Cabmen’s Shelter Fundraiser Day at Russell Square raises £3,100 for Children’s Charity

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A fundraiser held at Russell Square cab shelter raised over £3,000 for the London Taxi Drivers’ Fund for Underprivileged Children this summer.

Katie Simmonds, who has run the cabmen’s shelter for the last four years, gave all food and drink proceeds to the charity on 29th June. Some of London’s finest taxi drivers also gave their support on the day by donating their tips and helped spread the word about the good work that the charity does to help disadvantaged children.

The day was a great success with £3,100 being raised by donations and tips.

As luck would have it, world famous actor Gary Oldman was filming nearby and Katie kindly asked if he would have his picture taken to support the charity and the wonderful work they do... and he said yes!

Michael Son, BEM, the Fund’s Honorary Chairman commented “You can’t top that! Sincere thanks to everyone who took part in this successful fundraising day. We hope to do it all again next year. Watch this space!”

August 17, 2018 at 11:08AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Menorca late season group holiday 7nts from £252pp - incl. aparthotel & flights

Ahoy mateys! We've just clocked this great value for money Menorca group holiday (or you could go as a couple) placing you at the top-rated White Sands Beach Club by Diamond Resort. Here you will be right by the beach, and there's also an infinity pool from which you can enjoy stunning sea views. Holiday… Castaway_Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Female robber offered Private Hire Driver sex moments before male accomplice threatened to stab him

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A private hire driver from Peterborough who was robbed by a man and a woman says he was offered sex by the female robber for £20. The 30-year-old driver was sitting in his vehicle parked up when the woman, 29-year-old Anneliese Williamson, approached his window and asked to be taken somewhere. The driver said he had to refuse the journey because he's only allowed to accept prebooked jobs but Williamson wasn't taking no for an answer and jumped in the front passenger seat. A 24-year-old male friend, Alex McAllister, approached and demanded the driver take Williamson to an address where he would meet them to pay for the trip. The driver said he did as he was told and took Williamson to her location on Church Walk.

(Williamson)

Once arriving at the destination, Williamson offered to have sex with the driver for £20. The victim declined the offer which is when Williamson pinned him against the window and demanded he hand over his money. McAllister then arrived and threatened to stab the driver if he didn't cooperate. Leaning through the window, McAllister hit his victim over the head twice with a glass bottle. The driver managed to force his way out of the vehicle and run free. He called the police who arrived within ten minutes and were able to track down McAllister and Williamson.

(McAllister)

Williamson was found in the possession of of two mobile phones and £30 which she had stolen from the driver. Both attackers were also wanted by police in connection with a burglary and attempted theft in Peterborough last year. The pair appeared at Cambridge Crown Court on Wednesday, August 15, for sentencing after being found guilty of of robbery. McAllister was sentenced to four years in prison with an extension of four years on licence. Williamson was sentenced to three years in prison.

August 17, 2018 at 10:37AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Private Hire driver Allowed To Keep Licence Despite Previously Being Jailed For Child Sex Abuse.

A Private Hire driver has been  allowed to keep his licence and job despite previously being jailed for child abuse.

Sandwell councillors allowed the minicab driver to continue driving despite guidelines saying people convicted of sex offences be barred

Jailed for sexually assaulting a child he’s been allowed to continue working by councillors at a meeting held behind closed doors.

Sandwell councillors allowed the unnamed man to continue driving despite guidelines recommending people convicted of sex offences be barred from holding a private hire licence.

Members of the licensing sub committee made the decision at its meeting in July from which the public and press were excluded.

Minutes of the meeting released this week only refer to the driver as 'Mr S G' and exclude any information which identifies him.

The secrecy surrounding the decision has been criticised by the Chairman of the West Midlands Private Hire Drivers Association, who called for committees to be open to the public.

The conviction for sexual assault was revealed when councillors reviewed Mr S G's license.

They were told that in November 1999, he was convicted of indecent assault on a female under 14 and was jailed for three months by Warley Magistrates .

Speaking at the committee, Mr S G said he was at a fun fair and had sat next to a young girl.

Denying he touched her, he said the child reported him to the police and he was charged.

After adjourning to take legal advice, councillors decided to allow him to keep his PH licence and: "Warn Mr S G in respect of his conduct and the effect any further problems may have on his licence."

The minutes also show the committee's decision to depart from guidelines on sexual offences, was: "Due to the length of time that had lapsed since the conviction, his good driving record and good character."

"Mr S G had held a licence for 12 years and had not received any further convictions."

But Raheel Shah, Chairman of the West Midlands Private Hire Drivers Association, has criticised the decision and the secrecy surrounding it.

"No one with a conviction for sexual assault should be given a Taxi or Private Hire licence, " he said.

"I think meetings of this kind should be open so the public can see what is going on."

In a statement to the LDRS, Sandwell council admitted it knew of Mr S.G's conviction when they originally issued him a licence in 2007.

Explaining it's July decision, a spokesman said: "Sandwell's private hire and hackney carriage licensing policy, introduced in October 2017,requires existing licence holders who committed a serious offence in the past who have been previously licensed by the Committee or officers or Court to appear before the Committee to consider whether or not their licence should be revoked.

"The Licensing Committee will consider each case on its merits and take into account the length of time that has elapsed since the conviction and the drivers conduct and the length of time the licence holder has held a licence."

"The public and press are excluded from the hearing of individual cases. This is to avoid the possible disclosure of exempt information under Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, relating to an individual and or information relating to any action taken or to be taken in connection with the prevention, investigation or prosecution of crime."

TAXI LEAKS EXTRA BIT :

This is similar to the “killer on the Knowledge” case were TfL allowed Shamsul Haque, who murdered his wife and assaulted his daughter, to become a Private Hire Driver and also sign on to the Knowledge program to become a licensed Taxi driver. 

After two mass demonstrations outside Penton Street, the man was thrown off the Knowledge and had his PH licence revoked. 

It also heralded the exit from TfLTPH of many directors and managerial staff at that time, and rightly so. 

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Swim in Italy's largest pool from £250pp: 7nts late summer holiday w/flights & hotel

September is the 4th hottest month of the year in Puglia, but prices fall dramatically compared to peak season, making it an ideal time to visit, especially with this excellent value holiday from London or Manchester. A 7-night stay starts from as little as £250pp (based on 2 ppl sharing) - that's including 4* hotel… Captain_Niamh POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Extend summer your mates: Luxe 5* 6nt Greece from £476 incl. flights & beachfront villa - sleeps 4

Summer doesn't have to end with August Pirates, there's still plenty of opportunities to grab some sun in 2018. You and a group of mates can jet off to Halkidiki to enjoy the luxurious surroundings of the Avaton Luxury Villas Resort, a 5* establishment right next to the beach. Go all out and spend just… Worlds_End_Gem POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Apple to launch new self driving car as Uber investors cool interest

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There is good news for Apple fans as reports state the company will launch an augmented reality (AR) headset and an Apple Car by 2025.

The company, which became the first US listed trillion dollar company at the start of August, hopes to do to cars what it did to mobile phones. According to Sky News, Ming-Chi Kuo, a veteran Apple analyst for TF International Securities, has told investors that he expects to see Apple launch a car sometime between 2023 and 2025. The self-driving car programme has been rumoured for years although ‘Project Titan’ as it is known, has never been formally acknowledged. In an article on ‘MacRumours’ the car will be positioned as the company’s “next star product” and strategists hope it will have as disruptive an effect on the market as the iPhone did in 2007 when it was launched. Kuo’s note states: “We expect that Apple Car, which will likely be launched in 2023, will be the next star product.” This is based on the belief that the technological advancements being made is the “same as the smartphone sector 10 years ago.” In stark contrast, Uber’s self driving car development has been hit by investors who want it to concentrate on the ride hailing parts of its business. Once touted as the project which would take the company out of the red, its financial backers are now suggesting to Uber that they should shed that part of the business before the PR situation gets any worse.

It has been the subject of a high profile court case, banned from San Fransisco and killed a pedestrian in Arizona on top of costing $125 million it loses every quarter. minimum wage. But whilst it does have significant financial backers it does not have that kind of money to burn on a project which has resulted in someone’s death. It is becoming profitable as it expands its markets but it still lost around $600 million in the last quarter. If it wants to float on the stock exchange, it will need to have a more positive balance sheet. The question will be whether the news by Apple will motivate the company into further investment and development on the project which has always been a part of its future; taking out the human element of the transport process by removing the need for so many drivers who have been the cause for many of its negative press stories and increased its burden with court rulings deciding they were entitled to some employment rights. Uber ideally would transition its vast customer base away from Uber’s “contractors” and their self-owned cars, and towards a fleet of autonomous vehicles owned and operated by Uber. Under this business model they would be able to keep all the revenue for themselves and finally be profitable. Or will the news that Apple are moving into the market make investors say firmly that Uber needs to concentrate on the current business model which it is best known for? If that is the case, it needs to calculate if that business model without the autonomous vehicles is sustainable in the long term.

August 17, 2018 at 07:56AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

4* Mauritius group holiday 14nts from £1,094pp - incl. luxe apartment w/ pool, flights & bags

Ahoy early birds! We spotted this gorgeous Mauritius group / family holiday a while back, and now it's back with great rates spanning Jan - July next year 2019. You will be staying at the top-modern Belle Haven Luxury Apartments complex in Troux Aux Biches in a luxe 150m big 2-bedroom apartment. At your disposal… Castaway_Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

London: Weekly traffic roads and events update

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Roads

A100 Byward Street / Tower Hill junction with Trinity Square

Works to improve Trinity Square that began on 11 January will be completed this summerVictoria Embankment

Monday 6 August - mid-September 2018

Cadent Gas is carrying out essential gas works on Victoria Embankment by Blackfriars Underpass from 6 August until mid-September 2018. As a result, Victoria Embankment is closed westbound between Southwark Bridge and Westminster Bridge. Read more to find information on alternative travel routes and how you will be affectedEuston Station

Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 August 2018

There will be no services to or from London Euston on Saturday and Sunday, due to Network Rail track and infrastructure work to enable High Speed Two.

Events

Under the Stars

Thursday 16 - Sunday 19 August 2018

A musical event held in Central Park, East Ham between 18:30 and 22:45 each evening • Up to 10,000 people are expected to attend from Thursday to Saturday, but numbers are expected to increase on Sunday evening as the event concludes with a fireworks display • There are no planned road closures but expect delays around Central Park as pedestrian and traffic levels increaseElrow (Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park)

Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 August 2018 • There will be taxi marshals on site at the Copper Box (Here East) from 21:00 until 00:00 on both days of the eventArena eventsTuesday 14 – Sunday 19 AugustO2 Area, North Greenwich 11:00 to 21:00 – Walking with Dinosaurs

August 16, 2018 at 10:07PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Early bird Orlando holiday from £534pp - 7nts hotel, breakfast, flights, luggage & car hire

Ahoy there pirates, we have another early bird bargain for you and this time you can head to Orlando in Florida for under £600 per person. This holiday in Orlando has great prices for families as well as couples and groups. Thomas Cook are offering £100 off holidays over £1500 in 2019 using code BOOKIT,… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Crackin' Krakow Christmas Markets break from £82pp - incl. 2nts Old Town apartment & flights

Krakow is a gorgeous city for a boutique break, and it's even more special during Christmas Markets season! Over at Expedia we spotted this deal for 2 nights at Novum House Apartaments, located right next to the Old Town. Flights are included. The Christmas Markets of Krakow begin the last week of November and last… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

5* Marrakech winter sun holiday from £259pp - 7nts hotel & flights

Pirates, Madonna is currently celebrating her birthday in Marrakech and if it's good enough for Madonna it's good enough for us. We have found this luxury getaway in Marrakech staying for a week in a 5* hotel based on a couple sharing - so grab your favourite matey and get booking. Holiday details Duration is… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Changes to New York City cab legislation see Uber looking for ways around the bill

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With ride-sharing operators, seemingly "cut off at the ankles" by New York City Council last week, after several bills were passed by an overwhelming majority, it hasn't taken long for Uber to try to circumvent some of the legislation, which may "reel them in."One of the bills to be passed by New York City Council, is to cap the number of vehicles licensed in the city, for at least the next twelve months. This act would mean that Uber, Lyft, as well as other ridesharing companies, would be unable to continue flooding New York City's streets with drivers, or so you would be forgiven for thinking.The bill itself will cap the number of vehicles, and not drivers, therefore one of the plans to circumvent the legislation will be to offer a vehicle share scheme to drivers, whereby Uber's owner/drivers who may not work for two or three days per week will be contacted to ask if they would consider loaning their vehicle to new drivers on the platform, thus keeping as many Uber vehicles on the road as possible.One of the other possibilities being considered by Uber is to offer current livery drivers, which include both traditional yellow taxis as well as black-car drivers the opportunity to join the platform. This may be considered an extremely controversial measure given the recent spate of suicides from within the taxi industry in New York City, tragedies which sparked major protests against Uber and Lyft and subsequently led to the new legislation being drawn-up.Another feature of the new bill will be a minimum wage structure for drivers who are on ride-sharing platforms, something which Uber is not opposed to. The Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) will be conducting a study to analyse the impact that companies such as Uber and Lyft are having on the taxi industry as well as other transportation entities, whilst the year long vehicle cap is in situ.It is expected that Mayor Bill de Blasio will sign off on the legislation this week.

August 16, 2018 at 07:35PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Bucket list cruise: Maldives, Sri Lanka & India: 14nts from £529pp incl. meals - upgrades avail.

Who really wants to spend their Christmas with piles of left over turkey and endless presents to wrap when instead you can spend the festive season sailing around south Asia visiting exciting locations like Sri Lanka, the Maldives and India? Well, why not make this the year you opt for a cruise. Hop on board… Worlds_End_Gem POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Late summer Turkey getaway from £284pp - incl. flights, aparthotel, bags & transfers

Extend your summer with some Turkish sunshine courtesy of our Package Finder! With this deal you'll be spending 7 nights at Club Evin in the seaside town of Marmaris. The property has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence award by TripAdvisor - bonus! The cheapest options depart in late-August, and this package also includes flights,… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Mega bargain group getaway to Mexico: 9nts from £508pp incl. flights, aparthotel & bags - sleeps 4

Grab your favourite shipmates and get the cases down from the loft because you're all heading out to Mexico this September! Why go away when it's actually cheaper to go away for 9? Jet off to the beaches of Playa Del Carmen and enjoy the cosy surroundings of the Vida Playa Suites. It has it's… Worlds_End_Gem POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Visit Chicago with these flights from only £265 return

Ahoy, fancy a visit to a really cool city in the USA then take a look at these flights to Chicago that start at just £265 return. There are dates throughout October and November - add a cool accommodation and you have yourself a great getaway. Flight details Direct flights Departures from London Example date:… Lola POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Wonders of Wigan: Overnight in 4* spa hotel from £25pppn incl. breakfast

Pirates, make your way to Wigan with an overnight in the fab 4* Macdonald Kilhey Court Hotel & Spa from £25pppn including a delish breakfast. This charming town is the home of Northern Soul, Wigan Pier (it's not really a pier) and Uncle Joe's Mint Balls. Offer Details: Many travel durations possible - 1 night… Bosun-Dawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

End-of-season Croatia island break from £291pp: Flights, 7nts, bags & transfers (2-4 sharing)

Croatia is so hot right now pirates and the islands are where it's at, so we were super excited to find this end-of-season bargain on the picture-perfect island of Korcula. This TUI package includes direct flights to Dubrovnik, coach and ferry transfers, checked bags and 7 nights accommodation in the 4* Port 9 Apartments. Prices… Captain_Niamh POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

2018 & 2019 flights to Bangkok, Thailand from £357 return with 5* Qatar Airways

We're seeing some real tasty treats on our Flights Finder today pirates - bargain fares to Thailand right the way through to 2019! These flights are with Qatar Airways, a superb option for long haul travel, with your checked luggage and inflight meals included as standard, and great layover times. The cheapest available flights depart… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT