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

Sunday, 15 March 2009

BBC News

• Risky business?Minister claims loan scheme is 'on course'

The Observer

• Counterfeit cash alert over car sale scamsPolice are warning the public of high-value scams involving forged banknotes, cheques and bank drafts as figures reveal a surge in cases.As the credit crunch forces people to part with items such as cars, crooks are taking advantage by paying with forgeries.
• Drink-drivers to lose blood test rightThe government is abolishing the right of drivers who fail a breathalyser test to demand a blood test.The Department for Transport claims that some drivers escape conviction because by the time a doctor is found to supervise a blood test, the driver's blood-alcohol level has fallen back within the legal limit.However, lawyers condemned the move, saying that breath-test technology is not infallible and innocent drivers would be wrongly convicted.

Times Online

• Um, sorry to cause a fuss, but the plane seems to be on fire You’ll never guess what the fat-cat oil and banking barons are up to now. They’re only sneaking off to Heathrow and paying British Airways to train them in the art of evacuating an aeroplane. So that they can get out of a crash before the rest of us. “That’s not the case,” insists Andy Clubb of British Airways Flight Training. “We’re training delegates to react quickly and effectively in the event of a crash. Other passengers will see what they’re doing and follow them. They’ll be an excellent example. Lives will be saved.”...
• Car Shrink Q My wife is expecting our first child in two months’ time. I’m a little nervous about getting her to the hospital on time without the law catching up with me. Am I allowed to disregard speed limits?
• End of an era for BAA airports COMPETITION watchdogs will this week signal an end to BAA’s 44-year near-monopoly of London airports when they reveal plans to break up the company.
• Car firms appeal to Bank for cash CARMAKERS have asked the Bank of England if they can take part in the quantitative easing programme to help kick-start vehicle sales.

Mail Online

• Big Brother to spy on your holidays as security database is set up to log all trips abroad Big Brother to spy on your holidays as security database is set up to log all trips abroad

Metro

• Bus driver bailed after fatal crashA driver arrested after a fatal crash between two buses and a skip wagon has been released on bail, police said.

The Press and Journal (Aberdeen)

• Action plea over cars at parkAn Aberdeen councillor wants action taken to tackle the number of hospital staff and visitors parking for free in Westburn Park.
• North-east rail plans attacked by MSPs in heated debateThe Scottish Government was accused of watering down a commuter rail project in Aberdeen following a bitter Holyrood debate yesterday.

Peterborough Telegraph

• Campaigners ponder Stansted appealCampaigners are considering whether to appeal after losing their High Court battle to block the decision to expand Stansted Airport.

C.N.N.

• U.S. car repair shops getting mileage out of thriftier timesAs he walks past the tiny, dingy waiting area into an equally cramped garage, Nui Srisook says business at his car repair shop is thriving.

Forbes

• America's Strongest Automakers Some car brands are still in good shape consumers' eyes, despite slow sales.

Washington Post

• Signs of a Resurrection I am looking for light at the end of a long and exceptionally dark tunnel. Finding it isn't easy, as indicated by last month's 41.4 percent drop in U.S.-market new-vehicle sales. That was the lowest February posting since 1976, when the automobile industry began reporting monthly sales numbers in the United States.

Other News Sources

• Human zebra crossings in Bolivia Troubled teens in Bolivia have turned their lives around by dressing as human zebras to direct traffic and help people across the roads.
• Travel plans 'to be tracked' All travellers departing the UK will have their trip recorded on a database, according to reports.