Breaking News
Do roundabouts make Milton Keynes healthier?
Scientists say the town's road layout makes it a less polluted place to live.
Boris Johnson bets on HS2 to deliver new spine of UK transport
PM brushes off Tory objections and says work on laying track could begin in AprilBoris Johnson has staked his political reputation on delivering a “new anatomy of British transport” that will boost capacity and cut fares and journey times, as Downing Street seized control of the HS2 project and promised massive new spending on infrastructure.Brushing off the objections of Tory MPs who warned him that the rail scheme would become an albatross around the government’s neck, the prime minister announced on Tuesday that work on laying the track could start as soon as April. Continue reading...
Heathrow runway thrown into doubt but roads will be upgraded [subscription]
Boris Johnson cast doubt over Heathrows proposed third runway yesterday as he warned that there was no immediate prospect of construction.
Wednesday, 12 February 2020
Government
- Oakervee Review of HS2Sets out the independent Oakervee Reviews advice to government on 'whether and how' to proceed with HS2.
BBC News
- Burton Green: The Warwickshire village split down the middle by HS2As plans for HS2 are confirmed, homes in Burton Green will be bulldozed to make way for the track.
- HS2: 'I think fairly soon we might well see evictions'As HS2 gets the go-ahead, the BBC Midlands Transport Correspondent explains what could happen next.
- HS2: Outrageous rail project will not benefit Wales, transport expert saysThe 106bn project will have an
- Do roundabouts make Milton Keynes healthier?Scientists say the town's road layout makes it a less polluted place to live.
- HS2: Why do big government projects cost so much?HS2 is far from alone when it comes to government projects that have gone over budget.
- Falling ice causes first Queensferry Crossing closureThe bridge will remain closed on Wednesday with a 35-mile diversion over the Kincardine Bridge.
- Government pledges 5bn for bus services and cycling routesLabour says the plan
- HS2 go-ahead: Support and criticism among MPsThe HS2 high-speed rail link has been given the go-ahead - what was the reaction in Parliament?
- Bus funding: Where would it make the most difference?Government support for buses has fallen by almost 30% in real terms over the past decade.
- HS2 in Manchester: 'A waste of money' or 'worthwhile'?Manchester passengers call HS2
- HS2: Government to give high-speed rail line the go-aheadThe rising cost of the project and accusations of mismanagement have provoked anger from critics.
- 'HS2 has completely wrecked our lives'A couple are being forced to leave their home on the HS2 route.
- HS2 go-ahead controversial and difficult, admits Boris JohnsonThe prime minister says he will appoint a full-time minister to oversee the project and
Financial Times
- Johnson’s rail gamble sends signal on levelling-upPM’s decision in theory marks end of decade of turmoil but is unlikely to bring debate to a halt
- E-scooter start-ups braced for German crackdownCrunch vote could lead to ban in Europe’s largest market for the vehicles
The Guardian
- Oakervee report gives Boris Johnson cover for HS2 decisionHigh-speed rail line should be built in full, report says, dashing hopes of opponents
- HS2 go-ahead leaves Heathrow's third runway up in the airFew of the arguments which won the day for a high-speed rail project apply to the airport expansion. Its never been easier to bin it
- Boris Johnson bets on HS2 to deliver new spine of UK transportPM brushes off Tory objections and says work on laying track could begin in AprilBoris Johnson has staked his political reputation on delivering a “new anatomy of British transport” that will boost capacity and cut fares and journey times, as Downing Street seized control of the HS2 project and promised massive new spending on infrastructure.Brushing off the objections of Tory MPs who warned him that the rail scheme would become an albatross around the government’s neck, the prime minister announced on Tuesday that work on laying the track could start as soon as April. Continue reading...
The Huffington Post
The Telegraph
- Boris Johnson confirms he has given HS2 the 'green signal' [subscription]Boris Johnson has confirmed that the 88bn HS2 rail line has received the "green signal," arguing that the "exploding costs" are outweighed by its "fundamental benefits".
Times Online
- HS2 will never be carbon neutral in 120-year lifespan [subscription]Environment groups have condemned the decision to build HS2 as the company behind the scheme admitted it would never become carbon neutral over its 120-year projected lifetime.
- HS2: why is it costing so much? [subscription]What has been announced? HS2 was originally put on the drawing board in 2009 but Boris Johnson paused the project in the summer pending a review led by Doug Oakervee, the former HS2 Ltd chairman.
- Northern rail network fast-tracked as HS2 finally confirmed [Subscription]A new high-speed rail network across the north of England could be built five years earlier than planned after Boris Johnson criticised intolerable delays to upgrades.
- Heathrow runway thrown into doubt but roads will be upgraded [subscription]Boris Johnson cast doubt over Heathrows proposed third runway yesterday as he warned that there was no immediate prospect of construction.
- Northern rail network fast-tracked as HS2 finally confirmed [Subscription]A new high-speed rail network across the north of England could be built five years earlier than planned after Boris Johnson criticised intolerable delays to upgrades.
City AM
- Heathrow growing at half the rate of Charles de Gaulle airportHeathrow airport is growing at half the rate of its French rival Charles de Gaulle, which at this rate will replace it as Europes leading hub airport within two years.
- Under the pump: the challenges facing BP's new boss in the 2020sWhen Bob Dudley bowed out after a decade at the helm of BP last week, the praise was both effusive [...] The post Under the pump: the challenges facing BP's new boss in the 2020s appeared first on CityAM.
Mail Online
- Heathrow warns it may fall behind Paris as Europe's No1 airport hub 'within two years'The airport says that EU competitor Paris-Charles de Gaulle is growing at twice its rate and will eventually claim the No1 spot if this rate of growth is sustained.
Sky News
- Boris Johnson: 'No immediate prospect' of Heathrow expansionThe PM, who once vowed to "lie down" in front of bulldozers to stop the project, says he does not see any "at present".
Birmingham Mail
- Clean Air Zone pay signs go up in city centre suggesting the system is now liveThe plan to introduce a Clean Air Zone charge for drivers entering Birmingham is not meant to start until the summer, but a series of 'pay online' road signs are being installed already and have not been covered up
Birmingham Post
- HS2 will put Wales at a 'competitive disadvantage'Political parties and business groups are worried about the impact the decision to go ahead with HS2 will have on Wales
- Rolls-Royce starts making 'world’s largest fan blades' for revolutionary new aero engineEngineering giant says the UltraFan will set new standards for efficiency and sustainability
Bradford Telegraph & Argus
- Boost in bus and cycle funding is welcomedTHE government has
- HS2 go-ahead sees Bradford leaders want guarantee for cityBRADFORD leaders have welcomed Boris Johnson giving HS2 the green light, but are demanding the PM guarantees a city centre stop as part of the plans.
- Bradford 'clean air zone' could see HGVs, buses and taxis charged to enter city POLLUTING commercial vehicles could be charged up to 50 a day to pass through Bradford as part of a drastic bid to improve the city's air quality.
Bristol Live
- Bristol East junction to get vital upgrade as Boris Johnson flashes the cash to regions outside LondonThe Prime Minister unveiled investment package for local transport projects as he finally gave green light to HS2
Daily Post (North Wales)
- How the future of Gwynedd's recycling fleet could be hydrogen powered and what it actually meansThe move would reduce carbon footprint
London Evening Standard
- Release full details of harmful dust on Tube, TfL bosses urgedTube chiefs today came under pressure to reveal full details of the amount of harmful dust on the Underground.
- HS2 given green light by Boris Johnson as he vows: 'We are going to get this done'Boris Johnson today promised
- Eurostar now selling tickets for direct Amsterdam to London trainsTickets for the Eurostar's new direct route from Amsterdam to London have now gone on sale.
Northern Echo
- HS2: Northern leaders praise the Prime Minister's decision on high-speed and Northern Powerhouse RailLEADERS across the North-East yesterday welcomed the government’s commitment to HS2 and the North following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement yesterday.
Bucks Free Press
- Boris Johnson commends Amersham and Chesham MP in HS2 statementBoris Johnson commends Amersham and Chesham MP Dame Cheryl Gillan in his HS2 statement.
- It's official - HS2 will go ahead HS2 will go ahead, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has just confirmed.
East Anglian Daily Times
- Greater Anglia helps battle against disease threatening wildlife iconThe company and its five Community Rail Partnerships have joined forces to give 2,000 towards the research at the University of East Anglia (UEA).
Leeds Live
- What the 100 billion HS2 project will actually mean for LeedsThis is how it HS2 could affect Leeds both positively and negatively
- Image shows how Leeds train station will look when Platform Zero is completeAn artist's impression has been released of exactly what Platform Zero will look like when the work is done
Other Regional Press
- Heathrow is about to lose its place as Europe's busiest airport to this rivalThe airport has admitted its supremacy at the top of Europe's superhub airports could soon be over
- Stevenage councillors raise fears over A1(M) smart motorway plansStevenage councillors want the government to come up with alternative proposals to cut congestion on the A1(M) after highlighting their own fears about smart motorways.
- 'It’s like playing Russian roulette with your life' - heartbroken wife's plea to scrap smart motorwaysHe was hit by lorry after being involved in a minor crash
Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport
- Major boost for bus services as PM outlines new vision for local transportBus services across the country will be transformed with simpler fares, thousands of new buses, improved routes and higher frequencies. In a statement to Parliament, the PM will announce 5 billion of new funding to overhaul bus and cycle links for every region outside London. He will set out a new vision to level up local transport connections throughout the country, making every day journeys easier, greener and more convenient. The package of investment will boost bus services by focusing on a range of priorities, set to include: Higher frequency services, including evenings and...
- PM confirms HS2 will go ahead alongside revolution in local transportHS2 will go ahead alongside radical improvements to local transport networks all across the country, the PM has confirmed . In a statement to Parliament he set out that after careful consideration of the independent Oakervee review, the decision has been taken to proceed with HS2. With the right reforms in place, HS2 will become the spine of the countrys transport network, bringing our biggest cities closer together, boosting productivity and rebalancing opportunity fairly across the country. Alongside this, the PM outlined his vision for a revolution in local transport to ensure that ...
Construction Enquirer
- Game-changing task ahead for HS2 phase 1HS2 is being hailed as a game-changer for the industry that will usher in new ways of working and innovation.
Construction News
- Mace welcomes Euston change as industry cheers HS2 decisionThe chief executive of HS2s 1.5bn Euston contractor Mace has welcomed the prime ministers announcement of a more integrated approach to works around the station.
New Civil Engineer
- HS2 civils contractors face the axe if they fail to cut costsMain civils contractors appointed to work on High Speed 2 (HS2) face being thrown off the job if they cannot bring down the projected cost of work.
- Terminating HS2 at Old Oak will disrupt Crossrail services, review warnsTerminating High Speed 2 (HS2) at West Londons Old Oak Common hub will lead to extremely crowded services on the Elizabeth line (Crossrail), the government-ordered review into HS2 warns.
Rail Technology Magazine
- Network Rail endorses Bender UK signal systemBender UK’s Innovative RS4 Signalling Power Protection system has been approved by Network Rail. The system delivers heightened sensitivity for first fault location and allows compliance with Network Rail’s Insulation Monitoring and Fault Location requirements. The new RS4 uses...
- Eliminate rail track pollution and protect your railway ballast and our environment The Challenge Stop spills or contamination before the event of contamination occurs to protect our environment with OPEC’s (https://www.opec.co.uk/railway-protection-trays.html Rail Track Protection Trays). Drainage plays an important role in the stability of the rail network....
- Government gives the green light for HS2This afternooon Boris Johnson annouced in the House of Commons that HS2 will go ahead. He said:
Railnews
- Long-awaited Oakervee HS2 review is published The review of HS2 from former HS2 chairman Doug Oakervee has been published, to coincide with the Prime Ministers statement to MPs. He says that the advantage of HS2 is primarily that of improving capacity. Higher speeds, although still important, are not so vital. The total cost of all phases now ranges from 80.7 billion to 87.7 billion at present day values, according to the Chairmans Stocktake. But Oakervee warns that there is considerable risk that the prices for Phase One will not remain at these levels without rigorous cost controls, while the cost of Phase 2 is more uncertain...
- Its official: Johnsons Cabinet gives HS2 the green signal Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced that HS2 is going ahead. However, he has criticised the management of HS2 Ltd, particularly in its approach to local communities. Mr Johnson said: The Cabinet has given High Speed Rail the green signal. We are going to get this done. And we are taking action to restore discipline to the project. He also said Northern Powerhouse Rail will be developed.
Other News Sources
- Plea to help Aberdeen airport after lack of bookings see new route axedA plea has been made to protect Aberdeen International Airport after the launch of a new route was postponed.
- Oakervee Review signals new thinking on HS2 station designsReport warns significant risk of billions of pounds in development value being missed. The Oakervee Review into HS2 has hinted that the design of most of the lines stations will need to be rethought.
- Johnson suggests Heathrow third runway wont be built soonBoris Johnson suggested the chances of London Heathrow airport building a third runway anytime soon are low, as he deflected a question in the House of Commons about whether hed live up to a pledge to try to block the building work.
- Blackburn's 11.5m road and jobs scheme gets final go-aheadTHE final green light has been given for a major road-widening scheme to cut traffic jams, create nearly 4,000 jobs and resurrect plans for a hi-tech medical park.
- Businesses want action on A34 congestion and safety ACTION is being demanded on the problems that plague one of the key roads in and out of Hampshire.
- A24 average speed cameras mean people speed through village roads to avoid them, say residentsA petition has been launched by Mickleham residents asking the county council to co-ordinate an action plan
- Business leaders and environmental campaigners at odds over HS2The impact of the new rail line has been greeted by both dismay and enthusiasm - depending on who you're asking.
- Damage caused by HS2 route irreparable and irreplaceable The Wildlife Trusts Nikki WilliamsThe Mayor for the West Midlands, Andy Street, and Nikki Williams, who is head of campaigns at The Wildlife Trusts discuss HS2.
- HS2 costs will now be under control Chancellor Sajid JavidAs well as concerns about the huge cost of HS2, there wasn't much else for the Chancellor to cheer about today - as new figures showed the British economy flatlined in the last three months of the financial year.
- Johnson unveils 5bn buses and cycles packageBoris Johnson unveiled a 5bn, five-year package for bus services and cycle lanes in England, as the government attempts to reverse some of the many years of austerity cuts to public transport.
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