Pika-who? Pokémon-inspired baby names predicted to surge

Squirtle, Pikachu and Meowth could be found in our classrooms in as little as five years, after experts predict a surge in the number of babies - named after Pokémon.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2aHF9NJ
via IFTTT

Most children would prefer a treehouse over a new game console

Center Parcs has launched a nationwide search for The UK’s Top Treehouse, led by wildlife presenter and adventurer Steve Backshall.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2aFEAax
via IFTTT

Amazon to trial delivery drones in UK skies

Internet retailer Amazon is to test using aerial drones for deliveries after announcing a tie-up with the UK Government.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2aHFujE
via IFTTT

Is your pet overweight? Over half of dogs and cats are

More than half the UK’s cats and dogs are overweight - and very few owners are taking vets’ advice to get them weighed regularly.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2agFsOX
via IFTTT

Rio Olympic scammers trick victims out of £300,000

Sports fans are being urged to be on the lookout for scams in the run-up to the Olympic Games in Rio, which start on Friday.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2aFmmCU
via IFTTT

‘Dangerous’ plastic shards found in packets of popular fridge snack

A popular fridge snack is being recalled for fear they may contain pieces of plastic.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2aDWFW2
via IFTTT

Rio Olympic scammers trick victims out of £300,000

Sports fans are being urged to be on the lookout for scams in the run-up to the Olympic Games in Rio, which start on Friday.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2aFmmCU
via IFTTTJuly 30, 2016 at 06:00AM

Life in prison for ‘shocking and sickening’ murder of baby Noah

A mum and her boyfriend convicted over their parts in the death of Luton baby Noah have each been jailed.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2aAfhF3
via IFTTT

Life in prison for ‘shocking and sickening’ murder of baby Noah

A mum and her boyfriend convicted over their parts in the death of Luton baby Noah have each been jailed.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2aAfhF3
via IFTTTJuly 29, 2016 at 04:17PM

Man who brought M1 to a standstill for 28 hours jailed for two years

A man who cost the economy £28 million when he brought the M1 to a standstill for 28 hours by climbing onto a gantry has been jailed for two years.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2aPE9WW
via IFTTTJuly 29, 2016 at 03:16PM

Three in court on car charges

Three men running car sales businesses illegally from the same Luton address were sentenced at Luton Crown Court on Tuesday last week.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2aw7neL
via IFTTT

Three in court on car charges

Three men running car sales businesses illegally from the same Luton address were sentenced at Luton Crown Court on Tuesday last week.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2aw7neL
via IFTTTJuly 29, 2016 at 02:43PM

Death sentence hangs over ‘dangerous’ dog

A woman has 21 days to appeal before her German Shepherd dog will be put down after it attacked two men in Henlow.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2aDawcf
via IFTTT

Death sentence hangs over ‘dangerous’ dog

A woman has 21 days to appeal before her German Shepherd dog will be put down after it attacked two men in Henlow.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2aDawcf
via IFTTTJuly 29, 2016 at 11:37AM

Inspirational weight loss runners set to tackle Great South Run

INSPIRATIONAL slimmers who have lost 100 stone between them are gearing up for their next challenge – tackling the 10 miles of the Great South Run.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2aNBvkL
via IFTTT

Letter To Editor : You Can Only a Kick Someone So Many Times Before They Kick You Back

Soon we'll completely ignore their rules. let's face it, WTF are they going to do to our trade after kicking it in the testes for so long, it's on it's knees. Are they going to sack us, refuse to issue a licence?


They appear to live in that fantasy world, all those types do. In that they believe we'll all carry on as before, because they say so. yet they wouldn't get out of bed for less than £xxxxx salary, yet expect working preople to work for a pittance, whilst their profession is destroyed around them. Well TFL it's not going to happen.

They'll end up with the inferior service they already get from those app based suppliers. but, then they don't really give a fece do they. Didn't that flacid TFL sychophant say, "it's what Londoners want", whilst lieing his teeth off about land lines, & Insurance?

So WTF are TFL going to do to drivers who have no stakeholding or concern about TFL regs. Oh Yes, you're going to badge & bill us, along with hold up our license renewals, that'll impress us, won't it, not.

I forgot, TFL already have minicabs that don't abide by their regs, whilst TFL do sweet FA to them, except the odd road stop or similar.

It's merely the ability to earn a living, whilst having reasonable freedom, flexibility of the job, that made it worth while,& for us to obey the stupid, pathetic over burdensome, inflexible, unmovable rules imposed upon us and still doing so as they've destroyed those aspects of it, it's no longer viable, so why should i bother listening to their BS about rules. 

After all didn't TFL ride a coach & horses through all the rules to licence that app supplier? Which in doing so, raised the anger of the minicab fraternity who had obeyed those very rules. Now 98% of minicab business's have gone out of business, so why did they bother obeying any fece issued by a nasty, distainful, unlawful, dishonest, cheating, lieing, fraudulant, TFL? and why should we bother?

TFL needs to be the one that provides evidence of being fit & proper persons to conduct the business of the people, not London taxi drivers. So far taxi drivers have shown more commitment, honesty to their buniness than TFL have shown to the entire electorate of London. 

TFL total excrement & destroyers of the London licensed taxi (Black cab), destroying the livelyhoods of the independent individual traders of London on behalf of Corporate sector profitability!

from Taxi Leaks http://ift.tt/2aNsxnk
via IFTTT

Luton Town fan jailed and banned for throwing flare

A Luton Town football fan who admitted throwing a flare during the Hatters’ match at Oxford last season has been jailed for more than a year.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2ahi7Oh
via IFTTT

Luton Town fan jailed and banned for throwing flare

A Luton Town football fan who admitted throwing a flare during the Hatters’ match at Oxford last season has been jailed for more than a year.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2ahi7Oh
via IFTTTJuly 28, 2016 at 05:07PM

Morrisons recalls children’s party cake over Salmonella scare

A children’s party cake has been withdrawn from Morrisons because it may contain a food bug.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2a1Xmrj
via IFTTT

Mum’s boyfriend found guilty of murder of baby Noah

A mother and her partner have been found guilty by a jury of contributing to the death of a 13-month-old boy.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2afPZYu
via IFTTTJuly 28, 2016 at 12:41PM

Mum’s boyfriend found guilty of murder of baby Noah

The jury in the case of a mum and boyfriend tried over the murder of Luton baby Noah have delivered their verdicts.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2afPZYu
via IFTTT

VIDEO: Love is in the air as Bucks man pops the question to unsuspecting girlfriend on flight from Luton

EasyJet captain and crew assist Bucks man with on board proposal at 30,000ft on flight out of Luton Airport.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2ayfyKs
via IFTTT

IKEA shoppers urged to check bank balances after double-charging incidents

Customers of furniture retailer IKEA are being urged to check their bank statements after the firm admitted that it had charged some shoppers twice for their purchases.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2agDv6u
via IFTTT

Sick fraudsters target parents with fake text messages

Sick scammers are targeting parents with text messages designed to con them into paying for mobile phone credit.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2axRRC0
via IFTTTJuly 28, 2016 at 09:10AM

Addison Lee's plan to operate ‘executive’ minicabs with tinted windows at Luton Airport blocked by council

PLANS to operate tinted window minicabs like limousines from Luton Airport have been dealt a blow by the council.

Addison Lee, who recently won the contract to operate their vans and cars from the airport, had wanted to introduce a fleet of 30 ‘executive vehicles’ which featured tinted windows and would be exempt from the display of licence plates identifying them as private hire. But Luton Borough Council’s licensing panel rejected the move on Monday. It’s a big blow for both Addison Lee, who have said they are exploring an appeal.

Give them an inch and they want a yard!

Luton Airport had consistently said that their decision to replace the Luton Hackney Carriage Association with Addison Lee was so that passengers could see an ‘improved fleet of vehicles’.

Although Addison Lee has said service levels have already gone up, they conceded the council’s decision not to allow the executive fleet was ‘saddening’.

Michael Galvin, head of regulatory affairs with Addison Lee, told Luton on Sunday: “I was more sad than angry at the decision. The case we put to the licensing panel was open and honest and presented in good faith, and we felt we had addressed any issues. The thought of going to appeal is not something we usually like doing, but we are exploring that process.”

A spokesman for Luton Borough Council said: “The application to relax the conditions in the Private Hire Operators Licence which would allow the company to operate vehicles with tinted windows and which did not display the licence plate and standard signage was refused.

“Whilst there is no express definition of the term ‘Executive Licence’ the Panel did not consider Addison Lee’s operation to fall within such a category.

“The Panel recognises that certain private hire operators undertake contracts which are more akin to a chauffeur driven car, often using prestige vehicles, being contracted to a specific customer or company and often at the disposal of the hirer for extended periods rather than for single journeys.

“The Panel did not consider Addison Lee’s operation to differ significantly from an ordinary private hire service and serves the general public using the airport rather than any exclusive or separately identifiable customer base.

“Given the similarity with other private hire operators and also to the previous hackney carriage provision at the airport, there was no reason to justify departure from the Council’s policy requiring the grant of a licence with standard operator conditions.

“The standard conditions are imposed for the purpose of protecting customers and the wider public who come into contact with private hire vehicles.

"Accordingly, the application to exempt the operator from the standard is refused and the standard conditions will remain on the licence previously issued".

from Taxi Leaks http://ift.tt/2ayHJFE
via IFTTT

MANDATE ON CREDIT CARDS, Deadline Approaches And Its All Gone A Bit Quiet...by Jim Thomas.

Back in February this year, the chair of the London Cab Drivers Club (LCDC) Grant Davis made a very bold statement, which was published in their in house newspaper, the Badge. 

Mr Davis said:

Whilst the trade is united in accepting the need for us to take credit cards, there is some disunity as to how this strategy will be implemented.

The majority of taxi drivers who already take credit cards and the app companies, who already process cards, are very concerned with TfL proposals for fixed units tied to the metre.

Unfortunately, at the meetings the LTDA is the only Org in favour of this proposal (it's a done deal isn't it Steve-JT). 

Let me make it clear, the LCDC will in no way be dictated to by TfL, yet again, as to what we can and cannot do in this issue.

To implement more costs which include brackets, electrical work connecting the metre, etc. at a time when the trade is fighting for its life is utter madness.

If need be, the LCDC are prepared, with others, to instigate legal action if they try to go ahead and impose this on us.

Grant Davis 

Bold words then, but nothing since. 

On the London Taxi Drivers Forum, many drivers are giving their unqualified verdict that TfL can't do this, can't do that, well TfL are going to do just that!

We've been informed on Twitter (by TfL @TfLTPH) that the mandate is perfectly legal because Leon Daniels has signed off the following London Cab Order regarding the acceptance of Credit/debit cards.

>http://ift.tt/2awOOtx<

As the deadline approaches, not a word from the LCDC, RMT, Unite, UCG. 

The LTDA have gone on record saying nothing can be done as it is a "done deal".

• And it's not just this one issue !

• No landline for Uber bookings !

• No Uber bookings 

• We've had Leon Daniels' Ubergate Email's !

• Operation no one !

• Then Uber in court saying on oath, the company doesn't take bookings, bookings are taken by drivers in car !

• To top this, the sexual assaults and rape statistics were dumbed down on the LTDA AdVan, to appease TfL.

• And now one this below !

SOMEONE REMIND ME AGAIN, WHAT IS IT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE ORGS DO FOR THE MONEY YOU PAY THEM?

from Taxi Leaks http://ift.tt/2aaRJ6D
via IFTTT

Witnesses who saw driver speed on main roads heading towards Luton at up to 130mph sought by police

Police are asking for anybody who saw a car speed through Northamptonshire, onto the M1 and into Bedfordshire at up to 130mph to come forward.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/29ZISbt
via IFTTT

Witnesses who saw driver speed on main roads heading towards Luton at up to 130mph sought by police

Police are asking for anybody who saw a car speed through Northamptonshire, onto the M1 and into Bedfordshire at up to 130mph to come forward.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/29ZISbt
via IFTTTJuly 27, 2016 at 04:19PM

Air rescue for an injured bird

A buzzard which suffered a broken wing after being hit by a car was rescued – appropriately – by a Leighton Buzzard pilot.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2adESPU
via IFTTT

Police release sickening CCTV footage to keep people off railway lines

British Transport Police have released sickening CCTV footage to serve as a warning to young people over trespassing on railway lines.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2awGIOs
via IFTTTJuly 27, 2016 at 11:05AM

Police release sickening CCTV footage to keep people off railway lines

British Transport Police have released sickening CCTV footage to serve as a warning to young people over trespassing on railway lines.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2awGIOs
via IFTTT

Nisa Local helps with running costs for schools minibus

Chantry Primary Academy received a cheque for £500 from Nisa Local to help with the running costs of its minibus.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2auPbVA
via IFTTT

Anniversary trip a ‘holiday from hell’

A mother-of-three who had to have knee surgery after a ‘holiday from hell’ in Cuba has vowed to keep on fighting to get a full refund from Thomas Cook.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2awHrPw
via IFTTT

UK drivers commit 25,5000 fuel thefts a year

Filling stations across the UK have been hit by more than 25,000 incidents of fuel thefts in the last year, new figures have revealed.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2agDbSL
via IFTTTJuly 27, 2016 at 10:51AM

Appeal as teen robbed of bike

A teenager was robbed of his bike in Luton after being threatened by three men.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2awe6Yv
via IFTTTJuly 27, 2016 at 10:27AM

Appeal as teen robbed of bike

A teenager was robbed of his bike in Luton after being threatened by three men.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2awe6Yv
via IFTTT

Sticks, bug hunts and stargazing - ‘50 things’ kids should do before they turn 12

Climbing trees, building a den, hunting for bugs and going stargazing are among the ‘bucket list’ items that children should be ticking off - before they get to the age of 12.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2aJzi9L
via IFTTT

Police appeal after theft bid

Police are appealing for witnesses after a man tried to rob a teenager in Luton on Wednesday last week.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2auEQJq
via IFTTTJuly 27, 2016 at 09:58AM

Police appeal after theft bid

Police are appealing for witnesses after a man tried to rob a teenager in Luton on Wednesday last week.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2auEQJq
via IFTTT

Crowdfunder in memory of Luton Town fan

Loyal friends of a young Hatters fan are petitioning for a flag in his memory at Kenilworth Road.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2abubxd
via IFTTT

Luton men fined for solicitation

A Luton man was fined a total of £376.50 when he appeared before Luton Magistrates on July 21,

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2anuwjl
via IFTTT

O2 customer data being sold to criminals on dark net, investigation finds

02 customer data including phone numbers, emails, passwords and dates of birth, is being sold by criminals on the dark net.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2aqRM0Z
via IFTTT

Luton men fined for solicitation

A Luton man was fined a total of £376.50 when he appeared before Luton Magistrates on July 21,

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2anuwjl
via IFTTTJuly 26, 2016 at 03:15PM

Concerns grow for missing woman

There are growing concerns for the welfare of a Bromley woman missing from a mental health care home who has links to Luton.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2aqPWxt
via IFTTTJuly 26, 2016 at 03:04PM

Concerns grow for missing woman

There are growing concerns for the welfare of a Bromley woman missing from a mental health care home who has links to Luton.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2aqPWxt
via IFTTT

Record the Talking Newspaper

Have you got sound engineering skills or are interested in developing them?

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2arP3pI
via IFTTT

Endowment for young Luton carpenter

A former Ashcroft High pupil has been awarded a prestigious endowment by the Barry and Peggy High Scholarship Foundation – offered to select apprentices by the construction industry training board (CITB).

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2atyJS9
via IFTTT

Autogas To Start Trial With Converted Diesel Taxi To New Petrol/Gas In London.

  The Autogas Taxi- cleaner, cheaper solution 

Autogas is shortly to commence a trial in London of a traditional black London taxi running on LPG.

The company, which has the largest network of automotive LPG refuelling pumps in the UK, hopes the cab will be approved by Transport for London for use later this year.

The vehicle, which has had its diesel engine replaced by a petrol engine converted to run on LPG, will be run 24 hours a day in order to speed up the process, which includes a 10,000 mile durability test.

Autogas believes the LPG re-powering solution will prove attractive to black cab owners who want to extend the working life of their vehicle in London rather than invest immediately in a brand-new one.

Paul Oxford, business development manager of Autogas, said: “Not everyone is going to rush out and buy a new vehicle straightaway. If someone is coming up to retirement, for example, why buy a new cab?

“By converting with an approved LPG system they can get another five years of service from the vehicle, as well as dramatically reducing air pollution and making substantial savings on fuel costs."

Currently London imposes an age limit of 15 years on black cabs with diesel engines. In contrast, approved LPG conversions can be exempted and allowed to run for another five years, up to 20 years old.

This provision is important in the run-up to 2018, when all new hackney carriages in London will have to be zero emission capable as part of the city’s drive to reduce air pollution. Taxis which are already licensed won’t be affected.

Birmingham City Council has already backed LPG as an alternative fuel which will help reduce air pollution in the city. Sixty-three of the city’s taxi fleet are being 'repowered' from diesel engines to petrol engines running on autogas LPG.

Initial emission testing at MIllbrook has shown the LPG technology produces 80% fewer NOx emissions compared with a normal diesel powered version, as well as a 99% reduction in sooty particulate matter.

At around 55p a litre, LPG is also cheaper than conventional fuels. Repowering of a taxi costs around £8,000 and takes around three days.

It's surprising that both the new Mayor and former Mayor made no attempt to look at the benifits of LPG in the London a Taxi fleet. Instead they are expecting drivers to invest in an untried technology with suspect health issues to the drivers (and regular users).

from Taxi Leaks http://ift.tt/2a1PbXP
via IFTTT

LTFC seeks solutions in furore over ‘The Brache’ training ground

Local groups reacted furiously last week when it was announced Luton Town Football Club are relocating their training ground to Venue 360.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2abyKLu
via IFTTT

Dr Binneh’s triumph in Luton after years of hardship

A PHD student from Sierra Leone overcame years of hardship including losing eight family members to Ebola before his graduation in Luton last week.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2aaBSUt
via IFTTT

Picture this: it’s mental health

An innovative photography competition to encourage discussion about mental health has had a heartening response.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2arzQFn
via IFTTT

Can you help to inspire the next generation?

A Luton secondary school is seeking former students who can inspire the current generation to academic success and career confidence.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2a6tA1I
via IFTTT

This house in Luton costs the same as a garage in London

A double garage in an upmarket part of London was sold yesterday (Monday) for a record-breaking £670,000.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2a6o6Eh
via IFTTT

Love or loathe swimming?

Sport England is working with Active Luton to find out what will make existing swimmers swim more and what will make people who don’t swim take it up as an activity.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2atHhLW
via IFTTT

China delivers 400 jobs to town

More than 400 jobs will be created in Dunstable after a Chinese company signed on the dotted line for premises in Prologis Park.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2adj5bR
via IFTTT

Range Extended Taxis, Are We Being Sold Another Lie By The Greenies? .....by Jim Thomas

TAXI DRIVERS LIVES MATTER

Still no reports from TfL or the Mayors office on the affect of sitting over batteries, strung together, emitting Gamma B radiation, generated by a strong electro magnetic forcefield. 
Does no one care about the health issues of the driver?

Don't forget, people were told asbestos was a perfectly safe substance to build prefabs with after the war, even though they knew full well (from as early as 1920) that it had carcinogenic properties. 

My father's sister and her husband, were housed in just such a prefab by the local council, on Carlton Hill/Marlborough Hill in St Johns Wood just after the war. 

Both died from cancer in the early sixties. 

Not one representative org or union has questioned or investigated driver health issues in connection to this new technology.
No one has questioned the mayor, TfL, LTI or Frazer Nash over this.
This is an untried technology and we Taxi drivers are being used as Guinea pigs.

Gamma B is the radiation used in dentistry to take X-rays of the mouth. 
The dentist and his assistants stand behind a lead shield when fired up to take the X-ray.
Taxi drivers will be expected to sit over this EMF for 6-8-10 hours at a time with absolutely no protection.

We know that in everyday life, we are surrounded by different strength EMF's and there is a small one emitted by normal car batteries. But with a bank of batteries connected together, the force field is magnified producing stronger emmisions. 

Fazer Nash and LTI won't comment on the subject....I wonder why....they are not the ones sitting over this time bomb for extended periods of time.

Why have TfL and the Mayor put all their eggs in the one basket?

Why no exploration of different technologies?

Below are two videos explaining a cheap and safe alternative that would produce almost zero emmisions.

What all the big oil companies don't want you to know how to save 60% on fuel

   

Answers to the many thousands of questions asked since the original video got over 30 Million views in 48 hours. It was shared over 750,000 times. 

In this follow-up video Grant talks to the inventor of my hydrogen conversion system. 

Straight answers directly from the expert himself.

   

from Taxi Leaks http://ift.tt/2a9FuG5
via IFTTT

Hailo Takes Fight To Uber With Daimler Deal

Sky News has learnt that Hailo will announce on Tuesday that it is to become part of the Mercedes-Benz-owner's portfolio in an effort to take on Uber, the world's most valuable taxi-hailing app.

Sources said that Hailo, which launched in 2011, had been seeking a strategic investor for some time.

The company's existing investors include some of the technology sector's biggest names, including Accel, Wellington Partners as well as entrepreneurs such as Sir Richard Branson.

Daimler acquired MyTaxi, which claims to be Europe's leading taxi-booking app, in 2014, having bought an initial stake in its owner, Intelligent Apps, two years earlier.

This week's deal will see another tech start-up devoured by a major corporate name operating in its industry, underlining their determination to capture the growth emanating from new distribution models.

Volkswagen, which is reeling from the impact of its US diesel emissions scandal, recently invested $300m in Gett, an Israeli taxi venture.

The terms of the investment in Hailo, including the size of the stake that would continue to be held by external investors, were unclear on Monday.

Hailo, which operates in markets including Ireland, Japan and Spain as well as several British cities, also made an unsuccessful attempt to penetrate the US taxi market.

The company has raised roughly $100m in total since its launch, including most recently from a group of unnamed Asian investors to accelerate its growth.

Uber has continued to raise billions of dollars from investors across the globe even as it has faced regulatory roadblocks in a number of major markets.

Hailo declined to comment on Monday.

from Taxi Leaks http://ift.tt/2a0bugt
via IFTTT

Debut poetry book for Luton author

Theresa Gazard has been writing rhymes as long as she can remember. Now, with some encouragement from Luton Poetry Society, she has published her debut anothology Poems for the Girls.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2ac7jS0
via IFTTT

Caddington pupil in games design final

A 12-year-old Caddington schoolgirl was one of the finalists in a nation-wide game design competition for under 18-year-olds, judged by a panel of industry experts.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/29ZKqOj
via IFTTT

Cyclist injured in collision with pig

A cyclist was taken to hospital after colliding with a pig.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2aotW7V
via IFTTT

REVEALED: BHS store closure dates

The remaining 114 BHS stores are to close leaving 5,000 staff redundant and the full list of which stores are closing when has been revealed.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2a46JnP
via IFTTT

Protein shakes recalled over allergy risk

A health product manufacturer is recalling a batch of protein shakes because they contain potential allergens not mentioned on the label.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2aFjJ2X
via IFTTT

Uber Decide They Don't Need Operator Licence

 The march to global domination of taxi app firm Uber has halted in parts of the North East at least.

After submitting applications to operate in Gatesheadand North Tyneside several months ago, Uber suddenly decided to withdraw their applications.

A Gateshead Council spokeswoman said: “Uber Britannia Ltd applied to the council to be licensed to operate taxis in Gateshead. In June this year, after a number of months of discussion, the company informed us it was withdrawing its application.”

Meanwhile North Tyneside Council said the application was first submitted on October 25, 2015 and it was withdrawn on June 1, 2016.

Neither council would say if the company gave any reason for its withdrawal.

A North Tyneside spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, due to commercial sensitivity, we aren’t able to provide any further detail.”

In April last year, Newcastle became one of 400 cities around the world to give permission to the ride-hailing platform to operate since it was launched in 2010.

This April, Sunderland joined its ranks while we understand an application is also being considered by Northumberland.

Chris Chandler, spokesman for the National Taxi Association in the North East, suggested the applications might have been withdrawn as Uber wasn’t able to meet the criteria laid down for taxi firms operating in those areas.

Mr Chandler, a long term critic of Uber whose operation he describes as “spreading like germs”, said many of its drivers had no local knowledge and would fail any ‘locality tests’ on knowing the patch they are in, known as ‘the knowledge’. Its drivers rely heavily on sat navs.

Newcastle City Council was criticised last year by long established operators after it scrapped the stringent test which demanded cabbies had in depth knowledge of the area they cover, opening the door for Uber to start up there.

Bosses at the city council say the decision to make the changes related to pending Government legislation, and the increased use of satellite navigation systems and app based systems.

To use Uber, passengers download its app on their smartphone which then uses GPS enabled maps to locate them, and they can request a nearby taxi with the press of a button.

The app then provides the taxi driver’s photo, name and car registration and users can watch the taxi approaching via a moving symbol on the map.

Uber spokesman in the North East, Harry Porter, said: “There’s been a lot of noise from a couple of local operators. The simple fact is the applications were withdrawn because we didn’t need the expense.

“We submitted applications in North Tyneside and Gateshead back in 2015. Since then, Uber has grown rapidly and we’ve been really pleased with how popular the service has become throughout the North East.

“We spent many months waiting for our applications to be progressed but our growth was not hampered in the meantime, so we decided there was no need to pursue these any further and instead focus on getting on with serving the region.”

from Taxi Leaks http://ift.tt/29Z2Fn5
via IFTTT

Play football for charity

A group of Hatters fan has got together to form a charity football team called AFC Macmillan.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2apNsgZ
via IFTTT

A special wheelchair for little Emily of Luton

If Luton mum Amanda Lowe could have just one wish, it would be to understand what her much-loved disabled daughter is thinking.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/29ZX2pv
via IFTTT

Taxi And Limousine Commission Vote To Limit Cabbies’ Working Hours

Starting in November, cab drivers will not be allowed to drive for more than 12 hours a day.

The Taxi and Limousine Commission is trying to get drowsy drivers off the road.

On Monday July 18, the TLC voted to pass new rules that limit cab drivers from being on the road more than 12 hours daily and 72 hours weekly. These limits would apply to the more than 140,000 drivers licensed by the TLC, including taxi, limousine, commuter van, black car and Uber drivers.

The rules, which were proposed in May, are aimed at tackling driver fatigue, something the TLC has taken more seriously since an elderly Manhattan woman was fatally struck by a taxi in May 2015. Since then, the TLC has collected research from the Centers for Disease Control, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the National Sleep Foundation and the US Federal Highway Administration, which concluded that driving fatigued is similar to driving under the influence of alcohol.

According to the TLC, the data also revealed that over 2014 and 2015, “the crash rate of taxi drivers working more than 12 hours in a day was 23.8 percent higher than for those who worked 12 or fewer hours in a day. Over the same two-year period, the crash rate of taxi drivers working more than 72 hours in a week was 8.6 percent higher than for those who worked 72 or fewer hours in a week.”

TLC Commissioner Meera Joshi said in a public statement, “The work of TLC-licensed drivers is critical to the movement of the City. To minimize the risk of a crash, drivers must be alert, which requires rest. But these crashes are preventable with a reasonable limit on the hours during which a driver can pick-up passengers. Today’s proposal does that.”

However, the TLC admitted in its proposal that the new rules will only affect a minority of drivers. It stated, “Only a small percentage of drivers ordinarily surpass the new limits; 3 percent typically drive more than 12 hours per day, and less than 7 percent drive for more than 72 hours per week.” The TLC hoped this would calm concerned cab drivers who fear the new rules will cap their earnings.

The BK Reader reached out to the New York Taxi Workers Alliance for comment but it said it will withhold comments until the new rules are implemented in November.

Despite Monday’s vote the TLC’s new rules are subject to change before they go into affect on November 1 as the commission is still figuring out its exact method of enforcement.

from Taxi Leaks http://ift.tt/2a6AiTr
via IFTTT

Fatal bus stop crash in Hornchurch

A taxi driver died after crashing into the bus stop in Station Lane, Hornchurch

A taxi driver has died and two passengers were injured after a car crashed into a bus stop.

Police were called to the incident at 12.50am this morning.

The collision happened in Station Lane, Hornchurch, just outside the tube station.

Paramedics were in attendance but the driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

A male and female passenger were taken to an east London hospital for treatment.

The road was closed off by police shortly after the crash and Hornchurch tube station was shut for a brief period. 

A Metropolitan Police spokesman confirmed that next of kin had been informed and a post mortem examination will be held in due course.

Enquiries continue.

from Taxi Leaks http://ift.tt/2a3CCkv
via IFTTT

Taxis 'must be allowed in Oxford Street even after it's pedestrianised'

Taxis must be allowed to continue to access Oxford Street even after it is pedestrianised, the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association has said.

Plans to transform the world famous shopping street into a car-free zone were unveiled by the Mayor of London’s office earlier this month.

City Hall said all vehicles will be banned on a 1.2 mile stretch from Tottenham Court Road to Bond Street Tube station by 2020 to coincide with the launch of Crossrail, the new east to west train line.  

The project is among measures introduced by Mayor Sadiq Khan to tackle London’s air pollution.

But the LTDA said it objects to any restriction on taxis’ access, which would have a detrimental impact on those who require a door-to-door service including wheelchair users and the elderly. 

“We agree with the Mayor that the levels of congestion and the poor air quality on Oxford Street are unsustainable," a spokesman for the LTDA said.

“At last month’s Transport Committee hearing on this issue, there was a general consensus that reducing bus services was the best way to alleviate these problems. We are glad to hear that the Mayor intends to reroute bus services away from Oxford Street. 

“However, it is essential that taxis are allowed to continue to access Oxford Street, as they provide an invaluable service to shoppers and businesses alike, especially those who rely on a door-to-door service, such as wheelchair users, the visually impaired, the elderly, those with luggage and shoppers with young families. 

“Taxis are a fundamental part of the Oxford Street experience for tourists and all new cabs will be emissions-free from next year.” 

Oxford Street’s transformation would be carried out in two stages to minimise disruption with the first phase of construction on the eastern section from Oxford Circus onwards.

City Hall has vowed to work closely with local business and taxi drivers to meet the needs of the elderly and disabled using the busy shopping street.

A Mayor of London spokesman said: “The pedestrianisation of Oxford Street will make this world famous street safer, and improve the air quality for the thousands of people who use it every day. 

“It will be a phased programme of work overall several years, working closely with local businesses, residents and key stakeholders like taxi drivers and groups that represent disabled people. 

“This will include looking carefully at addressing the particular needs of older people and access for wheelchair users.”

• Source : Standard News

from Taxi Leaks http://ift.tt/2a7PS2a
via IFTTT

NSPCC receives hundreds of calls about children left home alone

The NSPCC has warned parents about leaving children alone over the summer holidays after it revealed it reported the majority of calls to police and social services.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2aoZkTi
via IFTTT

DVLA reports £93m lost revenue following ditching of tax disks

The RAC has raised concerns over the reduction in revenue to the DVLA following the abolition of paper tax disks last year.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2a1HceW
via IFTTT

Pregnancy warning over so-called ‘smart drug’

A so-called ‘smart drug’ favoured by students cramming for exams could lead to unplanned pregnancies, experts have warned.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2aoYE06
via IFTTT

Alert: Mobile phone upgrade fraud

Mobile phone users are being warned over a new scam designed to obtain personal and financial details from unsuspecting members of the public.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2a7kQKs
via IFTTT

Children’s scooter recalled over injury fears

Retail giant Argos has recalled a children’s scooter following the discovery that fingers could become trapped by the mechanism.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2a0AI42
via IFTTT

Five million homes at risk of flea infestation

A new study has revealed that millions of British homes are at risk of a flea infestation because over a third of pet owners have never treated their home for fleas and other common pests.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2afB5Vk
via IFTTT

Alert: Mobile phone upgrade fraud

Mobile phone users are being warned over a new scam designed to obtain personal and financial details from unsuspecting members of the public.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2a7kQKs
via IFTTTJuly 23, 2016 at 06:00AM

Uber BANNED from setting up the cheap taxi app in Oxford after licensed drivers and private hire firms rallied together to block the application

Taxi drivers are celebrating a victory over Uber after the firm was barred from launching in Oxford.

Uber applied to operate in the city after 50,000 people tried to access the service there in a year, despite it not being available.

But licensed drivers and private hire firms rallied together to try and block the firm, which allows users to request a car through its mobile phone app.

Two of the city's biggest private hire firms, 001 Taxis and Royal Cars, merged and launched their own app earlier this year to combat the potential threat.

Uber applied to operate in Oxford after 50,000 people tried to access the service there in a year, despite it not being available (stock image)

They also raised concerns about the safety of Uber, questioning whether its drivers would abide by Oxford City Council's regulations.

A year after announcing its intention to move to the city, Uber's bid has been rejected as the company 'didn't get around to' submitting vital details in time.

Local cabbies are delighted at the decision.

Niaz Mohammed, managing director of Royal Cars, said: 'It's great news for us and our customers.

'We were very concerned about the safety of Uber and whether its drivers would abide by Oxford City Council's regulations.

'Their goal is to close down all the other companies and they would have disrupted the system that has been in place for many years.'

City of Oxford Licensed Taxicab Association secretary Sajad Khan added: 'I'm very pleased and I'm sure all the city's drivers are.

'It would have been devastating for our trade and they would have wrecked the current system.

'They charge awkward fares and there is also the question of safety. Our drivers go through very stringent checks but you hear some worrying stories about Uber drivers.'

A spokesman for Uber said it would not rule out reapplying in the future.

This comes as plans to ban Oxford's black cabs from a new road to the city's shopping centre were put on hold.

Two of Oxford's biggest private hire firms, 001 Taxis and Royal Cars, merged and launched their own app earlier this year to combat the potential threat 

Source : Daily Mail 

from Taxi Leaks http://ift.tt/2a18Byz
via IFTTT

Uber In The Dock Using Doublespeak Over Job Creation Claims

Lawyers representing Uber workers have accused the company of “doublespeak” and speaking with “forked tongues” over claims of job creation and its relationship with drivers.

The minicab app company is fighting legal action from drivers who argue they are employees of the organisation rather than independent operators running their own businesses.

Uber says it is a technology company rather than a transport provider, working with “driver partners” who have a “commonality of interest” and offering them flexibility to control how much and often they work.

But Thomas Linden QC, representing James Farrar and Yaseen Aslam in two test cases, suggested to the central London employment tribunal that Uber was hiding behind language to claim that its drivers are not employees of the business.

He cited a response from Uber to Transport for London in October 2014 in which the company claimed it could “generate tens of thousands of jobs in the UK” by working with jobcentres and agencies to help people become Uber drivers.

Linden told Jo Bertram, Uber’s UK general manager, that the statement was “blowing Uber’s trumpet as a creator of jobs”.

Bertram suggested the word “jobs” had been misused, telling the tribunal: “I am saying the correct word to use here is an ‘economic opportunity to earn money’.”

But Linden accused the company of boasting about the idea of job creation when it suited it but dismissing the idea that drivers were employees when it did not. He said: “My suggestion to you is that Uber speaks with forked tongues.”

Bertram replied: “We emphasise that it is ‘economic opportunities’. I agree that use of the word ‘jobs’ in this context may be misleading but we are very proud of the economic opportunities that we offer.”

Linden also accused Uber of doublespeak when he said on the one hand it described itself as a technology company, like Apple, but on the other told passengers it was offering them “Uber transport” with “Uber drivers”.

He suggested a process the company calls “onboarding” was actually another word for recruitment, saying to Bertram: “You want to avoid any idea that drivers may have an employment relationship with Uber.”

Bertram replied: “Because they don’t.”

The tribunal also heard that of the 30,000 registered Uber drivers in London, 99.9% operate individually, and just 68 run small businesses with other drivers operating under them as other Uber drivers.

In her witness statement, Bertram cited a poll of 551 Uber drivers that showed the majority in the capital did not use the Uber app platform on a full-time basis, that 72% use it for less than 40 hours a week, and more than 50% use Uber to supplement their main income.

But Linden said Uber had commissioned the work to support its case in the tribunal, and it was nothing to do with employment rates.

He suggested that important statistics – 61% of drivers do not have another job, and 80% of drivers say their Uber work is a significant source of income and rely on it for their livelihoods – were buried.

Bertram dismissed his claim that Uber had asked for the poll to support its case as “a bit of a stretch”, saying: “It showcases the opportunities available to drivers.”

In her statement, Bertram said drivers were their own boss and were under no obligation to log on to the Uber app. She said: “They can do so whenever they choose, at whatever time they choose. There is also no requirement on them to only use the Uber platform.

“They can contract with, work for or be employed by any company or also have other business interests on a self-employed basis.”

The tribunal, which continues on Friday, is the first time Uber has faced legal action in the UK over whether its drivers are workers or self-employed.

The test cases will determine another 17 claims that have been brought against Uber and could have wider implications for thousands more drivers across the country.

Source: The Guardian 

from Taxi Leaks http://ift.tt/2ai4pKr
via IFTTT

Search is on for ‘vulnerable’ Luton pensioner

Police are urgently appealing for the public’s help in tracing a missing man described as vulnerable.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2adFIiF
via IFTTTJuly 22, 2016 at 01:04PM

Search is on for ‘vulnerable’ Luton pensioner

Police are urgently appealing for the public’s help in tracing a missing man described as vulnerable.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2adFIiF
via IFTTT

Private Hire Feeder Park At Heathrow....Huge Flop.

Councillor Robert Evans expectations left deflated 

Robert Evans, Stanwell and Stanwell Moor’s County Councillor welcomed the opening of a new designated car park for minicabs at Heathrow Airport a couple of weeks ago.

For months, even years, the two villages represented by Labour’s Robert Evans have had an increasing problem of minicabs and Uber drivers, parking at the road side awaiting their passengers.

Private hire drivers, now have a dedicated, on-airport parking facility on the airport’s Northern Perimeter Road.

‘I think this is great news,’ said Robert Evans, ‘as it’s something I started  campaigning for, as soon as I was elected to Surrey County Council in 2013. ‘I’m really pleased Heathrow Airport responded to the issue and listened to local people. However, I’m not complacent,’ added Cllr Evans. ‘I’m going to wait and see if this works but I am cautiously optimistic.’

Unfortunately private hire drivers seem unwilling to use the new facilities

Taxi Leaks can reveal that the new Private Hire feeder park at Heathrow has not worked. In fact it has been an expensive flop, minicab and especially Uber drivers, have decided to give the place a wide birth, preferring to park up in residential streets, local park cafes, McDonalds and garages. 

The new toilet facilities have not proved to be enough of an attraction as you can still find bottles of urine and plastic bags full of human faeces in residential gardens.

Below is a letter from local resident Clive, with reply from editor, published in the Heathrow Villager local news paper

Sir,

Having just read about the so called success of taking mini cabs off the road. This is not true. We live in Sipson lane, within 800 yds there are 70 to 80 mini cabs parked up to 10 hours a day.

Not only that they park outside our houses, urinating into bottles, pooing into paper bags, sleeping in the back of their cars. This does not sound a success to me. 

What do you think sir?

Clive

Clive you are Correct I recently drove down Sipson Lane and on the side where the Cafe is. There must have been at least 60 vehicles on the road and the car park was ram jammed full, hopefully the council will send a traffic warden down there to move them all on.

Ed. 

from Taxi Leaks http://ift.tt/29T1Rjq
via IFTTT

Fox’s body bizarrely found oiled and wrapped in jumper

The RSPCA is appealing for information after the body of a fox covered in oil was found wrapped in a jumper on a Luton street.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2a0AMhn
via IFTTT

VIDEO: “Outrageous” bikers did high speed wheelies while stood on their motorcycle seats

Six motorcyclists have been handed driving bans for a combined total of 10 years after they were caught performing “outrageous” high speed stunts.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2a36TNP
via IFTTTJuly 21, 2016 at 04:12PM

VIDEO: “Outrageous” bikers did high speed wheelies while stood on their motorcycle seats

Six motorcyclists have been handed driving bans for a combined total of 10 years after they were caught performing “outrageous” high speed stunts.

from Luton Today Feed http://ift.tt/2a36TNP
via IFTTT

REPLY FROM THE MAYOR OF LONDON : DON'T PISS UP MY BACK AND TELL ME IT'S RAINING.

     >SEE ORIGINAL LETTER TO MAYOR SADIQ KHAN, CLICK HERE<

Mayor Sadiq Khan's Reply To Dads Defending Daughter's Lenny Etheridge.

  Lenny Etheridge's Reply To Sadiq Khan.

Dear Mayor Khan,

I would like to thank you for your reply to my email, dated 19 Jul 2016, but I cannot.

I felt your letter, an insult to my intelligence, was a fob.

You did not answer any of my questions or engage with any of my suggestions.

Did you actually read my email?

 

In your reply you suggest I may be aware of the introduction of more stringent regulations.

Are any of these regulations new?

Or is TfL finally enforcing those already in place, but never previously policed?

Correct Hire & Reward insurance has always been a requirement. TfL decided not to enforce it.

In fact, Leon Daniels lied to the GLA, that Uber had 'on/off' insurance. They did not.

Leon Daniels also lied to the GLA, stating he was in possession of Uber's landline. The landline he offered Ms Shawcross was Jo Bertram's personal number.

 

So these "more stringent regulations" are nothing more than TfL finally doing their job.

Do Uber now comply with all the specifications laid out by TfL, regarding landline and offices?

And taking into account that Uber have sworn on oath, that they do not receive or handle customer bookings in any way, worldwide; do they still comply to your 'stringent regulations'?

 

In my email, I proffered three points toward preventing rape and sexual assault in TfL Licensed Minicabs.

1. Scrapping onscreen locations.

2. Banning blacked out windows.

3. A minimum of five years residency.

You acknowledged none of them.

 

Your reply was like an automated TfL response on Twitter; stating all Private Hire applicants go through an enhanced DBS. "Have a nice day." "You're welcome."

The Licensed London Taxi trade has had enough political sidestepping and untrue truths from your predecessor.

Refugees and asylum seekers are afforded certain exemptions, if the DBS cannot check the applicants' background.

This is unacceptable. Do you expect someone's daughter to get into a car with a stranger?

Are our daughters not as important as yours?

You, along with most MPs and the media, refuse to acknowledge the glaring problem this trade is facing from unchecked predators.

I watched you answer the 'Uber rape' question. You were quick to qualify yourself by saying one rape is one too many. But went on to say that Uber is (only) 32 of 154.

Surely you understand that the rise in sexual assaults since 2012 is because TfL relaxed their regulations to the point of deregulation, to appease Uber.

That deregulation went across the Private Hire board.

No it is not just Uber drivers who have raped and sexually assaulted women during a twelve month period, but because of their influence over TfL, deregulation has been allowed to happen.

 

Now we all know that serious crime, such as murder, rape and sexual assault can happen to any profession.

Doctors, teachers, politicians, policemen, TV presenters, even Taxi drivers bring shame to their trade - but not on the scale of Uber.

And Uber's safety record is hardly enviable, is it?

It seems a Prius is crashing somewhere in London, daily.

I personally cannot remember one single day where I did not witness an imbecile with a roundel doing something dangerous.

 

Dads Defending Daughters is concerned about safety.

One of our members knows only too well the horror of being the father of a rape victim.

Rape can destroy lives and families.

You know that it is widely recognised that only ten percent of victims come forward.

 

TfL or police need to legally enter Uber's premises and view all previous complaints against Uber drivers, and make sure that all have been forwarded on to the correct authorities.

A young woman recently tweeted a complaint to Uber, against a driver for masturbating whilst driving. Did that, and similar complaints ever get reported to the police?

 

You promote yourself as a family man, who loves his wife and daughters. I do not doubt your sincerity for a second; it's the most natural thing in the world.

What about my daughters? What about everyone else's daughters, wives, mothers, sisters, aunts?

What about our sons? Rape is not gender specific.

If you consciously keep Londoners in the dark, then you are culpable; much the same way as the BBC are with Jimmy Savile.

An informed population may make informed decisions.

 

We are not going away. In fact the less you do to check this rise in rape and sexual assault, the bigger and stronger we become.

 

If you are going to reply to this email, please do so having read it.

 

Kind regards,

Leonard H. Etheridge

Dads Defending Daughters.

from Taxi Leaks http://ift.tt/2adCluL
via IFTTT