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

Monday, 03 September 2012

BBC News

• Etihad ups Virgin Australia stakeAbu Dhabi's Etihad Airways doubles its stake in Virgin Australia amid a push to increase its global presence.
• VIDEO: Labour backs investment plansShadow Business Secretary Chuka Umunna has said his party would
• VIDEO: Osborne seeks consensus on airportsChancellor George Osborne has given his backing to an expansion of airport capacity in the south east of England, saying the government will seek cross-party agreement on any plans.
• Tory leader backs third runwayScottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson adds her voice to supporters of a third runway at Heathrow.

The Guardian

• Travel warning issued to Londoners as Paralympics enters second weekFans travelling to athletics stadium and commuters returning from holidays will make network as busy as during the OlympicsThe capital's transport authorities have called on Londoners not to underestimate the Paralympics' effect as the Games enter their second week, warning that the system is likely to be as busy as during the Olympics.Many schools reopen on Monday and large numbers of commuters return to work after holidays, pushing the underlying, rush-hour traffic to much higher levels than in the summer. In addition, now that athletics is back in full swing at the stadium, as many spectato...

The Herald

• Self-serve scanners deployed at airportAIR passengers have been promised shorter boarding times at Glasgow Airport with the introduction of the first automated boarding-pass scanners to be deployed in Scotland.

The Independent

• Commuters face chaos as the big return to work gets under way Prophecies of transport gridlock in London, the prospect of further lightning strikes at Europe's biggest airline and tax rises in Mediterranean countries signalled a dismal start to autumn today for business travellers and holidaymakers seeking September sunshine.Related StoriesMan and boy drown off the coast of MajorcaWhales die in a mass stranding off the coast of FifeDamaged chemical container ship MSC Flaminia towed awayMan feared missing at sea is namedBodies found in boating mystery
• Cameron bales out of Heathrow expansion decision David Cameron is to set up an independent review of Britain's airports, which could pave the way for him to drop his opposition to a third runway at Heathrow.Related StoriesPlanning reform aims to deliver boost to flagging economyBank of England tipped to hold back from sanctioning further quantitative easingVince Cable backs Nick Clegg to survive latest attacks on his leadershipCable rallies to Clegg's defence as Lib Dems fight off calls for changeOsborne tries again to free up Green Belt land for housing

The Scotsman

• Flying start as boarding pass scanner introduced at Glasgow airportGLASGOW airport has stolen a march over its east coast rival by becoming the first in Scotland to enable passengers to scan their own boarding passes in the security area.
• Loud music gives motorists the bluesDrivers find over-loud music in their cars a real turn-off, according to a survey.

The Telegraph

• Now Scottish Tories call for a third runway at HeathrowConservative pressure on David Cameron to allow a third runway at Heathrow airport has grown again as the party's Scottish leader backed the project.

Mail Online

• Secret plans for new £60bn four-runway airport right on Heathrow's doorstepThe Prime Minister is hoping the review will secure cross-party support and defuse a row over aviation policy that has split the Cabinet.

London Evening Standard

• Secret plan for new four-runway airport near HeathrowA mystery consortium is drawing up plans for a new, four-runway airport close to Heathrow, it has been reported.

Manchester Evening News

• Manchester City starlet Courtney Meppen-Walter arrested after car crash on Bury New Road leaves two dead and two teenage boys injuredCourtney Meppen-Walter, 18, was held following the devastating smash on Bury New Road which took the lives of a 37-year-old woman and her 32-year-old brother and inflicted serious injuries two teenage boys.

Wales Online

• Transport and tourism operators left counting cost of dismal summerTransport and tourism operators have been left counting the cost of atrocious summer weather which made traditional open-air activities impossible.

Yorkshire Evening Post

• Residents to get more say in Leeds planning shake upLeeds City Council is planning a shake-up in the way it deals with proposals for big infrastructure projects and key housing schemes.

Other Regional Press

• Main road in central Watford to be partially closed from tomorrow A main road in central Watford is due to be partially closed from tomorrow for gas repairs.
• 30 routes in Monmouthshire will be affected by £2m road resurfacing programme MONMOUTHSHIRE council is starting the main part of its resurfacing programme for 2012-13 part-funded through the Welsh Government.
• Council launches pilot electric bikes scheme ELECTRIC bikes could become the new form of transport for city council workers after the authority launched a pilot scheme.
• Motorway lights switch-off aims to protect environmentMotorists travelling for miles through our region will be doing so in the dark from this week. A year ago lighting was switched off on the M1 between junctions 10 (Luton) and 13 to reduce carbon emissions.
• Police fork out over £30k on travellingA police force has had to pay more than 30,000 in public transport claims by officers and staff in the last four years, new figures show. Those working for Bedfordshire Police put in a total of 30,574

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

• Network Rail unveils plans for greater efficiencyA proposed new nationwide traffic management system for the UK's trains could enhance the efficiency of the network.This is the claim made by Network Rail, which has awarded contracts for the design and development of the solution to Hitachi Rail Europe, joint venture Signalling Solutions and Thales UK.According to the infrastructure group, the technology "forms an integral part of our operating strategy" and will bring together the 800 signal boxes across the country in 14 rail operating centres.The process of consolidating operations is expected to take 30 years and...

Other News Sources

• Greens call for rail ticket u-turnREADING'S Green Party is calling on the Government to rethink the pending increase in rail fares.
• Pledge of free taxi if Countryliner bus is 15 minutes late in Barcombe A bus company is offering a free taxi service to passengers whose buses are more than 15 minutes late in Barcombe.
• Sussex rail passengers warned about busier services due to Paralympics A rail firm is warning passengers they face a busier service this week.