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

Tuesday, 21 March 2017

The Guardian

• Thousands join UK legal case against VW over emissions scandalMore than 35,000 motorists taking part in class action lawsuit seeking compensation for use of ‘defeat device’ on carsMore than 35,000 motorists have joined a class action lawsuit against VW in England and Wales over the emissions scandal.The size of the group is increasing at the rate of 500 drivers a day and lawyers are confident the legal action will eventually involve about 100,000 owners of VW, Audi, Skoda and Seat cars. Continue reading...
• Four select committees launch joint inquiry into UK air pollution crisisMPs say unprecedented investigation will study harm caused by toxic air and scrutinise government efforts to tackle it MPs from four influential committees are coming together to launch a joint inquiry into the scale and impact of the UK’s air pollution crisis.In an unusual development, the environmental audit committee, environment, food and rural affairs committee, health committee and transport committee will hold four sessions to consider mounting scientific evidence on the health and environmental effects of toxic air. Continue reading...
• Charge electric cars smartly to take pressure off national grid – ministerSSE trials ‘demand-side response’ where vehicles start charging a few hours after being plugged in, when demand is lowerElectric cars are putting increasing pressure on the UK’s power grids, making it vital they are recharged at the right time of day, a minister has said. John Hayes, transport minister, said it was important that such battery-powered cars were topped up in smart ways to avoid unduly stressing the energy system.

Bucks Free Press

• 'Dangerous' mini roundabout will finally be moved, councillors sayA “dangerous” mini roundabout on a busy road that residents campaigned to make safer will finally be repositioned in a bit to prevent accidents.

East Anglian Daily Times

• Read which areas of Bury St Edmunds will benefit from �2.8m transport improvements during 2017-2018Details of a multi-million-pound project to make travelling in Bury St Edmunds easier for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians have been announced today.

Other Regional Press

• Driverless car scientists warn PM: protect EU citizens rights or you will drive us abroad ROBOTICS scientists at Oxford university warned Theresa May that a hard Brexit threatens the UK’s poll position in the race to develop driverless cars.
• Huge support for 20mph speed limit campaign A CAMPAIGN to reduce the speed limit on Oxford’s Botley Road to 20mph is receiving ‘overwhelming support’ from the community.

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

• �23 million boost for hydrogen-powered vehicles and infrastructureA new £23 million fund to accelerate the take up of hydrogen vehicles and roll out more cutting-edge infrastructure has been announced by the government. Hydrogen fuel providers will be able to bid for funding in partnership with organisations that produce hydrogen vehicles to help build high-tech infrastructure, including fuel stations. The funding will boost the creation of hydrogen fuel infrastructure and uptake of hydrogen-powered vehicles. A competition will be launched this summer, and will invite proposals from public organisations, businesses and hydrogen operators. The governm...