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

Sunday, 07 March 2010

BBC News

• Driver killed on level crossingA driver dies when a car is hit by a train on a level crossing in Berkshire, but all train passengers are unharmed.

The Herald

• Blood on the tram tracks as high-level talks run agroundTalks aimed at turning Edinburgh™s beleaguered tram project around have ground to a halt “ days before a crunch meeting with politicians to decide its future.

The Independent

• Tuesday set as deadline for BA strike talksTalks aimed at averting strikes by British Airways cabin crew have been given a deadline to end by Tuesday.

The Observer

• Rise in UK carbon emissions disputed by reportSoil deposits of CO2 'not fuelling global warming yet “ but will in future'A major study for the UK government has cast doubt over claims that rising temperatures are causing soil to pump greater amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, further fuelling global warming.In 2005 it was reported in the science journal Nature that over the past 25 years 100m tonnes of carbon dioxide had been released by the soil of England and Wales. The figure cancelled out all emissions cuts in the UK since 1990.However, a national survey of the soils of Great Britain, funded by the department for environme...

The Telegraph

• BA tie up to hit fares, says VirginIn his first interview since the American Department of Transportation (DoT) agreed to the alliance deal, Steve Ridgway said that BA was already dominant in the market and that consumers would only get the best fares when there is open competition.

Times Online

• Only first class rail will do for MPsMPs have demanded the right to first-class train travel in a new system of allowances drawn up in the wake of the expenses scandal.
• Here's the future - fast, green and dazzling Let’s keep things simple: this is the best, most interesting, most dynamic and most important motor show that I can remember. And I can remember a few. The Geneva show opened last week and runs until next Sunday, and if you have a passion for cars and an interest in where we will be going over the next five years, you could do a lot worse than travel to Switzerland and wander around the vast exhibition centre.
• Cycling is a gas Cyclists can fit an environmentally friendly hydrogen fuel-cell kit to give their push-bikes a boost — if they have money to burn. The fuel cell is fed by a small tank of hydrogen and is emissions-free: the only by-product is a small trail of water. It can propel a bike at up to 15mph. The 16½lb kit is ingenius but at £2,700 it costs more than many scooters. Acta, the Italian company behind it, says that it is primarily a demonstrator for its fuel-cell technology.

Newcastle Evening Chronicle

• Surprise orchestra hits Newcastle bus station AN UNDERCOVER orchestra which surprised families in a Newcastle bus station has become a worldwide internet phenomenon.
• Passenger tells of Newfield bus crash tragedy A SURVIVOR of a fatal double bus crash has told how he woke up in “the middle of a nightmare”.

Doncaster Free Post

• Wheelie exciting stuntsA SCHOOL hall was turned into a stunt arena as youngsters were treated to a jaw-dropping show after winning a virtual cycle race.

Other News Sources

• Train volunteer slams new WSR disability policy A FAMILY which has supported the West Somerset Railway for over 25 years say they no longer feel welcome after the heritage line adopted a new disability policy.
• UPDATE: Park and ride closed following crash Drivers are facing long tailbacks in Kidlington after a lorry carrying a 10-ton load tipped on its side this morning.
• Union mulls BA staff pay cut to avert strikeHopes that a looming British Airways strike may be averted have been raised after union bosses were said to be considering accepting a pay cut
• You're stuck with old trainsPASSENGERS may be forced to put up with the ageing fleet of intercity trains which run between South Yorkshire and London for many more years, a cabinet minister has admitted.
• White Van Man goes GreenThere are some great deals on offer these days for cars and vans of all sizes, but don't let the initial cost of the vehicle detract from running costs and the environment.
• Transporter Bridge to get visitor centre THE Friends of Newport Transporter Bridge are to open a visitor centre telling the history of the city's most famous landmark.
• RMT demands 'action not words' from Scottish Transport Minister as union prepares for third Scotrail strike next SaturdayRAIL UNION RMT today demanded 'action not words' from Scottish Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson as the union confirmed that it has heard nothing from him this week despite briefings that he, and Transport Scotland, gave the press on Monday that he was 'preparing to meet the union' for talks on the central issue of rail safety.
• Recalls Only Scratch The Surface Of Toyota's DefectsToyota's multiple recalls of several models of vehicles do not address the true underlying cause of Sudden Unintended Acceleration.
• Honda Also Facing Recall TroublesMost public attention regarding automakers recently has focused on the recall problems facing Toyota, but Toyota is certainly not the only automaker facing such troubles.
• Sakkers gets top jobThe International Road Transport Union™s Goods Transport Liaison Committee (CLTM) to the European Union haselected Alexander Sakkers from Transport en Logistiek Nederland (TLN) as it™s president. Members from the CLTM also re-elected Florence Berthelot from the French Road Hauliers Association FNTR (Fédération Nationale des Transports Routiers) and Christian Labrot from the German Logistics Association BWVL (Bundesverband [...]
• Road safety to be improved on A49 WORK is to take place on the A49 to improve road safety.
• New plans to build on railway cutting in Alresford A CONTENTIOUS scheme to redevelop a former Alresford railway cutting has resurfaced.
• Environmental Audit Committee report 'nail in the coffin' for carbon trading Friends of the Earth says that the Environmental Audit Committee's report on carbon trading, released today, is the 'nail in the coffin' of the schemes.
• Snow and ice force roads to closeSTAGGERING towers of snow and icy conditions are still forcing roads to close in some of the more remote areas of the Grampian region.
• Norfolk college forms unique partnership with rail operatorA north Norfolk college has forged a link with a rail company to make it easier for students to travel to the site from all over the county - and get an extra hour in bed too.
• Birmingham's high speed rail link will never be built unless politicians stop bickering A HIGH speed rail line to Birmingham may never be built unless politicians stop bickering over the details, Transport Secretary Lord Adonis has warned.