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

Saturday, 07 December 2013

BBC News

• Many flights delayed at UK airportsFlights at several airports in the UK and Ireland - including Cardiff - are delayed because of a technical problem at air traffic control.
• M4 alternative 'a third the cost'Congestion on the M4 around Newport could be eased for almost a third of the cost and much less environmental damage than the Welsh government's £1bn relief road plan, a think tank says.
• Plan to boost Dundee Airport numbersA survival plan aimed at halting the decline in passenger numbers and revenue at Dundee Airport is published.
• Cyclists' rising concern for safetyMore than 80% of respondents to a cycle survey say their concern for their safety on London's roads has increased over the last six months.

Financial Times

• FirstGroup poaches Aviva chairmanAfter a six-month search, the UK transport group has appointed Aviva head John McFarlane as chairman, a move warmly received by investors
• Rail bid assessors to take a year getting up to speedTrain operators have cautiously welcomed the restarting of the tendering process but some question whether the Department for Transport has sufficient skills

The Herald

• Campaigners angry over rail route timesRAIL campaigners have criticised the Scottish Government over
• £3 million profits drop for ScotrailPROFITS at Scotrail fell by more than £3 million in the last financial year, despite an increase in income from passengers.
• Action plan explores ways to secure Dundee Airport futureSECURING the remaining passenger air route to London is key to the future of Dundee Airport, according to a Scottish Government action plan.
• Flights face delays as air traffic struggles to switch from night to daytimeA

The Independent

• Delays expected as UK flights hit by air traffic control problem A “technical problem” at the air traffic control centre is causing delays at airports across the UK.     

The Telegraph

• Thousands delayed after flights grounded at UK airportsComputer glitches at the country's main air traffic control centre have left hundreds of passengers stranded at some of the UK's major airports    

Daily Record

• Retaining air route to London is 'top priority' in securing future for Dundee Airport, government report warnsSECURING the service between Dundee and London, increasing passenger numbers and creating new routes are key to the future of Dundee Airport.

Network Rail

• Weekend passengers asked to leave more time for their journeys at Manchester PiccadillyPassengers travelling from Manchester Piccadilly at weekends are being asked to allow extra time for their journeys and take extra care on the station due to the increase in passengers using the station over the Christmas period.

Birmingham Mail

• Call to revamp Stechford, 'worst railway station in West Midlands'Campaigners call on minister for new investment to boost access for disabled and mums with pushchairs

London Evening Standard

• Boris Johnson U-turn on national rail travelcard fare hikeBoris Johnson backtracked on plans to put up the cost of travelcards today as he indicted they would be frozen as a result of the Chancellor’s autumn statement instead.
• Two more cyclists injured in separate road collisionsTwo more cyclists were injured in separate accidents on London’s roads yesterday.
• Flights from Stansted and Gatwick airports delayed due to 'technical problems'Flights from Stansted and Gatwick airports are suffering delays today following technical problems at an air traffic control centre.

Wolverhampton Express and Star

• 1,000 extra lorries a day used M6 Toll for freeMore than 1,000 extra lorries a day used the M6 Toll motorway during a month-long trial where charges were waived, it emerged today.

Yorkshire Post

• Chaos as ‘technical glitch’ delays flights across UKA “technical problem” at the air traffic control centre is causing delays at airports across the UK.

North Wales Live

• Tall ships to race on the Mersey again Apprentice Ship Cup to take place next summer

Peterborough Telegraph

• North Bank protest to take place in WhittleseyA protest is set to take place in Whittlesey on Saturday (7 December) about the safety of the North Bank road.

The Shields Gazette

• New £3.5m crane boosts Port of TyneAN early-morning arrival has seen a new addition to the skyline in South Tyneside, with the Port of Tyne taking delivery of another new crane.
The huge machine arrived, fully assembled, from Liebherr in Rostock, Germany, and rolled off the heavy carrier vessel MERI at Riverside Quay on Wednesday morning.

Other Regional Press

• ‘Let’s grab this golden rail opportunity’ as support for rail station in Golcar ward steps upA train driver has urged Kirklees councillors to show their support for the new station campaign

Global Rail News

• Hungary certifies Vectron locomotiveSiemens’ Vectron locomotive has received certification to operate on Hungary’s rail network. The Hungarian National Transport Authority Nemzeti Közledekesi Hatosag (NKZ) has approved a 200 km/h AC model. Hungary follows[...]
• Edinburgh tram testing arrives in the city centreTram tests have begun in Edinburgh’s city centre in preparation for the opening of the light rail system next year. An initial run was conducted along Prices Street to York[...]
• Deutsche Bahn begins ICE T fleet upgradeDeutsche Bahn (DB) has begun a €30 million programme to refresh its high-speed ICE T series fleet. The first of 31 seven-car and 11 five-car trains has arrived at DB’s[...]
• Train fares and the Autumn StatementThe structure of train fares is a complicated one, so the announcement that fare increases will be capped to the rate of inflation seems welcome, but what does it really[...]

Aviation Industry

• Stelios hits out at Easyjet pay increasesAirline’s founder criticises big rises for executives
• Finnair to install new business class seatsAirline will roll out fully-flat seats on long-haul aircraft

Other News Sources

• Transport Department rejects disability training for all bus driversThe Department for Transport (DfT) has rejected proposals to give all bus and coach drivers disability awareness training.