Go Go Gozo: 7nt Malta island break from £285pp - incl. flights, 4* beach hotel & breakfast

Smart pirates know that Malta is super up-and-coming, but we predict the tiny Maltese island of Gozo is going to be the next big thing. It's a picturesque destination with spectacular beaches and a much more chilled out vibe. Why not check it out for yourself? Our holidays finder has a great value 7-night holiday… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Uber driver charged with negligent driving after British man falls from vehicle to his death

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An Uber driver in Sydney has been charged with negligent driving occasioning death after allegedly accelerating while one of his passengers was exiting his vehicle, causing him to fall in front of an oncoming bus to his death. Uber driver Nazrul Islam, 31, says he did not know that Mr Sam Thomas, a British man living in Sydney, was exiting the vehicle, claiming to not of seen the rear lights come on or hear the door open moments before accelerating away from a set of traffic lights in the early hours of the morning of June 17. A court heard that Uber driver Islam picked up Mr Thomas and two friends from a party at Strathfield in Sydney's inner-west. All three men were said to be under the influence of alcohol. Stephen Ronning, a friend who was in the front passenger seat of the Uber at the time of Mr Thomas's death, said he did see the interior light come on in the vehicle and also heard the back door open. As he turned around he saw Mr Thomas in the "motion of getting out" and turned to tell the driver to stop. A loud "pop" was heard which is when Islam stopped his vehicle. Ronning jumped out of the car to witness Mr Thomas laying in the road. Mr Thomas was killed instantly by the oncoming bus. According to a report in ABC, Mr Islam had told police that he works 50/60 hours a week for Uber and had been working that day since 6am. He said he was feeling ok after having two breaks of a few hours during his shift to sleep. Ali Cheema, Islam's defence barrister told the court that this was an extremely sad case but Islam was not negligent. The trial continues.

August 13, 2018 at 09:25AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Sheraton Lake Como autumn getaway 3nts from £275pp - incl. 4* hotel & flights

Ahoy mateys! Holiday like a Hollywood star with a stylish escape by Lake Como in Italy famously the summer residence of George Clooney. We found some great rates over at the luxe 4* Sheraton Lake Como set in a large park on the shores of the lake offering an outdoor pool, wellness area and… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Consultation to bring parity between cyclists and motorists for road deaths begins

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Road users would be kept safer under new government proposals that include changing the law and building better infrastructure.

A new consultation, open for 12 weeks from 12 August 2018, will look at whether a new offence equivalent to causing death by careless or dangerous driving should be introduced for dangerous cyclists.More is also being done to protect cyclists and pedestrians who use our roads safely, including a push for higher standards for cycling and walking infrastructure across the UK.These measures follow the launch earlier this summer of a UK-wide initiative to help police crackdown on dangerous drivers who pass cyclists too closely in a two-pronged approach to make our roads safer.The Department for Transport is also looking at updating parts of the Highway Code, including measures to counter the dangerous practice of ‘close passing’ which puts people off cycling, and would benefit other vulnerable road users like horse riders.Cycling and Walking Minister Jesse Norman said:“In recent weeks we have announced a range of measures designed to protect vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians. These include new measures to combat close passing, training for driving instructors, better collision investigation and £100 million in new investment through the Safer Roads Fund.“Now we are taking further steps. These include a consultation on new cycling offences, further work on national guidance on cycling and walking infrastructure, and improvements to the Highway Code.“All these measures are designed to support the continued growth of cycling and walking, with all the benefits they bring to our communities, economy, environment and society.”In 2016, three pedestrians were killed and 108 seriously injured after being involved in collisions with pedal cyclists.Matt Briggs, whose wife Kim was killed by a cyclist in 2016, said:“I welcome the government’s proposals for new legislation around causing death and serious injury by dangerous and careless cycling. This public consultation is an important step towards updating the arcane laws that are currently being used to prosecute cycling offences.“I would urge people to contribute to the consultation and of course to support the proposed changes to the law.“I also acknowledge that it is just under a year since I began my campaign for new legislation after the death of my wife, Kim Briggs, and I would like to thank the Department for Transport and in particular, Jesse Norman MP, for responding to my campaign in such a positive and expeditious manner.”As part of the Cycling and Walking Safety Review, the government has commissioned the Cycle Proofing Working Group to develop national guidance and best practice for cycling and walking infrastructure, so that all road users can benefit from the best facilities. Finally, the government has also announced today that £1 million will be provided to support the pathfinder demonstration projects for repairing and upgrading sections of the National Cycle Network.

August 13, 2018 at 08:35AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Ola announce first UK Managing Director as launch beckons

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Ola, one of the world’s largest ride-hailing platforms, has appointed Ben Legg as Managing Director of its recently announced UK operations. Ben will lead and develop the senior leadership team, drive strategy and operations and establish a UK nationwide presence by the end of 2018.Ola recently announced it has obtained licences to operate in Greater Manchester and South Wales, with the launch of operations in South Wales in the coming weeks.Ben joins Ola from AdParlor, the New York-based global marketing technology company, where he was CEO for two years. Prior to this, he was Group CEO of Adknowledge, the digital advertising technology firm, between 2011 and 2016. He has also worked as Chief Operating Officer for Google Europe, as well as previously holding senior roles at Coca-Cola and McKinsey.Bhavish Aggarwal, Co-Founder & CEO of Ola, said: “We’re delighted to have a talented leader like Ben at the helm as we start our operations in the UK. Ben has a diverse set of experiences that span strategy and operations and is best placed to drive the development of the business in one of the world’s most evolved transportation markets. Ola is focused on building the future of mobility and Ben will help us to achieve this mission in the UK”.Before embarking on a corporate career, Ben was a Captain in the British Army’s Royal Engineers for 10 years, which saw him lead various engineering organisations across the world.Ben Legg, Managing Director of Ola UK, said: “I’m excited to be joining Ola as it launches in the UK and brings its compelling ride-hailing services to passengers at their fingertips. Ola is committed to working in partnership with policymakers and regulators in all local markets in the UK, to help ensure that our goals are aligned with theirs.“As we have shown elsewhere, Ola is focused on ensuring that its services bring benefits to customers and drivers alike. I, for one, don’t own a car and strongly believe that through innovative services like Ola working in conjunction with local authorities we can help to reduce traffic congestion and pollution, improve mobility, and eventually redesign our cities, towns and public spaces for the better.” Ola’s entry into the UK follows its successful launch in Australia in February 2018, where it now operates in seven major cities. Over 40,000 drivers across Australia have registered since its launch in February, completing millions of rides. Ola now conducts one billion rides each year globally, with more than a million drivers and 125 million customers in over 110 cities.

August 13, 2018 at 08:12AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Hit the Bulgarian slopes: 3-7nt ski break from £199pp w/ flights, hotel, meals, ski hire & pass

Celebrate the end of the heatwave by looking ahead to your winter escape. Our friends at TourCenter are offering this incredible ski deal where you can hit the Bulgarian slopes. Go for either 3, 5 or 7 nights and stay at the 4* Hotel Lion in the middle of the Bulgarian mountains. Half board meals… GemUK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Book your Winter sun now from £142pp: Lanzarote 7nts, flights, bags & transfers (2-3 sharing)

The early pirate catches the bargain with this Canary Islands winter break from TUI, available on our packages finder from just £132 per person, based on 3 sharing. You'll get direct flights to Lanzarote, plus 7 nights self-catering accommodation, airport transfers and checked bags. It's cheapest from London but you can fly from up to… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Newcastle Taxi driver convicted after brandishing knife at passengers

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A taxi driver from Newcastle has found himself in court after he brandished a serrated kitchen knife to three passengers who he says became abusive and threatening at the end of a journey in West Denton. Police were called to the incident which took place on the evening of February 10. The weapon which was being concealed in the footwell of the drivers seat was seized. A court heard that taxi driver Abdul Bandas was just completing the journey when the three passengers began to act suspicious. Bandas thought that the three passengers didn't have the money to pay for the fare which is why they became aggressive and threatened him with a bottle of alcohol. An altercation ensued and a 16cm blade was pulled from the footwell by Bandas. There is no evidence that the father of four threatened to use the blade on the passengers, but instead was carried as a deterrent for anyone trying to assault him. Paul Harbison, defending, said: "He's a taxi driver and has been for a number of years. During the course of time, he has been the victim of numerous threats. "One can only describe deciding to have a knife as a gross error of judgment". District Judge Kate Meek said: "I think you know and I'm sure you have been told that the court treat offences of this nature seriously, whether or not you had intentions of using the knife. "If a situation arises and gets out of hand, even with your best intentions, they can end up using knives and killing people or causing life-threatening injuries, that's why it is an offence just to be in possession of one. "While it was not used here and it was you being assaulted, you did actually brandish it rather than leave it on the floor. I think you know how serious it is and how difficult situation you're in" Meek handed down a 20 week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months at North Tyneside Magistrates Court. Bandas was also ordered to do 60 hours of unpaid work. According to a report in the chronicleLive, Bandas has yet to inform the local authority of his conviction.

August 12, 2018 at 06:47PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Weekends in the Cotswolds: Deluxe mansion stay from £54pppn - incl. indoor pool & spa

Take some time out of 2018 to enjoy a relaxing weekend in the Cotswolds this autumn/winter season; weekend stays at this deluxe Gloucestershire country estate start from just £54 per person, per night. There are many dates until the end of December available and midweek dates (especially Sunday nights) are even cheaper! All bookings include… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Amsterdam autumn city break from £99pp - incl. 2nts boutique hotel & flights

If summer for beaches, autumn is the time for city breaks pirates! We never get bored of laid back Amsterdam, especially when we get to stay in chic properties like Hotel Not Hotel. The cheapest time to getaway is November, and you'll find departures in other months below. Holiday Details Direct return flights London -… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

London group action follows Australian class action investigation into Uber over unlawful conduct

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London’s cab drivers announced last week that they were to unite as Cabbie Group Action to bring about a potential group legal action against Uber worth over £500 million for damages and loss of earnings.

This announcement follows similar action in Australia. The Victorian Hire Car Association (VHCA) instructed lawyers Maurice Blackburn to investigate allegations that Uber was operating unlawfully from 2013 until midway through 2017, when new legislation came into effect. The proposed action is backed by Harbour Litigation Funding Ltd, the same funder of the recently announced London group action against the ride-hailing firm. In many cases Uber’s entry into the market has devastating consequences for the livelihoods of existing licence holders and drivers. If the investigation reveals that Uber’s entry in the Melbourne metropolitan area involved unlawful conduct, there may be grounds for a class action to recover losses on the part the affected law-abiding taxi and hire car operators and licence holders.

The action is the first proposed case of its type in Australia, with Canada the only other jurisdiction to pursue similar action. London’s cabbies have since followed suit. Presenting to the Annual General Meeting of the VHCA in November 2017, Maurice Blackburn Class Action Principal Ben Slade said there were at least 6000 taxi and hire licence holders in the Melbourne metropolitan area that were- impacted by the entry of Uber in allegedly unlawful circumstances. “It’s no secret that Uber’s entry into the market, in many cases, has had devastating consequences for the livelihoods of existing licence holders and drivers in the Victorian taxi and hire car industries,” Mr Slade said. “If our investigation reveals that Uber’s entry to the market involved unlawful conduct, there may be grounds for a class action to recover losses on the part of those affected. “We know there are thousands of taxi and hire care operators and license holders and we would anticipate strong interest from those that have felt the impact of Uber’s alleged unlawful entry into the Victorian market. “To those drivers and licence holders who are aggrieved and have suffered because of the way Uber entered the market, we invite them to register for our potential class action on our website from today, as we continue our investigation into the matter.”

August 12, 2018 at 04:50PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Caribbean 7 night cruises from £309pp: See Dom Rep, St. Kitts & more incl. full board & drinks

Cruise the Caribbean this winter with this fantastic deal we've discovered on our cruise finder. You'll spend 7 nights sailing from Dominican Republic to St. Kitts, Martinique and more on the deluxe ship Costa Pacifica, with its 4 swimming pools, outdoor waterslides and luxury Samsara Spa. Prices start from just £309 per person, based on… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

To be sure, to be sure: Autumn flights to Dublin from £23 return - incl. heaps of weekends

Look mateys, we know Ryanair aren't exactly the most popular airline right now. But it's resulting in good news for bargain-hunting pirates as they drop their prices to almost rock bottom. You can fly to Dublin from a range of UK airports from as little as £23 return; in most cities you'd spend more on… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Stylish Algarve group/family holiday 7nts from £217pp - incl. flights & Townhouse

Ahoy mateys! Algarve is up next! We've laid eyes on the gorgeous 4* The Crest villa resort in Amancil with a selection of luxuriously appointed villas/Townhouses round an inviting pool. We opted for the stylish Townhouse, complete with fully equipped kitchen, terrace, 2 bathrooms with shower and much more. (Or, you could opt for a… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

New York taxi driver loses the plot in road rage video

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A female New York City taxi driver was arrested after losing the plot and fighting with another driver in busy Manhattan on Thursday. The driver of the yellow cab, Alyssa Jenna Mallett, 25, of Brooklyn, was arrested and charged with “reckless endangerment, criminal mischief and assault,” according to the New York Post.Mallett was in Midtown Manhattan where it is said she became enraged by a Nissan SUV cutting her yellow cab up, the New York Police Department said.The Taxi and Limousine Commission suspended Mallett’s licence following Thursday’s arrest.

August 12, 2018 at 01:32PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

2019 Florida from £396pp: Orlando 7nt resort getaway - incl. Virgin flights (2-4 sharing)

We did a double take when we first spotted this Orlando deal mateys. It's not to often you can find a week in Florida for under £400 per person but that's just what this group getaway is. With plenty of dates in late-2018 and throughout 2019, it includes direct Virgin Atlantic flights (which means checked… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Luxury 2019 Benidorm B&B getaway from £315pp - 3nts 5* hotel & flights

Ahoy pirates, we usually see budget deals to Benidorm but what about if you want to really treat yourself, we have found this luxury getaway staying in a lush 5* hotel. Breakfast is included and there are great prices throughout spring 2019 as well as some awesome last minute deals . Holiday details Travel duration:… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Adults Only: 5* All Inclusive Marrakech break 4nts from £297pp - incl. flights & resort

Ahoy mateys! Jet off to vibrant Marrakech for a luxurious Adults Only break staying at the gorgeous 5* Be Live Collection situated in the quiet oasis of Palmeraie within easy reach of the historic centre. You'll have All Inclusive included in your stay here and the choice of 3 restaurants taking care of your nutritional… Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Late summer cheap Croatia getaway from £145pp - 7nts hotel & flights

Ahoy there pirates, we have found this mega bargain holiday in Croatia for under £150 per person for a week in a great resort. You will stay in gorgeous Porec in September when the weather should be nice and toasty. You can even book today with a £75 per person deposit. Holiday details Travel duration:… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Viva Las Vegas from just £395pp: Circus Circus 5nt stay - incl. direct Virgin flights

Shiver me timbers mateys, this Las Vegas deal may just have you reaching for your pirate wallets. We've discovered a trip to Sin City, including direct flights with Virgin Atlantic and 5 nights at iconic hotel Circus Circus from just £395 per person, based on 2 sharing. This winter offer is available throughout the low… Niamh_UK POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT