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

Saturday, 23 May 2009

BBC News

• Camera grid to log number platesA national network of cameras and computers automatically logging car number plates will be in place within months.

The Guardian

• GM bidder to sacrifice UK jobsGermans favour bid that will protect their factories but threatens cuts at Britain's Vauxhall plantsThe Canadian car parts firm Magna International has emerged as favourite in a contest to buy General Motors' European operations through a bid which protects German factories but threatens deep job cuts at two Vauxhall plants in Britain.
• Third runway a mistake, says Lord SternThe decision to allow a third runway at Heathrow was a mistake, according to one of the government's most senior advisers on the economics of climate change.
• British Airways ditch first class in new planes as age of austerity bitesFears that some wealthy customers may not return Company posted worst loss ever of £401mBusiness class passengers famously draw envious glances from the herd in economy by turning left when they enter a plane, but it is the first class ticket holders who are the most pampered.

The Herald

• BA posts record loss of £401mA year after posting record profits British Airways yesterday unveiled a record loss and cancelled its dividend for last year after being hit by the economic slump and high fuel prices.

The Independent

• I feel your pain, says BA boss giving up a month's pay (£61k)When Willie Walsh, the ruthless boss of British Airways, decides that he needs to make a self-sacrificing gesture, the rest of his staff know it is time to fasten their safety belts and grab the sick bags. There is turbulence ahead for the world's favourite airline.

The Telegraph

• Car production down again The slump in car production has continued with the number of cars built 55.3 per cent down in April compared to the same month last year.

Times Online

• British Airways must change directionTwenty two years ago, a million members of the UK public made a misjudgment. They exchanged perfectly good cash for something that has proved to be much less valuable - shares in British Airways.
• BA slumps to biggest loss in quarter of a centuryBritish Airways slumped to a £401 million loss last year amid a collapse in premium-fare passenger numbers and increased fuel costs. It was its worst loss since 1982 and came after the airline made a profit of £992 million in 2007-08.
• Late approach from Chinese carmaker for GM EuropeA Chinese carmaker has entered the running to take a stake in General Motors™ European operations.

Daily Post (North Wales)

• Welsh Highland Railway fire caused by faulty ash pan A BLAZE which caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to over 100 acres of farmland was caused by a faulty ash pan on a passing steam train.

The News (Portsmouth)

• Bus lane site is now more secureA council said it has employed security guards and laid down concrete bollards to stop vehicles getting onto a disused railway track.

Northants Evening Telegraph

• Bus plan to get Kettering voters to the pollsBuses may be put on to help elderly voters get to a new polling station which is being used because the normal location has fallen into a derelict state.

Washington Post

• Ford gives workers more time to consider buyouts NEW YORK -- Ford Motor Co. said Friday it is giving its hourly workers five more weeks to decide whether they want to accept the company's buyout and early retirement offers.

Railnews

• News: High Speed 2 — it’s how and when, not if, says Adonis CONSTRUCTION of a new high-speed line, HS2, from London to the West Midlands and the North is a matter of ’how?’ and ’when? — not ’if?’ — according to Transport Minister Lord Andrew Adonis.

Other News Sources

• CAA to investigate EU disability laws New European Union laws brought in to protect the rights of disabled travellers are to come under scrutiny by the Civil Aviation Authority. The CAA...
• 1.8 million Brits to travel abroad for Spring Bank Holiday 2009 Around 1.8 million Brits are expected to jet off for foreign shores this Bank Holiday weekend. ABTA president Justin Fleming said the market is being...
• Committee Approves Transportation PackageSALEM, Ore. -- Lawmakers have moved out of committee a $300 million-per-year transportation package funded by increases in the gas tax and registration, title and license plate fees. Legislators estim...
• EU approval for Modec electric vansThe British Modec electric van is set to become the first electric commercial vehicle to gain EC Whole Vehicle Type Approval.
• Marshalls adopts Isotrak vehicle tracking systemA major supplier of fresh produce has adopted vehicle tracking technology to help it improve turnaround times and monitor unauthorised stops by drivers.
• Norbert Dentressangle to close Dunstable depotNorbert Dentressangle (ND) is planning to close its depot in Dunstable with the loss of 126 jobs.
• Adonis issues clarion call for new high speed rail linesTransport minister Lord Adonis has said high speed rail in the UK is: œJust a matter of dates in a speech to ICE members at the Arup campus in Solihull.
• Local authority highways bosses call on utilities to pay £70M road repair billUtility companies that dig up England™s roads causing deterioration and leaving an ugly patchwork should be made to pay towards the £70M bill local authorities face for additional maintenance costs, according to a new report.
• Government's Transport guidance does not go far enough says NCBAs the government issues its transport guidance today Friday 22 May, NCB says that this is just the first step in ensuring that all local and regional decision makers give greater consideration to children and young people™s transport needs.
• Consumer habits must adapt to cut oil industry carbon Consumer behaviour must change if British refineries are to meet the national targets of reducing carbon emissions by 80% by 2050.