Sunday, 2 September 2018

7nts in Bulgarian mountains from £179pp incl. flights, meals & 4* aparthotel w/ jacuzzi & sky bar


Pirates, here's a little life hack for a cheap holiday: head to a place outside of its high season for cheaper rates. For example, 7 nights in the mountainous Bankso, Bulgaria from a mere £179pp including the 4* Saint George Palace Bansko Aparthotel, flights & half board meals. Holiday details: Travel duration: 7 nights (longer… Bosun-Dawes POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Fuel prices up for eighth week in a row


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Pump prices are at levels not seen for four years. Petrol now costs an average of £1.29 at UK forecourts. The last time it was this expensive was in August 2014. Diesel is averaging £1.33, a level not reached since September 2014.
Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said:
“These latest price increases will not have been lost on the millions of motorists travelling the length and breadth of the country in the past week or so heading to and from holiday destinations. “The cost today of filling an average car with diesel is £8 more than it was a year ago and it is a similar picture for petrol. “The impact isn’t just felt by drivers. Fuel is a significant cost to many businesses and inevitably any increased burden will be passed on to customers through higher-priced goods and services. “While rising oil prices and a weaker pound are contributing to what happens at the pumps its worth remembering that despite the fuel duty freeze more than 60% of what drivers pay still goes to The Treasury.”
September 02, 2018 at 09:05AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

The Mayor, TfL and London boroughs come together to launch Quietway 2


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Quietway 2 was officially opened this week by the Mayor's Walking and Cycling Commissioner and borough leaders. The new 12km route will enable people to cycle from east London into the city centre and beyond, connecting Bloomsbury and Walthamstow via Angel, Haggerston, London Fields and Clapton.Expanding London's Quietway network is a key part of the Mayor's plans to get more Londoners cycling. Being able to ride safely through London's backstreets away from busy main roads is one of the ways of enabling more people of different ages and backgrounds to cycle as part of their everyday routine. Quietways are continuous, direct and clearly signed cycle routes on less-busy streets across London. They complement fully segregated cycle routes that TfL is also building on main roads across the city.Q2 is a significant addition to London's emerging cycle network. It connects with other routes including Cycle Superhighway 1 in De Beauvoir Town and Cycle Superhighway 6 in Bloomsbury, as well as forthcoming routes such as Quietway 13 at London Fields and Quietway 10 near Angel. The route forms part of a continuous cycling network as far south as Merton, as far north as Tottenham and as far west as West Acton.Major improvements for cyclists and pedestrians along the route include a new signalised crossing on Queensbridge Road, traffic-filtered roads around Clapton Square and Chatham Place, a reduction in large vehicles through Dalston on Middleton Road and safer crossings of main roads including St John Street, City Road, Mare Street, Morning Lane, Lower Clapton Road and Chatsworth Road. Improvements in Walthamstow include a new pedestrian and cycle crossing at Selbourne Road and protected cycle lanes on Willow Walk.The new route has been delivered in partnership with the London Boroughs of Islington, Hackney and Waltham Forest. Since 2014, cycling has increased by up to 94% in areas along the route and Q2 will help support this cycling boom.TfL are working closely with boroughs across London to create over 250km of new cycling routes on streets with less traffic. To date, Quietways have made cycling safer at 86 junctions across London. The first route from Waterloo to Greenwich, Q1, saw a 54% increase in cycling after opening to the public and the proportion of women cycling along the route rose from 29% to 35%.Quietway 2 West has also opened, which connects Notting Hill and East Acton via Wormwood Scrubs. New parallel zebra crossings have been built at Scrubs Lane and Mitre Way and at North Pole Road, giving cyclists priority when crossing main roads. A new traffic-free path through Wormwood Scrubs is also part of this new safer cycling route. Once the section through Westminster is completed, the full Q2 route will form a 23km continuous cycle route.A further three routes have also been opened to the public recently, including:Q5 - connecting Oval and Clapham CommonQ15 - connecting Belgravia and Earl's CourtQ3 - connecting Gladstone Park and Kilburn Station with improved crossing on Walm Lane and Mapesbury Road and a new cycling and walking path on Gladstone Road
Will Norman, London's walking and cycling commissioner, said: "We're striving to get as many people as possible walking and cycling in the capital. Creating these Quietway routes to build a genuinely London-wide network is vital to give more Londoners the confidence to take to two wheels. An amazing 730,000 trips are made by bike in the capital every day and I look forward to building on that further through the Quietway routes, which have already helped to boost the numbers cycling in our city. Our focus is on ensuring that Quietways are high-quality, with low traffic volumes and speeds, enabling all ages and abilities to enjoy cycling.
September 02, 2018 at 07:13AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Saturday, 1 September 2018

Uber and former CEO Kalanick win in court against lawsuit that claimed they were to blame for company's devaluation


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A Texas pension fund that invested in Uber Technologies Inc. filed a lawsuit against the controversial ride-sharing app claiming the company ignored "illicit" business practices under the carpet that contributed to the decline in Uber's stock price, costing investors billions. On Friday U.S. District Judge Haywood S. Gilliam Jr. sided with Uber's and Travis Kalanick's claims that the lawsuit did not "specifically tie" any particular misrepresentation by the defendants (Uber and former CEO Kalanick) to any decline in the company's stock price.
According to a report in Bloomberg, Haywood wrote in his ruling that the lawsuit instead, "lumped together" scandals and asserted a vague and attenuated connection to Uber's devaluation. Haywood has however allowed the Texas pension fund to revise and refile the complaint.
September 01, 2018 at 07:06PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Support for cabbies group action against Uber gathers pace as 6,000 drivers pledge their interest


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Support for legal action against ride-hailing firm Uber has gathered pace as over 6,000 licensed taxi drivers pledge their interest in the claim for compensation. The capital’s cabbies are coming together as Cabbie Group Action to bring a potential group legal action against Uber worth over £500 million for damages and loss of earnings due to the alleged unlawful operation of Uber under the relevant statutory framework.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 to at least the end of 2017, with the intention of causing loss to the licensed taxi trade. Supported by leading law firm Mishcon de Reya, the claim is being officially backed by a wide variety of organisations involved in the licensed cab trade, including: Steve McNamara, General Secretary of the LTDA, said: “You will recall that we recently launched the first phase of exploring a group legal action against Uber. We’re working across London’s cab trade to demand back the loss of earningsour drivers have suffered as a result of Uber’s intentionally illegal operation in London. “Thanks to everyone who has registered their interest in taking part – almost one in five cabbies in London have already signed up to support the action and find out more.“The whole trade really is coming together on this. Not only is the LTDA backing the group action, but we have the support of all the other trade groups including Unite, UCG, LCDC; fleet operators KPM Automotive, Easyrentacab and Colts Cabs; journos like TaxiPoint, taxi ad firm Ubiquitous and Martin Cordell - the list goes on. Never has our trade been so united. “Together we have the best chance of proving the extent to which we have suffered at the hands of Uber. The press quickly jumped on this and we got lots of coverage across the board: everyone from Sky News to the BBC, London Live and LBC was interested.”For those who haven’t yet done so, you can register your interest at https://ift.tt/2wvmzE0 to hear more about how to take part in the group action. If you don’t have access to the internet or need help signing up, the LTDA have kindly offered their help. You can drop by Taxi House in W9, go to their offices at Heathrow, or call them on 020 7286 1046 where they’ll post you a form.McNamara added “Let’s get as many people as possible involved so we can put forward the best case against Uber and demonstrate its impact on our livelihoods.”
September 01, 2018 at 03:24PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Colchester cabbies could get Green light for internal CCTV... but there is a catch


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Cabbies in Colchster could get the Green light for internal CCTV as a six week consultation begins, with all new vehicles required to have cameras fitted.
Vehicles which are already registered as taxis and private hire vehicles will be given a grace period to fit the cameras.
Whilst it has been recognised that the CCTV will improve safety, a major concern has arisen surrounding the cameras.
The CCTV equipment that the council may approve could cost between £300 and £600, supplied and fitted.
Taxi drivers in the area have claimed that CCTV equipment can be purchased for as little as £30, with some drivers already using these cameras.
Questions have also been asked in relation to privacy issues, with many drivers using their vehicles for private use. Also sound recording has been highlighted as a major concern.
It has been confirmed that before any edict goes out to the industry regarding CCTV installation, a public consultation will take place first.
September 01, 2018 at 02:56PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

In fair Verona we lay the scene: 4nts B&B in Italy from £111pp incl. flights & 4* hotel


Don't be sad that summer has finished when September rolls around, be glad that you can pick up a late season bargain to a number of amazing destinations. Like this 4 night mini break to one of Italy's most romantic cities. Verona is famed for being the setting for Romeo & Juliet - so why… Worlds_End_Gem POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Newcastle City Council under pressure to end taxi dispute


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With the ongoing dispute between Newcastle’s taxi drivers and Newcastle City Council becoming more and more heated, the Liberal Democrats have urged the council to resolve the issue.
Newcastle’s irate cabbies have brought the city centre to a standstill on three occasions in the last week after their concerns seemingly falling on deaf ears.
There are serious concerns surrounding a huge influx of Uber drivers, illogical road changes in the area and a lack of enforcement.
The protests have been co-ordinated by the Newcastle Hackney Carriage Drivers Association, who represent around 50% of the city's cab drivers.
Newcastle City Council have claimed that they are dealing with the problems in the area, including private hire drivers illegally plying for hire.
I myself, have witnessed some of the taxi industries problems first hand. Over the last two years, when leaving Newcastle station late at night, I have been approached on more than 20 occasions by private hire drivers touting for business, with the majority carrying the Uber livery in their door of their vehicles. Interestingly, at no point, have I ever witnessed an enforcement team in or around the station.
The traffic restrictions in the city are also a major issue, with an unbelievably complicated system in place, as well as confusing signage, with John Dobson Street and Grey Street becoming a major issue.
Newcastle City Council have highlighted deregulation as a major issue, which has confounded their attempts to appease the taxi industry by bringing in a cap for private hire vehicles, something which has been echoed on a national level.
The council plan further talks with NHCDA, but in the meantime, the row rumbles on.
September 01, 2018 at 11:30AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

2019 Florida from £414pp: Orlando 7nt resort getaway - incl. 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 £420 per person but that's just what this group getaway is. With plenty of dates in late-2018 and throughout 2019, it includes direct flights and 7 nights in a… Captain_Niamh POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Friday, 31 August 2018

Northern Lights 3nt minibreak from £223pp - incl. flights & Reykjavik hotel


Iceland is best booked early to get the best best of dates during Northern Lights season matey; January is prime viewing time of year. We discovered a great value 3-night minibreak on our Flights + Hotel finder from as little as £223 per person, based on 2 sharing. Cheapest from London, there is also options… Captain_Niamh POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

There may be trouble ahead for Uber as rival Lyft prepares to beat them to an IPO


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Ride-sharing firm Lyft are setting up to beat rival Uber to an IPO early next year. According to a report in Bloomberg, the US firm are in discussion with an advisor as they look to push through an initial public offering in March or April 2019. Sources say Lyft has hired a company called Class V Group LLC to work on the process. Lyft is now valued at $15.1 billion and operates in the same number of US cities as their biggest rival in the ride-sharing industry, Uber. Since the arrival of new Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, the controversial app has desperately worked to get their house in order in hope of launching their own IPO in 2019, but if Lyft were to go public before them it would almost certainly be considered a major loss to the industries front runner.
August 31, 2018 at 03:59PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Man pleads guilty to killing Taxi driver by dangerous driving


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A 26-year-old man has pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving at Manchester Crown Court. Sayers, 26, was being chased by police on July 31, when he lost control of his vehicle causing him to plough into Taxi driver Allen Ingram who was pronounced dead at the scene. Police attempted to stop Sayers who was driving a Vauxhall Mokka after suspicions were raised. Sayers began to speed away from the officers which is when he lost control of his vehicle. Mr Ingram was standing beside his taxi when he was hit and killed. According to the BBC, Sayers has been remanded in custody and is due to return to court on September 26. Prosecutors are waiting for results to confirm which speed Sayers was driving at and are also waiting for victim impact statements to be taken before sentencing.
August 31, 2018 at 11:52AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

What are the rules if you are a taxi driver working in the UK but living abroad


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UK citizens, living and working in a foreign land is not an unusual occurance. Tens of thousands of people migrate to other countries every year.
Individuals who live in the UK but work abroad is a little less common, although those serving in the armed forces are the exception to that rule.
Taxi drivers, working in the UK but living abroad is a positive rarity. Incredibly, in London, there are only 5 taxi drivers who have supplied a home addresses which is outside of the UK.
A small number of cabbies do live abroad, but retain a UK address so as to minimise the complications surrounding holding a taxi license in the UK, but what are the rules regarding working as a cabbie in the UK and living abroad?
With the help of both Matthew Winfield at Transport for London and Paul Brennan at the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association, here arw some of the rules pertaining to holding a license and being registered outside of the UK.
An applicant who is applying to renew his taxi license, and who has spent three months or more outside the UK (whether elsewhere in the EU or beyond) within three years before making the application would need to provide a certificate of good conduct from that country, in addition to undergoing an enhanced DBS check. Note that this is three consecutive months or more (excluding period(s) of extended vacation) and not Three cumulative months.
This leads to the question as to a cabbie renewing his license could obtain a certificate of good conduct (COGC) from, with the answer being surprisingly straightforward.
Since arrangements can vary from country to country the advice is that applicants contact the Embassy or High Commission of the country in question to find out how to obtain a COGC and the costs involved.
It must be remembered that the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) request a 5 year address history for all applicants. They offer guidance for applicants who do not have this or who have lived at an address outside of the UK. The DBS Unusual Address Guide will give the relevent guidance regarding this issue.
Now we come to the driving license itself, this again is relatively straightforward. TfL accept UK driving licences and those of other European Economic Area (EEA) states for new applications for London cab drivers’ licences and renewals. A licensee would need to notify TfL of a change to their current address and provide a copy of their new EEA driving licence so a replacement cab driver’s licence could be issued.
Whilst the above is Tranport for London guidance, it can be reasonably assumed that this would be the same on a countrywide basis.
There you have it, a seemingly complicated situation is in fact surprisingly straightforward, so if you are living abroad and are registered abroad, but still working in the UK, you can "carry on cabbing"
August 31, 2018 at 11:34AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Surrey Police arrest man and woman following taxi driver assault


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A 27-year-old woman and 33-year-old man from Camberley were arrested on suspicion of making off without payment, and inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent.
They have both been released under investigation.
Surrey Police are appealing for help from anyone who may have witnessed the assault on the taxi driver in the early hours of Sunday, 19 August.At 1.35am, the police were called by a taxi company who reported one of their drivers had been assaulted near Deanside. The victim, a man in his 50’s, received a severe cut to his scalp and had to receive stitches.Detective Sergeant Mark Butterworth, who is investigating the incident said: “This was a violent assault on an innocent man who was just doing his job, taking people from A to B.“We are keen to speak with anyone who may have seen three women and one man getting out of a taxi, or saw anything around the time the incident took place.“The injuries the victim received are being treated as grievous bodily harm.”
August 31, 2018 at 10:28AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Straight to South Beach: Direct Miami flights from £286 return - incl. 2019 dates


Pirates we've spotted some sun-sational prices on direct flights to Miami! There is tons of availability throughout autumn, winter and even spring 2019. So if you're looking to get your 2019 holidays organised, book early and secure a true bargain! Find options between September 2018 and April 2019 below. Flights depart from London Heathrow, and… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

NHCDA: “UK cities are dealing with similar issues” as Newcastle taxi protest continues


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The Newcastle Hackney Carriage Drivers’ Association (NHCDA) has been formed to represent the Hackney Carriage industry, to address ongoing challenges and to establish support and unity within the trade. Hackney Carriages are crucial to the city’s infrastructure, transporting members of the public around the city centre and its various regions. They are legally able to accept a fare from the street without a prior booking and to be referred to as a ‘Taxi’ which Private Hire vehicles are not, on both counts.
There are approximately 780 Hackney Carriage vehicles licensed by the City of Newcastle Licensing Department and drivers are of diverse ethnicity, backgrounds, cultures, faiths, age groups, mostly male but with some female members and with varying levels of experience within the trade.
Although the NHCDA are currently in negotiation with members of Newcastle City Council, including Councillor Nick Kemp, Member for the Environment and Councillor Arlene Ainsley, Transport and Air Quality, drivers held a Go To Work Day on Thursday 23 August 2018 to emphasise their concerns and frustration with Newcastle City Council policy. It has become increasingly apparent that Newcastle City Council have their own transport and fiscal agenda whilst claiming that they want to work with the trade.
In order to obtain a Hackney Carriage licence each driver has to pass a locality test to demonstrate their knowledge of the city and surrounding areas. A private hire driver used to be required to pass a similar test as part of their licence application until approximately three years ago, which co-incided with Uber being granted their operating licence within the city. Since that time the criteria for obtaining a private hire licence has been relaxed and made easier.
This change in policy has resulted in a threefold increase in private hire vehicles causing many problems for traffic movement within the city. The numbers of private hire vehicles illegally plying for hire, flooding into the city centre and parking up, particularly at weekends, and taking non pre- booked work is untenable. This in part, is due to the fact that their designated operators do not have sufficient work to distribute.
The problem is not exclusive to Newcastle upon Tyne as many inner cities throughout the UK are dealing with similar issues and have challenged their region’s existing policies.
The NHCDA request that the council re-instate the locality test in full when applying for a private hire licence in parity with applying for a Hackney Carriage licence.
Councillor Arlene Ainsley made a press announcement last week that the local authority are unable to impose a cap on the numbers of private hire vehicles. The NHCDA would like to emphasise that they have never requested a cap on private hire licences and acknowledge that there has never been one. However, Councillor Arlene Ainsley and the Licensing Department are deliberately misleading in their statement as the lowering of criteria for the attainment of a private hire licence has expanded the numbers of private hire vehicles to an unmanageable and unpoliced level.
The NHCDA insists that it is the local authority’s responsibility to ensure private hire working is lawful and regulated.
The NHCDA would fiercely argue that the council have put revenue and the desires of private hire operators before public safety, public well-being and the environment.
Furthermore, Operation Sanctuary with it’s subsequent prosecutions within the private hire sector, highlighting the vulnerability of young women, emphasised the absolute necessity of ensuring that the criteria for issuing licences should be heightened, not lessened, to protect public safety and hopefully public confidence.
One of the most challenging problems faced by Hackney Carriage drivers is the lack of sufficient inner city rank spaces due to the historic and recent removal of ranks, especially The Gate, with other ranks under threat.
The NHCDA object to the removal of The Gate rank based on it’s popularity, accessibility and convenience for members of the public and the council’s reluctance to propose a viable alternative.
Ironically, drivers have been officially advised by taxi enforcement officers that if there are no available rank spaces they should drive around the city until a space becomes available which, of course, increases carbon emissions.
The current restricted access for Hackney Carriage vehicles does not work and prevents drivers from using certain bus lanes and gates. Consequently routes within the city have become longer, more expensive to customers and have created significant problems for traffic congestion and traffic flow, ultimately impacting on pollution and carbon emissions. This situation is counter- productive to Newcastle City Council’s stated aim to protect the inner city environment.
The NHCDA want Hackney Carriages to have the same access as buses to all streets, bus lanes and gates in order to keep the city moving. The majority of Hackney Carriage fares begin within the city centre and the access given to Hackney Carriages should reflect this. In response to Councillor Arlene Ainsley’s comment that last Thursday’s Go To Work Day disrupted the journeys of hundreds of members of the public, the NHCDA would stress that the congestion and chaotic gridlocking of traffic, particularly at weekends, has an enormous impact on public safety and the ability to be transported around the city, including the movement of buses/public transport and is exacerbated by current policy.
Finally, Hackney Carriage drivers are profoundly keen to have the respect and support of the public, and would like to be viewed as ambassadors of the city, easily recognised and identifiable. We ask for public support whilst in negotiation with Newcastle City Council in the belief that we have the genuine interests of Newcastle at heart and pride in our great city.
August 31, 2018 at 08:05AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI The NHCDA THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Thursday, 30 August 2018

Unveiled: The £150,000 London Taxi TX4 Last Of Line Edition


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Designed by the renowned British automotive designer, Afzal Kahn, the London Taxi TX4 Edition is one of only five ‘Last of Line Edition’ vehicles commissioned by The London Taxi Company. Manufactured as part of the final production shift, twenty years since the re-imagined TX1 model first took to the streets; this TX4 ‘Last of Line’ edition represents an enduring piece of British history. The iconic silhouette of the vehicle is available in a choice off 5 Rolls Royce colours, whilst colour coded contrast wheels, VIP LED roof interior star lighting and a slotted front grille showcases our customary exceptional standards of craftsmanship.
Privacy glass keeps the interior hidden, but step inside and you will find distinctly un-taxi-like Quilted and perforated Nappa Leather front and rear Seats.
A re-upholstered piano black instrument surround, colour coded seat belts, last of line door sills, leather trimmed steering wheel and last of the line branding are just some of the additions to what is an endearing and nonchalant interior.
In addition, a VM Motori 2499cc four cylinder diesel engine, complete with a power upgrade, ensures this particular model is more than just a show car. Kahn’s impressive CV makes him perfect for the job of creating this limited-run of specially-designed, ultra-luxury LTC diesel TX4 cabs. For almost two decades, Kahn has been creating and pioneering automotive designs for clients around the globe, including coach-built vehicles such as the handcrafted Vengeance and the six-wheel Flying Huntsman 6×6.
The principal British designer believes the Iconic London Taxi TX4 Last Of Line Edition makes a sophisticated declaration by combining traditional techniques, British materials and expert craftsmanship. “While it is sad to see a beautiful, iconic vehicle reach the end of its life, it is a great honour to re-design and celebrate what is truly one of the most famous cars in the world,” said Mr. Kahn. “I look forward to embarking on a journey with a select few clients who wish to own their own piece of British history.” Commenting on the unveiling of the vehicle, a LTC spokesperson said: “There was only one person for the job, Afzal Kahn is famous for his original designs and willingness to push the boundaries and we admire his ability to capture the essence of a vehicles’ character. “We believe he is the best designer to give this iconic vehicle the send off it deserves.” Each vehicle will be truly unique and will have a badge of authenticity, certificate of authenticity and a plaque bearing the names of those who were involved in the build process.
August 30, 2018 at 08:27PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Perry Richardson THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Yandex announce the launch of Europe's first autonomous taxi service this week


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Russian tech giants Yandex have launched Europe's first autonomous taxi service this week.
Known as the "Russian Google", Yandex said in a blogpost that they were "thrilled" to announce the launch of self-driving taxis in Innopolis, Russia.
They are now offering free rides in the university city and say they are "not only excited to help users safely and efficiently navigate to destinations", but say they also believe it will help the public adopt driverless technology and the future of transportation.
Passengers can order a taxi to take them to a number of set destinations such as the university, residential blocks, the stadium and the local business centre.
Yandex said they will first operate self-driving vehicles which will have safety engineers present in the passenger seat throughout all journeys to start with.
It then plans to to later expand its autonomous taxi service to include more destinations, additional vehicles and eventually removing the safety engineer.
They hope to use customer feedback to improve the service.
August 30, 2018 at 04:51PM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

On sale! All inclusive Cape Verde break from £488pp - incl. 7nts resort, flights & transfers


Don't let summer end yet pirates! Jet off towards the equator for some autumn sunshine with this all inclusive deal to Cape Verde! You'll be spending 7 nights at the 4* Sol Dunas Resort, just a short walk from the beach. The package includes direct flights, luggage, transfers and ATOL protection - everything you need… Samcana POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT

Uber announce their shortlist of countries to launch flying Taxi service


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Uber Technologies Inc announced on Thursday a shortlist of countries that will be considered as future markets to launch a flying taxi service in. Uber Air, is aiming to launch demonstration flights across a number of cities in 2020, with the hopes of having a fully functional paid flying taxi service in operation by 2023. Dallas and Los Angeles have already been selected as the first two cities to launch Uber Air, and now five countries have been named to take the third spot. Japan, France, Brazil, Australia and India are all on the shortlist. Whoever is selected to be Uber's first international location will likely see a flying taxi service in place within the next five years, The Verge said. Uber have a lot of hurdles to jump before a flying taxi service can be fully functional, and with only two years under their belt, you would be forgiven to think their hopes of taking to the skies within five years is a little optimistic. Although battery technology is moving very fast, Uber must somehow figure out a way to have a battery that is both powerful and lightweight enough to handle short flights across city skies. And then there's trust; Uber have not had the smoothest of rides when it comes to passenger safety. Will paying customers feels safe enough in the skies where there really is no room for error. Uber is now set to hold talks with stakeholders in each country to determine who will gain that final spot. The decision is expected to be announced in six months.
August 30, 2018 at 11:46AM https://ift.tt/2ufVjKI Michael Murphy THESE POSTS ARE NOT OUR ENDORSEMENT