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

Wednesday, 29 August 2012

BBC News

• Airport users to be body scannedBody scanning of selected passengers is being introduced at Scotland's busiest airport as part of its security checks.
• VIDEO: Heathrow third runway calls rejectedThe transport secretary has insisted the coalition government will stick to its pledge to oppose the building of a third runway at Heathrow Airport
• 390 jobs to go at Target ExpressTarget Express, Ireland's largest privately owned transport company, ceases trading with almost 400 people set to lose their jobs.
• VIDEO: Ford to sell luxury Lincoln in ChinaFord has unveiled its top marque Lincoln to go on sale in China in 2014, to compete with luxury cars made by the German manufacturers Audi, BMW and Mercedes Benz.
• Rail franchise deal to go aheadThe transport secretary says there will not be a delay in signing a new West Coast Main Line contract, despite pressure from Virgin Rail and Labour.
• Virgin Trains starts court actionVirgin Trains has started court proceedings over the government's decision to award a new franchise to transport company FirstGroup.
• Heathrow capacity 'harms' economyMPs say the restriction of capacity at Heathrow is harming the UK's economy.

Financial Times

• Shipyards struggle to stay above waterInterdependent vessel-owning and building industries are suffering together, pushing earnings for many ship types to below their operating costs
• Virgin makes legal challenge to rail dealIncumbent on West Coast line questions whether the Department for Transport™s evaluation procedure properly weighed risk associated with each bid
• Clegg backs Greening on HeathrowDeputy prime minister comes out fighting after Tim Yeo, a Tory backbencher, mocked David Cameron for dithering over third runway

The Guardian

• Indefatigable transport secretary keeps calm in Kent While confusion surrounds much government transport policy, allies believe Justine Greening's cabinet place is safe

The Herald

• Campaigners angry at closures on major road to HighlandsCampaigners claim new figures show a major link road was closed at some point on nearly half of the days in 2011, making it the most frequently closed road in Scotland.
• Airports to introduce full-body scanners at weekendPASSENGERS at Scotland's two biggest airports will undergo privacy-friendly body scans from September as part of a UK roll-out of the security technology demanded by the US.
• Future of ferry boss in doubt after rowsTHE head of publicly owned ferry company David MacBrayne has stepped down following a series of terse exchanges with Government ministers, The Herald understands.
• Growing public support for speed camerasPUBLIC acceptance of speed cameras has increased significantly over the last five years amid growing support for their role in increasing road safety, a survey has found.
• PM urged to reconsider Heathrow expansion bidCALLS for the UK Government to consider a third runway for Britain's only hub airport at Heathrow and avoid a
• Virgin launches challenge on West Coast bidUK Government lawyers are examining details of the last-gasp legal challenge by Virgin Trains to see if it would prevent the signing over of the £5.5 billion contract for the West Coast Mainline to FirstGroup.

The Telegraph

• Heathrow third runway: Transport Secretary threatens to resign Justine Greening, the Transport Secretary, has admitted it would be “difficult” to remain in the Cabinet if the Government backed plans for a third runway at Heathrow.
• FirstGroup accuses Virgin of sour grapes over West Coast rail franchise FirstGroup has dismissed Virgin Trains' legal action over the West Coast rail contract as sour grapes, claiming that the Government's auction was "fair".
• Justine Greening on Virgin's failed West Coast rail bidJustine Greening, the transport secretary, says that Richard Branson's Virgin did not object to the franchise bidding process until they lost it to FirstGroup.
• Sir Richard Branson: Virgin legal challenge 'designed to enable debate' of West Coast mainline decisionSir Richard Branson says Virgin Trains are launching court proceedings against the Government's decision to award rival FirstGroup the WestCoast mainline contract as the bid is
• Sir Richard Branson: legal action is Virgin Train's 'last resort' over WestCoast mainline franchiseSir Richard Branson says Virgin Trains are launching court proceedings against the Government's decision to award FirstGroup the WestCoast mainline contract in a last-ditch attempt to prompt Parliamentary debate.
• David Cameron will not drop opposition to Heathrow third runway until at least 2015David Cameron refuses to drop opposition to third runway at Heathrow until after next election, despite growing business pressure.
• Delays flying into Heathrow are the worst in EuropePassengers face greater delays flying into Heathrow than any other major airport in Europe.
• Fresh pressure on London transport network as Paralympic Games startThe return of London's schools and complacency among commuters is presenting London's transport chiefs a new challenge as the Paralympic Games start today.
• Plane spotters: 'Heathrow is a special place for us'As the debate over a third runway at Heathrow intensifies, the Telegraph spends an afternoon with plane spotters near the airport to get an insight into their passion for aviation.

Mail Online

• Sir Richard Branson: Virgin launches legal challenge to stop FirstGroup seizing its West Coast main line routeVirgin, which has operated the West Coast line since 1997, said it was 'commencing court proceedings' over the Government decision to hand the franchise to FirstGroup.
• Size doesn't matter: Original Mini named greatest car ever built in Britain over E-type Jaguar and McLaren F1The legendary Mini won the poll by Autocar magazine which celebrated the best homegrown motor talent as Britain is set to produce more cars than ever by 2015.
• Tories at war over third runway for Heathrow: Test of PM's political courage as he's asked, 'Are you man or mouse'Former environment minister Tim Yeo issued a blunt challenge to the Prime Minister to show whether he was a 'man or a mouse' by dropping his opposition to building a third runway at Heathrow.

The Mirror

• Is David Cameron a man or mouse? Senior Tory questions PM over Heathrow airport expansionParty grandee Tim Yeo urged Mr Cameron to perform a U-turn over his election pledge to block a new runway

This is Money

• Bentley considers armoured versions as sales increase to Russia and the Middle EastThe Crewe-based manufacturer said there was growing demand for secure cars to guard against the threat of kidnap or assassination.

Network Rail

• ANSFORD BRIDGE STRENGTHENING “ AN APOLOGY

Daily Post (North Wales)

• Airbus secure £4.5bn order with Philippine AirlinesPhilippine Airlines (PAL) has placed a £4.5billion order with Airbus.

Edinburgh Evening News

• Train fumes ˜killing™ Portobello residentsRESIDENTS fear their health is being put at risk because of “carcinogenic” fumes billowing from a train depot just yards from their homes.

Liverpool Post

• Maria Eagle MP calls for delay on signing Liverpool-London West Coast main line train dealA MERSEYSIDE MP has called for a delay on signing the new Liverpool to London West Coast rail contract until it can be debated in Parliament.

London Evening Standard

• No 10 policy on runway unchangedDowning Street has insisted the Government will not back down on its opposition to a third runway for Heathrow, amid growing unrest among Tory MPs over Britain's future airport capacity.
• Advice sought over Virgin legal bidThe Transport Secretary is seeking legal advice after a court challenge by Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson threatened to derail the awarding of the West Coast Main Line rail franchise to rivals FirstGroup.
• Heathrow capacity 'stifles economy'Capacity constraints at Heathrow Airport are restricting the UK's economic potential, a report by MPs has said.

Manchester Evening News

• Manchester Airport set to take off as movie setThe latest movie blockbuster will feature scenes filmed at Manchester Airport™s runway visitor park. Thousands of visitors jet away from the hub every year but now it is to get a worldwide audience in The Wedding Video.
• Virgin Trains launches legal action over decision to award West Coast main line franchise to FirstGroupVirgin Trains is to mount a last-gasp legal challenge to try to hold on to its West Coast main line franchise. Earlier this month, the Government announced that Virgin had lost out to transport company FirstGroup in the bidding war to run a new 13-year West Coast franchise from December.
• End of the line for early opening of Metrolink stop near Manchester City stadiumManchester City fans are not set to get an early ride on the new Droylsden Metrolink line. Bosses at Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) had been looking at possibly opening the line from Piccadilly to the Etihad Stadium before the rest of the route opens.

Metro

• Virgin Trains launches 11th hour legal action over West Coast decisionVirgin Trains has launched last-gasp legal action over the government's decision to award the 13-year West Coast main line franchise to FirstGroup. Virgin Trains is contesting the government's decision to award FirstGroup the West Coast franchise (Picture: PA) Sir Richard Branson had previously branded the decision 'insane' and this weekend offered to run the London to Glasgow line for free in order for the contract to be discussed in parliament, as well as urging prime minister David Cameron to intervene.Virgin Trains, which has run the franchise since 1997, said it was 'commencing court proc...

Wales Online

• Virgin Trains to mount legal challenge over West Coast main lineVirgin Trains is to mount a last-gasp legal challenge to try to hold on to its West Coast main line franchise.

Yorkshire Post

• Cameron stands firm after calls to back third Heathrow runwayDAVID Cameron has stood firm in the face of mounting pressure to reverse the coalition’s opposition to a third runway at Heathrow Airport.

Blackpool Gazette

• Rail campaigner™s hopes for London linkA RAIL campaigner says Virgin Trains should not be allowed to appeal against a decision which stripped them of the rights to their West Coast Main Line service.
• Cyclists ready for Prom funTHOUSANDS of cyclists will pack the Promenade tonight for the annual Ride the Lights extravaganza.

Carlisle News & Star

• Virgin launches legal challenge over West Coast franchise decision Virgin Trains is taking legal action over the Government's decision to award the West Coast Mainline franchise to FirstGroup.

Crewe Chronicle

• UK & World News: Heathrow 'will not get new runway'The Government has restated its opposition to a third runway at Heathrow as a senior Tory challenged David Cameron to show if he was a
• UK & World News: Clegg: No-go for Heathrow expansionDeputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has said the Government will not give the go-ahead for a third runway at Heathrow.
• UK & World News: Advice sought over Virgin legal bidThe Transport Secretary is seeking legal advice after a court challenge by Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson threatened to derail the awarding of the West Coast Main Line rail franchise to rivals FirstGroup.
• UK & World News: Heathrow capacity 'stifles economy'Capacity constraints at Heathrow Airport are restricting the UK's economic potential, a report by MPs has said.

Other Regional Press

• All aboard the rail Ale Trail: Our reporter meets drinkers and a landlord to talk about recent criticism of the boozy day out Reporter David Himelfield joined hundreds of revellers on the Ale Trail, which has come in for fierce criticism

Construction Enquirer

• Consultants shortlisted to bid HS2 second phase HS2 has shortlisted engineering consultants to bid for professional services for the second phase of the planned high speed rail network from Birmingham to Manchester and Leeds.
• Dartford Crossing to get £75m upgrade The Highways Agency is looking for firms to deliver a £75m programme of improvements to the Dartford River Crossing in Kent.

Global Rail News

• Sir Keith Park takes off at Severn Valley RailwayBattle of Britain class 34053 Sir Keith Park has entered service on the Severn Valley Railway after a restoration project lasting 12 years. Now owned by Southern Locomotives Limited, 34053 had been sold for spares, as it was generally considered unrestorable on two separate occasions prior to SLL purchasing her. Just as Air Chief Marshal [...]
• Trimble wins Network Rail approvalNetwork Rail has approved Trimble’s GEDO Vorsys system for use on the UK’s railway network. Approval of the pre-measurement system for tamper machines follows Trimble’s GEDO Track Measuring Device (TMD) which was given the green light in 2010. Development of the Trimble GEDO TMD began in Germany in the early 1990s as a result of [...]
• Investment signals new era for Stourbridge routeThe last pockets of semaphore signals and traditional absolute block working have been abolished in the West Midlands. Five signal boxes at Hartlebury, Kidderminster, Blakedown, Stourbridge and Kingswinford were swept away over the Bank Holiday weekend, in an investment worth over £13 million, and control transferred to the West Midlands Signalling Centre at Saltley. The [...]
• Moulin appointed as Eurotunnel deputy chief executiveEmmanuel Moulin has been appointed as the new deputy chief executive of Groupe Eurotunnel. Moulin, 44, will replace Claude Lienard who took up the position in 2010. Starting his career in the Transport Department of the French Treasury in 1996, Emmanuel Moulin moved to the office of Treasury and Monetary policy in 1998, before taking [...]
• Virgin™s ˜petulance™ will drive rail franchise debateIt may be too late for Virgin, but could the furore surrounding the West Coast franchise forever change who is picked to run Britain’s railways? After losing control of the West Coast Mainline, Virgin did the unthinkable. It told ministers that they had made the wrong decision and began a campaign to get it overturned. [...]
• New RRV access points in actionRoad-rail vehicles (RRVs) are now accepted parts of the railway engineer’s tool box, often preferred to rail-bound equipment. They can be brought to the nearest access point to the work-site by road, without the problems of special routing, making them especially valuable in emergency situations. However, the disadvantage of RRVs is that they need space [...]
• IRO backs Manager of the Year AwardThe Institution of Railway Operators is delighted to sponsor the Manager of the Year at the RailStaff Awards 2012. “The IRO™s mission is to establish and lead in operating excellence throughout the industry,” says IRO chairman David Franks.  “Professionalism, leadership and good management are integral to rail safety, efficiency and financial responsibility. Our association identifies [...]
• BTP help Olympic fanOfficers from British Transport Police in Cardiff helped keep one Team GB fan™s Olympic dream alive when she was reunited with her precious tickets. The 25-year-old woman was travelling from Swansea to London to see the Olympic heavyweight boxing the following day. When she arrived at Paddington she realised her suitcase “ which contained her [...]
• Driver retires after half a century on the railwaysGreater Anglia’s senior driver John Hockley retired on August 13, 50 years to the day since he started his railway career as an engine cleaner at Stratford cleaning B1s and N7s. Upon his retirement an era closed as John, who has been nominated for the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s RailStaff Awards, was the [...]
• Virgin confirms legal action over West Coast decisionVirgin has announced that it will proceed with legal action against the British government over its decision to award the West Coast franchise to FirstGroup. A statement on the company’s website said: “We have tried for three weeks to get clarity over the Department for Transport’s decision and to have a number of key questions [...]
• First wades in on West Coast legal challengeFirstGroup has released a statement in response to Virgin’s plans to mount a legal challenge against the DfT after losing control of the West Coast franchise. We understand that Virgin Rail Ltd a subsidiary of Virgin Rail Group, the joint venture between Virgin Group and Stagecoach Group plc, has brought a legal challenge against the [...]
• Rail company donates $75,000 to Isaac preparationsRail freight company CSX has donated $75,000 to the American Red Cross, as employees prepare the Gulf Coast’s rail network for Tropical Storm Isaac. The city’s floodgates have now been closed, cutting off rail access to New Orleans. President Obama has declared a state of emergency for the Gulf Coast, with Isaac now less than [...]

London TravelWatch

• London TravelWatch hopes transport improvements for the Paralympics will lead to a golden legacy for LondonersWith the Paralympic Games beginning tomorrow, London TravelWatch has urged Transport for London (TfL) to further improve the passenger experience to ensure the most accessible Paralympics ever.
• London TravelWatch produces report for Mayor of London on proposed closure of Watford stationOn 23 February 2012, London Underground Limited (LUL) initiated the closure process for discontinuance of services to and from Watford station, if and when the Croxley Rail Link becomes operational. The Railways Act 2005 requires London TravelWatch to consider this proposal and any objections to the proposal and the independent passenger watchdog has produced a report for the Mayor of London who will decide what action to take.

Railnews

• Virgin takes West Coast protest to court Virgin Trains has started court proceedings against the Department for Transport, in a bid to delay the signing of the Intercity West Coast contract which was awarded to FirstGroup almost a fortnight ago.

Aviation Industry

• Lufthansa set to face cabin crew strikesTalks between the airline and union collapse after five days of negotiations

Other News Sources

• Govt still opposed to Heathrow expansionMore runways would undermine efforts to tackle climate change
• 'West Coast rail deal will be signed' - GreeningVirgin fails to win review of franchise decision despite 150,000 signing petition
• Hertz buys Dollar Thrifty for $2.3 billionCar rental merger will make Hertz a 'stronger competitive player' in Europe
• Virgin takes court action over West Coast mainlineBranson™s group makes move to stop contract with First Group being signed this week