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

Tuesday, 12 August 2025

BBC News

• Trains affected as work on uneven track startsTrains are being replaced by buses as engineering works are carried out on uneven tracks caused by soil shrinking under the lines in parts of Essex.
• Over 70s driving reforms 'don't go far enough'Ministers are working on plans to introduce a range of new measures designed to improve road safety.

Financial Times

• Finland charges captain of Russian ‘shadow fleet’ ship over cable cuttingHelsinki first among Nato capitals to prosecute officers of vessel suspected of Baltic Sea sabotage

The Telegraph

• Network Rail accused of sabotaging bid to run private trains. [subscription]Alliance Rail has been trying to launch a new service from London Waterloo to Southampton

Times Online

• Heathrow reports busiest day and record month [subscription]The west London airport reported that its four terminals handled 7.981 million passengers in July, marginally ahead of the same record month last year
• Edinburgh Airport vows to spruce up arrivals hall after complaints [subscription]Record numbers of passengers are passing through an area described as looking like 'corrugated iron and wire'
• Tube passengers face arrest after tackling man with trousers down [subscription]A man filmed being forced off a District Line train was later detained under the Mental Health Act. Police say he was assaulted and have appealed for witnesses
• Airlines 'lack confidence' in Heathrow crisis management [subscription]According to a leaked letter, multiple high-profile incidents have affected thousands of passengers and were not dealt with adequately
• Eurostar wants to launch new London routes. Can it make them work?Take an exclusive look behind the scenes at St Pancras with our expert as the cross-Channel operator embarks on an ambitious expansion plan

The National

• ScotRail to peak rail fares in weeks - here's 3 things you need to knowPEAK rail fares on ScotRail services will be scrapped for good in a couple of weeks - here's everything you need to know.

Bradford Telegraph & Argus

• Councillors on board with proposals to develop mass transit systemCalderdale councillors are on board with regional proposals to develop a mass transit system for West Yorkshire.
• 'Bradford is on the move – it is time our transport system caught up'Bradford South MP Judith Cummins discusses Bradford's need for a "transport system fit for the 21st century".

Bristol Live

• Popular airline bans common item on all flights due to safety concernThe ban comes into effect in October

Northern Echo

• Ryanair announces 35 new jobs at North East airport baseRyanair is creating 35 new cabin crew jobs at Newcastle International Airport as part of its North East expansion ahead of winter 2025

Wales Online

• Rail disruption set to affect parts of Wales and border routesEssential works will take place during two weekends in September

Cambridge News

• Mayor Paul Bristow calls on council to move forward with his free parking plans Mr Bristow asserts that people would come into the city centre more often to shop and eat if they didn't have to pay for parking

Other Regional Press

• Lower Thames Crossing will be a huge boost to local economy says borough MP who commits to ensuring local jobs and big spending with Thurrock companiesTHOUGH funding has yet to be found, and it's no means certain that the Lower Thames Crossing project will go ahead, Thurrock's MP says she welcomes recent moves to ensure that when, and if work starts, Thurrock residents will benefit from the job opportunities.
• Timescale announced for new walkway for Botley Road pedestriansA new walkway for pedestrians linking Botley Road with Frideswide Square is nearing completion in Oxford.

Highways Magazine

• National Highways initiates plans for new £9.6bn SRN maintenance contractsNational Highways has announced plans to replace its existing Maintenance and Response (M&R) contracts across the entire strategic road network (SRN) with new deals worth up to £9.6bn.

New Civil Engineer

• National Highways readies market for £8bn next-generation maintenance contractsNational Highways has issued a pipeline notice for a major replacement of its Maintenance and Response (M&R) arrangements covering the Strategic Road Network (SRN), valued at £8bn.

Rail Business Daily

• RSSB's Chief Operating Officer Johnny Schute OBE to retireThe Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) has announced that Johnny Schute OBE, Chief Operating Officer, will retire in April 2026, following a distinguished 45-year career spanning the British Army and the rail industry.
• Office of Rail and Road authorises Lea Green stationThe Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has authorised significant upgrades to Lea Green station in St Helens, Merseyside. The station improvements include a new station building and multi-storey car park, and are part of a larger project which includes improvement to local transport infrastructure.

Rail UK

• Construction of landmark Rail innovation centre takes shapeConstruction of a modern rail innovation and training centre in Barrow Hill is beginning to take shape as construction of the steel frame begins.

Railnews

• HMRI brings relief and dignity to train drivers The drivers’ union ASLEF has welcomed a letter from the chief inspector of railways Richard Hines which is asking all train operators, including freight companies, to provide suitable toilets for their staff. Drivers have voiced their distress over the lack of toilets, which can be embarrassing and unhygienic.

The Business Desk

• Major highways improvement scheme passes halfway pointAn £86.9m scheme to transform one of the East Riding's biggest bottleneck junctions is to reach a number of major milestones this month.

Aviation Industry

• London Heathrow Airport celebrates record month and seventh consecutive win as Europe's most punctual major hubLondon Heathrow Airport marked its busiest month ever in July, retaining its title as Europe's most punctual hub while unveiling plans for significant expansion.
• Heathrow expects government third runway update in autumnHeathrow expects an update from government on its third runway plans in the autumn as it hailed the seventh consecutive month as Europe's 'most punctual' airport.