Transportinfo.org.uk - today's transport news in the uk, hand picked for you each morning

Friday, 16 January 2009

BBC News

• High-speed rail link consideredThe UK Government is to create a new company - High Speed 2 - to consider the case for new high-speed rail services from London to Scotland.
• Can a bigger Heathrow be green?The government's decision to expand Heathrow has provoked fury from green groups, climate scientists, local MPs, local people and opposition parties.
• Anti-Heathrow groups vow to fight onThe coalition of groups opposed to the expansion of Heathrow Airport may appear to be unlikely bedfellows.
• Airport politicsMPs take sides over the future of Heathrow
• Go-ahead for new Heathrow runwayA third runway should be built at Heathrow because it is
• Eurotunnel sees fall in revenuesChannel Tunnel operator Eurotunnel sees three-month revenues fall 24%, partly due to the impact of September's fire.
• Airbus sales top strike-hit BoeingEuropean planemaker Airbus outstrips rival Boeing on plane deliveries and orders in 2008 after the US firm was hit by a strike.

Department for Transport

• Hoon outlines air, road and rail improvements to boost economy and jobs Britain will benefit from major air, rail and road improvements as Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon today outlined radical new plans for the UK's transport infrastructure, designed to support the economy and secure jobs in the long term.

Financial Times

• Eurotunnel full-year revenue down more than 9%Revenues at Eurotunnel, the operator of the Channel Tunnel, were more than 9 per cent lower in 2008 than the previous year after a fire in September pushed fourth-quarter revenues down 31.4 per cent
• View from the Top - Colm Barrington, chairman of Aer LingusColm Barrington is a keen yachtsman who for several years held the record time for circumnavigating Ireland. As chairman of Aer Lingus, he has found himself in stormy...
• BAA given Heathrow runway deadlineMinisters said the third runway should come into operation as soon as possible after 2015. Both BAA and British Airways had insisted it was unlikely to be in use before 2020
• Hoon braced for legal challengeThe plan for a third runway is likely to face a courtroom challenge, critics and supporters agree. It could focus on issues such as noise or failures in the planning process

The Guardian

• Cameron: we will build £1bn 'smart grid' to green BritainThe Tory leader said: "What business needs to recognise is that the third runway is just not going to happen. There is such a coalition of forces against it. There's such an environmental case against."
• Aviation industry looks to cut emissionsThe aviation industry has become increasingly conscious of the growing demand to address environmental concerns as well as its own fuel costs.
• Sipson villagers vow direct action against third Heathrow runwayResidents of community set for demolition say they will use the courts and the streets to fight airport expansion
• Runway 3 will be a shrine to Labour's congenital frailtyWhen backed in a corner, ministers seem unable to make the right choices on tough issues and build alliances to support them
• Conflict, compromise and the rise of the 'Milibenn' tendencyEnvironmental concessions were wrung out of the prime minister after a five-day battle culminating in a late-night deal in which the climate change secretary, Ed Miliband, demanded a halving of the number of flights BAA wanted to allow on Heathrow's third runway.
• Arguments take shape over a third Heathrow runway [Letters]
• 'Air travel is going to get more popular'Perhaps unsurprisingly, the great majority of passengers using Heathrow yesterday were in favour of expanding the airport so that they would face shorter queues and have a choice of more flights.
• We can have hundreds of extra flights a day and still be green - ministersBAA is expected to fast-track a third runway at Heathrow after the government yesterday backed expanding the airport as soon as possible after 2015. The transport secretary, Geoff Hoon, recommended that the airport owner

The Herald

• Relocated cabin crew may have to pay for 400-mile commuteScottish cabin crew working for British Airways will face a 400-mile commute following the closure tomorrow of their Glasgow offices.
• New firm to look at setting up London rail linkThe case for a new high-speed rail service between London and Scotland is to be considered by a new company created by government.

The Independent

• New runway will swallow up village Expansion plans will mean Heathrow gaining another runway but losing an entire village.
• Benn taunted over Heathrow expansion Environment Secretary Hilary Benn came under pressure today ahead of the Government's expected approval of a third runway at Heathrow Airport.
• Brown defends new Heathrow runway Prime Minister Gordon Brown today defended the decision to go ahead with a third runway at Heathrow.
• MP suspended over Heathrow mace protest A Labour MP was today suspended from the Commons for five days after he picked up the mace during heated exchanges on the Government's decision to go ahead with a third runway at Heathrow.
• Row hots up as Heathrow expansion is confirmed Union leaders representing airport workers and pilots immediately welcomed the Heathrow announcement, but groups opposed to the expansion expressed dismay, vowing to continue their campaign.
• Opponents vow to fight plan for third runwayThe Government was warned last night that it faced a long and bitter struggle to secure the expansion of Heathrow after giving the go-ahead to controversial plans for a third runway.
• Last-ditch deal that bought off Cabinet dissenters

The Scotsman

• City in wrong gear to drive off with bus tourism boomTHE Capital is in danger of missing the bus on a tourism "boom" due to a lack of facilities for coach parties, a leading trade body has warned.
• Outrage over job cuts at rail firmOne of the country's biggest rail firms sparked outrage after announcing plans to cut 480 jobs, just weeks after increasing its fares, prompting warnings of possible indus

The Telegraph

• Parliamentary sketch: Geoff Hoon's bumpy landingAs Geoff Hoon was coming in to land his every move directed from the control tower by Lord Mandelson and Gordon Brown a lone figure ran on to the runway and tried to stand in his way.
• Heathrow expansion: green fuels 'not enough' to reduce emissionsThe development of greener technology and alternative fuels will not be enough to offset the growth in aviation it was claimed today.
• Heathrow expansion: Why British tourism needs a third runwayWhy the construction of a third runway at Heathrow Airport is essential to Britain's popularity as a tourist destination.
• Motorway plans unveiled with high speed rail link to appease Heathrow protestors Hundreds of miles of motorway hard shoulder are to be opened up to drivers and plans for a new high speed rail link accelerated as the Government seeks to appease environmentalists over the expansion of Heathrow.
• Opposition to expansion of Heathrow throws together unlikely coalition Opposition to the expansion of Heathrow has thrown together a highly unlikely coalition of everyone from London's Conservative mayor to backbench Labour MPs.
• Heathrow third runway plans 'could be delayed for decades'Heathrow's third runway will be the subject of legal challenges lasting

Times Online

• Price of expansion is fury at blighted life for thousands It is only 2,500 metres of tarmac but already Heathrow’s proposed third runway has provoked fury among environmentalists, blighted the lives of tens of thousands of people and triggered a fierce political battle that will continue through to the next general election.
• Airport protest ends in Mogwli moment for John McDonnell The Great Heathrow Mace Protest took us by surprise. We watched, goggle-eyed, as John McDonnell marched down the aisle that separates the Labour benches, a walking exclamation mark of outrage over his Government's decision to build a third runway at Heathrow. But when he reached the green carpet at the bar of the House, he looked, for just a moment, a bit lost.
• Heathrow runway ready by 2015 under new laws Graphic: under the flightpath

Reuters News

• January petrol and diesel prices fallLONDON (Reuters) - January average prices for retail petrol and diesel fell to reflect the drop in crude oil prices in recent months, the country's Automobile Association (AA) said on Friday.
• Heathrow expansion gets green lightLONDON (Reuters) - The government gave the go-ahead for a third runway and another terminal at London's congested Heathrow airport as part of a 9 billion pound expansion, delighting the aviation industry but enraging environmentalists.

The Sun

• Third runway is clear for take-offPM gives go-ahead for Heathrow’s 3rd runway — sparking huge row in the Commons

ATOC

• Government recognises rail investment is key to Britain's transport futureThe Association of Train Operating Companies welcomes the Government™s commitment to put rail at the centre of a transport system fit for the 21st century.

Transport Briefing

• High Speed 2 rail starting gun fired by governmentPlanning by government for a north-south high speed rail line in Britain has begun with Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon creating a new company - High Speed 2 - to consider the case for services between London and Scotland.
• Payzone ticket deal phases out bus operator distinctionBirmingham has moved a step closer to having a London Travelcard-style ticketing system after a deal was signed to sell nbus day tickets - valid on almost all bus services in the West Midlands - from hundreds of shops across the region.
• South West Trains cuts 480 jobs to reduce costsSouth West Trains is to cut 480 back office jobs as the Stagecoach-owned company attempts to reposition itself for a drop in demand for rail travel caused by the looming recession.
• Train maintenance firm fined for rail safety breachMaintrain, part of National Express Group, was this week fined £75,000 and ordered to pay £8,584 in costs for failing to ensure the heath and safety of people working in one of its maintenance depots.
• Heathrow Airport third runway gets the green lightHeathrow Airport will get a third runway supported by new road and rail infrastructure, the government announced today (15 January).

Belfast Telegraph

• Luas chief leads Rapid Transit System team The project engineer behind the successful Luas light rail network in Dublin is to head the team that will bring a Rapid Transit System to Belfast, it has been announced.
• British government considers motor industry finance plan The Government is looking at a proposal to inject liquidity into the finance arm of the motor industry, Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said yesterday.

Birmingham Post

• Rail plans aiming for Birmingham to London in less than one hourJourney times between Birmingham and London will be cut to “well under an hour” with direct links to Heathrow and the Channel Tunnel, under Government plans for a new high-speed rail line.

London Evening Standard

• Is Cam's new man still in favour of 3rd runway?David Cameron has taken a very firm line against the 3rd runway at Heathrow, as has Theresa Villiers.
• I challenge Brown to open debate on Heathrow, says BorisBORIS Johnson today challenged Gordon Brown to a head-to-head public debate on his plans for a third runway at Heathrow.
• Runway battle in CommonsThe battle for Heathrow erupted as a third runway got the go-ahead

Manchester Evening News

• Extra lane on M60THE region's busiest stretch of motorway is to get an extra lane as part of a government transport spending spree. But plans for a new high-speed rail line - also revealed in the £6bn package - will not link Manchester and London as it will only go as far north as the West Midlands.

Metro

• Call to ban turnstiles from public toiletsThe Government was today urged to ban turnstiles from bus and train station lavatories.
• More trains running on time, reports sayTrain punctuality improved last summer, according to official figures out today.

The News (Portsmouth)

• Transformation on trackThis is the first small step towards a £20m transformation of a disused rail track into a high-speed bus route.

The York Press

• York airport scheme kicked out CAMPAIGNERS, developers and economic leaders reacted with joy and despair today after a Government inspector threw out plans for a huge expansion of Elvington Airfield.
• A64 cycle path steps up a gear THE latest phase of a scheme to create a near-continuous cycle path between York and Scarborough gets under way next week.

Daventry Express

• Full steam ahead for town marinaA NEW-LOOK masterplan for Daventry's controversial marina and canalside development looks set to go out to public consultation.

Northants Evening Telegraph

• Third lane to be added to A14 at KetteringA third lane will be added to the A14 at Kettering after the Government today announced £50m investment in the dual carriageway.

Reading Evening Post

• Heathrow expansion will go aheadThe Government has given the go-ahead for a third runway despite opposition from green campaigners and some MPs.

International Herald Tribune

• Airbus, retaining top spot in production, predicts 'very soft year'The European aircraft maker forecast drops in both deliveries and orders in 2009 even if world air traffic recovers.
• U.K. government approves plan for 3rd runway at HeathrowThe move defied an angry wave of opposition from environmentalists, public officials and communities across West London.
• Toyota to cut North American productionToyota Motor Corp., the world's largest car maker, said it would cut output at several North American plants over the next few months in a bid to cut its vehicle inventory in half.

New Scientist

• Car exhaust fumes cause lightning strikesCommuters' car emissions don't just warm the globe – they can also increase lightning strikes for miles around.

The Economist

• Airport expansion: Gordon's Heathrow gambleThe prime minister’s insistence on a third runway will add to his political woesTHOUGH well trailed, it was still a shocker when it happened. After months of objection, conjecture and delay, the government finally gave the go-ahead on January 15th to a third runway and sixth terminal at Heathrow airport. The expansion could mean an increase in flights over London from 480,000 a year to 700,000. Howls were heard from opponents who have doggedly fought the plan for years.To appease concerns about the environmental impact of a third runway, Geoff Hoon, the transport secretary, promised that...
• The car industry: Bright sparksElectric propulsion provides some excitement amid the gloomTHE sombre mood at this year’s Detroit motor show manifested itself most visibly in the austerity of the exhibitors’ displays, and Chrysler’s in particular. Over the years the smallest of America’s Big Three manufacturers has introduced new models by driving a sport-utility vehicle through the plate-glass windows of the Cobo Hall, dropping a pickup from the roof and firing a minivan through the air. But having just received a life-saving government bail-out, Chrysler did not want to appear extravagant. Gone were...

Rail Technology Magazine

• Firstco Designing Communications and Controls Systems for Crossrail Firstco has been continuing its work with the London Crossrail project throughout 2008 and 2009. Currently work is being performed on the design of intervention and escape shafts which need to be positioned before any tunnelling can begin. Firstco are producing early designs of the communications and controls (C&C) systems in order that the shafts are built to accommodate cables and equipment from the outset. ...

Railnews

• News: High-speed rail plan, plus electrification decision, due this year A “CREDIBLE” plan, including financing proposals, for a new high-speed rail line between London, Heathrow Airport and the West Midlands is expected before the end of 2009, Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon has announced.

Aviation Industry

• Drive and Cycle: An innovative concept for commuting [USA]Just recently the U.S. government even went so far as to acknowledge bicycle commuters as worthy of tax relief in a similar way that drivers are. Incentives, such as new bike lanes and congestion charges, such as those instituted by London, Stockholm, and Singapore, have set the stage for a change in the way the world travels and commutes.
• Stagecoach drives forward Ghana transport projectStagecoach Group has united with international development charity Transaid to provide vital driver training for a female market traders’ project in Ghana.
• UK Credibility on Climate Crumbles as Heathrow ExpandsThere comes a time in every government’s tenure when we finally see them for what they are – that the slick messaging and spin can no longer hide the flawed natured of the policies.
• 'Green Heathrow' – a global embarrassment for the UKThe government has employed the most dangerous greenwash of our times today by dubbing the announcement of the third runway, 'green Heathrow'.
• FTSE 350: TransportOil prices are going to be less of a problem for all transport companies this year, but the economic slump could seriously affect train companies as the crucial London commuter market hits the buffers.
• Government gives green light for third runway at HeathrowBAA's Chief Executive, Colin Matthews, has welcomed the government's decision to go ahead with a third runway at Heathrow...
• Aberdeen Airport plans Norwegian promotional blitzA bid to promote the north-east as a business and leisure destination will be launched later this week in Norway...
• 'Alternative fuels will not solve aviation emissions' Other answers also needed read more
• Heathrow third runway gets green light UK Government announces go ahead despite fierce opposition read more
• Mixed reaction to runway decision London Mayor warns of court action read more

Other News Sources

• First Group wins Chester park and ride contractA NEW contract for Chester's park and ride service has been awarded to current operator First Group.
• Are our trains too crowded?Video journalist James Shaw took his mobile phone on an early-morning train journey from Wellington to Birmingham in a bid to find out whether overcrowding is still a problem.
• Call to test out new bus fleetARRIVA Buses Wales is appointing the bus testers following the introduction of 10 brand new buses – an investment of almost £1.3m.
• Residents weep at runway decisionSipson villagers spoke of their dismay as they faced the destruction of their community to pave the way for the new Heathrow runway.
• Heathrow airport (Reuters) - Britain gave the go-ahead for a third runway and another terminal at London's congested Heathrow airport as part of a 9 billion pound ($13.2 billion) expansion, delighting the aviation industry but enraging environmentalists.
• Ministers back third runway for Heathrow – and high-speed Scotland to London rail linkMINISTERS signalled their support for a high-speed rail line between Scotland and London for the first time yesterday as they approved a third runway at Heathrow.
• TUC welcomes Government go-ahead for third runwayCommenting on the announcement today (Thursday) that the Government is to give the go-ahead for a third runway at Heathrow Airport, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:
• Jobs at risk after Stobart Manton site closure planA total of 84 people in 'transport-related positions' are at risk of redundancy at Eddie Stobart's Manton Wood, Nottinghamshire, transport operations.
• New Hyundai iLoad promises to help cut costsHyundai's new iLoad Comfort panel van is now available.
• Bath HGV ban depends on Westbury bypass inquiryA proposed HGV ban in Bath city centre hinges on the results of a public inquiry into a bypass for the town of Westbury, Wiltshire, on the A350.
• Government approve Heathrow third Runway and High Speed 2The Government has controversially approved a third runway for Heathrow airport and a plan for a high speed rail hub there.
• BMI campaign to restore its position as a business brandBMI is seeking to restore its position as a business airline over the next year. The move is supported by the launch of a business class lounge at London Heathrow in June, which will be backed by a major ad campaign.
• Heathrow third runway gets go-ahead The Government has rubber stamped Heathrow Airport's third runway, leading to fury in the Commons and one MP being suspended.
• Government gives green light for third runway at HeathrowBAA's Chief Executive, Colin Matthews, has welcomed the government's decision to go ahead with a third runway at Heathrow...
• Parliament takes lead on EU urban mobility planAfter the European Commission failed to produce its promised action plan on urban mobility in 2008, MEPs have taken the unusual step of reclaiming the initiative, with a report due before the June European elections.
• Heathrow Noise and Pollution Assumptions Fatally FlawedOur response to today's announcement on the expansion of Heathrow.
• Peel applauds new runway and terminal at HeathrowManchester-based Peel Airports has today welcomed the government’s decision to support a new runway and terminal at London Heathrow airport.
• Plans call for boost in motorway capacitySome of Greater Manchester’s motorways will get extra capacity under plans announced by the government.
• Outrage over job cuts at rail firmOutrage over job cuts at rail firm
• Hoon hails third Heathrow runwayTransport Secretary Geoff Hoon confirms the controversial expansion plans for Heathrow airport include building a third runway.
• Third runway causes outcryTransport Secretary Geoff Hoon's approval for a third runway at Heathrow causes rowdy scenes in the Commons and outrage from environmentalists. Gary Gibbon reports.

Other Subscription Services

• Hapag-Lloyd deal in disarray after RBS quits consortiumBANK pullout throws the protracted transaction into confusion.
• Survival of the biggest in Chinese shipbuildingNEWBUILDING orders in China are forecast to slow by 40% this year, with many private shipyards expected to shut down after delivering contracted vessels.