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

Saturday, 16 May 2020

The Guardian

• London congestion charge rise down to good old power struggle... The row is about the size and the strings attached to a government bailout needed because of the massive drop in numbers using public transport in the capital. Stuck in the middle are the citizens of the capital, many of whom are already struggling to make ends meet.

Times Online

• The future of electric vehicles? Cars will fly [subscription]hether electric cars will be part of the future of transport is no longer debatable. Oil prices may be at their lowest for 20 years, but the sticky black stuff is on its way out. And electricity, for now, is most definitely in.
• Sadiq Khan under fire for big increase in congestion charge fund TfL bailout [subscription]Boris Johnson attacked the London mayor’s “irresponsible” leadership yesterday after it emerged that motorists will face a 30 per cent rise in the cost of driving into the city centre to plug a hole in transport funding.

Reuters News

• London streets to go car-free to encourage walking and cyclingCars will be banished from miles of streets in central London to encourage more walking and cycling and help public transport cope with social distancing restrictions, the city's mayor said on Friday.

Birmingham Post

• Nissan reported to be in talks on making Renault models at Sunderland plantCompany has described the reports as "speculative" but says it will make announcement later this month
• Large stretch of Deansgate in Manchester city centre shut off to trafficBarriers set to come into operation this weekend

Newcastle Evening Chronicle

• Fears end of free parking could lead to spread of coronavirusThere are fears that the reintroduction of car park fees could leave workers no choice but to use public transport, at a time when they are being urged to stay away from buses and trains

Other Regional Press

• Car park charges criticised again - this time for ‘no cash’ rule PARKING policy from Dorset Council has again been criticised – this time from members of the ruling Conservative party.
• Is this electric car maker set to become the new Tesla?Californian car maker Fisker was set to make its European debut at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

• Car-free zones in London as Congestion Charge and ULEZ reinstatedThe Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and Transport for London (TfL) have announced plans to transform parts of central London into one of the largest car-free zones in any capital city in the world. This is necessary to enable safe social distancing on public transport in London as lockdown restrictions are eased, and will help support increased walking and cycling and improve the city’s air quality. Enabling social distancing to happen on the public transport network as lockdown restrictions are eased will require a monumental effort from all Londoners. Public transport must only be used w...