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

Wednesday, 27 November 2013

BBC News

• VIDEO: Lorry-cyclist alert system testedA London council is looking to improve cycle safety by introducing new technology for lorry drivers.
• Fines issued in cycle danger areasAbout 150 fixed penalty notices are issued by traffic police officers on Monday as part of measures to raise road safety awareness.
• Tube staff balloted for strikesLondon Underground workers will be balloted for strike action over 750 job cuts and ticket office closures, the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union says.
• Gatwick Airport sees profits riseGatwick Airport handles more passengers in the six months to the end of September, as profits jump £20m to £127m.
• Sony files patent for 'SmartWig'Sony files a patent application for
• North Wales needs a "modern transport system" for economic growth, Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami has said.North Wales transport systems 'creaking', says MP

Financial Times

• Japanese airlines snub China air rulesJapanese airlines, which had initially complied with new Chinese restrictions, are now ignoring Beijing’s insistence that they need permission before flying over contested islands

The Guardian

• Gatwick boss calls for end to airport expansion delaysGatwick chief Stewart Wingate claims a new runway at Heathrow would sound 'death knell' for low-cost flying

The Telegraph

• Gatwick and Heathrow only 'real' options for expansionGatwick boss Stewart Wingate is urging the Airports Commission to whittle down the runway debate to a two-horse race between the West Sussex airport and Heathrow.

Birmingham Post

• London Underground staff to be for balloted for strike action Workers will vote on industrial action after huge changes on the Tube were announced that would see 750 job losses

Bradford Telegraph & Argus

• Rail services to go local West Yorkshire transport chiefs will help choose the firm to run local rail services, under a landmark deal struck with ministers.

Daily Post (North Wales)

• MP Mark Tami calls for rail stations at Airbus and Deeside industrial parkWestminster debate told that transport system is 'creaking'

London Evening Standard

• 'British bid to water down MOT pollution test could risk lives'Air quality in London will be seriously damaged by lobbying that could water down the MOT test and endanger lives, campaigners are warning.
• Crossrail and HS2 superhub will bring £6bn boost to north-west LondonBoris Johnson is to set up an Olympic-style regeneration agency to transform a rundown area into a thriving new district and deliver a £6 billion economic boost to London.

Manchester Evening News

• Free wi-fi to be introduced on all 800 First Manchester busesCommuters will soon be able to start work on the bus as a company confirmed plans to roll out free wi-fi on its entire fleet next year. Bus operator First will fit wi-fi in all 800 of its vehicles – at a cost of £1m.

The Press and Journal (Aberdeen)

• Police squad target rogue A82 driversPOLICE have launched a crackdown on speeders and dangerous drivers on one of the north’s most notorious roads.

This Is Local London Network

• New trains promise 'vast improvement' for First Capital ConnectCommuters and travellers will benefit from more frequent, newer and bigger trains on one of south London's most popular services.

Wales Online

• 'Huge' HS2 rail improvements coming to Wales, says transport secretaryLegislation to make controversial high-speed network a reality is laid in parliament.

Yorkshire Evening Post

• Minister promises new trains for LeedsThe Transport Secretary has promised new trains for commuter routes across West Yorkshire as part of a landmark deal to hand control of local rail networks to the North.

Yorkshire Post

• HS2 benefits greater than thoughtTHE benefits of HS2 to the UK economy are likely to be even greater than the £15bn-a-year predicted in a landmark study earlier this year, Government advisors have predicted.

Crewe Chronicle

• London Underground staff to be for balloted for strike action Workers will vote on industrial action after huge changes on the Tube were announced that would see 750 job losses

East Anglian Daily Times

• HS2 economic predictions do not take account of A11, A14 and Norwich in 90 investment - inquiry toldSuggestions East Anglia could lose out as a result of the controversial HS2 line do not take account of other investment, an inquiry has been told.
• Suffolk: Rail safety barriers to stop further accidents on networkWork to reduce the risk of accidents involving vehicles and trains is under way following a risk assessment of sites where roads are close to rail tracks.

Peterborough Telegraph

• Video: Wet salt to help keep Peterborough roads safe during winterA new weapon in the battle against icy roads will be used in Peterborough this year as wintry weather starts to arrive in the city.

Plymouth Herald

• Transport Secretary hints at Plymouth rail link boost following closure of airport PLYMOUTH could be in line for better rail links following the closure of the city’s airport, the Transport Secretary has hinted.

Other Regional Press

• Family bus firm celebrates 40 years in business with green grantCourtney Buses began life in 1973 when Bill Courtney-Smith bought out two taxi businesses in Wokingham
• MP welcomes station investmentCEREDIGION’S MP Mark Williams has welcomed the announcement from Network Rail that they will be investing £3.1 million into improvements for Aberystwyth Railway Station, as part of the Wales Station Improvement Programme.

Airportwatch

• Cycling is on the up, but under Labour it would rise still furtherAs shadow transport secretary, I want to move cycling from the margins to the mainstream so Britain catches up with the likes of Germany and Denmark

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

• UK port bottlenecks 'need solving'Rail and road access into ports need key bottlenecks removed to improve infrastructure.
• Crossrail 'one of the greenest builds'Crossrail has claimed to be one of the most sustainable builds, using technology to cut back on emissions.

Global Rail News

• First look inside Canary Wharf Crossrail stationJournalists and media representatives have been given a tour of Canary Wharf station – the most complete station on the Crossrail network. Work is underway on the station fit out,[...]
• Second Central Subway TBM launchedA second 750-tonne tunnel boring machine (TBM) has begun work on San Francisco’s Central Subway metro extension. The city’s transit agency (SFMTA) has now launched ’Big Alma’, who joins her[...]
• Funding awarded to innovative rolling stock research projectsThe first four of eight rolling stock projects have been awarded funding as part of the ’Radical Train’ competition. The contest, which was launched by the Railway Safety Standards Board’s[...]

Railnews

• Underground strike ballot to go ahead The RMT union is to ballot London Underground staff over a possible New Year strike, in protest at TfL plans to close 268 ticket offices. 950 jobs are to go as a result of the reform, but 200 additional posts will be created by plans to run 24-hour services at weekends on most tube lines from 2015, leaving the net loss at 750. Rail unions have been bitterly critical of the closure plan, which London Underground said would depend on satisfactory safety assessments. More staff will be on duty in ticket halls to help passengers instead.

The Business Desk

• £8.3m for Preston bus stationPRESTON bus station is to be transferred to Lancashire County Council which is planning to invest £8.3m.Preston City Council had wanted to tear the 1960s structure down but it was protected in September when it was granted listed status.

Aviation Industry

• Asian carriers meet China’s new rules in disputed zone Airlines are complying with new rules set by China for flying into what it says is a new air defense identification zone over the disputed waters of the East China Sea. read more
• Rail firms could ‘gain bigger market share’Train companies can compete and co-operate with airlines on short-haul routes

Other News Sources

• First UK Bus Appoints New Finance DirectorThe UK’s leading bus operator, First UK Bus, has appointed Stuart Munro as its Finance Director. Stuart, who will begin his new role from December 2, joins from Tube Lines, a subsidiary of Transport for London, where he was Director of Finance, Commercial and Services.