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

Tuesday, 18 March 2025

Government

• New approach to ensure regulators and regulation support growth - Policy PaperRegulation underpins and impacts almost all areas of the UK economy. Our regulatory system has great strengths. It is built on a firm foundation of operational independence and stability, and other countries have drawn lessons from the UK approach.

BBC News

• Region's bus network in extended funding dealA new funding deal to stop a number of West Midlands bus services being cut has been agreed.
• Bus pass policy change will benefit 13,000 peopleAn MP has welcomed a decision to allow people with disabilities to use their bus passes 24/7.
• Train drivers to walk out for eight weeksDrivers from Hull Trains are to walk out for eight weeks, a union has said. Aslef said workers would stage a fresh round of strikes between 31 March and 24 May.
• HS2 bridge project progresses with beam installationThe construction of a bridge allowing high-speed trains to pass beneath a major road has taken a step forward.
• Will the Eurostar ever stop in Kent again?Jean-Claude Cothias has lived in Ashford for 27 years, moving there from France as he enjoyed the convenience of Eurostar links between the Kent town and his home country.
• Transport plan approved - despite concernsA council has approved a 20-year transport plan amid concerns over both the impact of traffic on villages and deferred road projects.
• Ferguson shipyard misses out on new CalMac ferry orderPolish shipbuilder Remontowa has instead been named preferred bidder for the seven all-electric vessels.
• Small electric cars were said to be the future – but SUVs now rule the roadDespite dire predictions of climate breakdown, more Sports Utility Vehicles are being spotted on, and off, the roads.

Financial Times

• Short sellers make $16bn profit from Tesla’s share price plungePayday follows years of pain for hedge funds that bet against Elon Musk’s electric carmaker
• American maritime regulator calls for levy on Chinese ships at portsFMC chair says ‘fight fire with fire’ by taxing Chinese-built vessels docking in US to create domestic champions

The Guardian

• ‘In a rut’: cost of fixing pothole-plagued roads in England and Wales soars to £17bnDespite the government pledging extra funds and one hole being filled every 18 seconds, motoring groups say situation looks ‘bleak’ for driversThe cost of fully fixing the pothole-plagued local roads of England and Wales has reached a new high of almost £17bn, according to the latest industry report.The record sums required come despite increased government funds to target road repairs – and one pothole being filled every 18 seconds. Continue reading...

Mail Online

• Heathrow to Canary Wharf in 8 MINUTES: Virgin Atlantic to launch a flying taxi service in the UK - with passengers whisked through the air at 200mphVirgin Atlantic has teamed up with Joby Aviation in a partnership that aims to offer 'seamless, zero-emission, short-range journeys across the UK'.

Office of Rail and Road (ORR)

• Rail Regulator sets out key recommendations for assessing costs and benefits of health and safety interventionsThe regulator has today published 10 recommendations to help improve how the rail industry makes health and safety interventions effectively and efficiently on the rail network.

Birmingham Post

• Portishead Railway gets back on track as £27m funding approvedWork on the line is now planned to begin in the summer - 61 years after it was closed
• Train services between Manchester and Leeds to be disrupted for eight weeksNetwork Rail has warned commuters to check before they travel as a series of upgrades will be completed across eight consecutive weekends

Bradford Telegraph & Argus

• Rail passengers warned to expect disruption as engineers complete series of upgradesRAIL passengers are being warned to expect disruption in the coming months as engineers complete a series of upgrades for the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU).
• Minister and industry leaders come together to discuss green buses and jobsThe first UK bus manufacturing panel was hosted by Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood on Thursday, March 13 at Canon Medical Arena in Sheffield.

Manchester Evening News

• Two airlines flying from Manchester Airport ban power banks and battery packsBoth Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways have announced a ban on the use of power banks and battery packs during flights as part of new safety measures

The York Press

• East Coast main line services could be disrupted by Alef train drivers strikeThe union said a driver was unfairly dismissed after raising a safety issue at a meeting, a claim the company denies.

Wolverhampton Express and Star

• West Midlands' 'failing' bus network 'isn't working for residents' - mayorMembers of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) board agreed an extension of the Bus Network Support Grant which provides financial support to operators.

North Wales Live

• Major airlines ban power banks on flights this summer due to fire riskSingapore Airlines and Thai Airways have both announced that passengers will be banned from using power banks and battery packs during flights from this summer

Other Regional Press

• Transport operator welcomes plans to revamp bus station in Market DraytonShropshire Council and Market Drayton Town Council have outlined aspirations to improve facilities for both bus drivers and passengers at Market Drayton Bus Station.
• Brighton business leaders slam city's poor transport infrastructureWith English Tourism Week in full swing across the UK, Nick Mosley talks to key tourism and hospitality stakeholders in the city as to what the coming summer season holds.
• Network Rail records 328 fly-tipping incidents across region since 2021The public have reported 328 fly-tipping incidents to Network Rail across the region since 2021, new figures have shown.
• Isle of Wight trains back soon as Ryde Pier reopens earlyThe Isle of Wight train service is set to fully reopen ahead of the Early May Bank Holiday following extensive repairs and refurbishment on the historic Ryde Pier.
• Priti Patel discusses future of infrastructure with business"In this part of Essex, we've seen the decision on the Lower Thames Crossing delayed, while the A12 and A120 schemes are at risk as Labour have kicked them into the long grass.
• Trackless tram testing gets closer, but town centre use expected later than anticipatedThe project will see not only automated transportation for people, but for baggage at Teesside Airport
• 'Leave the trees alone!' say protestors as cycle lane destruction beginsThe two-way cycle track on Clifford Bridge Road has become a battleground between council chiefs and locals over the loss of trees and safety concerns

Construction Enquirer

• Lifting regs review bagged up with 'bat and newt' red tape purge... A streamlined process for environmental regulations will also be put in place for major projects. This could include Lower Thames Crossing, subject to planning approval, as well as future schemes like Heathrow expansion.

Construction Index

• Costain appoints new rail sector lead Alistair Geddes has joined Costain from Balfour Beatty, where he was operations director of its rail system business.

New Civil Engineer

• Gatwick and Mace discuss delivering airport's £140M pier extension in 'complex' airfield locationEnsuring efficient delivery of Gatwick Airport's £140M extension to its pier 6 without disturbing operations has required rigorous attention to its design and delivery method, officials from the airport and contractor Mace have told NCE.

Rail Business Daily

• New Bee Network map reveals high frequency bus and tram routes together for the first timeThe Bee Network has revealed how passengers can get around Greater Manchester by bus and tram without waiting more than 12 minutes.

Rail Magazine

• Traction and rolling stock strategies urgently needed says former Chief Inspector of RailwaysThe UK is in dire need of traction and rolling stock strategies to help improve the railway's value for money and prevent a potential safety risk.

Railnews

• Third station opens on Northumberland Line The Northumberland Line connecting Ashington and Newcastle gained a third station this morning, when Newsham opened to passengers. A local councillor has predicted that the demand will be so great that Northern will have to lengthen its trains.

Aviation Industry

• UK set to lose another historic airport to developers as notice servedNottingham (Tollerton) Airport, also known as Nottingham City Airport, is set to close as an airport in June this year after the new owners served notice to quit on the airfield operator as they plan to build 400 homes, a primary school and sports pitches on the site.

Other News Sources

• Government to appoint 'single lead environmental regulator' for major projectsThe government has set out plans to reform environmental and planning regulation, with a 'lead regulator' to be appointed for 'major projects'.