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

Thursday, 16 May 2024

BBC News

• Train company plans to replace old rolling stockA rail operator in south-east England has unveiled plans for newer trains to replace rolling stock that is over 30 years old.
• New bridge in London given go aheadA foot and cycle bridge over the River Lea, connecting Newham and Tower Hamlets, is approved.
• 'Time running out' plea over shipyard's futureUnion representatives at Ferguson's warn the yard desperately needs new work as it tries to move on from the ferries controversy.
• 'Corrupt ship inspectors demand our food and cargo'Seafarers tell the BBC port officials routinely demand bribes before allowing ships through.

Financial Times

• Low oil prices can't stop the crude tanker boomOperators who bought or ordered enough tankers early enough have found their own gushers
• Eurostar plans up to 50 new trains and more services to tap huge demandOperator wants to open new routes from London and increase fleet by a third
• Axing northern leg of HS2 will stunt UK growth, says official adviserNational Infrastructure Commission warns window is closing for ministers to ensure alternative rail capacity is built
• Aviation sector sees greener fuel as crucial to net-zero goalsYet finding the money for the plants that will make it is proving tricky

The Guardian

• It's unbelievable the difference a path has made: how volunteers are building a cycle network a yard at a timeThe Strawberry Line network of paths in Somerset has found a way to speed up planning permission and harness the goodwill of the community. In the past two years, multiple sections of a hoped-for 76-mile rural cycling and walking route spanning Somerset have sprouted up around the small town of Shepton Mallet, seemingly every few weeks.
• UK to introduce new offence of causing death or injury by dangerous cyclingLaw change not anti-cycling says Iain Duncan Smith, who brought the amendment to the criminal justice bill. A new offence of causing death or serious injury by dangerous, careless or inconsiderate cycling is to be introduced.The law will be changed after a deal was reached between the government and the former Conservative leader,

Times Online

• Peak rail fares to be scrapped in Scotland over the summer [subscription]SNP commits to keeping ticket prices lower in boost to commuters as ’bold policy’ proves popular
• School leavers can be train drivers under plans to ease staffing crisis. [subscription]Minimum age of recruits may be reduced from 20 to 18 pending a consultation in an effort to reduce reliance on voluntary overtime

City AM

• Rail operator takes Mick Lynch’s RMT union to the Supreme CourtA Northern rail operator has presented its appeal application to the Supreme Court over a dispute with transport worker unions.
• ’Blatantly unfair’: Supermarkets still jacking up petrol prices, minister warned Supermarket retailers in the UK are still jacking up prices at the pumps despite months passing since the government pledged to intervene.

Daily Record

• Peak rail fare abolition to be extended by three months by First Minister John SwinneyEXCLUSIVE: The First Minister is expected to make the announcement in Edinburgh today.

Sky News

• New 'death by dangerous cycling' offence after MPs back law changeDangerous cycling that causes death could land people up to 14 years in prison after the House of Commons backed a proposed change to the law.

Birmingham Mail

• Dangerous cyclists could face up to 14 years in prison as death by dangerous cycling to become an offenceThe proposed law would require cyclists to make sure their vehicle "is equipped and maintained" in a legal way - it would apply to incidents involving pedal cycles, e-bikes, e-scooters and e-unicycles

Bolton News

• Removing bus stops could fix Greater Manchester's late busesA controversial fix could be needed to help Greater Manchester's buses arrive on time.

Bucks Free Press

• Arriva announces plans to close High Wycombe bus depotArriva is planning to close its High Wycombe and Aylesbury bus depots, affecting a range of local services.

Calling All Stations - The Transport Podcast

• Birmingham transformed by HS2 construction while culture wars bedevil roadspace policy - S2,Ep20Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker visit the impressive HS2 station and viaduct construction sites in central Birmingham to see how the project is transforming the city's connectivity and skyline [1:30]. They also discuss the latest twists in the UK's roadspace culture wars including the insane conspiracy theories around '15-minute cities' [20:48]. Finally, Christian asks whether the classic car business is receiving disproportionate attention from the UK Department for Transport [31:02].

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

• UK aviation innovators secure CAA accreditation for sustainable air transport solutionA British firm aiming to revolutionise rural transportation through electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology has achieved a significant milestone. ARC Aero Systems, based in the UK, has secured E Conditions certification from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for its innovative air transport solution.

Other News Sources

• Isle of Wight bus firm Southern Vectis trialling electric busesElectric double decker buses are being used on the Isle of Wight, as Southern Vectis looks to determine which model to invest in.
• TfL changes length of DLR trains on some routes ahead of brand new carriagesTfL has changed the length of DLR trains on some of the network's routes ahead of the introduction of new stock. The authority has said it will start replacing the current trains this year.
• Meon Valley MP signs letter calling for improved e-bike regulationsMeon Valley MP Flick Drummond has signed an open letter asking the Prime Minister to tackle the import of unsafe e-bikes and improve regulations.
• Dramatic photos show progress made on Ash bridge as beams lifted into place The rail line was shut as 45 tonne beams were lifted into place