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

Monday, 08 February 2021

BBC News

• South Wales Metro rollout faces 'marginal' delay from Covid pandemicThe rollout of a £750m integrated public transport network across south Wales faces a "marginal" delay due to the coronavirus crisis, its boss says.
• Perry Barr flyover demolished in BirminghamSome road closures due to the demolition will remain in place until Monday following the removal.
• Covid: Minister rules out vaccine passports in UKThe vaccine minister says people should ask their GP if they need proof of vaccination to go abroad.
• Euston tunnel protests: HS2 activist Lazer Sandford arrestedLazer Sandford had attached his arm to a tunnel using a device made of steel and concrete.

The Telegraph

• E-scooter users face 'three strikes' rule to tackle unsafe riding [subscription]Voi, a leading e-scooter rental operator in Britain, has used cutting-edge technology to monitor and improve rider safety on the road
• The possibilities for the UK’s net-zero drive are tantalising [subscription]... The UK would in theory have to double its total generation to decarbonise just half of all road transport traffic, although a static analysis exaggerates the apparent difficulty: EV car batteries would themselves be part of the solution by charging at night and releasing power back to the grid at peak times for an arbitrage profit. Nevertheless, cobalt-60 is the answer to immediate prayers at the Department of Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy.
• Up to 205,000 passengers from countries with new variant could arrive in UK before hotel quarantine [subscription]22,000 Britons to enter from 'red list' areas in weeks between policy announcement and enforcement plus 183,000 from nations with mutations

Times Online

• Driverless technology refined by BP site test [subscription]BP is preparing to deploy its first driverless vehicle this year using technology from the Oxford University spinout in which it has a stake.

Birmingham Post

• Formal bid in for low-tax freeport around East Midlands AirportFreeports would offer streamlined planning, tax reliefs, simplified customs procedures and fewer regulations

Bradford Telegraph & Argus

• 'No face mask? Then you'll be asked to get off the bus' - West Yorkshire operator gets tough BUS bosses have issued a plea to travellers to wear a mask - or face being asked to get off.

Wales Online

• Criticism of road maintenance cuts in CarmarthenshireCouncillors raise concerns about savings proposals in a scrutiny meeting but are advised that the highways and transport department has faced years of reductions

Yorkshire Post

• Pro Leeds Bradford Airport campaigners welcome Leeds Council report backing expansionCampaigners in favour of a planned £150m terminal building at Leeds Bradford Airport have welcomed a Leeds City Council report backing the proposal.

Carlisle News & Star

• Northern trials app to support staff in helping unwell passengersAn app to get customers quicker help if they become ill while on the train is being trialled.

Other Regional Press

• Snow havoc on roads and railwaysWhile today's crisp blanket of snow was a delight for some, it caused problems getting around for others, and more is expected in the coming days
• Bushes and trees to be cut along railway line amid resident's fears OVERGROWN bushes and trees are being cut back along a stretch of railway track in a bid to improve vision for train drivers and prevent branches falling on to tracks.
• Calls for action after years of complaints about access at Perthshire railway stationTransport chiefs have pledged to upgrade a Highland Perthshire railway station after years of complaints.
• Patchy roads slowing health and transport cycling goal claims former Calderdale councillorA former councillor has again urged a West Yorkshire authority to keep roads in a good repair – a must if it is to achieve a goal of encouraging more people to get on their bikies.
• Reston station: Borders politicians react to approved plansA HOST of Borders politicians have given their thoughts after plans for the return of Reston station were approved.
• Preston city centre road makes permanent switch to being bus-only“The main concern to me was [that] we need to protect the public,” said cabinet member for highways Keith Iddon.

New Civil Engineer

• HS2 reveals Chilterns tunnel ‘barn design’ vent shaft headhousesHS2 Ltd has revealed the final design for the latest of its ‘barn design’ headhouses that will provide ventilation and emergency access to the 16km long Chiltern tunnel.
• Work begins on £120M Great Yarmouth bascule bridgeWork has begun on the £120M Third River Crossing in Great Yarmouth. Road closures are in place as preparation work gets underway. Demolition of buildings and structures will start later this month.
• Secondary shaft lining milestone reached on Tideway’s central contractCompletion of the secondary lining on Tideway’s Victoria Embankment Foreshore shaft in London marks a key point in the work and clears the way for internal fit out to begin.
• Union Connectivity Review | HS2 extensions and Irish Sea tunnels dominate proposalsHigh Speed 2 (HS2) suggestions and proposals for an Irish Sea tunnel dominate submissions to the government's ongoing Union Connectivity Review.

Other News Sources

• Mayors and leaders Bristol Airport expansion talks criticised for being held in privateTalks among mayors and council leaders to thrash out the region’s official stance on Bristol Airport’s expansion have been criticised for taking place in private.
• Container shipping sector navigates CovidLONDON: Maritime container freight shipping is steaming ahead through the coronavirus pandemic, boosted by strong demand for Chinese exports and a shortage of vessels according to industry experts.