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Monday, 04 June 2012

BBC News

• Anti-fuel duty campaign 'growing'The SNP claims growing cross-party support at Westminster for its campaign to halt a planned 3p rise in fuel duty in August.
• Jubilee-goers left on platformsDozens of passengers trying to reach London on Chiltern rail services are left on platforms as trains to the capital were full.

Financial Times

• Airlines plan sale of Nats stakeSeven airlines, who hold 42% of National Air Traffic Services, are seeking buyers, despite the government having decided not to sell its holding
• Motorists bypass tolls amid austerity driveAbertis and Atlantia report 9% falls in traffic in the first half, and sharp falls in commercial traffic are expected in France, Spain and Italy

The Guardian

• Leaked documents reveal UK fight to dilute EU green energy targetsAllegations of coalition hypocrisy over green issues as critics say documents show UK has caved in to fossil fuel lobbyistsThe government has been trying to water down key environmental regulations in Brussels despite trumpeting its commitment to green issues at home, leaked documents show.The papers, seen by the Guardian, reveal British officials repeatedly trying to prevent the adoption of European Union rules on energy efficiency, curtailing the proposals and making them voluntary rather than mandatory in many cases. In addition, the UK has tried repeatedly to ensure that the EU does not ad...

The Telegraph

• Great railway journeys: readers' tips, recommendations and travel advice In our second batch of the world's greatest railway journeys, readers' share their advice.
• Diamond Jubilee: Train network overwhelmed by revellersPassengers being prevented from boarding trains because of overcrowding on rail network.

London Evening Standard

• Strike action over cuts announcedDriving test examiners, coastguards and other transport staff are to take strike action from the end of the week in protest at Government spending cuts, jobs and pensions.

Other Regional Press

• Key hospital bus routes to be unveiled Bus lane plans on a key route to a hospital are to be unveiled later this year.
• MP lobbies over bus cuts ALAN Duncan has been lobbying Leicestershire County Council over proposed cutbacks to rural bus services.
• Give your views on new train timetable BICESTER rail passengers have until the end of next week to comment on plans for Chiltern Railways’ new timetable.
• Give your views on new train timetable BICESTER rail passengers have until the end of next week to comment on plans for Chiltern Railways’ new timetable.
• Decision due over £130m rail scheme A £130million scheme to create a fast new Oxford-London rail link via Bicester got back on track as a public inquiry resumed this week. The inquiry, which has rumbled on since November 2010, was reopened over concerns for the welfare of bats living in Wolvercote Tunnel.
• Was this a fair tender process? Government cuts Orkney ferry frequencies within days of Serco contract award The Scottish Government announced yesterday that the passenger and vehicle sailings to Orkney are to be cut by 33% in off peak periods.
• Association slams crossing toll hikes THE Freight Transport Association has branded the double toll increase at the Dartford Crossing “unacceptable”.
• A real rail opportunityRAIL firm First Capital Connect is looking to recruit five youngsters aged 18-23 for a new apprenticeship scheme, including training to NVQ Level 3 and a guaranteed job.

Green Miscellany

• Trains of future may run on steam A team of engineers in America is seeking to transform a railway engine from 1937 into a test bed for the world’s first modern steam locomotive run on biofuel.read more

Other News Sources

• Column: South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon on rail, local business and cable theftsI recently joined MPs and councillors from across East Anglia, together with Network Rail and the train operator Greater Anglia to discuss the future of the rail network in Eastern England.
• London airports welcome Jubilee visitors As the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations sweep the nation this weekend, London‘s airports have been welcoming thousands of international visitors who are descending to the capital city to enjoy the celebrations.