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

Wednesday, 12 January 2022

BBC News

• London faces pollution public health crisis, Sadiq Khan saysThe city's mayor says more needs to be done to prevent a crisis of
• UK delays more all-lane smart motorways for five yearsMore safety data is needed before other hard shoulders are made into traffic lanes, the government says.

The Guardian

• Ditching the hard shoulder proved too hard a sell to MPs and motoristsPausing the rollout of smart motorways suggests the government has finally bowed to the inevitable, faced with the collective outrage of motoring groups, bereaved families, newspapers, MPs – and indeed a former minister who signed off the schemes.
• Smart motorway rollout suspended amid safety concernsThe rollout of smart motorways has been suspended by the government until at least 2025 in response to safety concerns from MPs and motoring groups. Schemes to convert stretches of the M3, M25, M62 and M40 will be put on ice until five years’ worth of safety data from the controversial roads are available, ministers said.

Times Online

• Smart motorway rollout paused amid safety fears [subscription]The government will pause the rollout of all future smart motorways for at least two years following concerns about their safety.

City AM

• Petrol prices drop to lowest levels since November after record-breaking surgePetrol prices have fallen to their lowest levels since November, with the costs of both unleaded petrol and diesel dropping over the past week. The post Petrol prices drop to lowest levels since November after record-breaking surge appeared first on CityAM.

The Mirror

• Smart motorways rollout paused following deaths and 'not fit for purpose' claimsThe government's decision to halt the rollout of smart motorways until more data is available has been hailed after concern has been raised over fatal accidents where there has been no hard shoulder

Manchester Evening News

• Government pauses smart motorway rollout amid safety concerns“While our initial data shows that smart motorways are among the safest roads in the UK, it’s crucial that we go further to ensure people feel safer using them."

Wolverhampton Express and Star

• M6 Toll price to increase 10p for cars from FebruaryAs part of the new pricing structure, there will be a 10p rise for cars at mainline and local junction plazas, a 20p increase for vans and a 30p increase for HGVs using the road.

Leeds Live

• Taxi drivers set to march on Leeds Civic Hall over policy that could cost them their badges The policy by Leeds City Council states 'it is essential that those seeking a living as a driver meet the required standards' but private hire taxi drivers say they want it to be reversed

New Civil Engineer

• MP calls for ‘four village bypass’ if Sizewell C is given green lightA Suffolk MP is calling for a proposed bypass to be extended if Sizewell C nuclear plant is given the green light.

Other News Sources

• New Smart Motorway plans paused as Government reviews safety dataA stretch of the M3 motorway in Surrey has already been converted into Smart Motorway