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

Saturday, 29 October 2016

BBC News

• Birmingham's Grand Central 'hot spots' to be dulledBirmingham's Grand Central is to have some of its mirrored panels dulled after reports of hot spots.
• RAF Typhoon jets escort plane to Prestwick AirportA passenger plane lands under military escort at Prestwick Airport after losing contact with air traffic control.
• ScotRail fined over train and station standardsScotRail is fined �483,000 for failing to meet required standards for trains and stations.
• Labour's Barry Gardiner on Nissan Brexit deal claimsLabour's Barry Gardiner on reports of government help for Nissan to invest in the UK.
• Nissan talks were open and honest, says Downing StreetDowning Street plays down reports that it made a written promise to protect Nissan from the effects of Brexit, to keep it investing in the UK.
• �400,000 for Translink wi-fi upgradeTranslink is upgrading its free wi-fi at a cost of �400,000, promising bus and train passengers a quicker, more reliable service.
• Night Tube to launch on Northern Line in NovemberThe Night Tube will launch on the Charing Cross branch of the Northern line on 18 November, Transport for London (TfL) says.
• Military jets scrambled to 'unresponsive' planeA passenger plane has landed under military escort at Prestwick Airport after it lost contact with air traffic control.
• Zambia aims to expand its air travel sectorCan landlocked Zambia overcome high fuel costs to become an African air transport hub?
• IAG shares soar as FTSE 100 recoversLondon's benchmark share index recovered from early losses, as shares in British Airways owner IAG jump after its latest results.
• BA owner IAG's profits dented by weak poundAirline group IAG, the owner of British Airways and Iberia, says the weak pound cost it €162m in the third quarter of the year.
• 'Pre-reg' cars now widespread in UKUp to a fifth of new cars in the UK are estimated to be

Financial Times

• Nissan warned government on fate of SunderlandCarmaker said it was prepared to shift production to France and Spain
• Sterling weakness erodes profit at IAGOwner of British Airways warns ticket prices could rise because of weak pound
• IAG boss doubts Heathrow can build runway to costAirport’s biggest customer rejects increase in charges during construction
• Britain’s sorry history on big infrastructurePlans for airport expansion and high-speed rail show farce of decision-making process
• Comma cancels launch of self-drive car on safety fearsOne of several Silicon Valley start-ups developing driver assistance technology
• American Airlines jet catches fire at Chicago airportNo serious injuries reported after fire engulfs right side of passenger jet

The Guardian

• Shipping industry criticised for failure to reach carbon emissions dealInternational Maritime Organisation agrees sulphur emissions cap but is condemned for delaying measures to cut greenhouse gasesThe world’s leading shipping organisation has been condemned by environmental campaigners and MEPs for its failure to urgently tackle the industry’s impact on climate change, after it agreed only to a partial reduction in harmful emissions from ships.The International Maritime Organisation (IMO), meeting in London, agreed to cap emissions of sulphur from ships, which are a cause of air and sea pollution, but on greenhouse gases agreed only to some further monitoring an...
• American Airlines plane fire sparks frantic evacuation on Chicago runwayExplosion is followed by flames and heavy smoke during Boeing 767 airliner’s takeoff run, with passengers scrambling for exits after emergency stopFlames and heavy black smoke poured from the side of an American Airlines jet that aborted takeoff and caught fire on the runway at Chicago’s O’Hare international airport on Friday, forcing 170 crew and passengers to evacuate and resulting in eight injuries. Pilots on American Airlines flight 383 bound for Miami reported an engine-related mechanical issue, according to airline spokeswoman Leslie Scott. She said seven passengers and a flight attenda...
• BA owner 'doubts' Heathrow can build runway within budgetI have no confidence in airport managment to deliver project without raising passenger charges, says IAG chief Willie WalshThe boss of British Airways’ parent company has said he has no confidence in the Heathrow management to build a third runway within budget. Willie Walsh, the chief executive of IAG, said Heathrow had been premature in celebrating government approval of the project and warned that it would be “a significant challenge” for the airport to deliver a runway while keeping charges flat, as stipulated by the government. Continue reading...
• RAF jets scrambled as passenger plane makes emergency landingTyphoon jets sent at supersonic speed to escort ‘unresponsive’ aircraft to Prestwick airport in AyrshireMilitary jets were scrambled to escort a passenger plane that was forced to make an emergency landing at Prestwick airport.The RAF said the Typhoon jets were sent at supersonic speed in reaction to an unresponsive civilian aircraft. Continue reading...
• Nissan got a sweetheart deal. Under hard Brexit, everyone will want one | Simon JenkinsBritain has to trade openly with Europe, and vice versa. A soft Brexit is the only way to do that, and avoid a race to the bottomWelcome to the wonderful world of Brexit PLC: a nod here, a wink there, something under the counter and “I-don’t-mind-if-I-do”. No one knows, yet, what a government minister or official said to the Japanese company Nissan, to secure a massive new investment in Britain’s biggest car plant in Sunderland. We can only be sure it is neither the first nor the last.As Theresa May’s government steers its unsteady course between the shoals of soft Brexit and the storms of har...
• No 10 must have made Nissan big promise, say ex-business ministerNissan suggested before Brexit vote it would move production out of UK if no tariff protection given, says Anna SoubryA former business minister has said that Nissan had previously suggested it could move production to France if it was not protected from trade tariffs. Anna Soubry said that No 10 must have privately told Nissan that Britain was remaining in the EU customs union or promised mitigation against any future tariffs before the car firm announced plans to build two new models in the UK. Continue reading...
• Uber ruling is a massive boost for a fairer jobs marketEmployment tribunal judge’s ruling will send shockwaves through companies using the same business modelYaseen Aslam. James Farrar. Remember those two names, because they are giant-killers. This summer the men took on not just one £50bn multinational, but an entire business model. On Friday, they won.As minicab drivers for Uber, Aslam and Farrar were deemed to be self-employed. The status meant they were denied the most basic rights that other workers take: no minimum wage, no sick pay, no paid holiday. But as an employment tribunal judge heard over several days in July, that classification was...

The Herald

• Passengers evacuated from burning plane on runway after take-off abortedAn American Airlines plane caught fire and passengers were evacuated on the runway at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.
• ScotRail fined �483,000 for failing to meet standardsScotRail has been fined �483,000 for failing to meet required standards for trains and stations.
• Military jets escort 'unresponsive' passenger plane to Prestwick AirportMilitary jets were scrambled to escort a passenger plane which was forced to make an emergency landing at Prestwick Airport.

The Huffington Post

• 5 Different Reactions That Sum Up How Divisive Today's Uber Ruling Is A ruling by the London employment tribunal to grant Uber drivers the right to holiday pay and a guaranteed minimum wage has been heralded as a landmark but divisive  On Friday, the GMB union succeeded in winning two of its members the right to be classified as workers, rather than self-employed.  The move has huge repercussions for how some 40,000 drivers in England and Wales operate and expect pay.  It has been hailed by some as a legal ruling that will “uphold workers’ rights”, but sparked controversy from others who fear it sets a dangerous precedent for ac...

The Scotsman

• £15m announced to fix worst potholes on Scotland’s main roadsFifty of the worst potholed stretches of Scotland’s major routes are to be resurfaced in a £15 million project announced by transport minister Humza Yousaf today.

The Telegraph

• Mobile phone use at the wheel is 'largely unchallenged'�
• Japanese women asked not to apply make-up during their commute on the train
• Lily Allen says taxi driver refused to drive her and told her to 'find an immigrant'
• Bus driver dies after being set alight in front of horrified passengers in Brisbane
• Mike Pence's plane skids off runway at New York's LaGuardia Airport
• South East Coast Ambulance scandal report failed to contact thousands affected
• Prince Philip opens the Brighton i360, the world's first vertical cable car
• American Airlines plane evacuated after catching fire at Chicago's O'Hare airport

Times Online

• Uber cab drivers win court battle for holiday pay [Subscription]Tens of thousands of self-employed workers could be eligible for holiday pay and a guaranteed minimum wage after a legal ruling that questioned the business model of Uber.

Reuters News

• May's Nissan deal opens floodgates as rivals seek Brexit reassuranceLONDON (Reuters) - Prime Minister Theresa May's deal to keep Nissan investing in Britain opened the floodgates on Friday to demands from rival car companies chasing their own assurances from the government that they won't be hurt by Brexit.

Mail Online

• Wells schoolboy dragged screaming 150 yards along road after his bag gets caught on a bus Lee Huckle, 11, was left battered and bruised after his terrifying ordeal near his school in Wells Norfolk, with his mother Rachel accusing the bus driver of not checking his mirrors before the incident.
• RAF jets are scrambled to escort Mexican plane landing at Prestwick airport The Typhoon jets (stock) were deployed from�RAF Coningsby and RAF Lossiemouth to make contact with the civilian aircraft which landed at Prestwick Airport today.
• Monarch Airlines passenger sets himself on FIRE flying from Tenerife to Birmingham Monarch flight ZB933A left Tenerife south airport as planned on Thursday morning but turned round and headed back because of 'the disruptive behaviour' of two passengers.
• Ministers promised to protect Nissan from Brexit costs in last-ditch letter Business Secretary Greg Clark flew to Japan with a with a letter to Nissan's board containing a commitment to ensuring the firm's operations in the UK 'remain competitive' after we leave the EU.
• Which? brands a �395 child's car seat a 'Don't Buy' after it fails safety tests The product reviewers issued a 'Don't Buy' warning about the�Nuna Rebl i-Size which is one of the most expensive on the market and is advertised on the strength of its safety features.

The Mirror

• 14 YEARS to fix Britain's potholes as backlog grows and repair budgets shrink The repairs backlog has grown from 10.9 years a decade ago, with the average English council facing a £69 million cost to brings its roads up to a reasonable condition
• UK's least favourite motorway revealed as drivers brand it 'road to hell' A survey of 23,500 drivers found that 30% said the road was their most hated to drive on, more than double its nearest rival

This is Money

• Ford becomes latest car manufacturer to pledge future to Britain in major vote of confidence following Brexit vote Just a day after Nissan said it would build two new models at its Sunderland plant, Ford said there were no plans to close any of its UK operations.

Bradford Telegraph & Argus

• Call for filter lane at busy Bradford junction A FRUSTRATED resident has suggested a small change he thinks could ease “two years of traffic chaos” at proposed roadworks in Greengates, Bradford.

Daily Post (North Wales)

• Rundown Denbighshire railway shed to get �1m transformation after 60 years of neglectThe Grade II listed Meliden Goods Shed could become a café, heritage centre, cycling facility, allotments and space for artists

London Evening Standard

• Zac Goldsmith: vote for me to fight new Heathrow runwayZac Goldsmith today urged voters to send a message to Theresa May and help him fight a third runway at Heathrow— as the first poll in the Richmond Park by-election showed him clear favourite to win.
• This couple found a snake in their new car as they drove it home from the garage A five-foot long snake was found hiding in a couple's new car as they drove it home from the garage.
• M25 house prices rise by �326k in 10 years, says new reportThe M25, one of the busiest motorways in the UK, has been opened for 30 years this weekend. Its 117 miles of motorway that form a ring-road around Greater London are also home to some of the fastest-rising areas in terms of house prices, in the country.
• Britain's most hated motorway: the M25 turns 30 years oldBritain's busiest motorway turns 30 years old this Saturday.
• 6 of the best: automatic cars for under £20,000Want to get a self-shifter without spending big? There are some superb options out there…
• Monarch Airlines: UK bound flight forced to make u-turn 'after passenger set himself on fire'A plane was forced to divert back to an airport after a passenger allegedly set fire to his hands and threatened a flight attendant with a lighter.
• Battersea bike crash: Cycling campaigners demanded changes to road months before death of Italian waitressCycling campaigners demanded changes to a busy road where an Italian waitress was killed by a lorry months before her death, it emerged today.

Newcastle Evening Chronicle

• Heathrow expansion set to connect Durham Tees Valley Airport to the world MPs say they'll keep pressure on to make sure Heathrow delivers for Teesside with expansion

Northern Echo

• Parking charges suspended to help shops BUSINESSES hit by major roadworks are being given help to try and keep customers flowing.
• Parachutist lands on side of busy A19 by accident A PARACHUTIST had a lucky escape today after accidentally landing on the side of the busy A19 in County Durham.
• Driver ticketed at night on virtually empty high street BUSINESS owners in a North Yorkshire market town are questioning why parking wardens have begun issuing tickets at night - when shopping streets are virtually empty.

The York Press

• High-speed trains MUST come to York, says MP HIGH-SPEED rail services must go via York, to ensure the city’s future prosperity, York Central MP Rachael Maskell has said.

Wolverhampton Express and Star

• New jobs, new centre, new transport: Black Country Living Museum masterplan is backed by bossesA masterplan for the future of the Black Country Living Museum, which would include a new visitor centre and the extension of the tram line, creating 90 jobs, has been backed by business bosses.

Yorkshire Post

• Fixing nation’s potholes will take 14 years, councils warnThe Government has been warned that billions of pounds will be needed to combat a growing crisis in road maintenance across the nation amid a dramatic increase in a backlog of repairs.

Bucks Free Press

• Vintage 'poppy bus' welcomed into town centre for launch of Poppy Appeal A vintage bus displaying giant poppies will be welcomed into High Wycombe town centre as part of the launch of the annial Poppy Appeal tomorrow.

East Anglian Daily Times

• Motorists warned of highways works on A14 next week between Trinity Park and Trimley St MaryMotorists are being warned that highways engineers will be surveying the road surface of the A14 in Suffolk next week.

Sunderland Echo

• Sunderland Nissan deal means ‘job security for 10 years’Staff at Sunderland’s Nissan factory are in no doubt about the importance of winning the rights to build two new models on Wearside.
• Sunderland Qashqai deal worth �30billion to North EastNissan’s new Qashqai is the £30billion car.

Other Regional Press

• New route opens up possibilities in the valleys A NEW cycle route that completes a missing link between Torfaen and the Heads of the Valleys cycle network has opened.
• M4 relief road “offers very little” to some communities, says report MAJOR projects such as the planned M4 relief road “offer very little” to some communities in Wales, an academic has said.
• Motorists ‘trapped for hours’ in Gunwharf Quays car parkSCORES of people have been left ‘trapped’ in their cars for hours as roadworks and rail works hit Portsmouth’s streets.
• Long-awaited repair works to busted bridge in Northamptonshire will not start on MondayRepair work to a damaged bridge in Northamptonshire will now not go ahead on Monday as planned - though the reasons are unclear.
• The next TransPennine train to arrive...will be brand newProduction has started on the first of 13 five-carriage trains to operate on First TransPennine Express routes
• New roadworks misery for Weymouth and Dorchester motorists THE new month is set to bring more disruption for drivers as a new batch of roadworks begin in the Weymouth and Dorchester areas.
• Pupils set to lose out on free school busesYoungsters in outlying villages in Chronicle country selecting Sandy Upper School as their preferred choice next year could find they have no free transport.
• Drivers warned about jumping traffic lightsDrivers have been urged not to take potentially fatal risks at one of Wigan borough’s busiest junctions after several near-misses.
• Lorry chaos yet again in Marlborough A HUGE lorry guided by a sat nav down a No Entry road in the centre of Marlborough has made Wiltshire Council think again about its much criticised scheme to stop accidents in Silverless Street.
• Bus stops pose puzzle for villagers WROUGHTON folk fear elderly and less mobile people living at the northern end of the village could find it more difficult to get about after changes in bus stops and timetables come into force.
• Mysterious unicycle path causes confusion in Old Town A MYSTERIOUS half-painted cycle path has caused one Old Town resident to question if unicycles are coming to town.
• 'Use it or lose it' warning over 99 bus service CHARD North’s county councillor has warned residents they must “use it or lose it” for the town’s 99 bus service.
• New bus gates could play havoc with A34 traffic, says county councillor PLANS for new bus gates in Oxford city centre should be abandoned, according to a county councillor, who says it could play havoc with traffic on the edges of the city.
• Cruise company makes public plea to help name new ship THE public will have their say in naming P&O’s new super cruise ship, the Southampton-based company has revealed.

C.N.N.

• FedEx cargo plane burns at Fort Lauderdale airportA FedEx cargo plane caught fire on the runway at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Friday afternoon, causing the airport to shut down for several hours, the Federal Aviation Administration said.
• At Chicago O'Hare, American Airlines 767 catches fire on runwayThe right-side engine of an American Airlines Boeing 767 failed Friday during an attempted takeoff, sending debris as far as a half mile and passengers hurriedly down emergency slides onto a runway at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

• First Rail Support launches new look at this year's Euro Bus ExpoFirst Rail Support, part of First Bus, has rebranded and will be unveiling its new look at this year’s Euro Bus Expo at the NEC in Birmingham. The company, now known as First Travel Solutions Limited (FTS), has spent the last few months going through a significant makeover. As well as the name change, the company has a new logo and new sub brands for its many services. In addition, FTS has also launched a brand new website. The new site encapsulates the wide range of managed transport services that FTS offers for airlines, rail companies, corporate travel, conferences, music festivals, ...

Rail Magazine

• Stephen Joseph to speak at RAIL’s National Rail ConferenceCampaign for Better Transport's Chief Executive will speak at the NRC in Manchester on November 1

Rail Technology Magazine

• Government has 'not ruled out' open access on HS2Open access operation could be introduced on HS2, transport minister Andrew Jones revealed in response to a written Parliamentary question. Conservative MP Grant Shapps asked whether the DfT was planning to allow the high-speed rail link to be open access instead of “restricted by...

Aviation Industry

• Russian airlines carry 9.1 million passengers in SeptemberRussian airlines carried 9.1 million passengers in September, down 3.9% year-over-year (YOY). read more
• Report: Passengers prepared to spend extra to improve tripAir passengers are potentially willing to spend an extra $100 over the price of their basic airfare to make their travel experience more palatable, according to a new report from travel technology company Sabre. read more
• Lufthansa phases out last Boeing 737 after nearly 50 years Lufthansa will phase out its last Boeing 737 on Oct. 29 after completing a flight from Milan to Frankfurt. read more

Other News Sources

• Christmas car park shake-up for city WINCHESTER is to undergo a car parking shake up to cope with the thousands of visitors who descend on the city centre over Christmas, it has been revealed.
• M25 30-year anniversary: Road plays 'vital role in getting people to their destinations easily, quickly and safely' The 117-mile stretch of road is Europe’s second longest city bypass behind Germany’s 122-mile Berliner Ring, and was heralded as the saviour of London’s bustling roads
• Duke of Edinburgh jokes about i360 closures when marking attraction officially open THE Duke of Edinburgh came to the i360 shooting from the lip as usual and describing the attraction as
• Pedal to the metal: A big week for automotive  Andrew Wade, senior reporter Plenty of food for thought from the automotive sector this week. On Thursday, news came through that Nissan had committed to build the new Qashqai and X-Trail SUV at the company’s Sunderland plant. It’s a move that should secure 7,000 jobs in the North East for the near future, but […]