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

Sunday, 19 May 2013

BBC News

• Work to replace worn-out Sheffield tram tracks to start Work to replace about 14 miles (22km) of worn out tram tracks in Sheffield is to start in the summer.
• North Farm Industrial Estate relief road: Firms 'must donate land' Some £3.5m of government funding to tackle congestion at a Kent retail park could be pulled if local businesses fail to surrender some of their land.
• Andrew Lansley's blindfold bus journey in Cambridge with RNIB An MP has been blindfolded for a bus journey in Cambridge as part of a campaign for better announcement facilities on public transport.
• Campaigners to cycle on parliamentCyclists are to embark on a protest ride to the Scottish Parliament, calling for 5% of Scotland's transport budget to be spent on cycling.

The Herald

• Pollution threat from Glasgow subwayEnvironmentalists are demanding urgent investigations into air pollution on the Glasgow subway after a snapshot survey by the Sunday Herald's New Era magazine discovered passengers were breathing in tens of millions of tiny metallic particles that might damage their health.

The Scotsman

• iPhone sent US plane off course, pilot claims A PASSENGER’S iPhone sent an aircraft several miles off course by causing its compasses to malfunction, a pilot has claimed.
• MSP slams ’sticking plaster’ approach to roads THE “sticking plaster” approach to fixing Edinburgh’s roads cannot go on, a leading MSP has warned.
• Gilbert tipped to leave FirstGroup Martin Gilbert is expected to announce his retirement as chairman of transport operator FirstGroup this week when the company may also unveil plans to raise up to £600 million and a sharp cut in its dividend.
• Waverley station overhaul to create city ’piazza’ THERE will be arts events, open-plan cafes and farmers’ markets. Statues of famous Scots will survey the scene and plants from a world-famous botanical gardens will bring a touch of greenery.

The Telegraph

• Boris aides 'misled' court in bus poster rowOfficials working for the Mayor accused of misleading court when he personally intervened to ban a Christian group's poster campaign.    
• True harm of HS2 'hidden by minister'Simon Burns, the transport minister, and his top civil servant have been accused of misleading Parliament and campaign groups in an effort to boost the controversial HS2 rail scheme.    

The Mirror

• Now we have proof nationalised railways are better run, invest more and save taxpayers cashEven Thatcher thought it was a terrible idea – splitting up British Rail so the franchised services were sold to the highest bidder
• Two out of three motorists with more than 12 points are still on the roadOf the 12,470 whose records show enough ­penalties on their licence to trigger a ban, 7,842 are still allowed to drive

This is Money

• FirstGroup's chairman 'not to blame' but he resigns over £600m cash callA source close to the company said: 'Gilbert feels shareholders will demand either he or chief executive Tim O'Toole go, and that he should carry the can rather than risk one of them being hounded out'.

Belfast Telegraph

• Ryanair tells pilots that passenger safety fears letter is ‘gross misconduct’Budget airline Ryanair pilots have been told not to sign a letter to airline regulators expressing concern that the airline’s employment practices could jeopardise passenger safety.Related StoriesAgri-food shines through economy gloomFarming sector to grow as global population soarsThomas Cook in debt cutting moveCoach tour firm destined for growth with air travel bidAgri-food shines through Ulster's economic gloom    
• Coach tour firm destined for growth with air travel bidA local independent specialist tour operator has launched a new dedicated air holiday division.Related StoriesAgri-food shines through economy gloomFarming sector to grow as global population soarsThomas Cook in debt cutting moveAgri-food shines through Ulster's economic gloomRyanair tells pilots that passenger safety fears letter is ‘gross misconduct’    

Bristol Live

• The Bristol Post commented I support mayor's no traffic planArticle

Derby Telegraph

• EAST MIDLANDS: Business leader defends HS2 over criticisms A BUSINESS expert claims financial criticisms of the HS2 highspeed rail link’s costs do not address phase two of the project which is hoped to benefit the East Midlands.

The York Press

• National Railway Museum seeking former Mallard crew members THE National Railway Museum is searching for the drivers and other crew members who drove the world’s fastest locomotive in its final decades on the tracks.

This Is Local London Network

• Secret Curmudgeon: 'Yes, I’m going to Hell; but at least it’s warm down there' Wouldn’t it be great to be able to take bikes on trains during rush hour?

Wolverhampton Express and Star

• HS2 will slash train services in Black Country and Staffs, warns bossHigh-speed rail will drastically reduce the number of train services through the Black Country and Staffordshire, the boss of Virgin Trains has warned.
• Virgin signals millions of pounds for Wolverhampton train stationVirgin Trains will invest a multi-million pound sum in Wolverhampton’s dilapidated station, its chief executive said today.

Other Regional Press

• Local News: East Cleveland Minibus Brokerage gets £220,000 lottery cash A vital rural service run by the Tees Valley Rural Community Council lands extra funding

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

• PORT OF FELIXSTOWE NAMED 'BEST CONTAINER TERMINAL IN EUROPE' Senior figures at Hutchison Ports have spoken of their delight after the firm's Port of Felixstowe scooped a prestigious award.
• AIRPORTS COMMISSION IS CONSIDERING ALL EXPANSION OPTIONS The Airports Commission has confirmed that all suggestions on the best ways to expand the UK's runway capacity are still being considered.

Other News Sources

• Female-only cycle groups come to Winchester NOVICE female cyclists who are put off by doing so by groups of men can take part in a series of women-only rides in Winchester.