Are the Conservatives too close to private hire firm Uber?

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Emma Arbuthnot, the chief magistrate who presided over the Uber license appeal back in June is to step down from hearing further cases involving the private hire giant.It was revealed that her husband, Senior Tory Lord Arbuthnot, carried out work for a strategy firm which in turn had advised the Qatar Investment Authority, a major investor in Uber.As a result of this link being highlighted, Lady Arbuthnot has stepped away from hearing any future Uber related cases.It has been claimed by a spokesman that Lady Arbuthnot was unaware of any link between Uber and her husband and therefore herself according to the Observer investigation. Where this leaves the recent hearing over Uber's license in London is anybody's guess given impartially must be paramount in any judicial hearing.Whilst Lady Arbuthnot has acted both swiftly and decisively by taking the appropriate action required to remedy any perceived impartiality, there seems to be a common thread emerging, one which seems to continually highlight significant links between Uber and the Conservative party.June 2015 saw Rachel Whetstone, wife of Steven Hilton, David Cameron's former director of strategy, become Uber's Senior Vice-President of Policy and Communications. Ms Whetstone and her husband were close friends of the Camerons, in fact they were godparents to the former Conservative prime-minister's late son Ivan.

Rachel Whetstone's links to the Conservative party run deep, joining Conservative Central Office after graduating from university, she became an advisor to former Home Secretary Michael Howard.After leaving Conservative Central office to work in the private sector, she returned to become Political Secretary to Michael Howard when he became Tory leader in 2003.The Adam Smith Institute and the Institute For Economic Affairs, are both neo-liberal think tanks which promote economic liberalism and are highly regarded by the government. Philosophies such as free trade, privatisation, austerity and deregulation along with a laissez-faire approach to free trade are attributed to both of these institutes.A shared commonality between both of these particular institutes is that they have been highly critical of the highly regulated and highly qualified licensed London taxi industry as well as the taxi industry countrywide, promoting an almost complete deregulation of the industry. In tandem to this, they have been highly supportive of Uber as well as their business model, expounding the virtues of pushing prices down, that, whilst of benefit to customers price-wise, it potentially becomes crippling to not only those who operate on Uber's platform but also Uber's competition, thus destroying what was seen by many in both the taxi and private hire sector as a reasonably thriving and economically viable industry.One of the founders of both of these institutes was Antony Fisher, who was also the founder of many other libertarian think tanks.Interestingly Antony Fisher was Rachel Whetstone's grandfather. Linda Whetstone, Fishers daughter and Rachel’s mother has also been heavily involved with both the Adam Smith Institute and the Institite for Economic Affairs.The list goes on, former Chancellor of the Exchequor within David Cameron's Government, now Evening Standard editor, George Osborne's links to Black Rock, another Uber investor, are no secret.

We then have the Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling, an individual who fully subscribes to the neo-liberal, free-market ethos. A man who inexplicably seems to be procrastinating in acting upon an All Party Parliamentary Report into the taxi and private hire industry, a report chock-full of goodies, which could help both the taxi and private hire industry survive and thrive as well as improve public safety.During an active hearing as to whether Uber's license would initially be renewed, a Conservative MP actively lobbied, via a leafleting campaign for TfL to renew Uber's licence, as well as Prime Minister Theresa May, entering into the fray, supporting Uber during last years Tory party conference.Whilst both the lobbying and Theresa May's defence of Uber could be seen as a Conservative Government "kicking against" a Labour run capital city, what cannot be ignored is that all roads regarding the systematic dismantling of both the taxi industry and the private hire sector, seem to be leading to the Conservative party. This dismantling could adversely effect more than 350,000 working individuals nationwide, from drivers to support staff.Whilst Emma Arbuthnot may not have been aware of the links between her husband and Uber, and to be fair there is no reason why she should have been aware, there were many from within the licensed London taxi industry highlighting possibility of links to Uber, via social network sites, when it was revealed that Emma Arbuthnot would be the judge presiding over Uber's licensing appeal. This in itself should have raised alarm bells and triggered an immediate investigation as to whether there was indeed a link.This, being the latest in a rather substantial line of actions or incidents which have involved individuals linked to the Conservative Party, it does beg the question as to whether the taxi industry can ever be treated fairly and equitably, or will they continue to be treated like a battered dog, awaiting the next boot to the ribs, with the eventual hope that the dogs heart gives out.

August 19, 2018 at 01:31PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Luxe 4* Croatia beach holiday 7nts from £377pp - incl. flights, hotel & breakfast

Arrr pirates! Next up we are sending you to Croatia with a stay at the gorgeous, contemporary 4* Amadria Park Jure Hotel just by the beach in Šibenik. The hotel boasts a selection of pools and restaurants overlooking the sea along with a chic beach club. Breakfast is included and we've found good rates in… Castaway_Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

5* Lake District luxury spa lodge from £293pp - incl. private hot tub, sauna & steam room

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LCDC Chairman Grant Davis Calls For a uber Re-Trial After Vested Interest Claim In National Press.

As news broke yesterday (which we already new) that Uber appeal Judge Emma Arbuthnot and her husband had a vested interest in the Minicab App Uber, first one up to the plate was the London Cab Drivers Club. 

They took to social media:

Once again it surfaces of “vested interests” & the Cab Trade maybe not getting a fair hearing in the Courts over UBER - Plan B ?

Drivers immediately were calling for action on the street and one prominent trade rep said "I’m sure someone’s arranging the placards as we speak".

London Cab Drivers Club Chairman Grant Davis, made this statement earlier this morning:

The Taxi trade needs to come together and Demonstrate against yet another injustice we have had to endure. We need a full investigation from the legal Ombudsman and a Re-trial .

Complete stitch up again.

It will be very interesting over the next few days to see if Reading Council call for a re-trial after their verdict from Emma Arbuthnot went again in Uber's favour!

Read the damming article which appeared on-line in the Observer yesterday. 

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/aug/18/uber-judge-steps-aside

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“Green cab drive needs more cash” says ClientEarth

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Over the last 10 years there has been a huge increase in awareness of the toxic air that many of us who live and work in towns and cities are breathing. But air pollution is a problem that stretches back far beyond the last decade. In post war Britain, the coal that heated people’s homes and fuelled power stations and factories tended to be relatively low-grade and sulphurous. Burned in large quantities it created dense yellowish, black smog which came to be known as “pea soupers.” After a cold snap in the winter of 1952, London was subjected to the most serious of these pollution episodes. The Great Smog is estimated to have caused the deaths of 10,000 people and affected a further 200,000 in London. The air quality crisis we are currently facing is less visible but nonetheless still harms the health of people across the country who have no choice but to breathe in illegal and harmful levels of air pollution. There are many sources of pollution, and many pollutants, which all need dealing with. However, the main source of illegal and harmful levels of nitrogen dioxide in our towns and cities is road transport. People are exposed to this on a daily basis. This includes drivers – studies have shown that air pollution can be up to 12 times as high inside a vehicle than outside. We have long known about the impact of this kind of air pollution on people’s health and the evidence is growing. Successive governments have failed to take action to meet legal limits that were agreed as far back as the late 1990s and should have been met in 2010. Without urgent action, the legal limits will still be broken until at least 2028. Faced with this refusal to tackle the problem, ClientEarth has been forced to take legal action to stand up for people’s health. Our legal pressure, the increasing scientific evidence, the Volkswagen diesel-gate scandal, and increased public awareness of the issue, means we are finally starting to see opportunities to put us on a path toward a cleaner and healthier future. Clean Air Zones look likely across the country, with London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone to be introduced in London in April 2019. However, while the government is keen to talk about how committed it is to tackling the problem. The UK is divided into 43 air quality zones for monitoring purposes and in 2016 37 of these areas were still in breach of legal limits for nitrogen dioxide. It is time for serious action from government, not just more words. The aim of the recently released Road to Zero strategy, according to the Transport Secretary, is “Cleaner air, a better environment, zero emission vehicles, a strong clean economy. Electric vehicles were identified as part of the solution to the air pollution crisis. The investment in charging infrastructure mentioned in the strategy is welcome, and absolutely crucial to achieving this, but not enough if it is not accompanied by financial support to help individuals and businesses to replace their older vehicles with cleaner versions or even cleaner forms of transport. A charge point on every lamppost, fuel pump and driveway in the country will not convince drivers to buy an electric vehicle while they are so much more expensive than their petrol or diesel equivalents. In Norway last year, Electric Vehicles (EVs) made up nearly 40% of newly registered passenger cars, in the UK in the first half of 2018 they made up 2%. So, what is the reason for this difference? It simply makes financial sense in Norway to buy an EV. Buyers do not pay import tax or VAT on plug-in cars, which makes the upfront cost thousands of pounds cheaper. Running costs are lower because electricity is cheaper than petrol and diesel, while road tax is reduced and will drop to zero next year. Electric car owners avoid road tolls, ferry fees and low emission zone charges. What is more, parking is free and EV drivers are allowed to use selected bus lanes. The situation in the UK is obviously very different, given that Norway’s population of 5.2 million is a fraction of ours, but with more than 100,000 EVs in such a small country they are doing something right. We have seen some good decisions in the UK over recent years in terms of making EVs more affordable. Notably their exemption from VED, which was recently updated to address the nonsensical exclusion of TXEs. The £7,500 plug-in taxi grant is important, as is the grant for passenger cars and vans, however this should be increased in the short term and continue beyond 2020. Currently we are seeing pockets of leadership from local authorities across the country and in certain business sectors, including the taxi trade, where there is a commitment to zero emission vehicles now, not in five, 10 or 22 years. What we need now is leadership from the Government to support those who are making the right decision. ClientEarth will continue to put pressure on the Government to make sure they do just that.

August 19, 2018 at 10:37AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Dominic Phinn - ClientEarth THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Relaxing Formentera island holiday 7nts from £301pp - incl. flights & hotel

Ahoy mateys! The tranquil Formentera is Ibiza's small sister island, home to Caribbean-like white sandy beaches framed by crystal clear turquoise water and is largely unspoilt by tourism. However, this kind of serenity usually comes with a price tag, which is why we are so excited over this holiday we've spotted! There are ample cheap… Castaway_Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

5* Abu Dhabi All Inclusive family beach break 5nts from £679pp - incl. top resort, flights & more

Arrr mateys! Next up we are sending you to Abu Dhabi for a luxurious stay at the fantastic 5* InterContinental beach resort one of the best hotels in the city. The hotel boasts a large selection of bars and restaurants, infinity pool and spa plus a private marina and direct beach access. This holiday… Castaway_Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Taxi union “demands” re-trial into Uber London relicensing hearing as questions around judge’s impartiality are raised

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London taxi representatives have called for a re-trial into the London Uber relicensing case earlier this summer following questions raised over the presiding judge’s impartiality. Judge Emma Arbuthnot has stepped aside from any future court cases involving the controversial minicab operator following a conflict of interest involving her husband’s business and Uber. The London Cab Drivers Club took to social and tweeted: “The Taxi Trade Demands a re-trial - more proof the Cab trade had once again not received a fair hearing”The chief magistrate has recently gave judgment on two Uber court hearings finding in favour of the much maligned ride-hailing firm on both occasions in London and Reading respectively. Arbuthnot was due to preside over the forthcoming Uber relicensing hearing in Brighton, but following an investigation by The Guardian has since pulled out. In June, Uber were given a 15 month licence in London with various conditions attached after an appeal hearing lasting only two days out of the expected 3 or 4.Steve McNamara, General Secretary of the LTDA, said after the hearing in June: “At times the hearing felt almost rushed, she asked few questions and paid scant attention as a catalogue of Ubers mistakes and disregard for TfL and licensing rules in general were read out. “Uber’s general manager, Elvidge, was decimated by TfL’s QC during questioning on Ubers operational methods. He openly admitted a plethora of lies and rule breaking including the fact that the app had been operating in contravention of the 98 Act but by Monday afternoon it had become clear the Magistrate was merely going through the motions. In fact, she could have saved everyone a lot of time, effort and money had she admitted as much and given them the licence there and then!”

August 19, 2018 at 09:22AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

TaxiPoint LEVC TX Bite-Sized Review: Charging and fuel savings

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The move away from diesel to electric powered taxi is without doubt one of the biggest changes to our trade in recent times.

This short bite-sized clip explains the charging process and the savings found during the independent review. TaxiPoint was given the opportunity to conduct an open and honest review of the new LEVC TX taxi. This review was conducted over the course of a week looked at the following different areas from the drivers perspective:

What’s differentThe drivers cabinThe passenger cabinChargingAnd the final verdict

Press the image below to watch the full review now!

August 18, 2018 at 09:29PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Brits would far rather drive in Europe than on the UK’s ‘broken’ roads

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Four in 10 motorists say they find driving on the Continent less stressful than driving in the UK compared with just 10% who say they find it is less harrowing in the UK.Analysis of the opinions of Brits who drive in Europe on a range of factors from the friendliness of other drivers to the condition of the roads and the price of fuel reveals a positive perception of the whole experience across the Channel.Research, conducted by RAC Europe, reveals just how positive UK drivers generally feel about driving on the Continent. Motorists particularly praised foreign roads for their lower levels of congestion, with 63% saying major roads in mainland Europe suffered from fewer queues, and 56% thinking minor roads were less congested than those in the UK.But they also enjoyed the superior asphalt of many European roads – seven in 10 said they thought major roads are better maintained abroad, with a majority also stating minor roads are in better condition compared to the UK’s potholed roads.While a quarter of drivers said they see little difference between motorway service areas in the UK and elsewhere in the EU, nearly double the proportion favoured those abroad. Half also said they believe fuel to be cheaper in mainland Europe which, as RAC Europe data shows, is typically the case – right now diesel costs more in the UK than anywhere else on the Continent except Sweden and Italy, largely thanks to higher taxes. Petrol, however, is currently more expensive in a dozen other EU nations including the Netherlands, Denmark, Greece and, perhaps surprisingly to some UK travellers, France.Overall drivers on the Continent are perceived to be friendlier and more law-abiding with one in 10 saying that UK drivers are friendlier compared with 16% who said those in mainland Europe are. European drivers are also marginally more law-abiding in the eyes of the British motorists surveyed: 22% said more drivers in Europe obey the speed limit and 17% said fewer drivers use their handheld phones compared with 10% and 6% respectively in the UK. However, UK drivers just pip their European cousins to the post when it comes to the standard of driving with 23% picking the UK over Europe 20%.RAC Europe spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “It really does seem to be a welcome break for UK motorists when they venture abroad by car. Almost half say they find the experience less stressful than driving on Britain’s broken roads.“Our research also reveals just how keen many of us are about getting behind the wheel on continental roads which drivers tell us are quieter and better maintained with friendlier and better-behaved drivers. With high levels of frustration over the quality of road surfaces, the sheer volume of traffic and poor driving standards, it is little wonder that Brits appear to be enjoying their motoring experience abroad.”

August 18, 2018 at 08:00PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Shoreditch bolthole: 5* East London hotel w/ rooftop pool from £80pp per night

Ahoy mateys! Next up we've spotted the gorgeous east London bolthole 5* The Curtain Hotel situated right in the heart of buzzing Shoreditch. Offering a rooftop pool with scenic views of the city along with super luxe accommodation this makes a great base for exploring the capital! Offer Details: Many travel durations possible - 1… Castaway_Cee POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Andrew Boff Says He Wants Level Playing Field With Uber If He Becomes Mayor

In his piece for 1828UK the openly gay Assembly Member has championed the Uber platform even though they discriminate against the LGBT community. 

He also talks about a level playing field which will achieve more choice and cheaper prices.

If this man becomes Mayor, it will be the final nail in the Taxi trade coffin. 

Tory Assembly Member Andrew Boff, writing for 1828UK.

Technology is constantly evolving. This is certainly the case in London, with private vehicle hire or ride-hailing services. It would be a backward step not to embrace this technology, which offers more choice and cheaper travel options for Londoners, but it must operate under the same rules as Black Cabs.

In order to achieve cheaper travel, there needs to be a level playing field between ride-hailing services and Black Cabs. Without this, Black Cabs struggle to compete with private vehicle hire, and consumers have less choice in terms of their transport options. When I am Mayor of London, I will ensure that ride-hailing services and Black Cabs are treated equally.

The benefits of apps like Uber are clear: they are often cheaper, they are easy to use, and they are efficient. The simple fact that Uber has soared with huge profits in London makes the most convincing case that it is what Londoners want. In fact, 3.5 million people are registered with the service, which approximately equates to half of the adult population of London. This should not be a battle between whether we love our Black Cabs more than Uber. What we want more than anything is choice.

Private vehicle hire offers a solution to Londoners who, for whatever reason, do not have a suitable public transport alternative. But consumers must be provided with a choice in these services. Clear evidence that ride-hailing services save Londoners money can be seen by comparing the price difference between a Black Cab journey and an Uber journey from Victoria Station to City Hall.

In this example, the Black Cab fare would be approximately £23, whereas, if you were to use Uber, the journey would cost between £9-13. If Uber were to lose its full licence in London, it could cost Londoners an additional £89.5 million a year in Black Cab fares. It would also significantly inconvenience Londoners who do not live somewhere served by a significant number of Black Cabs. I cannot support something which would inconvenience Londoners and cost them a lot more money.

Moreover, a restriction on ride-hailing services in London would have a profound impact on all those employed as private vehicle hire drivers in London. Uber, the largest, (but not the only) ride-hailing service in London, employs 45,000 drivers alone. If Uber is not granted a licence to operate in London by Transport for London, not only would Sadiq Khan be working against the consumer, but he would also be responsible for the consequent job losses that would result in a collective loss of £864 million a year in earnings. Besides this monumental economic loss, it is also worth noting that 90% of the 45,000 drivers working for Uber in London say they are satisfied with their employer.

In order to ensure that adequate and fair regulations on all providers in the ride-hailing industry are enforced, I will split the licensing function off from TfL into its own organisation, answerable to me, with a remit for never compromising on public safety, and I will invite the London Assembly to scrutinise its operation and give a voice to interested parties.

I would expect the new organisation to improve vehicle guidelines and driver checks, including more effective complaints procedures in order to address poor service and performance at the same level as Black Cabs. These guidelines would also allow Black Cabs to do more in order to compete with the ride-hailing industry in London. To save the Black Cab, we must first embrace the ride-hailing industry.

Embracing the private vehicle hire industry with open arms is instrumental in allowing London to soar as a business hub, and to improve the lives of Londoners who require that form of transport. Offering consumers more choice in their transport options by allowing companies such as Uber and myTaxi to continue operating in London saves our residents and commuters money and time. Ride-hailing services offer clear benefits in increasing the quality of life of those living and working in London. What is not to like?

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Va-Va-Venice: 5* Hilton getaway 2nts from £166pp - incl. flights & iconic hotel w/ spa

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Chic Italian seaside escape: Puglia 4nts from £265pp - incl. 4* hotel, breakfast, spa & flights

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Greater Manchester Brings Forward Proposals For Clean Air Plan

Greater Manchester is expected to bring forward its proposals for addressing air pollution in the city region in the coming weeks, elected members heard yesterday (16 August).

At a meeting of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Planning, Housing & Environment Committee, officials were presented with an update on the Greater Manchester Clean Air plan, which is being overseen by Transport for Greater Manchester.

TfGM is leading the development of the plan on behalf of seven of the ten Greater Manchester authorities who were named within the government’s NO2 plan as being required to act to reduce nitrogen dioxide emissions. A finalised Clean Air Plans is due to be presented before the end of the year.

Papers released ahead of yesterday’s meeting indicate that options under consideration for the city region include the potential for a charging Clean Air Zone.

But, any potential charges would only to apply to private-hire vehicles, buses and HGVs, with the Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, having previously ruled out a charge for private car drivers (see airqualitynews.com story).

Options

Other measures included in a shortlist shown to members include the potential for a workplace parking levy to encourage commuters to use public transport, increased public transport capacity, retrofit of the existing public transport and local authority fleets and incentivising an increased uptake of electric vehicles in the region.

In the update to members yesterday, TfGM noted that initial data of NO2 exceedances across the local authority areas has been submitted to Defra, which will shortly report back with specific requirements for emissions reductions required across the region.

Once this ‘target determination’ has been completed – likely to be this month – the Greater Manchester air quality steering group, will assess which options are likely to bring about the required reduction in NO2 levels demanded by government.

The papers note: "As government has identified charge-based Clean Air Zones as the benchmark measure, the modelling process used to identify a preferred option to achieve compliance in the shortest possible time in GM is required to focus on this measure first. The Steering Group members will brief senior officers and elected members within their organisations on the options for achieving compliance."

Officers will model which of these measures is likely to bring about compliance within the shortest possible time, before submitting a business case to government later this year. The proposals will be subject to the ‘relevant GM-level governance’, the papers indicate.

Public awareness

Members also heard that a programme of public awareness around air quality issues affecting the region is also under development.

This is expected commence during early autumn 2018 to ‘build greater public awareness and understanding of the GM air quality issue and associated impacts’.

Under the identity of ‘Clean Air Greater Manchester’, "this would build on past public engagement activity – e.g. Clean Air Day – and aim to educate key audiences about air pollution, the health impacts, and what they can do to make a difference," members were told.

Source : Air Quality News 

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Luxury 5* Lanza winter getaway: 4-7nts B&B from £274pp incl. flights & hotel w/ rooftop bar

Ahoy Pirates, what's the best solution to beat those winter blues? That's right a cheapy trip to the Canaries to enjoy the 5* surroundings of the Arrecife Gran Hotel & Spa. This stunning accommodation is right by the beach and offers an indoor pool, spa, and a rooftop bar with amazing views over the island… Worlds_End_Gem POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Quebec Taxi drivers to receive compensation packages worth up to $45,700 each

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It was announced on Friday, 18, that taxi drivers in Quebec will receive individual payments of up to $45,700 as compensation to help off cost the devaluation of their permits since the arrival of ride-hailing app Uber. The payouts represent roughly 56 percent of what permit holders have lost and comes out of a $250 million aid package that was put aside by the government in March to help the taxi drivers who have seen much of their business disappear over to the controversial app. Finance and Transport ministers have put aside $18 million to help modernise the taxi industry and help it keep up with modern demands. Quebec taxi drivers have welcomed a compensation package but have highlighted that the payments do not cover all their losses and should not be seen as acceptance to an unregulated ride-sharing industry that is destroying livelihoods of taxi drivers. A report in the Montreal Gazette confirmed that the average loss for each taxi permit holder is around $120,000, so receiving payments of $45,000 isn't really going to help greatly, although it is better than nothing. The key aspect to the compensation package that should be highlighted is that not every single driver will qualify for the figure of $45,700. Taxi drivers in Montreal will be eligible for the highest payouts due to their permit values seeing the biggest decrease in value since Uber's arrival. Taxi drivers in Quebec City and Gatineau will qualify for payouts, but some may receive as little as $3,800. Taxi permit holders in other sectors will only receive a payout of $1,000 due to a lesser impact that Uber has had on their workloads. Who's to say Uber won't push to increase a larger presence in those areas in the near future though? Taxi industry officials are also pushing for the government to introduce a cap on the amount of Uber drivers that are allowed to operate just like New York City has. The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has also pushed for a similar capping system to be introduced in the capital.

August 18, 2018 at 01:31PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Winter sun: Flights to The Philippines from £341rtn - incl. luggage & meals

If you pirates are in the market for some stunning beaches and friendly people, you simply must check out The Philippines! The country is made up of over 7,000 islands - so you're sure to find one to suit. Browse below for flights departing between September and December. Use Manila as your base and go… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT