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

Monday, 07 November 2022

Cogitamus

• HS2 construction and Lumo success brighten uncertain landscapeThe rail industry faces a financial crisis, with revenues permanently depressed as a result of the pandemic and costs exploding as a result of inflation; as a striking example, the price of traction electricity has doubled. The state of the industry is in many ways a microcosm for the state of Britain.

BBC News

• Ed Davey: Avanti has been a disgrace, says Lib Dem leaderThe performance of rail company Avanti West Coast "has been a disgrace", the leader of the Liberal Democrats said as he urged the government to tackle poor public transport.
• Can a Stranraer to Eyemouth bike route bring in millions?A new 250-mile course across Scotland from Stranraer to Eyemouth hopes to deliver economic benefits.
• Elizabeth line: Direct services open to central LondonThe expansion means people can go from Heathrow to central London without changing at Paddington.

Financial Times

• Russia’s aviation industry defies sanctions to remain airborneDomestic air travel rebounds as worries over safety rise
• Aviation calls on UK government to subsidise ‘Jet Zero’ pushSector seeks more support to get fledgling green fuel industry off the ground
• Lithium groups choose Teesside in boost for UK battery industryPlans for refinery and recycling facilities despite uncertainty over future of Britishvolt

STV

• Arran faces 'massive losses' over ferry delays and cancellationsA resident said the community felt 'ignored and let down' by ongoing ferry woes.

The Guardian

• Residential speed limit of 20mph to save Wales £100m in first yearRule change, a UK first, will save more than 100 lives over a decade, research claimsSetting the default speed limit at 20mph in residential roads in Wales will save £100m in the first year alone as deaths and injuries are reduced, according to research.The move, a first in the UK, will save more than 100 lives over a decade, the research claims, though a second study has found many people are concerned the limit will be very difficult to enforce and do not believe drivers will respect it.

The Herald

• 'Crazy': Scots Gov body contradicts FM by devoting public funds to ferry route privatisation planA SCOTTISH Government agency has provided public money to help investigate privatising island ferry services - after Nicola Sturgeon ruled it out, the Herald on Sunday can reveal.

The Independent

• Rail workers earn full pay for no work after strike suspensionThousands of rail workers have spent the weekend doing nothing on full pay after the RMT union called off a series of national strikes at a few hours’ notice.

Times Online

• ’Fire risk’ e-scooters used illegally being scrapped by police. [subscription]E-scooters confiscated from riders who break the law are being destroyed by the police because of fears that keeping the vehicles in storage is a fire risk.

Bristol Live

• Protests planned as Bristol Airport expansion project heads for court showdown It was refused, then permitted, now round three sees the High Court come to Bristol
• Camera error sends Clean Air Zone warning letters to drivers who've never been to Bristol "I feel sorry for the people of Bristol having such a bunch of clowns running their city"

Daily Post (North Wales)

• Controversial 20mph limits 'could save £100m in one year alone' in WalesA survey also found almost two thirds of people supported the change

Yorkshire Evening Post

• Leeds City Square cameras: Warning to drivers over fines at new bus gates near train stationLeeds City Council is advising motorists to plan ahead when travelling into the city centre in the run up to the festive season.

Lancashire Telegraph

• Darwen’s role in bringing transport revolution to LondonWHEN the Docklands Light Railway opened in London in 1987 it was seen as a revolutionary addition to the capital’s transport network.

Leeds Live

• Leeds bus service at 'worst for 40 years' as 'negative' passengers blamedA West Yorkshire bus chief has admitted his company, First, is providing its "worst service" in decades.

Oxford Mail

• Oxfordshire County Council: new parking standards for developers place emphasis on cycles, car clubs, and public transportOxfordshire County Council’s cabinet has approved an updated parking standards document which will be used to help determine the level of parking at new developments.

Other Regional Press

• MP welcomes assurance from transport minister on facilities for road hauliersGordon MP Richard Thomson has received an assurance from Minister for Transport MSP Jenny Gilruth that rest and welfare facilities for hauliers on Scotland’s trunk roads network will be subject to a detailed national audit and review.
• A SUSPECTED arson attack at Slough bus station is having an impact on services in Wokingham.The attack saw one bus destroyed and three damaged.
• Will Kent's bus services ever get any better?Residents have been warned it's a case of "use it or lose it" as bus services face a tough road ahead with crucial funding being cut.
• South West Coaches to discontinue 206 from Weymouth to Wyke RegisA popular bus route is set to be discontinued with the operator saying it simply isn't financially viable.

New Civil Engineer

• Watch: Understanding the vision for Great British RailwaysIn this session, NCE features editor Sotiris Kanaris interviews Great British Railways Transition Team programme director Rufus Boyd on the vision for the new rail body.
• Menai Bridge closure highlights need for third crossing, says ICE directorA director at the Institution of Civil Engineers in Wales has called for renewed efforts to secure a third crossing across the Menai Straight following the closure of the Menai Bridge for urgent works last month.

The Business Desk

• £95m HS2 Interchange car park gets the go-ahead at Arden CrossA £95m multi-storey car park is set to be built alongside the HS2 Interchange Station at Arden Cross after Solihull Council voted to approve planning permission.

Other News Sources

• Man's hell on 'overcrowded zombie apocalypse' train journey across Yorkshire to ManchesterA man and his two friends had a nightmarish experience while attempting to travel by trains operated by a company that has recently come under fire.
• Electric bikes could solve many of our problems, if attitudes changeEbikes offer the solution to car dependency and transport poverty, but we need better infrastructure, updated attitudes and government backing
• London’s New Electric Buses Take EV Charging to the Next LevelThis week the Transport for London (TfL) revealed its plans for the future of public transit by detailing 20 all-new electric tram buses that can recharge in as little as 10 minutes. Combining new technology with older train and tram electrification allows these buses
• Ferry Operator Has 'Serious Concerns' about Potential Windfarms on the Irish Sea'Serious concerns' have been raised by the Isle of Man Steam Packet in regards to the effect of growing windfarms in the Irish Sea.
• Isle of Wight Council rules out idea of subsidising later FastCat sailingsTHERE'S no intention for the Isle of Wight Council to subsidise Wightlink to provide later FastCat sailings, a senior councillor has said.
• Research shows Oxfordshire railway stations where it costs more to parkBicester Village is among the chart-topping railway stations where the cost of an annual car parking pass outstrips a train season ticket, campaigners said.