Inside the suitcase, it has different compartments to make packing easier as well.
The suitcase also comes with a built-in lock to keep your belongings secure.
For easy transportation to and from the airport, the suitcase has four swivel wheels to make it glide effortlessly no matter the weather or road conditions.
LUGG bosses say: “This cabin bag is approved for all major airlines including easyJet, British Airways, RyanAir, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, and many more ensuring stress-free travel at all times!”
The best part is that the suitcase is currently on sale with 29% off at the time this article has gone live.
Instead of it being the usual price of £34.99 it is currently down to £24.99.
Customers who have already purchased the suitcase for their travels have consistently raved about the luggage.
One person wrote: “This is the perfect size to buy if you are taking a wheely case into the cabin of one of the so-called ‘budget’ airlines.
“They seem to be getting more strict about the sizes that can be taken onto the plane without paying the extra charge, so it’s worth being totally aware of that, rather than paying an extra charge as you go to board the plane.”
Holiday packing tips
Jemma Solomon, aka The Label Lady has got 5 packing tips to help you get organised for your next holiday.
1. Write a list
Think about all the essentials you need to take with you; suncream, medicine, a few games for the kids, beach towels, and write everything in one list, which you can tick off as you add it to your suitcase.
Or for complete ease, try Google’s AI app – Gemini – which will create a list for you and help you not over pack.
2. Involve your kids
Jemma said: “My girls are getting older, they’re 11 and nine, and they enjoy helping to pack. So I send them a list, and say ‘this is what you need’ and they follow the list.
“And then I give them a rucksack each – and say to them ‘you can have whatever you want in there as long as it’s not liquid’, and they can take that on the plane. And that’s their ‘home away from home’ items.”
3. Try a hack or two
She said: “I think they all work, but for different reasons – and you’ve just got to pick the right one for your trip.
“Rolling your clothes is really good to stop your clothes from getting creases. And if you’re trying to get a lot of items into your case, it’s a space saver.
“Packing cubes are great – for example, I’m going on holiday with my three kids and we’re all using the same suitcase for our clothes.
“These handy compartments let you separate your clothes, toiletries and tech into designated cubes, maximising luggage space by keeping your items compressed and neatly stacked.
“I love taking them abroad with the family and it means my kids can easily take charge of their own items once we’ve arrived.”
4. Decant beauty products
Do you really need to take full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner with you? The beauty industry has evolved so much, you can now buy shampoo bars or sheets – which are much lighter and smaller.
Or, if you’ll be popping to the shops when you’re abroad, consider buying some items when you arrive.
5. Get organised before you come home
Jemma said: “When you repack on holiday [before coming home], the trick is to separate clean from dirty clothes.
“Also pack it in some form of order – so lights, darks, colours for items that need washing, or if you wash your clothes by person in the household, piles for each person.
“Then you can put it straight into the washing machine. Do it straight away, don’t leave it.”
Another commented: “This little suitcase (which is perfect for an EasyJet “add-on” cabin bag) has amazing packing capacity.”
“I bought this little suitcase for a 3 day trip as one of my flights was via easyJet and I had to take something that would fit under the seat. I don’t like carrying heavy bags or wearing backpacks so I found this wheeled suitcase extremely useful,” penned a third.
Meanwhile a fourth said: “Perfect size for EasyJet and spacious enough for a four night break away!”
“Perfect for a cabin case,” claimed a fifth.
Someone else added: “Lovely hand luggage case and so easy to manoeuvre!”
Fabulous will pay for your exclusive stories. Just email: fabulousdigital@the-sun.co.uk and pop EXCLUSIVE in the subject line.
3 hours agoworld NewsComments Off on Meghan Markle and Princess Kate’s MASSIVE rivalry laid bare
THEY may live 4,000 miles away from one another, but Meghan Markle and Princess Kate’s “rivalry” is still strong, according to a royal expert.
Newsweek’s royal editor Jack Royston claims tensions were evident between the couple when they shared an office at Kensington Palace.
Getty Images - GettyA royal expert has shared details on the ‘rivalry’ between Meghan Markle and Princess Kate[/caption]
Meghan shared this photo of some artwork created by Archie, fiveInstagram / meghanRoyal FamilyThe post came days after Princess Kate shared artwork created by George, 11, Charlotte, nine, and Louis, six[/caption]
Speaking on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show, Jack shared: “There was 100 per cent definitely a massive rivalry between the Sussexes and the Waleses dating back to when they were sharing a private office at Kensington Palace.
“And this sort of thing, you would absolutely cut and dry say, was a 100 per cent massive rivalry.”
This comes as both Meghan and Kate have proudly shared photos of their kids artwork on social media in the same week.
On Monday, Kate shared an adorable set of portraits drawn by her and her three children online, saying “had lots of fun together.”
Fans were quick to comment, with one person writing: “Don’t forget, the real reason she posted that was to show ‘Archie’s artwork’ since Catherine put out her kids’ artwork the other day.
“She’s so predictable..as ever, a copycat!”
Jack continued: “They would want to be competing and outdoing each other, so there probably is a bit of that.
“I mean, it’s hard to move past that.
“I’m sure that there is an instinct to want to outdo the other couple, whether it’s the Waleses or the Sussexes.”
Prince William and Prince Harry first established the Royal Foundation in 2009 before Kate joined two years later, followed by Meghan after marrying into the royal family.
However, the once-dubbed ‘Fab Four’ went their separate ways in 2019 – a year after the Sussexes’ royal wedding – to focus on their own separate charitable endeavours.
It came as both couples were plagued by rumours of a royal rift after Meghan and Harry moved away from Kate and Wills to Frogmore Cottage, Windsor.
There was 100 per cent definitely a massive rivalry between the Sussexes and the Waleses dating back to when they were sharing a private office at Kensington Palace
Jack RoystonNewsweek’s royal editor
According to a Royal insider: “Meghan seemed uncomfortable having to so publicly play ‘second fiddle’ to William and Kate as the superior royals in the palace hierarchy.”
They claim that Meghan could have found “it difficult that the Royal Foundation was already a well-oiled machine by the time she got there.”
GettyRoyal expert Jack claimed there is an ‘instinct to want to outdo the other couple’[/caption]
Social media ‘war’
The Sussexes explosively quit the Royal Family in 2020 and have since gone on to make a string of deals worth millions with Spotify and Netflix.
But there have frequently been claims of an “Insta war” between the couples, with many big social media posts clashing or overshadowing each other’s pages.
Some claimed that Harry and Meghan’s damaging ITV documentary in 2019 – where Meghan claimed she and Harry were “existing, not living” – was terrible timing for Kate and William who had just returned from a royal tour of Pakistan.
According to the Evening Standard, the decision to release teaser clips while Kate and Wills are on a four-day tour in Pakistan has “baffled and infuriated” aides.
MegaMeghan and Kate both married into the royal family but have had tension over the years[/caption]
PAThe last time the couples emerged as a four was following the Queen’s death in 2022[/caption]
The Duchess claimed the confrontation had “really hurt my feelings” and was a “turning point” in their relationship, adding: “I don’t think it’s fair to her to get into the details of that because she apologised, and I’ve forgiven her.”
Speaking to Oprah, Meghan said: “What was hard to get over was being blamed for something not only I did not do, but that happened to me.”
The Royal Foundation will be divided between the Sussexes and Cambridges as the couples focus on their own separate charitable endeavours.
Prince William and Prince Harry first established the Royal Foundation in 2009 before Kate joined two years later shortly after their engagement was announced.
The trio would often appear together at events and the Foundation had huge successes with projects like the Invictus Games for injured veterans and the mental health Heads Together campaign.
The Royal Foundation said the decision was made following the conclusion of a review into its structure – but added both couples will continue to work together in the future.
Harry and Meg were living in close proximity to Kate and Wills within the Kensington Palace estate, but they switched to Frogmore Cottage in Windsor before baby Archie was born.
The move further increased rumours of a fallout.
Harry also hinted in his ITV documentary “Harry and Meghan, An African Journey” that he and his brother had grown apart.
In 2021, Harry and Meghan give their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey where Harry accused his dad of cutting him off financially.
Harry then jetted back to UK to join William in unveiling a statue to their mother Princess Diana in the grounds of Kensington Palace. But sources claimed William didn’t want to attend the memorial amid their ongoing rift.
In Spare, Harry said William branded Meghan “rude” and “difficult” during a row.
Harry alleged William “grabbed me by the collar, ripping my necklace, and … knocked me to the floor”.
He said he was left with a visible injury to his back following the argument in 2019 at Nottingham Cottage on the grounds of Kensington Palace, where he was living at the time.
3 hours agoworld NewsComments Off on Little-known French town that’s been likened to Cornwall with riverfront cottages and new UK flights
A SMALL French town has been compared to the village of St Ives, being in a region dubbed the ‘Cornwall of France’.
Pont-Aven in northwestern France is found in Cornouaille, in Brittany.
AlamyPont-Aven is located in Cornouaille – an area where towns and villages wouldn’t look out of place in the English countryside[/caption]
AlamyThe French town of Pont-Aven (pictured) has been compared to St Ives thanks to its stone buildings and winding river[/caption]
Pont-Aven has been compared to St Ives (pictured) with both towns home to stone buildings that were used by fisherman
Both Cornouaille and Cornwall take their names from a Celtic tribe called the Cornovii, who lived in the southwestern tip of the UK before migrating to Brittany.
Both areas have a strong maritime history and towns and villages filled with quaint harbours and fishing boats – and Pont-Aven is no exception.
The French town is home to narrow, winding, streets and traditional quaint stone cottages that wouldn’t go amiss in the English countryside.
It is perhaps best known for its ties to famous American artists such as Henry Bacon and Paul Gauguin, who visited Pont-Aven in the late 19th century.
There are several other art galleries in the town, including Galerie Izart and Galerie Kle – Lalou Kraffe.
In an article in the Spectator, author Sean Thomas compared Pont-Aven to St Ives.
He wrote: “Pont-Aven, which, if it has a Cornish equivalent, is surely St Ives – because Pont-Aven is delicate, pretty, arty, stone-built, with burbling and twining rivers rushing past sweetly renovated watermills-cum-art galleries.
“The town is also full of quaint, handsome villas, built for rich Parisians in the 19th century.
“It is likewise replete with artistic history – you can visit the room where Paul Gauguin painted famous still lifes and portraits (and see the mantel in the room in the paintings).”
Holidaymakers are also encouraged to walk along the Aven River where the water flows over a wooden wheel or two, harking back to the town’s former watermills.
Other activities include boat rides along the Aven River and weekend markets selling local produce and handmade crafts.
And because of the rolling hills and forest landscapes in Pont-Aven, hiking and cycling excursions are a must for holidaymakers.
Accommodation options in the French town are highly affordable, with rooms from £25 per person per night.
Brest is the nearest airport to Pont-Aven, with journeys taking 70 minutes in the car.
Volotea operate direct flights from London Gatwick to Brest, with return fares from £54 per person.
And low-cost carrier easyJet is also launching flights to Brest from London Gatwick Airport, with services set to launch in June.
Everything you need to know about visiting France
Brits need to have a passport with at least three months left on it.
No visas are needed for anyone staying up to 90 days within an 180-day period but you need to make sure your passport is stamped on entry and exit.
You may also need to show proof of accommodation and funds, around €120 a day.
The country uses the euro with with around €10 working out to £8.55.
France is one hour ahead of the UK
Direct flights to France from the UK take between 1-4 hours depending on the destination
Or you can travel by train with Eurostar, with destinations including Paris or Lille.
Direct ferry services also operate between the UK and France, with some journeys taking 90 minutes.
Meanwhile, a tiny car-free French village that’s home to medieval houses has been named one of the most beautiful in the country.
There is also a little-known French island with 60 beaches, a Mediterranean-style climate & turquoise waters that’s just a short hop from the UK.
AlamyJust like Pont-Aven, St Ives (pictured) is home to quaint cottages[/caption]
AlamyPont-Aven is perhaps most well-known for its ties to painters like Henry Bacon[/caption]
AlamyThe French town is a 70-minute drive from Brest, the closest airport[/caption]
3 hours agoworld NewsComments Off on Warning for anyone claiming benefits as RECORD half a million have payments cut or stopped
MORE than half a million households claiming Universal Credit had their payments stopped last year.
The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that 602,000 people were hit with sanctions between November 2023 and October 2024.
AlamyHundreds of thousands of people on Universal Credit were sanctioned last year[/caption]
What’s more, the sanction rate soared to its highest level on record in October last year, leaving 61,527 claimants with their payments slashed or stopped altogether.
The Universal Credit sanction rate fell to 5.6% in October 2024, down by 1.6 percentage points compared to November 2023.
Despite this, 551,790 of the sanctioned households had their payments cut or stopped because they failed to attend a mandatory interview with a work coach in Jobcentres.
Over 24,870 were penalised for choosing not to work and another 15,340 claimants had their payments changed because they failed to go on employment programmes.
Meanwhile, 8,400 were sanctioned for failing to disclose a valid reason for quitting a job.
When you claim Universal Credit or any benefit, you sign yourself up for commitments that you have to meet to get the financial support.
This may be from showing you’re actively looking for a job to being on time for appointments.
But if you fail to do what you promised in that agreement, you could see the benefit money taken away from you.
Exactly how much you’ll have taken off your claim depends on what you’ve done – or not done.
Any penalties you might face will only apply to the standard element of your claim – so extra cash you get through the housing or childcare elements will still be paid.
REASONS YOU CAN BE SANCTIONED
There are several major reasons why you could be sanctioned if you claim Universal Credit.
Here are five mistakes that could see your payments stopped:
Not applying or looking for work
Part of the Claimant Commitment includes spending 35 hours a week looking for work, which you will need to keep a record of to show your work coach.
The same goes if you’re not putting the hours in to look.
If your Jobcentre work coach doesn’t feel you’re doing enough to get back into work, you can be sanctioned.
Refusing a job offer
If you’ve been offered a job, you’re expected to take it – so long as it’s within reason.
This is because the benefits system supports you while you’re out of work but with the goal of helping you find a job again.
Refusing a job offer just because you don’t want it will see you sanctioned at the highest level.
Quitting your job without good reason
Quitting your job without a good reason could see you sanctioned too.
There’s no set definition of what a good reason is, but it might include unaffordable childcare costs.
You might have your benefit payments reduced.
Being late to appointments and interviews
Often, people on Universal Credit are required to attend interviews and appointments with the Jobcentre in order to update them on their search for work, for example.
These are held face to face or can be over the phone or via video chat.
If you’re late for these appointments and interviews, you could see your payments cut.
If you have a good reason why you can’t attend a meeting, then you should let the Jobcentre know immediately.
But if you fail to turn up to a meeting you’ll likely be sanctioned until you visit your next review.
If you’ve repeatedly missed meetings, the sanctions may be stricter and last longer.
Not updating your information
The amount of Universal Credit you are entitled to depends on many factors surrounding your individual circumstances.
That might be how many hours you work or how many children you have.
But failing to report a change in circumstances, like moving house or getting a new job, could see you sanctioned.
In the worst cases, you may be committing benefit fraud and could even face legal action.
HOW TO APPEAL A SANCTION
If you think you’ve been sanctioned unfairly, you can contact the DWP and ask for a “mandatory reconsideration”.
You have one month from when you were notified about the sanction to do so.
If you’ve been sanctioned unfairly, the first thing you must do is check the level of sanction and for how long your money has been reduced.
You’ll then need to contact the DWP for a mandatory reconsideration if you think they’ve made the wrong decision.
Citizens Advice says you should have been told:
Why you’ve received a sanction
The level of sanction you’ve been given
How long the sanction will last
How much money will be taken away from your Universal Credit payment
The date the sanction decision was made
It is still worth applying for a mandatory reconsideration if you have missed the one-month deadline for a good reason, such as being in hospital.
You can apply for a mandatory reconsideration in several ways – just remember to include as much supporting evidence as possible.
If you have an online Universal Credit account, you can write a message to the DWP explaining why you disagree with the decision.
You can also print off and fill out the CRMR1 mandatory reconsideration request form on gov.uk, but remember to allow time for your letter to get to the DWP before your deadline window.
You can also call the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.
Letters should be sent to DWP Complaints, Post Handling Site B, Wolverhampton, WV99 2GY.
What if I don’t agree with the decision?
If you disagree with the decision of your mandatory reconsideration, you can appeal to a First-Tier tribunal.
Claimants have one month to do this, although this is extended to 13 months for exceptional circumstances.
You’ll need to download and fill in the SSCS1 form from the HM Courts and Tribunals Service website.
The form will ask for you:
Name and contact details
National Insurance number
Reasons for appealing
Send this, along with the outcome of your mandatory reconsideration of which you should have received two copies, to: HMCTS Appeals Centre, PO Box 1203, Bradford, BD1 9WP.
The DWP will be asked to respond to your appeal within 28 days.
Are you missing out on benefits?
YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to
Entitledto’s free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit.
MoneySavingExpert.com and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto’s data.
You can use Policy in Practice’s calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you’ll have left over each month after paying for housing costs.
Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for.
3 hours agoworld NewsComments Off on Jacqueline Jossa forced to defend bizarre moment Lauren Branning character ‘smelt Sonia’s knickers’ on live EastEnders
JACQUELINE Jossa has been forced to defend a bizarre moment where her EastEnders character appeared to “smell Sonia’s knickers”.
BBCEastEnders fans were shocked during the live episode after it looked like Lauren ‘smelt’ sonia’s underwear[/caption]
BBCLauren pulled the pants up to her face[/caption]
GettyActress Jac Jossa has defended the bizarre moment[/caption]
The knicker incident happened when Lauren appeared to lift up Sonia’s pants and “sniff them”, before tossing them to the side.
Bianca had thrown the pants to Lauren as Sonia prepared to give birth during the live episode.
However, Jacqueline has now defended the moment and made it clear to fans what exactly happened.
Taking to social media, she said: “Just to clarify I didn’t sniff them, I was checking what they were and lifting them in shot, no sniffing.
“They hit me in the face so I think I just lifted them up to make sure it was in the shot, this is amazing.”
The star finished her response with lots of laughing face emojis.
FANS REACT
After the knicker incident aired on Thursday, fans immediately took to social media in shock.
One person wrote: “Did Sonia just sniff Sonia’s knickers?!”
Another echoed: “Lauren definitely just sniffed Sonia’s pants.”
She told The Sun how a traumatic burglary last summer was the catalyst for changing her whole attitude and making her reassess what is important in her life – her family.
It also helped her decide that she’d had enough of explaining what is going on in her marriage to husband of nearly eight years, Dan.
BBCJac has played Lauren Branning on and off for 15 years[/caption]
They’ve been together for more than a decade and have been dogged by split rumours since before they got married.
Recently, the whispers were over news the couple were selling their forever home inEssex, with the formerTOWIEstar buying a separate property in his name.
But the pair insist they’re still together and are just reassessing their assets.
“People seem to think they know more about my life than I do,” she sighs.
EastEnders facts and figures
THE beloved British soap has been captivating audiences for decades.
EastEnders follows the lives of the residents of Walford as they navigate love, loss, family drama, and community struggles.
“They were saying: ‘Jacqueline didn’t spend Christmas with Daniel.’ But all I have to do is post pictures of us together with Christmas hats on.
“We lie in bed next to each other, laughing and reading stuff online about us.
“The speculation is ridiculous, but at the same time, I know it comes with the job, so I do understand it. I read things about Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan and go: ‘Really? Is that true?’ But I’m sure they are happy. It’s not my business what other people think or want to read.
“But apart from me being back on EastEnders, I haven’t put myself out there in that space. I haven’t done any reality shows recently and neither has Dan.
“I’m constantly working, and so is he [Dan runs an online competition website and a tattoo studio]. We just crack on with our day jobs and looking after our kids. He is a fantastic dad. I’m done going on to social media trying to explain it.”
4 hours agoworld NewsComments Off on The European sunshine spot under 4 hours from Ireland with miles of sandy beaches, 22C heat and €29.99 Ryanair flights
TAKE a look at this coastal city in one of the most beautiful European countries with stunning beaches, amazing food and excellent nightlife.
Rimini in Italy is just three hours and 40 minutes away from Dublin Airport and would make a perfect getaway for a family or a couple.
Rimini, Italy is the perfect destination for a spring getawayGetty Images - GettyThe buildings are beautifulGetty Images - GettyThe coastal city has miles of sandy beachesGetty Images - Getty
Located just minutes from the bustling Federico Fellini International Airport, Rimini is the most popular tourist destination on the Northern coast of Italy.
And Ryanair is currently offering flights from Ireland for €29.99.
The city is well-known for its seaside charm, historical appeal, picturesque streets and courtyards with tucked-away gems.
There are a number of bargain hotels in the area with sea views and private beach access – with the average price per night roughly €75.
During April and May, temperatures reach highs of 22C and lows of 17C, making it the perfect spot for a spring getaway.
The Emilia-Romagna region is popular for its year-round sunshine, spectacular coastal views and unique activities, such as wine and food-tasting classes.
Rimini has many attractions to visit, including its gorgeous Old Town with beautiful buildings, a breathtaking cityscape, miles of golden beaches, crystal-blue waters and a fantastic nightlife scene.
Bagno Egisto 38 beach is one of the main charms that the area has to offer – and it’s just positioned beside the busy strip of the city.
Tourists flock to the popular beach spot for its soft golden sand, crystal clear waters and excellent services, including changing rooms, lockers for storage, parasols, sunbeds and hammocks.
A set of two sunbeds with an umbrella and a table is priced from €12 for the day.
Local cuisine in Rimini
Along the beach, you will find cafes, restaurants, bars and local shops.
The venues by the beach often provide local cuisine and products representing the city and country, meaning plenty of delicious pasta to try.
The Old Town of Rimini has many picturesque streets to explore, with gorgeous plants on the streets, local shops, food-tasting classes and museums telling the tales of the Old Town including the legacy of the legendary filmmaker who was born in Rimini.
It is well known for its wine-tasting and fresh pasta classes, with tourists travelling worldwide to try delicious wines from the vineyard with some local cheeses and olives and a big dish such as pasta.
Many restaurants and pubs can be found on the streets, with a bottle of beer costing as little as €2, while a meal out at a mid-range restaurant will cost €14.
Many nightlife events are held in the Old Town, expressing the culture of the local pubs and famous clubs with classy architectural styles that make you feel like you’ve stepped back into the Roman Empire era.
Popular attractions
Locals often urge visitors to see the famous Teatro Amintore Gali, one of the many popular theatres across the country.
It was bombed during the Second World War, but it was beautifully restored and reopened in recent years to the public; many incredible operas and classical shows are available to view.
For those who want to have a little bit of fun, they urge tourists to visit Italia in Miniatura, where visitors get to see a miniature park of Rimini and the region in Northern Italy.
It is Italy’s fourth-oldest theme park, attracting half a million tourists annually.
The park offers endless activities for tourists to do, including a delicious gelato to grab for your adventures.
History lovers will love learning about the world’s oldest republic, San Marino, a UNESCO World Heritage site that retains much of its historic architecture on the slopes of Monte Titano.
Breathtaking views of the crystal-blue seaGetty Images - GettyThe city has a lot of historyGetty Images - GettyTourists can try out their fantastic winesGetty Images - Getty
4 hours agoworld NewsComments Off on My son was hit with dozens of Ulez fines after his van’s plate was cloned – TfL sent us to court & even bailiffs
A DESPERATE mum says her son has been caught up in a bizarre legal situation after receiving dozens of Ulez fines – claiming the number plate on his van had been cloned.
Kay Russell, 64, says her son Joe, 28, who is also on the autism spectrum, has been left too worried to work and travel around London after being bombarded by penalties, sent to court, and even visited by bailiffs.
SuppliedKay says her son Joe’s van, a Peugeot Partner, had had its number plate cloned last year[/caption]
SuppliedThe family grew suspicious after receiving Ulez fines showing a slightly older model of the van with the same number plate[/caption]
GettyBut the family struggled to convey the issue to TfL – who sent dozens of additional fines[/caption]
Speaking to Sun Motors, Kay revealed the ordeal started back in April, when TfL first sent fines along with photographs supposedly of Joe’s Peugeot van driving through a low-emission zone.
However, Kay says her family soon realised the vehicle in the pictures was different from her son’s – but had the same number plate.
According to Kay, Joe’s van, a Peugeot Partner, is a newer model compared to the one that can be seen in the TfL photographs.
Kay explained: “It is similar to my son’s van; his is a Peugeot, but the one in the pictures was an older model, with the badge on the bonnet, whereas the Peugeot badge on my son’s van is on the grille.”
Despite providing photographic evidence to TfL, the family says they were asked for further proof, such as detailed records of Joe’s whereabouts on the dates of the alleged offences – something he found difficult to provide.
Kay added: “When I spoke to somebody at TfL, they said, ‘Well, anyone can stick a badge on anywhere.’
“I said, ‘But it is the Peugeot badge, it is clear where it is. And if my son had removed it, you’d see where it was.’”
Kay admits that some of the Ulez fines do belong to her son, which actually helped her and her husband realise that the van in some of the pictures wasn’t the one driven by Joe.
She said: “When you see two vehicles next to each other, you can clearly see that the front of the cloned van is completely different to my son’s – like where the badge is.”
Joe first realised something was wrong when money started disappearing from his TfL account, followed by a series of fines arriving from various authorities, including Southwark and Walthamstow councils.
He immediately reported the issue to the police and obtained a crime reference number.
The situation then escalated when the case went to court, although Kay and her family were not notified in time to defend themselves.
Kay said: “TfL responded to my email on 8 January, but the case had already gone to court before they even opened the email.
“We weren’t even advised about the court date.
“We didn’t get the chance to defend ourselves or explain anything. It just went to court, and they decided it was our fault.”
She also said the family have tried to appeal the fines, but this has simply added to their expenses.
“To appeal, we’d have to pay per fine, and we’ve got about ten fines here. Why should we pay for something that isn’t our fault?” she added.
Bailiffs have also visited their home, adding to their stress.
Kay said: “I don’t know where I stand. Every time I try to phone a solicitor, they tell me it’s going to cost me more money than the fines are.”
Joe, who works as a plumber but can only work on sites and not in people’s homes due to his autism, has even started to avoid driving into London due to the worry of picking up more fines.
Kay added: “He’s taken a job further away, earning less, but he just can’t deal with this stress.
“This shouldn’t be a battle for us as a family. We shouldn’t even be going through this.
“I’ve phoned hundreds of people, but no one wants to go into detail or help us. They just say, ‘Send everything in.’”
Sun Motors later got in contact with TfL, who said: “We are very sorry that Mr Russell has been a victim of vehicle cloning.
“In this case there were eight open penalty charge notices (PCNs), one of which had representations made against it.
“Having reviewed the images, five PCNs were incurred by Mr Russell’s vehicle and three by a cloned vehicle.
“We have cancelled any outstanding fines and the remaining balance.”
Kay also revealed TfL contacted her and her family to resolve the matter – much to her relief.
TfL have reminded drivers that vehicle cloning is a criminal matter, which the police enforce and prosecute.
They also state that every image is checked by two members of staff before any penalty charge notice is issued.
Any customer who believes their vehicle has been cloned can provide evidence demonstrating the PCN has been issued incorrectly.
This includes proof of a vehicle at a different location for the date and time of the contravention, such as a tracker report, statement from a colleague or neighbour.
They also accept a witness statement affirming vehicle was not at location but elsewhere, photos showing differences between their vehicle and the vehicle captured, and a crime reference number.
Bilal Yousaf, 44, from Glasgow, Scotland, had his Renault Master repossessed in February 2024 after he was forced to give up work.
However, his details were seemingly still linked to the van.
Then, in March, Bilal – who says he hasn’t been to London in around 10 years – began receiving penalty notices from TfL, claiming he received on average “five fines a day” at their peak.
He says TfL even passed his details to a collection agency, which also began to send him letters.
4 hours agoworld NewsComments Off on Dunnes Stores fans rushing to buy ‘chic’ new waistcoats – they cost €25 and come in two colours
DUNNES Stores fans are set to love two “chic” new waistcoats for spring – and they are perfect for a night out.
The Beige Savida Sienna Waistcoat is available in stores and online now.
The waistcoat costs just €25The waistcoat comes in two colours
It is priced at just €25 and comes in cream and black.
The retailer said: “Designed with an on-trend open front and adjustable self tie closures, this waistcoat from Savida allows you to cinch it just the way you like for a flattering fit.
“Pair it with a blazer or layer it over a tee for a casual, chic look.
“Savida is available exclusively at Dunnes Stores.”
Dunnes has paired the waistcoat with fab wide leg jeans for a casual look.
Meanwhile, a fashion fan has found the perfect pair of jeans for a comfy outfit – and they cost just €30.
The Savida Raw Hem Barrel Jeans are available online and in stores around the country now.
They are the perfect pair for the in-between weather often seen during springtime.
Monica, who goes @mon.fesa on Instagram, has shared how she styled the pair.
Posting on social media, the fashion fan wrote: “And we’re back @dunnesstores with @savida.ds today.
“I can’t believe how well the barrel jeans look on; try them if you don’t own a pair, because you’ll fall in love with them.
“Which top do you like more, the super soft knit or the Bow cardi??? Let me know…”
The jeans cost €30 and come in sizes 6 up to 18, but there’s bad news for some shoppers.
Size six has already sold out online due to its popularity, although it might still be found in stores.
Fashion bosses called the item “trend-forward”.
An official description of the item reads: “Made from a blue cotton denim, these jeans from Savida are designed with wide barrel legs and a raw hem.
“A trend-forward addition to your denim collection, they pair wonderfully with sneakers and a relaxed tee.
DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit.
Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland’s first ‘shopping frenzy’.
During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne’s ‘Better Value’ bargains.
Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 – starting with apples and oranges.
The retailer said: “Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town.
“Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong.
“Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas.”
The retailer’s first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960.
They added: “In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed.
“Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England.”
Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people.
4 hours agoworld NewsComments Off on Premier League release statement as Everton’s last-gasp penalty vs Man Utd is controversially ruled out after VAR review
THE PREMIER LEAGUE addressed VAR’s controversial decision to deny Everton a late penalty against Manchester United.
The Toffees thought they got a last-gasp spot kick at the death of stoppage time when the score was 2-2 at Goodison Park.
Everton thought they got a late penalty against Manchester UnitedThe referee pointed at the penalty spot in the third minute of stoppage timeEverton ace Ashley Young appeared to have been fouled by Man Utd’s Harry MaguireHowever, VAR intervened and the decision was overturned after a lengthy review
The Merseysiders saw themselves leading 2-0 at half-time thanks to goals by Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure.
However, United fought back in the second half and levelled the score with Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte.
But David Moyes’ men thought they would redeem themselves in the third minute of stoppage time after throwing away a two-goal lead.
That was when Man Utd star Harry Maguire appeared to have pulled down Ashley Young in the area.
The referee pointed straight at the spot but VAR felt differently and advised him to chack the pitchside monitor.
After a lengthy review, the hosts were denied a late penalty and the Red Devils found themselves breathing a sigh of relief.
The Premier League addressed the situation at full-time with a statement on social media.
It read: “VAR checked the referee’s call of penalty to Everton for a challenge by Maguire on Young and deemed that no foul had been committed and recommended an on-field review.
“The referee overturned the original decision and play restarted with an indirect free-kick.”
Man Utd also had a penalty kick denied in the closing stages of the match.
Joshua Zirkzee’s header hit Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite in the face and then possibly his arm in the 84th minute.
But VAR concluded there was no handball and the ref waived play on.
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