my friends will gang rape you’ 

26-year-old had booked the cab at 2 am as she had to fly to Mumbai; driver arrested after she mailed a complaint to the Commissioner 

A 26-year-old city-based architect had a traumatic experience enroute to the airport after her Ola cab driver took a detour, held her hostage, molested and took pictures of her in the car in the early hours of June 1. The woman was travelling alone in the cab from her residence in JB Nagar to the airport to catch an early morning flight to Mumbai. Based on her complaint, the driver, V Arun (28), has been arrested and his cab seized. 

The woman said in her complaint that she had booked the Ola cab at around 2 am. Once on the road, she found that the driver had taken a different route. When she enquired, he claimed it would be faster and free of toll. 

Near the airport, when she found that he had taken a secluded road and asked him to turn around. But the driver stopped the car, locked the doors and molested her. When she put up a fight, he threatened to call a group of men and get her raped. He also snatched her phone and threated to kill her if she screamed for help, the woman said in her complaint. 

The driver has been arrested and the cab seized. I spoke with the victim after the arrest. She had mailed us the complaint

Seemanth Kumar Singh, Additional Commissioner of Police (East)

A police officer investigating the case said: “The accused reportedly asked her to strip as he wanted her pictures. He tried to strangle her when she refused. Fearing for her life, the woman complied and gave him the photos he wanted. He clicked the pictures on her phone and shared it through WhatsApp to his phone number.” 

The accused told her he was leaving for Dubai the very next day, a claim that proved to be false. After much begging on her part, he dropped her off at the airport around 3 am. He threatened to post her pictures on social media if she complained. 

After the incident, the woman said she took the flight to Mumbai. In the meantime, the accused had called her twice after which she blocked his number. 

“After reaching Mumbai, she mailed her complaint to the city police commissioner. The complaint was then transferred to the jurisdictional JB Nagar police station for further action,” said the officer. 

The car used in the crime has been seized and parked at the Jeevan Bima Nagar police station after the driver’s arrest

The woman managed to get the driver’s details through the OlaCabs application and had attached it along with her complaint. This helped the police arrest him within a few hours of the complaint. The JB Nagar police also sought help from the cyber crime police to check if he had shared the photos with anybody else. 

“The driver has been arrested and the cab has been seized. I personally spoke to the victim after the arrest and updated her on the progress of the case. The woman had mailed us the complaint. A case in this regard has been registered by the jurisdictional JB Nagar police,” Seemanth Kumar Singh, Additional Commissioner of Police (East) told BM. 

The JB Nagar police has registered a case of assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe (IPC 354B), voyeurism (IPC 354C), assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty (IPC 354), attempt to murder (IPC 307), putting person in fear of death (IPC 387), wrongful confinement (IPC 342). The IT Act of 2000 has also been invoked. 

When BM reached out to Ola for its comments on the incident, a spokesperson said: “We regret the unfortunate experience the customer had during the ride. We have zero tolerance for such incidents and the driver has been blacklisted from the platform as an immediate action upon receiving the complaint. Safety of customers is our top priority and we are extending our full support to the police authorities in their investigation.” 

Gang Rape And Murder By Ola Drivers In Kolkata Raises Alarm On Safety Of App-Based Minicabs Again

    

As we get into a lull and begin to believe that the world is becoming saner and calmer, things end up becoming messier and murkier. In the most recent and rather appalling incident – two Ola drivers in Kolkata have gangraped and strangled to death a 12-year-old girl. Reports suggest that the girl’s body was thrown over a bridge.

A tweet by ANI News said that the two cab drivers have been arrested:

Kolkata: 2 cab drivers arrested for allegedly gang-raping and killing a 12-yr-old girl, body recovered.

— ANI (@ANI_news) August 31, 2016

A report by CNN-News18 said that the accused have been arrested and they even confessed to picking up the girl from the footpath when they were drunk. The drivers told the police that they were looking for some ‘merriment’ and after killing the girl, the drivers - Shankar Shaw and Guddu Singh - threw her body into the canal below Park Circus Flyover.

Reacting to the news, Ola immediately issued a statement. However, it called the rape and murder a case of “alleged misbehaviour”. It said:

We are saddened by the reports of the alleged misbehaviour of a driver in Kolkata. On preliminary identification of the cab details shared by authorities, we have suspended the account associated with this cab with immediate effect. As per our records, this incident has not occurred while on the Ola platform. We will work with the authorities to share any information that will help support their investigation.

This isn’t the first time that such a report has been filed against an Ola or Uber driver. In December last year, a woman passenger was raped by an Ola driver in Delhi who even threatened to kill the woman if she told anyone.

In May this year, a Belgian national was molested by an Ola driver in Delhi. And how can anyone forget the incident where an Uber driver, Shiv Kumar Yadav, raped a woman in Delhi in December 2014.

Today, with the growing convenience that cab aggregators provide, news of this magnitude again brings to question the safety and security of passengers, especially women. It is interesting to note that a few months back, the cab aggregators and the government authorities were at loggerheads for some of the rules the government had imposed.

The state governments had requested for complete police verification of every driver on the Ola and Uber platforms. One of the main reasons for this was to ensure women’s safety. However, such incidents clearly show that much more efforts need to be put into the safety aspect. According to the new rules, every cab is required to have a panic button, but little has been said on the response time in dire situations and cases like these.

Source : YourStory.com, ITA.

TAXI LEAKS EXTRA BIT....

Looks like it's true that Ola will outdo Uber. I thought they were talking about the amount of booking, but after a little digging it looks like Ola will out Uber in the realms of UberRape and murder!

from Taxi Leaks https://ift.tt/2vxktTq
via IFTTT https://ift.tt/2MxytD8 https://ift.tt/12cqxIH

Police appeal for help following Yorkshire taxi driver stabbing

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2nuq0Ww

Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault on a taxi driver in Batley.The taxi driver, a 36-year-old man, picked up two male customers from Crown Cars depot on South Street in Dewsbury at around 1.40am on Friday 3 August.He was driving along Bradford Road in the direction of Batley, when he was overtaken by a silver Ford Galaxy car which pulled in front of him.A West Yorkshire Police Spokesperson added “He was able to continue driving and pulled into the BP garage further along the main road. A second car, a silver Volkswagen Golf, and the Ford Galaxy both began to follow the driver and tried to ram the taxi.“The victim and the two customers got out of the taxi at the garage and ran from the vehicle.“The suspects then followed the victim and assaulted him. He sustained stab wounds to the leg, arm and head. He remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.“Police would like to speak to the two men who were in the taxi as witnesses to the incident. Detectives believe they may have information which could help with the investigation.“

August 10, 2018 at 11:05PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Straight to San Francisco: Direct California Flights from £293rtn

California knows how to party, and you can get a taste of the action with these direct flights to San Francisco! Our flower power Flights Finder is offering some great rates on non-stop flights with United. The cheapest options depart between September and January. Autumn is considered the best time to visit San Francisco (in… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Winter holiday in The Azores from £255pp: 7nt trip - incl. flights, 4* hotel & breakfast

Get in touch with nature in the stunningly beautiful Azores (often referred to as the Pearl of the Atlantic) this winter at prices that won't hurt your pocket. It won't be sunbathing weather but it's a great opportunity to see the luscious green landscape of this tiny Portuguese island. A 7-night stay in an award-winning… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Family Warwick Castle 1 knight B&B stay fr. £70pp incl. live show & castle entry - sleeps up to 5

Inject some wonder into the summer holidays this year with an overnight stay at the historic Warwick Castle. You and the family will be staying in one of the lodges in Warwick Castle's Knight's Village, with themed rooms and decor. In addition to this there's a great breakfast awaiting you in the morning as well… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

See Prague's Christmas Markets: 2nt break from £72pp - incl. 4* hotel, breakfast & flights

It's never too early to plot a festive getaway pirates, especially with the solid gold bargains from our Flight & Hotels Tool. Prague is one of Europe's prettiest cities at the best of times, and it gets an extra magical aura during Christmas Markets season. Prague's Christmas Markets run this year from December 1st to… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Uber driver dies after fighting with passenger in America

via taxi-point https://ift.tt/2KKzo1h

An Uber driver has died following a physical altercation with a male passenger in Louisville Kentucky.

According to a report in the Daily Mail, father of three, Michael Williams got into a heated dispute with a passenger over the cost of a fare.

The argument soon turned into a full blown fight. Police rushed to the incident which took place outside the Courtyard Marriot Hotel on Saturday , 4, where they found William's unresponsive.

(Louisville Police Department)

William's was rushed to hospital where he died a few days later.

An autopsy is underway to determine the exact cause of death.

William's was carrying six passenger's on this trip, none of whom have been arrested. Police are waiting for the autopsy report to determine if any charges will be filed.

August 10, 2018 at 04:40PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Budget-friendly Barcelona weekend trip from £133pp: Flights & 2nts hotel w/rooftop hot tub

November and December are when budget savvy pirates hit up Barcelona. Sure it's colder but prices can be up to half of what you'd spend at other times of the year. Take this 2-night weekend break for example; you can get return flights from the UK to Barcelona's main airport for well under £60. Combine… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Can we tempt you with Tallinn? Return flights to Estonia from £36

So you've been to Bruges, eaten at patisseries in Paris and and fallen in love with Lisbon. So why not try a new European destination? Get a taste of something different in Tallinn. The Estonian capital is under 3 hours flight away from the UK yet the historical town is missed off of a lot… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Knowledge of London student applications rise following advertising campaign

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

An increase in students applying to become London taxi drivers has been attributed to a recent PR campaign according to one of the industry’s biggest Knowledge schools.

The capital’s taxi trade has received the welcome boost off of the back of a recent advertising campaign run by London Taxi PR promoting the Knowledge of London. The campaigns aim is to show ‘The Knowledge’ as inclusive and open to all, regardless of gender, religion or ethnicity.

Concerns had been raised about the world reknowned course as numbers started to dwindle. Now, full house attendance at student beginner classes are being reported in only a matter of weeks since the campaign went live.

Dean Warrington, who has been running Wizann Knowledge School since 1996, said via Twitter “Who said advertising doesn’t work? As soon as London Taxi PR start their campaign we see an influx of women starting The Knowledge with 4 women in our beginners seminar today!”

London Taxi PR have teamed up with 8 outdoor media who will provided 29 large format digital billboards across Central London. The campaign which will run for a month, features 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”.

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

August 10, 2018 at 03:09PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

New Year New York: See Manhattan in 2019 from £492pp - incl. 4nts Times Square hotel & flights

Move over 2018 because this early bird New York deal is ALL about 2019. Grab your thermals (it gets pretty cold in Manhattan in January and February) and book early on our holidays finder to save a packet on a trip to Manhattan. This deal includes direct flights and 4 nights in a 4* Times… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT