TransportXtra https://www.transportxtra.com/ TransportXtra is the fastest route to transport intelligence with the news and archives of leading transport publications including Local Transport Today, New Transit and Parking Review magazine. en-gb TransportXtra https://www.transportxtra.com/images/TransportXtra-Logo.png https://www.transportxtra.com/ Heathrow consults on expansion plans as Johnson quizzed on expansion https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/61437/heathrow-consults-on-expansion-plans-as-johnson-quizzed-on-expansion Heathrow Airport’s owners this week set out their plans for surface transport access to cope with the millions of additional passengers if the airport builds a third runway. The airport has launched a consultation on its expansion plans ahead of submitting a Development Consent Order (DCO) application to the Planning Inspectorate next summer. The surface access proposals are based on assumptions that air passenger numbers will rise from 78 million in 2017 to 115 million in 2030 and 135 m

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Secondary stories Fri, 21 Jun 2019 12:35:00 GMT 61437
Heathrow drone protests shelved https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/61435/heathrow-drone-protests-shelved Direct action climate group Extinction Rebellion says it will not fly drones to disrupt flights from Heathrow Airport this summer. The group had considered doing so in an effort to force the Government to withdraw its support for a third runway at the airport. 

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In brief Fri, 21 Jun 2019 12:34:00 GMT 61435
Guardian and Times come down hard against Heathrow growth proposals https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/61433/guardian-and-times-come-down-hard-against-heathrow-growth-proposals

On 18 June Green MP Caroline Lucas was strongly critical of the Heathrow Airport expansion plan published earlier that day in an article in The Guardian. “The bosses at Heathrow must have been visiting another planet last week, or else they missed the government memo about legislating for net zero emissions by 2050,” she began. “The plans unveiled today for a 50% expansion in the airport by 2050, including a third runway, all to be done in ‘a sustainable way’, take

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Media monitor Fri, 21 Jun 2019 10:29:00 GMT 61433
Inspiring women in transport recognised https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/61347/inspiring-women-in-transport-recognised

The winners of the 2019 everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards have been revealed. Over the past 12 years the everywoman awards have championed women in the transport and logistics industries, showcasing and celebrating the sectors’ most exceptional role models. The winners were announced at Grosvenor House in London on 13 June. While many of the winners were drawn from the passenger transport, infrastructure and freight sectors, the world of walking was also recognised at this y

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Regular news Fri, 14 Jun 2019 14:17:00 GMT 61347
Heathrow to consult on introducing road charges https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/61337/heathrow-to-consult-on-introducing-road-charges

Heathrow Airport plans to introduce an ultra-low emission zone by 2022 in advance of introducing a wider vehicle access charge for all cars, taxis and private hire vehicles entering the airport when the proposed new third runway opens. The Heathrow ULEZ will introduce minimum vehicle emissions standards identical to the London mayor’s ULEZ for passenger cars and private hire vehicles entering car parks or drop-off areas at any of Heathrow’s terminals, 24 hours a day, seven days a we

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Regular news Fri, 7 Jun 2019 14:39:00 GMT 61337
Climate activists plot Heathrow closure https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/61336/climate-activists-plot-heathrow-closure- Direct action climate group Extinction Rebellion says it will not put air passengers’ lives at risk in any protests that aim to force the closure of Heathrow Airport.  Leaked emails have revealed  that the group discussed flying drones at the airport on 18 June to force its closure and then to repeat the stunt for ten days commencing on 1 July if the Government does not drop its support for the airport’s expansion. A spokesman for Heathrow Airport said: “This is rec

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Regular news Fri, 7 Jun 2019 14:37:00 GMT 61336
Old-style uncertainty https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/61170/old-style-uncertainty It has been a common refrain in recent years that emerging technologies will disrupt transport in ways we cannot predict, but now UK practitioners have an excuse to put that to one side and contemplate the more traditional form of uncertainty that emanates from domestic politics. With Theresa May’s premiership ending, nobody can predict who will govern the UK by the end, or even the start, of the forthcoming spending review period. How and when the UK leaves the EU is equally unknowable.

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Main editorial comment Fri, 24 May 2019 12:13:00 GMT 61170
Scots N Ireland talk transport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/61128/scots--n-ireland--talk-transport Dumfries and Galloway and South Ayrshire councils are in talks with Northern Ireland’s Mid and East Antrim Borough Council about how to strengthen ties, including better transport connections. Two ferry routes operate between Cairnryan, north of Stranraer, and Northern Ireland: one to Larne, the other to Belfast. Transport Scotland is currently leading a study into transport links in south-west Scotland. Meanwhile, a number of politicians have recently voiced enthusiasm for a bridge betwee

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In brief Fri, 24 May 2019 10:03:00 GMT 61128
VINCI buys majority share in Gatwick https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/61123/vinci-buys-majority-share-in-gatwick VINCI Airports has completed the purchase of a 50.01 per cent stake in Gatwick Airport. Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) will continue to manage the remaining 49.99 per cent interest. The California Public Employees’ Retirement System has a 9.99 per cent share, as part of the 49.99 per cent interest managed by GIP. 

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In brief Fri, 24 May 2019 09:46:00 GMT 61123
Election hits Stansted Airport expansion plan https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/61090/election-hits-stansted-airport-expansion-plan Stansted Airport’s expansion plan has been delayed by last week’s local elections, which saw the Conservatives swept from power on Uttlesford District Council. Stansted Airport’s owners have submitted a planning application to Uttlesford to raise the passenger cap from 35 to 43 million passengers per annum. The council’s ruling Conservative administration wanted to grant final planning permission on 26 April but was prevented from doing so by a procedural motion backed

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Regular news Fri, 10 May 2019 14:02:00 GMT 61090
DfTs Brexit ferry bill mounts https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/61067/dft-s-brexit-ferry-bill-mounts The DfT has paid £50m to ferry companies Brittany Ferries and DFDS for cancelling their contracts to provide additional ferry services for a no-deal Brexit scenario (LTT 15 Feb). The payment comes on top of the £33m the DfT has agreed to pay Eurotunnel over three years after the Channel Tunnel operator complained that the emergency ferry contracts (LTT 15 Mar). Ferry operator P&O has now launched a legal challenge against the Government’s award of cash to Eurotunnel. P&

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In brief Fri, 10 May 2019 11:53:00 GMT 61067
High Court rejects legal bids to halt Heathrow Airport expansion https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/61062/high-court-rejects-legal-bids-to-halt-heathrow-airport-expansion

The plan to build a third runway at Heathrow Airport cleared a legal hurdle last week as the High Court dismissed judicial review challenges brought by councils and environmental campaign groups.  Lord Justice Hickinbottom and Mr Justice Holgate considered five challenges against the Government’s airports National Policy Statement (NPS), which supports construction of a new north-west runway at Heathrow and associated infrastructure. The NPS is Government policy, having been approved

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Regular news Fri, 10 May 2019 11:30:00 GMT 61062
Airport expansion called for despite acknowledgement of carbon concerns https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/61047/airport-expansion-called-for-despite-acknowledgement-of-carbon-concerns

In the aftermath of the Extinction Rebellion climate change protests in London, towards the end of April, there was a significant backlash in the media from those who claim to see no inherent contradiction between the two aims of reducing carbon emissions and supporting economic growth, in particular when it comes to the aviation industry. “It’s time to stop arguing about expanding Heathrow and get on building,” said Jasmine Whitbread, the chief executive of the London First bu

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Media monitor Fri, 10 May 2019 10:21:00 GMT 61047
Councils get to work exploring PRT option for Glasgow Airport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/60924/councils-get-to-work-exploring-prt-option-for-glasgow-airport

A personal rapid transit (PRT) shuttle between Paisley Gilmour Street railway station and Glasgow Airport could deliver a journey time between Glasgow city centre and the  airport comparable with building a rail link to the airport, according to councils. Renfrewshire and Glasgow City councils are exploring the  idea of a PRT shuttle between Gilmour Street and the airport following the collapse of plans for  an airport rail branch that would have been served by tram-train vehicle

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Regular news Fri, 26 Apr 2019 12:34:00 GMT 60924
Brokenshire gives all clear to Stansted growth https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/60734/brokenshire-gives-all-clear-to-stansted-growth Plans to increase passenger numbers at Stansted Airport have moved a step forward after communities and local government minister James Brokenshire decided not to call-in Uttlesford District Council’s decision to approve the raising of the airport’s cap from 35 to 43 million passengers per annum.  Brokenshire said the planning application did not “involve issues of more than local importance”. Campaign group Stop Stansted Expansion is to apply to the High Court for

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Regular news Fri, 29 Mar 2019 13:09:00 GMT 60734
Kelly appointed at Heathrow Aircraft Holdings https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/60646/kelly-appointed-at-heathrow-aircraft-holdings Former Labour transport secretary Ruth Kelly has joined the board of Heathrow Airport Holdings Ltd as a non-executive director.

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People/people Fri, 29 Mar 2019 08:36:00 GMT 60646
Five new garden towns given initial funding for survey work https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/60633/five-new-garden-towns-given-initial-funding-for-survey-work

Five new garden towns have been unveiled, unlocking potential for up to 64,000 new homes across England, the Minister of State for Housing announced. The locally-led new communities, from Hertfordshire to Gloucestershire, will receive a share of £3.7 million of funding to fast-track specialist survey work and planning works necessary for each new town’s development. The funds will be spent by councils to help to deliver the homes and infrastructure needed for both neighbouring

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In brief Tue, 26 Mar 2019 14:57:00 GMT 60633
DfT pays Eurotunnel 33m settlement https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/60512/dft-pays-eurotunnel-33m-settlement The DfT has agreed to pay Eurotunnel £33m over three years to settle a legal dispute over the Government’s decision to award three contracts for additional ferry sailings as part of no-deal Brexit preparations. Under the terms of the settlement, Eurotunnel must use the funding to deliver projects that further “the wider public interest”. This includes upgrading the Channel Tunnel site infrastructure, including security measures;  projects to assist traffic flow; and

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Regular news Fri, 15 Mar 2019 10:14:00 GMT 60512
High Court hears challenges against Heathrow expansion https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/60498/high-court-hears-challenges-against-heathrow-expansion Legal challenges against the Government’s decision to support a third runway at Heathrow were being heard by the High Court this week.  The judicial review cases concern the Government’s Airports National Policy Statement (NPS), which endorses a third runway (LTT 06 Jul 18).  One challenge is being brought by London mayor Sadiq Khan, five councils (the London boroughs of Hammersmith and Fulham, Hillingdon, Richmond and Wandsworth, and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maid

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Regular news Fri, 15 Mar 2019 09:07:00 GMT 60498
Luton Airport expansion plan https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/60405/luton-airport-expansion-plan Luton Council’s airport company London Luton Airport Ltd (LLAL) has published its preferred option to expand the airport. Using the existing single runway, LLAL wants to increase the passenger cap from 18 million passengers a year to 32 million. A second terminal would be built north of the runway.  The development would require land take from Wigmore Valley Park. LLAL proposes providing new parkland and open space over a larger area to the east of the existing park. LLAL consulted

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Regular news Fri, 1 Mar 2019 15:31:00 GMT 60405
Constrain air travel demand https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/60379/constrain-air-travel-demand- The Government will have to restrict air travel demand to meet climate change targets, the Committee on Climate Change has told transport secretary Chris Grayling.  CCC chair Lord Deben sets out the Committee’s thinking on aviation in response to the DfT’s consultation, Aviation 2050 – the future of UK aviation (LTT 04 Jan). Deben says the CCC’s current planning assumption is that UK aviation emissions should be around their 2005 level in 2050 (37.5 million tonnes

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Regular news Fri, 1 Mar 2019 14:03:00 GMT 60379
Rail connection to Glasgow Airport derailed a second time https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/60376/rail-connection-to-glasgow-airport-derailed-a-second-time

A proposed tram-train service between Glasgow Airport and Glasgow city centre has been dropped because it would cause unacceptable disruption to existing rail services.  The plan would have seen a new rail spur built between the airport and Paisley where the tram-train vehicles would join the existing Network Rail tracks to Glasgow Central. The project was earmarked £138m from the £1.13bn Glasgow city region deal struck between councils, the UK and Scottish governments in 2014.

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Regular news Fri, 1 Mar 2019 13:53:00 GMT 60376
NAO reveals extraordinary tale of DfTs Brexit ferry contracts https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/60233/nao-reveals-extraordinary-tale-of-dft-s-brexit-ferry-contracts The extraordinary story of the DfT’s procurement of ferry capacity for a no-deal Brexit scenario is revealed in a report by the National Audit Office this week.  The NAO says the Government concluded last October that, in a worst-case no-deal scenario, the flow of goods could be reduced by up to 87 per cent across the short Channel crossings (Dover-Calais/Dunkirk and the Channel Tunnel), with disruption lasting for up to six months. As a result, the DfT decided to procure extra ferr

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Regular news Fri, 15 Feb 2019 10:16:00 GMT 60233
288m to make Kent Brexit-ready https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/60107/-28-8m-to-make-kent-brexit-ready The DfT has awarded Kent County Council £28.8m to prepare the county for Operation Brock, the lorry management system for times of cross-Channel disruption, which could be needed in the event of a no-deal Brexit on 29 March. The funding will pay for minor road improvements, CCTV and ANPR equipment to support Operation Brock compliance and enforcement; and works to facilitate the A256 TAP (Traffic Assessment Project) scheme to manage the flow of Dover-bound lorries released from Manston.&nb

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In brief Fri, 1 Feb 2019 11:43:00 GMT 60107
Shipping grant threat to rail freight https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/60105/shipping-grant-threat-to-rail-freight Coastal shipping services carrying containers are to become eligible for Government grant support, a change that could reduce the funding available for rail freight. The Government currently awards Mode Shift Revenue Support (MSRS) grant for moving containers by rail on certain flows within the UK, to make the mode competitive with road. There is no equivalent scheme for coastal shipping.  In a report for the DfT, consultants Atkins and MDS Transmodal say rail and coastal shipping are com

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Regular news Fri, 1 Feb 2019 11:34:00 GMT 60105
Rail bus share falls at London airports https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/60103/rail--bus-share-falls-at-london-airports The proportion of air passengers who used public transport to access three of London’s five main airports fell between 2012 and 2016, according to a new report by passenger watchdog London Travelwatch. The public transport mode share fell at Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton but increased at Stansted and London City airport.  Heathrow’s public transport share fell from 41 to 39.1 per cent; Gatwick’s fell from 44 to 43.6 per cent; and Luton’s fell from 33 to 31.4 per cent

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Regular news Fri, 1 Feb 2019 11:26:00 GMT 60103
Tees Valley Combined Authority buys airport for 40m and eyes JV with Stobart https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/60086/tees-valley-combined-authority-buys-airport-for-40m-and-eyes-jv-with-stobart The Tees Valley Combined Authority has authorised the purchase of Peel Airports’ 89 per cent shareholding in Durham Tees Valley Airport for £40.2m. The acquisition will honour a pledge given by Ben Houchen, the CA’s Conservative mayor, in his 2017 election campaign. Combined authority chief executive Julie Gilhespie told the board that the purchase was necessary to give the airport a long-term future. She said the airport was making losses and Peel had informed the CA that th

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Regular news Fri, 1 Feb 2019 10:15:00 GMT 60086
New ferry services will set sail irrespective of Brexit terms https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/59997/new-ferry-services-will-set-sail-irrespective-of-brexit-terms

Eurotunnel has threatened the Government with legal action over its decision to award contracts to three ferry companies for additional services as part of planning for Brexit on 29 March. The DfT awarded contracts for additional roll-on/roll-off freight services to Brittany Ferries, DfDS and UK start-up Seaborne Freight just before Christmas. Services will operate from the ports of Ramsgate, Portsmouth, Poole, Plymouth, Felixstowe and Immingham. The Government says the services are necessary t

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Regular news Fri, 18 Jan 2019 09:53:00 GMT 59997
Gove under attack for clean air plan that ignores Heathrow emissions https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/59991/gove-under-attack-for-clean-air-plan-that-ignores-heathrow-emissions

Ad Hominem abuse of transport secretary Chris Grayling has become a commonplace feature of late when the media is discussing transport policy (Media Monitor passim) but on 15 January Alistair Osborne, business commentator for The Times, decided to launch a personal attack against environment secretary Michael Gove instead. “No government minister ever got anywhere without being able to think two contradictory ideas at once, so why should Michael Gove be different?” he asked rhetorica

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Media monitor Fri, 18 Jan 2019 09:26:00 GMT 59991
Strong private sector appetite to build Heathrow rail links https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/59933/-strong-private-sector-appetite-to-build-heathrow-rail-links-

There is strong private sector interest in delivering new rail links to Heathrow Airport from the west and the south, consultants have told the Government.  The DfT appointed consultants Agilia and Nichols to hold market sounding exercises on both projects last summer. The western rail link is the more advanced of the two. The project involves building a four-mile line to connect Heathrow to Slough and Reading and beyond. From the west, the line would leave the Great Western Main Line bet

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Regular news Tue, 8 Jan 2019 14:13:00 GMT 59933
Heathrow consults on 25000 new flights https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/59932/heathrow-consults-on-25-000-new-flights Heathrow Airport Ltd (HAL) is consulting on a plan to introduce an extra 25,000 flights a year in advance of a third runway opening.  The proposal would require the lifting of the 480,000 annual cap on flights, which was imposed as a condition for the construction of Terminal 5. Over the last few years the total number of flights has been around 476,000 a year.  The consultation was being launched as LTT closed for press. John Stewart, chair of Hacan, which campaigns against noise fr

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Regular news Tue, 8 Jan 2019 14:10:00 GMT 59932
New duty for airports to work with councils https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/59931/new-duty-for-airports-to-work-with-councils The Government is to place a duty on airports to work with local authorities on the preparation of surface access strategies.  The proposal features in a new DfT air transport consultation paper, which also proposes that the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) should consider airport capacity in its future National Infrastructure Assessments (NIAs). Airports with more than 1,000 passenger air transport movements a year are currently expected to hold airport transport forums (ATFs) to

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Regular news Tue, 8 Jan 2019 14:06:00 GMT 59931
Vinci to buy majority stake in Gatwick https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/59930/vinci-to-buy-majority-stake-in-gatwick French airport operator Vinci Airports is to buy a majority 50.01 per cent stake in Gatwick Airport Ltd from Global Infrastructure Partners, which currently owns 100 per cent of the shares. Vinci said the purchase would cost approximately £2.9bn. Gatwick Airport Group had revenues of £764.2m in the year ending 31 March.

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In brief Tue, 8 Jan 2019 14:03:00 GMT 59930
Buses transport reforms traffic jam https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/59878/buses-transport-reforms-traffic-jam You wait ages for the Government to mis-spell ‘buses’ and then two examples come along at once. The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy’s recent announcement of a driverless bus trial between Edinburgh and Fife talks about “busses”, and “intra-urban busses” feature in a DfT press release about Preston’s transport plans. Perhaps the A-team of Government sub-editors is pre-occupied with the finer points of Brexit?  What&

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In Passing Tue, 8 Jan 2019 10:17:00 GMT 59878
Grayling accused of new ineptitude linked to Gatwick drone and ferry firm https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/59869/grayling-accused-of-new-ineptitude-linked-to-gatwick-drone-and-ferry-firm Diatribes concerning the alleged incompetence of transport secretary Chris Grayling have become a regular feature of media commentary on transport issues over the past year or so, largely due to his purported mismanagement of the country’s rail network. As 2018 drew to a close, however, the media was given not one but two new sticks to beat Grayling with – the drone-related incident that brought Gatwick Airport to a standstill for almost two days and Grayling’s decision to prep

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Media monitor Tue, 8 Jan 2019 09:23:00 GMT 59869
Martin is Luton Airports new CEO https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/59860/martin-is-luton-airport-s-new-ceo Alberto Martin has been appointed chief executive of London Luton Airport, following Nick Barton’s departure for an unspecified post. Martin was planning and investment director.

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People/people Tue, 8 Jan 2019 08:40:00 GMT 59860
PATROL will be sharing insights at Traffic Parking 2019 https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/59827/patrol-will-be-sharing-insights-at-traffic--parking-2019

PATROL (Parking and Traffic Regulations outside London) is pleased to once again partner with Landor LINKS and Parking Review magazine in the creation of the Traffic and Parking 2019 event, which takes place in Manchester on 22 January. The move to focus on both traffic and parking with this year's event reflects the increasing challenges facing local authorities and motorists in the traffic management landscape. PATROL was keen to be involved in the event to help guide and enrich the conferen

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Parking Policy Mon, 7 Jan 2019 14:10:00 GMT 59827
Tees Valley mayor strikes airport deal https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/59729/tees-valley-mayor-strikes-airport-deal Tees Valley Combined Authority mayor Ben Houchen has agreed in principle to buy Durham Tees Valley Airport from present owner Peel. The agreement would see the CA buy Peel's 89 per cent shareholding in the airport and 819 acres of land for £35m. A parcel of land with outline planning permission for 350 homes will also be purchased for £5m.Conservative mayor Houchen has committed to stopping the planned housing development.  The purchase must be approved by the CA, which compri

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Regular news Mon, 17 Dec 2018 11:09:00 GMT 59729
Heathrow expansion timetable could slip suggests CAA https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/59582/heathrow-expansion-timetable-could-slip-suggests-caa THE Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has expressed doubt about the timetable for delivering a third runway at Heathrow, noting that the planning process has already slipped six months.   The House of Commons passed the Airports National Policy Statement (NPS) in June, making Heathrow expansion, including a third runway, Government policy.  Heathrow Airport Ltd (HAL) is now preparing a development consent order (DCO) application, which, if approved by the Government, would allow the airp

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Regular news Fri, 23 Nov 2018 13:07:00 GMT 59582
Council approves Stansted expansion https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/59580/council-approves-stansted-expansion Uttlesford District Council has approved Stansted Airport’s planning application to grow to an annual throughput of 43 million passengers per annum, up from the present cap of 35 million. The airport handled 25.9 million passengers in 2017. The application split Uttlesford’s planning committee and was passed on the chairman’s casting vote. Campaign group Stop Stansted Expansion says James Brokenshire, the secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, is cons

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In brief Fri, 23 Nov 2018 13:01:00 GMT 59580
DfT plans Ramsgate port expansion https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/59579/dft-plans-ramsgate-port-expansion The DfT is reportedly drawing up plans to expand Ramsgate port in Kent amid fears that the Dover-Calais route could become disrupted as a result of Brexit. Back-up plans for increased freight traffic and truck parking at the nearby port of Sheerness are also apparently being studied. The Road Haulage Association’s chief executive, Richard Burnett, said: “This planning to upgrade Ramsgate port operations has come too late to be effective if there is a no-deal Brexit. The port needs dr

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In brief Fri, 23 Nov 2018 12:59:00 GMT 59579
Argyll bids for road air cash https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/59472/argyll-bids-for-road--air-cash Funding to help develop better road and air connections feature in Argyll & Bute Council’s proposed ‘rural growth deal’, which will be sent to the UK and Scottish governments.  The submission will ask for circa £90.5m for ‘connecting’ measures (transport, digital and business innovation) and £88m for other actions to support the area’s economy.  On road, the council wants £500,000 to pay for feasibility work and appraisals of

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Regular news Fri, 9 Nov 2018 12:28:00 GMT 59472
Mayor wants more trains to Redcar https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/59465/mayor-wants-more-trains-to-redcar Manchester Airport to Middlesbrough train services could be extended to Redcar and Saltburn under plans being developed by Tees Valley Combined Authority (led by Conservative mayor Ben Houchen), train operator TransPennine Express, and sub-national transport body Transport for the North. The change could occur in December 2019.

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In brief Fri, 9 Nov 2018 12:08:00 GMT 59465
Gatwick plans routine use of standby runway https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/59319/gatwick-plans-routine-use-of-standby-runway Gatwick Airport has announced plans to effectively add a second runway by converting an existing ‘standby’ runway to operational status once a planning agreement in place since 1979 comes to an end next year. As part of its latest draft master plan the airport says that it “could potentially bring our existing standby runway into routine use for departing flights, alongside the main runway, by the mid-2020s”. “This innovative development… would be delivered

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Lead Story Fri, 26 Oct 2018 13:24:00 GMT 59319
DfT study to assess data value of traffic regulation orders https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/59311/dft-study-to-assess-data-value-of-traffic-regulation-orders The Department for Transport (DfT) has commissioned the creation of an evidence base to unlock the value of Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) data.  The DfT wants to ensure that there is harmonisation and standardisation of TRO data, as well as a clear exchange of information. The study will be a collaboration undertaken in partnership with GeoPlace, Ordnance Survey and the British Parking Association (BPA). The TRO project follows recommendations from the North Highland Local Authority Tran

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Regular news Fri, 26 Oct 2018 12:42:00 GMT 59311
Ferry operator wants fewer cars on board https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/59297/ferry-operator-wants-fewer-cars-on-board Ferry operator CalMac believes there would be “huge benefits” if it were to persuade fewer tourists to take their cars on its vessels. CalMac is owned by the Scottish Government and operates most of the ferries between the west coast and the outlying islands. Information technology director Simon Hulme told a committee of the Scottish Parliament: “We hear from islander customers, and in representations from businesses and MSPs from the islands, that many of the challenges in r

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Regular news Fri, 26 Oct 2018 11:53:00 GMT 59297
Northern Mayors criticise 'systematic failures' and call for additional devolved powers https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/59278/northern-mayors-criticise-systematic-failures-and-call-for-additional-devolved-powers

Liverpool City Region's Mayor, Steve Rotheram, speaking at Smarter Travel LIVE!, last week, referred to the Office of Road and Rail’s report into a summer of rail chaos which found “systematic failures from government, Network Rail and the rail operators” leading to collapsed services and missed chances to avoid disruption. “Can you honestly imagine chaos on that scale being allowed to happen in London and the South East without major government intervention,” he as

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Lead Story Fri, 26 Oct 2018 09:47:00 GMT 59278
Times supports back door expansion of Gatwick Airport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/59274/times-supports-back-door-expansion-of-gatwick-airport

On 18 October an editorial in The Times waxed lyrical about plans to convert a second runway at Gatwick Airport, which is currently only used in emergencies, into full time operational use. “The plan is relatively cheap,” the paper said. “Half a billion pounds is not small change but, given that the benefit will be a significant upgrade to a prime driver of national prosperity, it would be money well spent. “The Government has urged all airports to make maximum use of th

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Media monitor Fri, 26 Oct 2018 09:15:00 GMT 59274
Guardian latest paper to castigate Failing Grayling https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/59273/guardian-latest-paper-to-castigate-failing-grayling-

On 11 October it was the turn of The Guardian’s Parliamentary sketch writer, John Crace, to become the latest in a lengthening line of critics to take aim at the allegedly hapless transport secretary, Chris Grayling. “She [Prime Minister Theresa May] appointed Grayling as transport secretary primarily on the grounds of damage limitation because transport was a relatively quiet beat and surely he couldn’t come to too much harm there?” Crace began. “But this has turne

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Media monitor Fri, 26 Oct 2018 09:08:00 GMT 59273
Five claims against Heathrow runway https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/59238/five-claims-against-heathrow-runway Plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport received a setback in early October when the High Court gave permission for five separate claims against the runway to proceed to a full judicial review. The cases will be heard in March next year and the court could rule the plans unlawful in their present form, which would almost certainly delay the project. Critics of the current plans for the expansion of Heathrow said that the High Court’s decision represented a  blow to the project as

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In brief Fri, 12 Oct 2018 12:28:00 GMT 59238
SNP presses for new aviation duty https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/59229/snp-presses-for-new-aviation-duty Scottish transport secretary Michael Matheson is calling on the UK Government to solve the “defective” devolution that has delayed the halving of Air Passenger Duty (APD). The Scottish Government intends to replace APD with an Air Departure Tax (ADT), which is 50% lower than APD, and to abolish ADT when finances permit. 

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In brief Fri, 12 Oct 2018 11:53:00 GMT 59229
October opening for airport relief road https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/59009/october-opening-for-airport-relief-road The A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road will open to traffic in early October. The six mile road connects Hazel Grove in the east with the airport in the west. Promoted by Stockport Council, it has been funded by the DfT. 

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In brief Fri, 14 Sep 2018 14:05:00 GMT 59009
Doncaster Airport rail hub vital says Jarvis https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/58987/doncaster-airport-rail-hub-vital-says-jarvis

Sheffield city region mayor Dan Jarvis has rejected criticism by the Greens of his support for a major new railway station at Doncaster Sheffield Airport. Sheffield Greens said there were more pressing local transport needs than building a line off the East Coast Main Line to serve the airport located south-east of Doncaster town.  The idea of a station features in the draft airport masterplan published for consultation earlier this year by airport owner Peel. It proposes safeguarding lan

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Regular news Fri, 14 Sep 2018 12:29:00 GMT 58987
More exports via Scots ports probed https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/58965/more-exports-via-scots-ports-probed A Scottish Government-funded study is to explore whether more of Scotland’s food and drink exports can be exported directly from Scotland without having to pass through English ports. Says the Government: “There are no guarantees that events similar to those of 2015 [when cross-Channel traffic through Kent was severely disrupted] will not occur again, [and] taken together with the uncertainty of how Brexit will impact our supply chains and administrative processes at key transportati

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In brief Fri, 14 Sep 2018 11:06:00 GMT 58965
Workplace parking levy could fund Hounslows rail connection https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/58736/workplace-parking-levy-could-fund-hounslow-s-rail-connection

The London Borough of Hounslow is preparing to consult on introducing a workplace parking levy (WPL), which could help pay for a new passenger rail service to connect the borough with Crossrail.   The west London borough envisages implementing a levy in a major employment area in the vicinity of the A4 Great Western Road in Brentford, broadly between Gillette Corner and Boston Manor Road.  The WPL zone would cover  sites within about 1km of the proposed new Brentford Golden Mile

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Regular news Mon, 20 Aug 2018 13:08:00 GMT 58736
DCO inquiry for Manston Airport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/58730/dco-inquiry-for-manston-airport A proposal to re-open Manston Airport in east Kent has been accepted for examination by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MoHCLG). RiverOak Strategic Partners Ltd has submitted a development consent order (DCO) application to upgrade and reopen the airport primarily as a cargo airport but with some passenger services. The Planning Inspectorate, acting on behalf of the MoHCLG, concluded that the application meets the required tests of the Planning Act 2008 to be accepted

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In brief Mon, 20 Aug 2018 12:30:00 GMT 58730
Legal challenge to Stansted growth https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/58729/legal-challenge-to-stansted-growth Campaign group Stop Stansted Expansion (SSE) has applied for a judicial review of the Government’s decision to allow Uttlesford District Council to determine the airport’s planning application to increase passenger throughput. The airport handled 25.9 million passengers in 2017, has permission for 35 million and the planning application would raise this to 43 million. SSE considers that the current airport expansion plans meet the legal definition of a Nationally Significant Infrastr

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In brief Mon, 20 Aug 2018 12:28:00 GMT 58729
FoE seeks review of Airports NPS https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/58728/foe-seeks-review-of-airports-nps Campaign group Friends of the Earth has applied for a judicial review of the Government’s Airports National Policy Statement, saying its support for a third runway at Heathrow Airport is unlawful because it fails to address the UK’s climate change obligations. Friends of the Earth has employed law firm Leigh Day to present the case. A separate case is being brought by a number of local authorities in the vicinity of Heathrow, Greenpeace and the mayor of London.

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In brief Mon, 20 Aug 2018 12:26:00 GMT 58728
Exploit potential of Thames Khan told https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/58727/exploit-potential-of-thames-khan-told The River Thames should play a bigger part in meeting the travel needs of Londoners, the London Assembly’s transport committee has told Sadiq Khan. In a letter to the mayor, transport committee chair Caroline Pidgeon calls for a river ambassador to promote the river for passenger transport. She also calls for action to reduce congestion around the central piers between Tower Bridge and Westminster. This could be achieved by upgrading and extending the piers, changing boat timetables, and g

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In brief Mon, 20 Aug 2018 12:24:00 GMT 58727
DfT recruits aviation expert panel https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/58608/dft-recruits-aviation-expert-panel The DfT is recruiting an expert panel to help develop an aviation strategy. The panel will act as a sounding board for technical, economic and scientific issues relating to aviation policy development;?advise on the quality, limitations and appropriate uses of research carried out by, or on behalf of, the Department; advise on where further work is needed to inform policy development; and provide research papers or presentations on areas of expertise. The contract runs to 30 September next year.

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In brief Fri, 3 Aug 2018 11:28:00 GMT 58608
Halton will not be refunding Mersey Gateway toll charges https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/58548/halton-will-not-be-refunding-mersey-gateway-toll-charges Halton Borough Council has said it will not refund toll fees paid by users of the new Mersey Gateway river crossing. A review hearing earlier this year upheld a Traffic Penalty Tribunal decision that five motorists were not liable to pay the toll or charge for using the road bridge, which opened in October 2017. The adjudicators had found that the council had not specified the sum of the charge in the Mersey Gateway Road Charging Order 2017.  The council remedied this situation by issuing

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Enforcement News Mon, 30 Jul 2018 16:09:00 GMT 58548
Brighton backs Heathrow growth https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/58425/brighton-backs-heathrow-growth “Now – and without delay – the bulldozers should be fired up and a start made on this already long-delayed project,” Arron Hendy, editor of Brighton-based local newspaper The Argus said on 8 July, referring to the proposed third runway at Heathrow Airport. “The Government should contemplate the likelihood that, if all the nay-sayers had been listened to, and if every discovery of a colony of rare beetles had been allowed to stand in the way of progress, there might

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Media monitor Fri, 20 Jul 2018 10:50:00 GMT 58425
Councils and mayor prepare new Heathrow legal challenge https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/58394/councils-and-mayor-prepare-new-heathrow-legal-challenge Opponents of Heathrow Airport expansion are preparing a legal challenge to the Government’s airports National Policy Statement (NPS), which was approved last week by a huge majority in the House of Commons. MPs voted by 415 to 119 to approve the NPS, making the provision of a Heathrow third runway and associated works Government policy.  Tory MPs were under orders to support the Government but eight voted against, including former cabinet ministers Justine Greening and Theresa Villi

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Regular news Fri, 6 Jul 2018 16:11:00 GMT 58394
Intra-Wales air service contract https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/58347/intra-wales-air-service-contract The Welsh Government is inviting expressions of interest from airlines for a four-year contract to operate the air service between Cardiff Airport and RAF Valley. The service comprises two daily flights each way, and has operated since 2007. 

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In brief Fri, 6 Jul 2018 13:07:00 GMT 58347
Environmental problems highlighted by media as MPs vote on Heathrow https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/58321/environmental-problems-highlighted-by-media-as-mps-vote-on-heathrow

After a period where the environmental impact of expanding Heathrow Airport seemed to barely get a mention in the press (Media Monitor, LTT 22 Jun), on the eve of the crucial Parliamentary vote on the plans for a third runway the environment suddenly returned to the top of the media’s agenda for some reason. Writing in The Independent on 24 June, the day before the vote, for example, Clive Lewis, Labour MP and shadow Treasury minister, said that: “Before we look at the social and eco

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Media monitor Fri, 6 Jul 2018 10:59:00 GMT 58321
Online service goes live for parking and bus lane penalty appeals in Scotland https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/58297/online-service-goes-live-for-parking-and-bus-lane-penalty-appeals-in-scotland

Motorists across Scotland can now appeal parking and bus lane penalties online using a new service introduced by the Parking and Bus Lane Tribunal. The body, which deals with appeals rejected by councils, launched its online platform this month.  The platform being used is a customised version of the Fast Online Appeals Management (FOAM) system developed by the Traffic Penalty Tribunal for England and Wales outside London. Motorists receiving a penalty in areas where parking is decrimina

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Enforcement News Thu, 5 Jul 2018 13:23:00 GMT 58297
MPs back third Heathrow runway https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/58240/mps-back-third-heathrow-runway

MPs have voted in favour of building a third runway at Heathrow by 415 votes to 119 – a majority of 296. The Conservative government had instructed its MPs to back the Airports National Policy Strategy (NPS) in the House of Commons vote last night. Labour’s official position was to oppose expansion, but its MPs were given a free vote. The SNP abstained. Construction on a third runway at Heathrow could start within three years. Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has formally designa

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Regular news Tue, 26 Jun 2018 14:48:00 GMT 58240
Airports bid for more rail services rejected https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/58198/airport-s-bid-for-more-rail-services-rejected The DfT has rejected a call from the owner of Luton Airport for more East Midlands trains to call at Luton Airport Parkway station.  The station is currently served by Thameslink trains and just one East Midlands Trains service an hour. The airport wanted the DfT to increase East Midlands train services to four an hour in the new franchise, which is due to commence in August 2019. This would give the airport a regular 21-minute journey time service to St Pancras, as well as improving acces

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Regular news Fri, 22 Jun 2018 11:44:00 GMT 58198
New study of Glasgow Airport access options https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/58190/new-study-of-glasgow-airport-access-options Further study work is getting underway to determine a preferred option for improving public transport access to Glasgow Airport. The Glasgow City region city deal allocated £144.3m to the airport access project, which was originally envisaged as being a rail link from the existing Glasgow Central-Paisley line. A strategic business case was prepared in 2015 and an outline business case in 2016.   Scottish transport minister Humza Yousaf ordered an audit of the project from consultant

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Regular news Fri, 22 Jun 2018 11:16:00 GMT 58190
Labour sets tests for Heathrow expansion https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/58189/labour-sets-tests-for-heathrow-expansion

Labour has announced its opposition to Heathrow Airport  expansion but will give its MPs a free vote next week on the Government’s Airports National Policy Statement (NPS), which backs a third runway.  Following a shadow cabinet meeting this week, Labour said the expansion failed the party’s four tests: • Is there robust and convincing evidence that the required increased aviation capacity will be delivered? • Can the expansion go hand-in-hand with efforts to r

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Regular news Fri, 22 Jun 2018 11:12:00 GMT 58189
Heathrow expansion welcomed by the North and Scottish political leaders https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/58178/heathrow-expansion-welcomed-by-the-north-and-scottish-political-leaders

In early June the news that a Parliamentary vote on the expansion of Heathrow Airport was imminent produced an entirely predictable rash of commentary pieces in the media. What was perhaps not so predictable, however, was the amount of analysis focusing on the effect of a third runway at Britain’s largest airport on the rest of the UK, i.e. areas of the country other than the South East of England where, of course, the runway will be located, should it ever be built. Writing in The Guardi

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Media monitor Fri, 22 Jun 2018 10:31:00 GMT 58178
Ameys Delvecchio named transport woman of the year https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/58121/amey-s-delvecchio-named-transport-woman-of-the-year

Anna Delveccio, who started her transport engineering career as a teenager, has received the top honour at the 2018 FTA everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards.  Launched 11 years ago, the awards programme celebrates women transforming transport and logistics in the UK. The winners included women working for transport organisations including Heathrow Airport, Royal Mail, Merseytravel and Transport for London.  The Woman of the Year Award was presented to Anna Delvecchio, Comme

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Regular news Mon, 18 Jun 2018 11:51:00 GMT 58121
Drones law to impose height and airport boundary limits https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/58046/drones-law-to-impose-height-and-airport-boundary-limits New legislation will be introduced next month to prohibit drones from flying above 400ft and within 1km of airport boundaries. The government is introducing height limits to help make sure drones are used safely as the sector grows. The changes will come into effect on 30 July 2018. Limits around airports are being tightened up with new restrictions to prevent drones from causing harm. Owners will have to register their drones and take online safety tests to improve accountability. This follo

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Regular news Tue, 5 Jun 2018 16:07:00 GMT 58046
Coventry City Council defends its Restricted Parking Zone https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/58035/coventry-city-council-defends-its-restricted-parking-zone Coventry City Council is standing by a city centre parking control scheme that was criticised by the chief adjudicator of the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (TPT). The tribunal upheld a group of appeals by drivers who said a lack of signs and double yellow lines within the city centre Restricted Parking Zone (RPZs) meant they did not realise parking restrictions applied. The adjudication noted that almost 60,000 penalty charge notices (PCNs) have been issued in the six years since the RPZ became ope

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Enforcement News Sat, 2 Jun 2018 15:15:00 GMT 58035
Tees Valley CA to subsidise flights https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/56935/tees-valley-ca-to-subsidise-flights Tees Valley Combined Authority is allocating £1m over three years to an air connectivity fund to support new flights to/from the struggling Durham Tees Valley Airport (LTT16 Mar). The combined authority says external legal advice has confirmed that the fund is state aid-compliant if passenger numbers at the airport are below 200,000 a year. In 2016 they were 132,369. “The operation of the air connectivity facility would need to be revised immediately on passenger numbers reaching 200

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In brief Fri, 25 May 2018 13:41:00 GMT 56935
Local authorities compete for annual parking report award https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/56870/local-authorities-compete-for-annual-parking-report-award

Eight local authorities have been named as finalists in PATROL’s annual search for the best local authority parking reports. Annual reports are used by councils undertaking civil parking enforcement to present their parking policies, parking information and details about performance to the general public.  PATROL (Parking and Traffic Regulation Outside London) is the body that represents local authorities across England and Wales that have adopted civil enforcement. As part of its

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Awards Tue, 22 May 2018 17:38:00 GMT 56870
TfL Rail takes over Heathrow Connect services https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/56865/tfl-rail-takes-over-heathrow-connect-services Transport for London (TfL) has assumed responsibility for managing the Heathrow Connect rail services between Paddington and Heathrow Terminals 2, 3 and 4.  TfL has also taken over the half-hourly Great Western Railway (GWR) services from Paddington, which terminates at Hayes & Harlington. These services will be operated as TfL Rail which, in turn, will become Elizabeth line services when it opens through central London in December.  Under TfL Rail, the current service frequency

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Regular news Tue, 22 May 2018 09:53:00 GMT 56865
Andrew Haines will be new Network Rail chief executive https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/56861/andrew-haines-will-be-new-network-rail-chief-executive

Network Rail has announced that Andrew Haines will be its new chief executive. He will take up his role in the early autumn following a period of handover with current chief executive Mark Carne. Haines will join Network Rail following completion of his current role as chief executive of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).  He was appointed as a board member and chief executive of the CAA in August 2009 and for a further five years in August 2012. Prior to this he had a wide-ranging caree

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Regular news Mon, 21 May 2018 17:07:00 GMT 56861
FTA everywoman in Transport Logistics 2018 awards finalists announced https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/56858/fta-everywoman-in-transport--logistics-2018-awards-finalists-announced

The 36 finalists in the 2018 FTA everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards have been announced. Now in its eleventh year, the awards programme celebrates the achievements of women in the UK’s transport and logistics industry.  This year’s finalists include women working for transport organisations including Heathrow Express, Merseytravel, Network Rail, Transport for London and West Midlands Trains. The UK transport and logistics industry employs around 2.4 million people.

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Regular news Mon, 21 May 2018 15:39:00 GMT 56858
Mersey Gateway needs to specify cost of toll in order rules traffic penalty adjudicator https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/56857/mersey-gateway-needs-to-specify-cost-of-toll-in-order-rules-traffic-penalty-adjudicator The order regulating the Mersey Gateway Bridge has been revised following a decision by the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (TPT), which hears appeals from drivers issued with penalties for non-payment of tolls. Charges for crossing the bridge are collected online or via phone rather than at traditional barrier-controlled booths. Earlier this year, a TPT adjudicator found that an appellant was not liable to pay the £2 charge for using the new Mersey Gateway Bridge. The appellant, ‘Ms C&rsq

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Enforcement News Mon, 21 May 2018 15:36:00 GMT 56857
Scotland adopts Traffic Penalty Tribunal's FOAM appeals system https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/56849/scotland-adopts-traffic-penalty-tribunal-s-foam-appeals-system Scottish councils undertaking civil parking and bus lane enforcement are to adopt the online appeal system developed by the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (TPT) for English and Welsh authorities outside London. This means Scottish motorists who feel they have been wrongly issued with penalty charge notices will be able to appeal via TPT’s award-winning FOAM (Fast Online Appeal Management) system. TPT and consumer tech experts Resolver will be working with the Parking and Bus Lanes Tribunal for

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Enforcement News Tue, 15 May 2018 15:36:00 GMT 56849
DfT assesses private sector interest in Heathrow rail links https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/56799/dft-assesses-private-sector-interest-in-heathrow-rail-links The DfT is gauging private sector interest in two new rail links to Heathrow Airport, from the west and the south.  The four-mile western rail link would  leave the Great Western main line (GWML) between Langley and Iver and run in tunnel to Heathrow Terminal 5, where it would join up with the existing railway from London. The DfT is proposing two works packages, one covering  a three-mile-long twin-bored tunnel, which could be delivered as a public-private partnership. The seco

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Regular news Fri, 11 May 2018 13:55:00 GMT 56799
Stockport to airport BRT route planned https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/56672/stockport-to-airport-brt-route-planned A bus rapid transit route between Stockport and Manchester Airport is one of the projects shortlisted in the forward fund stream of the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund competition (LTT29 Mar). The project is being developed by Stockport, Cheshire East, and Manchester councils, Manchester Airport Group, Transport for Greater Manchester and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. The Government will provide the councils with an initial (yet to be disclosed) sum to develop the pro

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In brief Fri, 27 Apr 2018 13:03:00 GMT 56672
NPR must extend beyond big cities https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/56666/npr-must-extend-beyond-big-cities- The Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) project must connect more places than just the North’s six major cities and Manchester Airport, says Cheshire East Council. “The nature of NPR needs to reflect the travel-to-work catchment areas of the main cities, such as the need for residents of Crewe and south Cheshire to travel by rail into central Manchester or Liverpool,” Richard Hibbert, Cheshire East’s interim head of transport, told councillors. “Our aspiration is that NP

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In brief Fri, 27 Apr 2018 12:40:00 GMT 56666
Construction starts on Lutons DART https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/56665/construction-starts-on-luton-s-dart Construction has begun of the £225m Luton DART (Direct Air-Rail Transit) system connecting London Luton Airport with Luton Airport Parkway railway station. The cable-driven automated people mover, due to open in spring 2021, will cover the 1.3-mile route in four minutes, and operate at four-minute frequencies in peak times. The civil works are being delivered by a VolkerFitzpatrick-Kier joint venture and the transport system is being supplied by Doppelmayr Cable Car UK Ltd. Luton Borough C

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In brief Fri, 27 Apr 2018 12:37:00 GMT 56665
Rival plans for Manston Airport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/56655/rival-plans-for-manston-airport

A plan to re-open Manston International Airport in Kent has been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate.  Manston, near Ramsgate on the Kent’s east coast, closed in 2014 but RiverOak Strategic Partners wants to re-open the facility, primarily for freight but also with passenger flights.  The company says the UK needs more air freight capacity. Heathrow currently handles the most freight (1.5 million tonnes in 2016), largely carried in the hold of passenger aircraft. East Midlan

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Regular news Fri, 27 Apr 2018 11:40:00 GMT 56655
Carlisle-London air service https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/56649/carlisle-london-air-service Regular passenger flights will commence in June between Carlisle Lake District Airport and  London Southend, Belfast and Dublin. The airport, located six miles east of Carlisle, is owned by Stobart Group. Flights will be provided by Scottish operator Loganair.

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In brief Fri, 27 Apr 2018 11:16:00 GMT 56649
Airport expansion will fuel unsustainable tourism https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/56638/airport-expansion-will-fuel-unsustainable-tourism

Sally Cairns and Carey Newson deserve support for their argument that there should be no third runway at Heathrow until the airlines have shown that they really can deliver on the cleaner and quieter planes that they claim to be possible, and until access to the airport does much less environmental damage than at present (Viewpoint LTT 30 Mar). However, there is one important environmental aspect of long-distance travel that the two authors do not mention. Even if the travel itself could be ren

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Letters to the editor Fri, 27 Apr 2018 10:02:00 GMT 56638
New targets aim to double use of biofuels in transport sector https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/56613/new-targets-aim-to-double-use-of-biofuels-in-transport-sector

New biofuel targets are designed to double the use of renewable fuels in the UK transport sector within the next 15 years, cutting the sector’s reliance on imported diesel fuel. Changes to the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) compel owners of transport fuel who supply at least 450,000 litres a year or more, to make sure that the mix between fuel types is at least 12.4% biofuel by 2032. Currently the industry, which supplies fuel to transport companies such as haulage firms and

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Regular news Tue, 17 Apr 2018 17:44:00 GMT 56613
DfT reviews airport surface access funding https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/56607/dft-reviews-airport-surface-access-funding

The DfT is reviewing funding arrangements for surface access improvements to airports, and asking who should own the roads and railways that serve airports – the  airports themselves, or local or national government.  The investigations are explained in a discussion document on aviation, which will be followed by an aviation Green Paper in the autumn and a new aviation strategy early in 2019. On funding surface access improvements, the DfT says:  “The aviation indust

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Regular news Fri, 13 Apr 2018 14:09:00 GMT 56607
Gatwick station upgrade progress https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/56584/gatwick-station-upgrade-progress A planning application to upgrade Gatwick Airport rail station has been submitted to Crawley Borough Council. The application proposes almost doubling the size of the concourse, new escalators, widening platforms 5 and 6, and a new roof. Network Rail says funding parties will make a final decision on the project in the autumn. A positive outcome would allow construction to begin in 2019, with completion in 2022. The project has been stalled because of a dispute over funding (LTT 07 Jul 17). In a

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In brief Fri, 13 Apr 2018 11:52:00 GMT 56584
Approving a third runway at Heathrow is the easy option But it would also be wrong https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/56508/approving-a-third-runway-at-heathrow-is-the-easy-option-but-it-would-also-be-wrong

Given how long the debate about Heathrow expansion has worn on, it may be tempting for politicians to think “let’s just get on with it”. There is a danger that the sheer weight of paper generated, the time spent debating the issue, and the dogged persistence of the airport’s operator, which has spent £30m promoting its cause

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Viewpoint Fri, 6 Apr 2018 10:04:00 GMT 56508
Lack of detail in Heathrow Airport expansion plans criticised by Times https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/56493/lack-of-detail-in-heathrow-airport-expansion-plans-criticised-by-times

Plans to expand Heathrow Airport came in for significant criticism on 21 March from a somewhat unexpected source – The Times’ chief business commentator, Alistair Osborne – due primarily to their vagueness. “MPs are always voting on things they don’t know much about,” he began, referring to a Parliamentary vote on a third runway at Heathrow due in a few months time. “But you would think that, by now, a few facts would have been established ahead of this

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Media monitor Tue, 3 Apr 2018 10:50:00 GMT 56493
Liverpool Airport goes for growth https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/56471/liverpool-airport-goes-for-growth Liverpool John Lennon Airport has published a strategic vision document to 2030, which also incorporates an airport masterplan to 2050. The airport currently handles about five million passengers a year and its owners want to increase this to 7.8 million by 2030.

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In brief Tue, 3 Apr 2018 10:20:00 GMT 56471
Clarify surface access plans for Heathrow 3rd runway MPs https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/56467/clarify-surface-access-plans-for-heathrow-3rd-runway--mps

MPs have called for more clarity on the costs and surface access plans associated with the Heathrow Airport third runway project. They have also warned about several aspects of the Government’s airports National Policy Statement that, if left unchanged, could make the NPS vulnerable to successful legal challenge. The draft airports NPSsets out the Government’s case for supporting a new northwest runway at Heathrow. The House of Commons will vote on the document this summer. If, as e

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Secondary stories Tue, 3 Apr 2018 10:14:00 GMT 56467
FirstGroup to run Heathrow Express https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/56451/firstgroup-to-run-heathrow-express FirstGroup’s Great Western Railway franchise is to run the Heathrow Express rail service from Paddington under a management contract from later this year. A new operating agreement announced this week will see Heathrow Airport Ltd retain responsibility for the marketing, ticket pricing and revenue of the service. The agreement guarantees the continuation of services until at least 2028. Heathrow Airport will continue to own the HEx service, and will be responsible for managing rail station

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In brief Tue, 3 Apr 2018 09:47:00 GMT 56451
Statutory status for NIC is not a priority says Graham https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/56414/statutory-status-for-nic-is-not-a-priority-says-graham The National Infrastructure Commission has rejected a suggestion it should become a statutory body. The Institute for Government (IfG) recently said that, as an executive agency of the Treasury, the NIC’s independence of Government could not be guaranteed (LTT 16 Feb). The think tank said the Government should make the Commission a statutory non-departmental public body (NDPB).  But NIC chief executive Phil Graham said the Commission’s charter guaranteed independence and statu

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Secondary stories Tue, 3 Apr 2018 08:52:00 GMT 56414
Private sector asked for rail investment ideas https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/56413/private-sector-asked-for-rail-investment-ideas The DfT has invited the private sector to promote enhancements to the rail network. The Department cites the private sector proposals to build a new southern rail link to Heathrow Airport (LTT 29 Sep 17), but suggests other opportunities exist. “A credible market-led proposal (MLP) could be where a design and build contractor, supported by an investor, proposes a new route which passes through a housing development site with planning permission. The investor could have an equity interest

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Secondary stories Tue, 3 Apr 2018 08:47:00 GMT 56413
Mayor and Peel continue talks about future of Tees Airport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/56357/mayor-and-peel-continue-talks-about-future-of-tees-airport The Tees Valley Combined Authority is exploring options for the ownership and operation of Durham Tees Valley Airport (DTVA), amid continuing uncertainty about its future.  Peel Airports became the majority shareholder in the airport in 2003 and now owns 89 per cent of the shares with the remaining 11 per cent owned by six councils (Durham and the five Tees Valley unitaries). The Combined Authority says a £7.5m investment by Peel helped grow passenger numbers  to 900,000 in 200

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Lead Story Fri, 16 Mar 2018 11:24:00 GMT 56357
Heathrow backtracking on car use pledge claims borough https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/56335/heathrow-backtracking-on-car-use-pledge-claims-borough

Heathrow Airport’s owners appear to be backtracking on a pledge that a third runway will see no more airport-related traffic on the roads than today, according to the London Borough of Hounslow.  Hounslow says the pledge is “barely mentioned” in the consultation documents concerning the third runway proposal published by Heathrow Airport Ltd in January (LTT19 Jan). “We are concerned that the much-heralded pledge to ensure that expansion does not lead to any more ai

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Secondary stories Fri, 16 Mar 2018 10:37:00 GMT 56335
Port links post-Brexit emphasised https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/56267/port-links-post-brexit-emphasised The impact of Brexit on the UK’s transport network, and what should be done to the network to make it fit for purpose once we have left the European Union, received a relatively rare mention in the City AM newspaper on 16 February. Here, David Dingle, the chairman of Maritime UK (a shipping industry coalition), observed that: “If trade is to thrive in post-Brexit Britain, we need better domestic connectivity and infrastructure to make ‘Global Britain’ a reality. “B

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Media monitor Mon, 5 Mar 2018 12:28:00 GMT 56267
Gatwick offers peer-to-peer car club https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/56253/gatwick-offers-peer-to-peer-car-club London Gatwick Airport is to host a peer-to-peer car club, enabling travellers to rent their cars out instead of leaving them incurring airport parking charges. The service, provided by Car & Away, will see owners of small vehicles earn up to £80 per week in rental income, and owners of larger cars up to twice that amount. Car & Away ensures vehicles are insured, cleaned and meet RAC-approved vehicle roadworthiness checks. 

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News Mon, 5 Mar 2018 11:27:00 GMT 56253
Intra-Wales air service to continue https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/56235/intra-wales-air-service-to-continue The weekday air service between Cardiff Airport and RAF Valley, Anglesey, should be retained, according to a review for the Welsh Government by consultants RPS and Northpoint. The service receives Welsh Government funds under a Public Service Obligation (PSO) arrangement. The review concludes that journey time savings to business passengers generates Gross Value Added (GVA) “that broadly matches the amount of subsidy being invested”. The most recent statistics available show that Ang

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In brief Mon, 5 Mar 2018 10:51:00 GMT 56235
Silvertown tunnel air quality ok says TfL https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/56190/silvertown-tunnel-air-quality-ok-says-tfl The Silvertown Tunnel under the Thames in east London will not undermine the UK Government’s efforts to comply with EUair quality limits, says Transport for London.  The Government is currently considering TfL’s Development Consent Order application for the tunnel and, last November, asked for further analysis to see if the project put at risk Greater London’s plan to comply with the EU Air Quality Directive. The analysis was to make use of new emission factors published

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Secondary stories Mon, 5 Mar 2018 09:32:00 GMT 56190
Stansted Airport applies to raise passenger volume cap https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/56174/stansted-airport-applies-to-raise-passenger-volume-cap Stansted Airport’s owners have applied for planning permission to increase the cap on passenger numbers from 35 million a year to 43 million.  Airport owner the Manchester Airports Group (MAG) says passenger numbers have grown by nearly ten million in the last five years to 26 million passengers per annum (mppa) and it expects numbers to reach the current 35mppa cap in the early 2020s.  MAG says it is committed to remain within current approved limits for aircraft noise and fli

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Secondary stories Mon, 5 Mar 2018 08:50:00 GMT 56174
Oban to Central Belt air service? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/56086/oban-to-central-belt-air-service- Argyll and Bute Council is commissioning a feasibility study into a direct air link between Oban, on Scotland’s west coast, and central Scotland. Council-owned Oban Airport, located five miles north-east of the town, currently provides flights to the islands of Colonsay, Islay, Coll and Tiree.

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In brief Fri, 16 Feb 2018 13:15:00 GMT 56086
Extend Elizabeth Line to Southend https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/56085/-extend-elizabeth-line-to-southend- The owners of London Southend Airport have called on the Government to extend the Elizabeth Line to Southend. Glyn Jones, chief executive officer of airport owner Stobart Aviation, said the airport could grow patronage from one million to ten million a year with better surface access. “We ideally need a non-stop rail connection to at least Stratford in east London,” he said, adding: “Here’s a thought for parliamentarians – how about extending the new Elizabeth line

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In brief Fri, 16 Feb 2018 13:14:00 GMT 56085
Back to the future flying cars come round again https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/56019/back-to-the-future-flying-cars-come-round-again

Increasing traffic congestion across mega cities and large urban centres, coupled with the resulting loss to the economy, is driving the need for more efficient modes of urban transportation. Flying cars are being explored as an alternative form of future mobility, making use of the underutilised domestic airspace.  Flying cars are set to disrupt the personal mobility space of the future with at least ten early entrants expected to launch various versions of flying cars by 2022. OEMs and o

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Lead Story Mon, 12 Feb 2018 15:36:00 GMT 56019
6m bill for unused Manston lorry park https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/55951/-6m-bill-for-unused-manston-lorry-park The Government has spent nearly £6m over the last two-and-a-half years renting Kent’s Manston Airport as an emergency lorry park, although it has yet to be used for that purpose. The DfT paid the airport’s owner £5,742,011.73 from August 2015 to 15 December 2017, according to information released following a Freedom of Information request. The Government’s plan is to use Manston when cross-Channel traffic is disrupted, something that happened frequently in the summe

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In brief Fri, 2 Feb 2018 10:56:00 GMT 55951
Celebrating the achievements of women in transport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/55831/celebrating-the-achievements-of-women-in-transport

The achievements of women working in the transport and logistics centre will be recognised by the FTA everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards. Currently in its eleventh year, the awards are designed to showcase the role women play in the future of transport and logistics. Maxine Benson

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Regular news Mon, 22 Jan 2018 16:18:00 GMT 55831
Austrians win Luton transit contract https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/55816/austrians-win-luton-transit-contract An Austrian cable car company has won the contract to design a people mover system connecting Luton Airport Parkway railway station and London Luton Airport.  London Luton Airport Ltd has awarded a £55m design, construct, operate and maintain contract for the 2.1km system to of Wolfurt, Austria.  A separate £119m contract for the design and built civils works has been awarded to VolkerFitzpatrick-Kier. Neither Luton Borough Council, which owns the airport, nor the airpor

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News Fri, 19 Jan 2018 10:10:00 GMT 55816
Heathrow plans M25 diversion and studies road user charges https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/55771/heathrow-plans-m25-diversion-and-studies-road-user-charges

Heathrow Airport Ltd is exploring options for road user charges as part of plans to limit road traffic and air pollution if a third runway is given the green light.      The options are outlined in  the informal consultation into the airport’s expansion that was launched this week.  The consultation is being run in advance of the formal consultation that HAL must hold before submitting a development consent order  (DCO) application to the Planning Inspectora

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Secondary stories Fri, 19 Jan 2018 09:02:00 GMT 55771
Heathrow proposes new charge on trains https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/55703/heathrow-proposes-new-charge-on-trains

Heathrow Airport Ltd (HAL) wants to recover up to £5.8m a year from Transport for London and Heathrow Express for running trains over the airport’s rail link. The Office of Rail and Road is consulting on the proposed charge for trains using HAL’s  8.6km rail link between the airport and the Great Western Main Line at Airport Junction.  HAL’s application envisages a charge for ten years commencing on 1 January 2019. It would apply to both TfL’s new Elizab

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News Fri, 5 Jan 2018 12:06:00 GMT 55703
Luton Airport goes for growth https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/55678/luton-airport-goes-for-growth London Luton Airport Ltd wants to more than double passenger numbers by 2050. The airport, owned by Luton Borough Council, currently handles 16 million passengers and has a cap of 18 million. But the airport’s new growth plan sets the ambition to expand passenger numbers to 36-38 million in 2050 by making full use of the existing runway. David Williams, Hertfordshire County Council’s leader, has voiced concern about the airport’s ambition. “How can that level of growth po

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In brief Fri, 5 Jan 2018 11:26:00 GMT 55678
Heathrow cuts 25bn from third runway plan as consultation looms https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/55675/heathrow-cuts-2-5bn-from-third-runway-plan-as-consultation-looms Heathrow Airport LTD (HAL) will launch a preliminary consultation later this month on its plans for a third runway and associated works, including how the M25 will be reconfigured.  The ten-week consultation on the expansion plans, and the design principles for airspace around the airport, will commence on 17 January.  HAL says it has cut the estimated cost of expansion by £2.5bn to £14bn. Savings will be delivered by: • Repositioning new buildings over existing pub

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Regular news Fri, 5 Jan 2018 11:22:00 GMT 55675
Southampton tackles poor air quality and physical inactivity https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/55564/southampton-tackles-poor-air-quality-and-physical-inactivity

Poor air quality and physical inactivity are the public health issues of our time. In political circles, we hear plenty of strategic posturing: the new £220m Clean Air Fund has been announced, although details are not yet forthcoming. Integrated transport and spatial planning is back on the agenda, this time to improve health, rather then economic, outcomes. In reality, a combination of appropriate measures is needed to get more people moving, and to do so in clearer air. Plans for air qu

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Lead Story Tue, 19 Dec 2017 13:23:00 GMT 55564
Start spreading the news https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/55549/start-spreading-the-news

We are passionate about parking annual reports at Brighton & Hove City Council. We have been producing them since 2008 and were fortunate enough to win the very first PATROL PARC Award, and have been shortlisted for the past eight years, winning the last two awards. Annual reports are an excellent way to communicate key facts about your parking team’s performance and priorities to stakeholders. Annual reports also let you explain how parking services fit into wider traffic management,

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Viewpoint Mon, 11 Dec 2017 14:49:00 GMT 55549
Fast online appeals management is here and it works https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/55548/fast-online-appeals-management-is-here--and-it-works

Historically, the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (TPT) offered telephone hearings, personal hearings and postal cases. Motorists can now appeal through the tribunal’s website thanks to the development of FOAM (Fast Online Appeal Management).  Rather than filling out a paper form, as they used to, motorists can now create an account online and raise an appeal. FOAM is a transparent process so the appellant can follow the process right the way through, resulting in a better understanding of t

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Technology Mon, 11 Dec 2017 14:41:00 GMT 55548
P is for PATROL parking and partnership https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/55547/p-is-for-patrol-parking-and-partnership

Parking and Traffic Regulation Outside London (PATROL) has 310 member local authorities from across England and Wales. The towns, cities and counties that PATROL represents are very diverse. By enabling local authorities to work in partnership, PATROL offers substantial economies of scale, which allow it to invest in things that maybe would be prohibitive for a single authority. One example of that is the shared investment in our digital appeal platform FOAM (Fast Online Appeal Management) which

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Partnership Working Mon, 11 Dec 2017 14:36:00 GMT 55547
PATROL Preparing for tomorrows parking world https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/55546/patrol-preparing-for-tomorrow-s-parking-world

The principal objective of PATROL (Parking and Traffic Regulation Outside London) is to provide independent adjudication to its member authorities for parking and traffic appeals in England and Wales excluding the London authorities. This is delivered through the Traffic Penalty Tribunal.   With 310 members, PATROL ranks as one of the largest Joint Committees across England and Wales because of the devolved nature of traffic regulations. PATROL has used its economies of scale to invest in

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Case Studies Mon, 11 Dec 2017 14:29:00 GMT 55546
Lets look to the future https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/55545/let-s-look-to-the-future

When I was interviewed in 1992 to be the very first parking adjudicator for the new decriminalised enforcement scheme in London, I said that my first objective was to have the best tribunal in the country, and my second was to have no work.  I think the Traffic Penalty Tribunal is now perhaps the most advanced tribunal in the country, something the Courts & Tribunals Service agree with, especially regarding our technology. But we are still busy. When I said I hoped there would be no wor

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Cover Story Mon, 11 Dec 2017 14:09:00 GMT 55545
Past performance is no guide to future performance in air passenger forecasting https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/55374/past-performance-is-no-guide-to-future-performance-in-air-passenger-forecasting

The Department for Transport recently issued updated forecasts of demand for air travel, to support a revised draft Airports National Policy Statement (LTT 10 Nov). However, these forecasts may overstate future demand by disregarding evidence of emerging market maturity. The new forecasts recognise the significance of market maturity – the slowing and eventual cessation of demand growth over time, a common feature of all markets for goods and services. The forecasts assume reductions in i

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Viewpoint Fri, 24 Nov 2017 11:33:00 GMT 55374
Arup settles Oz toll road lawsuit https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/55368/arup-settles-oz-toll-road-lawsuit Consultant Arup has settled a lawsuit brought about following the collapse of a company set up to finance, build and operate a toll road in Brisbane, Australia. The Airport Link road company went into receivership in early 2013, seven months after the road opened. Traffic levels were reportedly two-thirds lower than Arup’s forecast. The case was settled for an undisclosed sum. 

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News Fri, 24 Nov 2017 11:19:00 GMT 55368
Budget Chancellor commits to investment in rail regions electric vehicles and air quality https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/55293/budget-chancellor-commits-to-investment-in-rail-regions-electric-vehicles-and-air-quality Chancellor Phillip Hammond made investment in both transport infrastructure and in new vehicle technologies key planks of his second Budget of the year. He also flagged up a desire to reduce the cost of travel as a part of household expenditure. There will be increased spending on rail links and rolling stock across the UK beyond London, with an emphasis being placed on supporting improvements to connectivity in the regions. In particular, Combined Authorities who have elected mayors have attra

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Regular news Wed, 22 Nov 2017 16:05:00 GMT 55293
Lets build smart sustainable human cities https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/55285/let-s-build-smart-sustainable-human-cities

Idealised visions of ‘The City of the Future’ are often presented as a symbol of progress. Whilst specific visions differ, the common element is the notion that in the future, the world’s most concentrated populations will occupy city environments where a digital blanket of sensors, devices and cloud-connected data are brought together to enhance the living experience for all. Smart concepts encompass key elements of what enable effective city ecosystems – from traffic c

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Viewpoint Mon, 20 Nov 2017 12:38:00 GMT 55285
Devolving APD no threat to Bristol https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/55202/-devolving-apd-no-threat-to-bristol Devolving Air Passenger Duty (APD) to Wales would pose little threat to Bristol Airport, the Welsh Government has claimed.  The UK Government rejected the advice of an official commission on Welsh devolution in 2012 that APD should be devolved in Wales, as in Scotland.  Last week Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones renewed his calls for APD devolution as his Government released a report  commissioned from aviation and tourism consultant Northpoint.  The Welsh Government said

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Secondary stories Fri, 10 Nov 2017 09:59:00 GMT 55202
More Crossrail trains to Heathrow? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/55161/more-crossrail-trains-to-heathrow- The DfT is exploring increasing the frequency of Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) trains serving Heathrow Airport from the planned four an hour to eight. Says the DfT’s new Updated appraisal report on airport capacity in the South East: “As part of the implementation of the Elizabeth Line project, options for increases in service levels from the originally planned four trains per hour to six or possibly eight trains per hour, and for the rail services to call at Terminal 5 are being develo

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In brief Fri, 10 Nov 2017 09:16:00 GMT 55161
Airport forecasts cement the case for Heathrow says DfT https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/55165/airport-forecasts-cement-the-case-for-heathrow-says-dft

Anyone who responded to the consultation earlier this year on the Government’s draft airports national policy statement (NPS) may well feel they have better things to do with their time than respond to the revised draft NPS that has now been published for a fresh consultation. The new document reflects revised air passenger forecasts and is accompanied by a new appraisal of the Airports Commission’s three shortlisted options for expanding airport capacity in the South East, and a rev

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Regular feature Fri, 10 Nov 2017 09:15:00 GMT 55165
Heathrow-Edinburgh demand drops 15% https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/55160/heathrow-edinburgh-demand-s-15- Demand on the UK’s busiest domestic airline route has fallen by about 15% in five years, according to the DfT. Passenger numbers between Heathrow and Edinburgh were 1.3 million in 2011, with nearly half of passengers transferring to/from another flight at Heathrow. Passenger numbers between the capital cities in 2016 were under 1.1 million, though it remained the UK’s busiest domestic aviation route. 

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In brief Fri, 10 Nov 2017 09:14:00 GMT 55160
Transport Committee to examine Airports National Policy Statement https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/55122/transport-committee-to-examine-airports-national-policy-statement The Transport Committee is to carry out an inquiry into the revised proposal for an Airports National Policy Statement (NPS) tabled by the Government on 24 October. The final report from the Airports Commission, published in July 2015 concluded that the proposal for a northwest runway at Heathrow Airport provided the best option for runway expansion in South East England. In October 2016, the government announced that the runway was its preferred scheme. The plans have been included in the dra

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Regular news Sun, 5 Nov 2017 08:35:00 GMT 55122
Telegraph backs green growth plan despite lack of aviation targets https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/55073/telegraph-backs-green-growth-plan-despite-lack-of-aviation-targets The publication of the Government’s Clean Growth Strategy drew a strongly-worded response from the Aviation Environment Federation, despite being more or less completely ignored by the mainstream media. One notable exception to this general lack of interest was The Daily Telegraph, which, on 12 October, commented approvingly that: “The Government finally switches on to a clean growth strategy. “In a 164-page document crammed with 50 low-carbon policies and plans, the Governmen

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Media monitor Fri, 27 Oct 2017 10:51:00 GMT 55073
New policy on airports from DfT https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/55035/new-policy-on-airports-from-dft A revised draft Airports National Policy Statement covering future UK Airspace policy and Heathrow Airport’s expansion has been published by the DfT. Transport secretary Chris Grayling said the government is on track to publish final proposals for expansion at Heathrow in the first half of 2018 for a vote in Parliament. The public have until 19 December to consider and respond to new evidence. The draft states that the key benefits of a new Heathrow runway include a £74bn benefit t

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Regular news Fri, 27 Oct 2017 09:32:00 GMT 55035
Consultation on revised national airport strategy launched https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/55101/consultation-on-revised-national-airport-strategy-launched Transport secretary Chris Grayling has launched a consultation on the revised draft Airports National Policy Statement and government response to the airspace consultation. Grayling said the government was “on track” to publish final proposals for expansion at Heathrow in th

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Regular news Wed, 25 Oct 2017 06:57:00 GMT 55101
Heathrow expansion leads press coverage of party conferences https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/54957/heathrow-expansion-leads-press-coverage-of-party-conferences Transport Secretary Chris Grayling’s speech to the Conservative Party’s annual conference on 2 October attracted little media coverage, apart from his assertion that the construction of a third runway at Heathrow Airport would be given the go-ahead by government “within MONTHS”, as The Daily Express put it. “Theresa May backed a £17bn expansion of the London airport last October, but it is still consulting on the impact on air quality and overall aviation dema

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Media monitor Fri, 13 Oct 2017 11:21:00 GMT 54957
Grayling doubles down on Northern Powerhouse plan with more for roads https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/54860/grayling-doubles-down-on-northern-powerhouse-plan-with-more-for-roads Transport secretary Chris Grayling used his speech to the Conservative party conference to say it is full steam ahead on the Northern Powerhouse, announcing £100m for local roads and reaffirming that every train in the North will be replaced or refurbished by 2020. Grayling said that details of the local roads schemes to get the funding go-ahead in order to reduce congestion will be announced in due course, as he ridiculed Labour for "cancelling and delaying as many road programmes as the

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Regular news Tue, 3 Oct 2017 08:51:00 GMT 54860
SW councils halt APD devolution https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/54844/sw-councils-halt-apd-devolution- Lobbying from South West England has sidelined a Government commission’s recommendation to devolve Air Passenger Duty to the National Assembly for Wales, the chief executive of Cardiff Airport has claimed. In 2012 the Commission on Devolution in Wales, established by the UK Government, recommended that APD for long-haul flights be devolved to the Welsh Government. Deb Barber reminded the Assembly that APD had already been devolved to the Scottish and Northern Irish administrations but said

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In brief Fri, 29 Sep 2017 10:58:00 GMT 54844
Rival visions championed for Heathrow southern rail access https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/54827/rival-visions-championed-for-heathrow-southern-rail-access

Rival plans are taking shape for a southern rail link to Heathrow Airport.  New company Heathrow Southern Railway Ltd (HSRL) is proposing building eight miles of new railway parallelling the M25 (see map).  A connection to the Windsor to Staines line would allow direct trains between Heathrow and London Waterloo.  A connection to the Virginia Water to Weybridge line at Chertsey would provide for direct services to Woking and further afield, potentially allowing  through tr

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Secondary stories Fri, 29 Sep 2017 10:28:00 GMT 54827
Ministers should ignore Luton Airports selfish rail plans https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/54816/ministers-should-ignore-luton-airport-s-selfish-rail-plans As a resident of the East Midlands, I would strongly resist Luton Airport’s proposal that (in effect) most inter-city trains to/from the East Midlands should stop at Luton Airport Parkway (‘Give us better high-speed rail access, Luton Airport urges DfT’ LTT 15 Sep).  We in the East Midlands have lost for the foreseeable future the prospect of fast electric trains to London. The only way to speed up our journeys to London is to eliminate stops south of Leicester, not to add

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Letters to the editor Fri, 29 Sep 2017 10:17:00 GMT 54816
Council buys airport from Balfour Beatty https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/54657/council-buys-airport-from-balfour-beatty Infrastructure group Balfour Beatty has sold its 95% share in Blackpool Airport to Blackpool Airport for £4.25m. Balfour Beatty said the sale simplified its portfolio.

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In brief Fri, 15 Sep 2017 09:46:00 GMT 54657
New consultation on airports policy https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/54629/new-consultation-on-airports-policy Transport secretary Chris Grayling has announced a new round of consultation on aspects of the Government’s draft Airports National Policy Statement, which makes the case for a third runway at Heathrow. Consultation on the draft NPS took place between February and May but did not encompass revised air passenger demand forecasts or the Government’s final air quality plan. Said Grayling: “It was intended these documents would be presented for consideration during the initial cons

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In brief Fri, 15 Sep 2017 09:13:00 GMT 54629
Give us better high-speed rail access Luton Airport urges DfT https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/54623/give-us-better-high-speed-rail-access-luton-airport-urges-dft

London Luton Airport is pressing the DfT to rethink its plans for the next East Midlands rail franchise and authorise four trains an hour to serve the airport station. Luton Airport Parkway is served by frequent Thameslink services and by one East Midlands Trains service an hour. Passengers then interchange onto a bus for the short journey to the airport terminal.  The airport has the lowest mode share of any of London’s major airports. Research for the airport by North Star Consult

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Regular news Fri, 15 Sep 2017 09:05:00 GMT 54623
TfN studies trans-Pennine corridor https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/54621/tfn-studies-trans-pennine-corridor Transport for the North is procuring a Central Pennines Corridor study of ways to improve road, rail (and waterborne) transport links within an area encompassing Lancashire through to West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, East Riding and Hull. The study is due to report next summer.

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In brief Fri, 15 Sep 2017 09:02:00 GMT 54621
Further consultation to take place on Airport National Policy Statement https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/54560/further-consultation-to-take-place-on-airport-national-policy-statement The government’s national policy for airports won’t be presented to the House of Commons until next year as a further round of public consultation will have to take place, the transport secretary Chris Grayling has announced. Grayling has made the decision to conduct a “short period” of further consultation on the draft Airports National Policy Statement  following receipt of a report on the initial consultation undertaken by Sir Jer

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Regular news Thu, 7 Sep 2017 14:23:00 GMT 54560
Renewed doubts on Heathrow expansion https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/54518/renewed-doubts-on-heathrow-expansion Fresh doubt surrounds the construction of a third runway at Heathrow after a report that Labour may oppose the airport’s expansion. A parliamentary vote on the National Policy Statement for airports, which sets out the Government’s support for a third runway at Heathrow, is expected next spring.  June’s General Election has left the Conservatives relying on Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party for a majority. But, with a number of Conservative MPs opposed t

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Secondary stories Fri, 1 Sep 2017 09:39:00 GMT 54518
Heathrow policy chief joins Bristol Airport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/54465/heathrow-policy-chief-joins-bristol-airport Simon Earles has left his position as planning and policy director at Heathrow Airport to become planning and sustainability director at Bristol Airport. 

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People/people Fri, 1 Sep 2017 08:52:00 GMT 54465
Planes fuelled by waste could take off from British airports https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/54449/planes-fuelled-by-waste-could-take-off-from-british-airports

The government is offering funding for projects in the UK to develop low carbon waste-based fuels for planes and lorries as part of plans to promote clean alternative fuels. The Department for Transport (DfT) predicts planes and lorries powered by waste fuels could use up to 90% less carbon than traditional fossil fuels. The £22m fund is being made available to projects that will produce low carbon waste-based fuels, to be used in planes and lorries where it is not viable today

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Regular news Tue, 29 Aug 2017 12:37:00 GMT 54449
Now Uber for the sky as Airbus sets sights high with new innovation centre in China https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/54446/now-uber-for-the-sky-as-airbus-sets-sights-high-with-new-innovation-centre-in-china

Airbus is starting a new innovation centre in China for its new 'urban air mobility' concept, a pilotless, Uber-like service for air travel and 'last-mile' drone delivery that aims to challenge the automotive sector, it has been reported. Headed by Luo Gang, who established Uber China, as its CEO, Airbus China, and will set his sights on providing an alternative to both road freight and road travel in congested cities, noting the Voom on-demand helicopter service that has already been tested in

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Regular news Fri, 25 Aug 2017 00:04:00 GMT 54446
Air passenger demand to double predicts DfT https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/54259/air-passenger-demand-to-double-predicts-dft

Demand for air travel in the UK will almost double over the next 30 years, according to a new forecast prepared by the DfT.  The prediction appears in the DfT’s consultation document, Beyond the horizon – the future is UK aviation, which will inform a new aviation strategy to be published by the end of 2018.  The DfT says strong air passenger growth has returned following the economic downturn between 2007 and 2009. The number of passengers flying to/from UK airports sin

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Regular news Fri, 4 Aug 2017 10:37:00 GMT 54259
Alarm sounded over almost permanent parking of lorries on M20 and delay over lorry park https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/54190/alarm-sounded-over-almost-permanent-parking-of-lorries-on-m20-and-delay-over-lorry-park Delays at ports caused by extensive customs checks could lead to the almost-permanent introduction of Operation Stack to park lorries on the M20 if trade is not "frictionless," according to a report by economic consultancy Oxera. The congestion caused by implementing Operation Stack repeatedly over just four days in 2015 cost an estimated £1bn according to a report by Conservative MPs, Oxera noted, as it flagged up the risks of the Government not achieving the "as frictionless as possible

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Regular news Sun, 30 Jul 2017 11:12:00 GMT 54190
Heathrow growth and Wolfson prize reinvigorate road pricing debate https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/54162/heathrow-growth-and-wolfson-prize-reinvigorate-road-pricing-debate

The subject of road pricing made a return to the pages of the mainstream media this month, initially due to reports that a congestion charge around Heathrow Airport is being mooted to enable the facility to meet air quality targets. On 7 July London’s Evening Standard said that: “A new ‘H-charge’ on motorists to tackle toxic air around Heathrow was today backed by two of Britain’s leading airport experts. Sir Howard Davies, who chaired Britain’s Airports Comm

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Media monitor Fri, 21 Jul 2017 10:44:00 GMT 54162
Delay for Airports NPS https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/54107/delay-for-airports-nps The Government has delayed the laying before Parliament of the National Policy Statement on Airports, which, is likely to support a third runway at Heathrow, until the first half of 2018.

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In brief Fri, 21 Jul 2017 09:31:00 GMT 54107
Postponed difficult transport decisions critically overdue says new Commons transport committee chair https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/54044/postponed-difficult-transport-decisions-critically-overdue--says-new-commons-transport-committee-chair The newly-elected chair of the Commons transport select committee Lilian Greenwood has said that a decision on runway expansion is "critically overdue" while HS3 "must make the transition from a drawing room blueprint". The Nottingham South MP and former shadow transport secretary claimed in an article in The New Statesman and City Metric that "difficult but necessary decisions have been postponed for two elections," and said that while the Parliamentary arithmetic "remains so fragile...al

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Regular news Sat, 15 Jul 2017 10:10:00 GMT 54044
Brighton Hove City Council wins Best Report Award https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/54011/brighton--hove-city-council-wins-best-report-award

Brighton & Hove City Council was named as the winner of the Best Report at the PATROL Parking Annual Reports by Councils (PARC) Awards, which were presented at the Houses of Parliament last month. The Best Concise Report Award was presented to South Lakeland Borough Council, while Chichester, Devon and Durham were recognised for best practice. The PARC Awards were created by PATROL (Parking and Traffic Regulations Outside London), which represents 309 local authorities in England and Wales

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Awards Wed, 12 Jul 2017 15:37:00 GMT 54011
Passenger growth at Gatwick https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/54004/passenger-growth-at-gatwick Passenger numbers through Gatwick Airport rose by 3.2 million (7.7%) to 44.1 million in 2016/17, according to the airport’s owner. Airport revenue was also up 7.7.% to £725m, and profit before tax was £131.8m.

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In brief Fri, 7 Jul 2017 11:19:00 GMT 54004
TfL earmarks cash for tram and bridge https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/53996/tfl-earmarks-cash-for-tram-and-bridge Transport for London is allocating £70m of its Growth Fund to the extension of tramlink to Sutton and £30m to the Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf pedestrian and cycle bridge over the Thames. The Growth Fund is used for projects that help unlock land for new housing and other development. TfL has already allocated £55m from the fund to 15 projects, including the Barking Riverside rail extension, Woolwich Crossrail station, and Vauxhall Cross remodelling, but has £200m more ava

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In brief Fri, 7 Jul 2017 11:08:00 GMT 53996
Intra-Wales air route to be retained https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/53970/intra-wales-air-route-to-be-retained The Welsh Government is to begin procurement of a long-term operator for the weekday flights it subsidises between Anglesey and Cardiff Airport.  The service is currently operated by Eastern Airways under an emergency arrangement brought in after the previous operator went into liquidation in March.  First Minister Carwyn Jones said this week that, following a review, the decision had been made to continue the service. “The review found that, while the service has faced difficu

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Regular news Fri, 7 Jul 2017 10:17:00 GMT 53970
Heathrow rail access agreement https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/53969/heathrow-rail-access-agreement Heathrow Airport Ltd, TfL and the DfT have reached agreement on Elizabeth line services to serve Heathrow Airport.  From December 2019, six Elizabeth line trains an hour will serve Heathrow, with four trains serving terminals 2, 3 and 4, and two serving terminals 2, 3, and 5.  Four Heathrow Express trains an hour will continue operating  to the airport from Paddington,  serving terminals 2, 3, and 5.  In addition, Heathrow will be served by 12 Piccadilly line trains p

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Regular news Fri, 7 Jul 2017 10:16:00 GMT 53969
Heathrows surface access targets implausible councils https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/53968/heathrow-s-surface-access-targets-implausible--councils

Heathrow Airport’s pledges on modal shift and road traffic volumes if a third runway is built cannot be trusted, councils opposing the expansion have told the Government.  The comments feature in the response of the London boroughs of Hillingdon, Richmond and Wandsworth, and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, to the DfT’s draft airports National Policy Statement (NPS) (LTT17 Feb). The NPS explains the Government’s support for a third runway at Heathrow. The cou

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Secondary stories Fri, 7 Jul 2017 10:14:00 GMT 53968
Liverpool airport masterplan drafted https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/53964/liverpool-airport-masterplan-drafted Liverpool John Lennon Airport is consulting on a new masterplan, which envisages passenger numbers rising from 4.8 million passengers in 2016 to 7.8 million by 2030 and 11 million by 2050. The plan proposes car parking provision for passengers and staff rising from 7,749 today to 9,504 by 2030 and 12,198 by 2050. Said a spokesman: “The ratio of parking provision to passenger throughput will reduce over time, to reflect new sustainable travel options coming on stream and the airport’s

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In brief Fri, 7 Jul 2017 10:11:00 GMT 53964
Sell-off Gatwick station to airport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/53963/-sell-off-gatwick-station-to-airport- Selling Gatwick Airport station’s freehold to the airport’s owners could solve an impasse over who should pay for the station’s upgrade, says Chris Gibb.  A plan to upgrade the station with additional concourse and platform capacity has stalled because of a lack of agreement over who should pay for the increased costs.  Gibb notes that the project had £120.5m assigned to it in Network Rail’s current control period (CP5), with a £30m contribution fr

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Regular news Fri, 7 Jul 2017 10:09:00 GMT 53963
Heathrow boost from new minister https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/53911/heathrow-boost-from-new-minister Widespread media coverage of the lack of any mention of a third runway at Heathrow Airport in the Queen’s Speech led, on 28 June, to a response from the Government. “The omission from the Queen’s Speech of any mention of the airport had led to speculation that enthusiasm for expansion has waned in Downing Street and the Department for Transport,” Simon Calder, travel correspondent for The Independent said. “But a third runway at Heathrow has been endorsed by the new

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Media monitor Fri, 7 Jul 2017 08:53:00 GMT 53911
Lord Adonis Brexit could scupper Heathrow and other major transport projects - reports https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/53854/lord-adonis-brexit-could-scupper-heathrow-and-other-major-transport-projects--reports

A 'Hard Brexit' where the UK leaves the Single Market and the Customs Union could throttle necessary private investment in major transport infrastructure, particularly in the expansion of Heathrow, Lord Adonis has been quoted as saying. "These decisions on Brexit have a crucial bearing on infrastructure. Business will not invest for the long-term if they think Britain is going down the tube. It's as simple as that. The projects that will be most affected will be those that require immediate pri

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Regular news Tue, 27 Jun 2017 09:27:00 GMT 53854
Tory-DUP deal 400m for infrastructure study on air passenger duty impact https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/53851/tory-dup-deal--400m-for-infrastructure-study-on-air-passenger-duty-impact The Conservative and Democratic Unionist Party parties have agreed an agreement to vote together in Parliament that includes an additional £400m over the next two years for the Northern Ireland Executive to spend on infrastructure development. The Executive has been given "sufficient flexibility as to the choice of the project to ensure that it is able to deliver the York Street Interchange road project and other priorities," a statement on the financial support states. A power-sharing de

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Regular news Mon, 26 Jun 2017 14:27:00 GMT 53851
Heathrow third runway thrown into serious doubt by political turmoil https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/53826/heathrow-third-runway-thrown-into-serious-doubt-by-political-turmoil “The Conservatives are set to form a minority government, which could affect a range of transport issues from Heathrow expansion to road schemes even if the Conservatives remain in Government,” said Guardian journalist Chris Ames on 9 June, the day after the General Election. These proved to be prophetic words in the following couple of weeks, particularly in the case of Heathrow Airport and the expansion of it, or possibly otherwise. Particularly gleeful at the prospect of a hung P

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Media monitor Fri, 23 Jun 2017 10:16:00 GMT 53826
Re-opening Manston Airport could justify high-speed rail https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/53778/re-opening-manston-airport-could-justify-high-speed-rail I notice Manston Airport is the target for an American company who think they could make it a viable proposition for flying again. The local authority has had several plans of late, none of which seem to be gaining favour across the board.  I have been unable to reconcile the need for runway space in the South East with the closure of Manston as an airport. If weight were thrown behind the airport, the funding would be easier to get for the high-speed rail extension to Thanet. This would r

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Letters to the editor Fri, 23 Jun 2017 09:15:00 GMT 53778
Achievements of women working in transport recognised https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/53718/achievements-of-women-working-in-transport-recognised

Women working in passenger transport are among the winners in the 2017 FTA everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards, which took place at the Marriot Hotel in London's Grosvenor Square last night. The awards programme was first launched to raise awareness of the varied opportunities within transport and logistics, while creating visible role models to inspire and encourage more women to pursue a career in the industry. Maxin

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Regular news Thu, 22 Jun 2017 11:00:00 GMT 53718
Major road network for northern England introduced by Transport for the North https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/53708/major-road-network-for-northern-england-introduced-by-transport-for-the-north The concept of a 'Major Road Network for the North' to connect the economic centres is introduced by the first strategic transport plan for northern England. Transport for the North's 13 connectivity priorities for the roads network focus predominantly on connections within the region than to other parts of the U.K. They include 'Energy Coasts' access improvements between the North West and North East coastlines; Port of Hull to A1 and westwards; the Central Trans-Pennine Corridor connecti

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Regular news Mon, 19 Jun 2017 21:18:00 GMT 53708
Extra infrastructure spending and air passenger duty axe DUP demands for Tory alliance https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/53685/extra-infrastructure-spending-and-air-passenger-duty-axe-dup-demands-for-tory-alliance Commentators have highlighted DUP demands as support for an alliance with the Conservatives will include the scrapping of air passenger duty to Northern Ireland and additional investment in infrastructure. The demands are contained in the DUP's 'Northern Ireland' plan, drawn up in the event of a hung Parliament in 2015, when this was anticipated. Sam McBride, the Belfast News Letter's political editor, said he expected the proposals to form the basis for the party's discussions with the Conserv

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Regular news Mon, 12 Jun 2017 22:35:00 GMT 53685
Heathrow mulls courts ruling on Crossrail https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/53676/heathrow-mulls-court-s-ruling-on-crossrail Heathrow airport Ltd is reviewing its options after the High Court rejected the airport’s bid to charge Crossrail trains a contribution to the historical costs of building the Heathrow Spur railway.  The ORR concluded last May that HAL had not provided evidence to justify levying charges against Crossrail to cover historic costs, and was only entitled to recover from Crossrail (and other users) the direct costs incurred from the operation of their services. HAL wants to charge each

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Regular news Fri, 9 Jun 2017 10:30:00 GMT 53676
Who keeps us safe? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/53645/who-keeps-us-safe- Recent IT failures embarrassed British Airways and Manchester Metrolink and caused disruption to passengers, but did not threaten public safety. They should, however, be read as warnings that great care must be taken to ensure that bigger incidents – potentially involving injuries or fatalities – do not result from further connecting our transport systems to IT networks. Human error or internal systems failures are not the only potential threats. Last month many NHS facilities were

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Main editorial comment Fri, 9 Jun 2017 09:46:00 GMT 53645
General election The Scottish National Party seeks closer links with England and Europe https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/53624/general-election-the-scottish-national-party-seeks-closer-links-with-england-and-europe The SNP would seek to prevent a loss of flights to Scotland as part of Brexit negotations, while also seeking to improve links across the border to England. The SNP manifesto today says its MPs would prioritise a commitment to the Open Skies Agreement in negotiations to leave the European Union and build on this with an expansion of international flights and protecting "vital" air connections to other parts of the UK. They would also work to improve surface transport connectivity, "including an

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Regular news Tue, 30 May 2017 13:27:00 GMT 53624
RTA Associates' Lowe to be next BPA president https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/53612/rta-associates-lowe-to-be-next-bpa-president

The next president of the British Parking Association (BPA) will be Peter Lowe of consultant RTA Associates. He will take over the office from Steve Brown at the BPA’s AGM in July. Lowe has been a member of the BPA for many years and is the chair of the BPA Wales Parking and Transport Group, a position he has held since 2010. As an independent parking consultant, he has worked with and advised more than 175 local authorities, equipment suppliers, software companies, enforcement agents, co

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People News Sun, 28 May 2017 18:36:00 GMT 53612
New air passenger forecasts delayed https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/53552/new-air-passenger-forecasts-delayed The Government has delayed publication of new air passenger demand forecasts until after the General Election. The DfT had proposed to publish interim forecasts before the consultation on the draft Airports National Policy Statement, which supports a third runway at Heathrow, ends on 25 May (LTT 17 Feb). But the DfT now says: “The aviation model continues to be developed to allow the final forecasts to be produced and, as we now expect there to be less time between these interim forecasts

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In brief Fri, 26 May 2017 10:11:00 GMT 53552
Gatwick appoints consultants https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/53553/gatwick-appoints-consultants Gatwick Airport has appointed consultants Arup, Atkins and Jacobs to a five-year airport planning framework. Work likely to be procured includes: capacity assessments to the airport’s existing infrastructure; facility requirements; airport layout issues; and the simulation modelling of passengers, vehicles, baggage and aircraft.

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In brief Fri, 26 May 2017 10:11:00 GMT 53553
Reconvene Airports Commission https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/53551/-reconvene-airports-commission- The next Government should reconvene the Airports Commission and ask it to identify locations for two further new runways in the South East, in addition to the proposed third runway at Heathrow, says the Institute of Directors. “Gatwick is more or less full and Stansted will be by 2027,” says the IoD’s policy statement for the General Election. “That’s why we are calling for a new Airports Commission. Where could up to two new runways be built at the lowest cost to

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In brief Fri, 26 May 2017 10:10:00 GMT 53551
UKIP no to HS2 and Heathrow https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/53523/ukip-no-to-hs2-and-heathrow

UKIP would scrap the HS2 “vanity project” and plans for the “environmentally destructive” third runway at Heathrow. “Rail travel is essential but HS2 is not. This project is unaffordable, requires massive borrowing, will blight people’s homes, and destroy valuable habitats. Spending £75bn just to save a few minutes between London and Leeds is ludicrous and, we think, unethical. UKIP will put HS2 out of its misery. We will invest in upgrading existing ma

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Regular news Fri, 26 May 2017 09:19:00 GMT 53523
Leading woman in transport and logistics to be recognised https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/53474/leading-woman-in-transport-and-logistics-to-be-recognised

Women working in the highways and passenger transport sector are among the 33 finalists in the 2017 FTA everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards. The finalists include women working in the bus, coach, retail supply chain and shipping sectors.  The awards were created 10 years ago to highlight women excelling in their careers, creating visible role models to inspire a next generation of talent to follow in their footsteps. This year the awards have a new format, celebrating both suc

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Regular news Mon, 22 May 2017 08:28:00 GMT 53474
General Election Lib Dems outline responsible 100bn capital spending and diesel ban https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/53470/general-election-lib-dems-outline-responsible--100bn-capital-spending-and-diesel-ban The Lib Dems have outlined plans for £100bn in capital investment and a commitment to halt the decline in buses and increase spending on cycling. The party's manifesto commitment on infrastructure - which contrasts with Labour's £250bn package - and would see a £5bn increase in borrowing to finance investment in 2019/20, arguing that the Conservatives have failed to take advantage of historically low interest rates to invest in the future. Like Labour, the party woul

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Regular news Thu, 18 May 2017 00:15:00 GMT 53470
Hauliers fear cross-Channel snarl-ups https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/53434/hauliers-fear-cross-channel-snarl-ups The Freight Transport Association is warning of huge disruption to cross-Channel freight traffic if the Le Touquet Treaty is revoked. New French president Emmanuel Macron has suggested renegotiating the treaty, which sees UK immigration checks conducted at the French ports. “The repatriation of border controls to the UK from France would have disastrous effects on the UK’s logistics industry, as well as on general traffic through the Channel ports,” said Pauline Bastidon, the F

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In brief Fri, 12 May 2017 10:51:00 GMT 53434
Promises promises Conservative mayor Ben Houchen https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/53410/promises-promises-conservative-mayor-ben-houchen

Tees Valley Conservative Ben Houchen was a councillor on Stockton on Tees Council. One of his key priorities is to bring Durham Tees Valley Airport back into public ownership, which he says is vital to securing its status as an operational airport.

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Regular news Fri, 12 May 2017 10:00:00 GMT 53410
SW Bristol transport probed https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/53286/sw-bristol-transport-probed Bristol Airport and North Somerset Council are to fund a study into improving transport round the south of Bristol from the west.   The airport is contributing £450,000 and North Somerset Council £200,000 to the Bristol South West Economic Link study. Funding support from Bristol City Council and Somerset County Council is also being sought. The West of England Local Enterprise Partnership submitted a £1.95m development fund bid to the DfT for the corridor last summer bu

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Regular news Fri, 28 Apr 2017 09:59:00 GMT 53286
Brexit Infrastructure Bill urged to accelerate new roads delivery https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/53285/brexit-infrastructure-bill-urged-to-accelerate-new-roads-delivery

The Government is being urged to draft legislation to accelerate the delivery of road improvements to serve the Channel Ports in Kent. Charlie Elphicke, the MP for Dover and Deal, wants the planning processes temporarily  suspended to ensure the quick delivery of the Lower Thames Crossing (LTT 14 Apr); an upgrade to the A2/M2; and a new lorry park beside the M20 in Kent (LTT 14 Apr). All are taking too long to deliver, he says, claiming that the  need for them is urgent because the t

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Regular news Fri, 28 Apr 2017 09:56:00 GMT 53285
Review the ENCTS says Herefordshire https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/53188/review-the-encts-says-herefordshire Herefordshire Council wants the Government to review the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS). Herefordshire spends £1.4m a year on concessionary travel reimbursement – more than double the £750,000 it spends on subsidised bus services. It wants a DfT review of the ENCTS “to seek further financial support for Herefordshire or [to] allow greater local flexibility in how the scheme operates”.

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In brief Thu, 13 Apr 2017 09:27:00 GMT 53188
Transit system for Luton Airport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/52961/transit-system-for-luton-airport Tendering has opened for  the contracts to supply an automated transit system to connect Luton Airport and the nearby Luton Airport Parkway railway station. The airport and station are currently connected by a shuttle bus but the airport plans to build a “guided mass passenger transit system” for the 2.1km route, with opening scheduled for 2021. Bidders will be able to suggest their preferred technology, which could be rubber-tyred – similar to the people movers at Gatwic

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News Fri, 17 Mar 2017 09:36:00 GMT 52961
Parking Property Building a better future for towns and cities https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/49288/parking--property-building-a-better-future-for-towns-and-cities

Parking & Property 2017 8 June: 15 Hatfields, London Parking & Property is the only annual event dedicated to off-street parking. Over the past 7 years the conference has provided a forum for debate and sharing best practice among public and private sector car park owners and operators, developers, planners and companies supplying design and equipment services. The conference content is developed by Nigel Williams, managing director of Parking Matters, and Mark Moran, editor of

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Events Wed, 15 Mar 2017 15:00:00 GMT 49288
MPs scrutinise Airports NPS https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/52806/mps-scrutinise-airports-nps The House of Commons transport committee has announced a new inquiry into the DfT’s new draft Airports National Policy Statement, which sets out the Government’s case for building a third runway at Heathrow (LTT 17 Feb). The deadline for submitting written evidence is 24 March. 

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In brief Fri, 3 Mar 2017 09:39:00 GMT 52806
Stansted Airport plans for growth https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/52791/stansted-airport-plans-for-growth Manchester Airports Group is expected to come forward with a planning application later this year to remove Stansted Airport’s cap of 35 million passengers per annum. Removing the cap would permit the airport to make maximum use of its single runway. Passenger numbers for the year to September 2016 increased by 8.4% to over 24 million for the first time since 2007.

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In brief Fri, 3 Mar 2017 09:31:00 GMT 52791
Khan confirms October launch for capitals Toxicity charge https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/52771/khan-confirms-october-launch-for-capital-s-toxicity-charge-

London mayor Sadiq Khan has confirmed the introduction of a £10 emissions surcharge on older vehicles driven in the central London congestion charge area.  The ‘Toxicity Charge’, or T-Charge, will be introduced on 23 October and apply mainly to petrol and diesel vehicles registered before 2006.  It will operate during the hours of the congestion charge (Monday to Friday 7am to 6pm) and will be in addition to the congestion charge itself, meaning the cost of driving

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Secondary stories Fri, 3 Mar 2017 09:07:00 GMT 52771
Ministers lay the foundations for Heathrows third runway https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/52713/ministers-lay-the-foundations-for-heathrow-s-third-runway

The draft National Policy Statement (NPS) on airports sets out the Government’s case for supporting a third runway and associated development at Heathrow Airport. It has been a long time coming: in July 2015, the Airports Commission recommended to ministers that a new north-west runway at Heathrow was the best way of delivering more airport capacity in the South East, outperforming the other two shortlisted options of a second runway at Gatwick, and an extended northern runway at Heathrow.

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Regular feature Fri, 17 Feb 2017 09:50:00 GMT 52713
Airline exec makes sales pitch for fast Luton rail link https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/52642/airline-exec-makes-sales-pitch-for-fast-luton-rail-link

On 3 February a call for more investment in the UK’s rail network came from a somewhat unusual source – a senior executive in the airline industry. “Passengers need fast, efficient public transport to and from their flights, and all of London’s airports would benefit from improved rail connections,” said Sophie Dekkers, UK director at the Easyjet airline, in the City AM newspaper. “London Luton Airport is the fastest-growing airport in London, yet is the only

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Media monitor Fri, 17 Feb 2017 07:45:00 GMT 52642
No more nudges? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/52559/no-more-nudges- Champions of ‘smarter choice’ travel behaviour change measures such as personal travel plans and car sharing can sometimes be heard grumbling that, no matter what evidence they present, some people just seem unwilling to believe in the value of the interventions. The sceptics will be emboldened by the DfT’s release this week of a new report by the Behavioural Insights Team (BIT) into low cost travel behaviour interventions applied at Heathrow Airport. The BIT is a social purpo

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Main editorial comment Fri, 3 Feb 2017 09:09:00 GMT 52559
Airport NPS published https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/52548/airport-nps-published The DfT this week published a draft airports National Policy Statement, which makes the case for a third runway at Heathrow.  The NPS actually focuses exclusively on airport capacity in the South East of England and lays out the planning policy framework that Heathrow’s owners will need to follow in order to receive development consent for a new north-west runway.  The airport will have to implement measures to deliver on its commitments of no increase in airport-related road t

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Regular news Fri, 3 Feb 2017 08:48:00 GMT 52548
Fresh expansion plan for Southampton port https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/52427/fresh-expansion-plan-for-southampton-port

Plans for a major expansion of Southampton Port are being drawn up more than a decade after proposals were rejected on environmental grounds. Associated British Ports (ABP) is conducting feasibility studies for new port facilities on land it owns at Dibden Bay, opposite the current Port of Southampton.  In 2004 the Labour Government rejected ABP’s plans for a 300 hectare container port and intermodal complex on the land, citing environmental concerns. ABP has told the National Infr

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Regular news Fri, 20 Jan 2017 09:52:00 GMT 52427
Flybe takes on GWR from Cardiff https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/52425/flybe-takes-on-gwr-from-cardiff The Cardiff to London air service introduced during a period of rail disruption last year, has become permanent. Budget airline Flybe began to operate between Cardiff airport, in the Vale of Glamorgan, and London City airport in September, when a six-week closure of the Severn tunnel for electrification began. The flights continued, at reduced frequency, after Great Western Railway resumed normal service. Vincent Hodder, Flybe’s chief revenue officer, this week said the service was well-

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Regular news Fri, 20 Jan 2017 09:49:00 GMT 52425
Birmingham Airport expansion plans https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/52397/birmingham-airport-expansion-plans Birmingham Airport is exploring expansion options to tie in with the Government’s plans for a station serving the airport on the London to Birmingham high-speed line. The airport currently handles about ten million passengers a year but says consultant York Aviation believes the HS2 station will increase this by 750,000. “To capitalise on this opportunity, Birmingham Airport is embarking on a process to explore future possibilities for maximising the benefits that the airport deliver

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In brief Fri, 20 Jan 2017 09:06:00 GMT 52397
Norwood is Gatwicks chief planner https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/52382/norwood-is-gatwick-s-chief-planner Gatwick Airport has appointed Tim Norwood as its new chief planning officer, succeeding Alastair McDermid who led its (unsuccessful) second runway campaign. Norwood will lead a review of the airport’s masterplan and oversee Gatwick’s response to the Government’s draft National Policy Statement on airports. He was EDF Energy’s chief planning officer, securing consent for the new Hinkley Point C nuclear power station. Before joining EDF, he spent more than ten years at airp

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People/people Fri, 20 Jan 2017 08:38:00 GMT 52382
A 'Hard Brexit' or 'clean break' a boost for British consultancy and ports says think-tank https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/52365/a-hard-brexit-or-clean-break--a-boost-for-british-consultancy-and-ports-says-think-tank A think-tank advocating the 'Clean Brexit' reports suggest that the Prime Minister will today endorse claims that leaving both the Single Market and Customs Union will be a boost for UK consultancies selling professional services and for regional ports. The Policy Exchange argues that while leaving the Customs Union could mean a doubling of customs declarations to officials, technology could keep delays at ports to a minimum - non-EU consignments entering French ports are held for "less th

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Regular news Mon, 16 Jan 2017 23:35:00 GMT 52365
DfT consults on drone use https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/52324/dft-consults-on-drone-use The DfT has launched a consultation on the rules governing the use of drones, including matters such as testing, competency standards and licenses for drone pilots, insurance, no drone flying zones, drone registration, and drone traffic management. “Network Rail and Highways England are planning further drone use to improve the monitoring and maintenance of train tracks and roads, which could reduce how long local transport links are closed for improvements,” says the DfT. “Log

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In brief Fri, 6 Jan 2017 09:59:00 GMT 52324
Funding for station near Inverness https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/52320/funding-for-station-near-inverness Transport Scotland has earmarked £3.34m from the Scottish Stations Fund for a new rail station at Dalcross on the Inverness to Aberdeen line, east of Inverness. The station will provide better access to Inverness Airport, Inverness Airport business Park, and proposed housing development at Tornagrain. Transport Scotland’s grant represents 60% of the station’s estimated cost. The remainder of the funding is expected to come from Hitrans (the Highlands and Islands transport partn

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In brief Fri, 6 Jan 2017 09:57:00 GMT 52320
HS2 chair Higgins joins Gatwick Airport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/52283/hs2-chair-higgins-joins-gatwick-airport HS2 Ltd chairman Sir David Higgins has been appointed chairman of Gatwick Airport, succeeding Roy McNulty, who will remain on the airport’s board as deputy chairman. Higgins will remain chairman of HS2 Ltd for the time being as the search goes on for a new chief executive to succeed Simon Kirby, who recently joined Rolls Royce (LTT 16 Sep 16), and a replacement chair.

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People/people Fri, 6 Jan 2017 09:03:00 GMT 52283
DfT sets terms for West Coast award https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/52151/dft-sets-terms-for-west-coast-award Virgin Rail Group (Virgin/Stagecoach Group) may continue operating the Intercity West Coast, rail franchise under direct award arrangements until March 2020. The DfT says a new two-year direct award will commence on 1 April 2018, comprising a one-year core period and an optional extension of a further year. The DfT announced this autumn that it expected the new West Coast Partnership franchise, combining the Intercity West Coast services and HS2 services, to commence on 1 April 2019 (LTT 11 Nov)

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Detail Fri, 16 Dec 2016 09:40:00 GMT 52151
Zac's Heathrow protest flops https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/52138/zac-s-heathrow-protest-flops Opponents of Heathrow Airport expansion have admitted that Zac Goldsmith’s failure to win re-election in the Richmond Park by-election on an anti-Heathrow expansion ticket may suggest that the topic is not such a political hot potato for the Government. “There is a long way to go yet and the Government has many hurdles, such as a legal challenge, to overcome but Theresa May is likely to sleep easier in her bed after this result as the people of a key constituency in West London don&r

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In brief Fri, 16 Dec 2016 09:29:00 GMT 52138
Traffic Penalty Tribunal and PATROL system wins technology award https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/52258/traffic-penalty-tribunal-and-patrol-system-wins-technology-award

An online system developed for handling appeals lodged by motorists against parking and traffic penalties has won an award. The Traffic Penalty Tribunal and the Parking And Traffic Regulations Outside London (PATROL) joint committee won the Excellence in Technology Award at the North of England Transport Awards 2016 for the online parking appeal system FOAM (Fast Online Appeal Management).  The award was announced on 7 December at the Midland Hotel in Manchester at the prize’s inaugu

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Awards Fri, 9 Dec 2016 12:52:00 GMT 52258
A Leeds Bradford Airport railway station part of 270m transport plan https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/52078/a-leeds-bradford-airport-railway-station-part-of-270m-transport-plan Leeds City Council today unveils plans for a new parkway rail station connecting to Leeds Bradford Airport as part of a £270m package of improvements to transport. The announcement, along with two other new stations to be created in the city, comes ahead of a new transport strategy for Leeds being released tomorrow(Tuesday) and follows a consultation that over 8,000 people responded to.  The new parkway station would be built on the existing Leeds to Har

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Regular news Mon, 5 Dec 2016 13:30:00 GMT 52078
NCP retains Park Marks for Birmingham Airport sites https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/52026/ncp-retains-park-marks-for-birmingham-airport-sites

NCP has retained the Park Mark award for nine of its 10 car parks at Birmingham Airport after an assessment by West Midlands Police. It is the seventh consecutive year that NCP has achieved the standard, awarded via the Safer Parking Scheme. Tom Freeman, operations manager for NCP at Birmingham Airport, said: “The safety of passengers using our car parks is our biggest priority, so to receive recognition for our commitment to this is very gratifying. In the last year, we have invested an

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Safer Parking Fri, 2 Dec 2016 11:31:00 GMT 52026
Khan tells TfL to help Heathrow challenge https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/51990/khan-tells-tfl-to-help-heathrow-challenge

London mayor Sadiq Khan has ordered Transport for London to help the four local councils and Greenpeace who are bringing a legal challenge against the Government’s decision to support construction of a third runway at Heathrow.  Khan has directed TfL to provide assistance to the London boroughs of Hillingdon, Richmond, Wandsworth, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, and Greenpeace who are seeking a judicial review of last month’s decision (LTT 28 Oct). The mayor&rsquo

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Regular news Fri, 25 Nov 2016 10:31:00 GMT 51990
Poles to build new Woolwich ferries https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/51838/poles-to-build-new-woolwich-ferries Transport for London has awarded Polish shipbuilder Remontowa Shipbuilding SA a €22.6m contract to build two new vessels for the Woolwich ferry service.

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Detail Fri, 11 Nov 2016 09:04:00 GMT 51838
Times delves into transport appraisal in bid to thwart Heathrow expansion https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/51812/times-delves-into-transport-appraisal-in-bid-to-thwart-heathrow-expansion

In the aftermath of the Government’s announcement of support for a third runway at Heathrow Airport (LTT 28 Oct), The Times ran a series of news stories and opinion pieces critical of the decision. “Theresa May is right in thinking Britain needs to invest in big infrastructure projects, but she is wrong in thinking a new runway at Heathrow is one of them,” said the paper’s leader column on 26 October. “A decision of sorts is better than none at all. It will at least

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Media monitor Fri, 11 Nov 2016 08:42:00 GMT 51812
Highways England highlights Heathrow road challenges https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/51697/highways-england-highlights-heathrow-road-challenges

The challenges of upgrading the strategic road network to cope with an expanded Heathrow are revealed in a report prepared for the DfT by Highways England.  HE notes “significant variance” between the package of road improvements recommended by the Airports Commission and the more limited improvements proposed by the airport itself.  Both have proposed diverting the M25 along a 4km route, including a 650-metre section of tunnel, as the new third runway passes through the

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Regular news Fri, 28 Oct 2016 11:17:00 GMT 51697
Ministers back Heathrow https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/51696/ministers-back-heathrow

The Government this week backed construction of a third runway at Heathrow Airport, in one of the most controversial transport decisions in decades.  Transport secretary Chris Grayling ended months of speculation about which airport –  Heathrow or Gatwick – the Government would support for expansion. A third runway at Heathrow would, he said, provide “the greatest strategic and economic benefits for the UK, connecting our country with growing world markets including

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Secondary stories Fri, 28 Oct 2016 11:14:00 GMT 51696
Silvertown tunnel advances as other road crossings dropped https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/51691/silvertown-tunnel-advances-as-other-road-crossings-ped

Transport for London (TfL) is seeking a consortia to design, build, finance and maintain (DMFM) the proposed new Silvertown road tunnel under the Thames in east London.  The publication of an invitation to tender for the contract comes as a six-month public examination into the tunnel proposal began this month. The twin bore road tunnel will  connect Silvertown on the north bank of the Thames with the Greenwich Peninsula on the south and provide relief to the adjacent Blackwall Tunne

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Secondary stories Fri, 28 Oct 2016 11:01:00 GMT 51691
CILT annual award winners revealed https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/51645/cilt-annual-award-winners-revealed

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport  (CILT) presented its annual awards last night. The CILT’s Annual Awards, presented at the Lancaster London last night, recognise achievement in logistics, transport and operations.Alan Braithwaite, chairman of global supply chain specialist LCP Consulting, received the CILT’s premier accolade, the Sir Robert Lawrence Award. Other winners on the night included Transport for Greater Manchester, Jaguar Land Rover, Reading Buses an

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Regular news Fri, 28 Oct 2016 09:22:00 GMT 51645
In Passing https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/51638/in-passing Given the controversy about noise pollution at Heathrow, was it really wise for transport secretary Chris Grayling, the morning after announcing the Government’s support for a third runway, to conduct a TV interview at the airport while standing in front of a roaring jet engine? Fortunately he could hear the questions posed by the on-the-spot interviewer – unlike viewers.  London mayor Sadiq Kahn has just submitted plans to the DfT that could see Transport for London take ove

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In Passing Fri, 28 Oct 2016 07:37:00 GMT 51638
Heathrow expansion Resignations protests and applause https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/51625/heathrow-expansion-resignations-protests-and-applause The government’s decision to support a third runway at Heathrow has generated a range of dramatic reactions. As expected the decision has been warmly welcomed by business groups, but strongly criticised by environmental organisations, several London boroughs that lie in the flightpath and groups representing affected residents. The divisive nature of the debate about expanding Heathrow affects into the very heart of the government that has green-lit the plan. As MP for Maidenhead Theresa

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Regular news Wed, 26 Oct 2016 18:52:00 GMT 51625
Heathrow third runway rage over public transport uncertainty and pricetag https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/50840/heathrow-third-runway-rage-over-public-transport-uncertainty-and-pricetag The need for additional public transport capacity has been highlighted as an issue that could potentially ground plans to expand Heathrow. "TfL concluded that the Airport Commission had underplayed the need for spending on better transport access to Heathrow by an incredible margin of £10bn - £15bn. It clearly stated that the commissioned had underestimated demand... One that has not changed is the challenges that must be met. I remain convinced that Heathrow cannot meet them," Lond

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Regular news Tue, 25 Oct 2016 22:39:00 GMT 50840
DfT Public transport key to third Heathrow runway that helps to cut carbon emissions https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/50483/dft-public-transport-key-to-third-heathrow-runway-that-helps-to-cut-carbon-emissions- The Government today claims that a third runway can be built at Heathrow in a way that "will help to further reduce carbon emissions". The DfT said that the first full-length runway in South East England since the second World War would improve connectivity within the U.K with new routes to Newquay, Humberside, Prestwick, Durham Tees Valley, Liverpool and Belfast taking the number of domestic routes to 14. Measures to "modernise use of our air space," meanwhile, will ensure the project is

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Regular news Tue, 25 Oct 2016 13:27:00 GMT 50483
Government backs new runway at Heathrow https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/51611/government-backs-new-runway-at-heathrow

The government has given its support for a third runway at Heathrow, the first full-length runway to be built in the south-east since the Second World War. The scheme will be taken forward in the form of a draft National Policy Statement (NPS) for consultation. The government believes that a new runway at Heathrow can be delivered within the UK’s carbon obligations and that concerns over air quality can be addressed. The decision has been welcomed by a wide range of business groups, but

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Regular news Tue, 25 Oct 2016 12:38:00 GMT 51611
Four councils and Greenpeace line up against an expanded Heathrow https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/51624/four-councils-and-greenpeace-line-up-against-an-expanded-heathrow Greenpeace UK has joined forces with Hillingdon, Richmond, Wandsworth and Windsor and Maidenhead councils to prepare grounds for a joint legal challenge against Heathrow expansion. The environmental campaign group said that claimants could join the alliance in the coming days as media reports have suggested a final decision has now been delayed until next week.

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Regular news Wed, 19 Oct 2016 18:47:00 GMT 51624
Electric car hire launched at Gatwick https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/50347/electric-car-hire-launched-at-gatwick Gatwick Airport has signed a deal with Bluecity to provide a new electric car-share service for passengers travelling to and from the airport. The service will be similar in operation to London’s bike hire scheme and is the first of its kind for a UK airport, said Gatwick Airport. Five charging points will be introduced in the coming months. Passengers will be able to collect vehicles from Gatwick and drop off at dedicated charging points across London, providing greater flexibility and co

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Regular news Tue, 18 Oct 2016 15:14:00 GMT 50347
All or nothing for airport decision? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/50314/all-or-nothing-for-airport-decision- As the speculation regarding airport expansion in the South East of England reached fever pitch in early October, with a Government decision widely anticipated before the end of the month, The Green Party made one last ditch attempt, in an article in The Huffington Post, to persuade people that the UK doesn’t actually need additional airport capacity. “Theresa May can encourage airport expansion or make a genuine commitment to meeting the climate objectives set out in Paris,” s

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Media monitor Fri, 14 Oct 2016 09:27:00 GMT 50314
Building it all wrong https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/50313/building-it-all-wrong “We are doggedly investing over a trillion scarce dollars a year in new carriers, ports, roads, railways and airports,” said Jeroen Overbeek from the Aurecon Group, an Australian engineering firm, in an online blog. “The big question is, are they the right kinds of infrastructure? If there was a way to model the future reliability, would we trust it to redirect this investment? “The signs are there,” he said. “Public opinion against food miles is creating a m

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Media monitor Fri, 14 Oct 2016 09:26:00 GMT 50313
Third Heathrow runway would not push up emissions https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/50311/-third-heathrow-runway-would-not-push-up-emissions- A third runway could be built at Heathrow Airport without breaching legal air quality limits, suggests new research by the University of Cambridge. The study, funded by the National Environment Research Centre, says that increases in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) from higher traffic levels would be more than offset by future reductions in emissions from traffic around Heathrow Airport. A network of 40 sensors in and around the airport measured NO2 levels over an 18-month period. The findings back up

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Regular news Fri, 14 Oct 2016 09:23:00 GMT 50311
Dispatches from parking's frontline https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/50269/dispatches-from-parking-s-frontline

Tension and conflict over parking spaces provided the drama in the latest run of Parking Wars on ITV. For this third series, the Century Films production team toured the country looking at places where parking restrictions and new payment regimes were causing concern among motorists, local businesses and visitors. The camera crews followed local authority civil enforcement officers (CEOs) as they patrolled the streets in different parts of the country. Reports from Hereford, Romford and Havering

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Cover Story Fri, 7 Oct 2016 08:48:00 GMT 50269
Transport secretary Grayling backs new roads trains and planes to help change my country https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/50236/transport-secretary-grayling-backs-new-roads-trains-and-planes-to-help-change-my-country-

The transport secretary Chris Grayling signalled the Government "needs to press ahead with HS2," and authorise a new runway in South East England as he vowed to "put the passenger and driver first". Grayling told the Conservative Party conference that he had "always wanted the job of transport secretary" to "make a real difference to people's lives," as he hailed "new roads," "more space" on the railway and a new runway to "send a signal to the world that Britain is open for business". The Chan

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Regular news Mon, 3 Oct 2016 22:16:00 GMT 50236
Continuing airport delay frustrates Spectator https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/50193/continuing-airport-delay-frustrates-spectator The subject of airport expansion in the South East of England, in the ongoing absence of any government decision on the topic, refuses to go away as a subject of media commentary. On 24 September it was the turn of Spectator columnist Martin Vander Weyer to discuss the subject. “Hinkley Point… has finally received Downing Street’s blessing,” he began. “Meanwhile, ministers hold the party line that High Speed 2 will go ahead according to plan, backed by news that th

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Media monitor Fri, 30 Sep 2016 10:15:00 GMT 50193
Continuing airport delay frustrates Spectator https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/50175/continuing-airport-delay-frustrates-spectator The subject of airport expansion in the South East of England, in the ongoing absence of any government decision on the topic, refuses to go away as a subject of media commentary. On 24 September it was the turn of Spectator columnist Martin Vander Weyer to discuss the subject. “Hinkley Point… has finally received Downing Street’s blessing,” he began. “Meanwhile, ministers hold the party line that High Speed 2 will go ahead according to plan, backed by news that th

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Media monitor Fri, 30 Sep 2016 09:16:00 GMT 50175
Ministers leaning towards Heathrow expansion https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/49996/ministers-leaning-towards-heathrow-expansion- Speculation that the Government is preparing to back a third runway at Heathrow filled column inches in the Sunday Telegraph last weekend.  “Cabinet ministers opposed to expanding Heathrow are not prepared to quit the Government over the issue, clearing the way for Theresa May to push ahead with a third runway,” said Steven Swinford, the paper’s deputy political editor.  “Boris Johnson, the foreign secretary, and Justine Greening, the education secretary, are

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Media monitor Fri, 2 Sep 2016 11:21:00 GMT 49996
Heathrow Hub concept makes late bid for major media coverage https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/49848/heathrow-hub-concept-makes-late-bid-for-major-media-coverage With a Government decision on airport expansion in the South East allegedly due within a couple months, an idea that involves expansion without a new runway being added has made a late bid for widespread recognition. But the opponents of any expansion at all haven’t gone away either.  ON 8 AUGUST, Conservative Party grandee Francis Maude wrote a column on transport for the Conservativehome website in the form of an open letter to new transport secretary Chris Grayling. In this he ass

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Media monitor Fri, 19 Aug 2016 00:00:00 GMT 49848
Jowell Norris focus on Gatwick growth https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/49807/jowell--norris-focus-on-gatwick-growth Gatwick Airport has appointed former Labour minister for the Olympics and London Tessa Jowell and former Conservative transport minister Steve Norris to co-chair a Gatwick Growth Board. The board will operate for at least two years. Said the airport: “A natural focus of the board’s inquiry will be the impacts associated with a second runway but it will also examine the impacts of Gatwick’s place in the economy and its expansion in the context of a single runway, recognising tha

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People/people Fri, 19 Aug 2016 00:00:00 GMT 49807
Jacobs assists Heathrow rail link https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/49765/jacobs-assists-heathrow-rail-link Network Rail has appointed Jacobs Engineering Group to support the Development Consent Order process for the Heathrow Western Rail access project to provide a rail link to the airport from Reading and Slough. Work is currently focusing on a preferred route for the 3.1-mile tunnelled route. Jacobs has worked with Network Rail on the project since 2011. 

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In brief Fri, 5 Aug 2016 00:00:00 GMT 49765
Heathrow mulls legal challenge on Crossrail https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/49760/heathrow-mulls-legal-challenge-on-crossrail Heathrow Airport Ltd may seek a judicial review of the Office and Rail and Road’s ruling that HAL cannot charge Crossrail trains serving the airport for the historic cost of building the Heathrow Spur railway.  Crossrail services are due to commence between Paddington and Heathrow in May 2018. The services will be operated by Crossrail concessionaire MTR, making use of the Heathrow Spur, a 9km (5.5-mile) section of railway owned by HAL, which branches off the Great Western Main Line.

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Regular news Fri, 5 Aug 2016 00:00:00 GMT 49760
Tram-train builders sought for airport link https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/49755/tram-train-builders-sought-for-airport-link Renfrewshire Council is gauging interest from train builders for the supply of five tram-train vehicles to operate a rail link between Glasgow Central and Glasgow Airport. The service would use the existing rail line, calling at Paisley Gilmour Street, before joining a new spur to the airport. The Glasgow and Clyde Valley City Deal struck between councils and the Scottish and UK governments in 2014 includes £144m for an airport rail link. The project is being promoted by Renfrewshire and

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Regular news Fri, 5 Aug 2016 00:00:00 GMT 49755
Take-off for 40% increase in flights at London City Airport after Mayor backs plans https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/49663/take-off-for-40-increase-in-flights-at-london-city-airport-after-mayor-backs-plans There will be 2.3m more passengers a year at London City Airport after the new transport secretary and Chancellor approved an expansion plan. The £344m project will add seven aircraft stands so the airport can offer 120,000 flights a year to 6.5m passengers, or 45 flights an hour at peak times compared to 36 now. Environmental campaigners said this would worsen air quality, going against Sadiq Khan's stated intention to improve it.

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Regular news Wed, 27 Jul 2016 00:00:00 GMT 49663
PATROL cuts PCN administration charges for councils https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/49658/patrol-cuts-pcn-administration-charges-for-councils

Local authorities enforcing parking and traffic regulations outside London in England and Wales will be paying less for the administration of appeals made by motorists. The PATROL Adjudication Joint Committee has reduced its charges to member authorities from 45p to 40p per penalty charge notice (PCN). The reduction is backdated to 1 April 2016. This is the latest in a series of price reductions. Over the last five years, member authorities undertaking civil parking enforcement

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Enforcement News Tue, 26 Jul 2016 00:00:00 GMT 49658
Drivers face summer of delays at Port of Dover as French step up border checks https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/49639/drivers-face-summer-of-delays-at-port-of-dover-as-french-step-up-border-checks

Drivers heading to Europe via Dover experienced long delays across the weekend of 22-24 July after increased security checks were introduced at Calais in the wake of the terrorist incident in Nice. Kent Police warn that the disruption could last for weeks due to the convergence of large volumes of summer holiday traffic and the increased thoroughness of French border checks. At its worst motorists queued for 14 hours through Kent to get to the Port of Dover, with many holidaymakers having to sp

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Regular news Mon, 25 Jul 2016 00:00:00 GMT 49639
Dismay over spending watchdog call to shelve planned transport infrastructure https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/49623/dismay-over-spending-watchdog-call-to-shelve-planned-transport-infrastructure Businesses have expressed dismay over the National Audit Office's call for the Government to cancel some major infrastructure projects given the pressures of negotiating to leave the European Union. The auditor general Sir Amyas Morse told The Guardian that leaving the EU needed to be treated as an "emergency" that would take a lot of Whitehall resources, meaning that a large pipeline of infrastructure projects would need to be reviewed. "We need to ask ourselves, can the public sector deliver

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Regular news Sat, 23 Jul 2016 00:00:00 GMT 49623
Media speculates on HS2 and airport expansion as May enters No 10 https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/49565/media-speculates-on-hs2-and-airport-expansion-as-may-enters-no-10 LTT's MEDIA Monitor column would like to apologise for starting to sound like a broken record, but in the two weeks since the last issue of the magazine, media coverage of transport issues has continued to be dominated by two issues – the planned HS2 high-speed rail network and the future expansion (or otherwise) of Heathrow Airport. Before Theresa May had even been officially confirmed as Prime Minister, for example, The Daily Mail was reporting on calls for her to scrap HS2. “HS2

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Media monitor Fri, 22 Jul 2016 00:00:00 GMT 49565
New transport secretary Grayling says there will be no backing away from HS2 https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/49540/new-transport-secretary-grayling-says-there-will-be-no-backing-away-from-hs2-

The new transport secretary Chris Grayling said over the weekend that he has "no plans to back away from the HS2 project," as he underlined how it is required because of the increase in capacity it would bring. Grayling told BBC Radio 4 that existing lines such as the West Coast Main Line had seen "huge increases" in use and it was "limiting the capacity of services to places like Northampton and Milton Keynes". "It's always been a capacity project... we need a better transport system for the 2

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Regular news Mon, 18 Jul 2016 00:00:00 GMT 49540
Prime Minister May will there be an economic stimulus or a Heathrow third runway? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/49521/prime-minister-may-will-there-be-an-economic-stimulus-or-a-heathrow-third-runway-

The next Prime Minister will make spending cuts before tax rises but strive to improve life for the working poor, Theresa May said in a speech. May, whose early Parliamentary career saw her shadow the Department for Transport and Local Government, debuted in that role 15 years ago to attack what she saw as the Labour Government's threatening of planned investment in the rail network by "pulling the plug" on Railtrack. One of her first written questions in that role was about night flights at He

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Regular news Tue, 12 Jul 2016 00:00:00 GMT 49521
Brighton Hove wins PARC best parking report award https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/49524/brighton--hove-wins-parc-best-parking-report-award

Brighton & Hove City Council’s has taken the top prize in the annual Parking Annual Reports by Councils (PARC) competition. The resort’s parking team received its accolade at a reception held at the Houses of Parliament on 11 July. The PARC competition is organised by PATROL, the joint committee of local autho

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Enforcement News Tue, 12 Jul 2016 00:00:00 GMT 49524
Brexit vote all about political scrap over Heathrow growth says media https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/49488/brexit-vote-all-about-political-scrap-over-heathrow-growth-says-media

THE BREXIT vote in the referendum on 23 June, in terms of its transport-related media coverage, appears to have been almost all about the expansion (or otherwise) of Heathrow Airport. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) issued a statement within hours of the referendum result being known, which stated that: “Preliminary estimates suggest that the number of UK air passengers could be 3-5% lower by 2020, driven by the expected downturn in economic activity and the fall in the

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Media monitor Fri, 8 Jul 2016 00:00:00 GMT 49488
Feedback sought on Greater Manchesters long-term transport plans https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/49434/feedback-sought-on-greater-manchester-s-long-term-transport-plans

Views on the long-term transport needs of Greater Manchester are being sought in a consultation launched on 4 July. The Greater Manchester Transport Strategy 2040 – developed by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) on behalf of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) – sets out proposals to create a cleaner, greener, more prosperous city region through better connections and simpler travel.  The Strategy foc

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Regular news Tue, 5 Jul 2016 00:00:00 GMT 49434
Traffic Penalty Tribunal is a model of modern justice https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/49425/traffic-penalty-tribunal-is-a-model-of-modern-justice

The Traffic Penalty Tribunal (TPT) has been held up as an example of how a new generation of smarter, more accessible courts should operate. The focus on the parking tribunal is included in a new report by the law reform group JUSTICE, which wants to see a radical rethinking of what court buildings should look like in order to respond to the demands of modern-day justice. JUSTICE is an all-party law reform and human rights organisation working to strengthen the justice system – administra

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Case Studies Mon, 4 Jul 2016 13:49:00 GMT 49425
Brexit makes infrastructure more important not less says McLoughlin amid uncertainty https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/49416/brexit-makes-infrastructure-more-important-not-less--says-mcloughlin-amid-uncertainty

Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin insisted that long-term infrastructure investment will continue despite the response of the markets to Brexit, it was reported. "It is more important, not less important than ever before," he was reported as saying at the National Infrastructure Forum event. "It is vital that the UK is seen to be open for business. Our infrastructure is fit for the future, the economy is strong and Government and business will pull together for the common good as they alwa

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Regular news Sun, 3 Jul 2016 22:54:00 GMT 49416
Will Cameron approve Heathrow expansion before anti-third runway PM takes helm? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/49391/will-cameron-approve-heathrow-expansion-before-anti-third-runway-pm-takes-helm-

There is frenzied speculation in the media as to whether the resignation of David Cameron following his failed campaign to keep the UK in the European Union spells the end for the expansion of Heathrow Airport, HS2 and other infrastructure projects. The transport secretary had said before the referendum that the decision may be postponed until after the summer recess. Cameron said in the early hours of Friday that there should be a replacement leader by then.  A Brexit government would sc

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Regular news Sun, 26 Jun 2016 23:22:00 GMT 49391
National Infrastructure Commission the new kid on the transport block https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/49348/national-infrastructure-commission-the-new-kid-on-the-transport-block

From demand forecasting and scheme appraisal, to recommending new infrastructure and demand management policies, the National Infrastructure Commission is set to play a big part in the country’s transport policy and planning.  THE IDEA of a National Infrastructure Commission to advise on the nation’s infrastructure needs was first put forward by former Network Rail chief executive Sir John Armitt in a report for Labour in 2014. The idea has since been embraced by the Conservati

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Regular feature Fri, 24 Jun 2016 09:29:00 GMT 49348
Metrolink patronage rises 10% https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/49226/metrolink-patronage-rises-10- Passenger journeys on Metrolink reached 34.3 million in 2015/16, according to figures released by the DfT. The figure represents a 10.3%?increase on 2014/15. The Manchester Airport extension opening in November 2014. Completion of the second city crossing is expected next year. 

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In brief Fri, 10 Jun 2016 12:21:00 GMT 49226
Surrey explores Heathrow rail link https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/49201/surrey-explores-heathrow-rail-link Surrey County Council has appointed Arup to study options for a southern rail link into Heathrow Airport. The council says there is a need for a southern rail access “irrespective of whether Heathrow expands”. Last year the council called for a new rail service between London Waterloo and Heathrow via Staines, as well as a fourth lane on the M25 between junctions 10 and 16. Arup’s report will be published this summer. 

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In brief Fri, 10 Jun 2016 11:44:00 GMT 49201
New model needed https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/49167/new-model-needed One of the things to emerge from last week’s Modelling World event, sponsored by LTT, is not how we model but what we are attempting to model. We live in a world that is changing dramatically in a number of completely different ways, from economic and social behaviour to the impact of very new and previously unconsidered technologies, which in themselves will prompt significant potential user responses.  We have seen similar upheavals before but sometimes it seems we have almost abso

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Main editorial comment Fri, 10 Jun 2016 11:12:00 GMT 49167
In Passing https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/49165/in-passing Word reaches the LTT newsdesk that “the world’s first passenger drone capable of autonomously carrying a person in the air for 23 minutes has been given clearance for testing in Nevada” after a Chinese firm, Ehang, had jumped through the necessary regulatory hoops. “The company envisages a system whereby a passenger simply inputs the destination and the drone takes care of the rest, flying at altitudes up to 3.5km,” The Guardian reported. “I personally look fo

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In Passing Fri, 10 Jun 2016 11:11:00 GMT 49165
A study into new rail link to Heathrow launched as runway decision awaited https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/49154/a-study-into-new-rail-link-to-heathrow-launched-as-runway-decision-awaited Surrey County Council has launched a study to examine the case for a rail link to Heathrow from the south. Around 9,000 people from Surrey work at the airport but there is currently no direct rail link from the county. It means that more than three-quarters of them currently commute to Heathrow on the county’s r

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Regular news Fri, 10 Jun 2016 08:37:00 GMT 49154
Transport secretary wants Chancellor to use tax to combat air pollution https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/49152/transport-secretary-wants-chancellor-to-use-tax-to-combat-air-pollution Patrick McLoughlin has used a newspaper interview to call for the Chancellor to act on air pollution. The transport secretary told the Evening Standard that the Labour government's reduction in fuel duty on diesel had been a mistake and needed correcting. "We have got to look at that. It is something the Chancellor will need to look at in due course." Gordon Brown's move in 2001 led to a rise in the proportion of diesel cars in the U.K fleet. The Standard welcomes the minister's comments. "We

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Regular news Wed, 8 Jun 2016 13:39:00 GMT 49152
Transport award presented to TfL head of campaigns Jo Field https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/49124/transport-award-presented-to-tfl-head-of-campaigns-jo-field

Jo Field, head of campaigns at Transport for London, was among the winners at the FTA everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards 2016 ceremony in London. Field was named Industry Champion of the Year at the ceremony, which was held at the Hilton on Park Lane.  The annual awards celebrate the success of women working in the UK transport and logistics industry. Caroline Rose, head of regional Operations at TNT Express, was presented with the Woman of the Year award. Described as a

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Regular news Thu, 26 May 2016 13:23:00 GMT 49124
FTA warns of fresh chaos in Calais https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/49014/fta-warns-of-fresh-chaos-in-calais

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has warned that motorway blockades and protests at fuel refineries in France are impacting on UK lorry drivers, exactly 12 months after industrial action led to chaos in Calais. Dozens of petrol stations near the French port have run dry and FTA members have been struggling to fill their tanks. Many UK drivers have told the FTA they are visiting

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Regular news Mon, 23 May 2016 15:51:00 GMT 49014
Heathrow's first cycle officer will encourage staff to commute by bike https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/48973/heathrow-s-first-cycle-officer-will-encourage-staff-to-commute-by-bike

Heathrow Airport has appointed a cycle officer to help increase the number of staff cycling to work. Ali Jafarey is leading a one-year partnership between the airport and sustainable transport charity Sustrans. The partnership will work to make the airport’s cycle routes safer, more accessible and train airport colleagues to feel more confident on their bikes.

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Regular news Wed, 18 May 2016 14:25:00 GMT 48973
Heathrow makes 3rd runway offer https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/48960/heathrow-makes-3rd-runway-offer Heathrow Airport’s owners have pledged to meet and in many cases exceed conditions recommended by the Government’s Airports Commission in return for permission to build a third runway.  The Airports Commission recommended last summer that a third runway at Heathrow be permitted subject to conditions. Heathrow Airport Holdings Ltd chief executive John Holland-Kaye wrote to the Prime Minister this week, spelling out the airport’s offer.  “New capacity at an expa

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News Fri, 13 May 2016 10:02:00 GMT 48960
Khans election to City Hall prompts speculation of Heathrow green light https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/48941/khan-s-election-to-city-hall-prompts-speculation-of-heathrow-green-light The election of a new mayor for London, Sadiq Khan, led to a surge in media commentary on where the next runway at the South East’s major airports would eventually be built, even though this decision is not within the new mayor’s gift to decide. Rik Thomas reports IN THE immediate aftermath of the election of Labour candidate Sadiq Khan as the new mayor of London a significant amount of media attention turned to Khan’s influence on transport in the capital, with a large amount

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Media monitor Fri, 13 May 2016 09:17:00 GMT 48941
China to spend $722bn on transport infrastructure economic boost or distortion? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/48912/china-to-spend-722bn-on-transport-infrastructure-economic-boost-or-distortion- The Chinese Government has announced 4.7 trillion yuan for roads, railways, metro system, waterways and airports projects. The reported investment for three years is equivalent to 6.9% of the country's gross domestic product in 2015, and are part of supply-side reforms designed to underpin growth. They are made possible by a raising of the country's fiscal budget deficit for the year. China Business News commented: "We expect that this spending would help... revive the economy. The latest

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Regular news Thu, 12 May 2016 06:31:00 GMT 48912
The impact of the elections transport schemes scuppered or for take off? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/48907/the-impact-of-the-elections-transport-schemes-scuppered-or-for-take-off-

Decisions over local transport across the UK will be affected by Thursday night's elections., with transport schemes potentially scuppered and new projects proposed. In London and Bristol new Labour mayors will usher in new transport policies. In London, Sadiq Khan wants to pedestrianise Oxford Street and seek to freeze transport fares for four years in a move his Conservative opponent said would leave a £1.9bn blackhole in the transport budget. While Marvin Rees in Bristol said he wo

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Regular news Sun, 8 May 2016 15:40:00 GMT 48907
Female transport professionals vie for award https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/48905/female-transport-professionals-vie-for-award

Three Transport for London (TfL) managers have been nominated in the Freight Transport Association (FTA) Everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards. TfL’s Jo Field, head of campaigns, campaigns and engagement, and Dana Skelley, director of asset management, have been nominated for the Industry Champion Award. They are competing against Jean Gowin, managing director of Jeanius Consulting, a PR expert who is active in

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Regular news Fri, 6 May 2016 13:17:00 GMT 48905
Row over MPs' claim air quality work needless and no reason to delay airports decision https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/48902/row-over-mps-claim-air-quality-work-needless-and-no-reason-to-delay-airports-decision

MPs on the House of Commons' transport select committee have questioned why the Government further delayed its decision on airports expansion on the basis that further work was needed on air quality impacts. The detailed recommendations of the committee, which yesterday attacked ministers for "dithering," suggest that the additional work announced in December before any decision was made on where a new runway would be built was needless. "We are not convinced that this work must be done before

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Regular news Thu, 5 May 2016 00:44:00 GMT 48902
MPs urge government to make decision on SE airport expansion https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/48898/mps-urge-government-to-make-decision-on-se-airport-expansion

The opportunity to end decades of political dithering on airport expansion has been “squandered”, says the House of Commons’ Transport Committee in its report on airport expansion in the South East of England. The MPs urge transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin to set out a clear timetable for expansion, making clear the measures that have been accepted or rejected as well as the work that needs to be completed.

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Regular news Wed, 4 May 2016 14:41:00 GMT 48898
Parties' differences over transport highlighted as Scotland poised to go to the polls https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/48892/parties-differences-over-transport-highlighted-as-scotland-poised-to-go-to-the-polls

The media has put a spotlight on political parties' opposition to the SNP's flagship pledge to slash airport passenger duty, the enthusiasm for the various parties for re-opening rail lines, and the lack of specific pledges on active travel. Days before polling, the Herald Scotland highlighted the SNP pledge to halve APD and eventually to end it altogether and said that the policy will "finally come to pass" if the nationalists are re-elected, and said that the Lib Dems and Greens would re

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Regular news Tue, 3 May 2016 04:16:00 GMT 48892
People mover for Luton Airport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/48843/people-mover-for-luton-airport

London Luton Airport has presented plans for an automated people mover to connect   the airport with Luton Airport Parkway railway station.  The £200m automated system would replace the shuttle bus that currently operates between the two points.  Consultant Arup has been appointed to design and procure the 2.2km system. A planning application could be made in the autumn and construction could begin in 2017, with the system opening by the end of 2020.  The route would

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Regular news Fri, 29 Apr 2016 08:12:00 GMT 48843
Welsh UK Tories at odds on rail https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/48835/welsh--uk-tories-at-odds-on-rail The Welsh Conservatives would encourage open access train operators to launch services on the main lines in North and South Wales if they form the next Welsh Government.  The party’s manifesto for the National Assembly for Wales election in May promises that a Conservative government would: “Offer open access bids from non-franchise holders on the main North and South Wales rail lines.” To date, all open-access operators in Britain have targeted long-distance InterCity r

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Regular news Fri, 29 Apr 2016 08:06:00 GMT 48835
A spotlight on the future of parking https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/48758/a-spotlight-on-the-future-of-parking A panel of parking experts will discuss the future of parking at an event being organised by consultant Alpha Parking and the London Borough of Hounslow. The Spotlight on Parking seminar takes place in London on 19 May. To register for the free event click here The seminar is being chaired by Caroline Hamilton, chief parking and traffic appeal adjudicator for London. Her national counterpart, Caroline Sheppard, chief adjudicator for the Traffic Penalty Tribunal, will discuss the latest develop

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Parking Policy Mon, 25 Apr 2016 09:51:00 GMT 48758
Slashing air passenger duty and a low-carbon transport system are SNP pledges https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/48751/slashing-air-passenger-duty-and-a-low-carbon-transport-system-are-snp-pledges

The SNP has pledged to cut air passenger duty in half while increasing low-carbon travel in Scotland, its manifesto for re-election to the Scottish Government at Holyrood said yesterday. The SNP said it will provide a £62.5m fund to create low-carbon infrastructure and "continue to provide record investment" in walking and cycling so that ten per cent of everyday journeys are made by bike by 2020. It would examine the case for extending the Stirling-Alloa line to Dumfermline by upgrading

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Regular news Thu, 21 Apr 2016 05:08:00 GMT 48751
Windsor Maidenhead offers 25% discount to drivers who lose PCN appeals https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/48735/windsor--maidenhead-offers-25-discount-to-drivers-who-lose-pcn-appeals Motorists who lose their appeals against penalty charge notices (PCNs) issued by the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead will receive a 25% discount under a trial being conducted in partnership with the Department for Transport (DfT). The 12-month pilot scheme follows a recommendation from the House of Commons’ Transport Committee that the appeals system should be fair for people with credible cases who want to challenge their fine. The cost of the pilot scheme, estimated to be &po

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Parking Policy Fri, 15 Apr 2016 12:09:00 GMT 48735
Pledge to axe Severn tolls for Welsh citizens https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/48718/pledge-to-axe-severn-tolls-for-welsh-citizens

Plaid Cymru has pledged to make the M4 Severn crossings free for all people who live in Wales if it wins next month’s National Assembly for Wales election.  Free travel across the Severn estuary would be available to all owners of the National Smart Card, which the party proposes. The card would be used for current entitlements and new ones, the latter to include unlimited rail and bus travel throughout Wales for a one-off annual fee.  The party’s manifesto does not expla

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Regular news Fri, 15 Apr 2016 09:29:00 GMT 48718
Eight annual reports compete for PARC Award https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/48638/eight-annual-reports-compete-for-parc-award

Annual reports produced by eight local authorities have been short listed for the PARC Awards organised by PATROL, the joint committee of local authorities undertaking civil parking enforcement outside London. Around 50 reports were considered for this year’s awards and the winners will be announced in the summer. They are competing for two trophies: Outstanding Overall Report and Outstanding Shorter Report. This year's shortlisted councils are: 

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Awards Lead Story Fri, 8 Apr 2016 10:25:00 GMT 48638
Roll-out begins of new fleet for Gatwick Express https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/48502/roll-out-begins-of-new-fleet-for-gatwick-express

The first of a new fleet of Gatwick Express trains has started operation between London Victoria and the airport. The 27 four-carriage Electrostar trains, run by Govia Thameslink Railway, are set to replace the existing 30-year-old rolling stock.  Gatwick Airport CEO Stewart Wingate said that by 2018 the service will run from the airport for London every three minutes, and there will be four non-stop trains between the airport and Victoria each hour, in both directions,  The rolling

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Regular news Tue, 22 Mar 2016 11:45:00 GMT 48502
Luton Airport wants high-speed rail https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/48431/luton-airport-wants-high-speed-rail Luton Airport and Luton Borough Council are lobbying the DfT for four fast trains an hour between the Luton Airport Parkway station and London St Pancras International. The airport station is currently served by just one fast service an hour to London St Pancras International operated by East Midlands Trains, as well as Thameslink stopping trains. Luton Council says this puts the airport at a commercial disadvantage with other London airports. It wants the improved service to be included in the

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In brief Fri, 18 Mar 2016 10:49:00 GMT 48431
Traffic Penalty Tribunal launches new online appeals portal https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/48349/traffic-penalty-tribunal-launches-new-online-appeals-portal

A new online portal to help motorists appeal against parking fines issued by English and Welsh local authorities outside London goes live today (Monday 14 March). The platform has been developed by the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (TPT) in partnership with Resolver.co.uk, an online consumer complaints service. A new online portal to help motorists appeal parking fines issued by English and Welsh local authorities outside London went live on 14 March

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Enforcement News Mon, 14 Mar 2016 10:00:00 GMT 48349
ORR studies road spending outcomes https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/48303/orr-studies-road-spending-outcomes The Office of Rail and Road is examining regulatory outcome frameworks used in other sectors to see what lessons can be applied to Highways England’s second roads investment strategy period. The appointed consultant will look at sectors such as water, telecoms, energy, rail, aviation and health, as well as strategic highways in other parts of the UK. 

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Detail Mon, 7 Mar 2016 10:05:00 GMT 48303
Gatwick to be low carbon airport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/48283/gatwick-to-be-low-carbon-airport Gatwick Airport is to incentivise the use of electric cars and vans on the airport as part of plans to become the UK’s leading low carbon airport. The airport has appointed Simon Sturgis of consultant Sturgis Carbon Profiling to advise on reducing carbon emissions.  

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In brief Mon, 7 Mar 2016 09:53:00 GMT 48283
MPs reject major changes to HS2 Bill https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/48233/mps-reject-major-changes-to-hs2-bill Major changes to the London-West Midlands high-speed rail line have been rejected by the committee of MPs set up to scrutinise the Hybrid Bill.  The committee considered three  proposals from campaigners for longer tunnels under the entire Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty but concluded that the case has not been made for any of them.  The Bill proposed a 13.4km deep bored tunnel under the southern section of the Chilterns, tunnelled northwards from a point immediatel

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Regular news Mon, 7 Mar 2016 08:45:00 GMT 48233
Government has failed to provide leadership on surface access to airports says Transport Committee https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/48377/government-has-failed-to-provide-leadership-on-surface-access-to-airports-says-transport-committee The government’s failure to take a clear lead on integrated transport planning is a major obstacle to better surface access to the UK’s airports, suggests the House of Commons Transport Committee. The MPs have conducted an inquiry looking at surface access to UK airports with one million passengers or more per annum. The report on

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Regular news Fri, 26 Feb 2016 14:19:00 GMT 48377
NRs plans dont support our airport rail link says Glasgow https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/48174/nr-s-plans-don-t-support-our-airport-rail-link-says-glasgow Glasgow City Council has voiced concern that its plans for a rail link to Glasgow Airport could be hampered by Network Rail failing to deliver the necessary works on the existing network to accommodate the service.    The Glasgow and Clyde Valley City Deal struck between councils and the Scottish and UK governments in 2014 includes £144m for an airport rail link. This is envisaged as a tram-train service from Glasgow Central, using existing tracks to Paisley before accessing the

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Secondary stories Fri, 19 Feb 2016 09:58:00 GMT 48174
Council studies airport re-opening https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/47944/council-studies-airport-re-opening Thanet District Council is testing the market for a partner to re-open Manston Airport as an airport. Manston was closed by then owner Ann Gloag in May 2014. The site is now owned by two individuals, Chris Musgrave and Trevor Cartner. Thanet could use compulsory purchase powers to acquire the site but, to do so, needs an indemnity partner to underwrite and meet all costs incurred by the council and then make investment to deliver a viable airport operation. Thanet’s ‘soft market test

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Detail Fri, 5 Feb 2016 09:16:00 GMT 47944
Southerly rail access plan for Heathrow flawed says TfL https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/47946/southerly-rail-access-plan-for-heathrow-flawed-says-tfl

Transport for London has questioned the merits of the London Borough of Hounslow’s preferred route for a southerly rail access to Heathrow Airport.  Hounslow consulted last autumn on a proposed rail spur from Feltham, on the London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton/Ascot lines, to Heathrow Terminal 5.  A report prepared for the council by consultants WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff envisaged the spur having east and west-facing connections to the existing line, with the branch being bu

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Secondary stories Fri, 5 Feb 2016 09:15:00 GMT 47946
Clarkson takes issue with roadworks that wont ultimately benefit motorists https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/47930/clarkson-takes-issue-with-roadworks-that-won-t-ultimately-benefit-motorists

ON 30 JANUARY motoring pundit Jeremy Clarkson used his column in The Sun to rail against the alleged concept behind roadworks in London. “London, at the moment, simply isn’t working properly,” Clarkson began. “Thanks to a staggering amount of roadworks, it has taken me over an hour to get to a party. And that’s an hour to do four miles. I could have hopped more quickly. “Boris [London mayor Boris Johnson] would have undoubtedly told me to use the bus but that

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Media monitor Fri, 5 Feb 2016 09:10:00 GMT 47930
ITV's Parking Mad is back for series 3 https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/47871/itv-s-parking-mad-is-back-for-series-3 ITV has commissioned a new season of Parking Mad, a documentary programme that looks at parking problems around the UK.  The programme’s makers, Century Films, are currently looking for campaigners with stories to share. Previous series have featured parking teams in places such as Lincoln, Portsmouth and Sandwell as well as the work of the adjudicators of the Traffic Penalty Tribunal.

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Operational Sat, 30 Jan 2016 15:06:00 GMT 47871
Westminster to hold inquiry into pedestrian/cycle bridge https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/47736/westminster-to-hold-inquiry-into-pedestrian-cycle-bridge Westminster City Council is to hold an inquiry into a proposed £40m pedestrian and cycle bridge across the Thames that is fiercely opposed by some of the council’s residents.  The bridge would connect the  Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea Opportunity Area in the London Borough of Wandsworth, on the south bank of the Thames, with Pimlico in Westminster on the north. It is being championed  by the Nine Elms Vauxhall Partnership, which includes the London boroughs of Wandswo

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Secondary stories Fri, 22 Jan 2016 08:52:00 GMT 47736
40m for flood damaged roads https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/47676/-40m-for-flood-damaged-roads The DfT has promised £40m of emergency funding to repair local transport infrastructure in Lancashire and Cumbria damaged by this winter’s heavy rain and flooding. Highways England is also providing expertise to help with recovery efforts.

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In brief Fri, 8 Jan 2016 09:52:00 GMT 47676
Council pension funds to finance transport? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/47673/council-pension-funds-to-finance-transport-

Plans to create six big local authority pension funds in England and Wales could help deliver roads, railways and airport expansions.  There are currently 89 administering authorities for council pension schemes in England and Wales, plus one for the Environment Agency. Each manages its assets largely independently and only a small proportion is invested in infrastructure.  The Department for Communities and Local Government  wants to turn the 90 funds into six British Wealth Fu

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Regular news Fri, 8 Jan 2016 09:49:00 GMT 47673
Scots budget sees rise in trunk road spending https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/47667/scots-budget-sees-rise-in-trunk-road-spending The Scottish Government’s spending on transport will rise in real terms by 4% in 2016/17, according to the SNP administration’s draft budget. Spending will rise from £2.080bn to £2.209bn (£2.172bn in real terms), with a big rise in motorway & trunk roads spend – up from £694.8m to £820.3m.  Spending on the £1.35bn Forth Replacement Crossing project will fall from £219m this year to £134m – the new Queensferry Cros

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Regular news Fri, 8 Jan 2016 09:44:00 GMT 47667
Airport expansion isnt high-speed rail a better option? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/47657/airport-expansion-isn-t-high-speed-rail-a-better-option- On 4 January the following short-haul flights were scheduled to take off from Heathrow Airport: UK, excluding Aberdeen and Belfast – 30 flights. Paris – 19; Brussels – eight; Amsterdam – 18. Sub-total – 45 flights. Thus, there are 75 departures that day to short-haul destinations to which high-speed train services are either currently available or will be by 2031. If an effective connection between HS1, HS2 and Heathrow were provided and retailin

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Letters to the editor Fri, 8 Jan 2016 09:28:00 GMT 47657
In Passing https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/47643/in-passing

The Spectator asked readers to come up with a poem about HS2. Here’s our favourite, from a Mr Basil Ransome-Davies: It’s as pointless as cheating at patience,  As cuckoo as ironing the cat, A businessman’s scheme, a commercial wet dream, In the shape of a formal diktat. Though the magic words ‘northern’ and ‘powerhouse’, Pronounced like a mystical spell, Are combined to inspire, setting all hearts on fire,  They exude a pestiferous smel

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In Passing Fri, 8 Jan 2016 09:09:00 GMT 47643
Airport expansion delay castigated from all quarters https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/47631/airport-expansion-delay-castigated-from-all-quarters The Government’s decision to postpone a decision on airport expansion in the south-east of England at least until the middle of 2016 was criticised by pretty much every media commentator in the run up to Christmas, irrespective of whether they favoured expansion at Heathrow, Gatwick, or nowhere. “Even by the Government’s standards of inaction on the airports debate, six months to simply blandly agree with the Airports Commission’s superseded shortlist from 2013 is quite

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Media monitor Fri, 8 Jan 2016 08:52:00 GMT 47631
McLoughlin says believes airports expansion go-ahead by the summer - as BA issues new threat https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/47574/mcloughlin-says-believes-airports-expansion-go-ahead-by-the-summer--as-ba-issues-new-threat The transport secretary, after last week saying there was a clear case for airport expansion in the South East of England but it was "important" further work was done, has been reported as saying he "believes" this work will be completed by the summer. The transport secretary has had extra column inches after last week the Government said it accepted the Airports Commission´s recommendation that there is a case for airport expansion but a further "package of work" on the environmenta

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Regular news Fri, 18 Dec 2015 00:42:00 GMT 47574
Cameron delays airports decision until summer https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/47516/cameron-delays-airports-decision-until-summer The Prime Minister this week delayed a final decision until next summer on which of Heathrow and Gatwick airports should be allowed to expand.  The Airports Commission recommended this summer that the Government should support a third runway at Heathrow, rather than a second runway at Gatwick. The two airports continue to lobby to secure political support for their plans, as does Heathrow Hub, the promoter of the third option shortlisted by the Commission – an extended northern runwa

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Regular news Fri, 11 Dec 2015 09:43:00 GMT 47516
Airport decision delayed despite media calls for urgent decision https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/47477/airport-decision-delayed-despite-media-calls-for-urgent-decision

“Expanding Heathrow makes sense, further delay does not,” Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg wrote in The Huffington Post on 24 November, less than a fortnight before the Government did in fact announce that a decision on which, if any, airport in the South East of England was going to be allowed to expand was being delayed. “Easily available air travel at a reasonable cost has been one of the greatest boons of recent decades. In opposition to the expansion of Heathrow are the usu

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Media monitor Fri, 11 Dec 2015 09:11:00 GMT 47477
Heathrow third runway decision to be kicked into long grass again says BBC https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/47435/heathrow-third-runway-decision-to-be-kicked-into-long-grass-again-says-bbc

A decision due to be made by the Government this week on whether or not to support its Airports Commission recommendation to back a third runway at Heathrow AIrport is to be delayed for "at least six months," according to the BBC. The BBC reports that the economic and domestic cabinet sub-committee the Prime MInister chairs is due to confirm a delay on Thursday to allow more "confidence building" about the environmental impact of expansion at Heathrow, if that is the option supported. Expansion

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Regular news Tue, 8 Dec 2015 00:01:00 GMT 47435
Cameron warned on Heathrow no approval without surface transport guarantee https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/47390/cameron-warned-on-heathrow-no-approval-without-surface-transport-guarantee MPs on the environmental audit committee have warned the Prime Minister to not approve a third runway at Heathrow if the airport does not commit to covering the costs of surface transport upgrades and can meet legal air pollution limits. Chair, Huw Irranca-Davies, said the Government is legally obliged to reduce illegal air pollution levels, and expansion could not be permitted without actions to rectify this. The committee questioned the Airports Commission's conclusion that the Air Quality Di

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Regular news Wed, 2 Dec 2015 18:25:00 GMT 47390
Birmingham airport station study https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/47326/birmingham-airport-station-study A €1.75m study is to be conducted on how to turn Birmingham International station into a major multi-modal transport hub, with connections to the proposed nearby HS2 Interchange station on the London-West Midlands line. Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority will lead the study, which is half-funded by the European Union. Government company HS2 Ltd is planning an ‘automated people mover’ system, with an estimated cost of £95m

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In brief Fri, 27 Nov 2015 09:33:00 GMT 47326
Deadline for PARC Awards is 15 January https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/47270/deadline-for-parc-awards-is-15-january

The deadline for 2014/15 submissions to the PARC (Parking Annual Report by Councils) Awards is Friday 15 January 2016. In parallel to launching a PCN toolkit, a series of regional workshops is being planned to help local authorities get started with reports. For further information on the award or attending the workshops contact info@patrol-uk.info

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Awards Thu, 26 Nov 2015 22:45:00 GMT 47270
Labour leader Corbyn backs expansion at Gatwick as cabinet mulls decision https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/47202/labour-leader-corbyn-backs-expansion-at-gatwick-as-cabinet-mulls-decision Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has backed a second runway at Gatwick as preferable to a third at Heathrow, as the cabinet agonises over whether to back expansion at Heathrow. Corbyn was quoted in the West Sussex County News as saying that whilst he opposed the Airports Commission recommendation for a bigger Heathrow, "Gatwick already has spare capacity at the moment and does have facility to expand beyond 2019. Gatwick is a possibility," he said, during his visit to Crawley in West Sussex, ho

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Regular news Sat, 14 Nov 2015 11:19:00 GMT 47202
Media tension mounts as airport expansion decision looms or does it? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/47168/media-tension-mounts-as-airport-expansion-decision-looms-or-does-it- As the end of 2015 began to loom on the horizon, the subject of airport expansion in the south-east of England continued to dominate the media headlines, although no consensus has yet emerged on whether Heathrow or Gatwick Airport will get the Government’s nod to build a new runway. On 30 October, for example, The Daily Mail suggested that Heathrow would win the battle due primarily to the support of Chancellor George Osborne. “George Osborne is ready to argue for ‘Heathrow or

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Media monitor Fri, 13 Nov 2015 11:31:00 GMT 47168
TfL puts 15bn price tag on transport upgrades London would need with Heathrow expansion https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/47111/tfl-puts-15bn-price-tag-on-transport-upgrades-london-would-need-with-heathrow-expansion TfL has elaborated on its claims that the Airports Commission has underestimated the travel demand created by a Heathrow third runway and overestimated the likely public transport share of passenger travel. It told the Greater London Authority transport committee that it could cost between £15bn and £20bn for necessary improvements to surface transport so London's transport networks could deal with the surge in demand. This comes after TfL said in September that the Commission had f

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Regular news Wed, 11 Nov 2015 12:10:00 GMT 47111
Heathrow or Gatwick decision time https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/47069/heathrow-or-gatwick-decision-time It has been a long time coming, but a Government decision on where a new runway should be built – Heathrow or Gatwick – is expected just before Christmas. At least that’s the theory. It’s not inconceivable, however, that the saga will be drawn out a little more because of internal Tory party politics. Zac Goldsmith, the MP for Richmond Park, and Conservative candidate in next May’s London mayoral election, says he will immediately resign his seat if the Government

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In Passing Fri, 30 Oct 2015 10:35:00 GMT 47069
Gatwick goes into full throttle as PM prepares to make runway decision https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/47053/gatwick-goes-into-full-throttle-as-pm-prepares-to-make-runway-decision

With a Government decision on airport expansion expected before Christmas, Gatwick Airport’s owners have stepped up efforts to persuade ministers to reject the Airports Commission’s advice of a third runway at Heathrow and choose a second runway at Gatwick instead.  A lively debate is guaranteed when the cabinet meets to discuss the Airports Commission’s recommendation for a new third runway at Heathrow. Heathrow expansion has its backers – such as the chancellor Ge

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Regular feature Fri, 30 Oct 2015 09:57:00 GMT 47053
Heathrow vs Gatwick debate heats up as decision on new runway looms https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/47037/heathrow-vs-gatwick-debate-heats-up-as-decision-on-new-runway-looms

With the Government’s response to the findings of the Davies Commission on airport expansion in the South East expected before the end of the year, most media coverage of the story has coalesced into a straightforward debate between whether expansion at Heathrow Airport or Gatwick is the more sensible option, although a few voices do continue to question whether either airport should be given the go-ahead to build an additional runway. Writing in Prospect magazine on 15 October, for exampl

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Media monitor Fri, 30 Oct 2015 09:32:00 GMT 47037
High-speed rail network must cross the border Mackay tells MSPs https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/47034/high-speed-rail-network-must-cross-the-border-mackay-tells-msps

Scottish transport minister Derek Mackay updated MSPs on the Scottish Government’s transport priorities this month, including a cross-border high-speed railway line, more powers over Network Rail, and a refresh of the national transport strategy.  Earlier this year media reports emerged that the UK Government had ruled out extending the proposed high-speed rail network to Scotland because there was no business case for doing so, and that services would use the existing West and East

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Regular feature Fri, 30 Oct 2015 09:25:00 GMT 47034
Turn of the tide for passenger travel on the River Thames https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/47032/turn-of-the-tide-for-passenger-travel-on-the-river-thames

Long before there were proper roads or railways, the River Thames was a major traffic artery serving London and the south. Indeed, for many centuries, it was the only artery of any importance. Today London’s burgeoning population and traffic growth is straining its transport infrastructure to the limit, but building more roads is no longer seen as politically acceptable, and constructing new railways is a hugely expensive, time-consuming and immensely disruptive process. There is a third

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Interview Fri, 30 Oct 2015 09:22:00 GMT 47032
Durham and BANES triumph in PATROL Annual Report Awards https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/47014/durham-and-banes-triumph-in-patrol-annual-report-awards

Durham County Council and Bath & North East Somerset Council (BANES) emerged as the winners of the PATROL Annual Report Award. Durham won the Best Annual Report Award while BANES won the Most Concise Report Award. The councils received their trophies from Louise Ellman MP, chair of the Transport Select Committee, at the House of Commons on 27 October. The awards are open to any of the 300 or so non-London councils in England and Wales who are members of PATROL. PATROL commissioned an indep

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Awards Thu, 29 Oct 2015 16:26:00 GMT 47014
PATROL unveils annual report toolkit https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/47013/patrol-unveils-annual-report-toolkit

A guide designed to help local authorities better communicate to the public, has been published by PATROL (Parking and Traffic Regulations Outside London). The PATROL Annual Report Toolkit is a 102-page document offers advice on how to produce annual reports that inform and engage residents and businesses, providing information about parking in their area and how services are funded. The toolkit reproduces the annual reports of Durham County Council and Bath & North East Somerset Councils,

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Parking Policy Lead Story Thu, 29 Oct 2015 16:23:00 GMT 47013
Airports Commission doesnt understand EUair quality law https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/46859/airports-commission-doesn-t-understand-euair-quality-law-

The Airports Commission’s conclusion that a third runway at Heathrow could be built without contravening European law on air quality is incorrect, according to a legal opinion ordered by clean air campaigners. The Commission, chaired by Sir Howard Davies, recommended a third runway at Heathrow in its final report published this summer.  On air quality, the Commission said a new runway would increase nitrogen dioxide concentrations at monitoring sites close to the airport that are fo

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Secondary stories Fri, 16 Oct 2015 09:14:00 GMT 46859
Sheriff moves to Heathrow https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/46795/sheriff-moves-to-heathrow Vickie Sheriff has taken up the role of director of communications at Heathrow Airport. In 2013 she moved from her dual role as official deputy spokesperson for the Prime Minister and head of news at Number 10 to take up a communications job at the Department for Transport. Heathrow Airport lost its previous communications director Simon Baugh earlier this year after he moved to the Department for Transport to take the role previously held by Sheriff.

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People/people Fri, 2 Oct 2015 09:13:00 GMT 46795
In Passing https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/46767/in-passing Group in question was lobbying to get the Government to adopt the Davies Commission recommendation that Heathrow Airport be allowed to, well, grow. But not a bit of it – in fact precisely the opposite was the case. Grow Heathrow is vehemently opposed to any expansion of the airport. So why the confusing name? Well, according to the Get West London website, “The Grow Heathrow project uses a squatted community space, which was an abandoned market garden site in Sipson, to provide the c

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In Passing Fri, 2 Oct 2015 08:40:00 GMT 46767
Labour moves anti-Heathrow https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/46761/labour-moves-anti-heathrow “Heathrow expansion is one key policy area that is affected by the recent Labour elections,” Spectator columnist Sebastian Payne suggested on 17 September. “Sadiq Khan’s victory in the London mayoral nomination contest means that the London Labour Party will be campaigning against a third runway… and, assuming the books are right and Zac Goldsmith is selected as the Conservative candidate, all of the London mayoral candidates will be campaigning against Heathrow ex

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Media monitor Fri, 2 Oct 2015 08:25:00 GMT 46761
The peer review process isnt perfect conferences can help https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/46582/the-peer-review-process-isn-t-perfect--conferences-can-help As an editorial board member for the journal Transportation myself, I realise that the academic peer review process is far from ideal (‘Does academic peer review guarantee gold standard research?’ LTT 21 Aug). In addition to the ‘publish or perish’ pressures identified by Phil Goodwin, there are pressures for academics to serve as reviewers or editorial advisors, again to support career progression and ultimately achieve that sought after tenure. As a result, many of the

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Letters to the editor Fri, 18 Sep 2015 09:24:00 GMT 46582
TSC to study airport surface transport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/46561/tsc-to-study-airport-surface-transport The House of Commons transport select committee is to undertake an inquiry into surface transport at airports. The inquiry will examine whether strategic connections to airports fulfil current and future requirements in terms of range and capacity. The committee is interested to assess the effectiveness of the Government's approach to planning surface access to airports, as well as understanding whether the Government is making full use of its powers to influence the selection of infrastructure

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In brief Fri, 18 Sep 2015 09:06:00 GMT 46561
Commentators mull impact of Labour leader Corbyn's anti-HS2 anti-third runway stance https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/46536/commentators-mull-impact-of-labour-leader-corbyn-s-anti-hs2-anti-third-runway-stance The stance of Jeremy Corbyn, the new leader of the Labour Party, over transport infrastructure has sparked fears from proponents of major schemes including HS2 and a Heathrow third runway. The Yorkshire Post today bemoans Corbyn's "lukewarm at best" support for HS2, with the veteran left-wing Islington MP having said he would not halt the first section to Birmingham if work had started, but could potentially pull the plug on the second phase, to Leeds and Manchester. But they are pleased over h

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Regular news Mon, 14 Sep 2015 10:07:00 GMT 46536
Transport Committee to investigate surface transport to airports https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/46533/transport-committee-to-investigate-surface-transport-to-airports

The House of Commons Transport Select Committee has launched an inquiry into surface transport at airports. The inquiry will examine whether strategic connections to airports fulfil current and future requirements in terms of range and capacity. The committee says it is interested to assess the effectiveness of the government's approach to planning surface access to airports, as well as understanding whether the governme

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Regular news Fri, 11 Sep 2015 16:00:00 GMT 46533
Transport Scotland awards frameworks https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/46481/transport-scotland-awards-frameworks Transport Scotland has appointed consultants to a new  framework for engineering and transportation consultancy services.  Details are: Lot 1 – Roads: 1st AECOM; 2nd Jacobs UK Ltd; 3rd Mouchel Ltd; 4th AMEY; 5th a Mott MacDonald Grontmij joint venture.  Lot 2 – Rail:  1st Ove Arup and Partners Ltd; 2nd Jacobs UK Ltd; 3rd WSP UK; 4th MMG (Mott MacDonald Grontmij JV); 5th Atkins Ltd. Lot 4 – Maritime:  1st Mouchel Ltd; 2nd RPS Group Ltd; 3rd Systra Lt

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News Fri, 4 Sep 2015 09:17:00 GMT 46481
Councils should be able to enforce car parks with ANPR BPA tells government https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/46454/councils-should-be-able-to-enforce-car-parks-with-anpr-bpa-tells-government

The British Parking Association has called on the government to reconsider its prohibition on local authorities using ANPR enforcement technology in off-street car parks. The request was made in a letter sent by BPA chief executive Patrick Troy to local government minister Marcus Jones.  Troy wrote the letter in the wake of press coverage of an apparent increase in custom at shops in Cardigan, Mid Wales, where there was a period of ‘free parking’ following vandalism to payme

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Enforcement News Thu, 3 Sep 2015 08:14:00 GMT 46454
Traffic Penalty Tribunal to report on Dartford Crossing's new barrierless regime https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/46441/traffic-penalty-tribunal-to-report-on-dartford-crossing-s-new-barrierless-regime

A report is being compiled by the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (TPT) on the new barrierless payment regime at the Dartford Crossing in the River Thames. Figures from Highways England, which operates the toll crossing, reveal that 950,000 penalty charge notices (PCNs) were issued for non-payment of the Dart Charge between the new system’s introduction in November 2014 and June 2015. Dart Charge was launched by the then Highways Agency (since renamed Highways England) in November 2014, to help

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Traffic Management Thu, 3 Sep 2015 07:24:00 GMT 46441
Gatwicks attack on Davies report demeaning https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/46318/gatwick-s-attack-on-davies-report-demeaning- Sir Howard Davies has criticised Gatwick Airport’s owners for trying to undermine confidence in his Airport Commission’s recommendation to build a third runway at Heathrow rather than a second runway at Gatwick.  Gatwick this week published a detailed response to the Airport Commission’s final report, claiming it contained “key errors, omissions and flaws”.  Gatwick chief executive Stewart Wingate said: “In recent weeks it has become clear that Hea

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News Fri, 21 Aug 2015 08:59:00 GMT 46318
Driver wins case after parking sign obscured by street lights shadow https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/46301/driver-wins-case-after-parking-sign-obscured-by-street-light-s-shadow The Traffic Penalty Tribunal has overturned a parking fine issued to a Plymouth driver because the restrictions shown on a parking sign were hidden in shadow due to street lighting. The driver, Paul Whiteley, fought Plymouth City Council for six months against the penalty charge notice (PCN) for parking in a ‘residents only’ space in February. He believed that parking in the area was free after 6pm. After receiving a PCN Whiteley told the council that he saw no restriction signage,

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Enforcement News Tue, 11 Aug 2015 15:16:00 GMT 46301
Heated war of words on Heathrow expansion shows no sign of abating https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/46248/heated-war-of-words-on-heathrow-expansion-shows-no-sign-of-abating

After a Labour candidate for the mayor of London, Harrow West MP Gareth Thomas, had strongly backed a third runway at Heathrow Airport in the media as part of his campaign (LTT 24 Jul), it was the turn of a Conservative candidate for the post, “entrepreneur and campaigner” Ivan Massow, to back the expansion of Heathrow in the media. “I don’t love Heathrow – but we shouldn’t let Nimbyism block a crucial new runway,” he said in the City AM newspaper on 21

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Media monitor Fri, 7 Aug 2015 09:23:00 GMT 46248
London City Airport up for sale https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/46242/london-city-airport-up-for-sale Global Infrastructure Partners is putting London’s City Airport up for sale. GIP bought the airport for £750m in 2006 and is reportedly seeking a sale price of £2bn. City Airport’s value could be reduced, however, by GIP’s ongoing battle to expand facilities to allow it to handle over six million passengers by 2023. The plans were originally granted planning permission by Newham Council but were then blocked by London mayor Boris Johnson over noise concerns. The out

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In brief Fri, 7 Aug 2015 09:14:00 GMT 46242
Bournemouth council car park receives Police safety award https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/46202/bournemouth-council-car-park-receives-police-safety-award

Bournemouth Borough Council’s Avenue Road car park has been awarded a two-year safer parking award. The 895-space barrier controlled car park, which is run by APCOA Parking (UK), received the Park Mark award after Dorset Police recorded no vehicle crime at the MSCP over past 12 months. John Green, Bournemouth-based crime prevention officer and Park Mark assessor, reported that Avenue Road MSCP is a good example of a well-managed facility designed and built to incorporate security to a hi

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Safer Parking Thu, 6 Aug 2015 10:04:00 GMT 46202
BA claim that it doesn't want a third runway at Heathrow met with scepticism https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/46195/ba-claim-that-it-doesn-t-want-a-third-runway-at-heathrow-met-with-scepticism BA owner chief executive Willie Walsh's claim that the airline "does not want" Heathrow expansion has been met by scepticism in the media. Walsh said this week that "the costs associated with the third runway are outrageous" with Heathrow's boss John Holland-Kaye warning that the £17.6bn development could push up landing fees by 20%. He was quoted as predicting that he was "not sure the third runway will ever be built" given "airlines and consumers are looking for lower costs". The Econom

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Regular news Wed, 5 Aug 2015 15:51:00 GMT 46195
Cameron sets up committee to resolve London airport dilemma https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/46123/cameron-sets-up-committee-to-resolve-london-airport-dilemma

Supporters of a third runway at Heathrow Airport received a boost this week as the Prime Minister announced the membership of a cabinet sub-committee to consider where airport expansion should be permitted. Critics of Heathrow expansion were quick to point out that the committee includes none of the cabinet ministers known to oppose the Heathrow’s growth.  Chaired by the Prime Minister, the committee includes: Chancellor George Osborne; business secretary Sajid Javid; transport secr

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Secondary stories Fri, 24 Jul 2015 09:43:00 GMT 46123
Heathrow sets new mode shift targets https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/46120/heathrow-sets-new-mode-shift-targets Heathrow Airport Ltd (HAL) is setting up a £1m fund to support measures to cut airport car travel. Councils and transport operators can bid to the fund, which is part of a plan to reduce car use. Other initiatives include an employee car share app and better cycling facilities. HAL says that in the last 25 years the number of airport passengers using public transport has risen from ten million to 19 million a year, and the proportion of people working at the airport who drive to work alone

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In brief Fri, 24 Jul 2015 09:39:00 GMT 46120
In Passing https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/46053/in-passing-

News from Cardiff Bay, where the Welsh Government has just announced the launch of a new bus service in North Wales, TrawsCymru route T3. “The T3 service is funded by the Welsh Government and operated by GHA Coaches, under contract to Gwyneth Council,” reads the press release. Presumably they mean Gwynedd; officials have obviously been watching too many Gwyneth Paltrow movies, and not getting out to Snowdonia enough. After reading the London Borough of Camden’s report on its

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In Passing Fri, 24 Jul 2015 08:52:00 GMT 46053
Mayoral hopeful backs third runway at greenest airport Heathrow https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/46049/mayoral-hopeful-backs-third-runway-at-greenest-airport-heathrow

“We can make a greener, more liveable London and expand Heathrow Airport,” Gareth Thomas, Harrow West MP and a London mayoral candidate for the Labour Party, suggested in The Guardian on 9 July. “London can still become a world-leading green city with a third runway at Heathrow as long as it backs solar roofs, electric cars and a bigger congestion zone. “Top of the incoming mayor’s agenda should be a commitment to extend and refine the congestion zone,” Thoma

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Media monitor Fri, 24 Jul 2015 08:48:00 GMT 46049
Treasury consults on English regional airports https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/46020/treasury-consults-on-english-regional-airports The Government is seeking views on three possible ways to support England’s regional airports in the context of the impending devolution of air passenger duty to the Scottish Parliament and its proposed devolution to the National Assembly for Wales. England’s regional airports are concerned that decisions by the Scottish or Welsh governments to reduce APD could draw passengers and airlines away from their airports. A discussion paper issued this week by the Treasury identifies three

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News Fri, 10 Jul 2015 09:51:00 GMT 46020
City Airport proposes new route to growth https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/46019/city-airport-proposes-new-route-to-growth The owners of London City Airport are proposing a compulsory purchase order (CPO) for land that would facilitate the airport’s development, even though London mayor Boris Johnson has refused the airport’s expansion.  A recent planning application for the City Airport development programme (an extended terminal, a new taxi-way and additional parking stands for larger aircraft), was supported by the London Borough of Newham but was refused by the Mayor of London due to its possib

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News Fri, 10 Jul 2015 09:50:00 GMT 46019
Cameron weighs up Commissions call for a third runway at Heathrow https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/45987/cameron-weighs-up-commission-s-call-for-a-third-runway-at-heathrow

When David Cameron packs the suitcase for his summer holidays, the holiday reading material could well be the final report of the Airports Commission, which has just recommended approval for a third runway at Heathrow. The report presents the Prime Minister with a thorny dilemma because many of his cabinet colleagues oppose a third runway and he himself declared in 2009: “The third runway at Heathrow is not going ahead, no ifs, no buts.” Yet there is also a strong political and busin

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Analysis Fri, 10 Jul 2015 09:12:00 GMT 45987
Davies Commission report generates heated media debate https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/45986/davies-commission-report-generates-heated-media-debate

IN LATE June and early July, media coverage of transport issues was dominated to a dramatic degree by the question of which, if any, of the airports in the south east of England should be expanded to meet anticipated demand. A veritable blizzard of coverage kicked off in The Independent on 26 June with the publication of a public opinion poll that indicated that the vast majority of the population of London do not see the need for any airport expansion at all. “A poll by ComRes found that

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Media monitor Fri, 10 Jul 2015 09:08:00 GMT 45986
Conservative-backing newspapers urge Heathrow approval The Guardian says no https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/45951/conservative-backing-newspapers-urge-heathrow-approval-the-guardian-says-no Conservative-backing newspapers have thrown their weight behind the Davies Commission's recommendation for a third runway west of Heathrow, as the Prime Minister and transport secretary mull how to respond. The Daily Telegraph this morning advises David Cameron that "Britain needs decisive leadership on airport expansion," arguing that the report "proves one thing beyond doubt: Britain needs new airport capacity if it is to remain globally competitive". The standard bea

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Regular news Thu, 2 Jul 2015 08:53:00 GMT 45951
Government's Airports Commission backs third runway at Heathrow hands decision to ministers https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/45947/government-s-airports-commission-backs-third-runway-at-heathrow-hands-decision-to-ministers

The Davies Commission this morning after two-and-a-half-years recommends that a third runway at Heathrow is the best option for airport expansion.  The final report of the commission set up by the coalition Government to resolve the vexed political issue of how the UK could maintain its status as an aviation hub says that a new full-length, north-west runway at Heathrow offers the "strongest case" with the "greatest strategic and economic benefits". But it gives ministers a potential get-

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Regular news Wed, 1 Jul 2015 07:42:00 GMT 45947
Business urges Budget end to make do and mend approach to transport infrastructure https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/45944/business-urges-budget-end-to-make-do-and-mend-approach-to-transport-infrastructure The British Chambers of Commerce warns the Chancellor ahead of his emergency Budget next week that lack of investment in transport infrastructure capacity and maintenance is hampering business growth and costing jobs. The BCC's submission says that the UK still lags behind other developed countries for the quality of its transport and other infrastructure, ranking 27th in the World Economic Forums' quality of overall infrastructure table. "The UK needs to be in the top 15 by 2020 if it is to ac

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Regular news Tue, 30 Jun 2015 12:32:00 GMT 45944
Stephen Knapp is Traffic Penalty Tribunal's new deputy chief adjudicator https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/45030/stephen-knapp-is-traffic-penalty-tribunal-s-new-deputy-chief-adjudicator

The Traffic Penalty Tribunal has appointed barrister Stephen Knapp as its deputy chief adjudicator. Knapp has been an adjudicator at the Traffic Penalty Tribunal for 15 years, as well as working as a judge for the Special Educational Needs Tribunal. Knapp’s appointment follows an internal restructuring of the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (TPT) designed to support the changing scope of work and the needs of its adjudicators. Recent months have seen TPT start hearing appeals relating to the ne

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People News Sat, 27 Jun 2015 10:08:00 GMT 45030
The importance of examining the evidence on parking appeals https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/45021/the-importance-of-examining-the-evidence-on-parking-appeals

Michael Robinson’s article in the May edition of Parking Review does insufficient justice to Portsmouth City Council where he is parking manager. Nor has he considered the evidence when he suggests that adjudicators strive to maintain a 50/50 record in appeal outcomes.  A snapshot from the Traffic Penalty Tribunal’s 2013/14 statistics not only indicates that Portsmouth is more successful in their appeal outcomes than Mr Robinson suggests but also that very few Portsmouth penalt

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Letters Sat, 27 Jun 2015 09:35:00 GMT 45021
Heathrow expansion becomes defining issue locally and nationally https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/45000/heathrow-expansion-becomes-defining-issue-locally-and-nationally With the final report of the Davies Commission on airport expansion in the South East of England due within a few weeks, speculation on what will happen once the report is published has become rife in the mainstream media. “Many believe the long grass beckons for the commission’s work,” suggested the BBC’s business editor, Kamal Ahmed. “And that’s before it has even published its final report.” This theme was expanded on at length by Sean Worth, directo

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Media monitor Fri, 26 Jun 2015 10:08:00 GMT 45000
Stansted expansion will come back into play as PM set to rule out Heathrow - Johnson https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/44382/stansted-expansion-will-come-back-into-play-as-pm-set-to-rule-out-heathrow--johnson London Mayor Boris Johnson believes that expansion at Stansted will "have to come back into play" as he predicted that the Prime Minister will not sanction a third runway at Heathrow, it was reported. Johnson, speaking at the State of London debate, said other options will have to be considered and the Airports Commission had been "very precipitate" in ruling out expansion at Stansted, Heart reported. He believes that David Cameron will stick by a previous, 2010, pledge to not expand Heathrow,

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Regular news Wed, 24 Jun 2015 08:09:00 GMT 44382
Khan lets rip in London Mayor race by coming out against Heathrow expansion https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/44377/khan-lets-rip-in-london-mayor-race-by-coming-out-against-heathrow-expansion Former transport minister Sadiq Khan, seen as the main challenger to Tessa Jowell to win the Labour party nomination for London Mayor has come out in favour of expanding Gatwick instead of Heathrow. Khan said at the first hustings and in an article in the City AM newspaper that whilst he accepted the need for more aviation capacity - "mentioned whenever I meet London's entrepreneurs" - that this capacity "cannot come at the expense of the millions of Londoners who we want to benefit from the jo

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Regular news Fri, 19 Jun 2015 09:12:00 GMT 44377
Stobart making excessive profits at airport train station https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/44360/-stobart-making-excessive-profits-at-airport-train-station- Abellio Greater Anglia (AGA) has applied to the Office for Rail and Road (ORR) for a new station access contract for the privately-owned Southend Airport station. The move follows months of wrangling and failure to reach agreement between AGA and the Stobart Group, which owns both the station and the airport. AGA has accused Stobart of making excessive profits, which it says are used to subsidise  airport activities and give it an unfair advantage over rivals, notably Stansted.  The

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Detail Fri, 12 Jun 2015 09:49:00 GMT 44360
Airports battle it out over air quality as Commissions runway report looms https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/44324/airports-battle-it-out-over-air-quality-as-commission-s-runway-report-looms

The Government’s Airports Commission is expected to publish its final report later this month or early next month, recommending where London’s next new runway capacity should be built – Heathrow or Gatwick. The Commission will not have the final word on the matter, however, because David Cameron and his cabinet colleagues must then decide what to do with the advice; reports this week suggest a final announcement from the Government on which airport will be allowed to expan

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Analysis Fri, 12 Jun 2015 08:51:00 GMT 44324
In Passing https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/44310/in-passing The HS2 debate rumbles on but one thing that hasn’t yet had much attention is the train interiors. Lord Berkeley is alarmed at reports emanating from HS2 Ltd. “Information from HS2 this week confirmed that they are looking at having five seats across the HS2 trains to serve Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds,” he reports. “These trains, captive to the HS2 lines, could be a little wider than our standard UK commuter trains, and instead resemble the Paris RER train layouts wi

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Main editorial comment Fri, 12 Jun 2015 08:43:00 GMT 44310
First Glasgow MD named Woman of the Year in FTA everywoman in Transport Logistics Awards https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/44277/first-glasgow-md-named-woman-of-the-year-in-fta-everywoman-in-transport--logistics-awards Fiona Kerr, managing director of bus operator First Glasgow, was named Woman of the Year at the FTA everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards 2015, which were revealed at a ceremony held at the Hilton on London’s Park Lane yesterday. The FTA everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards were launched

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Regular news Thu, 4 Jun 2015 11:11:00 GMT 44277
Labour leader favourite backs Davies' runways as PM reportedly mulls grounding them https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/44269/labour-leader-favourite-backs-davies-runways-as-pm-reportedly-mulls-grounding-them

Labour leadership favourite Andy Burnham has urged that the recommendations of the Airports Commission should be implemented. The final report of the Davies' Commission is due to be published within weeks, and the Prime Minister is reportedly weighing up not following the advice of the commission, set up by the Conservative-Lib Dem Government to overcome the political deadlock on the issue. But Heathrow Airport appeared delighted yesterday, re-tweeting news of the shadow health secretary's wor

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Regular news Sat, 30 May 2015 16:31:00 GMT 44269
Airport expansion debate shifts to Gatwick as Paxman wades in on HS2 https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/44209/airport-expansion-debate-shifts-to-gatwick-as-paxman-wades-in-on-hs2 Despite the predominantly pro-Heathrow media coverage in the immediate aftermath of the General Election, the tide appeared to be starting to turn towards Gatwick in mid-May. The Times, on 15 May, for example, described what it termed “mounting Tory opposition to expansion of Heathrow” even though it acknowledged that this option “was the favoured option of business”. The This is Money website, meanwhile, claimed on 16 May that “the new Tory Cabinet has strengthene

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Media monitor Fri, 29 May 2015 10:10:00 GMT 44209
Heathrow expansion dominates post-election media transport coverage https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/44057/heathrow-expansion-dominates-post-election-media-transport-coverage

Before the General Election, the chief executive of IAG (the company that owns British Airways), Willie Walsh, “attacked the UK’s main political parties for having no interest in aviation and expressed doubt that any progress will be made on airport expansion”, according to trade publication Buying Business Travel. “Walsh said the lack of cohesion between the three main parties on airport expansion will mean further delays on new runways being built even after the Airport

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Media monitor Fri, 15 May 2015 09:01:00 GMT 44057
Prime Minister to announce who will get transport job in reshuffle https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/43671/prime-minister-to-announce-who-will-get-transport-job-in-reshuffle The Prime Minister is set to announce who will get the transport job in the reshuffle to start his first Conservative majority government. On Friday he announced there would be continuity in the Home Office, Foreign Office, and Ministry of Defence with the same cabinet secretaries remaining in post. He said earlier he will complete the reshuffle today. David Cameron has hinted that the role Boris Johnson has reportedly lobbied for, to take on responsibility for infrastructure, could

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Regular news Mon, 11 May 2015 09:39:00 GMT 43671
Conservatives face battle on aviation as Johnson pledges to lie down in front of bulldozers https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/43670/conservatives-face-battle-on-aviation-as-johnson-pledges-to-lie-down-in-front-of-bulldozers-

The Conservative Party faces a rebellion over Heathrow expansion with Boris Johnson pledging to join his neighbouring Labour MP John McDonnell in "lying down in front of those bulldozers" to stop a third runway. Johnson made the comments in his acceptance speech as he was elected Uxbridge and South Ruislip MP in west London. He joins other anti-third runway MPs, including Zac Goldsmith, who will erode the party's majority and make it reliant on other parties to get expansion at Heathrow through

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Regular news Fri, 8 May 2015 15:48:00 GMT 43670
Infrastructure uncertainty would follow indecisive General Election warns industry https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/43669/infrastructure-uncertainty-would-follow-indecisive-general-election-warns-industry

Engineers and manufacturers have warned of uncertainty for infrastructure if the General Election produces an indecisive result. The Institution of Civil Engineers and the Construction Products Association are among those airing concerns in the Financial Times over investment in roads, railways and airports. Nick Baveystock, director-general of the ICE, was worried about "a cloud of uncertainty" over infrastructure projects; the CPA said that an unstable government could cause a "hiatus in capi

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Regular news Wed, 6 May 2015 09:42:00 GMT 43669
Seeking balance can be unfair https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/43521/seeking-balance-can-be-unfair

The current parking adjudication service is probably no longer fit for purpose. The cause of the problem, ironically, lies in a desire to promote a vision of the appeals services as being fair and impartial. The maintenance of a 50:50 outcome at the appeals stage is crucial to the appearance of the appeals service. Maintaining this means that the parking adjudication services uphold weak appeals and thus actually end up undermining the work done by local authorities to improve their parking enf

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Cover Story Sat, 2 May 2015 07:52:00 GMT 43521
Canterbury says TPT parking adjudicator is wrong on TROs https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/40993/canterbury-says-tpt-parking-adjudicator-is-wrong-on-tros Canterbury City Council has rejected an adjudicator’s ruling that it had misinterpreted traffic regulation orders (TROs) for the St Lawrence area of the city. The Traffic Penalty Tribunal’s Gillian Ekins upheld an appeal due to “procedural impropriety on the part of the council”. However, the council has accused the adjudicator of referring “to the wrong regulations” in her decision. The appellant Chris Chandler was issued with a penalty charge notice (PCN) f

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Enforcement News Tue, 7 Apr 2015 11:45:00 GMT 40993
FirstGroup bids for East Coast open access https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/40823/firstgroup-bids-for-east-coast-open-access FirstGroup is hoping to launch open access rail services between London Kings Cross and Edinburgh. Having lost out to a Stagecoach/Virgin joint venture to run the new East Coast franchise, FirstGroup has lodged a formal track access rights application for open access services with the Office of Rail Regulation. FirstGroup wants to start operations in 2018.  “The service is designed specifically to encourage travellers to switch from air to rail as currently two-thirds of journeys be

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News Fri, 20 Mar 2015 10:26:00 GMT 40823
Ministers axe HS2 spur to Heathrow Airport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/40803/ministers-axe-hs2-spur-to-heathrow-airport The Government has dropped plans to build a spur off the London to West Midlands high-speed line to serve Heathrow Airport.  The Conservative Party’s 2010 manifesto had pledged to build the spur off HS2, saying that it would provide an “alternative to thousands of flights” in the context of the party’s opposition to a third runway.  The spur was subsequently dropped from the initial phase of  HS2, pending the recommendation of the Airports Commission on w

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Regular news Fri, 20 Mar 2015 09:55:00 GMT 40803
Airport station capacity is for W Yorks not Wales https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/40802/airport-station-capacity-is-for-w-yorks-not-wales- Plans to give North Wales its first regular rail service to Manchester Airport have been blocked at the eleventh hour, to preserve capacity for another service from West Yorkshire. Network Rail offered Arriva Trains Wales ‘validated paths’ from Manchester Piccadilly to the airport for eight additional services per weekday from May. ATW’s current three airport services operate early in the morning and late at night. Most trains from Llandudno or Holyhead have an hour’s l

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Regular news Fri, 20 Mar 2015 09:54:00 GMT 40802
Cable car patronage below forecast https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/40782/cable-car-patronage-below-forecast- Passenger numbers on the cable car in east London are running below forecast, according to Transport for London. The Emirates Air Line, which connects Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks, had been expected to carry 1.8 million passengers in 2015/16 but TfL says the final figure is likely to be 1.5 million. The forecast for 2016/17 is 1.7 million. London Assembly Labour transport spokeswoman Val Shawcross has seized on figures showing the cable car was closed 354 times between July 2012 and D

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In brief Fri, 20 Mar 2015 09:40:00 GMT 40782
Build river crossings with more capacity for growth say MPs https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/40768/build-river-crossings-with-more-capacity-for-growth-say-mps

Too many major road crossings of rivers have been built without enough capacity to accommodate future growth, resulting in the need to build additional crossings much sooner than necessary, the House of Commons transport committee said this week. The committee’s new report on estuarial river crossings says the ‘design life’ of new crossings has often been too short to accommodate future growth. “We call upon the Government to take a far more long-term approach when plan

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Regular news Fri, 20 Mar 2015 09:33:00 GMT 40768
Future of Kent airport reviewed https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/40767/future-of-kent-airport-reviewed The DfT has appointed consultant Pwc to advise on the future of Manston Airport in Kent, which closed last May. Thanet District Council has been trying to secure the airport’s re-opening. “I recognise the strong interest in keeping Manston Airport open,” said transport minister John Hayes. “While it is down to Thanet District Council ultimately to agree a deal, the Government is doing everything possible to support them in finding a way forward.”

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In brief Fri, 20 Mar 2015 09:32:00 GMT 40767
Gatwick expansion funding pledge https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/40766/gatwick-expansion-funding-pledge The owners of Gatwick Airport have pledged to deliver a second runway without any Government funding. “We have given a guarantee to Government that we will deliver our second runway project by 2025 and we won’t ask for public funds to help us do it,” said airport chief executive Stewart Wingate. He said that, in contrast, Heathrow needed “more than £5bn from the taxpayer for tunneling of the M25, major work on the M4 and A4 and many rail improvements”. The own

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In brief Fri, 20 Mar 2015 09:31:00 GMT 40766
The Budget HS3 more transport devolution capital spending protected https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/40748/the-budget-hs3-more-transport-devolution-capital-spending-protected

The Chancellor today signalled backing for HS3, pledged to protect capital spending despite a further fiscal squeeze, and announced new transport devolution deals. Osborne said in the Budget 2015 that in the next Parliament despite further deficit-reduction he would want public sector gross investment to be held at the same rate in 2016/17 and 2017/18 in real terms as in 2015/16, and then would want it to grow in line with GDP from 2018/19 onwards.  He welcomed the soon-to-be-pu

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Regular news Wed, 18 Mar 2015 17:14:00 GMT 40748
Airport body deluged with comments https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/40736/airport-body-deluged-with-comments The Airports Commission has received 68,000 responses to its consultation on the three shortlisted options for airport expansion: a third runway at Heathrow; an extended northern runway at Heathrow; and a second runway at Gatwick. The vast majority of responses – 63,000 – came from eight campaigns. The commission will make its recommendation this summer, after the General Election.

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In brief Mon, 9 Mar 2015 10:11:00 GMT 40736
Government floats variable APD rates for Englands airports https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/40679/government-floats-variable-apd-rates-for-england-s-airports Air Passenger Duty (APD) could be levied at differential rates within England, the UK Government has announced, in an effort to placate airports concerned about the devolution of the tax to the Scottish Parliament and, possibly, the National Assembly for Wales. The Government’s St David’s Day Agreement on future Welsh devolution published last week says consideration will be given to devolving APD to the National Assembly for Wales  during the next Parliament.  The prospe

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Detail Mon, 9 Mar 2015 09:20:00 GMT 40679
Welsh ignore productive travel time https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/40565/welsh-ignore-productive-travel-time The Welsh Government has confirmed that the financial case for a new four-year contract for intra-Wales flights did not take into account how business travellers use their travel time.  Many of the air passengers on the Cardiff–Anglesey service, possibly the majority, are thought to be public sector employees. A report for the Welsh Government by consultant Arup considered the cost of travel by public employees between north and south Wales by different modes, taking into account mo

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Regular news Fri, 20 Feb 2015 09:34:00 GMT 40565
Cabinet member Cable joins rainbow coalition at anti-Heathrow expansion demo https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/40527/cabinet-member-cable-joins-rainbow-coalition-at-anti-heathrow-expansion-demo The challenge of implementing any recommendation to expand Heathrow from the Davies Commission into how the U.K can maintain its status as an aviation hub has been underlined by a cross-party demo. The Lib Dem cabinet member for business Vince Cable is to join forces with Labour and Conservative MPs united by their opposition to a third runway at Heathrow. The Conservatives will be represented at the 3rd March demo in Westminster by Adam Afriyie, spoken of as a potential future leader, Zac Gold

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Regular news Thu, 19 Feb 2015 15:51:00 GMT 40527
Saviour of the Valley Lines sets his sights on reviving rural buses https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/40507/saviour-of-the-valley-lines-sets-his-sights-on-reviving-rural-buses

John Davies is one of many British Rail managers who left the industry in the 1990s. He left despite – or perhaps because of – his actions that reversed the fortunes of Welsh rail services. BR was preparing to close some lines in the South Wales valleys in the 1980s, but Davies went native. Exploiting his position as BR’s provincial services manager for South Wales, he reduced fares to make them affordable to a population suffering a long decline in industrial employment. This

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Interview Fri, 6 Feb 2015 10:50:00 GMT 40507
Heathrow pledges noise insulation in return for third runway go-ahead https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/40453/heathrow-pledges-noise-insulation-in-return-for-third-runway-go-ahead The owners of Heathrow Airport have pledged to fund a £700m noise insulation scheme  for homes affected by aviation noise in return for Government support to construct a third runway. The offer was made this week as the deadline closed for comments on the Airport Commission’s three shortlisted options – Heathrow Airport’s plan for a third runway north-west of the existing runways; Heathrow Hub’s plan for an extended northern runway at Heathrow; and Gatwick Air

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News Fri, 6 Feb 2015 09:18:00 GMT 40453
DfT grant scheme for small airports https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/40449/dft-grant-scheme-for-small-airports The DfT has launched a grant scheme to help the UK’s smallest regional airports attract new air services. The start-up aid will be paid to airlines for services serving airports with fewer than five million passengers per annum. Applications for airports with three-five million passengers will have to provide “very strong evidence” to satisfy the European Commission because of the higher risk of market distortion. 

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News Fri, 6 Feb 2015 09:12:00 GMT 40449
Labour lays out remit for national infrastructure commission to quickly end dithering https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/40431/labour-lays-out-remit-for-national-infrastructure-commission-to-quickly-end-dithering- The Labour Party has set out a remit for its proposed national infrastructure commission, so it can include the new body in its first Queen's Speech, should it be in government. The remit is to "identify the UK's infrastructure needs over the next 30 years in order to foster long-term economic growth across the UK and maintain international competitiveness". The recommendations must also "be consistent with the UK's long-term climate change targets and ensuring economic growth meets sustainabil

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Regular news Wed, 4 Feb 2015 08:30:00 GMT 40431
HS2 airports policy even more egregious than new roads https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/40272/hs2--airports-policy-even-more-egregious-than-new-roads Glenn Lyons fears that the Government’s road investment strategy is based on the discredited ‘predict and provide’ philosophy (Viewpoint LTT 09 Jan). Unfortunately, he is probably right. But road investment is not the only concern. The approach to investment in other modes is even worse. Chris Stokes, whose calculations have been checked by consultant Atkins, has shown that all the capacity required to meet the official demand forecasts for HS2 (which are themselves implausibl

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Letters to the editor Fri, 23 Jan 2015 08:21:00 GMT 40272
McLoughlin calls on the North of England to speak with one voice on transport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/40221/mcloughlin-calls-on-the-north-of-england-to-speak-with-one-voice-on-transport

Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin has said on a visit to Yorkshire for Transport for the North's inaugural meeting that he wanted the North of England to speak with "one voice on transport". The meeting in Leeds was the first step of drawing up, with the Government, a transport strategy that will aim to transform the North's economic infrastructure and help maximise the region's growth potential. Transport for the North, established by the Chancellor following his call for a 'Norther

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Regular news Tue, 13 Jan 2015 08:17:00 GMT 40221
Higher grant for shifting freight off local roads https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/40174/higher-grant-for-shifting-freight-off-local-roads The DfT has significantly increased the grant value for shifting freight off local roads and on to rail or water.  The revised mode shift benefit values will be used for calculating grant paid through the Mode Shift Revenue Support grant and the Waterborne Freight Grant schemes in England. Values were last updated in 2009.  The new values, with the old values in brackets, are:  • Motorways with ‘high’ traffic: 89p per lorry mile saved (86p) • Other motorw

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Regular news Fri, 9 Jan 2015 09:16:00 GMT 40174
In Passing https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/40160/in-passing  ‘Twas the season to be jolly; except, it seems, at the DfT. A Freedom of Information request has been made to find out how much the Department has spent on Christmas decorations, cards and parties in the last three years. Remarkably little is the answer. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency is the most profligate part of the department, spending £100 on a real tree in 2013, and budgeting to spend £90 on an artificial tree and £30 for a real tree this Christmas. T

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Main editorial comment Fri, 9 Jan 2015 09:12:00 GMT 40160
Traffic Penalty Tribunal hears Dartford crossing appeals https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/40121/traffic-penalty-tribunal-hears-dartford-crossing-appeals The Traffic Penalty Tribunal (TPT), the body that deals with appeals against parking and bus lane penalties in England and Wales outside London, is now considering appeals against penalties issued for failing to pay a charge at the Dartford River Crossing. A new free flow traffic system was introduced on 30 November at the crossing, with existing barriers and toll booths being removed to allow the free flow of vehicles in both directions. Motorists using the crossing will be subject to a charg

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Enforcement News Mon, 29 Dec 2014 14:11:00 GMT 40121
Improved access to Liverpool port https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/40065/improved-access-to-liverpool-port A major upgrade to the A5036 Princess Way, the dual carriageway connecting the port of Liverpool with the  M57/M58, is promised in the first road investment period. The unspecified scheme is in the cost range £250m-£500m and is a key part of the city’s growth deal.  A smart motorway project between junctions 5 and 11 of the M53 will improve capacity to Birkenhead (£50m-£100m). Other major improvements in the North West include: in Preston, a new junction

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Sub story to regular feature Wed, 17 Dec 2014 10:17:00 GMT 40065
Hayes open to Anglia four-track study https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/40032/hayes-open-to-anglia-four-track-study Transport minister John Hayes has signalled the Government’s support for a study of infrastructure enhancements on the West Anglia Main Line, which connects London with Stansted Airport and Cambridge. In November Network Rail launched a consultation on a draft route utilisation study for the Anglia network. Sir Alan Haselhurst, the Conservative MP for Saffron Walden, told a Commons debate about the line: “It is clear that Network Rail is not on the cusp of recommending action in Co

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Regular news Wed, 17 Dec 2014 09:55:00 GMT 40032
Amey to manage Forth road bridges https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/40022/amey-to-manage-forth-road-bridges Transport Scotland has awarded Amey LG Ltd the contract to manage the Forth Road Bridge and new Queensferry Crossing. The contract will take effect from 1 June 2015 and run for five years with scope for extending it up to a maximum of ten years.  The Queensferry Crossing is due to open in 2016. Amey also holds the contract for managing South East Scotland’s trunk road and motorway network.  

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Detail Wed, 17 Dec 2014 09:51:00 GMT 40022
Gatwick lodges Heathrow complaint https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/40014/gatwick-lodges-heathrow-complaint Gatwick Airport has complained to the Airports Commission about the Back Heathrow campaign, which it says is a front for the airport. “Back Heathrow wears the mask of a community group when they are simply a campaign arm of Heathrow, set up and funded by the airport,” says Sir Roy McNulty, the chairman of Gatwick Airport, in a letter to Sir Howard Davies, the chairman of the Airport Commission. “Their current questionnaire – sent to 750,000 households, is leading with a s

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Detail Wed, 17 Dec 2014 09:49:00 GMT 40014
Pedestrian cycle bridge for E London? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/40003/pedestrian--cycle-bridge-for-e-london- The Government has expressed interest in Sustrans’ plan for a new pedestrian and cycle bridge across the River Thames in east London. The Treasury’s National Infrastructure Plan 2014 states: “An interesting proposal made by Sustrans, and worth looking at in more detail, would be a new pedestrian and cycle bridge from Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf – which could be called the Brunel Bridge in tribute to one of the great figures in the history of UK infrastructure.” &nbs

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In brief Wed, 17 Dec 2014 09:46:00 GMT 40003
Garden bridge clears planning hurdle https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/40001/garden-bridge-clears-planning-hurdle One of the final hurdles to the construction of a garden bridge across the Thames in central London has been cleared after Westminster City Council approved the planning application. The London Borough of Lambeth also approved the plans last month. The £175m bridge, conceived by actress Joanna Lumley and designed by Thomas Heatherwick, would connect Temple and South Bank, and be open from 6am to midnight every day. The mayor and Treasury have both pledged £30m to the project and &pou

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Regular news Wed, 17 Dec 2014 09:45:00 GMT 40001
The Autumn Statement more revenue cuts cheaper fuel and new trains for the North https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/39941/the-autumn-statement-more-revenue-cuts-cheaper-fuel-and-new-trains-for-the-north

The DfT and local government face at least two more years of "very substantial savings," Chancellor George Osborne said in his final Autumn Statement before the General Election. In contrast, Osborne said that low business productivity required more capital investment in transport and other infrastructure. He hailed his 'Northern Powerhouse' idea and as part of this announced that new franchises for Northern Rail and the TransPennine Express would require an end to the old Pacer trains, as the

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Regular news Wed, 3 Dec 2014 13:22:00 GMT 39941
Road signage devolved to Holyrood https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/39849/road-signage-devolved-to-holyrood The Scottish Government is to be handed full powers over road traffic signs and speed limits as part of the devolution settlement announced by the Smith Commission this week. Holyrood will also receive powers enabling public sector operators to bid for Scotland’s rail franchises. Fuel duty will remain a reserved matter but air passenger duty will be devolved. Some north of England politicians fear Scotland will lower APD, thus harming local airports. The Government appointed Lord Smith o

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Secondary stories Fri, 28 Nov 2014 10:07:00 GMT 39849
Bombardier wins airport train order https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/39834/bombardier-wins-airport-train-order Bombardier has won a contract worth £145m to supply 27 four-car trains to Govia Thameslink Railway for use on the Gatwick Express airport services from London Victoria. The vehicles will be manufactured in Derby and should enter service in 2016. 

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News Fri, 28 Nov 2014 10:00:00 GMT 39834
Media urges quick decision on airport expansion proposals https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/39756/media-urges-quick-decision-on-airport-expansion-proposals THE DAVIES Commission’s latest missive on the possibilities for the expansion of airport capacity in the South-East of England generated a heated editorial in London’s Evening Standard paper. “By setting out a clear analysis of the options now that alternative proposals have been seen off, Sir Howard Davies, head of the commission, has underlined the sheer irresponsibility of deferring a decision on the matter for so long,” The Standard said on 11 November. “This co

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Media monitor Fri, 14 Nov 2014 10:14:00 GMT 39756
Airports Commission consults on three options for expansion https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/39750/airports-commission-consults-on-three-options-for-expansion

All three shortlisted options for expanding London’s airport capacity will cost more than their promoters claim, according to the Airports Commission.  The commission this week launched a consultation on its assesment of the shortlisted options: a second runway at Gatwick; a third runway at Heathrow; and an extended northern runway at Heathrow. “We have not yet taken a view on which proposal strikes the most effective balance between the assessment criteria,” said  

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Regular news Fri, 14 Nov 2014 10:01:00 GMT 39750
Airports Commission invites public to challenge its view of new runway benefits and impacts https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/39666/airports-commission-invites-public-to-challenge-its-view-of-new-runway-benefits-and-impacts

The Airports Commission today publishes its assessment of proposals for additional runway capacity at Heathrow and Gatwick airports. The detailed assessments of the economic benefits and environmental impacts of three proposals for new runways are published for consultation. Sir Howard Davies, chair of the commission, said: "We have undertaken a huge amount of work. We have not yet taken a view on which proposal strikes the most effective balance between the assessment criteria. "It is importa

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Regular news Tue, 11 Nov 2014 10:00:00 GMT 39666
Investors eager to build Thames Crossing https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/39620/investors-eager-to-build-thames-crossing- North American private investors are eager to finance a new Lower Thames Crossing east of Gravesend, according to Kent County Council. The DfT supports a new Lower Thames Crossing and has narrowed down the choice of location to a site alongside the existing Dartford Crossing that carries M25 traffic across the Thames, or to the east of Gravesend (LTT 25 Jul).  Kent favours the latter option and has been talking to North American investors to gauge their interest in the idea. “They

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Regular news Fri, 31 Oct 2014 09:52:00 GMT 39620
Bexley withdraws opposition to Gallions Reach road crossing https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/39618/bexley-withdraws-opposition-to-gallions-reach-road-crossing

Transport for London’s plan to build a new Thames road crossing at Gallions Reach in east London has been boosted by the London Borough of Bexley’s announcement that it does not oppose the scheme. Bexley was a fierce opponent of the Thames Gateway bridge project at Gallions Reach promoted by Ken Livingstone when he was London’s mayor. Boris Johnson, under pressure from Bexley’s Tory administration, subsequently scrapped the crossing in 2008.  TfL announced this mon

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Regular news Fri, 31 Oct 2014 09:49:00 GMT 39618
Gloucestershire puts officers back in charge of PCN appeals https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/39540/gloucestershire-puts-officers-back-in-charge-of-pcn-appeals Gloucestershire County Council has accepted a ruling by the parking adjudicator that it was wrong to give its contractor the authority to deal with challenges from drivers. The Traffic Penalty Tribunal (TPT) found the council had allowed APCOA Parking (UK) to handle representations against penalty charge notices (PCNs) and notices to owner (NtOs) In a case heard by adjudicator Chris Nicholls it emerged that the council failed to comply with its statutory duties by allowing APCOA to take charge

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Enforcement News Sat, 25 Oct 2014 09:38:00 GMT 39540
Metrolink extended to Manchester Airport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/39465/metrolink-extended-to-manchester-airport A MAJOR extension to the Metrolink network in Greater Manchester will go live next month with the opening of the  route to Manchester Airport via Wythenshawe. Transport for Greater Manchester has announced that services on the £398m, nine-mile extension will begin on 3 November – over 12 months ahead of schedule.  Services will initially only operate between the airport and Cornbrook, on the western edge of the regional centre, with a journey time of about 45 minutes. At

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Regular news Fri, 17 Oct 2014 09:57:00 GMT 39465
TfL plans for three new Thames road crossings https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/39462/tfl-plans-for-three-new-thames-road-crossings London mayor Boris Johnson has ordered Transport for London to progress work on three new road crossings in east London, including one at Gallions Reach – a project the mayor shelved after being elected in 2007. Consultation began this week on the first proposed new crossing – a Silvertown Tunnel connecting the Greenwich Peninsula with the Royal Docks, close to the existing Blackwall Tunnels. TfL plans to make a development consent order application for the project to Government in

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Regular news Fri, 17 Oct 2014 09:53:00 GMT 39462
Lib Dem members reject leaders airport rethink https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/39461/lib-dem-members-reject-leaders-airport-rethink Liberal Democrat members have overruled their leadership by voting to retain the party’s blanket opposition to airport expansion in the South East. Party leader Nick Clegg and his senior colleagues wanted the party to change its policy for the manifesto for next year’s General Election. The party conference in Glasgow considered an amendment that would have seen the party continue to oppose Heathrow expansion but permit expansion at Gatwick. But members rejected the change. The dec

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Regular news Fri, 17 Oct 2014 09:52:00 GMT 39461
Orkney studies island road links https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/39453/orkney-studies-island-road-links Orkney Islands Council is to study the construction of fixed links – such as bridges, tunnels, or causeways – between some of its smaller islands. The council has budgeted £245,000 for the study work, which is expected to take 18 months to complete. The work will consider whether the links could allow savings to be made to spending on education, healthcare, policing, housing, fire and rescue, care, waste collection and road maintenance. A ferries replacement study is being unde

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In brief Fri, 17 Oct 2014 09:46:00 GMT 39453
Heathrow sells three airports https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/39428/heathrow-sells-three-airports Heathrow Airport Holdings has announced the sale of Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton airports in a £1bn deal. The airports have been sold to a consortium formed by two companies – Spanish firm Ferrovial and Austrialia-based Macquarie. Ferrovial holds a 25% stake in Heathrow Airport Holdings. HAH now only operates Heathrow Airport.  

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News Fri, 17 Oct 2014 09:23:00 GMT 39428
In Passing https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/39401/in-passing The Alliance of British Drivers has just named Bristol City Council the ‘Worst council for drivers and mobility choice’, citing the city’s parking policies, blanket 20mph speed limits, and preferential treatment to cyclists. The council doesn’t receive anything from the ABD for its success, but Carol Quinn of Chepstow, who nominated Bristol, wins £200. “For my job I have to drive all over the UK, including London, and Bristol is by far the worst,” she sa

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Main editorial comment Fri, 17 Oct 2014 08:51:00 GMT 39401
Where was the transport vision and the plan to pay for it in the political parties' stalls? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/39377/where-was-the-transport-vision-and-the-plan-to-pay-for-it-in-the-political-parties-stalls-

Over the summer, Britain's manufacturers called for the politics to be taken out of transport planning, to end what they see as decades of political-wrangling that have left road infrastructure neglected, and continuing prevarication over airport capacity. They will not have been pleased by the party conference season. Transport enjoyed a relatively high profile - mentioned in the speeches of the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition - but there was little in the wa

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Comment extra Fri, 10 Oct 2014 09:34:00 GMT 39377
Lib Dems would ban petrol-fueled cars within 25 years rule out new South East runways https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/39372/lib-dems-would-ban-petrol-fueled-cars-within-25-years-rule-out-new-south-east-runways

The Lib Dem conference has backed a new policy for a zero carbon Britain by 2050, including banning all cars that are not ultra-low carbon from UK roads by 2040. They also defied the party's leadership, which sought to open the door to airport expansion in South East England in locations other than Heathrow. The votes at the conference today mean that the Lib Dems would in the next parliament seek new ambitious EU vehicle emission standards and encourage the market for electric vehicles by sett

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Regular news Tue, 7 Oct 2014 18:27:00 GMT 39372
Osborne high-speed rail and new runway are the future and you decide or decline https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/39314/osborne-high-speed-rail-and-new-runway-are-the-future--and-you-decide-or-decline-

The Chancellor George Osborne has implored Conservative members, and voters, to "choose the future," by backing transport infrastructure projects including high-speed rail and a new runway. He told the Conservative party conference: "Big decisions on infrastructure have always been controversial and always will be. The railways were bitterly opposed in the nineteenth century. The motorways were opposed in the twentieth. Let's face it, even today this country has spent forty years failing to tak

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Regular news Tue, 30 Sep 2014 00:07:00 GMT 39314
London mayor fights on in the media after his airport plans are rejected https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/39159/london-mayor-fights-on-in-the-media-after-his-airport-plans-are-rejected

A WAR of words broke out in the media after the Government’s Airports Commission formally rejected plans for a new hub airport in the Thames Estuary, dubbed ‘Boris Island’, earlier this week (see page 7). Writing in The Daily Telegraph the day before the announcement was made, London mayor Boris Johnson was working on the assumption that the commission’s rejection of his plans for a brand new airport means that it is highly likely to recommend the expansion of Heathrow Ai

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Media monitor Fri, 5 Sep 2014 10:05:00 GMT 39159
Johnson furious as Commission sinks Thames estuary airport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/39136/johnson-furious-as-commission-sinks-thames-estuary-airport

Boris Johnson this week vowed to keep fighting for a new hub airport in the Thames Estuary after the Government’s Airports Commission rejected the idea. Commission chairman Sir Howard Davies said the mayor’s favoured proposal was too risky and too costly and would not therefore join the shortlist of three options still under consideration for expanding the South East’s airport capacity: a third runway at Heathrow; an extended northern runway at Heathrow; and a second runway at

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Regular news Fri, 5 Sep 2014 09:37:00 GMT 39136
Thurgood leaves Birmingham Airport role https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/39104/thurgood-leaves-birmingham-airport-role Michelle Thurgood has left Birmingham Airport, where she was a transport planning specialist, to become a senior manager for external affairs with Lafarge Tarmac.

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People/people Fri, 5 Sep 2014 08:58:00 GMT 39104
It's Heathrow or Gatwick as commission spikes estuary airport - but Mayor fights on https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/39085/it-s-heathrow-or-gatwick-as-commission-spikes-estuary-airport--but-mayor-fights-on

The Government's Airports Commission today announces that it will not add a proposal for a new airport on the Thames estuary to a shortlist of options for providing new airport capacity.  Sir Howard Davies' commission reported that following detailed study into the feasibility of a new estuary airport, the option championed by the London Mayor, it had concluded that the proposal has "substantial disadvantages that collectively outweigh its potential benefits". Sir Davies said: "While we r

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Regular news Tue, 2 Sep 2014 08:04:00 GMT 39085
Who is responsible for representations? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/39039/who-is-responsible-for-representations-

In a landmark decision Traffic Penalty Tribunal adjudicator Chris Nicholls explains why enforcement authorities must retain responsibility for representations AF and others v Gloucestershire County Council Traffic Penalty Tribunal ref GD 05059J and others Contracts between enforcement authorities and external contractors to provide parking management services must take care to ensure that the enforcement authority’s statutory responsibilities to consider representations from recipients

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Case Studies Sat, 30 Aug 2014 10:30:00 GMT 39039
No need for Boris Island to be car-based https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/38963/-no-need-for-boris-island-to-be-car-based- The architects promoting a new hub airport on the Isle of Grain have criticised the Airport Commission’s conclusions on costs and surface access.  The commission last month published reports on the environmental, operational, socio-economic and surface access implications of an inner estuary airport (LTT 25 Jul). It will decide next month whether to shortlist the location alongside expansions to Heathrow and Gatwick.  The architectural practice Foster + Partners, which is champ

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Regular news Fri, 22 Aug 2014 09:15:00 GMT 38963
More aircraft noise for West London https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/38961/more-aircraft-noise-for-west-london Thousands of west London residents would have their respite from aircraft noise reduced if a third runway at Heathrow is built, according to documents uncovered by anti-expansion pressure group HACAN. Information submitted by Heathrow Airport to the Government’s Airports Commission shows residents living under the existing southern flightpath would only get four hours break from noise each day. They currently get eight hours respite when planes switch runways at 3pm.

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In brief Fri, 22 Aug 2014 09:11:00 GMT 38961
Council explores airport purchase https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/38959/council-explores-airport-purchase Thanet District Council in Kent is testing the market to see if investors are interested in forming a partnership to re-open Manston Airport, which closed in May. “Following a compulsory acquisition of the site [by the council] it is expected that any identified indemnity partner would make significant investment with a minimum 20-year business plan to deliver a viable and sustainable airport operation,” explains the council’s prior information notice for a soft market test.

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In brief Fri, 22 Aug 2014 09:10:00 GMT 38959
In Passing https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/38938/in-passing  As the ‘driverless’ car seems to move ever-closer to making an appearance on Britain’s roads, an interesting question has been posed by the technology page on the BBC’s website – to whit, will a driverless car be ‘allowed’ to break the speed limit? This may seem, at first sight, to be a silly question – with the answer obviously being, “Of course not.” But consider this – it is widely accepted amongst road safety professiona

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Main editorial comment Fri, 22 Aug 2014 08:53:00 GMT 38938
Manufacturers want Infrastructure Authority to take politics out of transport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/38917/manufacturers-want-infrastructure-authority-to-take-politics-out-of-transport

Britain's manufacturers have called for an Infrastructure Authority to address the nation’s long-term transport and other infrastructure requirements to support growth and competitiveness. The call by EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation is aimed at ending what it sees as decades of political-wrangling and poor planning over "the UK’s neglected road infrastructure, along with continued prevarication over expanding vitally needed airport capacity". The EEF believes that the aut

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Regular news Mon, 18 Aug 2014 19:04:00 GMT 38917
Heathrow reveals third runway compensation https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/38900/heathrow-reveals-third-runway-compensation

Heathrow Airport is consulting on compensation arrangements for local people in the event that construction of a third runway at the airport goes ahead.  The airport has pledged £550m on property and noise compensation – £300m for homes and businesses bought to make way for the runway and £250m for noise compensation.  For people whose homes would have to be demolished, Heathrow is offering the pre-blight price of the property plus 25%, plus stamp duty and rem

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Regular news Fri, 8 Aug 2014 10:06:00 GMT 38900
Estuary airport studies published https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/38785/estuary-airport-studies-published The Airports Commission is consulting on the findings of feasibility studies into building a hub airport in an inner Thames Estuary location, east of London, as championed by London mayor Boris Johnson.  The commission has published four reports, running to more than 600 pages, covering environmental impacts (by Jacobs); operational feasibility and attitudes of the aviation industry (Leigh Fisher); socio-economic impacts (pwc); and surface access (Jacobs).  Jacobs reports: “Und

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Regular news Fri, 25 Jul 2014 09:54:00 GMT 38785
Eight sites compete for Spaceport status https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/38770/eight-sites-compete-for-spaceport-status The Government is considering eight locations to be the base for Britain’s first spaceport from where commercial space flights could one day operate. Six of the locations are in Scotland: Campbeltown Airport, Glasgow Prestwick Airport, Kinloss Barracks, RAF Leuchars, RAF Lossiemouth and Stornoway. The other two are Llanbedr Airport in Wales and Newquay Cornwall Airport. The Government is consulting on the criteria that the chosen site must satisfy. It wants the spaceport opened in 2018.&nb

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In brief Fri, 25 Jul 2014 09:33:00 GMT 38770
MPs probe future of small airports https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/38769/mps-probe-future-of-small-airports The House of Commons transport committee has announced an inquiry into the future of the UK’s smaller airports, including the role that local authorities and local enterprise partnerships can play in their promotion. A number of smaller airports have closed in recent years – such as Plymouth and Manston – and others, such as Dundee and Tees Valley, are struggling. The deadline for written submissions is 3 October.   

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In brief Fri, 25 Jul 2014 09:32:00 GMT 38769
86 per passenger subsidy for air route https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/38768/-86-per-passenger-subsidy-for-air-route Passengers using the Welsh Government-funded air service between Cardiff and RAF Valley on Anglesey benefit from an average subsidy of £86 per head, according to a report by the National Assembly for Wales’ public accounts committee. The service was launched in 2007 and had carried just over 65,000 passengers by May last year but passenger numbers have fallen 43% from their 2008/09 peak. Subsidy is capped at £1.2m a year. The Government’s current contract with Links Air f

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In brief Fri, 25 Jul 2014 09:31:00 GMT 38768
Ministers order further work on Lower Thames Crossing options https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/38763/ministers-order-further-work-on-lower-thames-crossing-options

Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin has put off a  decision on where to locate a new Lower Thames Crossing until 2016 and asked the Highways Agency to draw up detailed plans for two locations. A preferred location for the road crossing had been expected last December but ministers instead only narrowed the choice down from three to two and said the preferred location would be made this May (LTT 23 Dec 13).  The DfT has now asked the  HA to conduct further work on the two loca

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Regular news Fri, 25 Jul 2014 09:24:00 GMT 38763
Former Heathrow boss to lead Englands strategic highways https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/38760/former-heathrow-boss-to-lead-england-s-strategic-highways

Former Heathrow Airport chief executive Colin Matthews has been appointed chairman of the Highways Agency, which is about to be transformed into a Government-owned company. Matthews, who resigned from Heathrow this summer after six years in post, will take up the £130,000 post on 1 September. The contract requires a minimum 78 days work a year.  He will oversee the reforms to the HA now being put in place following the recommendations of a report by his predecessor Alan Cook in 2011

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Regular news Fri, 25 Jul 2014 09:14:00 GMT 38760
Strong growth at MAG https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/38706/strong-growth-at-mag MAG, the owner and operator of Manchester, London Stansted,  East Midlands and Bournemouth airports, reported strong performance for the year ended March 2014. Excluding Stansted, revenue grew by 8.4% to £426.1m; passenger numbers increased 5.4% to 1.3 million; operating profit (before significant items) rose 11.4% to £83.9m; and EBITDA was 9.6% up to £153m. Including Stansted, total revenue came to £671.2m, and total EBITDA was £241.9m. Stansted contributed

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News Fri, 25 Jul 2014 08:44:00 GMT 38706
New Heathrow rail study https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/38615/new-heathrow-rail-study The DfT has published the terms of reference for a new study into providing a southern rail access to Heathrow Airport.  The study, recommended by the Government’s Airports Commission (LTT 18 Dec 13), will identify potential markets by November and a shortlist of options by next June. It will consider demand based on the existing two runway airport as well as the two options for expansion being considered by the Commission. Network Rail will undertake the work. The DfT and NR will f

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Regular news Fri, 11 Jul 2014 10:03:00 GMT 38615
We may need three extra road bridges in East London says TfL https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/38612/we-may-need-three-extra-road-bridges-in-east-london-says-tfl

Three new road bridges could be built across the Thames in east London over the next decade, according to Transport for London. TfL has launched a consultation on four options for improving cross-river travel: • a higher capacity ferry at Woolwich to replace the existing vessel • a ferry at Gallions Reach between Beckton and Thamesmead • a bridge at Gallions Reach • a bridge at Belvedere between Rainham and Belvedere These are in addition to the proposed new Silvertown

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Regular news Fri, 11 Jul 2014 09:58:00 GMT 38612
Edens manages Heathrow commuting https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/38547/edens-manages-heathrow-commuting Kerry Edens has joined Heathrow Airport as commuter initiatives development manager. She last worked in transport in 2011 as travel plan co-ordinator for East Sussex County Council.

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People/people Fri, 11 Jul 2014 08:39:00 GMT 38547
Councils back rail freight terminal https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/38431/councils-back-rail-freight-terminal Local authorities are backing plans for a rail freight interchange close to East Midlands Airport in Leicestershire.  Roxhill Development Ltd’s East Midlands Gateway plans cover 338 hectares just to the north of the airport and beside junction 24 of the M1.  Leicestershire County Council and North West Leicestershire District Council have both given their support to the project, subject to the resolution of some detailed aspects of the plans. Leicestershire believes the develop

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Regular news Fri, 27 Jun 2014 10:17:00 GMT 38431
Cardiff airport bus out to tender https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/38427/cardiff-airport-bus-out-to-tender The Vale of Glamorgan Council is seeking an operator for an express bus service between Cardiff city centre and Cardiff Airport. The contract will commence on 17 August and run for a maximum of five years. The service will operate at 20-minute frequencies in the summer from 04.00 to midnight but to reduced frequencies in the winter months.

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In brief Fri, 27 Jun 2014 10:14:00 GMT 38427
Lib Dems rethink Gatwick opposition https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/38421/lib-dems-rethink-gatwick-opposition- The Liberal Democrats may be preparing to drop their opposition to a new runway at Gatwick Airport. The London Evening Standard reports that the party’s General Election manifesto will open the door to supporting expansion of the West Sussex airport but retain opposition to a third runway at Heathrow. The paper quoted a “senior Liberal Democrat source” saying: “We will not endorse an expansion in airport capacity which would increase current noise pollution for the hundre

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In brief Fri, 27 Jun 2014 10:08:00 GMT 38421
Drive to stem losses at Dundee Airport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/38371/drive-to-stem-losses-at-dundee-airport Efforts are underway to secure the future of Dundee Airport, which is making losses of over £2m a year.  The airport, located beside the River Tay, is a wholly owned subsidiary of state-owned Highlands and Islands Airport Ltd (HIAL). Like many other small airports Dundee is struggling financially.  In recent years it has lost its scheduled services to Birmingham and Belfast and CityJet withdrew the last remaining scheduled service – to London City – in March. Dundee

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News Fri, 27 Jun 2014 09:26:00 GMT 38371
20 years of civil parking enforcement https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/38377/20-years-of-civil-parking-enforcement

The 4th of July is celebrated as Independence Day in the United States, so it was no surprise that this was one of the epithets attached to 4 July 1994, the date on which London’s boroughs were scheduled to take over responsibility for the majority of on-street parking under the Road Traffic Act 1991.  The other name given to the event by those working in the sector was ‘The Big Bang’ as it marked the date when the majority of London boroughs would deploy parking attendan

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Editorial Fri, 27 Jun 2014 09:25:00 GMT 38377
Doubling in total UK transport spending predicted by investment advisor PwC https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/38331/doubling-in-total-uk-transport-spending-predicted-by-investment-advisor-pwc

Global infrastructure spending is expected to more than double by 2025, with $1.5 trillion to be spent up until then in the U.K alone, according to a new analysis. The analysis of planned capital project spending by PwC suggests that the UK's overall spending will keep pace with other major European countries, with total annual spending reaching £106bn by 2025, almost half of this transport spending. PwC expects annual growth in transport spend will rise twice as fast in the Parliament af

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Regular news Tue, 24 Jun 2014 17:34:00 GMT 38331
Surface access is our strength says Gatwick https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/38315/surface-access-is-our-strength-says-gatwick The owners of Gatwick Airport say surface access improvements to support a second runway can be delivered without any additional cost to the taxpayer – unlike Heathrow Airport’s plans for a third runway.  Gatwick has employed Hugh Sumner – who masterminded London’s infrastructure for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games – as a senior transport adviser, to support the second runway case, which is currently being assessed by the Government’s Airports Comm

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Regular news Fri, 13 Jun 2014 11:22:00 GMT 38315
Take-off for Dundee to London air subsidy https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/38265/take-off-for-dundee-to-london-air-subsidy The DfT has awarded the first ever public service obligation (PSO) for an air route to Logan Air for two daily flights (each way) between Stansted and Dundee airports from 1 July. The funding comes from the  UK Government’s Regional Air Connectivity Fund set up under the 2013 Spending Round – and since increased to £20m per year under the 2014 Budget – to maintain threatened regional air services. The PSO agreement between the DfT and Dundee City Council guarantees

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News Fri, 13 Jun 2014 09:39:00 GMT 38265
New twists to Liverpool taxibus competition https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/38231/new-twists-to-liverpool-taxibus-competition The dynamics of the competition between bus operator Arriva and a taxibus operator on the route between Liverpool city centre and the city’s John Lennon Airport could be affected by two new developments.   A&J Taxis launched its Taxi 1A service to the airport in February, running from the same bus stop on Skelhorne Street, beside Liverpool Lime Street station, as Arriva’s service 500 (LTT 21 Feb). A&J timed its hourly daytime service to leave five minutes ahead of the b

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Regular news Fri, 30 May 2014 10:18:00 GMT 38231
Buses cheaper faster than citys new tram https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/38230/buses--cheaper--faster-than-city-s-new-tram

Edinburgh’s express bus service to the airport should be cheaper and quicker than the city’s new £776m tram line that opens this weekend.   Fares on the 14km (nine mile) tram line are harmonised with  the bus fares of municipally-owned Lothian Buses except for journeys to/from the airport. The single adult fare on Lothian Buses’ Airlink 100 bus  is £4 but the tram is £5. The bus service operates at least every ten minutes from 04.00 to midnigh

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Regular news Fri, 30 May 2014 10:16:00 GMT 38230
Holland-Kaye new chief exec at Heathrow https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/38178/holland-kaye-new-chief-exec-at-heathrow John Holland-Kaye has been named the new chief executive of Heathrow Airport, succeeding Colin Matthews. Holland-Kaye is currently Heathrow’s development director and joined the company five years ago from Taylor Wimpey.

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People/people Fri, 30 May 2014 09:07:00 GMT 38178
Rail or tram-train for Glasgow https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/38167/rail-or-tram-train-for-glasgow A heavy rail link or a tram-train would be the best way to increase public transport’s share of passenger trips to/from Glasgow Airport, consultants have concluded. Public transport currently has a  12% market share for air passenger trips to/from the airport.  AECOM was commissioned by Glasgow Airport Ltd, Transport Scotland, Glasgow City Council and Renfrewshire Council to study a range of options, including a shuttle bus or personal rapid transit (PRT) from Paisley Gilmour St

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Regular news Fri, 30 May 2014 08:54:00 GMT 38167
Politicians warming to a second runway at Gatwick says mayor https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/38165/politicians-warming-to-a-second-runway-at-gatwick-says-mayor Politicians are leaning towards approving a second runway at Gatwick Airport because it is the most politically feasible option for airport expansion in the South East, London mayor Boris Johnson has claimed. “It is perfectly obvious that, if a political fix is to be done, it will be done in favour of Gatwick,” Johnson told The Times last week. “That is, I think, where the parties are starting to get to.” The Government’s Airports Commission chaired by Sir Howard

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Regular news Fri, 30 May 2014 08:51:00 GMT 38165
Standard speaks out on road traffic problems if Heathrow expands https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/38155/standard-speaks-out-on-road-traffic-problems-if-heathrow-expands

ON 13 MAY, London’s Evening Standard editorialised not just on the plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport, but on how the road network would cope with expansion. “What has caught the imagination most in the latest version of Heathrow’s expansion ambitions is highways not runways,” The Standard began. “The M25 plans referred to in its July submissions as simply ‘mitigation’ turn out to be a 600-metre tunnel stretching the length of one junction, co

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Media monitor Fri, 30 May 2014 08:24:00 GMT 38155
York challenges tribunal ruling that restrictions were unlawful https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/38148/york-challenges-tribunal-ruling-that-restrictions-were-unlawful The City of York has challenged a Traffic Penalty Tribunal (TPT) ruling that it acted illegally in issuing nearly 50,000 penalty charge notices (PCNs) to drivers who had contravened two city centre traffic restrictions.  The TPT decision said that using ANPR cameras to enforce bus lane restrictions on Lendal Bridge and Coppergate was not legal. The volume of PCNs issued since the start of camera enforcement last August has sparked controversy, and the Tribunal’s ruling has made matt

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News Lead Story Fri, 23 May 2014 13:53:00 GMT 38148
Well slash car commuting and boost rail pledges Heathrow https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/38005/we-ll-slash-car-commuting-and-boost-rail-pledges-heathrow

Heathrow Airport’s owners this week pledged a six-fold increase in passengers accessing the airport by rail, and a huge cut to car commuting by staff if the Government approves plans for a third runway.  The pledges are contained in the airport’s final submission to the Government’s Airports Commission. It will recommend a preferred option for airport expansion next summer, after the General Election.  The Commission has shortlisted two options for expansion at Heat

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Lead Story Fri, 16 May 2014 08:31:00 GMT 38005
Kent airport closes its doors https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/38002/kent-airport-closes-its-doors Manston Airport in Kent closed this week after its owners failed to find a suitable buyer. Ann Gloag, who co-founded Stagecoach, bought the loss-making airport near Ramsgate in east Kent from Infratil last November. Dutch airline KLM launched a passenger service between Manston and Amsterdam last year but, with continuing uncertainty about the airport’s future, KLM withdrew the service last month. The airport’s last remaining cargo operator, Cargolux, has now switched operations to S

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Detail Fri, 16 May 2014 08:26:00 GMT 38002
No public vote on airport expansion McLoughlin acknowledges in interview https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/37991/no-public-vote-on-airport-expansion-mcloughlin-acknowledges-in-interview

Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin has said in an interview that political parties are unlikely to outline their position on airport expansion ahead of the findings of an independent review due to report after the May 2015 General Election. McLoughlin told Bloomberg: "I don't think you can expect people to say they will definitely do something in a report they have not seen. But all the parties as far as I can see are saying that it's a very serious piece of work and it will be infl

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Regular news Thu, 15 May 2014 23:17:00 GMT 37991
Heathrow and Gatwick clash over transport as final submissions go to Airports Commission https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/37986/heathrow-and-gatwick-clash-over-transport-as-final-submissions-go-to-airports-commission

Heathrow and Gatwick are clashing as they prepare to give their detailed proposals for expansion to the Airports Commission. Gatwick Airport described it as a "bombshell" that Heathrow was "being forced to propose a congestion charge". "The roads around Heathrow are already some of the most congested in Europe. Not only would a new Heathrow runway create transport chaos as Europe's busiest motorway, the M25, is tunnelled over, it would now also hit passengers in the pocket through hefty conges

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Regular news Mon, 12 May 2014 09:32:00 GMT 37986
Plymouth illustrates damaging effects of bus competition https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/37973/plymouth-illustrates-damaging-effects-of-bus-competition In your last issue you reported Greater Manchester’s desire to review with the DfT how the bus can play a bigger part in meeting the conurbation’s travel demand, with a core network promoted in the same way as fixed track networks (‘Greater Manchester presses DfT for bus market reform’ LTT 18 Apr). Experiences in Plymouth and its environs in the last couple of years are all too typical and illustrate why we need more stable bus networks.  For the last couple of yea

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Letters to the editor Fri, 2 May 2014 11:30:00 GMT 37973
Poll finds many residents support Heathrow growth https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/37928/poll-finds-many-residents-support-heathrow-growth

Building a third runway at Heathrow Airport may not be as controversial with local residents as politicians generally think, according to the findings of a poll commissioned by the airport’s owners.  The Populus telephone survey of 7,000 people found that 48% supported expansion and only 34% were opposed. The remaining 19% were don’t knows. The survey quizzed 1,000 people in each of seven areas: Spelthorne; Hillingdon; Hounslow; Ealing; Windsor and Maidenhead; Richmond; and Kin

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Regular news Fri, 2 May 2014 09:59:00 GMT 37928
Heathrow Airport to dramatically cut car trips https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/37918/heathrow-airport-to-dramatically-cut-car-trips

Heathrow Airport’s owners are drawing up plans to dramatically cut car trips to the airport as part of efforts to win Government approval for a third runway.  The airport’s owners will submit the proposals to the Government’s Airports Commission this summer. LTT understands the proposals focus on turning the airport into a major rail hub and dramatically cutting car commuting by people employed at the airport through  a range of measures including possibly reducing

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Lead Story Fri, 2 May 2014 09:45:00 GMT 37918
Whitfield leads DfT airport surface access https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/37912/whitfield-leads-dft-airport-surface-access Steff Whitfield has been appointed head of airport surface access strategy at the DfT. She was the DfT’s head of group services, rail portfolio office. 

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People/people Fri, 2 May 2014 09:26:00 GMT 37912
Peel acquires 100% of Liverpool airport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/37907/peel-acquires-100-of-liverpool-airport The Peel Group has taken 100% ownership of Liverpool John Lennon Airport by acquiring the 65% stake held by Vantage Airport Group, which wants to concentrate on North American and other markets. Matthew Thomas, the airport’s chief executive officer, said: “The airport is a key project in Peel’s Ocean Gateway programme, which will see £50bn of investment in the North West.”

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News Fri, 2 May 2014 09:12:00 GMT 37907
Tribunals co-operate to resolve car hire appeals https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/37874/tribunals-co-operate-to-resolve-car-hire-appeals

A car hire organisation consistently failed to co-operate with local authorities pursuing unpaid penalty charge notices (PCNs), parking adjudicators have decided.  In an unprecedented step, Enterprise rent-a-car (Erac) UK Ltd were called to attend back-to-back hearings with both the Parking and Traffic Appeals Service (PATAS), which covers London, and the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (TPT), which covers the rest of England and Wales. Several cases relating to Erac were considered together by

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News Lead Story Mon, 28 Apr 2014 11:16:00 GMT 37874
Leeds Airport access study https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/37748/leeds-airport-access-study The DfT has appointed a partnership of consultants WSP and Parsons Brinckerhoff to study options for improving surface transport links to Leeds Bradford International Airport. The project will conclude by August.   

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In brief Thu, 17 Apr 2014 10:01:00 GMT 37748
Shops sell Metro season tickets https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/37745/shops-sell-metro-season-tickets Tyne and Wear Metro passengers can now buy season tickets in hundreds of newsagents, convenience stores and supermarkets thanks to a partnership between consumer payments network provider Payzone UK and smart technology company Ecebs. The Metro ticket is uploaded directly to a passenger’s ‘Pop’ smartcard at any Payzone point. Later this year passengers will start being able to top-up pay-as-you-go Pop cards for travel on Metro, bus and the Shields ferry at Payzone points. 

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In brief Thu, 17 Apr 2014 10:00:00 GMT 37745
Matthews to quit Heathrow https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/37743/matthews-to-quit-heathrow Heathrow Airport chief executive Colin Matthews, 57, is to stand down in June after six years in post. 

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People/people Thu, 17 Apr 2014 09:58:00 GMT 37743
Widen the A13 LEP urges ministers https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/37729/widen-the-a13-lep-urges-ministers The South East Local Enterprise Partnership wants the Government to fund the widening of the A13 dual carriageway  through Essex and Thurrock from two to three lanes in each direction.  The A13 serves the Thames Gateway, including the new London Gateway port in Thurrock. SELEP describes the road corridor as the “single largest growth opportunity in the LEP area”. The dual carriageway is managed by local authorities through what SELEP describes as a “quirk of administ

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Regular news Thu, 17 Apr 2014 09:16:00 GMT 37729
Mayor wants new infrastructure cabinet 'super-post' to deliver new airport and roads - report https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/37702/mayor-wants-new-infrastructure-cabinet-super-post-to-deliver-new-airport-and-roads--report

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson is arguing for a new cabinet post in the next Government to deliver infrastructure, according to the London newspaper The Evening Standard. The newspaper quotes a source saying that the Mayor was "itching" to take on a new infrastructure 'superpost' because he is convinced of the need for investment in new roads, rail, and a new airport, to boost jobs and growth, the newspaper says. "Boris is thinking about the infrastructure role... if that sort of big job was

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Regular news Thu, 10 Apr 2014 17:47:00 GMT 37702
Gatwick commits to building new runway https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/37676/gatwick-commits-to-building-new-runway Gatwick Airport’s owners have committed to start construction of a second runway before the end of the next Parliament in 2020 if the Government selects it for expansion ahead of Heathrow. Flights could start using the new runway by 2025. The airport has just launched a six-week consultation on three options for the second runway: Option 1 – a 585-metre runway south of the existing runway; Option 2 – a 1,045 metre runway south of the existing runway with one runway used for tak

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In brief Fri, 4 Apr 2014 09:57:00 GMT 37676
Heathrow plans released https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/37670/heathrow-plans-released Two visions have been unveiled for transforming  Heathrow Airport into a new town if a new hub airport were built to the east of London. The Mayor of London and the London Borough of Hillingdon have released separate reports. The mayor’s, prepared by Jones Lang LaSelle and Peter Brett Associates, suggests a Heathrow City with new residential areas and some terminal buildings retained for retail and convention centre uses.   Heathrow redevelopment scenarios is available at h

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Regular news Fri, 4 Apr 2014 09:48:00 GMT 37670
Heathrow vital for HS2-HS1 link https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/37669/-heathrow-vital-for-hs2-hs1-link-   A double track rail connection between HS2 and HS1 could deliver cross-London rail services between Kent and the Midlands as well as international services between Heathrow and Paris, according to a new report. The Government announced last month that it was rethinking how to connect the two lines and scrapping the original plans for a single track connection developed by HS2 Ltd. High-speed rail think-tank Greengauge 21 has welcomed the decision and published a new report suggesting h

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Regular news Fri, 4 Apr 2014 09:42:00 GMT 37669
What to do about Bristols transport problems? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/37636/what-to-do-about-bristol-s-transport-problems- Bristol’s long-standing transport planning problems have not one but two sources: a democratic deficit, and fantasy economics. But help may be on hand from a surprising quarter.  The first problem is well-known.  The Avon sub-region has yet to embrace the Combined Authority concept (the latest remake of the tried and tested Passenger Transport Executive model). City voters despair at the way the car-focused suburban authorities of North Somerset and South Gloucestershire are abl

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Letters to the editor Fri, 4 Apr 2014 09:16:00 GMT 37636
HS2 is even worse than predict and provide road planning https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/37631/hs2-is-even-worse-than-predict-and-provide-road-planning The phrase “predict and provide” first appeared in my book Towns Against Traffic, published in 1972. I used it to draw attention to unsatisfactory features of road planning at the time. Although everyone now seems to agree that “predict and provide” is a discredited principle, in fact it is still deeply embedded in current practice. There have been some important reforms in the rules for the use of the roads, at least in towns, but more are required. Technological advance

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Letters to the editor Fri, 4 Apr 2014 09:10:00 GMT 37631
Gatwick offers cash for noise blight https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/37486/gatwick-offers-cash-for-noise-blight Households affected by noise from a proposed second runway at Gatwick would receive annual compensation equivalent to band A council tax (currently £1,000) if and when the runway becomes operational, Gatwick Airport has announced. The airport estimates that about 4,100 households could qualify for the scheme, based on homes within the airport’s two runway 57dB(A) LEq noise contour. The scheme would not be applicable to residents who move into the noise boundary contour after Gatwick

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In brief Fri, 21 Mar 2014 09:48:00 GMT 37486
Tram-train plan for Glasgow https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/37404/tram-train-plan-for-glasgow Scotland’s transport minister Keith Brown has asked officials to investigate the feasibility of running tram-train vehicles between Glasgow Central and Glasgow Airport via the existing rail network and a new airport spur line. The idea is to be recommended in the imminent final report of the Glasgow Airport strategic transport network study led by Glasgow Airport with support from Transport Scotland, Renfrewshire Council and Glasgow City Council.  “Initial examination of the s

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Regular news Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:11:00 GMT 37404
Four-runway hub report call gives Heathrow Airport a boost https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/37246/four-runway-hub-report-call-gives-heathrow-airport-a-boost

The UK needs a four-runway hub airport if the country's international connectivity is to be protected and enhanced, concludes the Independent Transport Commission. The Government's Airports Commission highlighted that Heathrow already serves fewer global destinations than Frankfurt, Paris or Amsterdam and many fewer than Dubai. The ITC says that if a UK hub did a similar job to the other largest European hubs it would require the capacity necessary to increase the number of destinations served

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Regular news Sat, 22 Feb 2014 08:26:00 GMT 37246
Rule out Gatwick expansion says ITC https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/37230/rule-out-gatwick-expansion-says-itc The Independent Transport Commission has urged the Airports Commission to reject the idea of building a second runway at Gatwick, saying that only a three runway solution – such as at Heathrow or a new hub on the Isle of Grain – can deliver the necessary connectivity benefits for the UK economy. The interim report of the Government’s Airports Commission announced a shortlist of a second runway at Gatwick or a third runway at Heathrow, while keeping London mayor Boris Johnson&rs

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In brief Fri, 21 Feb 2014 09:59:00 GMT 37230
Liverpool taxi operator takes on bus operators in airport corridor https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/37231/liverpool-taxi-operator-takes-on-bus-operators-in-airport-corridor

A liverpool taxi operator has launched a taxibus service in direct competition with bus services between the city centre and Liverpool John Lennon Airport.   The Taxi 1A service operated by A&J Taxis starts from a bus stop in Skelhorne Street, beside Lime Street railway station, which is shared with bus operator Arriva’s airport service 500. The taxibus calls at one stop (Aigburth Vale) on the way to the airport, with a journey time of  25 minutes.  On the return, Taxi

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Regular news Fri, 21 Feb 2014 09:57:00 GMT 37231
In Passing https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/37188/in-passing   It’s difficult to know what to make of the Office of National Statistics’ findings on how commuting affects personal well-being. Some seem plausible – such as that long-distance commutes add to anxiety – while others, such as that buses are full of depressed soles, had us turning to the report’s methodology section to familiarise ourselves with the strengths and weaknesses of regression analysis. But the following observation really caught our eye: “Onl

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Main editorial comment Fri, 21 Feb 2014 09:05:00 GMT 37188
Heathrow Express plans Reading route https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/37176/heathrow-express-plans-reading-route Train operator Heathrow Express has announced ambitions to run a rail service between the airport, Slough and Reading, when the new western rail link to the airport opens, expected to be in 2021. Heathrow says the journey time between the airport and Reading would be 30 minutes and the journey from Slough ten minutes. The new spur will leave the Great Western Main Line between Langley and Iver stations (LTT 07 Feb).  

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Detail Fri, 21 Feb 2014 08:59:00 GMT 37176
SNP sets out transport regulation plan https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/37171/snp-sets-out-transport-regulation-plan the scottish Government has explained the proposed arrangements for transport regulation in the event of a Yes vote in the independence referendum on 18 September.  The SNP-identifies 13 GB or UK-wide transport organisations. “For a period after independence, the Scottish Government proposes that these organisations will continue to provide their services in Scotland,” it says. The Traffic Commissioner and Passenger Focus would continue to operate in Scotland in the long-term.

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Regular news Fri, 21 Feb 2014 08:56:00 GMT 37171
Government to subsidise flights to Cornwall after rail line wrecked https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/37164/government-to-subsidise-flights-to-cornwall-after-rail-line-wrecked

The DfT will from today fund a £5 reduction on all domestic flights from Newquay as part of its plan to support Cornish travellers after the main line to the county was destroyed. The support will be delivered through a grant to Cornwall Council and will mean that Newquay Airport will, for at least two weeks, waive an airport development fee that is usually payable by passengers flying from the airport. Aviation minister Robert Goodwill said: "We said we would do everything that we can to

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Regular news Wed, 12 Feb 2014 13:50:00 GMT 37164
NR fleshes out new Heathrow rail access https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/37115/nr-fleshes-out-new-heathrow-rail-access Network Rail has briefed MPs and other stakeholders on plans for a new western rail access to Heathrow Airport for services from places such as Reading, Oxford, Bristol and South Wales. A new junction would be built on the Great Western Main Line between Langley and Iver stations. From there, trains would pass through a three-mile tunnel to reach Terminal 5. Network Rail says that, if planning permission is granted, construction could begin in 2016 with the line opening in 2021.  

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In brief Fri, 7 Feb 2014 10:07:00 GMT 37115
Greens demand cable car rethink as revenue drops https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/37102/greens-demand-cable-car-rethink-as-revenue-s Fare income on Transport for London’s cable car, the Emirates Airline, was 35% lower than predicted in the second quarter of 2013/14, figures supplied to Green London Assembly member Darren Johnson reveal.  TfL had expected fare income to be £8.3m in second quarter 2013/14 but the actual figure was £5.4m.  The system had an operating margin of £3.7m based on fare income of £5.4m, sponsorship income of £3.6m and operating costs of £5.3m. 

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Regular news Fri, 7 Feb 2014 09:48:00 GMT 37102
Stations the talking point as councils welcome HS2 making tracks north https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36955/stations-the-talking-point-as-councils-welcome-hs2-making-tracks-north

Consultation is drawing to a close on the Government’s preferred alignment for the two arms of the Y-shaped high-speed rail network, which will extend services from the West Midlands to the North West and Yorkshire. Whereas the London to West Midlands alignment has caused huge controversy, particularly in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the northern extensions appear to be attracting much less adverse comment. Indeed, the plans have been welcomed by many local authorities

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News extra Fri, 24 Jan 2014 10:58:00 GMT 36955
Heathrow issues investment warning https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36949/heathrow-issues-investment-warning Heathrow Airport has criticised the CAA’s final decision on price controls, warning that it could harm investment. Price control will be set at RPI –1.5% for the period 2014/15-2018/19. Heathrow’s chief executive, Colin Matthews, said: “We will review our investment plan to see whether it is still financeable in light of the CAA settlement. Heathrow’s rate of return on capital investment was set by the CAA at 5.35% in its initial proposal, then increased to 5.6%, bu

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Detail Fri, 24 Jan 2014 10:51:00 GMT 36949
Rethink HS2 station plan says Solihull https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36920/rethink-hs2-station-plan-says-solihull

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council is urging the Government to rethink plans for the high-speed rail station close to Birmingham Airport. “There is no sense that the infrastructure would neatly fit with an evolving new centre of economic activity and ‘place’,” says Solihull, responding to the Government’s environmental statement for the London-West Midlands route. “This concern relates to a number of elements including the design of the station building a

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Regular news Fri, 24 Jan 2014 10:26:00 GMT 36920
Ministers set out Scots infrastructure priorities https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36897/ministers-set-out-scots-infrastructure-priorities Transport projects feature prominently in the Scottish Government’s third national planning framework (NPF), which identifies the nation’s infrastructure priorities.  Many of the NPF’s 14 priorities are transport schemes, or projects with a transport element: high-speed rail; freight handling capacity on the Forth; a central Scotland green network of walking and cycling routes; a national long-distance cycling and walking network; the Dundee Waterfront enhancement; redeve

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Regular news Fri, 24 Jan 2014 09:59:00 GMT 36897
TfL says Airports Commission swayed by business views not public interest https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36866/tfl-says-airports-commission-swayed-by-business-views-not-public-interest

The TfL has told MPs that the Airports Commission has been influenced by the "commercial considerations" of existing airports rather than doing what is in the public interest. A report by TfL, produced for an evidence session held by the transport select committee, questions why the commission has chosen only to look at short-term options for the period up to 2030. The report says this comes despite the Commission identifying a significant shortage in airport capacity by 2050. TfL, chaire

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Regular news Tue, 21 Jan 2014 12:56:00 GMT 36866
Heathrow to consult on runway options https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36854/heathrow-to-consult-on-runway-options Heathrow Airport is to consult local residents on the two options shortlisted by the Airports Commission for expanding runway capacity at the airport. The airport has proposed building a third runway north-west of the existing runways and Heathrow Hub Ltd has proposed extending the existing northern runway to allow arrivals and departures to use it simultaneously. John Stewart, chair of campaign group HACAN, which opposes expansion, said: “Heathrow Airport has never liked the Heathrow Hub

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Regular news Fri, 10 Jan 2014 10:55:00 GMT 36854
Heathrow expansion wont disrupt M25 https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36853/heathrow-expansion-won-t-disrupt-m25- Heathrow Airport has accused London mayor Boris Johnson of “scaremongering” with claims that the M25 could have to close for five years to allow a new runway to be built. The airport’s proposed new northern runway would extend across the M25 but, in a letter to the London Evening Standard, Simon Earles, Heathrow’s head of surface access strategy, said: “Under the option shortlisted, the new, tunnelled section of the M25 would open before the existing route closed. S

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Regular news Fri, 10 Jan 2014 10:54:00 GMT 36853
Air quality will scupper Heathrow https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36852/air-quality-will-scupper-heathrow- The Airports Commission has overlooked EU air quality limit values in its decision to include two options to expand Heathrow in its shortlist, according to the Green Party. Green London assembly member Jenny Jones said Heathrow and its approach roads were likely to be in breach of existing EU limit values for nitrogen dioxide in 2020 and pointed out that the European Commission may set even stricter legal limits (see page 4). “The existing airport can’t comply with the current legal

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In brief Fri, 10 Jan 2014 10:52:00 GMT 36852
Option appraisal consultancy contracts up for grabs https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36851/option-appraisal-consultancy-contracts-up-for-grabs Consultants are bidding for contracts to assist the Airports Commission in appraising the shortlisted options for airport expansion. The Commission is seeking consultants for three contracts: airport operations, logistics and engineering support; commercial, financial and economic option appraisal; and environmental and sustainability appraisal.   The appointed consultants will lead development and appraisal work on the options and quality assure the work of scheme promoters.  The C

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Regular news Fri, 10 Jan 2014 10:51:00 GMT 36851
Gatwick one option https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36850/gatwick-one-option

The shortlisted option is for a new 3,000 metre runway to the south of the existing runway.  This option has the lowest cost – estimated at £10bn-£13bn including costs of surface access improvements and allowances for risk and optimism bias.  “The relatively strong forecast demand at Gatwick suggests that these costs could credibly be financed,” says the Commission. “Some level of Government involvement may be required to secure financing at an att

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Regular news Fri, 10 Jan 2014 10:49:00 GMT 36850
Heathrow two options https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36849/heathrow-two-options

The Commission has shortlisted two options at Heathrow: a) one new 3.5km runway to the northwest (as proposed by the airport owners) b) extending the northern runway to the west (as proposed by Heathrow Hub Ltd). The Commission estimates the cost of these options in the range £13bn-£18bn. It believes both could “credibly be financed, given the strength of forecast demand for any expanded capacity”. Heathrow is located close to three busy motorways – M4, M25 and M

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Regular news Fri, 10 Jan 2014 10:45:00 GMT 36849
The next steps for the shortlist https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36848/the-next-steps-for-the-shortlist-- The Airports Commission is to consult on a draft appraisal framework later this month, which will form the basis for how the three shortlisted options for new runways are assessed.  Promoters of the options  must submit refreshed scheme designs to the Commission by the 9 May, including proposed surface access strategies.  In October the Commission will launch a public consultation on the designs and the Commission’s assessments of the options.  The Commission will pu

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Regular news Fri, 10 Jan 2014 10:43:00 GMT 36848
Birmingham rejected https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36847/birmingham-rejected The Airports Commission has voiced scepticism about Birmingham Airport’s ambitions for a second runway.  The Commission’s interim report says the airport’s case for a second runway is heavily based on the surface access improvements that construction of HS2  will bring. A station is proposed to be built close to the airport.  But the Commission says that, even with HS2, the airport’s existing single runway is unlikely to be operating at capacity until the

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Regular news Fri, 10 Jan 2014 10:41:00 GMT 36847
Three airports to close if Grain built https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36846/three-airports-to-close-if-grain-built

Three airports in the South East face closure if a new hub airport is built on the Isle of Grain. London mayor Boris Johnson has already said his plan for a new hub airport would require the closure of Heathrow Airport.  But the Airports Commission says London City Airport and Southend Airport would also have to close to ensure there are no airspace conflicts.  The Commission did not shortlist the Isle of Grain option in its interim report but will conduct further work on the propos

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Regular news Fri, 10 Jan 2014 10:39:00 GMT 36846
Noise body to defuse airport controversy? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36845/noise-body-to-defuse-airport-controversy- An Independent Noise Authority could help defuse the controversy about the noise impacts of airport expansion, the Airports Commission believes. It says the primary function of the authority would be to provide “accurate, impartial and published advice” to the Government and Civil Aviation Authority. “Where such parties departed from the advice provided, they could be required to explain their reasons for doing so.” The authority could advise on the structure of noise c

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Regular news Fri, 10 Jan 2014 10:37:00 GMT 36845
Air passenger demand forecast could have lessons for roads https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36844/air-passenger-demand-forecast-could-have-lessons-for-roads- The GOvernment’s Airports Commission has adopted a new approach to forecasting air passenger demand, which one analyst believes could have lessons for road traffic forecasting. The Commission has used a probabilistic technique known as Monte Carlo simulation to prepare its forecasts. “This is a better approach to capturing some of the inherent uncertainty in forecasting than traditional high/low forecasts,” it says.  The Commission’s interim report, released just b

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Regular news Fri, 10 Jan 2014 10:35:00 GMT 36844
Greengauge criticises Gatwick shortlisting https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36843/greengauge-criticises-gatwick-shortlisting High-speed rail champion Greengauge 21 has criticised the Airports Commission’s decision to shortlist Gatwick as one option for airport capacity expansion. Greengauge says a decision to allow a second runway at Gatwick would mean overlooking the national interest and basing airports policy solely on local and London issues.  “Gatwick is inaccessible from places outside the south-east of England,” it says. “Even with additional surface access infrastructure, Gatwick

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Regular news Fri, 10 Jan 2014 10:29:00 GMT 36843
DfT reviews port forecasts https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36842/dft-reviews-port-forecasts The DfT is commissioning consultants to develop forecasting models for freight and passenger traffic through the UK’s ports. The last port demand forecasts were prepared by consultant MDS Transmodal in 2006 (and updated in 2007) but the DfT says the “economic downturn, coupled with other subsequent developments, particularly in energy markets, suggests it would be an appropriate time for the Department to review the 2007 forecasts and update its modelling capability”. The contr

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In brief Fri, 10 Jan 2014 10:28:00 GMT 36842
HS2 and airports policy still suffer from muddled thinking https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36787/hs2-and-airports-policy-still-suffer-from-muddled-thinking Comments on the two most controversial current transport infrastructure projects in your Christmas issue prompts me to offer thoughts on both.  On HS2 I was most impressed with Peter Mackie’s Viewpoint. The scheme is conceived at present as if it were an entirely new system rather than an upgrade of the existing rail network. We do not have a track gauge problem in this country like Spain or Japan, so we do not need a Shinkansen-type solution. We do have a loading gauge problem, so w

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Letters to the editor Fri, 10 Jan 2014 09:06:00 GMT 36787
Davies shortlists Gatwick and Heathrow but Grain kept in play https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36655/davies-shortlists-gatwick-and-heathrow-but-grain-kept-in-play

The Government’s Airports Commission this week shortlisted Heathrow and Gatwick airports for a new runway but kept in play London mayor Boris Johnson’s proposal for a new hub airport on the Isle of Grain. Presenting the findings of the Commission’s interim report, chairman Sir Howard Davies said the UK did not face an immediate crisis of airport connectivity but predicted a “severe capacity constraint ahead”. He said one net new runway would be needed by 2030. 

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Lead Story Wed, 18 Dec 2013 09:59:00 GMT 36655
Improve airport surface access Airports Commission tells DfT https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36665/improve-airport-surface-access-airports-commission-tells-dft

The Government has accepted the Airports Commission’s recommendation for a major programme of work on improving rail and road links to airports.  The most tangible commitment is £50m towards a £180m (2008 prices) plan to redevelop Gatwick Airport station. The project would feature a new concourse and better access to platforms. The Government’s contribution is subject to the satisfactory completion of commercial negotiations with the airport.   Airports Commis

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Regular news Wed, 18 Dec 2013 09:55:00 GMT 36665
Planes trains cars and bikes https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36601/planes-trains-cars-and-bikes Public authorities have marked the end of the calendar year with their characteristic blizzard of desk-clearing policy announcements that will take some time to properly digest. The Government’s Airports Commission this week reached its half-way point and the release of the draft National Policy Statement for road and rail networks in England will bring sighs of release all round given the length of delay it has suffered.    But what will 2013 be remembered for and what do the n

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Main editorial comment Wed, 18 Dec 2013 08:59:00 GMT 36601
McLoughlin hears clear recommendation that airports must expand - but will not decide where https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36578/mcloughlin-hears-clear-recommendation-that-airports-must-expand--but-will-not-decide-where The transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin has told Parliament that the Davies Commission offers "a clear recommendation that there is a need for new runway capacity in the medium term to support continued competitiveness". He would "look carefully at this recommendation and how best we can take decisions that are in the long-term economic interest of the country while respecting the environment and qualify of life". However, he acknowledged that Sir Howard "is clear that there is no crisis of

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Regular news Tue, 17 Dec 2013 14:47:00 GMT 36578
Davies Commission lays out demand case for South East airport expansion with improved estimates https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36577/davies-commission-lays-out-demand-case-for-south-east-airport-expansion-with-improved-estimates

The Government's Davies Commission review into airport capacity in the U.K has concluded that there is a demand case for one additional South East England runway by 2030 and a second by 2050. The review's interim report shortlists two Heathrow expansion options and the alternative of building a second runway at Gatwick. It rules out Stansted, Birmingham or any other options, but throws the Mayor of London's non-shortlisted preferred scheme a lifelife by  saying it will undertake furth

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Regular news Tue, 17 Dec 2013 08:19:00 GMT 36577
Heathrow has lift-off as Miliband drops opposition and claim over plan to push through expansion? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36575/heathrow-has-lift-off-as-miliband-s-opposition-and-claim-over-plan-to-push-through-expansion-

Labour leader Ed Miliband has reportedly dropped his opposition to building a third Heathrow runway on the eve of the Davies Commission, which is expected by a local MP to include the option for further investigation. The FT reports that Miliband, having threatened to resign from the previous Labour Government over a third runway, is now netural on where new runway capacity is located. The story comes as Conservative MP Zac Goldsmith accuses the Chancellor of "spending public money on

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Regular news Thu, 12 Dec 2013 00:14:00 GMT 36575
Clarify port access funding DfT told https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36529/clarify-port-access-funding-dft-told The DfT has been urged to publish new guidance on how improvements to transport infrastructure serving ports will be funded. The House of Commons transport committee says there is no logic to why some ports have part-funded road and rail improvements to ports whereas others have not. “In our view, there should be a presumption that significant improvements to access to ports – particularly improvements to strategic networks – will be publicly funded,” it says. “Howe

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In brief Fri, 29 Nov 2013 09:40:00 GMT 36529
Two routes for Heathrow rail access https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36520/two-routes-for-heathrow-rail-access Two options for creating a direct rail link to Heathrow Airport from south London have been identified in a report commissioned by the London Borough of Wandsworth.  Consultant SKM Colin Buchanan suggests a new rail branch from Feltham into Terminal 5, or from Ashford (east of Staines) to Terminal 5. The latter line would run between the King George VI and Staines reservoirs.  Heathrow Airport Ltd suggested a southern rail access to the Ashford/Staines area in its expansion plans sub

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Regular news Fri, 29 Nov 2013 09:31:00 GMT 36520
In Passing https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36479/in-passing In this column last issue we speculated that a costly pledge to extend high-speed rail to Scotland may be the UK Government’s crafty way to persuade Scotland’s electorate to vote ‘no’ to independence in next September’s referendum. But if that’s a cunning plan, how about UK science minister David Willetts’ suggestion that one of Scotland’s former RAF bases, most likely Kinloss in Moray, could be the perfect place to build a UK spaceport, from where

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Main editorial comment Fri, 29 Nov 2013 08:49:00 GMT 36479
The Parking World debate https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36435/the-parking-world-debate

A vision of a world in which parking patrol officers provide drivers with advice was presented at Parking World by students from Northumbria University. Jade Gillham and Lizzie Unwin were members of ‘Generation WhY’, a team of students from Northumbria’s Multidisciplinary Design Innovation (MDI) programme who were commissioned by the Traffic Penalty Tribunal to explore new ways of thinking about enforcement. Generation WhY’s Parking Futures strategy envisages a shift fro

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Debates Wed, 27 Nov 2013 15:52:00 GMT 36435
Ministers must demand local bodies improve access to ports - MPs https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36381/ministers-must-demand-local-bodies-improve-access-to-ports--mps

The transport select committee today recommends the DfT challenges local bodies to prioritise improvements to UK ports, "national assets," over other "less strategically important schemes". The MPs, in their latest report, welcome the Department's new high-level strategy on ports, but say that the DfT must become "a keener advocate for ports," to improve road and rail access to them. Changes to strategic transport planning "have made it harder for U.K ports to ensure that projects of strategic

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Regular news Tue, 26 Nov 2013 08:24:00 GMT 36381
Thame using neighbourhood plan to allocate housing sites https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/41264/thame-using-neighbourhood-plan-to-allocate-housing-sites Thame Town Council has used it neighbourhood plan – which was backed by 76 per cent of votes at its referendum on 2 May, and was adopted by South Oxfordshire District Council on 18 July 2013 – to show where future housing should go. This month, the first major planning application judged against a neighbourhood plan that allocates housing sites has been approved in the Oxfordshire town. See the plan documents online South Oxfordshire District Council’s planning committee unanimously appr

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Main Story Wed, 20 Nov 2013 09:48:06 GMT 41264
Rethink cable car flop Lib Dems tell Johnson https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36358/rethink-cable-car-flop-lib-dems-tell-johnson

The Liberal Democrats are urging Transport for London to rethink the operating strategy for the capital’s cable car because of disappointing passenger numbers. Weekly passengers on the Emirates Air Line in October were below 30,000, compared with over 40,000 in October last year. Transport commissioner Peter Hendy said last week that this year’s numbers were below forecast. Caroline Pidgeon, the leader of the Assembly’s Liberal Democrat group, said: “It is time the mayo

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In brief Fri, 15 Nov 2013 09:58:00 GMT 36358
Heathrow attacks Gatwick airports plans https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36327/heathrow-attacks-gatwick-airport-s-plans Heathrow Airport’s owners have stepped up their campaign against Gatwick Airport’s expansion plans, by publishing a report suggesting that cities can only support one hub airport. Gatwick’s owners have put forward plans for a second runway to the Government’s Airports Commission and said that London doesn’t need a single mega-hub airport such as Heathrow or at one of the locations identified by London mayor Boris Johnson.  But Heathrow has now published the f

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News Fri, 15 Nov 2013 09:26:00 GMT 36327
HSE fines airport for pedestrian crossing https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36260/hse-fines-airport-for-pedestrian-crossing The Health and Safety Executive has ordered Luton Airport and a design subcontractor to pay £372,695 in fines and costs for safety failings identified during an investigation into a fatal accident on a pedestrian crossing. The HSE found that the crossing, designed by C-T Aviation Solutions Ltd, was badly positioned and did not conform to regulations that apply to public roads. TRL advised the HSE in its investigation.  

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In brief Fri, 1 Nov 2013 11:17:00 GMT 36260
Only 5% of HS2 users will switch from car or air https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36238/only-5-of-hs2-users-will-switch-from-car-or-air Only 5% of high-speed rail passengers on the full Y network are expected to transfer from road or air, according to HS2 Ltd. In 2036, three years after the full Y network is expected to open, HS2 Ltd expects 69% of HS2 passengers to have switched from conventional rail services, 26% to be trips generated by the existence of the new line, 4% to be mode shift from car, and 1% to be mode shift from air.   In terms of numbers, HS2 Ltd expects the line to generate 20 million new long-distance

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Regular news Fri, 1 Nov 2013 10:40:00 GMT 36238
London First runs aviation campaign https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36232/london-first-runs-aviation-campaign Business lobby group London First has launched a pro-aviation campaign, Let Britain Fly. Members include the Canary Wharf Group, Sir Robert McAlpine, the Berkeley Group, John Lewis, and Segro. The Corporation of London is to become a member, contributing £25,000.  

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In brief Fri, 1 Nov 2013 10:20:00 GMT 36232
Cover up A13 and build new rail branch says London borough https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36225/cover-up-a13-and-build-new-rail-branch-says-london-borough The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham is pressing Transport for London to roof over part of the A13 and wants ministers to approve a £150m rail extension to serve new housing on the bank of the Thames.  Roofing over some of the capital’s major roads was recommended by the mayor’s Roads Task Force as a way to reduce community severance and support development (LTT  12 Jul). TfL has pledged to review possible locations by the middle of next year. Barking and Dage

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Regular news Fri, 1 Nov 2013 10:04:00 GMT 36225
Universities invest in Heathrow Airport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36211/universities-invest-in-heathrow-airport Britain’s universities’ pension fund has bought a stake in Heathrow Airport. The Universities Superannuation Scheme has bought 8.65% of the shares in a deal worth £392m. The shares were sold by Spanish infrastructure giant Ferrovial, whose shareholding falls from 33% to 25%. X

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Detail Fri, 1 Nov 2013 09:42:00 GMT 36211
Ports who owns what? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36202/ports--who-owns-what- UK port sector ownership – like its airport counterpart – is highly fragmented. However, unlike airports, it is not subject to independent regulation, and there is no statutory framework for controlling port access charges. Although there are numerous municipal and trust-owned ports operating in other trades, the container port sector is dominated by six large conglomerate groupings, accounting for nine of the top ten ports in the country (see table). State-owned Dubai Ports World (

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Sub story to regular feature Fri, 1 Nov 2013 09:29:00 GMT 36202
Will London Gateway be the freight industrys first port of call? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36201/will-london-gateway-be-the-freight-industry-s-first-port-of-call-

Billed as the largest single construction project after Crossrail, DP World’s new £1.5bn London Gateway container mega-port could change the map of freight transport in Britain. The massive terminal complex will allow the largest container ships to dock within 25 miles of the capital, and the MOL Caledon will be the first scheduled ship to use it upon opening on 7 November. London Gateway is situated on the site of the old Shell Haven oil refinery at Coryton on the north bank of the

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Regular feature Fri, 1 Nov 2013 09:23:00 GMT 36201
BA predicts defeat on third runway for Heathrow and sets sights on Gatwick expansion https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36090/ba-predicts-defeat-on-third-runway-for-heathrow-and-sets-sights-on-gatwick-expansion

The chief executive of IAG, British Airways' parent company, has predicted that a third runway will never be built at Heathrow, regardless of the recommendations of the Government’s Airports Commission. The Times reported Willie Walsh's comments at a meeting of airports executives that he thought that a third runway would not win the political argument and it was more likely that Gatwick would get a second runway. Walsh reportedly said: "I just don’t see it happening beca

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Regular news Tue, 22 Oct 2013 22:35:00 GMT 36090
In Passing https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36080/in-passing Airports Commission chairman Sir Howard Davies faces an enormous challenge in coming up with a set of proposals capable of ending decades of political battles over where to allow new runway construction in the South East. It’s a tall order but we’re confident that his  formidable intellectual powers will see him through. Or at least we were, until we heard this in his speech on the Commission’s provisional thinking last week: “Of course forecasting is always difficul

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Main editorial comment Fri, 18 Oct 2013 10:15:00 GMT 36080
Commission impossible? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36079/commission-impossible- When Governments are faced with a seemingly intractable problem, they are often attracted to the idea of setting up an independent commission to look at the matter with a fresh set of eyes. Sometimes these pieces of work can successfully identify a way forward but we would hazard a guess that this happens most often on questions that are highly technical. The ability of experts to resolve matters that years of political wrangling have failed to crack is a whole lot more difficult. Airports poli

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Main editorial comment Fri, 18 Oct 2013 10:14:00 GMT 36079
Adding capacity some of the candidates https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36078/adding-capacity-some-of-the-candidates

Heathrow – owner’s submission Heathrow Airport has proposed three options for a third runway: north, north-west, and south-west of the existing airport. The two westerly options are its favourites, requiring fewer residential property demolitions: north-west (950); south-west (850); and the north (2,700). The westerly runways would also ensure that aircraft travel over London at a higher altitude, reducing the number of people exposed to noise. Heathrow insists that it can be bigger

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Sub story to regular feature Fri, 18 Oct 2013 10:11:00 GMT 36078
Decision time Davies weighs up mayors plan for a new hub airport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36074/decision-time-davies-weighs-up-mayor-s-plan-for-a-new-hub-airport

Sir Howard Davies must have one of the toughest jobs in Government. Twelve months ago the former chief of the Audit Commission and the CBI was appointed chair of the Airports Commission and tasked with ending years of political rancour about whether – and where – new airport capacity should be built in South East England.  Davies answered the first question last week, telling an invited audience that there was a clear justification for new capacity. That, however, was arguably

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Regular feature Fri, 18 Oct 2013 10:07:00 GMT 36074
Infratil sheds Manston and Prestwick airports https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36056/infratil-sheds-manston-and-prestwick-airports Infratil Ltd has sold Manston Airport in Kent to Lothian Shelf Ltd – a company wholly-owned by Stagecoach co-founder Ann Gloag – for £1. News of the sale came days after the Scottish Government announced plans to buy one of Infratil’s other assets, Prestwick Airport in South Ayrshire. Infratil has been unable to find a private sector purchaser since putting Prestwick up for sale in March 2012. The Scottish Government  already owns 11 airports and pointed out that in

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News Fri, 18 Oct 2013 09:44:00 GMT 36056
Airports Commission shortlisting challenged https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36055/airports-commission-shortlisting-challenged Opponents of Stansted Airport expansion are seeking a judicial review of the Government’s refusal to re-examine the ‘sift criteria’ that the Airports Commission will use to draw up a shortlist of airport expansion options in December.  Stop Stansted Expansion’s  challenge is on the grounds of “apparent bias” associated with Geoff Muirhead’s membership of the Commission. Muirhead stepped down from the Commission last month in response to protes

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Regular news Fri, 18 Oct 2013 09:42:00 GMT 36055
Investors may take their cash elsewhere warns Heathrow https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36051/investors-may-take-their-cash-elsewhere-warns-heathrow

Heathrow Airport has warned that its shareholders will not invest in a possible third runway unless the Civil Aviation Authority creates a favourable regulatory environment that allows an attractive rate of return. The comments came after the CAA issued its final proposals for the economic regulation of Heathrow in the five-year period, 2014/15-2018/19, imposing a real-terms price freeze (RPI+0%).  Heathrow said the CAA’s proposal of a 5.6% return in Period 6 (2014-19) compared unfa

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Lead Story Fri, 18 Oct 2013 09:40:00 GMT 36051
Airports commission hit by judicial review over bias over expansion https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/36017/airports-commission-hit-by-judicial-review-over-bias-over-expansion Anti-aviation campaigners Stop Stansted Expansion today files a judicial review against the Government's airports commission in a bid to "ensure fairness in determining the issue of airport capacity". The group is asking the High Court to order the Davies' Commission to re-determine its selection criteria for assessing airport expansion options and to delay the publication of any shortlist of options, planned by the end of the year. Stop Stansted Expansion said the challenge was on the grounds

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Regular news Mon, 14 Oct 2013 08:37:00 GMT 36017
TfL to consult on 2nd new Thames crossing https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/35999/tfl-to-consult-on-2nd-new-thames-crossing Transport for London is to consult later this year on a new road or tunnel at Gallions Reach as a possible replacement for the Woolwich ferry.  The consultation will seek views on replacing the existing ferry with a new ferry at the same location (£100m); introducing a new ferry at Gallions Reach (£150m); or building a new bridge or tunnel at Gallions Reach (£400m-£550m).  TfL says last autumn’s consultation on options found a majority (71%) of responden

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Regular news Fri, 4 Oct 2013 10:25:00 GMT 35999
Johnsons hub airport vision is impractical Commission told https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/35990/johnson-s-hub-airport-vision-is-impractical-commission-told The Airports Commission should reject Boris Johnson’s proposal to build a new hub airport and close Heathrow because the plan is too costly, too disruptive, and will take too long to deliver, business leaders and a local authority are warning. The message is conveyed in two separate reports submitted to the Government’s Commission by Essex County Council and business leaders from West London and the west of London.  Johnson this summer submitted proposals to the Commission for

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Regular news Fri, 4 Oct 2013 10:22:00 GMT 35990
Airport Commission member steps down https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/35988/airport-commission-member-steps-down Geoff Muirhead has stepped down from the Government’s Airports Commission. Campaign group Stop Stansted Expansion threatened to bring legal action against the Government over Muirhead’s membership of the Commission, pointing out that he was a former chief executive of Manchester Airport Group (MAG), which now owns Stansted (LTT 06 Sep). Announcing his departure, the DfT said there was “no evidence whatsoever of bias towards the MAG submission concerning Stansted [but] we have a

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In brief Fri, 4 Oct 2013 10:21:00 GMT 35988
In passing https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/35969/in-passing Power trip, the new book by Damian McBride, Gordon Brown’s former controversial spin doctor, has been all over the media in recent weeks. McBride actually started work at the Treasury in its transport and road tax team and his book offers an interesting insight on the origins of the fuel tax protests that crippled Britain in 2000. During meetings of a forum with the Road Haulage Association and the Freight Transport Association ministers and civil servants continually resisted calls for a

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Main editorial comment Fri, 4 Oct 2013 10:00:00 GMT 35969
Eurostar announces direct London-Amsterdam services https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/35927/eurostar-announces-direct-london-amsterdam-services Eurostar has announced that direct services between London and Amsterdam will be launched to compete directly with the airline market. The announcement was made by the Secretary of State for infrastructure and the environment in the Netherlands as part of a package of measures to enhance services on the Dutch high speed line. Eurostar wants to expand its business 

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Regular news Sat, 28 Sep 2013 13:51:00 GMT 35927
First ship calls at London Gateway https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/35823/first-ship-calls-at-london-gateway The new London Gateway port in Thurrock received its first container ship last week. The ZIM Rotterdam arrived on Friday after deviating at short notice from its scheduled call at Felixstowe. The new port officially opens in November.    X

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In brief Fri, 20 Sep 2013 11:56:00 GMT 35823
Gloves come off in battle over additional SE airport capacity https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/35745/gloves-come-off-in-battle-over-additional-se-airport-capacity The battle over the location of new airport capacity in the South East is heating up, with Gatwick Airport’s owners saying expansion at Heathrow would be unacceptable on noise grounds.  Gatwick has told the Government’s Airports Commission that a second runway at Gatwick could increase the number of people living within the 57dBA leq16 noise contour – which the Government uses to mark the onset of significant community annoyance – from 3,050 to 11,800. But Gatwick

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Regular news Fri, 20 Sep 2013 10:02:00 GMT 35745
Davies receives plan for hub airport near Oxford https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/35704/davies-receives-plan-for-hub-airport-near-oxford Plans for a new hub airport in Oxfordshire are being examined by the Government’s Airports Commission chaired by Sir Howard Davies. Bristol-based architect Pleiade Associates’ London Oxford Airport (LOX) plan envisages a four-runway airport near Abingdon, south-west of Oxford, capable of handling 125 million passengers a year. Initially, only two runways would be built, with opening envisaged in 2023. The proposals have been greeted with hostility locally. Wantage MP and culture mi

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Regular news Fri, 6 Sep 2013 11:27:00 GMT 35704
Stansted campaigners challenge Commission https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/35703/stansted-campaigners-challenge-commission Opponents of plans to expand Stansted Airport have initiated legal proceedings against the Government over Geoff Muirhead’s membership of the Airports Commission. Muirhead is the former chief executive of the Manchester Airports Group (MAG), which now owns Stansted. MAG has submitted Stansted expansion plans to the commission. Pressure group Stop Stansted Expansion says that although Muirhead retired as MAG’s chief executive in 2010 he continued to work for the group until January

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Regular news Fri, 6 Sep 2013 11:26:00 GMT 35703
Buses likely to beat Edinburghs tram on end-to-end journey time https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/35671/buses-likely-to-beat-edinburgh-s-tram-on-end-to-end-journey-time

Edinburgh’s TRAMS are expected to take longer than the bus to travel from the city’s airport to the city centre. Municipally-owned Lothian Buses advertises its Edinburgh Airport bus service 100 as offering a journey time of 30 minutes to the city centre. Meanwhile,  modelling of the tram route by consultant Parsons Brinckerhoff suggests that a fully laden tram could complete the journey in 32-33 minutes. The airport service will continue to operate after the £776m tram ro

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Regular news Fri, 6 Sep 2013 10:32:00 GMT 35671
In passing https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/35661/in-passing  The political crisis in Egypt is not something to joke about but we were nevertheless perplexed to read this News in Brief in The Times: “Fifteen people were wounded, and homes and a church burnt, after Muslims and Christians clashed in southern Egypt over a new speed bump.” Freedom of Information requests can range from the  insightful to the banal and the following one, just answered by DfT, certainly belongs in the latter category.  The inquisitor wanted to know

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Main editorial comment Fri, 6 Sep 2013 09:47:00 GMT 35661
Passengers will switch from Heathrow with better transport links to alternatives says London Assembly https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/35620/passengers-will-switch-from-heathrow-with-better-transport-links-to-alternatives-says-london-assembly The London Assembly today calls for surface transport access improvement to unlock existing capacity at Gatwick, Stansted and Luton airports. In a letter to Sir Howard Davies, the Assembly's transport committee says improving rail links and extending the Oyster card to all airports "could be key to encouraging passengers to switch from Heathrow to alternative airports". The provision of additional tracks on the West Anglia Line could improve services to Stansted, the committee says, following

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Regular news Mon, 2 Sep 2013 08:10:00 GMT 35620
Parking the next generation https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/35583/parking-the-next-generation

Parking enforcement could become a process of parking education based on transforming civil enforcement officers into ambassadors offering advice and by harnessing the power of social media. This is the vision at the core of Parking Futures, a radical new national approach to the way in which public sector parking is enforced. The strategy would see civil enforcement officers rebranded as “Parking Gurus” who would provide advice to drivers, only issuing penalty charges notices as a

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Cover Story Thu, 29 Aug 2013 16:49:00 GMT 35583
'CCTV cars must be correctly deployed' https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/35582/-cctv-cars-must-be-correctly-deployed-

Mobile camera enforcement cars should only be used in compliance with Department for Transport guidance, warns Caroline Sheppard, the chief adjudicator of the Traffic Penalty Tribunal for England and Wales (TPT). Sheppard expressed concerns about CCTV cars being used in situations where it would be more appropriate to field civil enforcement officers (CEOs) on foot, she told Radio 4’s Today programme on the day new guidance covering surveillance cameras was published by the Home Office. &

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Enforcement News Lead Story Thu, 29 Aug 2013 16:48:00 GMT 35582
Gtr Manchester secures 105m extra grant for Airport link road https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/35511/gtr-manchester-secures-105m-extra-grant-for-airport-link-road The Government is providing Greater Manchester with an extra £105m to fill a funding gap for the £290m A6 to Manchester Airport relief road. The funding is being topsliced from the funds that Greater Manchester could earn from its pioneering Earnback model negotiated with ministers. Under Earnback, the conurbation will receive additional grant for infrastructure investment if the local economy outperforms the rest of the country. But the Government is to pay the £105m grant

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Regular news Fri, 9 Aug 2013 10:09:00 GMT 35511
Airports Commission publishes plans https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/35490/airports-commission-publishes-plans The Airports Commission this week published all the submissions it has received for long-term proposals to boost UK airport capacity. Submissions were received from organisations including the owners of Birmingham, Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports; Foster and Partners who are promoting an airport on the Isle of Grain; and the Thames Estuary Research and Development Company, which plans an airport in the outer Thames estuary. Transport for London has made three submissions covering new ai

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Regular news Fri, 9 Aug 2013 09:18:00 GMT 35490
FirstGroup wins Cardiff airport bus https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/35467/firstgroup-wins-cardiff-airport-bus FirstGroup has launched a new airport express service between Cardiff Airport and the city centre. The 20-minute frequency service, which operates seven days a week, is funded by the Welsh Government and has been developed by the Government in partnership with Vale of Glamorgan and Cardiff councils.

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Detail Fri, 9 Aug 2013 08:25:00 GMT 35467
Sir Howard Davies says no new aviation capacity an option for commission https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/35457/sir-howard-davies-says-no-new-aviation-capacity-an-option-for-commission

The chair of the Government’s Airports Commission, Sir Howard Davies, has said that no decisions have been made on whether or not new runway capacity is needed. He told the BBC today, as his commission published 50 submissions on long-term options for maintaining the U.K’s status as an international hub for aviation, that it had been “argued quite cogently that we [don't] need new capacity, if we spread the traffic around”. Asked whether new capacity necessarily has to

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Regular news Wed, 7 Aug 2013 18:25:00 GMT 35457
Treasury minister to speak at summit on securing better transport planning for the nation https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/35456/treasury-minister-to-speak-at-summit-on-securing-better-transport-planning-for-the-nation The chief secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, is to speak at a conference to be held next month to discuss the next steps for its ideas of a long-term transport strategy and an independent infrastructure commission. The Institution of Civil Engineers wants to keep up the pressure following its State of the Nation: Transport report which identified a need for "clear, strategic thinking" and political agreement on transport investment. At the event, Alexander will discuss investment in t

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Regular news Wed, 7 Aug 2013 17:46:00 GMT 35456
Davies Commission receives plans for SE airport expansion https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/35388/davies-commission-receives-plans-for-se-airport-expansion

THE GOVERNMENT’S  Airports Commission is reviewing a range of options to boost airport capacity in the South East put forward by existing airports and promoters of new airports. The deadline for promoters to submit their plans to the commission led by Sir Howard Davies passed last week. Heathrow has put forward three options for a third runway, located to the north, north-west or south-west of the existing airport. It said they could deliver extra capacity by 2025-2029 at a cost o

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Regular news Fri, 26 Jul 2013 09:57:00 GMT 35388
In passing https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/35372/in-passing  Move over Transport for London, there’s a new kid on the block. Lancashire County Council has set up Transport for Lancashire and is using the initials TfL too, or perhaps that should be TfL 2. Readers may recall transport commentator Christian Wolmar announcing last year that he was seeking Labour’s candidacy for the London mayoral elections in 2016. Things have gone a bit quiet since then; indeed, so much so that an Evening Standard article last week about Labour’s p

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Main editorial comment Fri, 26 Jul 2013 09:28:00 GMT 35372
Achieving consistency in a flexible world https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/35316/achieving-consistency-in-a-flexible-world Martin Vickers MP focussed on the issue of discretion. He suggested alll systems must have a certain amount of flexibility, which will lead to differences from one local authority and another. “My experience as a local politician was that the politicians always want to be more flexible and the officers advise them that they have to be more rigid.” He asked whether the adjudicators found that there are differences between local authorities that give rise to a need for some sort of

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Case Studies Thu, 25 Jul 2013 14:56:00 GMT 35316
MPs take a closer look at CCTV enforcement https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/35315/mps-take-a-closer-look-at-cctv-enforcement

The Transport Select Committee has had a lot of representations about the use or misuse of CCTV in parking infringements. Committee chair Louise Ellman MP told transport minister Norman Baker there are concerns that local authorities not following national guidelines or perhaps CCTV is not showing the full picture, such as when a vehicle could be loading or unloading. Baker responded that there is guidance on the use of CCTV. “For example, we don’t expect CCTV to be used in residen

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Case Studies Thu, 25 Jul 2013 14:54:00 GMT 35315
No contests are a complex issue https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/35314/-no-contests-are-a-complex-issue

Sarah Champion MP said she has been surprised to hear that 41% of Nottingham City  Council’s appeals were not being contested. “There seems to be a problem across local authorities with them not contesting appeals,” she said. However, PATAS chief adjudicator Caroline Hamilton, observed that a decision not to contest an appeal may indicate an authority is reviewing new evidence that comes to light as an appeal progresses. “When an appeal is lodged, the enforcement a

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Case Studies Thu, 25 Jul 2013 14:52:00 GMT 35314
Is a merger of PATAS and TPT an appealing idea? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/35313/is-a-merger-of-patas-and-tpt-an-appealing-idea-

There was little enthusiasm amongst ministers, local authorities or the chief adjudicators for the idea of merging the Parking and Traffic Appeals Service (PATAS) with the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (TPT) that covers the rest of England. “It is an interesting idea,” said Nick Lester of London Councils, which administers PATAS. “The problem I would foresee is the imbalance between what happens in London and what happens in the rest of the country. “The TPT had 18,000 appe

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Case Studies Thu, 25 Jul 2013 14:51:00 GMT 35313
Parking enters the political arena https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/35306/parking-enters-the-political-arena

Parking is not an end in itself, but is best run as part of a wider traffic management approach aimed at helping town centres thrive, the Transport Select Committee inquiry into parking enforcement was told last month. The second oral hearing in the committee’s investigation took place at Portcullis House on 8 July. Besides transport minister Norman Baker, the committee questioned witnesses drawn from councils, local authority bodies and the parking appeals services. An earlier hearing qu

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Case Studies Thu, 25 Jul 2013 14:20:00 GMT 35306
Competing visions for airport growth submitted to commission https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/35263/competing-visions-for-airport-growth-submitted-to-commission

A string of proposals for new airport capacity have come forward today, the deadline for submissions to the Davies Commission.   The Davies Commission invited submissions from interested parties earlier this year for its assessment of what actions are needed to maintain the U.K's global hub status. The most ambitious proposal is for a six-runway 'London Britannia Airport' built on an island in the Thames Estuary that would be able to accommodate 172 million passengers per year, backed

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Regular news Fri, 19 Jul 2013 16:08:00 GMT 35263
Planning for the many ways that all lead to Wembley Stadium https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/35253/planning-for-the-many-ways-that-all-lead-to-wembley-stadium

ON 25 MAY tens of thousands of Germans descended on north-west London to watch the 2013 Champions’ League final at Wembley Stadium. And the man charged with the transport planning for such a major movement of people was Roy McGowan, director at Momentum Transport Planning. McGowan has worked with Wembley Stadium for the past 15 years, and two of his colleagues at Momentum had worked on the 2011 Champions’ League final, which was also held at Wembley, and this extensive experience was

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Regular feature Fri, 12 Jul 2013 11:04:00 GMT 35253
Tolls on upgraded A14 will harm our economy warns Suffolk https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/35242/tolls-on-upgraded-a14-will-harm-our-economy-warns-suffolk

The government’s plans to toll the A14 between Huntingdon and Cambridge could harm  businesses in Suffolk, including the port of Felixstowe, Suffolk County Council has told ministers. In the spending round last month the Government announced plans to accelerate the delivery of the 20-mile Huntingdon to Cambridge scheme by almost two years, with a start date of 2016. The project has an estimated outturn cost of £1.5bn, which is proposed to be met from Government funding, tolls,

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Regular news Fri, 12 Jul 2013 10:37:00 GMT 35242
Gatwick appoints runway adviser https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/35232/gatwick-appoints-runway-adviser Gatwick Airport has appointed Sir Terry Farrell to advise on plans for a second runway at the airport.  

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Detail Fri, 12 Jul 2013 10:22:00 GMT 35232
Welsh Government seek airport partner https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/35233/welsh-government-seek-airport-partner The Welsh Government is looking for a private sector partner to take a stake in Cardiff Airport. The Welsh Government bought the struggling airport in March for £52m. Passenger numbers peaked at two million in 2007 but were just over one million in 2012. “What we are looking at is for a commercial operator to come in to run the airport, perhaps come into partnership with us – maybe buy half the airport,” said Welsh first minister Carwyn Jones.  

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News Fri, 12 Jul 2013 10:22:00 GMT 35233
Birmingham seeks big slice of air travel https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34972/birmingham-seeks-big-slice-of-air-travel Birmingham Airport has unveiled a new plan to boost passenger numbers through the airport to 70 million a year, from the current 8.9 million. Birmingham’s plan would require a second runway at the airport, which could be built to complement the proposed HS2 high-speed rail line station. Work to extend the existing runway, at a cost of £33m, is due to be completed in early 2014. Outlining the airport’s ambitions, Paul Kehoe, the company’s chief executive, said: “In

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Regular news Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:21:00 GMT 34972
Heathrow re-thinks third runway https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34971/heathrow-re-thinks-third-runway Heathrow Airport is to unveil plans next month for a third runway located south-west of the existing airport. The runway, located close to the village of Stanwell Moor, is believed to be the airport’s preferred option for expansion but will be submitted along with other options to the Government’s Airports Commission next month. The Commission has asked for proposals for new runways or airports to be submitted by 19 July. John Stewart, chair of HACAN, the pressure group represent

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Regular news Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:20:00 GMT 34971
HS2 and Lydd airport challenged https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34862/hs2-and-lydd-airport-challenged High-speed rail opposition group the HS2 Action Alliance has raised the necessary funds to take its judicial review of the scheme to the Court of Appeal. The group lost all bar one element of its initial case in March (LTT 22 Mar). The £100,000 necessary to enable HS2AA to go to the Court of Appeal means the case will now be heard on 10 June. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, meanwhile, has launched a legal challenge to the Government’s decision to allow the expansion

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Regular news Fri, 31 May 2013 10:52:00 GMT 34862
Cut Stansted-London rail journey time https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34861/-cut-stansted-london-rail-journey-time- The Airports Commission is being urged to support investment in faster rail links to Stansted. The call comes from London mayor Boris Johnson and from the new owners of Stansted airport, Manchester Airport Group (MAG). MAG says cutting the existing 47 minute journey time to 30 minutes will “enable fairer competition between London airports”. It points out that Heathrow is 15 minutes from Paddington and Gatwick is 30 minutes from London Victoria. “A 30-minute journey time

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Regular news Fri, 31 May 2013 10:51:00 GMT 34861
Stansted hub would require new town' https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34860/stansted-hub-would-require-new-town- A town the size of Peterborough would have to be built near Stansted Airport if the Government decided to turn Stansted into the UK’s main airport hub, a transport think-tank has told the Government’s Airports Commission. The Independent Transport Commission says Heathrow Airport would have to close “as a major airport” if the Government did opt to make Stansted the UK’s hub or build a new hub in the Thames Estuary. It notes that concerns about noise are a major

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Regular news Fri, 31 May 2013 10:47:00 GMT 34860
Ministers jumping the gun with Heathrow rail plan says mayor https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34859/ministers-jumping-the-gun-with-heathrow-rail-plan-says-mayor

London mayor Boris Johnson has criticised the Government for announcing plans for a new western rail access to Heathrow Airport before decisions are taken on the future of airport policy. Johnson voiced his frustration as the Airports Commission suggested that Heathrow’s capacity constraints could be alleviated if a second hub airport was established in the South East. “The mayor disagrees strongly with HM Government’s recent announcement that it will fund a new rail spur off

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Regular news Fri, 31 May 2013 10:36:00 GMT 34859
Kids for a quid to boost cable car use https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34857/-kids-for-a-quid-to-boost-cable-car-use Pupils on school trips can now travel on the Emirates AirLine cable car in East London for just £1 return, Transport for London has announced. TfL says the cable car, which has plentiful spare capacity, can help teach history, science, design and technology. 

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In brief Fri, 31 May 2013 10:34:00 GMT 34857
Airports Commission appoints expert panel https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34690/airports-commission-appoints-expert-panel The Government’s Airports Commission has announced its expert advisory panel. Members are: Helen Apsimon, professor of air pollution studies at Imperial College London; Charlotte Clark, senior lecturer in environmental and mental health epidemiology at Barts, and the London school of Medicine; Piers Forster, professor of physical climate change at the University of Leeds; Andrew Kempton, chief noise specialist, Rolls Royce; Peter Mackie, research professor at the Institute for Transport St

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People/people Fri, 17 May 2013 11:46:00 GMT 34690
Re-think West London rail plans https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34674/-re-think-west-london-rail-plans- High-speed rail champion Jim Steer is urging the Government to think creatively about rail capacity in west London now that HS2 Ltd plans to put the London-West Midlands high-speed route in a five-and-a-half mile tunnel between North Acton and Northolt (LTT 03 May). Steer says the existing single track surface rail corridor from Old Oak Common to Northolt that is no longer needed for HS2 should be doubled and used to extend SouthEastern high-speed services to/from Kent onto the Chiltern lines (o

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In brief Fri, 17 May 2013 11:02:00 GMT 34674
E Mids HS2 rethink to boost rail freight https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34673/e-mids-hs2-rethink-to-boost-rail-freight A tunnel to accommodate the London-Leeds high-speed rail route under East Midlands Airport could be extended by 1km to allow a strategic rail freight interchange to be built beside the airport. Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin announced the plan to lengthen the tunnel to 2.9km following discussions with Leicestershire County Council, local MP Andrew Bridgen, and Roxhill Developments Ltd.    

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In brief Fri, 17 May 2013 11:01:00 GMT 34673
Expand Heathrow say MPs https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34669/expand-heathrow-say-mps The House of Commons transport committee has called on the Government to expand Heathrow Airport from two to three or possibly four runways. The committee says growth in air travel demand is “inevitable” and should be facilitated. As well as expanding Heathrow, the committee suggests a new runway at Gatwick should be built. It rejects the idea of replacing Heathrow with a new hub airport to the east of London, such as in the Thames estuary. Committee chair Louise Ellman said this

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Regular news Fri, 17 May 2013 10:53:00 GMT 34669
HSR airports and port links in planning framework https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34653/hsr-airports-and-port-links-in-planning-framework The Scottish Government’s draft third National Planning Framework includes a number of other transport projects: high-speed rail between Edinburgh and Glasgow and to London; improvements to port, road and rail infrastructure to serve the Grangemouth Investment Zone in Falkirk; freight capacity on the Forth, including a new container terminal at Rosyth; airport enhancements (including surface access) to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, G

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Regular news Fri, 17 May 2013 10:18:00 GMT 34653
Heathrow growth backed as Boris Island dismissed by papers https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34620/heathrow-growth-backed-as-boris-island-dismissed-by-papers The publication of a report on aviation strategy by the House of Commons’ transport committee drew praise from editorials in two of the UK’s more ‘heavyweight’ papers. “The report on aviation policy is perhaps the committee’s finest hour,” said Daily Telegraph transport editor, David Millward, on 10 May. “In a matter of months it has got to grips with the issues of airport capacity and come up with ideas that should be the template for the Davies C

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Media monitor Fri, 17 May 2013 09:24:00 GMT 34620
London airports cry foul over future price caps https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34608/london-airports-cry-foul-over-future-price-caps Airports have criticised Civil Aviation Authority proposals to continue economic regulation. The CAA found evidence of “substantial market power” at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports warranting continued price control regulation from 2014 to 2019 in the form of caps on their charges to airlines. Gatwick Airport had argued that allowing the four London airports to set prices based on the need to be competitive would lower prices (LTT 22 Feb). The CAA acknowledged effective

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News Fri, 17 May 2013 09:06:00 GMT 34608
Workplace Wanted for the Contemporary Connected Traveller https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34589/workplace-wanted-for-the-contemporary-connected-traveller T ravellers were once tempted by the simple pleasures of their journey: a time to reflect, relax and simply stare out the window. Or they just tolerated the ‘wasted’ time. How things have changed! Nowadays, the modern traveller seeks to do all sorts of things on the go – make calls, check emails, do work, catch-up on a movie, listen to music. Either ‘real business’ or ‘personal business’ activities. These needs and expectations are a challenge &ndash

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Feature Thu, 16 May 2013 12:46:00 GMT 34589
London re-shapes around new rail schemes https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34559/london-re-shapes-around-new-rail-schemes

D espite having historically one of the most comprehensive of the world’s urban and commuter rail systems, London has been playing catch up to Paris, and indeed other cities with S-Bahn-type railways, on its rail network development. While Paris has a mature cross city rail network in the form of its five RER lines, and is now moving on to developing its Grand Paris Express network of orbital super metro lines, London is trying to do both at once, and coming from a long way behind. Thames

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Feature Wed, 15 May 2013 16:44:00 GMT 34559
Joined up thinking set to put more short distance solutions in place https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34548/joined-up-thinking-set-to-put-more-short-distance-solutions-in-place

S New solutions to meet short distance travel needs continue to build their profile around the world as cities explore alternatives to traditional modes to solve those irritating connections and gaps in the conventional transport system. There are more plans for new links in several locations using lightweight, usually driverless technologies.  As our Smart Links knowledge network has discussed and our main feature in this issue explores (see page 26) such gaps can exist just as much at p

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Technology News Wed, 15 May 2013 14:45:00 GMT 34548
Cross-party transport select committee backs Heathrow expansion https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34530/cross-party-transport--committee-backs-heathrow-expansion The Commons transport select committee has come out in favour of a third runway at Heathrow and said there may also be merit in a fourth. “Heathrow – the UK’s only hub airport – has been short of capacity for a decade and is currently operating at full capacity. The MPs concluded that expansion was "necessary" to maintain a hub airport in the UK and to meet rising demand, and recommends locating two new runways westwards from the current site in o

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Regular news Fri, 10 May 2013 10:29:00 GMT 34530
PB appoints strategy and ops director https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34522/pb-appoints-strategy-and-ops-director

Engineering consultancy Parsons Brinckerhoff has appointed Tony Kearns as strategy and operations director for its UK Rail, Transit and Aviation business. Previously he served in business development and operational management roles for another major consultancy in the UK and internationally. In his new role Kearns will be leading the development of Parsons Brinckerhoff’s UK electrification business.

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People/consultants Fri, 3 May 2013 10:48:00 GMT 34522
Airport connectivity benefits questioned https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34521/airport-connectivity-benefits-questioned A NEW report from consultant CE Delft, and commissioned jointly by environmental charities WWF and RSPB and the Heathrow campaign group HACAN, argues that “claims about the economic benefits of [aviation] connectivity are not founded on solid evidence.” “Many studies find a positive correlation between aviation and economic growth, but no causal relationship between connectivity and economic growth was found,” the consultant says. Its analysis of the evidence shows that

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Regular news Fri, 3 May 2013 10:46:00 GMT 34521
London Assembly report says airport capacity underused https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34520/london-assembly-report-says-airport-capacity-underused A NEW report from the London Assembly transport committee says that airport capacity in London is currently underused, with some London airports having more than half of their runway slots free. Even Heathrow Airport, which is often described as working at capacity, might potentially fly an additional 20 million passengers every year if larger aircraft were used, the report notes. The transport committee’s report – Airport Capacity in London – suggests that existing airport cap

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Regular news Fri, 3 May 2013 10:44:00 GMT 34520
Trains put squeeze on UK air routes https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34502/trains-put-squeeze-on-uk-air-routes The Association of Train Operating Companies says that rail has increased its market share for journeys on the ten busiest domestic air routes from 29% to 46% in the six years to 2012. Train usage rose 52% to 7.7 million trips while airlines saw passenger numbers fall 26% to just over nine million. ATOC said that growth in rail use was due to the adoption of airline-style pricing by train companies and the West Coast main line upgrade cutting London to Manchester flights.

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News Fri, 3 May 2013 10:18:00 GMT 34502
Has CH2M HILL found the winning formula to top UK transport? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34405/has-ch2m-hill-found-the-winning-formula-to-top-uk-transport-

In 2011 Halcrow followed other well-known UK transport planning and engineering consultancies Colin Buchanan, Gifford and Scott Wilson and passed into overseas ownership. US-based global infrastructure giant CH2M HILL purchased Halcrow for £124m, the 6,000-strong workforce of the UK firm boosting the Colorado company’s headcount to nearly 30,000. It was a deal that made sense for both firms. Halcrow, like the UK’s civil engineering consultancy sector as a whole, was strugglin

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Interview Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:06:00 GMT 34405
Is silence sacred? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34404/is-silence-sacred- Oxford University professor Diarmaid MacCulloch, whose specialist subject is the history of the Christian church, suggested in an article on London’s Evening Standard on 3 April that: “If the airport [Heathrow] acquires two more runways, Londoners will find peace only in monastic retreats and churches.” “Bad news from Heathrow,” he added. “If a third or even a fourth runway goes ahead, up to two million more people may expect to have their ears assaulted by t

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Media monitor Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:04:00 GMT 34404
Pickles approves Kent airport growth https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34366/pickles-approves-kent-airport-growth Communities and local government secretary Eric Pickles has approved plans to expand Lydd Airport on Romney Marsh in Kent, increasing passenger capacity to 500,000 a year. The runway of London Ashford Airport, as it is also known, will be extended by 294 metres to accommodate aircraft up to the size of a Boeing 737 or Airbus 319 and a new terminal building will be built. The decision has been criticised by environmental groups. Consultant Indigo Planning advised the airport on its plans.  

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In brief Fri, 19 Apr 2013 09:42:00 GMT 34366
Airport capacity and CO2 link probed https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34367/airport-capacity-and-co2-link-probed The Government’s Airports Commission has published a consultation on the link between aviation and climate change. The deadline for responses is 17 May. Aviation and climate change is available at www.transportxtra.com/reports  

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In brief Fri, 19 Apr 2013 09:42:00 GMT 34367
In Passing https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34341/in-passing LTT went to the Wirral last week and was ‘driven to distraction’ by this road safety sign that appears across the road network. DONT? DONT?! Who writes this stuff? Well not Merseyside Police because they directed us to the council who, perhaps feeling a little sheepish, didn’t call us back!   You can’t keep a good protester down, they say. And that is certainly the case with a name surely familiar to long-in-the-tooth LTT readers – Rebecca Lush Blum. A

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Main editorial comment Fri, 19 Apr 2013 08:58:00 GMT 34341
Windy days thwart cable car users https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34287/windy-days-thwart-cable-car-users High winds forced the closure of Transport for London’s Emirates Air Line on seven occasions in January, contributing to an availability of only 89%. The number of passengers carried in the four-week period 11 (most of January) was 73,000. “Passenger demand is at its busiest at weekends and during school holiday periods,” said Mike Brown, TfL’s managing director, rail and underground, confirming that the cable car is mainly a tourist attraction.“The February school

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In brief Fri, 5 Apr 2013 09:44:00 GMT 34287
Strong support for Manchester road https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34288/-strong-support-for-manchester-road A consultation has registered strong support for a new six-mile dual carriageway round south Manchester, connecting the A6 to Manchester Airport. Stockport Council says 69% of the more than 9,000 responses were in favour of the scheme and 12% opposed. Stockport is the lead partner for the £290m (estimated cost) road that also passes through Manchester and Cheshire East. The tender process for a Staged Early Contractor Involvement contract is about to be launched.  

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Regular news Fri, 5 Apr 2013 09:44:00 GMT 34288
Aviation strategy clears the path for airport growth https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34286/aviation-strategy-clears-the-path-for-airport-growth The Government has cleared the way for airport expansion in the South East of England by dropping the idea of tightening noise measurement and deferring a decision on carbon dioxide targets. The DfT’s new Aviation policy framework provides the framework for the Davies Commission, which is considering what, if any, new airport capacity may be required to meet the UK’s aviation needs in the medium and long-term. Opponents of airport expansion had been encouraged by last summer&rsquo

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Regular news Fri, 5 Apr 2013 09:43:00 GMT 34286
Airports Commission unlikely to recommend just one solution https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34285/airports-commission-unlikely-to-recommend-just-one-solution

Sir Howard Davies may offer more than one option for airport capacity expansion, rather than a single recommendation, in his final report, which is due to be handed to the Government after the 2015 General Election. LTT understands that Davies favours the idea of offering options in order to maximise the chances that his report is well-received by whoever is in power. Heathrow expansion opponent John Stewart, who recently met Davies, told LTT: “He’s thinking much more politically

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Regular news Fri, 5 Apr 2013 09:41:00 GMT 34285
In passing https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34255/in-passing Just when you thought it must be impossible to dream up a new category of transport award, bus passenger body Bus Users UK announces the inaugural Good Passenger Award, in which bus drivers will nominate their favourite passengers!  The North Wales transport partnership, TAITH, reports some welcome news: construction of a ‘park and share’ scheme is nearing completion at Llanfairpwllgwyngylllgogerychchwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. Last summer LTT caught up with John Stew

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Main editorial comment Fri, 5 Apr 2013 08:43:00 GMT 34255
National Express Luton Airport deal https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34251/national-express-luton-airport-deal National Express has launched services between London Victoria and London Luton Airport that it expects to deliver £6m revenue a year. The operator said its agreement with the airport delivers a third more seats than Greenline, the previous operator, at peak times, with coaches running every ten minutes.  

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Detail Fri, 5 Apr 2013 08:39:00 GMT 34251
Watermans lowest bid wins rail job https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34252/waterman-s-lowest-bid-wins-rail-job Halton Borough Council has appointed engineering consultant Waterman to project manage a design and build tender and supervise construction of rail sidings for the 3MG Mersey MultiModal Gateway container project. Waterman’s bid of £142,155 for the work compared with Atkins’ bid of £216,924, and AECOM’s of £346,878.  

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Detail Fri, 5 Apr 2013 08:39:00 GMT 34252
Welsh Government buys Cardiff Airport from TBI https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34246/welsh-government-buys-cardiff-airport-from-tbi The Welsh Government has bought Cardiff Airport from TBI for £52m in order to “secure its future”. TBI, the previous owner of the airport, increased its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amoritisation by 5% in 2011 but it has been reported that Cardiff Airport made a £319,000 loss in the same year. The number of passengers at the airport fell from a peak of 2.1 million in 2008 to 1.2 million last year. Carwyn Jones, the Welsh First Minister, announcing t

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News Fri, 5 Apr 2013 08:37:00 GMT 34246
TfL predicts fall in cable car use https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34144/tfl-predicts-fall-in-cable-car-use Transport for London is anticipating fewer passengers on the Emirates Airline cable car in east London in the coming financial year. The cable car linking the Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks opened for business at the end of last June. TfL’s latest forecast is that it will have carried two million passengers by the end of the 2012/13 financial year this month. But it projects only 1.5 million passengers in 2013/14, a 25% reduction on the 2012/13 levels, which were achieved in only

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Regular news Fri, 22 Mar 2013 09:40:00 GMT 34144
Mayor calls for 24hr airport solution https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34138/mayor-calls-for-24hr-airport-solution A new hub airport in the south-east of England should be located away from populations so that flights can operate 24 hours a day, according to criteria for selecting an appropriate location published by Transport for London. London mayor Boris Johnson will use the criteria to inform his recommendation to the Government’s Davies Commission on where new airport capacity should be built. Another of TfL’s criteria is that the public transport mode share for surface access to the airport

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In brief Fri, 22 Mar 2013 09:33:00 GMT 34138
Sir Roy McNulty takes chair at Gatwick Airport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34042/sir-roy-mcnulty-takes-chair-at-gatwick-airport

Sir Roy McNulty, who has been a Non-Executive Director of Gatwick airport since March 2011, will become its Chairman from 1st April. Sir Roy was Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority from 2001 until 2009, and Executive Chairman of National Air Traffic Services Limited (NATS) between 1999 and 2001. He was Deputy Chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority.Previously Sir Roy was Chairman and Chief Executive of aircraft manufacturer Short Brothers in Belfast. He was appointed by the UK Transport

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People Tue, 19 Mar 2013 13:20:00 GMT 34042
IATA unveils standard for Dynamic Airline Shopping https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34029/iata-unveils-standard-for-dynamic-airline-shopping

The international airline community is hoping to bring in a new distribution system that provides a comprehensive price and service offer. The International Air Transport Association’s  “New Distribution Capability,” formally adopted at its World Passenger Symposium in Abu Dhabi, calls for the creation of a Dynamic Airline Shopping engine API based on IATA XML messages. The NDC envisions a model in which airlines create their own product offers within their own systems, a

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Technology News Tue, 19 Mar 2013 12:42:00 GMT 34029
20 more with real influence Regulators https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/34007/20-more-with-real-influence-regulators

A group of individuals hold significant power in their role defining regulatory frameworks and supervising transport industry activities. Following last year’s Competition Commission inquiry into the local bus market, headed by Jeremy Peat, that disappointed some with its rejection of any new regulation, MPs on the transport select committee called for greater resources to be given to the traffic commissioners in order for them to supervise the proposed new bus operators’ code of con

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Feature Mon, 18 Mar 2013 16:34:00 GMT 34007
Highspeed plans for Manchester and Leeds https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33987/highspeed-plans-for-manchester-and-leeds

Extending the proposed London-West Midlands high-speed rail line on to Manchester and Leeds will drive regeneration and transform travel patterns, says the UK Government, which sees the project as a cornerstone of its bid to kick start economic growth and modernise British transport infrastructure. All the political heavyweights in the Coalition were on hand to unveil the phase two extensions of the existing project to open Britain’s second high-speed rail line from London to Birmingham

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Rail News Mon, 18 Mar 2013 14:01:00 GMT 33987
Airlines and rail operators edge towards comprehensive on-line offer https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33984/airlines-and-rail-operators-edge-towards-comprehensive-on-line-offer It’s arguably been the airlines whose collective ticketing systems and protocols have led the way in giving consumers clarity and confidence in how they buy travel on-line. Now the International Air Transport Association is seeking to move the sector forward to top another level in its coordinated offer to consumers and it is coming at the same time as bodies serving the rail industry are also looking at how they too can genuinely put the full range of services clearly in front of the buyi

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Aviation News Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:48:00 GMT 33984
Beeching criticised for leaving UK inflexible transport planning legacy https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33940/beeching-criticised-for-leaving-uk-inflexible-transport-planning-legacy

AS THE 50th anniversary of the publication of the Beeching report on the UK’s rail network nears (it was originally published on 27 March, 1963), Robin McKie, science and technology editor at The Observer, was strongly critical of the impact that Beeching’s work had, and is still having, on modern Britain. “The railways that had helped Britain become an industrial power… were to be cut back brutally,” McKie began, describing the contents of Beeching’s report.

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Media monitor Mon, 11 Mar 2013 10:41:00 GMT 33940
Stansted Airport sale complete https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33922/stansted-airport-sale-complete Heathrow Airport has announced that its sale of Stansted Airport to Manchester Airports Group for £1.5bn has been completed. The sale is a boost for MAG, the largest UK-owned airport operator, whose shareholders include the ten Greater Manchester district councils.  

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In brief Mon, 11 Mar 2013 09:49:00 GMT 33922
New study of Liverpool port access https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33909/new-study-of-liverpool-port-access The Liverpool City Region is bidding to the Trans European Transport Network executive agency for a contribution to a £1.3m study of road & rail access improvements to Liverpool port.

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In brief Mon, 11 Mar 2013 09:36:00 GMT 33909
New study of S London rail access to Heathrow https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33880/new-study-of-s-london-rail-access-to-heathrow The London Borough of Wandsworth is to commission a study of options for a rail link between Waterloo, Clapham Junction and Heathrow Airport. The borough says there is a strong demand for better rail links to the airport from south London and that this will be strengthened by the redevelopment of Nine Elms and the relocation of the US Embassy to the area from central London. BAA’s plans for a £673m direct link between Heathrow and London Waterloo – known as Airtrack –

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Regular news Mon, 11 Mar 2013 08:57:00 GMT 33880
Heathrow pledges 100m to Crossrail https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33796/heathrow-pledges-100m-to-crossrail Heathrow Airport is pledging £100m towards the capital’s Crossrail project, which will replace Heathrow Connect stopping services from Paddington. The pledge is contained in the business plan for the airport’s next five-year regulatory period (2014/15-2018/19). The DfT wants Heathrow to make a bigger contribution (LTT 25 Jan). Under the original Crossrail funding agreement, Heathrow agreed to contribute £180m (or £230m in 2014/15, taking account of inflation). The a

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In brief Fri, 22 Feb 2013 10:43:00 GMT 33796
Davies Commission question the DfTs airport forecasts https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33733/davies-commission-question-the-dft-s-airport-forecasts It is interesting to note that the DfT has significantly revised down their forecasts for future air passengers in the UK (‘DfT revises airport passenger forecasts down – again’ LTT 08 Feb). Admittedly this has been after the significant decline, of some 14%, between the forecasts of 2007 and 2010. But the new forecasts still suggest that by 2050 the range will be between 340 and 445 million, compared with 219 million in 2011. I recall that a year ago the DfT was forecasting

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Letters to the editor Fri, 22 Feb 2013 09:05:00 GMT 33733
In passing https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33721/in-passing   LTT is always wary of pointing out typographical errors in others’ work for fear that it will encourage readers to take delight in putting egg on our face when we make howlers (we do from time-to-time). But with that word of caution, we leap into the DfT’s new guidance on applications for Cycle City Ambition Grants. And let’s start at the very beginning. Paragraph one states: “The coalition agreement sets out the Government’s commitment to promote cycling and

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Main editorial comment Fri, 22 Feb 2013 08:53:00 GMT 33721
London airports seek charge hikes to deal with falling demand https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33722/london-airports-seek-charge-hikes-to-deal-with-falling-demand Heathrow and Gatwick airports have attacked the Civil Aviation Authority’s forecasts of passenger demand as they set out the case for above-inflation charges on airlines. Heathrow said it has had 33 million fewer passengers since 2008 than the CAA had assumed  when approving the current ceilings on airline charges. The inaccuracy of the CAA’s forecasts over the last decade have led to “poor and unsustainable” shareholder returns that have threatened its capital inve

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News Fri, 22 Feb 2013 08:34:00 GMT 33722
The five new stations on HS2 Route https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33667/the-five-new-stations-on-hs2-route Manchester Piccadilly The high-speed station would be built alongside the existing Manchester Piccadilly station. A mixed use development could be build around the new station. Manchester Interchange The station would be located close to Manchester Airport, parallel to the M56 between junctions 5 and 6. The Manchester Metrolink airport line could be extended to serve the station. The DfT says the station will allow Manchester Airport to increase passenger volumes. “On this basis, th

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Regular news Fri, 8 Feb 2013 10:53:00 GMT 33667
Cabinet big guns wheeled out to drive high-speed rail north https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33665/cabinet-big-guns-wheeled-out-to-drive-high-speed-rail-north

All the political heavyweights in the Coalition were on hand last week to unveil the phase two extensions to the Government’s high-speed rail plans that will see trains reach Manchester and Leeds. At an estimated cost of £16.8bn (2011 prices), phase two will see the 140-mile London-West Midlands phase one route extended with two new lines: • a 95-mile western route to Manchester that will also provide access to the wider North West and Scotland; and • a 116-mile eastern

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Regular news Fri, 8 Feb 2013 10:43:00 GMT 33665
IT wont affect business air travel https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33647/it-won-t-affect-business-air-travel- Videoconferencing is assumed to have no impact on the number of business trips by plane, in the central air passenger demand forecasts prepared by the DfT. The Department says there is “significant uncertainty” about whether videoconferencing will influence demand. “For the central forecasts it is therefore assumed that the increasing availability of videoconferencing facilities will have no impact on traffic.” The ‘low’ forecasts assume videoconferencing wi

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Regular news Fri, 8 Feb 2013 10:03:00 GMT 33647
Davies seeks airport development plans https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33645/davies-seeks-airport-development-plans The GOVERNMENT’S Airport Commission has invited promoters of new airport capacity to submit their plans for assessment. The Commission, chaired by Sir Howard Davies, will not complete its work until summer 2015 but an interim report will be published in December this year. This will set out recommendations for optimising use of existing airports and identify locations the Commission believes offer the most plausible prospect for providing new capacity in the longer-term. “This wi

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Regular news Fri, 8 Feb 2013 10:00:00 GMT 33645
SE debate shapes Birmingham demand https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33642/se-debate-shapes-birmingham-demand Passenger numbers through Birmingham Airport are heavily dependent on whether new airport capacity is built in the South East, according to the DfT’s new forecasts. The central forecast for Birmingham in the ‘constrained’ scenario (i.e. no new runways across Britain) is 16.7 million passengers in 2030, rising to 28.2 million in 2040 and 38.3 million in 2050. But in the ‘unconstrained’ scenario the central forecasts are 13.9 million in 2030, 17.2 million in 2040, a

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Regular news Fri, 8 Feb 2013 09:50:00 GMT 33642
Hillingdon plans Heathrow vote https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33623/hillingdon-plans-heathrow-vote The London Borough of Hillingdon is following the London borough of Richmond’s lead with a plan to hold a referendum on whether Heathrow Airport should be expanded. Hillingdon, which opposes  expansion, intends to co-ordinate its referendum with Richmond and possibly other boroughs “so as to enable maximum impact and joint declaration of results”. The voting will take place over March and April.

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In brief Fri, 8 Feb 2013 09:33:00 GMT 33623
HS2 out-of-town stations confirmed by DfT https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33561/hs2-out-of-town-stations-confirmed-by-dft The Government has confirmed that the HS2 route north of Birmingham will include out-of-town stations in the East Midlands and Sheffield. The DfT today publishes a command paper outlining plans for stations in Manchester next to Piccadilly; Manchester Airport; at Toton between Nottingham and Derby, one mile off the M1; Sheffield at Meadowhall, alongside the M1; and Leeds, at New Lane, in the city centre. The command paper also holds out the prospect of a spur to Heathrow - pendi

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Regular news Mon, 28 Jan 2013 08:49:00 GMT 33561
New airport would need subsidy https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33517/new-airport-would-need-subsidy- A new hub airport in the South East would require billions of pounds of public subsidy to get off the ground and would have a major impact on the future of Heathrow, a study said this week. The House of Commons transport committee commissioned consultant Oxera to assess the commercial viability of a new hub airport. The consultant concludes that public subsidy in the range of £10bn-£30bn in today’s money would be necessary. “We hope this work delivers something new to

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Secondary stories Fri, 25 Jan 2013 09:57:00 GMT 33517
No case for us to contribute to Crossrail costs says Heathrow https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33489/no-case-for-us-to-contribute-to-crossrail-costs-says-heathrow

Heathrow Airport Ltd may withdraw a proposed contribution to London’s East-West Crossrail project because there is currently no evidence the planned airport services will benefit the airport financially. When the funding agreement for Crossrail was struck in 2008 the airport’s owner agreed to contribute about £180m to the project (or £230m in 2014/15, taking account of inflation). The airport made the funding pledge in return for a service level commitment of at least t

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Regular news Fri, 25 Jan 2013 09:24:00 GMT 33489
Manchester Airports Group buys Stansted Airport for 15bn https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33452/manchester-airports-group-buys-stansted-airport-for-1-5bn

Manchester Airports Group (MAG) has agreed to buy Stansted Airport from Heathrow Airport Holdings for £1.5bn. The sale, ordered by the Competition Commission, is a major boost for MAG, the largest UK-owned airport operator, whose shareholders are the ten Greater Manchester district councils. As part of the deal, Australian infrastructure investment group ?Industry Funds Management will become an investor in MAG, taking a 35% stake, giving it an equal share of voting rights to Manchester

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Lead Story Fri, 25 Jan 2013 08:48:00 GMT 33452
Airport plan for Kent coast https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33358/airport-plan-for-kent-coast A marine engineering consultant has unveiled plans for a new airport on the Goodwin Sands, two miles off the East Kent coast at Deal. Beckett Rankine suggests the airport would initially have three runways but could be expanded to six. The airport could be connected to High Speed 1 and to the A2 and M20.

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In brief Fri, 11 Jan 2013 10:41:00 GMT 33358
How to boost airport capacity without destroying Slough https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33354/how-to-boost-airport-capacity--without-destroying-slough May I be permitted a brief reply to Roger Davies’ comments about my viewpoint article on aviation capacity (Viewpoint LTT 23 Nov 12 & Letters LTT 07 Dec 12)? I agree with many of his critical comments about West Coast Main Line timetabling, HS2 and (to a degree) HS1. I also accept that the scope for air to rail transfer in the UK is limited. But as airline check-in times lengthen, rail becomes competitive with centre-to-centre times to/from London at least as far north as Leeds/Manch

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Letters to the editor Fri, 11 Jan 2013 10:38:00 GMT 33354
In passing https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33341/in-passing Before writing this week’s comment piece on rail investment, we thought we’d better just check that our impression that rail scheme business cases are rarely made available to the public was correct. And so we typed “Great Western electrification business case” into Google. And, sure enough, the first page of ‘hits’ were dominated by news reports of the Government giving the go-ahead to the scheme. There was, however, one prominent exception: the Welsh Governm

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Main editorial comment Fri, 11 Jan 2013 10:29:00 GMT 33341
Smart airline revenue management model has lessons for other modes https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33277/smart-airline-revenue-management-model-has-lessons-for-other-modes

When I was invited to speak at this year’s Travel 2020 event, I was aware that the passenger transport industry views my world of ‘Revenue Management’ with some interest to see possible future applications to their industry but coupled with quite a lot of perplexity and suspicion. What are these ‘dark arts’ used by the hotel and airline worlds to optimise yields on their capacity offers, and take different rates for the same products off different customers? What&

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Feature Thu, 3 Jan 2013 14:13:00 GMT 33277
Smart Links find new ways to make short connections https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33251/smart-links-find-new-ways-to-make-short-connections

Smart Links - the range of short distance, often automated transport modes - have begun to shake up long-held models of what public transport is, and what it can do, over the last decade. Yet they are still only just beginning to show their true utility. This fledgling sector could well be in a position similar to the early years of railway development, when pioneering lines showed the potential, but it took several years before the rest of the world caught on and railway mania exploded. If so

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Feature Thu, 3 Jan 2013 13:08:00 GMT 33251
Up up and really far away for Virgin? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33237/up-up-and-really-far-away-for-virgin-

It’s been an unexpectedly good couple of months for Virgin Group chairman and serial entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson. It looked like the end for his railway services in late summer when he was told his Virgin Trains operation had lost the right to operate the West Coast route, but his successful challenge has led to the UK government giving him a franchise extension until a new competition can be held. Branson has meanwhile been turning his eyes to the heavens, positing a genuine future

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Feature Thu, 3 Jan 2013 12:06:00 GMT 33237
Borough poll on Heathrow expansion https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33203/borough-poll-on-heathrow-expansion The London Borough of Richmond is to spend £58,000 on a local referendum asking people whether or not Heathrow Airport should be expanded. Residents will be asked to vote online or by post during March and April and there will be a final polling day. In September, councillors approved a resolution that expansion of Heathrow should be “blocked permanently”.  

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In brief Fri, 21 Dec 2012 09:20:00 GMT 33203
Welsh Government in talks to buy Cardiff Airport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33144/welsh-government-in-talks-to-buy-cardiff-airport The Welsh Government has proposed buying Cardiff Airport in order to improve its fortunes after passenger numbers nearly halved. Ministers have entered exclusive talks with TBI, the owner of the airport, whose parent, the Spanish infrastructure group Abertis, bought the airport that was formerly owned by local authorities. Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones said that subject to the satisfactory completion of financial, legal and value-for-money considerations, the Welsh Government could buy the

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News Fri, 21 Dec 2012 08:28:00 GMT 33144
The solutions obvious expand Heathrow and scrap HS2 https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33063/the-solution-s-obvious-expand-heathrow-and-scrap-hs2 Let’s go back in time; not too far. Having dithered over Heathrow Airport for so many years, what we may call a revelation on the road to high-speed rail took place and politicians drank in its siren calls, amongst other things, as a solution to the airport expansion problem. “Do nothing and make ‘em go by train, fast expensive ones,” they said. But just as with the siren’s call, the only place you’ll end up is on the rocks. First off, let’s be blunt, i

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Letters to the editor Fri, 7 Dec 2012 09:15:00 GMT 33063
BA Heathrow not going to happen https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33042/ba-heathrow-not-going-to-happen- British Airways’ parent firm IAG has cast doubt on the idea that Heathrow Airport will be expanded. IAG chief executive Willie Walsh told the House of Commons transport committee that there was a business case for a Heathrow third runway but he “was not going to waste my time because it’s not going to happen”. There was no case for expansion at Gatwick, he added.  

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News Fri, 7 Dec 2012 08:50:00 GMT 33042
Gatwick grows and hails competition benefits https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33040/gatwick-grows-and-hails-competition-benefits Gatwick Airport passenger numbers and earnings were up in the six months to September  compared to last year despite a flat July and August during the London Olympics. Passenger numbers increased from 19.7 million from April to September 2011 to 19.9 million in the same period this year, a 1.2% increase. The six-month financial results underlined that the latest passenger forecasts were for more modest growth than previously predicted with 34 million passengers expected for 2012/13 and 36

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News Fri, 7 Dec 2012 08:48:00 GMT 33040
Stansted changes drop-off arrangements https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/33031/stansted-changes--off-arrangements Stansted Airport has closed its forecourt to set-down passengers, and  is now charging £2 for up 10 minutes at its new Express Set-down area next to the terminal. There is a maximum stay of 15 minutes, with a £50 penalty charge after that time. There is still a free set-down and pick-up area at the mid-stay car park, which is free for the first 30 minutes, with a charge of £1 for stays of up to two hours. Passengers are transported to the terminal by shuttle bus. A spoke

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Operational Thu, 6 Dec 2012 13:21:00 GMT 33031
Traffic light cull demanded https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32838/traffic-light-cull-demanded Guardian columnist and National Trust president Sir Simon Jenkins provoked a minor media storm when he used an article in Readers’ Digest magazine to promote his view that 90% of all traffic lights should be “torn down”. “His remarks provoked a mixed reaction, with one expert agreeing that traffic lights should only be used ‘in moderation’ but the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents warning that removing most of them would result in more collisions,

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Media monitor Fri, 23 Nov 2012 09:04:00 GMT 32838
Fancy a flutter on the Davies Commissions airport study? Heres the runners and riders https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32826/fancy-a-flutter-on-the-davies-commission-s-airport-study-here-s-the-runners-and-riders--

About 40 years ago the Roskill Commission was set up to examine the problem of airport capacity, albeit focused on the search for the third London airport. It conducted a thorough trawl of sites in the South East and came up with a shortlist of four: Wing/Cublington (Buckinghamshire), Thurleigh (Bedfordshire), Nuthampstead (Hertfordshire), and Foulness/Maplin (on the north bank of the Thames near Southend-on-Sea). They reduced this to two – the first and last – a choice that memorabl

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Viewpoint Fri, 23 Nov 2012 08:45:00 GMT 32826
Robinson sets out to restore https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32794/robinson-sets-out-to-restore

One of the first things Liam Robinson did on being appointed chairman of Merseytravel this summer was  commission two reviews into the way the organisation has been run in recent years. The Labour councillor from Liverpool stepped into the Integrated Transport Authority’s hot seat after Mark Dowd, who had been chair of the ITA for 20 years, was forced out by Labour colleagues who said he had failed to address a “number of significant concerns about how power has been exercised a

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News extra Fri, 9 Nov 2012 11:20:00 GMT 32794
Heathrow trials electric vehicles https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32783/heathrow-trials-electric-vehicles A number of electric vehicles are being trialled at Heathrow Airport to see if they represent a viable technology for airport operations. Heathrow Airport Ltd, British Airways, LSG SkyChefs and Gate Gourmet are taking part in the trials, which are co-ordinated by transport consultant STS.  

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In brief Fri, 9 Nov 2012 11:00:00 GMT 32783
New road links for Airport City? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32763/new-road-links-for-airport-city- A new link road could be built in South Manchester as part of the Airport City Enterprise Zone plan. Manchester City Council is investigating constructing a three-mile Western Strategic Access road that would connect the M56 with the University Hospital of South Manchester in Wythenshawe. An unspecified Eastern Access route to improve access to Manchester Airport and Airport City from the east is also mentioned in the new EZ framework plan. The new roads are additional to the proposed £290

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In brief Fri, 9 Nov 2012 10:20:00 GMT 32763
Study Leeds airport rail link DfT urged https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32729/study-leeds-airport-rail-link-dft-urged Metro, the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, wants the DfT to add Leeds Bradford International Airport to the list of airports to be studied in the forthcoming rail access to airports review (LTT 20 Jul). The possibility of building a fixed rail link to the airport from the Leeds-Harrogate-York line is being considered as part of the West Yorkshire Transport Fund currently under development (LTT 26 Oct). Tram-train technology could be deployed.   

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In brief Fri, 9 Nov 2012 09:23:00 GMT 32729
Pressure grows to accelerate airports review https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32727/pressure-grows-to-accelerate-airports-review

The Government is facing intense pressure to accelerate the timetable of the Davies Commission into airport capacity.  Ministers have asked Howard Davies, a former director general of the CBI and executive chairman of the Financial Services Authority, to report “no later than summer 2015” on the “the scale and timing of any requirement for additional capacity to maintain the UK’s position as Europe’s most important aviation hub”. The commission must co

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Regular news Fri, 9 Nov 2012 09:22:00 GMT 32727
Olympic effect wears off TfLs cable car https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32718/olympic-effect-wears-off-tfl-s-cable-car Transport for London has expressed satisfaction with patronage on its new cross-Thames cable car despite data showing a sharp fall in passenger numbers after this summer’s Paralympic Games ended. The cable car – named the Emirates Air Line after its sponsor – was opened in June. It connects the Greenwich Peninsula on the south of the Thames with the Royal Docks and ExCeL exhibition centre on the north. The system has the capacity to carry 2,500 people an hour. During the f

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Regular news Fri, 9 Nov 2012 09:17:00 GMT 32718
Observer backs Boris Island airport plan https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32716/observer-backs-boris-island-airport-plan After publishing a lengthy interview with Sir Howard Davies, the man tasked with leading the Government’s review of aviation capacity, The Observer also editorialised on the subject on 4 November. “There is… an argument that the tax system may be a better way of reducing the number of unnecessary flights than a ban on building new runways,” it said. “Flight travel is simply too cheap compared with rail fares – this is the fault of a tax system that gives an

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Media monitor Fri, 9 Nov 2012 09:15:00 GMT 32716
Tolls proposed to part-fund new East London river crossings https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32717/tolls-proposed-to-part-fund-new-east-london-river-crossings

Tolls could be introduced on the Blackwall Tunnel in East London as a way of part-funding two new crossings of the Thames. Transport for London has launched a consultation on providing additional river crossings in East London at two locations: a £600m Silvertown road tunnel, close to the Blackwall Tunnel, connecting the Greenwich peninsula with Silvertown a £150m ferry at Gallions Reach, linking Thamesmead and Beckton, or a new tunnel or bridge at the

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Regular news Fri, 9 Nov 2012 09:15:00 GMT 32717
AMP Capital chosen for Newcastle Airport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32697/amp-capital-chosen-for-newcastle-airport Newcastle International Airport’s shareholders have selected global investment manager AMP Capital as the new partner for a 49 per cent shareholding. The refinancing of the airport by five banks has also been completed, to reduce the size of debt interest payments. Six of the seven North East local authorities owning the majority stake in the airport will invest £68m. They believe that this investment will be at least revenue neutral based upon interest and dividends receivable fro

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News Fri, 9 Nov 2012 08:50:00 GMT 32697
Heathrow earnings and Amey PFI win drives Ferrovial profit growth https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32693/heathrow-earnings-and-amey-pfi-win-drives-ferrovial-profit-growth

Ferrovial has reported a growth in income from its UK operations as helping to offset declines in work in its domestic market in Spain. Ferrovial’s results for the first nine months of 2012 highlighted  a 10% growth in earnings at Heathrow Airport; Amey increasing its revenues by 21%; and UK growth driving overall sales growth of 6.6% in its services division. The infrastructure firm’s overall 10.3% increase in earnings and 1.4% increase in profit in the nine months accompani

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Lead Story Fri, 9 Nov 2012 08:47:00 GMT 32693
Aviation commission to provide demand forecasts for connectivity by next year https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32658/aviation-commission-to-provide-demand-forecasts-for-connectivity-by-next-year The Government's independent commission on airport capacity will report next year on what steps are needed to maintain the U.K's global hub status. By no later than the end of 2013, the commission, to be chaired by Sir Howard Davies, will have to provide an assessment of aviation demand and connectivity and forecasts of the future requirements for connectivity, the transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin announced. The Commission will have until "no later than summer 2015" to bring forward its

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Regular news Fri, 2 Nov 2012 16:13:00 GMT 32658
Deal to underpin growth of Newcastle International Airport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32583/deal-to-underpin-growth-of-newcastle-international-airport Newcastle International Airport's shareholders have selected global investment manager AMP Capital as the new partner for a 49 per cent shareholding. The refinancing of the airport by five banks has also been completed, supporting the growth of the airport by reducing the size of debt interest payments. Six of the seven North East local authorities owning the majority stake in the airport will make a further investment of £68m in the airport. They believe that this investment will be at least

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Regular news Wed, 31 Oct 2012 08:29:00 GMT 32583
Airports go it alone as BAA goes https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32565/airports-go-it-alone-as-baa-goes BAA has dropped its name, meaning Heathrow, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Southampton and Stansted Airports will operate under stand alone brands. The company will publish separate quarterly financial results for Heathrow and Stansted until the latter is sold.  

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News Fri, 26 Oct 2012 10:22:00 GMT 32565
Electric vehicle trial at Heathrow https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32545/electric-vehicle-trial-at-heathrow Heathrow has launched a new trial of electric vehicles to test the viability of electric-powered vehicles in “the highly demanding context of daily airport operations”. Over the next month, a fleet of EVs will be trialled by the airport and three firms working there, British Airways, LSG SkyChefs and Gate Gourmet. The idea is to reduce CO2 and NOx emissions. Information on the trial: www.sts-technology.com/cvp

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In brief Fri, 26 Oct 2012 09:07:00 GMT 32545
Look beyond Heathrow commission told https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32536/look-beyond-heathrow-commission-told Plans for an alternative hub airport in South East England must be developed if Heathrow cannot be realistically expanded beyond three runways, the Institution of Civil Engineers and Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation said this week. In their response to the Government’s draft aviation policy framework consultation, the ICE and CIHT say that the UK needs a hub with more than three runways and rapid access to central London. The Government has announced that the independ

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Regular news Fri, 26 Oct 2012 08:59:00 GMT 32536
Gatwick sets sights on 33m more train trips https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32510/gatwick-sets-sights-on-3-3m-more-train-trips Gatwick Airport has set out plans for four million extra public transport journeys including 3.3 million extra train trips as it aims to grow the number of passengers by six million over the next 10 years. The airport operator’s surface access strategy for 2012–2030 sets out how to achieve the operator’s objective of taking more than the current 12 million passengers arriving by train. Gatwick says it is vital to this that the new Thameslink ‘super franchise’conti

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Regular news Fri, 26 Oct 2012 08:41:00 GMT 32510
Greenwich wants new tunnels firm https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32499/greenwich-wants-new-tunnels-firm Greenwich Council is seeking a second contractor to complete the refurbishment of two foot tunnels under the River Thames that has suffered severe delays. The Royal Borough is also seeking to recover the additional costs of completing the project from the previous contractors, Dean & Dyball Civil Engineering, Messrs Sweett and Hyder Consulting – through litigation if need be – for the work that started in March 2010 and was to be completed within 12 months.  

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In brief Fri, 26 Oct 2012 08:36:00 GMT 32499
Gatwick Airport to develop options for a new runway https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32490/gatwick-airport-to-develop-options-for-a-new-runway Gatwick Airport is beginning detailed work on the options for providing a new runway, which it will submit to the Independent Commission on Aviation Connectivity. Gatwick has continued to safeguard the land that would be required for a new runway. It says the work will look in detail at the environmental, surface access and economic impacts. Stewart Wingate, chief executive of Gatwick Airport Ltd, said: "I believe a new runway at Gatwick could be affordable and practical. When compared with a t

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Regular news Wed, 17 Oct 2012 17:05:00 GMT 32490
Big shake-up at UK Department for Transport ministerial team as airports enquiry set up https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32487/big-shake-up-at-uk-department-for-transport-ministerial-team-as-airports-enquiry-set-up

Patrick McLoughlin  has been appointed the new Secretary of State for Transport in the UK prime minister’s cabinet reshuffle replacing Justine Greening. His appointment has been accompanied by speculation that it presages a change in policy on expanding Heathrow airport to which Greening was opposed Former chief whip McLoughlin is the third transport secretary since the formation of the coalition government two years ago. Derbyshire Dales MP McLoughlin was made a junior transport m

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People Fri, 12 Oct 2012 15:02:00 GMT 32487
New advice and plans for standards could mean PRT is moving into the mainstream https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32455/new-advice-and-plans-for-standards-could-mean-prt-is-moving-into-the-mainstream Personal Rapid Transit is still seen by some as the futuristic daydream of ‘spaceage’ writers and film makers, but to others it’s a transport revolution waiting to happen. It could be significant that the mode has taken another move towards the mainstream, with publication of new government backed advice for scheme promoters in Britain and moves towards a common standard for the low-capacity pod systems. Though there are relatively few PRT systems in the world – London&r

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Technology News Fri, 12 Oct 2012 12:16:00 GMT 32455
London airports policy review re-runs forty year old saga https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32453/london-airports-policy-review-re-runs-forty-year-old-saga

The UK government has dusted down an approach that failed before to deal with the politically tricky issue of London’s future airport capacity: set up a commission to find a solution. The replacement of Justine Greening by Patrick McLoughlin as UK transport secretary has brought the possibility of a third runway at London’s Heathrow Airport a step closer. But the creation of a Commission into airport capacity leaves the government in danger of repeating mistakes made in the 1960s an

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Aviation News Fri, 12 Oct 2012 12:06:00 GMT 32453
Councils airport shareholdings to fall https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32437/councils-airport-shareholdings-to-fall The ten district councils in Greater Manchester will see their shareholding in the Manchester Airport Group fall from 100% to 64.5% if Australian-based Investment Funds Management becomes an investment partner (LTT 17 Aug). IFM will only become an investment partner if MAG acquires another “quality” airport – the group is expected to bid for Stansted Airport, which the Competition Commission has ordered BAA to sell. The deal would see Manchester City Council’s shareho

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News Fri, 12 Oct 2012 11:26:00 GMT 32437
Edinburgh presses on with port link road https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32431/edinburgh-presses-on-with-port-link-road The City of Edinburgh Council is to appoint a consultant to design a new link road in the port of Leith, which would be built as part of the Edinburgh Waterfront Tax Increment Financing (TIF) project. The east-west road will open up land for development in the port and ease congestion on the existing road network. Forth Ports, Scottish Enterprise and the council are currently developing a revised TIF business case (LTT 18 Nov 11). This should be completed next spring and will then require approv

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In brief Fri, 12 Oct 2012 10:54:00 GMT 32431
SEStran councils shun spending on regional transport strategy https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32426/sestran-councils-shun-spending-on-regional-transport-strategy Local authorities in South East Scotland spent just £132,000 on the South East Scotland Transport Partnership’s (SEStran) regional transport strategy measures last year. The figure is revealed in SEStran’s new annual delivery report. Speaking to LTT this week, SEStran chairman Russell Imrie, a Midlothian councillor, pointed out that the regional transport strategy (RTS) was a statutory document.  “We’re putting words in documents and not enacting them. We&rsq

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Regular news Fri, 12 Oct 2012 10:43:00 GMT 32426
Mayor floats bigger Stansted https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32423/mayor-floats-bigger-stansted London mayor Boris Johnson has suggested turning Stansted Airport into a four-runway hub airport. In an aviation speech last week Johnson said there were three options for a new four-runway hub airport: Stansted or two locations in the Thames Estuary. Of the aviation industry’s campaign for a third runway at Heathrow, he said: “Forget it; it will not be built.” But Heathrow would have a viable long-term future even if a new hub was built elsewhere, he added. Johnson welcom

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Regular news Fri, 12 Oct 2012 10:38:00 GMT 32423
Move Heathrow runways west https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32414/-move-heathrow-runways-west- Heathrow Airport’s runways should be relocated  immediately to the west of the existing airport and doubled in number from two to four, according to a new report published by two economic think-tanks. The Policy Exchange and CentreForum say the four parallel runways, arranged in an east-west setting as two sets of pairs, could be built over the M25 and Wraysbury reservoir. By moving the runways west, noise problems of flights over West London will be reduced. The plan would require

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Regular news Fri, 12 Oct 2012 10:23:00 GMT 32414
No U-turn on HS2 McLoughlin https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32410/no-u-turn-on-hs2--mcloughlin Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin this week spelt out the Government’s determination to press ahead with a high-speed rail network. McLoughlin told the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham the Government was “committed to build a new line not just to Birmingham but on to Manchester and Leeds”. And he announced a study to cut rail journey times between Scotland and London to three hours, and to “make sure the North East [of England] benefits too”. The D

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Regular news Fri, 12 Oct 2012 10:19:00 GMT 32410
Gardner leads Heathrow surface access delivery https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32378/gardner-leads-heathrow-surface-access-delivery Geoff Gardner (left) has been appointed head of surface access travel at Heathrow Airport. He has been an independent consultant since leaving Atkins in 2010 and has also worked for North Yorkshire CC and TRL.   

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People/people Fri, 12 Oct 2012 09:48:00 GMT 32378
The Chancellor promises roads for recovery https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32351/the-chancellor-promises-roads-for-recovery The Chancellor George Osborne promised today a Government of "relentless activists" with an enterprise strategy involving "building infrastructure". Osborne told the Conservative party conference: "I've never thought the state is without a role to play in the economy. We're Conservatives not Anarchists." He pledged to fund road-building, and said: "We'll be activists for high-speed rail and airport capacity." The speech followed the shadow Chancellor E

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Regular news Mon, 8 Oct 2012 14:15:00 GMT 32351
Help me find my car https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32261/help-me-find-my-car-

Anyone who knows me will confirm I have a major problem with finding my car in a car park whether at a shopping centre or an airport – am I the only one to be seen furtively scribbling my level and row number on the back of my ticket? When in unfamiliar city centre car parks I look for a landmark to help me navigate my way back to the car such as a rusty old sign, some graffiti or even an old van – only to find it has driven off! I once lost my car for over an hour having spent a glorious and

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Viewpoint Thu, 4 Oct 2012 11:10:00 GMT 32261
MPs launch airport inquiry https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32212/mps-launch-airport-inquiry The House of Commons transport committee has announced a new inquiry into aviation strategy. The committee will consider what the objectives of Government aviation policy should be; how best use should be made of existing capacity; constraints on increasing capacity; and whether a step-change in capacity is needed. The deadline for written submissions is 19 October. The committee has also announced its other inquiries for the autumn and winter, including: disabled access to transport; port capac

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In brief Fri, 28 Sep 2012 16:26:00 GMT 32212
Architect unveils plans for floating airport in Thames Estuary https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32195/architect-unveils-plans-for-floating-airport-in-thames-estuary Architect Gensler has unveiled plans for a floating airport in the Thames Estuary. London Britannia Airport  could comprise four floating runways tethered to the sea bed. The proposals envisage passengers check in and arrive at terminals on land, with one terminal on each side of the estuary and a third located between Canary Wharf and the Olympic Park. High-speed rail connections would also serve the airport.  

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Comment Fri, 28 Sep 2012 13:23:00 GMT 32195
TfL to consult on two new river crossings in East London https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32167/tfl-to-consult-on-two-new-river-crossings-in-east-london Transport for London is expected to consult on building two road crossings of the River Thames in East London. In February TfL consulted on plans for a new road tunnel at Silvertown, close to the Blackwall tunnels, and a vehicle ferry service further east at Gallions Reach to replace the existing Woolwich ferry. But a more detailed consultation to be launched at the end of October will include the option of a new bridge at Gallions Reach instead of a ferry. TfL’s managing director for p

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Lead Story Fri, 28 Sep 2012 11:46:00 GMT 32167
Improve access to port of Liverpool https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32160/-improve-access-to-port-of-liverpool- Councillors on Merseyside are stepping up their campaign for better road and rail links to the Port of Liverpool, in an effort to cut lorry movements on existing streets.   A report by a scrutiny committee of Sefton Council voices concern about the air quality in the vicinity of the port, blaming lorries for the declaration of air quality management areas. Councillors fear traffic problems will worsen under port owner Peel’s plan to develop a ‘post-Panamax’ containe

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Regular news Fri, 28 Sep 2012 11:32:00 GMT 32160
Lib Dems want Heathrow downgrade and central England international airport hub https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32133/lib-dems-want-heathrow-downgrade-and-central-england-international-airport-hub

The Liberal Democrats want to find a location in central England for the UK's international hub airport, allowing Heathrow's status to be downgraded. The Liberal Democrat conference voted to back a motion tabled by Julian Huppert MP, the chair of the party's parliamentary committee on transport, that the UK's hub capacity needs to be maintained but that this should be provided in central England, if a suitable location can be found. The vote means that the party will go into the next genera

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Regular news Mon, 24 Sep 2012 10:37:00 GMT 32133
McLoughlin offers first impressions of transport challenges https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32112/mcloughlin-offers-first-impressions-of-transport-challenges

New transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin outlined some of the issues in his in-tray this week to the House of Commons transport committee. The one-hour hearing was dominated by rail issues, though MPs also quizzed him about the Government’s new independent commission into airport capacity expansion (see page 4), and the role of road building in transport policy. McLoughlin was appearing before the committee just ten days after replacing Justine Greening in the Prime Minister’s m

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Secondary stories Fri, 14 Sep 2012 10:43:00 GMT 32112
Stability at the top https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32097/stability-at-the-top When David Cameron was appointed Prime Minister in May 2010 he stated that, in the interests of good government, he wanted to leave ministers in post to run their departments for longer than has been the recent norm. The ambition was welcomed in transport circles because, as a middle-ranking ministry, the DfT has seen transport secretaries come and go in recent decades with alarming regularity. Events, however, have conspired to ensure that it has been business as usual at the DfT’s Marsha

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Main editorial comment Fri, 14 Sep 2012 10:22:00 GMT 32097
McLoughlin a moderate not a radical https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32092/mcloughlin--a-moderate-not-a-radical-

Patrick McLoughlin became the coalition Government’s third transport secretary in two-and-a-half years last week, replacing Justine Greening in the Prime Minister’s mid-term reshuffle. Greening was demoted to international development secretary and the two other Conservative members of the transport team were also moved: Theresa Villiers joins the cabinet as Northern Ireland secretary, and Mike Penning becomes minister of state in Northern Ireland. Only Liberal Democrat minister No

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Regular news Fri, 14 Sep 2012 10:19:00 GMT 32092
Too much of the transport budget is going on luxuries https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32090/too-much-of-the-transport-budget-is-going-on-luxuries I’ll just pop out and do the week’s shopping; don’t worry about a list, I’ll sort it out when I’m there. The shopping trolley with food for a week on a limited budget contained a bottle of Dom Perignon champagne, a pot of caviar, a fruit cake, a small loaf of bread and four green peppers. For the Dom Perignon champagne we have high-speed rail, at £32bn.  A great project, but just consider what else we could do with the funds. Light rapid transit (LRT) in

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Letters to the editor Fri, 14 Sep 2012 10:17:00 GMT 32090
Johnson keeps up pressure for Thames Estuary airport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32080/johnson-keeps-up-pressure-for-thames-estuary-airport

London mayor Boris Johnson this week announced the setting up of a new policy unit that will push the case for a new airport in the Thames Estuary. His move comes just days after the Government announced it was remitting the question of new airport capacity in the South East to a commission that will not publish its final report until after the General Election in 2015.  Johnson has appointed Daniel Moylan, his long-time aviation adviser, to lead the new aviation policy unit. “I&rs

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Secondary stories Fri, 14 Sep 2012 09:59:00 GMT 32080
Bill to scrap Forth transport authority https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32070/bill-to-scrap-forth-transport-authority A Bill to dissolve the Forth Estuary Transport Authority (FETA) has been included in the Scottish Government’s legislative programme for the coming Parliamentary year. FETA, which manages the existing Forth road bridge, comprises councillors from Edinburgh, Fife, West Lothian and Perth and Kinross councils. With construction of a new Forth road bridge now underway, the Scottish Government wants to award the contract to manage and maintain the two bridges and their approach roads to a singl

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In brief Fri, 14 Sep 2012 09:45:00 GMT 32070
Cabinet reshuffle heralded as sign of imminent Heathrow U-turn https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32066/cabinet-reshuffle-heralded-as-sign-of-imminent-heathrow-u-turn

The recent ministerial reshuffle by Prime Minister David Cameron, in which three of the four transport ministers, including secretary of state Justine Greening, were replaced, generated a blizzard of speculation in the media about how the changes would affect transport policy. “Heathrow expansion was back on the agenda after today’s reshuffle as the key post of transport secretary was handed to a former coal miner who has so far stayed out of the aviation debate,” Joe Murphy, p

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Media monitor Fri, 14 Sep 2012 09:38:00 GMT 32066
Airbus aims for intelligent aircraft https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32061/airbus-aims-for-intelligent-aircraft Aircraft manufacturer Airbus has suggested that its planes may fly in bird-like formations and automatically select the most fuel-efficient routes from 2050 in its latest ‘Smarter Skies’ strategy document. In its latest vision for the future of aviation, the company envisages that, in the future, aircraft will be able to: • Climb more steeply on take-off to minimise noise and allow for shorter runways; • ‘self-organise’ to select the most efficient and envir

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Regular news Fri, 14 Sep 2012 09:31:00 GMT 32061
Decisions on aviation capacity will be made by the next Government https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/32009/decisions-on-aviation-capacity-will-be-made-by-the-next-government

Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin says the independent commission will develop "a credible long-term aviation policy" and decisions on this will be made by the next Government. Due to publish an interim report at the end of 2013 - nine months after the DfT's draft aviation policy framework is finalised - the commission will "examine the scaling and timing of any requirement for additional capacity to maintain the UK's position as Europe's most important aviation hub," McLoughlin told parli

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Regular news Fri, 7 Sep 2012 14:36:00 GMT 32009
Short and Tweet how passengers want social media used during disruption https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31973/short-and-tweet-how-passengers-want-social-media-used-during-disruption

We’ve all been stuck on a station platform or at a bus-stop at one time or another, and there’s nothing more frustrating than having no idea about when your transport is actually going to turn up. Recent research carried out by Passenger Focus showed getting this information during delays is passengers’ fifth highest priority for improvement, behind the most obvious needs of value for money, punctuality, frequency and being able to get a seat. That’s why we have spent

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Viewpoint Thu, 6 Sep 2012 16:15:00 GMT 31973
First beats rivals to West Coast franchise but forecasts questioned as Virgin refuses to go quietly https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31950/first-beats-rivals-to-west-coast-franchise-but-forecasts-questioned-as-virgin-refuses-to-go-quietly

Legal action, petitions, pleas to the UK Parliament, and plans for competing flights by dissapointed rival Virgin have followed the naming of First as the new operator for the West Coast train operating franchise between London, Birmingham, Manchester and Scotland. The franchise is the first of a significant batch to be re-let, embodying new government thinking on the running and development of the UK rail system. But it has raised questions of forecasting demand and how to ensure that an over

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Business Lead Story Thu, 6 Sep 2012 14:21:00 GMT 31950
Independent commission on aviation capacity confirmed https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31930/independent-commission-on-aviation-capacity-confirmed The Government has confirmed it will establish an independent commission to consider how and where to increase UK airport capacity. It was announced that Sir Howard Davies - a former chairman of the Financial Services Authority and director-general of employers group the CBI - would chair an independent commission to look at all options for airport capacity in the UK and make recommendations to the Government. This effectively takes the policy out of the DfT's hands. Labour's shadow transport

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Regular news Thu, 6 Sep 2012 09:26:00 GMT 31930
London Mayor blasts moving of Greening to expand Heathrow https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31843/london-mayor-blasts-moving-of-greening-to-expand-heathrow- The Mayor of London has blasted the PM's decision to move Justine Greening from the DfT in order "to expand Heathrow". Boris Johnson told Politics Home: "There can be only one reason to move her - and that is to expand Heathrow Airport. It is simply mad to build a new runway in the middle of west London. Nearly a third of the victims of aircraft noise in the whole of Europe live in the vicinity of Heathrow." "Now it is clear that the government wants to ditch its promises and send yet more pla

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Regular news Tue, 4 Sep 2012 14:21:00 GMT 31843
Decision over airport capacity 'to be taken out of DfT's hands' https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31840/decision-over-airport-capacity-to-be-taken-out-of-dft-s-hands- The Government is to ask an independent commission to review the future of Britain’s airports, it has been reported. The commission could decide whether or not to authorise Heathrow’s expansion after this parliament, as the Chancellor said on Sunday was one of the alternatives that should be looked at. Greening’s transport department had been preparing to release its long-delayed call for evidence on how to preserve the UK’s status as a leading aviation hub. But this do

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Regular news Tue, 4 Sep 2012 10:00:00 GMT 31840
Cameron insists Heathrow U-turn still not on the agenda https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31838/cameron-insists-heathrow-u-turn-still-not-on-the-agenda

Prime minister David Cameron has insisted that the Government is not about to perform a U-turn by sanctioning the construction of a third runway at Heathrow Airport, despite a growing rebellion amongst Conservative MPs who back a third runway. “The coalition parties have made a pledge not to have a third runway and that is a pledge that we will keep,” a spokeswoman for Cameron said. “We don’t see the argument for a third runway.” The Government has been forced to r

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Lead Story Fri, 31 Aug 2012 10:13:00 GMT 31838
MPs call for hub airport expansion https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31837/mps-call-for-hub-airport-expansion The limited capacity at Heathrow Airport is harming the UK’s economy, the MPs on the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Aviation has said in a new report. “The UK’s hub airport is of national strategic importance and should be supported by Government policy,” the MPs say. “Changes in airport ownership and successive Government wrangling over policy priorities have been a distraction to ensuring that the UK retains and grows its hub capacity… Immediate policy ac

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Secondary stories Fri, 31 Aug 2012 10:07:00 GMT 31837
APD study begins https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31817/apd-study-begins A coalition of the UK’s largest airlines has asked accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers to produce an economic impact assessment of the air passenger duty tax that they are campaigning to have scrapped. Virgin Atlantic and British Airways owner IAG have joined with budget airlines easyJet and Ryanair to commission the work by PwC, but the four firms are already saying that they think that the £2.7bn a year that APD currently raises for the Treasury actually represents a net loss

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Regular news Fri, 31 Aug 2012 09:22:00 GMT 31817
Clamour for Government U-turn on Heathrow grows in Telegraph https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31798/clamour-for-government-u-turn-on-heathrow-grows-in-telegraph

Comment articles backing a third runway at Heathrow Airport reached near saturation levels towards the end of August, particularly in The Daily Telegraph. “In recent years, one political leader after another has exhorted business to grasp opportunities in emerging markets,” Baroness Jo Valentine, the chief executive of the London First business lobby group, wrote in the paper on 26 August. “Yet it’s rather difficult to tap into these markets if we don’t have any di

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Media monitor Fri, 31 Aug 2012 09:08:00 GMT 31798
Noise yes Action not yet https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31797/noise-yes-action-not-yet The noise levels experienced by those poor unfortunates who live next door to Heathrow Airport have, in recent weeks, been positively drowned out by the clamour from those advocating that the airport be expanded by the addition of a third runway. Two interesting questions arise from this intense bout of lobbying: why is it happening now and will it have any effect on Government policy? Taking the former point, advocates of a third runway are nothing if not unanimous on this – a third runwa

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Main editorial comment Fri, 31 Aug 2012 09:05:00 GMT 31797
DfTs refusal to open transport model costs more than it saves https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31790/dft-s-refusal-to-open-transport-model-costs-more-than-it-saves Tom Worsley, former manager of the DfT’s National Transport Model (NTM), judges that making this model accessible to outside users and responding to their suggestions is less of a priority, given limited resources, than advising decision-makers (Letters LTT 17 Aug). My concern is that this reluctance to engage with external professionals has resulted in advice that future travel demand will be improbably high. For instance, the NTM is used to generate road traffic forecasts that most rece

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Letters to the editor Fri, 31 Aug 2012 08:52:00 GMT 31790
In Passing https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31789/in-passing

Transport secretary Justine Greening may, allegedly, have few friends in the Cabinet nowadays, due to her opposition to the expansion of Heathrow Airport, but it would appear that someone still loves her. “I’m backing Justine posters have been appearing on the Underground,” John Stewart, chair of the HACAN anti-Heathrow expansion group, told LTT. This is thought to be part of a campaign by West London residents to put pressure on Prime Minister David Cameron to keep Greening in

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Main editorial comment Fri, 31 Aug 2012 08:47:00 GMT 31789
BAA gives up Stansted legal struggle https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31784/baa-gives-up-stansted-legal-struggle Airport operator BAA has finally admitted defeat in its attempt to retain ownership of Stansted Airport north of London, after a Competition Commission ruling that it had to sell the airport. “Having carefully considered the Court of Appeal’s recent ruling, BAA has decided not to appeal to the Supreme Court and is now proceeding with the sale of Stansted Airport,” a statement from the company said. “But we still believe that the Competition Commission ruling fails to reco

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News Fri, 31 Aug 2012 08:40:00 GMT 31784
Peel suffers from Durham Airport sell-off https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31785/peel-suffers-from-durham-airport-sell-off Airport operator Peel Airports has reported losses of £11.4m in the last financial year, up from £3.2m the previous year, due primarily to an £8.8m ‘impairment charge’ after it sold Durham Tees Valley Airport to its parent Peek Group for a nominal sum after no other buyer could be found. The company operates Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield.

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News Fri, 31 Aug 2012 08:40:00 GMT 31785
Virgin launches domestic air service after losing rail franchise https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31782/virgin-launches-domestic-air-service-after-losing-rail-franchise Virgin Atlantic Airways today announced plans to fly from London Heathrow to Manchester Airport from March 2013, barely a week after the Virgin Group’s rail division lost the franchise to operate rail services between the two cities. The new route is the airline’s first foray into domestic flying but the company says that its decision to run London-Manchester air services signals the development of a network that will provide regional feeds to its long-haul services. Virgin says tha

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Lead Story Fri, 31 Aug 2012 08:39:00 GMT 31782
Qatar takes 20% BAA stake https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31783/qatar-takes-20-baa-stake The Gulf state of Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund Qatar Holdings has agreed to buy a 20% stake in airport operator BAA for an estimated £900m. The deal is subject to approval from the European Union’s competition authorities but is expected to be completed before the end of the year. The stake in BAA held by Spanish firm Ferrovial will fall from its current level of 49.99% to 37.37% as a result of Qatar Holdings’ arrival as a shareholder, which took over the UK airport oper

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News Fri, 31 Aug 2012 08:39:00 GMT 31783
Greening claims political consensus for rejecting Heathrow expansion https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31772/greening-claims-political-consensus-for-rejecting-heathrow-expansion

Transport secretary Justine Greening claimed today that there was "political consensus" for not expanding Heathrow. Greening was speaking on the Today programme after Tim Yeo, the Conservative chair of the energy and climate change select committee, urged the Prime Minister to "show he was a man or a mouse" and back Heathrow expansion. Asked if the coalition was open to arguments for a re-think on Heathrow, Greening said: "No, the coalition agreement is very clear

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Regular news Tue, 28 Aug 2012 10:20:00 GMT 31772
PM 'considering moving Hunt to transport for aviation policy shift' https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31768/pm-considering-moving-hunt-to-transport-for-aviation-policy-shift- The Telegraph is claiming that David Cameron is considering moving Jeremy Hunt, the culture Secretary, to the transport department before a major shift in aviation policy. Justine Greening has led the campaign against the expansion of Heathrow and there has been media speculation that she will be moved prior to a consultation on airport capacity due this autumn to pave the way for a policy shift. However, Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, came to her defence in an interview stating that she &quo

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Regular news Thu, 23 Aug 2012 17:41:00 GMT 31768
Government faces protest over West Coast rail deal https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31767/government-faces-protest-over-west-coast-rail-deal Over 40,000 people have signed a petition on the U.K Government website urging ministers to reconsider the decision to award the West Coast Mainline franchise to FirstGroup. The petition states that Virgin Trains have "delivered a reliable service for 15 years and turned the line around" and that "FirstGroup consistently rate amongst the worst of the train operators in passenger satisfaction surveys". If the petition, the most popular on the site this morning, attracts 100,0

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Regular news Wed, 22 Aug 2012 12:04:00 GMT 31767
Relocate UKs hub airport out of the South East say Lib Dems https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31748/relocate-uk-s-hub-airport-out-of-the-south-east-say-lib-dems

The Liberal Democrats this week called for the UK’s hub airport to be relocated out of the South East into Central England. The idea will be debated at the party’s annual conference in Brighton next month. A motion calling for a new aviation strategy has been tabled by Julian Huppert, the MP for Cambridge, who is co-chair of the party’s parliamentary committee on transport. The motion rejects London mayor Boris Johnson’s plan for a new hub airport in the Thames Estuary

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Regular news Fri, 17 Aug 2012 09:31:00 GMT 31748
Slough backs Heathrow expansion https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31746/slough-backs-heathrow-expansion Labour-controlled Slough Borough Council has voiced support for expanding Heathrow Airport. The council’s cabinet said a “pragmatic approach” was needed to future expansion, adding: “Given the choice, expansion of Heathrow in any form is preferable to closure”.  

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In brief Fri, 17 Aug 2012 09:30:00 GMT 31746
Manchester eyes Stansted bid https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31704/manchester-eyes-stansted-bid Australian investor Industry Funds Management is planning to buy a 35% share of the Manchester Airports Group to enable the latter to attempt to buy Stansted Airport. MAG is currently 100% owned by Greater Manchester’s ten district councils. The share sale is conditional on the Stansted deal going through.

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News Fri, 17 Aug 2012 08:14:00 GMT 31704
Greening 'backs estuary airport' Lib Dems say a hub airport 'better' https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31696/greening-backs-estuary-airport--lib-dems-say-a-hub-airport-better- The London Mayor claimed that the transport secretary Justin Greening "gets" the need for a new airport and the Lib Dem backbenchers said a hub airport would be "better" for the environment than expansion at Heathrow. Boris Johnson, in an interview with the Standard, called the Government’s decision to delay the publication of a consultation into Britain’s airports “totally mad”. The Mayor favours a four-runway hub built in the Thames, dubbed “Boris Island”. Saying Mr Cameron’s government must

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Regular news Wed, 15 Aug 2012 16:27:00 GMT 31696
BAA rubbishes Estuary airport fee https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31626/baa-rubbishes-estuary-airport-fee Heathrow Airport’s owner BAA has rejected a suggestion that a new £33bn airport in the Thames Estuary should be partly paid for by landing charges at Heathrow. The promoter of the Thames Estuary airport, architect Lord Foster, has suggested that BAA could have a controlling stake in the airport if it contributes £8bn from landing charges. BAA chief executive Colin Matthews told The Financial Times: “To take an interest you have to think it is going to happen and we don&rs

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In brief Fri, 3 Aug 2012 09:30:00 GMT 31626
In Passing https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31604/in-passing-- In our 06 July issue we reported safety concerns of the police, fire service and local authorities in South Yorkshire over the Highways Agency’s new plans for Managed motorways  – All lane running (MM-ALR). This will see the motorway hard shoulder converted into a permanent running lane; it’s all about delivering extra motorway capacity on the cheap and the first application is due to be made on the M1 through South Yorkshire later this year. Since publishing the story we

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Main editorial comment Fri, 3 Aug 2012 08:59:00 GMT 31604
Heathrow noise map https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31602/heathrow-noise-map Residents of Isleworth in south-west London have recorded 1,044 individual noise readings using Widenoise, noise recording technology developed for smartphones, to develop a map of noise levels in the vicinity of Heathrow Airport. The map has been developed as part of a project between University College London and pressure group HACAN (Heathrow Association for the Control of Aircraft Noise). “This is a really important project,” said John Stewart, chair of HACAN. “It gives pow

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In brief Fri, 3 Aug 2012 08:52:00 GMT 31602
Miliband Heathrow U-turn advocated https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31595/miliband-heathrow-u-turn-advocated On 18 July The New Statesman suggested that Labour leader Ed Miliband should get his retaliation in first and back the construction of a third runway at Heathrow Airport before the Government does so. The magazine also suggested that Justine Greening’s opposition to a third Heathrow runway could see her moving from the post of transport secretary sooner rather than later. “That problem might have been foreseen,” The New Statesman pointed out. “And some Tory MPs mutter tha

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Media monitor Fri, 3 Aug 2012 08:36:00 GMT 31595
Equality Act will pose parking challenges says Sheppard https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31544/equality-act-will-pose-parking-challenges-says-sheppard

Civil parking enforcement has given local authorities the ability to design traffic orders and implement enforcement regimes that reflect local needs. But Caroline Sheppard, chief adjudicator of the Traffic Penalty Tribunal, said parking policies are not hard and fast rules but frameworks that can and should be departed from when there is good reason. It is also important to listen and learn from complaints, she said. “Parking appeals are, in fact, sensitive, so we always need to look at w

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Parking Policy Thu, 2 Aug 2012 08:11:00 GMT 31544
In Passing https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31460/in-passing

  On the day the DfT released its draft aviation strategy last week, LTT had a long-arranged catch-up with John Stewart, leader of the anti-Heathrow expansion group Hacan. So, rather than asking for a quote, we asked Stewart to use his liquid refreshment as a gauge to illustrate how satisfied he was with the document. It looks to us like a seven out of 10!   One of Scotland’s senior politicians, Alex Neil, the cabinet secretary for infrastructure and capital investment, delive

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Main editorial comment Fri, 20 Jul 2012 12:36:00 GMT 31460
Hints of U-turn on third Heathrow runway grow ever-stronger in media https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31457/hints-of-u-turn-on-third-heathrow-runway-grow-ever-stronger-in-media

The notion that the Government is thinking hard about its current commitment not to sanction a third runway at Heathrow was increasingly extensively highlighted in the media in early July. “The future of Britain’s airports is a source of growing tension within the Coalition,” The Daily Telegraph said on 8 July. “There is speculation in Westminster that the Conservatives may eventually be forced to reverse their decision to block a third Heathrow runway… The privat

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Media monitor Fri, 20 Jul 2012 12:30:00 GMT 31457
Build an extra two runways at Heathrow says Tory think-tank https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31410/build-an-extra-two-runways-at-heathrow-says-tory-think-tank

TWO NEW runways may be needed to meet growing passenger demand at Heathrow Airport, according to a group of Tory MPs. Their suggestion came as the DfT accepted the need for new airport capacity in the South East but put off a consultation on the topic until the autumn. The Free Enterprise Group of Tory MPs said a fourth runway could be built either north of the airport beside the M4 or south of the airport on land currently occupied by the villages of Stanwell and Bedfont. “Another poss

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Regular news Fri, 20 Jul 2012 10:30:00 GMT 31410
Cable car advisory group formed https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31407/cable-car-advisory-group-formed Cable cars could play a part in meeting the transport needs of towns and cities across the UK, according to a new advisory group. UK Cable Car Advisers hopes to capitalise on interest generated by the new Emirates Air Line cable car across the Thames that opened last month. It brings together experts who worked on the East London scheme: infrastructure planning legal consultant Bircham Dyson Bell; engineering consultant Ardent; and Neil Thompson, chief engineer of the London Eye and technical ad

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In brief Fri, 20 Jul 2012 10:22:00 GMT 31407
Coalition ploughs bns into rail electrification and capacity boosts https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31395/coalition-ploughs-bns-into-rail-electrification-and-capacity-boosts

A massive programme of railway electrification in England and Wales, a major rail capacity enhancements in Greater Manchester, and new lines between Oxford and Bedford and to Heathrow Airport from the west feature in the Government’s five-year plan for the railways published this week. Announcing the plans, Prime Minister David Cameron said they would result in “faster journeys, more seats, better access to stations, greater freight links and a truly world-class rail network”

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Regular news Fri, 20 Jul 2012 10:02:00 GMT 31395
Relaunched Heathrow Express adds smartphone booking App https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31377/relaunched-heathrow-express-adds-smartphone-booking-app Users of London direct airport rail service Heathrow Express can now buy tickets via their smartphones. The company has added new functions to its existing Blackberry and Android apps which currently give live service updates. The upgraded app is available to individual travellers, and allows business passengers from companies with trade accounts to book train tickets direct. The initiative forms part of a £16 million investment programme which has just seen the Heathrow Express relaunc

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Technology News Fri, 13 Jul 2012 14:36:00 GMT 31377
London Mayor focuses on underground rail projects and new bus rollout for second term https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31342/london-mayor-focuses-on-underground-rail-projects-and-new-bus-rollout-for-second-term

Having spent his first term modifying the congestion charge, delivering the London cycle hire scheme and ordering prototypes for his new London bus, Boris Johnson is turning his attention more heavily to rail having secured his re-election as London Mayor in May. He is seeking to address the problem of strikes and poor reliability on the London Underground, and to extend his responsibility for suburban rail services. Giving evidence to the London Assembly, Johnson said he had set Transport for

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Bus News Fri, 13 Jul 2012 12:53:00 GMT 31342
Stansted passenger numbers nosedive https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31294/stansted-passenger-numbers-nosedive Airport operator BAA expects passenger numbers through Stansted Airport to fall 5.2% in 2012 to 17.1 million passengers. This would represent a decline of 23% in numbers since 2008 when the airport recorded 22.4 million passengers. BAA says this year’s expected decline is  partly the result of EasyJet transferring some flights to Southend Airport. Passenger numbers through Heathrow Airport are expected to grow 2.2% to 70.9 million despite capacity constraints. BAA says growth will com

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In brief Fri, 6 Jul 2012 09:40:00 GMT 31294
Coalitions airport muddle grows as PM backs Heathrow https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31291/coalition-s-airport-muddle-grows-as-pm-backs-heathrow The GOVERNMENT’S policy on airport capacity was thrown into even more confusion this week with reports that the aviation industry has persuaded the Prime Minister of the need for a third runway at Heathrow. The report – confirmed to LTT this week by a well-placed source – is likely to mean that next year’s aviation policy framework from the DfT will lack any Government support for specific airport expansion proposals. It is instead likely to invite airport operators to

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Regular news Fri, 6 Jul 2012 09:38:00 GMT 31291
Cable car opens for business https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31128/cable-car-opens-for-business The UK’s first urban cable car will open on Thursday, providing a new transport link across the River Thames from Greenwich to Royal Docks in east London. The 1.1km-long Emirates Air Line will operate seven days a week, from 0700-2100 Mondays-Fridays with a later start on Saturdays (0800) and Sundays (0900). Passengers will be able to use pay-as-you-go Oyster cards, with a single trip costing £3.20, but the cable car is not covered by London’s Travelcard. Regular users will be

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In brief Fri, 22 Jun 2012 09:50:00 GMT 31128
Johnson champions Stansted second runway https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31126/johnson-champions-stansted-second-runway The debate about South East airport capacity took another twist this week with Boris Johnson throwing his weight behind a second runway at Stansted. London’s mayor said a second runway there would help the short-term capacity problems before his favoured long-term solution of a new hub airport is constructed. The DfT is expected to publish its aviation policy framework consultation before the end of July, though it could be delayed until the autumn. There are expected to be two separat

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Regular news Fri, 22 Jun 2012 09:49:00 GMT 31126
Councils seek green light for 290m airport road https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31101/councils-seek-green-light-for-290m-airport-road The business case for a £290m 10km dual carriageway between the A6 and Manchester Airport has been submitted to the DfT. The A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road scheme would provide bypasses for a number of towns including Bramhall, Cheadle Hulme, Hazel Grove and Poynton. Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council is the lead partner in the project, which also includes Cheshire East and Manchester City councils. Last November the Government reinstated a pledge to contribute £165m tow

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Regular news Fri, 22 Jun 2012 08:59:00 GMT 31101
New road consistent with NPPF says Doncaster https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31100/new-road-consistent-with-nppf-says-doncaster Councillors in Doncaster have granted planning permission to a major road scheme that will open up major development areas south of the town and improve access to the town centre. The £57m Finningley and Rossington Regeneration Route Scheme (FARRRS) is one of the first roads to be considered under the Government’s National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The 4.5km part-dual, part-single carriageway road will connect junction 3 of the M18 with the A638 at Bawtry Road. As well as

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Regular news Fri, 22 Jun 2012 08:58:00 GMT 31100
Stansted growth urged as Heathrow ruled out https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31080/stansted-growth-urged-as-heathrow-ruled-out The debate as to where aviation capacity in the South-East of England should be expanded continued to grind on in mid-June, largely but not exclusively in the pages of London’s Evening Standard. “Every British city has its charm and identity but they all rely upon the capital,” entrepreneur Ivan Massow wrote on 11 June. “We shouldn’t have to apologise for this, far less waste time and money trying to spread economic equality around the country. Instead we should foc

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Media monitor Fri, 22 Jun 2012 08:32:00 GMT 31080
Disgusted of Liskeard Cornwall https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31076/disgusted-of-liskeard-cornwall Having won the first Regional Technology Maintenance Contract I trust that Balfour Beatty will be more culturally sensitive than the caption to your photo of the Saltash Tunnel in your 25 May issue suggests (“A38 Saltash Tunnel in Plymouth” – Ed). As the name implies, the A38 Saltash Tunnel is in the town of Saltash (Cornwall), whereas the city of Plymouth (Devon) is on the opposite side of the Tamar. Substituting the word “near” for “in” should go som

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Letters to the editor Fri, 22 Jun 2012 08:26:00 GMT 31076
In Passing https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31069/in-passing

  Regular readers of the London Evening Standard can’t fail to have noticed that in recent weeks the paper has carried a relentless stream of pro-airport expansion stories. Veteran anti-airport expansion campaigner John Stewart says this can be traced back to Sarah Sands taking over as the paper’s new editor in March. “The Sands’ Standard has been careful not to plump for a third runway at Heathrow,” he says. “Instead, it has contented itself with making

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Main editorial comment Fri, 22 Jun 2012 08:17:00 GMT 31069
Is East Londons cable car a one-off or the start of something new? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31068/is-east-london-s-cable-car-a-one-off-or-the-start-of-something-new-

This month sees the opening of the Emirates Air Line, a cable car linking the Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks in London. For a technology previously known in the UK as a novelty ride at garden festivals, the East London project is a major step forward – the ride may still be novel but it’s designed to offer a turn-up-and-go service to a much wider range of travel markets. So are we likely to see further applications of this technology popping up around the UK in the near futu

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Viewpoint Fri, 22 Jun 2012 08:16:00 GMT 31068
TfL announces cable car opening and fares https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31059/tfl-announces-cable-car-opening-and-fares Transport for London has announced that its ‘Emirates Air Line’ cable car system will be opened on June 28, a month ahead of the Olympic Games. Passengers will be able to take the first ‘flights’ on Thursday 28 June. The 1.1km system will cross the Thames linking Greenwich and the Royal Docks, and two key Games venues – The Excel and O2. It will have the capacity to carry up to 2,500 people per hour in each direction, the equivalent of 30 buses. Initially it will op

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Regular news Mon, 18 Jun 2012 12:25:00 GMT 31059
Online watch for delays to French trains and planes https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/31051/online-watch-for-delays-to-french-trains-and-planes The French government has launched an internet portal, qualitetransports.gouv, to compare the punctuality and regularity of different transport services, starting with long-distance trains and planes. In a second phase, regional and urban transport and coaches will also be included. The project forms part of a quality service in transport initiative (AQST) designed to achieve improvement of the regularity of rail and air transport by providing statistics on delays and cancellations. Initial

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Technology News Mon, 11 Jun 2012 18:24:00 GMT 31051
Four more years mayor sets his second-term transport priorities https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30937/four-more-years-mayor-sets-his-second-term-transport-priorities

Boris Johnson and his transport chiefs outlined the  transport priorities for the capital over the next four years during a series of London Assembly committee hearings at the end of last month. The mayor’s first Question Time since winning the election was followed by the confirmation hearings committee considering Isabel Dedring’s suitability for the job of deputy chair of Transport for London. Dedring and transport commissioner Peter Hendy then appeared before the assembly&rs

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Analysis Mon, 11 Jun 2012 08:54:00 GMT 30937
The future of Heathrow ten-runway airport or garden city? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30933/the-future-of-heathrow-ten-runway-airport-or-garden-city-

The media campaign to lobby for more aviation capacity in London and the South East, led by the Evening Standard newspaper, showed no signs of letting up in late May/early June. On 24 May, for example, The Standard prominently featured a new report by Tory MP Kwasi Kwarteng which suggested that: “London’s three main airports may all need new runways to meet demand in future decades.” “The study, part of a series of papers by Tory MPs for the economic ‘Growth Facto

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Media monitor Mon, 11 Jun 2012 08:49:00 GMT 30933
Solar plane makes first transcontinental flight https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30929/solar-plane-makes-first-transcontinental-flight

The first transcontinental flight by a solar-powered aeroplane took place in early June when the Solar Impulse craft developed by the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne University in Switzerland travelled between the Spanish capital Madrid and Rabat, the capital of Morocco. The 470-mile (760km) flight took approximately 20 hours. The single-seater Solar Impulse plane, which weighs as much as an average family car but nevertheless has a wingspan equivalent to that of a

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Regular news Mon, 11 Jun 2012 08:47:00 GMT 30929
BAA final chance to keep Stansted https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30915/baa-final-chance-to-keep-stansted A ruling by the Royal Court of Justice has given airport operator BAA a final chance to appeal against the Competition Commission’s decision that it must sell Stansted Airport. The judgment is the latest episode in BAA’s three-year battle to keep Stansted. BAA has already been required to sell Gatwick and Edinburgh airports. BAA’s case against the divestment of Stansted is that conditions in the aviation market differ substantially from when the commission made its order in

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News Mon, 11 Jun 2012 08:25:00 GMT 30915
Gatwick Express passenger increase more than double airport growth https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30909/gatwick-express-passenger-increase-more-than-double-airport-growth Gatwick Express, the non-stop rail-air link between central London and Gatwick Airport, has seen a 17% increase in passengers in the past year, three times the level of growth in air passengers. The company said the results demonstrated the service’s  ability to continue attracting air passengers away from road and other rail  services. Alex Foulds, Development Director for Southern Railway which runs the Gatwick Express, said: "Considering the context of a 6.9% rise in air

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Rail News Fri, 1 Jun 2012 15:48:00 GMT 30909
Tests have begun of the 60m new cable car system https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30790/tests-have-begun-of-the-60m-new-cable-car-system

Tests have begun of the £60m new cable car system across the River Thames in East London, ahead of its opening this summer. The 1.1km-long Emirates Air Line creates a direct link between the O2 Arena on Greenwich Peninsula and the ExCeL centre in Royal Docks. The 34 cabins have capacity to carry 2,500 people an hour in each direction. Emirates has provided £36m of funding under a ten-year sponsorship deal. TfL is still awaiting news of its £8m bid to the European Regional Devel

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Secondary stories Fri, 25 May 2012 10:46:00 GMT 30790
Heathrow Hub challenge to HS2 https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30767/heathrow-hub-challenge-to-hs2 A company promoting plans for a high-speed rail interchange station close to Heathrow Airport has lodged a judicial review application against the Government’s High Speed 2 plans. Heathrow Hub Ltd wants the London-West Midlands high-speed line to be routed via a Heathrow Hub interchange station located 4km from the airport at a site adjacent to the Great Western Main Line and the M25, a short distance north of the M25/M4 intersection. The interchange would act as an ‘on-airport&rs

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Regular news Fri, 25 May 2012 10:22:00 GMT 30767
Additional aviation capacity demanded but need for high-speed rail questioned https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30752/additional-aviation-capacity-demanded-but-need-for-high-speed-rail-questioned

The need for more aviation capacity and the proposed high-speed rail link between London and Birmingham (and thence points north) continued to vie for supremacy as the most reported on transport issue of the day throughout May. On 20 May, for example, The Daily Telegraph editorialised on the latter proposal, suggesting that the Government should not just press ahead with its plans for high-speed rail willy-nilly. “Unsurprisingly, HS2, the company that will be responsible for building the

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Media monitor Fri, 25 May 2012 10:04:00 GMT 30752
Serco Scottish ferry contract https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30645/serco-scottish-ferry-contract Serco has been selected preferred bidder for Transport Scotland’s new ferry contract to Orkney and Shetland. The value of the deal is £243m over six years from May. It involves maintaining passenger ferry frequencies and journey times, preventing dry dock issues experienced by current operator Northlink from being repeated, and ensuring availability of services for freight.

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News Fri, 11 May 2012 09:06:00 GMT 30645
Enforcement Summit 2012 Programme takes shape https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30579/enforcement-summit-2012-programme-takes-shape

The 6th annual Enforcement Summit, produced by Parking Review and The Enforcers, takes place at London’s Kia Oval on Tuesday 10 July. This year’s event will explore themes such as partnership working between local authorities as a means of delivering better focussed and more efficient parking enforcement. There will be a presentation about the Essex Parking Partnership, which won the Partnership category at the British Parking Awards. This will be delivered by Richard Walker, projec

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News Lead Story Fri, 4 May 2012 08:50:00 GMT 30579
PATROLs Tony Burns passes away aged 71 https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30569/patrol-s-tony-burns-passes-away-aged-71 Tony Burns, chair of the Bus Lane Adjudication Service Joint Committee and vice chair of The PATROL (Parking and Traffic Regulations Outside London) Adjudication Joint Committee, has died. Cllr Burns passed away, aged 71, on 14 April after a short illness. He took a leading role in setting up what was the National Parking Adjudication Service and subsequently the Traffic Penalty Tribunal. He was also the inaugural Chair of the Bus Lane Adjudication Service Joint Committee. Cllr Ken Gregory, ch

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People News Thu, 3 May 2012 10:51:00 GMT 30569
Herts to refund 12m after losing bus lane PCN appeal https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30551/herts-to-refund-1-2m-after-losing-bus-lane-pcn-appeal

Motorists who were fined for driving in a Hemel Hempstead bus lane are to get their money back after the chief parking adjudicator discovered flaws with the traffic regulation order (TROs) and signage. Hertfordshire County Council is to refund the 30,335 penalty charge notices (PCN) issued since August 2011, which it estimates will cost about £1.26m. Chief adjudicator Caroline Sheppard found that the TRO for the Moor End Road bus lane applied only to westbound traffic. In contrast, she said tha

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Enforcement News Lead Story Thu, 3 May 2012 09:18:00 GMT 30551
Edinburgh airport sold https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30531/edinburgh-airport-sold Edinburgh?airport has been sold to Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), the owner of Gatwick and London City airports, for £807m. Edinburgh Airport was put on the market by its previous owner, BAA, last October, after the Competition Commission ruled that it had to sell its airport holdings at either Edinburgh or Glasgow. The agreed sale price is considerably in excess of analysts’ expectation, which had been in the region of £500-700m. The Scottish Passenger Agents Associatio

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News Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:32:00 GMT 30531
In Passing https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30518/in-passing   There has been much coverage in recent issues of LTT regarding the expansion of aviation capacity in the South East of England – whether it is necessary and, if it is, where it should go. And, with there being widespread agreement that Heathrow is on a highly unsuitable site for any expansion beyond a third runway, and with many commentators suggesting that even this is a bridge too far, there has been a lot of coverage in the media about the alleged benefits of the proposed ‘

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Viewpoint Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:06:00 GMT 30518
EasyJet urges Gatwick expansion https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30496/easyjet-urges-gatwick-expansion The chief executive of EasyJet, Carolyn McCall, has urged the Government to look at permitting the construction of a second runway at Gatwick or Stansted airports if it is not prepared to allow the expansion of Heathrow Airport via a third runway. McCall said that a second runway at either Gatwick or Stansted would “make the most economic sense” in the mediumto term to help solve aviation capacity issues in the South East of England. “In Europe there is a stark contrast…

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In brief Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:20:00 GMT 30496
Australian airline tests biofuel option https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30473/australian-airline-tests-biofuel-option The Australian airline Qantas has launched its first commercial flight using a blend of recycled cooking oil and aviation fuel. A biofuel-powered Qantas A330 aircraft ‘took to the skies’ as the airline announced a new A$500,000 Australian government-backed effort to study the feasibility of an Australian biofuel industry. Shell Australia will partner Qantas in the Emerging Renewables Programme, where the grant will enable them to study the long-term viability of biofuel feedstock an

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Regular news Fri, 27 Apr 2012 09:32:00 GMT 30473
War of words on pros and cons of Heathrow expansion remains heated https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30468/war-of-words-on-pros-and-cons-of-heathrow-expansion-remains-heated The ‘will they, won’t they’ debate in the media about whether the Government is, or is not, planning to rethink its opposition to a third runway at Heathrow Airport, not to mention the argument as to whether such a rethink would be a good idea, or not, remained intense in mid-April. The latest burst of coverage was generated by a speech by transport minister Theresa Villiers in which she appeared to rule this U-turn out. “The aviation minister on Wednesday strongly reject

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Media monitor Fri, 27 Apr 2012 09:10:00 GMT 30468
Airport link urged for infrastructure plan https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30451/airport-link-urged-for-infrastructure-plan The Welsh Government is to publish an infrastructure investment plan next month, setting out the ten-year investment pipeline of transport and other projects costing in excess of £15m. Local authorities are among bodies trying to influence the contents of the plan, which will be published on 22 May.  The Vale of Glamorgan Council is pressing the Welsh Government to commit to improving road access from the M4 to Cardiff Airport and Barry. Rob Thomas, the council’s head of pl

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Regular news Fri, 13 Apr 2012 10:40:00 GMT 30451
Heathrow high-speed rail link has BCR below 1 admits DfT https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30437/heathrow-high-speed-rail-link-has-bcr-below-1-admits-dft The Government is planning to spend more than £2bn on building a high-speed rail connection to Heathrow Airport even though the quantifiable benefits of doing so will be far less than £2bn. The news that the project has a benefit:cost ratio of less than 1, and therefore represents poor value for money, is revealed in court documents submitted by 15 local authorities challenging the Government’s decision in January to go-ahead with building a high-speed rail network. The judic

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Regular news Fri, 13 Apr 2012 10:16:00 GMT 30437
SE airport study awarded https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30426/se-airport-study-awarded Consultant Parsons Brinckerhoff has won the contract to undertake the South East Local Enterprise Partnership study into how airports in the Greater South East can be used more effectively to maximise  use of existing capacity

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In brief Fri, 13 Apr 2012 10:12:00 GMT 30426
Government support for aviation growth acknowledged but not at Heathrow https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30397/government-support-for-aviation-growth-acknowledged--but-not-at-heathrow

The recent resurgence in media interest in the possibility of a third runway at Heathrow Airport (LTT 30 Mar) provoked something of a counterattack from those opposed to the idea. “Heathrow’s third runway is not happening – move on,” said John Stewart, who led the successful anti-Heathrow expansion campaign during the Labour Government, in The Guardian on 27 March. “The aviation industry’s tired third runway campaign ignores the facts of the future of air trav

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Media monitor Fri, 13 Apr 2012 09:45:00 GMT 30397
Heathrow's Andy Cameron is parking person of the year https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30269/heathrow-s-andy-cameron-is-parking-person-of-the-year

Andy Cameron joined BAA three-and-a-half years ago as a retail operations manager. Prior to that he was a store and area manager for Dixons Retail Group, a role which gave him a solid grasp of retail operation as well as a strong customer focus and service ethos. In his day-to-day role at BAA, Cameron is responsible for overseeing the maintenance and running of the 14 short and long-stay car parks at Heathrow Airport, which amounts to 42,000 parking spaces. He is alerted to incidents as various

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British Parking Awards Thu, 5 Apr 2012 12:29:00 GMT 30269
Heathrow's Ultra pods win three awards https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30264/heathrow-s-ultra-pods-win-three-awards

Business travellers using one of Heathrow Airport’s key business car parks find that they make the final leg of their journey to the terminal not by shuttle bus but in white, driverless capsules which glide above the road network on dedicated tracks. These capsules, or pods, are part of a passenger rapid transport (PRT) system that the airport’s operator, BAA, believes will become increasingly common in the future. The pods are the result of over £30m worth of investment and i

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British Parking Awards Lead Story Thu, 5 Apr 2012 12:22:00 GMT 30264
Steer joins SDG from HS2 https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30215/steer-joins-sdg-from-hs2 James Steer has joined consultant Steer Davies Gleave from Government high-speed rail company HS2 Ltd, where he worked on the project’s economic case. Paul Cresswell has joined SDG to strengthen the firm’s air traffic forecasting work and general airport business. He has worked for AviaSolutions for the last three years and has over 20 years of aviation sector experience, including working on the abortive Heathrow third runway and Stansted second runway plans. Rail consultant Nichola

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People/people Fri, 30 Mar 2012 10:31:00 GMT 30215
Cornwall Airport needs more subsidy https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30183/cornwall-airport-needs-more-subsidy Cornwall Council may have to increase its subsidy to Newquay Airport next year because of falling passenger numbers. The council-owned airport handled almost 300,000 passengers in 2010/11 but the final figures for 2011/12 are expected to be just 195,000 and a further drop to 178,000 is forecast in 2012/13. A major contributor to the decline was Air SouthWest’s cessation of all operations last September. The airline operated 61% of flights to/from Cornwall Airport and carried 45% of passeng

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In brief Fri, 30 Mar 2012 09:55:00 GMT 30183
Air consultation delayed https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30181/air-consultation-delayed The DfT has delayed consultation on a new aviation policy framework until the summer. The Department had been expected to release the consultation in March but it will now be released later this year alongside a call for evidence on maintaining the UK’s hub airport status. The Prime Minister last week  endorsed the need to expand airport capacity in the South East and hinted that the option of building a third runway at Heathrow Airport would be included in the consultation, despi

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Regular news Fri, 30 Mar 2012 09:54:00 GMT 30181
Media unanimous that Government U-turn is imminent on Heathrow growth https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30162/media-unanimous-that-government-u-turn-is-imminent-on-heathrow-growth The Government’s proposals to privatise the trunk road network and permit tolls to fund new infrastructure were soon drive off the front pages by its possible change of heart regarding the expansion of Heathrow Airport. “Despite public denials from the DfT that the Government could sanction expansion at Britain’s premier airport, George Osborne’s commitment in the Budget to ‘confront’ the capacity issue was hailed as the latest sign of a change of ministerial

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Media monitor Fri, 30 Mar 2012 09:23:00 GMT 30162
Tram-train link for airport? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30106/tram-train-link-for-airport- BAA is believed to be studying options for tram-train technology to serve Glasgow Airport. The airport owner is currently developing a surface access strategy.  

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In brief Fri, 16 Mar 2012 09:43:00 GMT 30106
Legal threat to aviation framework https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30102/legal-threat-to-aviation-framework Airport operator BAA may mount a judicial review challenge if the Government excludes the expansion of Heathrow Airport as an option in its forthcoming consultation on an aviation framework. Former Conservative environment minister Tim Yeo this week urged ministers to rethink their opposition to a third runway at the airport.  

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In brief Fri, 16 Mar 2012 09:41:00 GMT 30102
Expand Heathrow revamp railways and rethink fuel duty papers tell Government https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30074/expand-heathrow-revamp-railways-and-rethink-fuel-duty-papers-tell-government Attempts to get the possibility of a third runway at Heathrow Airport back on the political agenda continued in the media in early March, largely thanks to the business editor of The Sunday Telegraph, Kamal Ahmed. “Like Basil Fawlty not mentioning the war (‘I think I said it once, but I got away with it’), the third runway at Heathrow has become a ‘non-subject’ in polite society,” Ahmed complained on 4 March. “[However], the supporters of the expansion

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Media monitor Fri, 16 Mar 2012 09:01:00 GMT 30074
BAA fights on to keep Stansted https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/30003/baa-fights-on-to-keep-stansted Airport operator BAA this week initiated appeal proceedings against the Competition Appeal Tribunal’s judgment that BAA must sell Stansted Airport. BAA said it believed the judgment was flawed. BAA chief executive Colin Matthews has meanwhile launched a renewed call on the Government to rethink its opposition to a third runway at Heathrow. “All potential solutions to the UK’s lack of hub airport capacity have their pros and cons and all should be on the table to ensure the righ

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In brief Fri, 2 Mar 2012 10:16:00 GMT 30003
Cross-Forth ferry plan still afloat https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29980/cross-forth-ferry-plan-still-afloat Stagecoach and the South East Scotland Transport Partnership (SEStran) are continuing to investigate a cross-Forth ferry service linking Burntisland in Fife with Granton Harbour in Edinburgh. MVA Consultancy is due to complete a demand forecast report for the route this month. A hovercraft plan was sunk in December when the City of Edinburgh Council refused planning permission for the landing site at Seafield. Stagecoach and SEStran are partners in the EU I-Transfer project (Innovative Transport

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In brief Fri, 2 Mar 2012 09:34:00 GMT 29980
900m bill for Thames crossings https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29970/-900m-bill-for-thames-crossings Transport for London’s plans for a new road tunnel and vehicle ferry across the Thames in east London are expected to cost almost £900m. Michele Dix, TfL’s managing director of planning, said the Silvertown tunnel, which would be built adjacent to the existing Blackwall tunnel, had a preliminary cost of £700m, including inflation and optimism bias but excluding financing costs, and a benefit:cost ratio of “around 3:1”. The tunnel could open in 2021. Dix said t

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In brief Fri, 2 Mar 2012 09:27:00 GMT 29970
Gregory heads Gatwick surface assess https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29954/gregory-heads-gatwick-surface-assess Julia Gregory has been appointed head of surface transport at Gatwick Airport. She was previously head of transport, planning and policy at Stansted Airport.  

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People/people Fri, 2 Mar 2012 08:54:00 GMT 29954
MAG assesses expansion options https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29943/mag-assesses-expansion-options Manchester Airport Group is considering growth options including seeking a private equity partner to finance expansion. A bid for BAA’s Edinburgh or Stansted airport are among the possibilities being considered by MAG which is 55% owned by Manchester City Council with Greater Manchester’s other nine councils each holding a 5% stake. MAG operates Humberside and East Midlands airports, as well as Manchester Airport. “With major developments ahead, including the £650m Manc

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News Fri, 2 Mar 2012 08:47:00 GMT 29943
Tees Valley Airport sold https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29795/tees-valley-airport-sold The immediate future of loss-making Durham Tees Valley Airport appears safeguarded with news that Peel Airports Ltd has sold its majority shareholding to Peel Investments Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Peel Group. Peel Airports Ltd is 65% owned by Vantage Airport Group (formerly Vancouver Airport Services) and 35% by the Peel Group. Political leaders want reassurance that Peel is committed to the airport in the long-term. Six local councils own 25% of the airport’s shares.  

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In brief Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:14:00 GMT 29795
For major transport project consultations is the DfT practicing what it preaches? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29781/for-major-transport-project-consultations-is-the-dft-practicing-what-it-preaches-

The purpose of consultation is presumably so that opinions can be taken into account as part of the planning process and hence influence the outcome in some way. Unfortunately, the approach to consultation on nationally significant transport proposals seems to be very different and not in accordance with the Government’s own expectations for schemes promoted by others. As a result, the DfT’s consultations are consistently flawed and do not inform decision-making but instead create mo

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Viewpoint Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:55:00 GMT 29781
Heathrow Express makes Greenfield new Managing Director https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29712/heathrow-express-makes-greenfield-new-managing-director Keith Greenfield is the new managing director at Heathrow Express. In his previous role at Heathrow, Greenfield was airline business development manager responsible for establishing and developing commercial relationships between the airlines based at Heathrow and the airport itself. Prior to this he spend nine years heading Orange UK’s Wholesale Business division. The company is the only UK train operator to own both the rolling stock and the land and track it runs on, Greenfield joins a

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People Tue, 7 Feb 2012 13:28:00 GMT 29712
Intermodal ideas show the way https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29705/intermodal-ideas-show-the-way Individual intermodal initiatives are demonstrating the potential of new thinking in the way transport services link together. Here are some of them. With regard to feeder flights to main airports, considerable progress has been made in Germany where, for example, the high-speed train transports 45% of all Lufthansa passengers between Cologne and Frankfurt airport via the AIRail service,  the joint Lufthansa and Deutsche Bahn service which has allowed for the substitution of (u

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Inside View Tue, 7 Feb 2012 12:02:00 GMT 29705
Inter-modality creates the conditions for modal shift https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29704/inter-modality-creates-the-conditions-for-modal-shift

Around  40% of Europeans  choose not to travel using shared or collective transport if the journey involves a connection. And, in Europe, 83% of us prefer to use a car for our daily or occasional travel. These two percentages are perplexing in this age of eco-citizenship. Although the range of shared and collective transport options is ever-increasing in Europe, the constraints related to a trip whose components and uncertainties are beyond the control of an individual continue to be

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Inside View Tue, 7 Feb 2012 11:54:00 GMT 29704
The key features of Chinas new metro systems https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29682/the-key-features-of-china-s-new-metro-systems

Paris-style dedicated lines. Almost all metro lines operate with just one route or line per tunnel, instead of multiple routes per tunnel as in New York City, or on the Metropolitan or Circle Line in London. This simplifies train operations and eliminates junction delays as different routes merge onto the same tracks. The disadvantage with this model is that customers must transfer between different lines—sometimes circuitously—instead of enjoying a one seat ride. No express service

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Profile Detail Tue, 7 Feb 2012 10:29:00 GMT 29682
Airport study out to tender https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29650/airport-study-out-to-tender The South East Local Enterprise Partnership this week invited tenders for its new study of airport capacity issues in the South East. Stage one will consider how to make best use of existing capacity. A second stage could be commissioned, looking at the potential location for a hub airport. Southend on Sea Borough Council is managing the study.  

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In brief Fri, 3 Feb 2012 10:12:00 GMT 29650
Business and political pressure grows for extra SE airport capacity https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29648/business-and-political-pressure-grows-for-extra-se-airport-capacity Business Leader this week urged ministers to reconsider their refusal to allow a third runway at Heathrow Airport. “A third runway at Heathrow appears to be the most credible solution to meeting London and the UK’s vital need for increased hub capacity in the medium term (the next 15 years),” said the Connectivity Commission of business lobby group London First. It said a new hub airport to replace Heathrow could not be built within the next 20 years. The case for Heathrow e

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Regular news Fri, 3 Feb 2012 10:07:00 GMT 29648
Policy statement for ports published https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29625/policy-statement-for-ports-published The DfT has published the finalised version of its National Policy Statement for ports, following consultation on the draft last autumn. The NPS, which covers England and Wales, says there is a “compelling need for substantial additional port capacity over the next 20-30 years, to be met by a combination of development already consented and development for which applications have yet to be received”. It does not dictate where development should occur.

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In brief Fri, 3 Feb 2012 09:26:00 GMT 29625
Boris Island airport splits commentators as idea appears to gain political support https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29604/-boris-island-airport-splits-commentators-as-idea-appears-to-gain-political-support

Once the media storm surrounding the HS2 decision had died down the papers rapidly turned their attention to the Government’s plans for aviation, and specifically proposals for a new airport in the Thames Estuary. Guardian columnist Simon Jenkins, who had been particularly scathing in his criticism of the HS2 go-ahead (LTT 19 Jan), was equally vitriolic in his attack on the notion that a Thames Estuary airport is a sensible idea, in comparison with the expansion of existing airports such a

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Media monitor Fri, 3 Feb 2012 08:55:00 GMT 29604
Birmingham Airport can solve Londons capacity shortage https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29601/birmingham-airport-can-solve-london-s-capacity-shortage It appears now that the HS2 rail spine will be built, and from 2026 passengers will be able to travel from London to Birmingham in 45 minutes (ibid). Authorities in the West Midlands are very bullish, although they still need to explain why people will use HS2 to come to Birmingham, rather than to commute from it. The same issue of LTT also has a piece on the Thames estuary airport concept. This is, I understand, causing significant tension in the heart of Government: the Lib Dems seem vehement

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Letters to the editor Fri, 3 Feb 2012 08:51:00 GMT 29601
Robinson leads AECOM in Europe https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29482/robinson-leads-aecom-in-europe Richard Robinson has been appointed AECOM’s new managing director for the transportation business in Europe. He joins from BAA where he was managing director of Heathrow Express and a director on the Heathrow Airport executive team.  

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People/people Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:06:00 GMT 29482
Johnson fleshes out Thames crossing plans https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29475/johnson-fleshes-out-thames-crossing-plans London mayor Boris Johnson has confirmed a plan to build a new road tunnel under the Thames in East London. Transport for London will begin a preliminary consultation on plans for a tunnel between the Greenwich Peninsula and Silvertown next month. Johnson said the crossing would relieve congestion at the Blackwall Tunnel and he wanted it completed in a decade. The Treasury and the mayor are looking at the potential of pension funds to provide much of the investment for the crossing (LTT 02 Dec

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Regular news Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:56:00 GMT 29475
Coalition partners fall out as PM warms to Thames Estuary airport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29473/coalition-partners-fall-out-as-pm-warms-to-thames-estuary-airport A SCHISM opened up in the coalition Government this week over plans to expand airport capacity in the South East. The Liberal Democrats reacted angrily to the news that  the Prime Minister was warming to the idea of a new airport in the Thames Estuary and that this would be included as an option in the draft airport policy framework to be published in March. “The Liberal Democrats went into the last General Election opposed to any new airport development in the South East for envi

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Regular news Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:47:00 GMT 29473
Alternative routes high cost fewer benefits https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29443/alternative-routes-high-cost-fewer-benefits

None of the alternative alignments suggested for a London-West Midlands high-speed rail line can deliver comparable benefits to the preferred route through the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), says the Government. Planning Policy Statement 7: Sustainable development in rural areas states that major development should only take place in AONB’s in exceptional circumstances. “Our conclusion is that alternative routes for a high-speed rail line that avoids the AONB

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Sub story to regular feature Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:04:00 GMT 29443
Heathrow could become rail hub for west London and sub-region https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29442/heathrow-could-become-rail-hub-for-west-london-and-sub-region-

Heathrow Airport could become a major rail hub not only for air passengers but for west London and the Thames Valley under the Government’s high-speed rail plans. Initially, high-speed rail passengers travelling to/from Heathrow will have to change at Old Oak Common, with connecting trains taking 11 minutes to reach Heathrow’s central terminal area. But the Government plans to build a high-speed rail spur to Terminal 5 as part of the second phase of the high-speed network, post-2

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Sub story to regular feature Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:02:00 GMT 29442
Times backs HS2 and third runway at Heathrow Airport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29436/times-backs-hs2--and-third-runway-at-heathrow-airport A leader article of The Times last week called on ministers to rethink their opposition to expanding Heathrow Airport. In an article entitled “Plane Wrong”, the paper contrasted what it regarded as the correct decision to go-ahead with high-speed rail with the mistaken decision to refuse a third runway at Heathrow. “When other newspapers jumped on the bandwagon against the third runway, The Times remained consistently in favour,” the paper explained. “On reflection

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Media monitor Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:18:00 GMT 29436
London doesnt need air links to every second-tier city https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29377/london-doesn-t-need-air-links-to-every-second-tier-city It is interesting that Martin Heffer of Parsons Brinckerhoff does not quote one single study to back up his view that the London or national economy will suffer if Heathrow is not expanded (Viewpoint LTT 16 Dec 11). The hard evidence suggests they will not. A 2008 report from the Dutch economic consultants CE Delft made the economics of Heathrow expansion quite clear: a third runway was not critical to the London economy because, for business as a whole, other factors, such as the vibrancy of

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Letters to the editor Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:58:00 GMT 29377
Europe to Australia in under four hours? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29362/europe-to-australia-in-under-four-hours-

A project led by the European Space Agency is looking to develop hypersonic aircraft capable of travelling half way around the world in under four hours. As part of this LAPCAT (long-term advanced propulsion concepts and technologies) project the UK firm Reaction Engines is working on a liquid hydrogen-fuelled aircraft, the A2, able to achieve speeds of Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound). “Liquid hydrogen fuel is mandatory since the specific calorific energy of hydrocarbon fuels is too

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Regular news Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:21:00 GMT 29362
Tees Valley Airport up for sale https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29329/tees-valley-airport-up-for-sale Durham Tees Valley Airport faces an uncertain future after Peel Airports Ltd put its majority shareholding in the loss-making facility up for sale. Peel has appointed PwC to seek a buyer for its 75% shareholding in the airport, which made a loss of more than £2m in 2010/11. The remaining 25% of shares are owned by six local authorities.  

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In brief Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:22:00 GMT 29329
South East LEP to study airport capacity https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29328/south-east-lep-to-study-airport-capacity

the South East Local Enterprise Partnership is to commission a new study of airport capacity in South East England. The exercise will examine how  existing airport capacity in the Greater South East can be maximised over the next decade, independent of any decisions about major capacity enhancements such as a new hub airport.  News of the study came as Medway Council voiced its opposition to all three plans for a new hub airport in the Thames. They are: the proposal, to

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Regular news Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:21:00 GMT 29328
Greening considers Thames Hub package https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29221/greening-considers-thames-hub-package

Transport secretary Justine Greening is to give serious consideration to plans for a new hub airport in the Thames Estuary unveiled in November by a team including internationally renowned architect Lord Foster.  A Department for Transport (DfT) spokesman said that, although the government had ruled out expansion of Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports, a Thames Estuary airport would “be considered as part of our wider review of aviation policy”. London mayor Boris Johnson

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Aviation News Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:50:00 GMT 29221
Yield pricing the art of managing your market https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29170/yield-pricing-the-art-of-managing-your-market

Readers of my previous columns in New Transit magazine will be aware that I have been developing a discussion about the different business models that passenger transport providers can chose to pursue, and the issues they face in the particular business, political and regulatory environments in which they operate. I was aware that I was walking in a something of a minefield, and facing a real danger of just talking theory and concepts, rather than practicalities. So this time I’m going to

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Viewpoint Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:27:00 GMT 29170
Souter or Stagecoach Will European coach liberalisation mean a choice? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29162/souter-or-stagecoach-will-european-coach-liberalisation-mean-a-choice- Stagecoach chief executive Sir Brian Souter has been building up a proliferation of personal interests that could soon include a stake in  Edinburgh airport, put up for sale by BAA following a ruling by the UK Competition Commission. Souter, who sets out his thinking about potential growth for public transport in his interview in this issue, has been tipped to investigate the £400m-plus Edinburgh deal through his private Souter Investments vehicle, in partnership with a consortium of

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Reflections Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:12:00 GMT 29162
The answer to Londons airport capacity problem is obvious expand Heathrow https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29113/the-answer-to-london-s-airport-capacity-problem-is-obvious--expand-heathrow

Globalisation and economic structural change brings government many dilemmas. High among those is how to sustain the UK and the South East as a destination of choice for international businesses. A key part of this is whether Heathrow should continue as the UK’s only hub airport, the place where East literally meets West. The coalition has made its position clear. On coming to power the Government staked out a position that brought the long-term future of Heathrow, as one of the world&rsq

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Viewpoint Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:09:00 GMT 29113
Share dilution raises airport questions https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29095/share-dilution-raises-airport-questions

The future of Durham Tees Valley Airport is in the spotlight after the airport’s majority shareholder, Peel Airports Ltd, asked the six local authority shareholders for cash to maintain their shareholding at current levels. Peel has informed the six councils that their 25% shareholding will be diluted to 10.8% unless they collectively pay £4.3m. The dilution proposal is based on the investment that Peel has made in the airport. The airport made a loss of over £2m in 2010/11

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Regular news Fri, 16 Dec 2011 10:51:00 GMT 29095
Dovers second terminal approved https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29048/dover-s-second-terminal-approved The Government has approved plans for Dover’s second ferry terminal, a £400m project that will double capacity of the port. 

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In brief Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:26:00 GMT 29048
Cross-Forth hovercraft plan sunk https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/29044/cross-forth-hovercraft-plan-sunk Councillors in Edinburgh have blocked a planned cross-Forth hovercraft service between Edinburgh and Fife. The council rejected Stagecoach Group’s planning application for a slipway and associated passenger facilities at Portobello just weeks after Fife Council approved the planning application for facilities in Kirkcaldy. Stagecoach trialled the hovercraft service in 2007 and 2008 and was proposing to operate a half-hourly peak hour and hourly off-peak service using two 150-passenger capa

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In brief Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:25:00 GMT 29044
Papers suggest Thames Estuary airport is no longer just Boris fantasy island https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28997/papers-suggest-thames-estuary-airport-is-no-longer-just-boris-fantasy-island “The idea of a new hub airport on reclaimed land in the Thames Estuary has been attacked as far-fetched: but it is being taken increasingly seriously by senior figures in the coalition,” The Financial Times said on November 18, two weeks after LTT reported on this possibility (LTT 4 Nov). “An estuary scheme would help the Government fill a glaring gap in its evolving aviation strategy: how to tackle an impending lack of airport capacity in the economically critical south-east o

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Media monitor Fri, 2 Dec 2011 09:29:00 GMT 28997
Runway moratorium abandoned https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28939/runway-moratorium-abandoned The Coalition Government this week bowed to pressure from business and abandoned the moratorium on new runway capacity in the South East. Chancellor George Osborne announced the U-turn in his Autumn Statement: “We will explore all the options for maintaining the UK’s aviation hub status, with the exception of a third runway at Heathrow.” Options will be outlined in a consultation on aviation strategy in March. The Chancellor’s statement raises three obvious possibiliti

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Secondary stories Fri, 2 Dec 2011 08:44:00 GMT 28939
Heathrows family friendly bays https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28906/heathrow-s-family-friendly-bays

Heathrow Airport has introduced family car parking bays at all its long-stay car parks. The 16 extra-wide bays are signposted and painted blue and white  to increase their visibility. All are located close to the shuttle bus stops and customer service offices. There are four bays in the long-stay car parks in Terminals 1 and 3, four in the long stay car park at Terminal 4, and eight in the car park serving Terminal 5. The spaces were created following an airport fact finding event for blo

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Operational Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:19:00 GMT 28906
Airport capacity expansion and road building programmes pushed hard by high-profile columnists https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28824/airport-capacity-expansion-and-road-building-programmes-pushed-hard-by-high-profile-columnists

The current parlous state of the nation’s finances notwithstanding, impassioned comment pieces calling for major investment in new transport infrastructure continue to be a regular feature in the media. On November 6, for example, well-known industrial designer James Dyson used a column in The Daily Mail to press the case for Lord Foster’s plan for a major new hub airport in the Thames Estuary (LTT 4 Nov). “The Victorians would have built the £50bn Thames airport, so why

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Media monitor Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:03:00 GMT 28824
Good case for high-speed rail but rethink West Mids route say MPs https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28767/good-case-for-high-speed-rail-but-rethink-west-mids-route-say-mps Britain needs a high-speed rail network but ministers should rethink the alignment of the London-West Midlands route, according to the House of Commons transport committee. The MPs say there is a “good case” for a high-speed rail network because of the extra capacity and connectivity between cities that it would provide. But the committee has not endorsed the proposed alignment for the first line from London to the West Midlands via the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

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Regular news Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:53:00 GMT 28767
Criticism of no expansion aviation policy continues to gather media momentum https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28688/criticism-of-no-expansion-aviation-policy-continues-to-gather-media-momentum In terms of column inches, the aviation policies of the major political parties remained the dominant transport issue in the media as October drew to a close. On October 29, for example, Sunday Telegraph business editor Kamal Ahmed, who has long been a proponent of aviation expansion in the south-east of England, described the current government’s aviation policy as “a messy, illogical mess”. “Although there is a major review of aviation policy at present grinding its way

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Media monitor Fri, 4 Nov 2011 10:07:00 GMT 28688
Pro-growth policy statement for ports https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28663/pro-growth-policy-statement-for-ports Port operators are encouraged to deliver expansion schemes by the DfT’s new National Policy Statement on ports. “The Government believes that there is a compelling need for substantial additional port capacity over the next 20-30 years, to be met by a combination of development already consented and development for which applications have yet to be received,” says the NPS, which applies to England and Wales. “The Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) should start wi

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Regular news Fri, 4 Nov 2011 09:20:00 GMT 28663
Redraw high-speed rail route to serve Heathrow says Labour https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28661/redraw-high-speed-rail-route-to-serve-heathrow-says-labour Labour has urged the Government to redraw the London-West Midlands high-speed rail route to serve Heathrow Airport and reduce the impact on the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Shadow transport secretary Maria Eagle said the key rationale for the new line was to increase rail capacity between London and the North. Speed was of less importance, she said, and this allowed the line of route to be redrawn. “If the main purpose of this major investment is capacity, not speed &nd

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Regular news Fri, 4 Nov 2011 09:18:00 GMT 28661
New plan for Heathrow rail link https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28655/new-plan-for-heathrow-rail-link The London Borough of Wandsworth has published a cut-price plan to connect Heathrow Airport into South London’s rail network. Wandsworth’s plan would provide four trains an hour from Waterloo to Terminal 5 and two services an hour from Weybridge to Terminal 5 via Egham. The plans are based on airport operator BAA’s Airtrack scheme, which was scrapped this spring after then transport secretary Philip Hammond raised concerns that the additional train services would cause unacc

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Regular news Fri, 4 Nov 2011 09:14:00 GMT 28655
Labour abandons Heathrow 3rd runway https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28654/labour-abandons-heathrow-3rd-runway

The Labour Party has abandoned its support for a third runway at Heathrow Airport but says the Government must also drop its moratorium on new airport capacity in the South East. Shadow transport secretary Maria Eagle told an Airport Operators Association conference that building a third runway at Heathrow was “off the agenda” because of its local environmental impact. But Eagle said the Government’s ban on expanding capacity in the South East made “no sense”. &ld

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Regular news Fri, 4 Nov 2011 09:12:00 GMT 28654
Transport projects shortlisted for Regional Growth Funding https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28652/transport-projects-shortlisted-for-regional-growth-funding Twenty-one transport schemes, or schemes with a transport element, have received conditional offers of funding from the Government’s £1.4bn Regional Growth Fund. Each is listed below. The figures relate to the total project costs and do not represent how much grant is being awarded by Government. 1. A45 Corridor Improvement (Damson Parkway to M42 Junction 6), £32.7m – The project will divert the A45 transport corridor to provide a dual carriageway incorporating a publi

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Regular news Fri, 4 Nov 2011 09:05:00 GMT 28652
BRT edges out Metro/ light rail in Dublin https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28606/brt-edges-out-metro-light-rail-in-dublin The Republic of Ireland National Transport Authority has announced plans to build the country’s first network of bus rapid transit services in Dublin. It is giving these preference as against more light-rail schemes, on the lines of the existing Luas tram system, on the grounds that they are cheaper to build. In September the country’s Railway Procurement Agency, whose responsibilities already included the planning of metro and Luas-type schemes, gained new powers widening its remi

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Light Rail News Lead Story Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:52:00 GMT 28606
An office space on trains for airport-bound travellers https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28596/an-office-space-on-trains-for-airport-bound-travellers

Transport designers Priestmangoode has unveiled a new design concept called LoungeLink for trains that travel to and from airports. This creates an office/lounge suite interior, suitable for business fliers, in using the transit time in an office type environment, where users could download files, emails and with internet access. Presently, business travellers may be out of contact with their office or clients for the entire duration of their travel, from leaving the city centre until they r

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Products & Services Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:33:00 GMT 28596
Virgin to fly using green fuel by 2015 https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28487/virgin-to-fly-using-green-fuel-by-2015 The Virgin Atlantic airline has announced that it is planning to run scheduled flights using a new, ‘green’ fuel source from 2015. The new fuel, which is being developed by two firms, New Zealand-based LanzaTech and Swedish Biofuels, is ethanol-based and is produced by capturing the carbon that is emitted in the production of heavy industrial products such as steel. This carbon is then converted into ethanol using naturally occurring microbes and the ethanol is then blended with conv

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Regular news Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:56:00 GMT 28487
New face new policies? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28486/new-face-new-policies- A week, as the adage goes, is a long time in politics, and that’s certainly how things feel this week following Philip Hammond’s sudden departure from Marsham Street. Hammond had handled the transport brief with considerable aplomb over 18 months and has been rewarded with promotion to the Ministry of Defence. One of the first engagements for his successor, Justine Greening, was to appear before the House of Commons transport committee this week for a pre-arranged session about the

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Main editorial comment Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:55:00 GMT 28486
Hammonds promotion to defence secretary briefly raises transports profile https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28475/hammond-s-promotion-to-defence-secretary-briefly-raises-transport-s-profile It has certainly been an interesting few weeks for (now former) transport secretary Philip Hammond. On October 5, for example, The Daily Mirror attacked him on the basis of his drinking habits. “Transport chief Philip Hammond guzzled free wine at a party on the day 1,400 Bombardier staff face the axe,” was the paper’s headline, with it then adding: “They claim to be the new caring Tories – but Philip Hammond shattered that myth as he swilled expensive wine on the da

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Media monitor Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:32:00 GMT 28475
Gatwick sees a future with a second runway https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28464/gatwick-sees-a-future-with-a-second-runway Gatwick Airport will continue to safeguard land for a second runway despite the Government’s moratorium on new runways in the South East. “We do need to anticipate that, in the long-term, a second runway at Gatwick may be needed,” says the airport’s draft masterplan published last week. “We will continue to safeguard land for future expansion.” A second runway would require a third passenger terminal. The airport will honour the legal agreement signed with

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Regular news Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:09:00 GMT 28464
Johnson demands airport rethink as Heathwick plans rubbished https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28463/johnson-demands-airport-rethink-as-heathwick-plans-rubbished Boris Johnson this week called on the Government to abandon its opposition to extra runway capacity in the South East and embrace the idea of a new hub airport, which, he said, was vital to the country’s economic prosperity. Responding to the DfT’s preliminary consultation on an aviation framework, the mayor said ministers “must develop a long-term strategy for increasing hub aviation capacity in London and the South East, including an examination of options for a new Thames E

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Regular news Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:08:00 GMT 28463
Airline part-funds TfLs cable car https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28456/airline-part-funds-tfl-s-cable-car Emirates Airline has signed a £36m ten-year sponsorship deal with Transport for London for the new cable car across the River Thames in East London, linking the Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks. The cable car, to be known as the Emirates Air Line, is expected to open next summer and will have a capacity of 2,500 people per hour in the peak. Two million passengers a year are expected to use it. The contribution from Emirates amounts to 80% of the overall construction cost for the sys

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In brief Fri, 21 Oct 2011 09:53:00 GMT 28456
BAA will sell off Edinburgh Airport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28426/baa-will-sell-off-edinburgh-airport

BAA is to sell Edinburgh Airport in order to comply with a Competition Commission ruling that it let go of one of its three Scottish hubs. Edinburgh is Scotland's largest airport with 9.2m passengers taking over 100,000 flights. All on-site parking at the airport is managed by Empark. BAA will place Edinburgh on the market in the New Year and expects to have completed the sale by summer 2012. It will keep Aberdeen Airport and Glasgow Airport. BAA had mounted legal challenges to the Competitio

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Business News Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:13:00 GMT 28426
36m sponsorship deal for London cable car https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28414/-36m-sponsorship-deal-for-london-cable-car Global airline Emirates and Transport for London have agreed a sponsorship deal  for London’s cable car Thames river crossing which is scheduled for completion next summer. The link which will provide a direct connection between the Greenwich Peninsula and Royal Victoria Docks, will be known as the Emirates Air Line in a 10-year deal worth £36m. It will connect two of London’s biggest  venues, the O2 entertainment centre and Excel exhibition site. The two new stations

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Technology News Mon, 10 Oct 2011 10:29:00 GMT 28414
In Passing https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28363/in-passing This column recently reported that John Stewart, who led the campaign against a third runway at Heathrow, was going to be spending October on a lecture tour of the United States, explaining to residents and environmental groups there how the battle was won. Well, Stewart flew out to the States last week but found himself back home rather soon that expected. After touching down at JFK airport, he was subjected to a six-hour grilling by the FBI, Secret Service and the American Immigration Service,

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Viewpoint Fri, 7 Oct 2011 10:31:00 GMT 28363
Luton Airport prepares to expand https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28313/luton-airport-prepares-to-expand Luton Borough Council is drawing up plans to increase the capacity of Luton Airport to 20 million passengers a year – almost double current levels. The council, which owns the airport, is inviting expressions of interest for an engineering consultancy contract to help prepare planning application(s) to expand the airport to a capacity of 18 mppa. The consultant will also help to “pursue a possible development consent with the Infrastructure Planning Commission or its successor for a

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Regular news Fri, 7 Oct 2011 09:11:00 GMT 28313
DfTs Doncaster airport forecasts are too conservative says PTE https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28312/dft-s-doncaster-airport-forecasts-are-too-conservative-says-pte South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive has said  the DfT’s passenger forecasts for Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield (RHADS) are too conservative. The airport handled 895,000 passengers in 2010 but there are now three sets of conflicting  forecasts for its future growth:  the DfT’s forecasts, published in August, predict 1 million passengers per annum (mppa) in 2020, 1mppa in 2030, 2mppa in 2040; and 2mppa in 2050 (the figures are the same in

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Regular news Fri, 7 Oct 2011 09:10:00 GMT 28312
Crick hops off easyBus to be Stansted commercial director https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28241/crick-hops-off-easybus-to-be-stansted-commercial-director

Jonathan Crick has been appointed London Stansted Airport’s new commercial director. He joins from easyBus, where he is currently chief executive. His previous roles include 15 years’ experience at Monarch Airlines, including spells as commercial director and sales & marketing director. Crick says his priorities in the new role include increasing the number of airlines and passengers using the airport, the “very best retail facilities” and “maximising the commer

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People Wed, 5 Oct 2011 12:14:00 GMT 28241
Eurostar and DB eye potential for rail to significantly win market share from air https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28224/eurostar-and-db-eye-potential-for-rail-to-significantly-win-market-share-from-air

Both Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn have been keen to explain the untapped demand that they believe can be exploited by their new international services, both by competing against airlines and developing other avenues of business.  The potential to take on the airlines is demonstrated by Eurostar’s success on its London-Paris and Brussels services, which have claimed 80% market share, with most of the remaining air passengers only choosing to fly so they can interlinine to connecting fl

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Cover Story Detail Wed, 5 Oct 2011 10:52:00 GMT 28224
Shape of the parking market https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28171/shape-of-the-parking-market

The UK parking management sector is quite a diverse one, with a group of major international players at its heart but also a wide range of medium-sized operators and smaller, often specialist companies. There are two distinct areas of parking management operation - the management of off-street car parks and the enforcement of on-street parking. But it is worth noting that as pay & display controls require enforcement, many local authorities include off-street car parks with pay & displ

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Lead Story Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:06:00 GMT 28171
Discredited airport forecasts are shaping planning decisions https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28090/discredited-airport-forecasts-are-shaping-planning-decisions

The discrepancy you expose between the air passenger forecasts of the DfT and individual airports is easily explained. It is just one feature of the discredited air transport framework created by the previous government’s 2003 White Paper, which has now rightly been recognised as unsustainable – in both senses – by the current one. But the tainting of planning processes and investment programmes lingers to this day. Friends of the Earth in Yorkshire challenged the growth figur

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Letters to the editor Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:44:00 GMT 28090
ULTra opens at Heathrow https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28088/ultra-opens-at-heathrow On September 15 Heathrow Airport formally unveiled the ‘Heathrow pod’, the PRT system developed by UK company ULTra (of which BAA is currently a majority shareholder), although the system has actually already been ‘open for business’ since April. The system consists of 21 low-energy, battery-powered, driverless, zero-emission vehicles capable of carrying up to four passengers and their luggage along a dedicated 3.8km guideway. The PRT system at Heathrow pod has taken six

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News extra Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:37:00 GMT 28088
Will Heathrow project see personal rapid transit take off at long last? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28087/will-heathrow-project-see-personal-rapid-transit-take-off--at-long-last-

There are currently a grand total of three personal rapid transit (PRT) systems operational in the entire world, following the formal opening of a new system at Heathrow Airport last week, the best part of 50 years after the first such system opened for business in the small university town of Morgantown, West Virginia, in the USA. And yet, as participants at the People Movers seminar heard, the long-awaited ‘breakthrough’ of the PRT concept (the definition of which is a public trans

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News extra Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:34:00 GMT 28087
Judicial review of Stansted sale order https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28086/judicial-review-of-stansted-sale-order BAA has announced that it will seek a judicial review of the Competition Commission’s decision requiring it to sell Stansted and either Edinburgh or Glasgow airport. BAA will argue that there has been a material change of circumstances since the Commission’s original divestment decision in 2009, due to increased competition from non-BAA airports and the Government’s decision to rule out runway expansion in the South East. The Commission rejected these arguments in its final rul

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News Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:33:00 GMT 28086
Green jobs or just jobs? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28079/green-jobs-or-just-jobs- Creating jobs, cutting carbon – we don’t have to choose between the two objectives, we can have both, transport minister Norman Baker told this week’s Liberal Democrat conference in Birmingham. Transport secretary Philip Hammond would doubtless share that view if put on the spot. But the impression that local authorities have gained from discussing their Local Sustainable Transport Fund bids with civil servants is that, while not necessarily seeing a conflict between the two o

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Main editorial comment Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:23:00 GMT 28079
Calls grow for Government U-turn on expanding South Easts airport capacity https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28076/calls-grow-for-government-u-turn-on-expanding-south-east-s-airport-capacity The controversial subject of airport expansion in the UK, and specifically the South East, reared its head once more in mid-September. On September 16, for example, London’s Evening Standard reported that: “One of Boris Johnson’s top advisers today launched a stinging attack on the Government in a bid to force them to ‘wake up’ to the need for [a] new airport near London. Daniel Moylan, deputy chairman of Transport for London, has claimed that the Coalition’s

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Media monitor Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:19:00 GMT 28076
Manchester unveils Airport City vision https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28067/manchester-unveils-airport-city-vision A huge increase in travel on road and public transport networks around Manchester Airport will occur if plans to create an ‘Airport City’ come to fruition. Councillors on Manchester City Council last week received more details of the plan to create a major employment centre that will support the expansion of Manchester Airport. The focus will be on attracting advanced manufacturing, health and biotech businesses, as well as offices and logistics operations. Manchester’s chi

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Regular news Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:03:00 GMT 28067
Dont use HS2 to grow Birmingham Airport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/28066/-don-t-use-hs2-to-grow-birmingham-airport-

High-speed rail must not be used to make Birmingham Airport an overspill facility for South East England, the airport’s local council has told ministers.  Solihull Council fears the Government’s moratorium on new runway capacity in South East England, combined with plans to build a Birmingham Airport station on the London-West Midlands high-speed rail route, will make the airport attractive for travellers to/from the South East. The council wants the airport to grow incremen

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Regular news Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:02:00 GMT 28066
Use your judgement to reconcile airport forecasts planners told https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27924/use-your-judgement-to-reconcile-airport-forecasts-planners-told

Transport planners working on airport expansion plans and projects to improve airport surface access should use their judgement to reconcile the often wildly conflicting passenger growth forecasts produced by the DfT and the airports themselves, the Government said this week.  Analysis by LTT reveals a huge discrepancy between the forecasts contained in airport masterplans and the DfT’s passenger forecasts for regional airports published last month (see page 7). Examples include:

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Lead Story Fri, 9 Sep 2011 13:00:00 GMT 27924
In Passing https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27983/in-passing One of the masterminds of the campaign to block a third runway at Heathrow is heading off on a lecture tour of the United States next month, to explain to airport opponents there how the battle was won. HACAN chair John Stewart told LTT that airport opposition groups in the US were fascinated to find out how local groups teamed up with environmental organisations to fight the Heathrow expansion and how a right-of-centre political party came to oppose the growth plans too. Stewart will spend the

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Viewpoint Fri, 9 Sep 2011 10:14:00 GMT 27983
Up in the air https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27982/up-in-the-air These must be difficult times for anyone involved in the planning of airports and airport surface access improvements. Until just a few years ago, planners were working on the assumption that the relentless growth in aviation demand over the last three decades was likely to continue for the next three, justifying new terminals, runways, car parking and better airport access by road and rail. But the economic downturn has transformed the aviation market’s fortunes, and left some airlines an

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Main editorial comment Fri, 9 Sep 2011 10:13:00 GMT 27982
Rethink airport opposition says City https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27951/rethink-airport-opposition-says-city The Government must rethink its opposition to a third runway at Heathrow Airport if London is to thrive as a financial centre, the City of London has told ministers. The City Corporation says the lack of a strategy for boosting London’s airport capacity is undermining the capital’s competitive position. “The Government must approach all possible solutions with an open mind… including revisiting the addition of a third runway at Heathrow.” The Corporation says the M

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In brief Fri, 9 Sep 2011 09:30:00 GMT 27951
Breaking down the 124 million extra trips https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27947/breaking-down-the-124-million-extra-trips According to the DfT’s central forecast there’ll be 335 million passengers passing through UK airports in 2030 – 124 million more than today. But the DfT says the figures represent only a relatively small change in the average number of flights taken each year by UK residents. The Department breaks down the figure as follows: connecting trips by foreign travellers at UK hub airports account for 30 million journeys a further 45 million of the passengers are acc

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Regular news Fri, 9 Sep 2011 09:21:00 GMT 27947
DfT looks for signs of market maturing https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27946/dft-looks-for-signs-of-market-maturing One of the crucial questions for air traffic forecasting is predicting when the demand for air travel will reach maturity and level off. The DfT asked a team from the University of Westminster to investigate this question. From an analysis of historic data, they were unable to find clear evidence that any of the UK market segments are reaching maturity. Nonetheless, the team did conclude that the UK short-haul aviation market (including domestic trips) was exhibiting what the DfT describes as

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Regular news Fri, 9 Sep 2011 09:13:00 GMT 27946
Models fail to explain slump in demand https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27945/models-fail-to-explain-slump-in-demand The DfT’s modelling tools fail to predict all the recent slump in UK aviation demand following the 2008 financial crisis, the Department admits. “Even when outturn data for all the key drivers of demand are input into the model, the forecasts of UK air passenger numbers for 2009 and 2010 exceed observed passenger numbers,” it says. “This forecasting error indicates that UK passenger numbers have been significantly affected in the past two years by a factor (or factors)

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Regular news Fri, 9 Sep 2011 09:12:00 GMT 27945
New air passenger forecasts to shape surface access debates https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27944/new-air-passenger-forecasts-to-shape-surface-access-debates The phenomenal growth in demand for air travel over the last three decades has driven investment in new airport capacity as well as better surface access to airports, whether it be new rail lines, stations, or road access. But the economic turmoil of the last three-four years has severely dented confidence in the aviation sector, with passenger numbers through UK airports having fallen for three successive years. The DfT’s revised forecasts for air passenger demand published a fortnight

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Regular news Fri, 9 Sep 2011 09:02:00 GMT 27944
Video-conferencing wont cut aviation CO2 https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27929/video-conferencing-won-t-cut-aviation-co2- Greater use of video-conferencing is unlikely to have any impact on cutting carbon dioxide emissions from aviation, according to DfT modelling. Researchers appointed by the DfT to investigate ways to cut aviation emissions assumed that the promotion of video-conferencing could cut aviation business travel by 2% by 2050. But the DfT says modelling suggests this would not cut emissions overall. “The reason for this is that, as airports fill up, reductions in (generally shorter) business t

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Regular news Fri, 9 Sep 2011 08:47:00 GMT 27929
Plans for Heathrow rail hub gather pace https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27927/plans-for-heathrow-rail-hub-gather-pace Plans to turn Heathrow Airport into a major rail hub were boosted this week by news that the Government is examining a connection from the west, offering direct rail access from places such as Reading, Bristol, Oxford and South Wales. A Network Rail spokesman told LTT: “We are working in partnership with the DfT and BAA on a high-level study of options for improved connections from the west to London Heathrow airport from the Great Western Main Line. Network Rail is very supportive of a

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Secondary stories Fri, 9 Sep 2011 08:44:00 GMT 27927
Rethink Heathrow HS2 link https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27757/-rethink-heathrow-hs2-link- The consultant most closely involved in the Government’s high-speed rail plans has urged ministers to review the plans for linking Heathrow Airport into the high-speed rail network. Ministers want to connect Heathrow into the high-speed rail network by building a spur line as part of phase 2 of the network development. But responding to the DfT’s high-speed rail consultation, Atkins says the Heathrow link “needs further consideration to ensure the most beneficial overall so

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Regular news Fri, 26 Aug 2011 09:35:00 GMT 27757
Council accepts closure of airport as demand nosedives https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27756/council-accepts-closure-of-airport-as-demand-nosedives Plymouth City Council has accepted plans to close the city’s airport, after consultants concluded there was no likelihood of operations becoming commercially viable. The owner of Plymouth City Airport, Sutton Harbour Holdings Ltd, issued a non-viability notice last December, giving 12 months’ notice of closure. The city council consequently commissioned consultants Berkeley Hanover Consulting (assisted by Mott MacDonald), Grant Thornton and Oriens Advisers to look into various as

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Regular news Fri, 26 Aug 2011 09:34:00 GMT 27756
Scrap Old Oak HS2 interchange and serve Stratford instead DfT urged https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27754/scrap-old-oak-hs2-interchange-and-serve-stratford-instead-dft-urged Plans for a high-speed rail station at Old Oak Common in West London should be scrapped, with services running to Stratford instead, according to the organisation that helped put high-speed rail on the political map. Greengauge 21 says the proposed Old Oak interchange, envisaged to have as many as 15 platforms, will be hugely expensive and serves little purpose. Its original rationale was to provide an interchange between the London-West Midlands high-speed line (HS2) and trains to  Heathr

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Regular news Fri, 26 Aug 2011 09:32:00 GMT 27754
Air traffic forecasts revised https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27720/air-traffic-forecasts-revised The DfT this week dramatically revised downwards its air passenger forecasts for the UK. The new forecasts suggest the number of passengers will rise from 211 million in 2010 to 335 million in 2030 (within a range 300–380mppa) and 470mppa in 2050 (within a range 380-515mppa). Forecasts published in 2009 predicted that demand by 2030 would reach 455mppa. The new forecasts are based on the assumption that there will be no new runways built in the UK. Meanwhile, lobby group Friends of t

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Secondary stories Fri, 26 Aug 2011 08:48:00 GMT 27720
Clever thinking is driving us forward https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27708/clever-thinking-is-driving-us-forward

New Transit strives to feature the cutting edge of passenger transport provision, both in thinking, design and operations. This summer has seen two major projects come to fruition in the UK, representing what could be important steps forward. We are pleased to feature both in this issue, alongside a major overview of some of the other developments that are re-shaping the quality, cost-effectiveness and sustainability of passenger transport services. The opening of the Cambridgeshire guided bus

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Editorial Comment Mon, 22 Aug 2011 14:25:00 GMT 27708
Thames Hub study to draw up detailed multi-modal plan https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27694/thames-hub-study-to-draw-up-detailed-multi-modal-plan

Architects Foster & Partners and infrastructure consultants Halcrow are collaborating on a £100,000 self-funded study to produce a detailed multi-modal transport vision for The Thames Hub. This will bring together rail freight connections between the UK’s main sea ports. The proposals include plans to replace Heathrow Airport with a four-runway airport in the Thames Estuary. A tidal energy barrage and a new flood protection for the capital will also feature in the study. The lo

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Projects Lead Story Mon, 22 Aug 2011 13:40:00 GMT 27694
Other PRT schemes around the world https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27667/other-prt-schemes-around-the-world Alongside ULTra, the heathrow scheme supplier, Swedish company Vectus, a subsidiary of Korean steel giant POSCO, is the third main player in the PRT market and is currently building the first network in the Asia Pacific region in Suncheon, South Korea. Due to open for commercial service in time for the 2013 International Garden Expo, being held in the country for the first time, the 5km-long elevated link will serve the Coastal Wetlands Park on Suncheon Bay. The Park manages a controlled rice-f

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Feature Detail Mon, 22 Aug 2011 11:56:00 GMT 27667
People movers seek new roles beyond the airport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27666/people-movers-seek-new-roles-beyond-the-airport

Despite the prevailing economic conditions, Daventry, in Northamptonshire in England, is  still hoping to find funding to become the first local authority in Europe to implement an urban-scale automated group rapid transit (GRT) public transport service. The £20 million scheme would see ‘turn-up-and go’ driverless electric minibuses running on specially segregated paths around the town centre. In an application that could be replicated in hundreds of towns around the worl

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Feature Detail Mon, 22 Aug 2011 11:21:00 GMT 27666
Middle East- first for new style people movers https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27664/middle-east--first-for-new-style-people-movers

In what was at one time a close race to deliver a world showpiece new generation Personal Rapid Transit System, Heathrow airport in London lost out by a matter of months to Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, where a public system developed by Dutch company 2getthere opened last autumn. It forms the transport core of the first phase of this US$22bn eco-metropolis, designed by UK architects Foster Associates to be the world’s first carbon-neutral city, with no fossil fuel-powered vehicles allowed in.

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Feature Mon, 22 Aug 2011 11:16:00 GMT 27664
Driverless transit comes of age - A thirty year journey gathers speed https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27663/driverless-transit-comes-of-age--a-thirty-year-journey-gathers-speed

The first true public transport, and well before the buses, came the railways- short stretches of steam powered ‘iron horses’. They quickly changed the nature of communications, and the shape of cities, introducing ‘commuting’ and the separation of where people lived and worked. In the late 19th century, electric motors started to do the work in urban areas, where steam and soot were less welcome than in the countryside or around industrial areas. Eventually stretches of

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Cover Story Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:17:00 GMT 27663
European rail liberalisation offers a platform for competition - and growth https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27646/european-rail-liberalisation-offers-a-platform-for-competition--and-growth It is common to see Eurostar’s capture of 80% of the air/rail market between London and Paris/Brussels as a major vindication of the success of high speed rail. However, when looking at the broader market, it is clear that the investment in the Channel Tunnel and the high speed lines in the UK and Continental Europe is only scratching the surface of the potential market on offer. In evidence to a House of Lords inquiry on the European rail market, Eurostar chief executive Nicolas Petrovic

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Business Mon, 22 Aug 2011 09:31:00 GMT 27646
New PRT and BRT systems provide insights into the future of transport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27617/new-prt-and-brt-systems-provide-insights-into-the-future-of-transport The opening of the Cambridgeshire guided busway early this month may have been severely delayed. But that should not obscure the quality of the bus rapid transit (BRT) system that is now in operation. Ride quality is reported to be superb, enhanced by the design of concrete mouldings used for the track bed; and the selective vehicle recognition system which provides buses with priority at traffic lights has substantially eliminated the possibility of buses getting caught in congestion at many r

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Comment Fri, 12 Aug 2011 09:52:00 GMT 27617
Cross-Forth freight switches to water https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27601/cross-forth-freight-switches-to-water A one-year trial to switch cross-Forth freight from road to water is expected to be launched next month. A ship will transfer containers between Methil in Fife and Grangemouth in Falkirk. The South East Scotland transport partnership (SEStran) and Forth Ports are the Scottish partners in the EU LO-PINOD (‘Logistics Optimisation for Ports Intermodality: Network, Opportunities, Development’) Interreg project.

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In brief Fri, 12 Aug 2011 09:13:00 GMT 27601
Johnson welcomes Isle of Grain mega-airport plan https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27587/johnson-welcomes-isle-of-grain-mega-airport-plan A plan to build the world’s largest airport on the Isle of Grain in Medway, on the Thames estuary, will be unveiled next month by architect Foster and Partners and engineering consultant Halcrow. The firms have been collaborating on a £100,000 self-funded study for what is dubbed the Thames Hub: a 150 million passenger airport with four runways, together with a tidal energy barrage, a new flood protection barrier, and rail freight facilities. Lord Foster, founder and chairman of Fo

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Regular news Fri, 12 Aug 2011 08:56:00 GMT 27587
Mayor questions Heathrow and HS2-HS1 links https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27582/mayor-questions-heathrow-and-hs2-hs1-links The merits of a high-speed rail spur serving Heathrow Airport cannot be considered in the absence of a wider aviation strategy, London mayor Boris Johnson has told ministers. “At present the Government has no clear strategy for providing additional aviation capacity serving London and the South East,” he says. “An aviation strategy has to address this. “If this review concludes that additional aviation capacity is needed in a different location to Heathrow then the nee

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Regular news Fri, 12 Aug 2011 08:45:00 GMT 27582
BAA set to sell two airports https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27530/baa-set-to-sell-two-airports Edinburgh Airport may be sold by BAA following a ruling by the Competition Commission. The airport operator has been under pressure to reduce its share of the UK airport sector. It sold Gatwick Airport in 2010, but had challenged the commission’s decision that it should divest itself of two other airports. The commission’s decision was upheld in the Supreme Court and last month BAA was reminded that it would have to sell Stansted and either Edinburgh or Glasgow.

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Airports Wed, 3 Aug 2011 12:06:00 GMT 27530
Giving Heathrow travellers real-time information https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27529/giving-heathrow-travellers-real-time-information

Passengers at Heathrow will benefit from a £500,000 investment to modernise and improve the bus service between all of the London airport’s five terminals and its long-stay and business car parks. Heathrow has a total of 24,000 parking spaces, which have been managed for airport owner BAA by APCOA Parking (UK) since 2009. The parking spaces are broken down into various types. Short-stay bays are provided in multi-storeys adjacent to terminals while longer stay parking for business

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Airports Wed, 3 Aug 2011 12:05:00 GMT 27529
From Spitfires to Airbuses and car park shuttle buses https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27528/from-spitfires-to-airbuses-and-car-park-shuttle-buses

Edinburgh Airport is upgrading and integrating its parking management systems as part of a long-term project to cement its position as Scotland’s busiest terminal. The airport is the former Turnhouse Aerodrome, an RAF Spitfire base during World War 2 and jet fighter base in the 1950s. Turnhouse became a civil airport in the 1960s and has been run by BAA since 1971. Edinburgh is now a busy European hub, handling 9 million passengers travelling on airlines such as British Airways, Aer Lingus

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Cover Story Wed, 3 Aug 2011 12:02:00 GMT 27528
BPA to lobby party conferences https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27474/bpa-to-lobby-party-conferences

The British Parking Association (BPA) will be lobbying politicians at the Conservative, LibDem and Labour conferences in the autumn. At each conference the BPA will be staging a panel discussion entitled “Ending the War on the Motorist: whose war is it anyway?” The BPA will be attending the conferences as part of the Transport Hub, which is a group of organisations including the Freight Transport Association, Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport and the Association of Br

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Parking Policy Wed, 3 Aug 2011 09:34:00 GMT 27474
CC confirms BAA divestment ruling https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27445/cc-confirms-baa-divestment-ruling The Competition Commission has confirmed its ruling that BAA must sell Stansted Airport and either Glasgow or Edinburgh airport. The sale process must start within three months. BAA, which had taken protracted legal action against the original ruling, accused the Commission of failing to take account of the airports’ place in the broader European market and recent service quality improvements.

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News Fri, 29 Jul 2011 10:19:00 GMT 27445
The sub-regional transport model five models in one https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27368/the-sub-regional-transport-model-five-models-in-one

The sub-regional transport model (SRTM) actually comprises five models (see diagram).  The highways model was developed by Hyder using the SATURN (Simulation and Assignment of Traffic to Urban Road Networks) software, originally developed by the Institute for Transport Studies at the University of Leeds. The model splits the study area into about 800 zones, of which about 600 cover the core area. Ian Burden, MVA’s project manager for the SRTM, explains that within the core area the

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Sub story to regular feature Fri, 15 Jul 2011 10:54:00 GMT 27368
Dorset studies waterborne service https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27343/dorset-studies-waterborne-service A European funding bid could lead to a trial water-based passenger service along the Dorset and/or Devon coast. Dorset and Devon county councils recently received the final report of a feasibility study into three routes by consultants Fisher Associates/BMT Nigel Gee: East Devon (Sidmouth to Lyme Regis); Portland and Weymouth; and Poole Bay (Swanage/Studland with Poole/Bournemouth). One route could be piloted if a Euro4.3m bid led by Merseytravel to the European Commission’s Interreg IVB f

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In brief Fri, 15 Jul 2011 09:57:00 GMT 27343
Re-route HS2 into M1 corridor https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27321/-re-route-hs2-into-m1-corridor- Rail campaigners are urging the Government to switch the preferred route for the London-West Midlands high-speed rail route from the Chilterns to the M1 corridor. Pressure group Railfuture said this week that the Government’s controversial preferred alignment had been chosen on the basis of providing a route passing close to Heathrow Airport without serving the airport directly. “It is clear that once such a westerly exit from London is selected, with Old Oak Common deemed as an

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Regular news Fri, 15 Jul 2011 08:59:00 GMT 27321
Scrap Heathrow spur consultant https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27320/scrap-heathrow-spur--consultant The Government could cut billions of pounds from its high-speed rail plans by changing the way London Euston and Heathrow Airport are served, according to a consultant. Crowd Dynamics International suggests that the cost of remodelling Euston station could be slashed if all trains split/joined at the proposed Old Oak Common station in West London, with just 12 carriages serving Euston and the remaining six terminating at Old Oak, continuing to Heathrow, or to the continent. The construction o

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Regular news Fri, 15 Jul 2011 08:58:00 GMT 27320
Construction work begins on TfLs 50m cross-Thames cable car https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27312/construction-work-begins-on-tfl-s-50m-cross-thames-cable-car Construction work has begun on stations for the 1km cable car that will span the River Thames in East London, linking the Royal Victoria Dock, north of the Thames, with the Greenwich Peninsula on the south side. Transport for London is providing the upfront funding of £50.5m for the project and aims to recoup the costs from fare revenue, advertising and the appointment of a commercial partner who will secure their name on the system, just like Barclays sponsors the capital’s cycle hi

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In brief Fri, 15 Jul 2011 08:45:00 GMT 27312
Heathrows car park bus service offers real-time information https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27270/heathrow-s-car-park-bus-service-offers-real-time-information Heathrow passengers using bus services between terminals and long-stay and business car parks are to receive real-time travel information. As part of a £500,000 modernisation, LED screens have been installed at all 30 bus stops giving passengers live updates on when the next bus will arrive. Also, the LED screens on the front of the 31 buses covering the routes will now update automatically. Previously drivers had to manually alter the information. New flat screens have been installed ins

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Products & Services Thu, 7 Jul 2011 10:30:00 GMT 27270
Service quality and price are all up in the air https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27257/service-quality-and-price-are-all-up-in-the-air

In my last piece, I mused on the way in which governmental approaches to regulation of passenger transport can have some unintended consequences; specifically, the difficulty in providing incentives for transport operators to innovate and even – in the name of competition management –how ‘steering’ an open market hobbles their ability to drive efficiency. It was rather apposite that since I wrote about that subject, the UK Competition Commission Report on the UK bus marke

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Viewpoint Thu, 7 Jul 2011 08:49:00 GMT 27257
C-charge call for London airports https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27216/c-charge-call-for-london-airports A coalition of regional airports has called on the Government to scrap air passenger duty and replace it with a charge on plane tickets from the congested airports in the South East. The regional airport owners want the Government to impose a congestion charge on airports that are operating at more than 75% capacity, a criteria that would include Heathrow and Gatwick. “If passengers and airlines want to fly out of airports which are congested then they should pay a premium for doing so, ju

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In brief Fri, 1 Jul 2011 10:20:00 GMT 27216
Masterplan published for North West ports https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27213/masterplan-published-for-north-west-ports Plans to expand port facilities in Liverpool and Manchester have been published for consultation. The masterplan has been prepared by Peel Ports, owner of Liverpool Port and the Manchester Ship Canal, which are now collectively marketed as Mersey Ports. In 2008 Liverpool Port handled 32.2 million tonnes of goods and the ship canal handled 7.4 million tonnes. Peel is planning a new container terminal at Seaforth to accommodate larger vessels. It also envisages creating a number of multi-modal p

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Regular news Fri, 1 Jul 2011 10:18:00 GMT 27213
Doubts about value of Heathrow airport link https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27201/doubts-about-value-of-heathrow-airport-link The DfT is facing criticism for failing to present separate business case appraisals for the proposed Heathrow high-speed rail spur and the link between the London-West Midlands route (HS2) and the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (HS1). The criticism is made in evidence to the House of Commons transport committee from Chris Nash, a research professor at the Institute for Transport Studies, University of Leeds. “An assessment of the incremental costs and benefits of these links should be publishe

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Regular news Fri, 1 Jul 2011 10:01:00 GMT 27201
Free Wi-Fi on Stansted coach service takes off https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27137/free-wi-fi-on-stansted-coach-service-takes-off National Express says that the introduction of free Wi-Fi internet access on its coach services between Stansted Airport and the City of London has proven very popular with passengers. Since the launch of the service of 25 March  49,000 people have used the service and there have been 80,000 sessions, said National Express. The Stansted Airport fleet, which runs 24 hours seven days a week, is fitted with the Icomera Moovbox M200 series cellular broadband gateway. The Moovbox acts as a br

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Technology News Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:24:00 GMT 27137
Traffic Penalty Tribunal publishes an appealing read https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27127/traffic-penalty-tribunal-publishes-an-appealing-read

Over four million penalty charge notices (PCNs) are issued by councils outside London, according to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (TPT). The tribunal’s latest annual report reveals that in 2009/10 the overall number of PCNs rose to 4,245,998, up from 4,035,555 in 2008/09. While the number of PCNs rose, more than half the councils issued fewer tickets. The slight rise in the overall figure was mainly attributed to the entry of 50 new councils. Over the two-year period these 50 new authoritie

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Enforcement Lead Story Wed, 29 Jun 2011 12:49:00 GMT 27127
Makers presents a moving experience https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27097/makers-presents-a-moving-experience

Expansion joints allow movement in a car park structure while bridging gaps in the deck to prevent water leakage. Makers Construction have, for some years been utilising jointing systems from Emseal, said Makers technical director Peter Cowlard. Makers has been named by American joint manufacturer Emseal as their UK preferred installer on many recent projects, including the renewal and upgrading of expansion joints to BAA’s Car Park 4 at Heathrow. “This heavily used car park was und

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Construction Wed, 29 Jun 2011 11:09:00 GMT 27097
Sheppard calls for tribunal for enforcement on private land https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27073/sheppard-calls-for-tribunal-for-enforcement-on-private-land

An independent ombudsman needs to be established to give vehicle owners right of appeal against tickets issued by private car park contractors, says Caroline Sheppard, chief adjudicator at the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (TPT). In her latest annual report, Sheppard says that TPT is increasingly sent requests to make decisions on parking disputes on private land, which falls outside the tribunal’s remit. The TPT hears appeals relating to penalty notices issued by local authorities in England

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News Lead Story Wed, 29 Jun 2011 10:03:00 GMT 27073
Heathrow launches electric car charging https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/27060/heathrow-launches-electric-car-charging

BAA Heathrow has completed the installation of electric charge points at its car parks as part of its collaboration with Transport for London (TfL) through the ‘Source London’ programme. Passengers owning electric cars can charge their vehicles at short-stay car parks serving Terminals 1,3,4 and 5. Each of the terminals is equipped with two charging points supplied by POD Point, enabling it to serve four spaces in each car park. The pods use a 13amp trickle-type connector with the p

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Operational Lead Story Wed, 29 Jun 2011 09:37:00 GMT 27060
Broadband internet for National Express Stansted service https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26870/broadband-internet-for-national-express-stansted-service National Express East Anglia’s fleet of Bombardier 379 fleet trains on its London Stansted Express service now offers onboard broadband internet access. The system from Icomera provides internet access for passengers and gives staff access to staff and onboard systems including CCTV, passenger information and Bombardier’s train management system. National Express’s Class 379 fleet contract manager Mike Watkins said: “The on-board broadband uses Icomera patented SureWANT

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Rail News Thu, 2 Jun 2011 09:09:00 GMT 26870
Bombardier awarded contract to build automated people mover in Saudi Arabia https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26844/bombardier-awarded-contract-to-build-automated-people-mover-in-saudi-arabia Bombardier Transportation is to design, build, operate and maintain its INNOVIA APM 300 automated people mover system for the King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) Development Project in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The contract, with construction company Saudi Binladin Group, is worth $96m (68m euros). The airport is expanding its passenger facilities with an additional passenger terminal building to meet the requirements of rising passenger volumes. The APM will connect passengers with termi

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Products & Services Wed, 1 Jun 2011 16:29:00 GMT 26844
Progress made on new Heathrow T2 Multi-Storey https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26761/progress-made-on-new-heathrow-t2-multi-storey

A 1,340-space multi-storey car park forms a key element of Heathrow’s new Terminal 2. Concrete for the multi-storey car park will be precast at Laing O’Rourke’s Explore Industrial Park in Steetley near Worksop. The new terminal will eventually replace Heathrow Terminal 1 and the old Terminal 2, which closed in 2009. It will be a hub for the Star Alliance group of airlines (which includes British Midland International, Lufthansa and United) and will mean quicker and easier jou

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Construction Wed, 1 Jun 2011 10:16:00 GMT 26761
Plymouth airport faces closure https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26645/plymouth-airport-faces-closure Plymouth airport is set to close after owner Sutton Harbour Group announced its intention to cease operating the business by the end of the year. The airport has been loss-making for several years and Sutton Harbour made its decision after concluding there was no prospect of trade improving in the near future. Less than 100 people/day were using the airport after Air SouthWest axed its service to Gatwick in February. Sutton Harbour said it had worked with the council, which owns the freehold t

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News Fri, 6 May 2011 11:29:00 GMT 26645
Hammond backs Airtrack death https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26632/hammond-backs-airtrack-death- On 21 April transport secretary Philip Hammond used a column in The Surrey Herald to discuss the recently-abandoned Airtrack project (LTT 21 Apr). “People in Egham and across the constituency will be breathing a sigh of relief at the announcement that BAA has abandoned the Airtrack project,” Hammond, who is MP for Runnymede and Weybridge in Surrey, began. “BAA’s decision is the right one… but it is sad that a solution could not be found that would allow a better ra

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Media monitor Fri, 6 May 2011 10:54:00 GMT 26632
Train operators must embrace mobile phone apps https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26630/train-operators-must-embrace-mobile-phone-apps Much has been made about the use of mobile phone apps in the area of ticketing and payments. Whilst smartphone applications do indeed provide a new route to the customer for sales and ticketing purposes, they also offer rail providers a chance to improve customer service. New mobile apps can allow the traveller to search for and receive appropriate information that will enrich their experience and ease the frustration that is generated when the traveller feels ‘out of the loop’. Th

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Letters to the editor Fri, 6 May 2011 10:43:00 GMT 26630
Felixstowe expands rail freight capacity https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26617/felixstowe-expands-rail-freight-capacity The port of Felixstowe’s rail capacity is to be enhanced by the construction of a third rail-based container terminal. The Felixstowe Dock and Railway Company has invited tenders for the design and construction of a new terminal with seven loading lines. The works will be part-funded by the EU.

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In brief Fri, 6 May 2011 10:07:00 GMT 26617
Aviation lobby group folds https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26600/aviation-lobby-group-folds Pro-aviation lobby group Flying Matters has closed, apparently because of internal disagreements  and concern the organisation had little influence.

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In brief Fri, 6 May 2011 09:30:00 GMT 26600
Lib Dems attack air link waste https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26413/lib-dems-attack-air-link-waste- The Welsh Liberal Democrats have attacked Labour and Plaid for “wasting £8m of our money subsidising a north-south air link and failing to invest sufficiently in rail and bus travel”. The Welsh Lib Dems say in their manifesto that they would “rule out subsidies for airports or airlines” and say that that, instead of giving money for an aeroplane to fly from Anglesey to Cardiff, they would focus on improving buses and trains, including by re-regulating bus services.

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In brief Thu, 21 Apr 2011 10:35:00 GMT 26413
Work on cross-Thames cable car to start in summer after contractor appointed https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26398/work-on-cross-thames-cable-car-to-start-in-summer-after-contractor-appointed

Work will start on a cable car transport link across the Thames in east London some time this summer after Transport for London appointed a consortium to build and operate the scheme. The consortium will be led by contractor Mace, which delivered the London Eye project, and also includes URS Scott Wilson, Buro Happold and cable car specialists Dopplemayr. The cable car forms part of the mayor’s plans to increase the number of river crossings in east London, and TfL said it would be a mass

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Regular news Thu, 21 Apr 2011 09:57:00 GMT 26398
Airtrack rail link cancelled by BAA https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26389/airtrack-rail-link-cancelled-by-baa BAA has pulled the plug on its plan for high-speed trains linking Waterloo and Heathrow Airport. The airport owner, withdrawing its Transport and Works Act application, said it was unable to address the concerns of local highway authorities over delays at level crossings the scheme serving Terminal 5, Guildford, Woking and Reading would have caused. Allan Gregory, Heathrow’s surface access director, said: “We’ve listened to the concerns raised by local residents and worked har

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Regular news Thu, 21 Apr 2011 09:38:00 GMT 26389
Free news feeds now available by transport mode https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26360/free-news-feeds-now-available-by-transport-mode

TransportXtra's news feeds provide a great way to keep up-to-date with the latest transport intelligence. In 2010, following consultation with local authorities, consultancies and passenger transport professionals, TransportXtra began providing news feeds separated into 3 distinct subject areas. Transport policy & transportation planning Passenger transport Parking & parking enforcement These in turn were broken down into further sub-categories, enabling

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Technology News Mon, 18 Apr 2011 13:47:00 GMT 26360
In Passing https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26346/in-passing  Thanks to cycling organisation the CTC for highlighting one item in last month’s Budget that escaped our notice: George Osborne is gunning for the vast quantities of bacon butties that cyclists devour on ‘cycle to work’ days. According to the CTC, the Budget has cancelled  the tax relief on meals that employers provide at these events. First Group subsidiary ScotRail tells us that recently retired chief executive Sir Moir Lockhead was “lost for words&rdquo

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Comment extra Fri, 8 Apr 2011 11:36:00 GMT 26346
Lorry tolls and belly tank bans new ways to fund transport? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26333/lorry-tolls-and-belly-tank-bans--new-ways-to-fund-transport- With public funding tight, Growth without Gridlock suggests a range of new funding streams that Kent believes could help deliver new transport infrastructure. Carter says a proportion of the revenues from the Government’s proposed Eurovignette scheme for lorries should be allocated to transport improvements in Kent to reflect the fact that the council area handles so many continental lorry trips. He’d like the system to fund a lorry park between junctions 10 and 11 of the M20 that

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Sub story to regular feature Fri, 8 Apr 2011 10:54:00 GMT 26333
Carter gets down to business to keep Kents transport on the move https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26331/carter-gets-down-to-business-to-keep-kent-s-transport-on-the-move

Local Authorities are sometimes criticised for failing to understand the needs of business but that charge would be hard to level at Kent under Paul Carter’s leadership. Carter, the council’s Conservative leader since October 2005, has spent considerably longer – 33 years – in the construction industry and now runs a number of property, construction and retail businesses in central London. Normally when LTT interviews a councillor it is the cabinet member with  tra

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Interview Fri, 8 Apr 2011 10:45:00 GMT 26331
Consultation starts on airport policy framework https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26286/consultation-starts-on-airport-policy-framework The Government has kicked-off a two-year process to develop a new aviation policy based on no new runways at London’s three major airports. Launching a scoping document for a ‘sustainable framework for UK aviation’, transport secretary Philip Hammond said the Labour Government’s 2003 air transport White Paper was out of date. He said it had “failed to take sufficient account of climate change and the impact of aviation on local communities”. Climate change

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Regular news Fri, 8 Apr 2011 09:47:00 GMT 26286
Rail renaissance for long distance travel https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26274/rail-renaissance-for-long-distance-travel Climate change fears could be encouraging more people to opt for rail rather than air on long-distance intercity corridors, according to new analysis by the Association of Train Operating Companies. ATOC says rail’s share of the London to Manchester market has risen from 61% in 2006 to 79% in 2010. The 2006-2010 changes to rail’s share for other flows include: London-Edinburgh, from 17% to 27%; London-Glasgow 10% to 20%; London-Newcastle 50% to 64%; Birmingham to Edinburgh 10% to 3

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Regular news Fri, 8 Apr 2011 09:37:00 GMT 26274
Pump prices fuel change of driving habits https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26202/pump-prices-fuel-change-of-driving-habits

Could British drivers be falling out of love with their cars? Or, to be more precise, could they be less than enamoured with the increasing cost of filling up their fuel tank? The only groan at the tenth British Parking Awards came when I compared the price of a litre of petrol today (£1.40 and rising) with that in 2002 (a modest 69.9p). The increasing cost of petrol and VAT may prove to be something of a fillip for car-sharing and car clubs. For example, car share scheme operator Liftsh

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Editorial Thu, 7 Apr 2011 10:38:00 GMT 26202
Plans to build 150000 affordable homes by 2015 may not be achievable due to scrapping of RSS say MPs https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/41717/plans-to-build-150-000-affordable-homes-by-2015-may-not-be-achievable-due-to-scrapping-of-rss-say-mps Government promises to build 150,000 new affordable homes over the next four years are under threat because of its decision to abolish regional plans in England, a cross-party committee of MPs has warned. Plans to build 150,000 affordable homes by 2015 may not be achievable, due to changes to England's planning system, says a committee of MPs. It said axing Regional Spacial Strategies', targets for houses and other developments, left a 'vacuum at the heart' of the planning system. The c

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Main Story Thu, 17 Mar 2011 21:49:08 GMT 41717
Engine compares rail journeys and flights https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26044/engine-compares-rail-journeys-and-flights A travel booking engine that compares international rail journeys against short haul flights is being launched by Dolphin Dynamics and SilverRail Technologies. Dolphin’s booking engine will provide live search, pricing scheduling and booking of UK and international rail tickets. The service, initially aimed at travel firms, will  allow journey comparisons from different rail firms on a single screen as well as access to a range of ticket types including discounted fares and fully flex

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Products & Services Tue, 15 Mar 2011 10:51:00 GMT 26044
Are operators really delivering on customer service quality? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26031/are-operators-really-delivering-on-customer-service-quality-

How should a modern consumer industry set its objectives for providing its users with the services they want, retaining business and winning new custom? The passenger transport industry has its own well-established way:  find out what matters most to existing customers, measure performance in delivering it, and get that performance right. This has led to punctuality and reliability taking centre stage, coming through in survey after survey as the most important issue to passengers, and the

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Cover Story Tue, 15 Mar 2011 10:16:00 GMT 26031
New airport road link is central to Doncasters economic growth plans https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/26013/new-airport-road-link-is-central-to-doncaster-s-economic-growth-plans

“This should be the most successful town in the country,” says Peter Davies. “I’ve got a saying that if you had a map of England just showing the transport infrastructure and no towns, this would be the first place you’d build one. Can you think of a better spot to have a town for communications? “You can get from Doncaster to anywhere in England in about three hours maximum, probably Cornwall excepted. We’ve got motorways criss-crossing the town &ndash

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Sub story to feature Mon, 14 Mar 2011 10:53:00 GMT 26013
BAA challenges Stansted sale https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25863/baa-challenges-stansted-sale Airport Operator BAA is continuing its battle against the Competition Commission's decision that it must sell  Stansted and either Glasgow or Edinburgh airport despite last week’s Supreme Court judgement that the company cannot challenge a legal ruling last October backing the commission’s position.  BAA said it would now lobby the Competition Commission on the basis that circumstances have changed since the Commission’s original ruling.

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News Fri, 25 Feb 2011 10:46:00 GMT 25863
Lack of cash prompts councils to sink Cross-Forth hovercraft plan https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25736/lack-of-cash-prompts-councils-to-sink-cross-forth-hovercraft-plan Fife and the City of Edinburgh councils have halted work on a ferry/hovercraft service across the Firth of Forth amid concern the scheme will be unaffordable. Stagecoach trialled a hovercraft service in 2007 and the councils launched a market testing exercise last May to explore private sector interest in a service (LTT 20 Nov 09). Fife’s head of transportation services, Bob McLellan, said the market testing exercise, advertised in the Official Journal of the European Union, attracted only

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Regular news Fri, 11 Feb 2011 11:09:00 GMT 25736
Costain 19m deal to refurbish runway https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25728/costain-19m-deal-to-refurbish-runway Costain has been awarded an £18.6m contract by local authority-owned Manchester Airport Group to refurbish Manchester airport’s main runway.  During the Runway 1 Project, which will continue through to September 2011, it is intended that the airport will remain operational 24 hours a day through making greater use of the second runway. The contract was awarded under an existing framework agreement.

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News Fri, 11 Feb 2011 10:54:00 GMT 25728
Port transport needs scrutinised https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25718/port-transport-needs-scrutinised Consultants have been appointed to predict future passenger and freight flows through all major ports on both sides of the English Channel, stretching from Medway to Falmouth in the UK and Dunkerque to Brest in France. Colin Buchanan will also consider what land-side transport infrastructure is needed to accommodate the flows. The study is for the CAMIS (Channel Arc Manche Integrated Strategy) project partners.

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In brief Fri, 11 Feb 2011 10:40:00 GMT 25718
Cable car plans approved https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25715/cable-car-plans-approved Plans for a cable car across the River Thames in East London have been granted planning permission by the London boroughs of Newham and Greenwich. The cable car would connect Greenwich with the Royal Docks, giving improved access to the O2 arena and the ExCel exhibition centre. The project, being promoted by Transport for London, has an estimated cost of £40m. Friends of the Earth has voiced concern that the cable car would pass through the enlarged public safety zone at London City Airpor

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In brief Fri, 11 Feb 2011 10:38:00 GMT 25715
HS2 will fuel demand for ever more transport spending warns critic https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25677/hs2-will-fuel-demand-for-ever-more-transport-spending-warns-critic High-speed rail will become a “trap for the taxpayer”, driving huge demands for more spending on complementary transport infrastructure, a critic of the proposals has warned. The remarks are made in a new report by former rail manager Chris Stokes and published by right-leaning pressure group the Taxpayers’ Alliance. The Alliance wants the Coalition Government to scrap the plans for a high-speed network from London to Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds, describing the scheme as

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Regular news Fri, 11 Feb 2011 09:12:00 GMT 25677
28 Theresa Villiers https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25637/28-theresa-villiers

Why is she on the list? The Chipping Barnet MP Villiers is the transport minister responsible for rail, London (including Crossrail) and aviation. What kind of year has she had? Mixed. Villiers will have been delighted to become a minister but the moment must have been tinged with disappointment at missing out on the top job at the Department for Transport. Villiers served as shadow secretary of state for transport for almost three years prior to last year’s election, but it was Philip

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Articles Thu, 3 Feb 2011 16:59:00 GMT 25637
Dear Cat Anonomous musings from within the DfT https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25595/dear-cat-anonomous-musings-from-within-the-dft

So, my time at the Department for Transport has come to an end. Having joined as a director general in 2002 it was clearly time for me to move on - although whether moving back to Works and Pensions is really “moving on” is a moot point I guess! Still, I’ve had a pretty good time at transport even if my achievements may not be quite as dramatic as I might wish. After all, it takes so long to get things done, and because transport affects everybody’s daily lives and every

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Politics Thu, 3 Feb 2011 16:03:00 GMT 25595
Ground-breaking apps help public transport to reach out to customers https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25577/ground-breaking-apps-help-public-transport-to-reach-out-to-customers

Retailers are finding new ways to harness the potential offered by smartphones to reach out to new and potential customers. ‘Apps’ have been developed that enable users to view and purchase goods and services on their smartphone, and these apps are becoming ever more sophisticated. Tesco, for example, has added a barcode reader to its groceries iPhone app that can add items to a customer’s online home delivery order. Retailers in the passenger transport sector are getting in o

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Future Thu, 3 Feb 2011 15:37:00 GMT 25577
Customer service means being willing and able to hear their needs https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25554/customer-service-means-being-willing-and-able-to-hear-their-needs

Killing my time hanging around at airports, or on the low cost airlines’ planes, I play a little fantasy management game. What would happen if we swapped Souter with Stelios; Ludeman with O’Leary; and by a little extension, David Martin at Arriva for Tim Martin at Wetherspoons – the chief of the High Street pub chain that is something of a parallel to the budget air transport providers. The product development is remarkable at all these highly-focussed customer businesses, who

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Viewpoint Thu, 3 Feb 2011 14:24:00 GMT 25554
Johnson flies the flag for increasing South Easts airport capacity https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25489/johnson-flies-the-flag-for-increasing-south-east-s-airport-capacity

Boris Johnson has stepped up his efforts to overturn the Government’s opposition to airport expansion in the South East by releasing a report making the case for a new hub airport serving London. The report is timed to influence the DfT’s scoping document for a new aviation policy framework, due to be published in March. Ministers have so far refused to budge on their opposition to new runway capacity in the South East, which was exemplified by their decision to reverse the previous

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News extra Fri, 28 Jan 2011 11:47:00 GMT 25489
High Court rejects aviation challenge https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25461/high-court-rejects-aviation-challenge The High Court has rejected a challenge brought by environmental campaigners and local residents against the London Borough of Newham’s decision to expand London City Airport. A major part of the case brought by Friends of the Earth and residents group Fight the Flights was that Newham’s granting of planning permission in summer 2009 for an increase in flights from 73,000 to 120,000 a year ran counter to the statement of January 2009 by transport secretary Geoff Hoon that the Governm

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In brief Fri, 28 Jan 2011 11:05:00 GMT 25461
Fewer PCNs issued on-street but off-street fines rise https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25419/fewer-pcns-issued-on-street-but-off-street-fines-rise The number of on-street penalty charge notices (PCNs) issued in England in 2009/10 was 7.14m compared to 7.42m the previous year — a fall of 4%. Meanwhile, off-street PCNs rose by 8%, 1.8m in 2009/10, up from 1.67m the previous year. New figures, released last week by the Department for Transport, showed that some 78% of on-street PCNs were paid — with 17% at the full rate and 61% at the discount rate. Meanwhile, 67% of off-street PCNs were paid — with 12% paid at the full

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Enforcement News Lead Story Tue, 25 Jan 2011 08:54:00 GMT 25419
Heres how high-speed rail could cut North-South divide https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25368/here-s-how-high-speed-rail-could-cut-north-south-divide-- The suggestion by Joe Rukin that improving transport links may create a disbenefit for the weaker economy and a benefit for the stronger economy is not borne out by the study of the London – Birmingham HS2 proposals by consultant Steer Davies Gleave. This concluded that the benefits to London and to the West Midlands were equal from building the first stage of HS2. Your editorial suggests that “the ability to reduce regional economic disparities seems at best unprovable”. This

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Letters to the editor Fri, 14 Jan 2011 10:54:00 GMT 25368
Begg Non-Exec of BAA https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25363/begg-non-exec-of-baa David Begg has been appointed a non-executive director of airport operator BAA. Begg, the publisher of Transport Times, is leading BAA’s inquiry into last month’s disruption at Heathrow Airport caused by heavy snow.

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People/people Fri, 14 Jan 2011 10:37:00 GMT 25363
Kent seeks funds for airport parkway https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25321/kent-seeks-funds-for-airport-parkway Kent County Council is bidding to the Government’s new £1.4bn three-year Regional Growth Fund for part-funding of a proposed parkway rail station beside Manston Airport near Ramsgate. The council is also bidding to the fund for pump-priming cash to support a new air service (by an unspecified airline) between the airport and an unspecified Northern European hub airport. Consultant Steer Davies Gleave is assisting on preparing the circa £10m bid, which is co-sponsored by Infratr

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In brief Fri, 14 Jan 2011 09:43:00 GMT 25321
Stricken air travellers turn to East Coast trains https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25601/stricken-air-travellers-turn-to-east-coast-trains Delays to flights saw intercity train operator East Coast carry a third more passengers during the first bout of snow. Between November 28 and December 2, East Coast carried 34% more passengers from Scotland to London than in the same five days of the previous year. Despite the sub-zero temperatures, East Coast ran around two thirds of its usual number of trains on an amended timetable.

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In brief Sun, 2 Jan 2011 16:14:00 GMT 25601
Times critical of airport competence https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25232/times-critical-of-airport-competence “Snow happens,” The Times editorialised on 20 December. “But Britain’s airports have shown incompetence and a lack of preparation for this long-heralded freeze and have failed to keep passengers informed. “Confronted by motorists unable to travel on blocked roads or pedestrians slipping on icy pavements, local councils insist they have done as much as they can within their tight budgets,” the paper added. “If Britain wants the same response to harsher w

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Media monitor Tue, 21 Dec 2010 12:37:00 GMT 25232
Hammond revises high-speed line and kicks airport link into phase two https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25198/hammond-revises-high-speed-line-and-kicks-airport-link-into-phase-two

Transport Secretary Philip Hammond this week attempted to dilute opposition to the proposed London-West Midlands high-speed rail line (HS2) by announcing changes to the design of the route. He also announced details of how and when Heathrow Airport could be served by high-speed rail and outlined how HS2 would connect into High Speed 1 and the Channel Tunnel. But the secretary of state disappointed politicians in Scotland by failing to commit to building a line north of the border – even i

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Regular news Tue, 21 Dec 2010 11:21:00 GMT 25198
Welsh Assembley Government confirms new contract for air service https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/25079/welsh-assembley-government-confirms-new-contract-for-air-service

The Welsh Assembly Government has confirmed that it has signed a new four-year contract with Isle of Man-based Manx2 and partner carrier FLM Aviation to provide the north-south air service in Wales. The two firms currently provide the service between Cardiff and Anglesey on a temporary basis with two flights a day in each direction from Monday to Friday. Manx2 and FLM Aviation were appointed on an interim basis in May this year following the demise of the previous airline Highland Airways. An

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In brief Mon, 6 Dec 2010 10:59:00 GMT 25079
Mayor and PM clash on airports https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24875/mayor-and-pm-clash-on-airports London Mayor Boris Johnson put himself on a collision course with the Government this week by insisting that London needed a new hub airport. Johnson is to press the DfT to consider options for a new airport in the work to develop a new aviation policy framework for publication in 2013. The Government’s policy is that there should be no major increase to airport capacity in the South East. Daniel Moylan, the deputy chair of Transport for London, this week said a new hub airport to serve

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Secondary stories Fri, 26 Nov 2010 09:26:00 GMT 24875
The ticketing and information revolution The future is arriving https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24837/the-ticketing-and-information-revolution-the-future-is-arriving

Over the past month there have been signs that the long-awaited revolution in public transport ticketing and payment systems is about to take off. New smart ticketing schemes have been launched in Merseyside, Cardiff and Oxford. Meanwhile, In the South West, a new not for profit company has been formed by local authorities and the bus industry to deliver smart ticketing throughout the region. ITSO, the body responsible for smart ticketing standards, predicts further announcements will follow r

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Feature Mon, 15 Nov 2010 14:32:00 GMT 24837
TfL submits cable car planning application https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24766/tfl-submits-cable-car-planning-application

Transport for London has submitted a planning application for its proposed cross-Thames cable car between North Greenwich and Docklands in East London.  The application has been submitted to the London boroughs of Newham and Greenwich and the London Gateway Development Corporation. It proposes: The erection of a cable car for a length of 1.1km over the River Thames from the North Woolwich peninsula to the Royal Victoria Dock at a minimum clearance of 54.1 metre above mean high wate

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Regular news Fri, 12 Nov 2010 09:55:00 GMT 24766
Airport expansion impacts probed https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24597/airport-expansion-impacts-probed Airport capacity expansion can have impacts on UK international business activity that are not captured in current transport appraisal, according to a study for the DfT. Consultant Nera undertook case studies of London Heathrow, London City and Manchester Airports. It recommends further research.

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In brief Fri, 29 Oct 2010 10:07:00 GMT 24597
Record September for Heathrow https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24486/record-september-for-heathrow Heathrow Airport recorded its busiest September ever last month, boosted by recovery in international economies that created increased demand for long haul flights. The growth was supported by the reinstatement of flights previously removed from schedules and consolidated due to the recession. During September 6.2 million people flew from Heathrow, an increase of 7.6% over 2009. It represented the largest year-on-year monthly increase since July 2004. However, Heathrow and Edinburgh remain the

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News Fri, 15 Oct 2010 10:47:00 GMT 24486
Conservative answers to hostile questions on HSR https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24477/conservative-answers-to-hostile-questions-on-hsr Below are some of the pre-prepared answers that Conservative Party press officers used for fielding “hostile questions” about high-speed rail from journalists during the party conference in Birmingham. Q. Cabinet ministers and Tories are complaining about the route through the Chilterns. Aren’t you worried about resignations over this? A. We know there are strong feelings about our plans. That’s why Philip Hammond has visited the line of route to hear the concerns of

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Regular news Fri, 15 Oct 2010 10:31:00 GMT 24477
Dont accept BAAs Airtrack bribe angry Hammond tells Surrey https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24463/don-t-accept-baa-s-airtrack-bribe--angry-hammond-tells-surrey

Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has urged Surrey County Council not to remove its objections to BAA’s Airtrack rail plan unless an acceptable solution can be found to level crossing traffic congestion in his constituency. Hammond, the MP for Runneymede and Weybridge, launched an extraordinary outburst against Conservative-controlled Surrey after councillors indicated that they may be prepared to withdraw objections to the Airtrack plans in return for an £11.4m package of road im

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Regular news Fri, 15 Oct 2010 10:15:00 GMT 24463
Scots Government cuts air and rail bills https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24451/scots-government-cuts-air-and-rail-bills The Scottish Government has cut expenditure on air and rail travel for staff by over £500,000 in the last year, cabinet secretary for finance and sustainable growth John Swinney said this week. Expenditure on air travel fell 18% from £2.1m to £1.75m and spending on rail travel fell 13.5% from £1.4m to £1.2m.  

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In brief Fri, 15 Oct 2010 10:06:00 GMT 24451
Put road charging at heart of new road policy says ten-year plan chief https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24448/put-road-charging-at-heart-of-new-road-policy-says-ten-year-plan-chief

The Government should grasp the nettle and put road pricing at the heart of a new roads policy, a former senior DfT civil servant said this week. Willy Rickett says there is not enough discussion about future  roads policy. “The vast majority of travel, including a lot of our public transport, takes place on the roads, so [transport] policy will have to say as much about this as about runways and high-speed rail,” he says in a paper commissioned by the RAC Foundation. Rickett

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Regular news Fri, 15 Oct 2010 10:02:00 GMT 24448
Abolition of M4 bus lane applauded by left and right-wing papers https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24437/abolition-of-m4-bus-lane-applauded-by-left-and-right-wing-papers The news that the Government is to remove the dedicated bus lane on the M4 motorway west of London was greeted with unrestrained enthusiasm by the media. “Created by John Prescott, then Deputy Prime Minister, in 1999, the 3.5 mile stretch of motorway runs through west London and was intended to speed up bus journeys from Heathrow [Airport] into the heart of the capital,” The Daily Telegraph said. “Apart from taxis [however], the lane was hardly ever used, with buses few and far

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Media monitor Fri, 15 Oct 2010 09:48:00 GMT 24437
Designa unveils airport drop-off payment system https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24326/designa-unveils-airport--off-payment-system

Designa has developed a system that enables airports to charge motorists for dropping off passengers outside terminals. The Designa Drop-Off system can accept both cash and card payments. At the entry to the drop-off area there is a barrier, an automatic number plate recognition camera and vehicle detection loops. The exits have a barrier, pay machine and another set of loops. The payment machine accepts chip &?PIN cards or cash thrown into a toll-booth style basket. Upon receipt of the cor

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Payment systems Mon, 4 Oct 2010 16:01:00 GMT 24326
Car club takes-off at airport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24245/car-club-takes-off-at-airport Edinburgh Airport has become the first in the country to offer pay-as-you-go car club vehicles. Streetcar is to locate vehicles at the airport.

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In brief Fri, 1 Oct 2010 10:04:00 GMT 24245
Much stronger synergies between planning and building control needed in the move to low carbon sustainable development https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/41819/much-stronger-synergies-between-planning-and-building-control-needed-in-the-move-to-low-carbon-sustainable-development A 'thinkpiece' has been produced by the National Planning Forum with the aim of establishing a 'task and finish' group to consider synergies and recommend action to reduce overlap between planning and building control. The current situation, suggests the report Improving the Connection, does not always reflect these ambitions. 'It is the view of those bodies that have contributed to this paper that on occasions there is a lack of clarity the respective roles of planning and building control a

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Main Story Tue, 21 Sep 2010 17:27:31 GMT 41819
Gatwick 40m design frameworks https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24167/gatwick-40m-design-frameworks Gatwick Airport has announced two design framework agreements for architectural and civil engineering services worth up to £40m in total. Companies on the civil engineering framework are Arup, Halcrow, Jacobs, Scott Wilson and TPS. Companies on the architectural framework are Atkins, HOK, Jacobs, Morgan Sindall and Pascall and Watson. Major design projects covered by the frameworks are expected to include the North Terminal security improvements and runway resurfacing.

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News Fri, 17 Sep 2010 09:57:00 GMT 24167
Lower Thames crossing proposed https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24155/lower-thames-crossing-proposed A new Lower Thames road crossing linking Kent and Essex will be one of the key priorities of the proposed Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) covering the two counties. Kent and Essex County Council say the Kent and Greater Essex LEP would cover 3.4 million people, making it the biggest LEP area in the country. It would cover five transport authorities: Kent, Essex, Southend, Thurrock and Medway.Transport investment features prominently in the submission to ministers. The partners emphasise the n

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In brief Fri, 17 Sep 2010 09:41:00 GMT 24155
Hammond concedes behaviour change needed to meet carbon target https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24147/hammond-concedes-behaviour-change-needed-to-meet-carbon-target Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has admitted that technology alone will not be sufficient to deliver a ‘sustainable’ transport system. “Behaviour change will also be necessary,” he told a ‘Sustainability Summit’ sponsored by computer manufacturer IBM last week. “In the short-term because technological change alone will not get us where we need to be fast enough on the urgent agenda of greenhouse gas reduction, but in the longer-term because other elem

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Regular news Fri, 17 Sep 2010 09:27:00 GMT 24147
Blue confrontation https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24133/blue-confrontation We’ve all had trying days at the office so spare a thought for Steven Slater, a flight attendant at US airline JetBlue. After a flight from Pittsburgh, Slater asked a passenger to sit down after she began taking her luggage from the overhead locker while the plane was still taxiing. In reply the passenger used a rather graphic verb suggesting where Slater might like to go. Clearly riled, Slater immediately announced his resignation over the PA system, grabbed his bag, a can of beer from t

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End of the line Fri, 3 Sep 2010 15:53:00 GMT 24133
Time is right for e and mobile ticketing https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24109/time-is-right-for-e-and-mobile-ticketing

Rail travel across the UK is experiencing an exciting new era. As customer demand for buying rail tickets online continues to grow exponentially, the industry is adapting. Buying rail is becoming easier with intuitive and easy to use technology, leading to significant benefits for both operators and their customers. Operators are using this opportunity to get closer to passengers, cut ticket servicing costs and drive new revenue and repeat business through products and targeted promotions. For

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Viewpoint Fri, 3 Sep 2010 15:21:00 GMT 24109
Blue sky thinking - with chips https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24085/blue-sky-thinking--with-chips Sometimes you come across something that simply surprises you for its impressive innovation, yet practical functionality. Just because it seems to have been done with a degree of creativity, and aplomb, that sets it apart. Such was my response when I recently became aware of the Skylink service run by KinchBus from Derby to Leicester. What might have been just an ordinary provincial bus service is in fact a model operation. For starters it is a 24-hour service - half hourly in the day and hourl

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Viewpoint Fri, 3 Sep 2010 14:08:00 GMT 24085
Council opposes slowing down journeys to cut CO2 https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24059/council-opposes-slowing-down-journeys-to-cut-co2 Western Isles Council has criticised a Scottish Government suggestion to slow down ferry services as a way of cutting carbon dioxide emissions. The Scottish Government put forward the idea in a consultation on the future of ferry services. It said slowing services down would also cut operator fuel costs. But in its response, the council, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said: “Mainland ferry links to the Western Isles are the longest within the Calmac network and speed reductions would add

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Regular news Fri, 3 Sep 2010 10:29:00 GMT 24059
The campaigners campaigner reveals secrets of success that scuppered Heathrows third runway https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/24042/the-campaigners-campaigner-reveals-secrets-of-success-that-scuppered-heathrow-s-third-runway

When the new Government announced this summer that it would not support a third runway at Heathrow (or a second at Stansted) it hardly seemed like news at all. The writing had been on the wall for BAA’s plans for months because opinion polls showed that Labour, the only political party that supported the proposals, was heading for defeat in the General Election. Yet when the campaign against airport expansion was launched a decade or so ago, the chances of halting the plans seemed remote;

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Regular news Fri, 3 Sep 2010 09:52:00 GMT 24042
Heathrow Terminal 2 car park planned https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23970/heathrow-terminal-2-car-park-planned BAA is planning to build a new multi-storey car park serving?Terminal 2. The Multi-storey Car?Park East Phase 1 project includes the construction of new arrivals and departures forecourts, access roads, ramps and a covered court area between the new airport and Terminal 2. BAA will start accepting bids for the project from mid-September and expects to award the contract in early November.

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Developments Lead Story Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:58:00 GMT 23970
A45 Coventry Road Birmingham https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23936/a45-coventry-road-birmingham Birmingham City Council’s cabinet has evaluated options for the realignment of the A45 Coventry Road that would facilitiate the planned Birmingham International Airport runway extension. BIA’s plans for the extension (LTT 7 Feb 08) were approved by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council last year and the airport is currently seeking funds for the £130m project. The majority of the cost is for the realignment and tunnelling of the A45, according to BIA. BIA says that extending th

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Progress of plans Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:35:00 GMT 23936
Split high-speed rail services at Old Oak Common https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23838/split-high-speed-rail-services-at-old-oak-common Crowd Dynamics notes that Lord Mawhinney has reported to transport secretary Philip Hammond that Old Oak Common should become the London terminal for HS2 rather than Euston. We prepared a report in December 2009 that also came to this conclusion. However, following the publication in March of the comprehensive HS2 report on a London-West Midlands high-speed route and analysis of the data therein, we have refined our views. Our view now is that an at-grade station should be built at Old Oak Comm

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Letters to the editor Fri, 6 Aug 2010 10:47:00 GMT 23838
Hammond unimpressed by call for Old Oak CommonHeathrow link https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23786/hammond-unimpressed-by-call-for-old-oak-common-heathrow-link Transport Secretary Philip Hammond appears to have ruled out Brian Mawhinney’s suggestion that Old Oak Common could be a suitable high-speed rail interchange station for Heathrow Airport. Hammond outlined his thoughts on linking Heathrow into a high-speed rail network to the House of Commons transport committee last week. “I think what’s clear is this,” he began. “There has to be a connection to Heathrow that makes sense to air travellers – that feels like a

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Regular news Fri, 6 Aug 2010 09:06:00 GMT 23786
Pre-booking parking is the best plan when flying https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23771/pre-booking-parking-is-the-best-plan-when-flying

The savings that can be made by pre-booking airport parking was investigated by The Guardian’s Money section last month. The newspaper found that the drive-up cost of parking at Gatwick and Stansted’s long-stay car parks was £9.50 a day, working out as £133 for a two-week trip. At Manchester, the newspaper found long-stay parking cost £109.50 for two weeks if paid on arrival. “This is throwing money away,” the paper said. “Book in advance and the

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Airports Wed, 4 Aug 2010 17:30:00 GMT 23771
Empark lands BAA Edinburgh https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23768/empark-lands-baa-edinburgh Parking operator Empark UK has won the contract to run all parking services at BAA’s Edinburgh Airport. This is the company’s second major airport parking contract. It already holds a contract with BAA to operate parking at?London Stansted. Edinburgh has nearly 7,000 spaces in the long and short-stay public and staff car parks. Empark UK will also manage coach and taxi parking, as well as the airport’s forecourt. The contract also includes managing bookings and payments, along

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Airports Wed, 4 Aug 2010 17:24:00 GMT 23768
SCC to build new Gatwick multi-storey https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23765/scc-to-build-new-gatwick-multi-storey

The new £10.5m short-stay car park will form part of the extension to the North Terminal, and is currently being constructed on the northern side of the new terminal’s interchange by SCC. The construction project comprises a pre-cast concrete frame with external ramps serving the upper levels. The façade comprises pre-cast concrete impact barriers with intermittent metal cladding panels. The project has been limited to 40 weeks from the commencement works on site. SCC has e

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Airports Wed, 4 Aug 2010 17:19:00 GMT 23765
A new look Gatwick prepares for take-off https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23764/a-new-look-gatwick-prepares-for-take-off

London’s Gatwick Airport is undergoing a radical makeover as part of a three-year £1.5bn refurbishment of its facilities by new owners Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), which bought the airport from BAA. A new signature identity has been designed for the airport, with a revised blue-and-white corporate identity created by advertising agency Lewis Moberly: “Your London Airport – Gatwick”. The new brand is intended to differentiate Gatwick from BAA’s Heathro

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Airports Wed, 4 Aug 2010 17:16:00 GMT 23764
BPA appoints AOS scheme auditor https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23762/bpa-appoints-aos-scheme-auditor The British Parking Association (BPA) has awarded Insight Certification the contract to audit the compliance process for the Approved Operator Scheme (AOS). Insight Certification is the parent company of the National Security Inspectorate. It will carry out regular audits of AOS members, and prospective members’ premises to ensure compliance with the code of practice. BPA members involved in enforcement services on private land and unregulated public car parks are required to join the AOS

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Operational Wed, 4 Aug 2010 17:13:00 GMT 23762
President Brown launches BPAs parking master plan https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23758/president-brown-launches-bpa-s-parking-master-plan

New British Parking Association (BPA) president Graham Brown launched a Master Plan for Parking at a reception held at the House of Commons on 23 July. The event was attended by transport minister Norman Baker. The Master Plan sets out the association’s priorities for what the government must do to achieve success in the parking arena. Issues covered include the regulation of the private parking sector, charging for hospital parking, the blue badge reform strategy, and establishing a regu

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News Lead Story Wed, 4 Aug 2010 17:04:00 GMT 23758
GIP awards APCOA Gatwick contract https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23706/gip-awards-apcoa-gatwick-contract APCOA Parking (UK) has been awarded a new four-and-a-half year parking management contract at Gatwick Airport. The new contract was awarded by the airport’s new owners Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), which bought the airport from BAA.

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Contracts Wed, 4 Aug 2010 14:48:00 GMT 23706
Empark heads for Edinburgh Airport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23705/empark-heads-for-edinburgh-airport

Parking operator Empark UK has won the contract to run all parking services at?BAA’s Edinburgh Airport. This is the firm’s second major airport parking contract. It already holds a contract with BAA to operate parking at?London Stansted.

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Contracts Wed, 4 Aug 2010 14:46:00 GMT 23705
Edinburgh Airport plans drop-off fee https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23566/edinburgh-airport-plans--off-fee BAA has put forward plans for a £1 drop-off fee for passengers arriving by car at Edinburgh Airport. The airport plans to introduce the charge from October.  

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In brief Fri, 23 Jul 2010 09:19:00 GMT 23566
Rethink curb on new runways says ICE https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23540/rethink-curb-on-new-runways-says-ice The Institution of Civil Engineers has called on the Government to rethink its opposition to additional airport runway capacity in the South East. Whilst acknowledging that “unrestrained growth in demand for air travel without quick improvements in aircraft efficiency would damage the environment and needs addressing”, the ICE suggests there is a strong case for making international aviation a ‘legacy’ carbon user in the short-term, which would involve the focus of cuttin

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In brief Fri, 23 Jul 2010 08:47:00 GMT 23540
West London terminal for HS2? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23527/west-london-terminal-for-hs2- Old Oak Common in West London should be the capital’s terminal for a new high-speed line, one of the Government’s high-speed rail advisers said this week. Former Tory transport secretary Brian Mawhinney makes the recommendation in his report to transport secretary Philip Hammond on how high-speed rail should serve Heathrow Airport. Mawhinney said that in the early stages of a high-speed network there was “no compelling case for a direct high-speed rail link to Heathrow&rdquo

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Secondary stories Fri, 23 Jul 2010 08:27:00 GMT 23527
Gatwick Airport terminal shuttle West Sussex https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23506/gatwick-airport-terminal-shuttle-west-sussex

A new rail shuttle service linking Gatwick Airport’s north and south terminals has been launched. It is part of airport owner Global Infrastructure Partners’ £1bn investment plan for the airport announced last month. Global Infrastructure has also dropped “London” from the airport’s title. The investment plan includes improvements to the South Terminal departure lounge, entrance forecourts, immigration hall, baggage systems and the North Terminal Interchange.

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Schemes completed Fri, 9 Jul 2010 10:45:00 GMT 23506
Council to take over DaSTS study https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23449/council-to-take-over-dasts-study Sefton Council on Merseyside is planning to take over the project management for the second stage of the Access to Port of Liverpool study, part of the Government’s Delivering a Sustainable Transport Strategy (DaSTS) programme. Stage one of the study was managed by regional leaders board 4NW but the Government has now ceased funding for leaders boards across England. The scope of the stage two work will depend on levels of available funding. Stage one was undertaken by WSP, Ekosgen and MDS

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In brief Fri, 9 Jul 2010 08:54:00 GMT 23449
Gautrain kicks off service https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23385/gautrain-kicks-off-service

South Africa heralded a new era for public transport last month with opening of the first phase of the Gautrain, a new high speed rail network, in time for the start of the World Cup.   The initial line of the £2bn network links the Johannesburg’s airport with the Sandton business and hotel district in the northern suburbs. A second phase will open next year that will link the city with the capital Pretoria, creating an 80km-long network encompassing an express service be

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World Lead Story Thu, 1 Jul 2010 14:07:00 GMT 23385
New brand for Gatwick as GIP plans 1bn refit https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23383/new-brand-for-gatwick-as-gip-plans-1bn-refit

The new owners of Gatwick Airport have unveiled a new brand and outlined details of their £1bn  investment programme to step up competition with Heathrow and Stansted for London air traffic. Global Investment Partners, a fund backed by investment bank Credit Suisse and US conglomerate General Electric, purchased the airport from BAA for £1.5bn in a deal agreed at the end of last year, after the Competition Commission ordered the break up of BAA. GIP said its two-year, modernisa

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Projects Thu, 1 Jul 2010 14:04:00 GMT 23383
Graeme Jenkins Finance Director First UK Bus https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23377/graeme-jenkins-finance-director-first-uk-bus

Jenkins recently joined FirstGroup as UK Bus finance director, having spent the last eight years working in the aviation sector, latterly as CFO of Menzies Aviation. Heathrow-based Menzies provides passenger and ramp, cargo handling, and aviation services to the aviation market. It offers terminal check in and ticketing, baggage, passenger transfer, and the management of passenger lounges. Prior to joining Menzies Aviation, he worked within Ernst & Young’s Transaction Support and Busin

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Feature Detail Thu, 1 Jul 2010 13:30:00 GMT 23377
Jamie Burles Commercial Director Northern Rail https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23369/jamie-burles-commercial-director-northern-rail

Burles returned to the rail industry this spring after a spell in charge of Physio-Med Services, a supplier of physiotherapy equipment to the NHS. He was lured back to the railway by Northern Rail. Manchester-born Burles has a background in marketing. He began his career in 1993 as a marketing assistant with Air France before joining British Midland as a marketing executive. In 1997 he switched over to the rail industry as a product manager with intercity operator Midland Mainline, which was th

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Feature Detail Thu, 1 Jul 2010 13:11:00 GMT 23369
Marc Reddy Managing Director Devon Cornwall/Hampshire Dorset https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23353/marc-reddy-managing-director-devon--cornwall-hampshire--dorset

FirstGroup’s Devon & Cornwall bus business was a problem area for years. It still faces considerable challenges but Reddy has put the company on a much firmer footing since he was appointed managing director in 2006. He must be doing something right because in March he was also given responsibility for the group’s Hampshire & Dorset operation. Reddy has been involved in public transport since he was 16. He came up through the ranks, starting as a bus driver before becoming a

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Feature Detail Thu, 1 Jul 2010 12:05:00 GMT 23353
Richard Robinson Managing Director Heathrow Express https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23352/richard-robinson-managing-director-heathrow-express

It’s been an eventful few months for Richard Robinson and his management team at Heathrow Express. Sub-zero temperatures, strikes by BA cabin crew, the Icelandic volcano and the threat of a national rail strike have all posed a challenge to the London Paddington-to-Heathrow rail link, which, like the airport, is owned and operated by BAA. A chemical engineer by training, Robinson only joined the company 12 months ago. His engineering education began at Nottingham University and continued

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Feature Detail Thu, 1 Jul 2010 12:03:00 GMT 23352
Kerry Bangle Consultant Nichols Group https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23340/kerry-bangle-consultant-nichols-group

Bangle first became interested in transport whilst studying geography at Durham University and she decided to study full time for a Masters in transport planning and engineering at Leeds University’s Institute for Transport Studies. She then joined consultants Halcrow, who seconded her to London Transport to work on a variety of projects, including the appraisal of the intermediate mode rapid transit schemes. Through contacts made at an international public transport conference held in Lon

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Feature Detail Thu, 1 Jul 2010 11:22:00 GMT 23340
Coach link lost its way https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23322/coach-link-lost-its-way In the first issue of New Transit, a year ago, we commented on the potential for high quality road passenger transport services to complement the rail network. In particular, we wrote about the new airport-by-coach service introduced by Arriva subsidiary Excel in association with BAA at Gatwick to link the Medway towns, Maidstone and Sevenoaks with the airport every two hours. Our warnings at the time were that this new initiative was not given the best prospects of survival by its low profile

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Reflections Thu, 1 Jul 2010 10:28:00 GMT 23322
The case for properly signed CPZs https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23273/the-case-for-properly-signed-cpzs

In the June edition of Parking Review I was dismayed to read the story “Herron loses High Court challenge”. My dismay is because the argument I put before the court was not — as reported — that controlled parking zones were too large. The heart of the case was the fact that the parking adjudicator had erred in law when delivering a decision where the validity of Sunderland's CPZ was challenged. Indeed, recently produced operational guidance by the Department for Transpor

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Letters Wed, 30 Jun 2010 11:25:00 GMT 23273
Short-stay PENs for Heathrow https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23259/short-stay-pens-for-heathrow Airport operator BAA is introducing a new parking enforcement scheme in its short-stay car parks at London’s Heathrow Airport in a bid to crack down on dangerous and inconsiderate parking. The scheme comes into force on 1 July to help reduce congestion and improve traffic flow in the terminal’s car parks. Teams of uniformed parking officers will patrol car parks and issue penalty enforcement notices (PENs) at the airport’s short stay car parks. Fraser Brown, head of travel se

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Enforcement News Wed, 30 Jun 2010 10:48:00 GMT 23259
On-street powers used by 82% of English councils https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23237/on-street-powers-used-by-82-of-english-councils More than 80% of local authorities in England now manage parking enforcement schemes, new figures from the Department for Transport have revealed. The figures show that 269 out of 326 English councils have civil parking enforcement (CPE) powers — 82%. In February 2006 less than 50% were running on-street parking schemes. Two councils — North East Lincolnshire and Arun in West Sussex — are due to start  CPE schemes this year, with both going live on 5 July. There are f

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Enforcement News Lead Story Wed, 30 Jun 2010 09:38:00 GMT 23237
Lateral thinking to cut high-speed rail journey times https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23228/lateral-thinking-to-cut-high-speed-rail-journey-times I thank David Smith for his kind support to my earlier letter on high-speed rail. David questions the need for 400-metre trains and moves on to the question of whether 400-metre trains are compatible with high speeds (over shorter distances) and with terminal stations, as opposed to through stations. At a walking pace of 3mph (including carrying luggage) the passenger on a terminal – terminal train will spend five minutes walking the whole length of the 400-metre train. So each terminal s

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Letters to the editor Fri, 25 Jun 2010 10:42:00 GMT 23228
Villiers chairs airports review team https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/23210/villiers-chairs-airports-review-team A task force is being formed to examine ways of improving the operation of London’s three major airports – Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted. “We have been clear in our opposition to additional runways so the challenge we face now is making them better within existing runway capacity constraints,” said transport secretary Philip Hammond. The group will be chaired by aviation minister Theresa Villiers and included representatives from the airports, airlines, London First, and

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In brief Fri, 25 Jun 2010 10:11:00 GMT 23210
Environment Agency imposes flights ban https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22978/environment-agency-imposes-flights-ban The Environment Agency has all but banned staff using flights for work travel in England and Wales and to Eurostar destinations. Air travel will only be permitted under “exceptional circumstances” as part of the organisation’s policy to cut its carbon footprint. The organisation says it has reduced business car mileage by 24% over the last four years.  

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In brief Fri, 11 Jun 2010 09:27:00 GMT 22978
Ban new Stansted runway for 50 years https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22948/-ban-new-stansted-runway-for-50-years- Campaigners against the expansion of Stansted Airport want a 50-year moratorium to be placed on constructing a second runway at the airport. In a letter to BAA chief executive Colin Matthews, SSE points out that local people have had to mobilise four times since the early 1960s to defeat runway expansion.  

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In brief Fri, 11 Jun 2010 09:01:00 GMT 22948
Minimum density levels of 30 dwellings per hectare to be abolished gardens no longer classified as brownfield sites https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/41884/minimum-density-levels-of-30-dwellings-per-hectare-to-be-abolished-gardens-no-longer-classified-as-brownfield-sites It has been announced that Gregg Clark, Minister for Decentralisation, is about to outline plans to 'end cluttering of leafy residential areas by abolishing 'minimum density targets' for house building'. He also indicated that 'planning law is to change so that gardens are no longer classified as brownfield sites', reported The Sunday Telegraph on 6th June 2010. The RTPI's head of policy Matt Thomson welcomed the garden decision: 'The announcement is to be welcomed for clarifying the existing

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Main Story Mon, 7 Jun 2010 14:35:30 GMT 41884
OFT to survey UK asset ownership https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22855/oft-to-survey-uk-asset-ownership The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has announced a major stock-take of ownership and control across economic infrastructure in the UK, a review which will encompass parking and transport. The key aim of the project is to map ownership and control across the economic infrastructure sectors such as ports, airports, energy and water networks, and car parks. The study will assess how ownership of infrastructure affects outcomes for consumers in these markets. The work will include examining the diff

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Business News Lead Story Mon, 7 Jun 2010 11:28:00 GMT 22855
Coalition spells out 62bn cuts https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22850/coalition-spells-out-6-2bn-cuts

The need to cut public spending will take priority over all the new Coalition Government’s transport spending ambitions. “The deficit reduction programme takes precedence over any of the other measures in this agreement, and the speed of implementation of any measures that have a cost to the public finances will depend on decisions to be made in the Comprehensive Spending Review,” says the 36-page Our Programme for Government. The Department for Transport’s overall budge

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News Lead Story Mon, 7 Jun 2010 11:14:00 GMT 22850
Prize for top annual report goes to Brighton Hove https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22848/prize-for-top-annual-report-goes-to-brighton--hove

Brighton & Hove City Council has won the inaugural PATROL Annual Report Award. It beat four other shortlisted councils after winning the unanimous endorsement of a review group commissioned by PATROL. The judges said the winning report had “demonstrated how it is possible to provide clear and accessible information to the public on a wide range of parking issues”. As well as its presentation, Brighton & Hove’s report was praised for its ability to link parking to other

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Parking Policy Lead Story Mon, 7 Jun 2010 11:00:00 GMT 22848
Richard Robinsons CV https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22843/richard-robinson-s-cv Chemical Engineer ICI Acrylics Robinson’s engineering education started at Nottingham University and continued over eight years with ICI Acrylics, where he progressed rapidly through the ranks. Operations Director Anglo American Robinson headed operations for a UK subsidiary of the mining company. Chief Executive tickex tickex is an internet technology company. Managing Director Heathrow Express Robinson joined Heathrow Express, a business unit of BAA Heathrow, in May 2

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Profile Detail Tue, 1 Jun 2010 15:33:00 GMT 22843
A flying start but with turbulence https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22842/a-flying-start-but-with-turbulence It’s been an eventful few months for Richard Robinson and his management team at Heathrow Express. Sub-zero temperatures, strikes by BA cabin crew, the Icelandic volcano and the threat of a national rail strike have all posed a challenge to the London Paddington-to-Heathrow rail link, which, like the airport, is owned and operated by BAA. With flights grounded in April by the cloud of volcanic ash, the “15 minutes every 15 minutes” service was cut back to an hourly frequency.

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Profile Tue, 1 Jun 2010 15:32:00 GMT 22842
Still turquoise hot https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22830/still-turquoise-hot

It’s not just in Denmark where Arriva has creating a stir. In Yorkshire, the group recently spoofed Virgin Atlantic’s ‘Still Red Hot’ campaign to highlight its revamped bus service between Wakefield and Leeds. As music played over the PA system, the route’s drivers sauntered through Wakefield’s bus station as locals looked on in awe. Will MD Nigel Featham take his emulation of the airline further? Can we look forward to a duty free trolley on-board soon?

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End of the line Tue, 1 Jun 2010 15:01:00 GMT 22830
Is HS2 what we want or what they think we want? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22810/is-hs2-what-we-want-or-what-they-think-we-want-

Long, long ago, in a land of chugging steam locos and heavyweight telephones, investment in the new 1960s motorways programme was justified with an idea dreamt up by Coburn, Beesley and Reynolds that user journey time savings could be valued as benefits. Since then, give or take a few peripheral arguments over the succeeding decades, the notion that ‘generalised cost’ largely consists of these time savings, has become entrenched in transport planners’ collective psyche. It is c

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Viewpoint Tue, 1 Jun 2010 13:44:00 GMT 22810
Monbiot attacks high-speed rail https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22775/monbiot-attacks-high-speed-rail On 17 May, Guardian columnist George Monbiot was highly critical of the Government’s plans for a high-speed rail network. “I don’t dispute the problem,” he began. “Both roads and railways are close to gridlock. New motorways… scarcely improve journey times between city centres. Upgrading old railways snarls up the system even more, costs a fortune and adds little to their capacity. “What’s not to like [about HSR] is that the case has not been made

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Media monitor Fri, 28 May 2010 11:33:00 GMT 22775
Its time to end our obsession with the time saving benefits of ever-faster travel https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22765/it-s-time-to-end-our-obsession-with-the-time-saving-benefits-of-ever-faster-travel

Long, long ago, in a land of chugging steam locos and heavyweight telephones, investment in the new 1960s motorways programme was justified with an idea dreamt up by Coburn, Beesley and Reynolds that user journey time savings could be totted up as benefits. Since then, give or take a few peripheral arguments over the succeeding decades, the notion that ‘generalised cost’ largely consists of time savings has become entrenched in transport planners’ collective psyche. They are co

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Viewpoint Fri, 28 May 2010 11:18:00 GMT 22765
Council backs Bristol airport expansion https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22696/council-backs-bristol-airport-expansion North Somerset Council has backed plans to expand Bristol International Airport but has referred the decision to the Secretary of State. The airport wants to expand from the present six million passengers per annum to ten million. The plans include providing a new 3,800 space car park located on Green Belt land. North Somerset’s planning and regulatory committee this week approved the plans subject to a Section 106 agreement that would include the airport agreeing to increase the modal s

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Regular news Fri, 28 May 2010 10:03:00 GMT 22696
No room for additional runways in coalitions new airports policy https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22695/no-room-for-additional-runways-in-coalition-s-new-airports-policy The Government is to sit down with the airport and aviation industries to formulate a new airport policy based on a presumption of no new runways. The proposal, announced in the Queen’s Speech this week, came as opponents of airport expansion celebrated the news that BAA has formally dropped plans for a third runway at Heathrow and a second runway at Stansted. The airport operator acted swiftly after the new Conservative/Liberal Democrat Government stated that it would not support either

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Regular news Fri, 28 May 2010 10:02:00 GMT 22695
Coalition government announces its plans for transport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22685/coalition-government-announces-its-plans-for-transport

The coalition between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives has announced its 'Programme for Government', a move that prime minister David Cameron described as one that would provide "Strong, stable government". The transport element of the programme are a mixture of the two parties policies and express a firm commitment to take forward plans for a high speed rail network, support for Crossrail and further electrification of the rail network. The coalition also plans to refor

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News Lead Story Thu, 20 May 2010 10:57:00 GMT 22685
Crossrail squeezes through as Hammond warns of austerity https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22605/crossrail-squeezes-through-as-hammond-warns-of-austerity

Transport Secretary Philip Hammond this week indicated that London’s Crossrail project would go ahead but warned that other major transport projects were at risk of cancellation as the new Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition takes steps to cut the country’s structural deficit. Hammond devoted some time on his first full day in office to outline his early thoughts about transport policy to an invited audience of journalists. The biggest challenge facing the Government was the n

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Lead Story Fri, 14 May 2010 11:08:00 GMT 22605
HITRANS seeks changes to free travel regime https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22621/hitrans-seeks-changes-to-free-travel-regime The Highlands and Islands regional transport partnership is to press for changes to the Scottish Government’s concessionary travel scheme. HITRANS says the scheme does not meet the needs of citizens living in remote rural and island communities where there are few bus services. “With cutbacks in local bus services many areas now have either a very limited or non-existent bus service and rely on community transport providers whose services are not covered by the current [concessiona

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Regular news Fri, 14 May 2010 09:33:00 GMT 22621
Era of easy money is over warns transport secretary Hammond https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22604/era-of-easy-money-is-over-warns-transport-secretary-hammond

The era of easy public money is over, Philip Hammond, the newly-appointed secretary of state for transport, warned today (Thursday). Hammond held a press briefing at Great Minster House this afternoon after attending the first cabinet meeting of the new Liberal Democrat-Conservative government. Hammond was handed the transport brief after Lib Dem MP David Laws was named as chief secretary to the Treasury, the role which he used to shadow before the election. This role required Hammond to scru

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People Lead Story Thu, 13 May 2010 16:07:00 GMT 22604
Airport charges waived for delayed passengers https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22504/airport-charges-waived-for-delayed-passengers

Returning air passengers delayed by the volcanic eruption in Iceland will not incur any extra parking charges. Britain’s main airports will only charge passengers up until the date they were originally expected to land. BAA — which owns Heathrow, Stansted, Southampton, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow airports — waived all additional charges. Gatwick and Luton airports did not charge customers any extra for the days they overstayed. Parking operator Airport--parking.co.uk, wh

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Business News Lead Story Wed, 5 May 2010 11:03:00 GMT 22504
Playing the long game A glimpse into the future of long distance travel https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22386/playing-the-long-game-a-glimpse-into-the-future-of-long-distance-travel

If the market for long distance travel is a game then the airlines had an unlucky throw of the dice in April. The five-day closure of UK airspace due to a huge cloud of volcanic ash from Iceland cost them many millions of pounds. But, as ever, one man’s misfortune is another man’s gain. With thousands of would-be air travellers forced to change their plans, land-based transport like Virgin Trains, East Coast, National Express and Megabus carried thousands of extra passengers. The ep

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Cover Story Tue, 4 May 2010 09:00:00 GMT 22386
New operator for Welsh internal air link service https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22481/new-operator-for-welsh-internal-air-link-service

Regional airline Manx2.com, along with its partner carrier FLM Aviation, has been appointed as the new operator for the North-South Wales air link, the Welsh Assembly Government has announced. The Cardiff to Anglesey service will resume on Monday May 10 and passengers will be able to make bookings shortly. Deputy first minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said: "I am pleased to announce that Manx2 will be running the north - south air link from 10 May. This is a vital service which helps to secure ec

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News Lead Story Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:11:00 GMT 22481
Volcano burns BAA after first quarter growth https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22469/volcano-burns-baa-after-first-quarter-growth

BAA (SP), the group which owns Heathrow and Stansted, has estimated that the closure of the airports due to volcanic ash will cost it £28m. Heathrow and Stansted were closed from April 15-20 and airline schedules were only restored on April 22. As a result, 1.6 million fewer passengers used the airports than in April 2009. The impact was reported alongside BAA (SP)’s first quarter results covering January to March, which showed that revenue at the airports increased 5.5% to £4

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News Fri, 30 Apr 2010 10:50:00 GMT 22469
Volcanic ash cloud sparks mini-debate about future of aviation https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22456/volcanic-ash-cloud-sparks-mini-debate-about-future-of-aviation

The closure of UK airspace for several days due to a volcanic eruption in Iceland unsurprisingly attracted saturation coverage in the media but very little of this paid any attention to the policy implications of the event. There were some exceptions, however. On 17 April, for example, The Daily Mirror examined how the lack of aircraft noise was affecting people living in south-west London. “People living under the Heathrow flightpath are enjoying the peace and quiet after two days without

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Media monitor Fri, 30 Apr 2010 10:20:00 GMT 22456
Hero Land-based operators https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22422/hero-land-based-operators Train and coach operators were the heroes for many this month when they laid on extra services over to help stranded airline passengers, whose flights were grounded by the vast volcanic ash cloud. The response of French rail workers to the travel chaos was compound the problem with a timely two-week strike. In the UK, however, where a national rail strike planned for the Easter period was prevented after a High Court judge ruled it illegal, coach and train operators were able to respond positiv

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Heroes & Villains - Hero Thu, 29 Apr 2010 13:22:00 GMT 22422
Safety first - or making an ash of it? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22396/safety-first--or-making-an-ash-of-it-

Leaves on the line. The wrong kind of snow. Ash in the air. 2010 has brought a new fable to the lexicon of great transport service disruptions and their reasons. And as with all the others, the debate goes on about the justification for the consequential chaos and the response to it. For nearly a week the only things flying were the accusations. It all seemed so simple at the start. Skies closed by dangerous substances that made aviation impossible but situations of this kind are seldom as abso

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Viewpoint Thu, 29 Apr 2010 12:15:00 GMT 22396
Stagecoach founders see fortune increase https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22388/stagecoach-founders-see-fortune-increase

It has been a good year for the fortunes of transport’s millionaires according to the annual Sunday Times Rich List, with Stagecoach founders Brian Souter and Ann Gloag increasing their total wealth by an impressive £137m. The fortune of the siblings has improved immensely over the last year thanks in part to the resurgence of the London Stock Exchange which has seen the value of their combined shareholding in Perth-based Stagecoach increase significantly. Despite a fall in profit

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People Thu, 29 Apr 2010 11:23:00 GMT 22388
Six scenarios that change the game for long distance travel https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22387/six-scenarios-that-change-the-game-for-long-distance-travel At the heart of the Independent Transport Commission study of long distance travel is a statistical model which explains, and can forecast, long distance travel demand in a number of different game-changing scenarios. On behalf of ITC, Professor Joyce Dargay, of the Leeds-based Institute of Transport Studies, established a ‘base case’, using government assumptions and forecasts, the central one of which is that GDP will grow at 2.5% a year from 2012 to 2030. The base case also assum

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Cover Story Detail Thu, 29 Apr 2010 11:12:00 GMT 22387
Are coaches ready for take off? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22385/are-coaches-ready-for-take-off-

The average Briton makes 20 long distance journeys every year, but only one is by coach. The coach sector is relatively small but there does appear to be scope for considerable expansion, both as a partner to other modes and as a competitor. At present, holiday and leisure trips are the main market for coach companies, but coach travel makes up only 6% of all long distance mileage. Most coach journeys are either to airports or inter-city. Thus the growth of foreign air travel has seen Heathrow

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Cover Story Detail Thu, 29 Apr 2010 11:06:00 GMT 22385
Average annual long distance travel per person by each mode 2002-2006 https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22384/average-annual-long-distance-travel-per-person-by-each-mode-2002-2006-   Car Rail Coach Air Total No. of long distance trips 16.9 2.3 1.1 0.2 20.5 Long distance as a percentage of all trips 3% 15%

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Cover Story Detail Thu, 29 Apr 2010 11:00:00 GMT 22384
Why do we make long distance journeys? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22383/why-do-we-make-long-distance-journeys- People travel for many reasons but, for long distance journeys, the Independent Transport Commission report identified five main purposes. The most important, with 28% of all personal mileage, is visiting friends and relatives. Other categories of personal travel are leisure (21%) and holidays (21%). As a result, personal travel accounts for 70% of all long distance travel. Business travel is 20% and commuting a further 10%. The table below shows how journey purposes vary considerably from m

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Cover Story Detail Thu, 29 Apr 2010 10:55:00 GMT 22383
10 facts about long distance travel https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22382/10-facts-about-long-distance-travel-- Journeys of over 50 miles by residents in Britain account for only 3% of all mechanised trips but nearly one third of all the mileage travelled. People make on average 20 long distance trips every year, averaging about 100 miles per trip. In the study’s base scenario, long distance travel (defined as trips over 50 miles) is forecast to grow by 34% between 2005 and 2030. Domestic air travel, largely driven by business users, is forecast to rise by 125%; car, rail and coach

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Cover Story Detail Thu, 29 Apr 2010 10:51:00 GMT 22382
Operators counter airport ash closure https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22369/operators-counter-airport-ash-closure

The volcanic ash cloud that paralysed air services across Europe for six days saw ground-based public transport services stepping up their services in response to unprecedented demand. Eurostar operated additional trains between London and continental Europe while both intercity rail operator East Coast and low cost coach operator Megabus laid on additional services to Scotland. CAA chief executive and former FirstGroup rail boss Andrew Haines came under strong criticism from the press for clo

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Bus News Thu, 29 Apr 2010 10:12:00 GMT 22369
East Coast ports rail freight improvements East Riding of Yorkshire/Kingston-upon-Hull/North and NE Lincolnshire https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22096/east-coast-ports-rail-freight-improvements-east-riding-of-yorkshire-kingston-upon-hull-north-and-ne-lincolnshire The Northern Way has commissioned Network Rail to develop detailed plans to improve rail freight routes from Teesport and the ports of Hull and Immingham to the East Coast Main Line. Gauge improvements would enable wagons carrying nine-foot six-inch high containers access from the ports to the main line – currently restricted by height and width limitations of bridges, tunnels and other structures. The Northern Way, a partnership between the three northern Regional Development Agencies, ho

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Progress of plans Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:50:00 GMT 22096
Papers concur that Heathrow legal judgement has hurt Government plans https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21998/papers-concur-that-heathrow-legal-judgement-has-hurt-government-plans

A High Court ruling that the Government must review all of the policy issues surrounding the development of a third runway at Heathrow Airport was interpreted by most of the papers and other media outlets as a severe setback for ministers but not an absolutely fatal blow to their plans. Writing on the Channel 4 News website on 26 March, for example, science correspondent Julian Rush said, “Though jubilant, the Heathrow protesters have not actually won. The judge did not quash the transport

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Media monitor Thu, 1 Apr 2010 12:13:00 GMT 21998
Rail and aviation emissions probed https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21959/rail-and-aviation-emissions-probed High-speed rail emits lower levels of carbon dioxide emissions than aviation but the difference is not as great as some studies have claimed, according to a report by the Greater London Authority. Researcher Ben Behrens’ review of previous comparative studies says a number use inappropriate assumptions. Of the others, he suggests they show that high-speed rail emits 40-100g of CO2 per passenger kilometre, compared with 150-350g for short-haul aviation. He summarises the findings, suggestin

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In brief Thu, 1 Apr 2010 10:39:00 GMT 21959
High-speed rail plans for Manchester Airport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21941/high-speed-rail-plans-for-manchester-airport A High-speed rail station serving Manchester Airport would deliver major benefits for the airport and the region, according to a new report. Consultants AECOM and KPMG suggest that an airport station, with a cost of £800m (including optimism bias), would boost the airport’s catchment area and provide good access to high-speed rail for motorists using the conurbation’s motorway network. The report, commissioned by Greater Manchester PTE and Manchester Airport, will help inform

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Regular news Thu, 1 Apr 2010 10:13:00 GMT 21941
Post Election Where will the axe fall on Transport Spending? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21861/post-election-where-will-the-axe-fall-on-transport-spending-

At present, the situation facing the UK’s public services is akin to a phoney war. Central government spending has continued to rise in an effort to bring the country out of recession, but shortly after the election decisive action will have to be taken to rectify the country’s £170bn budget deficit. To date the government is working on the basis of halving it by 2014. The day when change comes is fast approaching. Over the past year, transport has been one of the beneficiarie

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Cover Story Thu, 1 Apr 2010 10:12:00 GMT 21861
DfT rejects Heathrow legal victory claims https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21928/dft-rejects-heathrow-legal-victory-claims The DfT this week rejected claims that the opponents of Heathrow Airport expansion had won a significant victory in last week’s Judicial Review of the expansion plans. Opponents of the expansion were jubilant following Lord Justice Carnwath’s ruling on the case which was brought by the London Borough of Hillingdon and supported by many environmental campaign groups. They said the judge’s ruling left the Government’s plans “in tatters” and that if the Governm

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Regular news Thu, 1 Apr 2010 09:54:00 GMT 21928
Where the Liberal Democrats stand on key transport issues https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21869/where-the-liberal-democrats-stand-on-key-transport-issues--

High Speed Rail Have pledged to provide a comprehensive high speed rail network that would serve all parts of Britain. The Lib Dems claim that they are the only party that has been clear about how they would pay for high speed rail. They propose to introduce a new lorry road user pricing scheme, which they claim would bring in around £2bn per year, even after the cost of running such a scheme is taken into account. Railways Would introduce 22-year franchises to encourage investment in r

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Cover Story Detail Thu, 25 Mar 2010 10:39:00 GMT 21869
Where the Tories stand on key transport issues https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21868/where-the-tories-stand-on-key-transport-issues--

High Speed Rail Would give the go ahead for a new high speed rail line linking London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds. This would later be extended to Newcastle and Scotland with further new lines connecting other cities across the country to our high speed rail network. If they win the next general election, they would target construction to begin in 2015, with full completion of the network by 2027. Railways Will make 15-20 year franchises the norm to encourage investment in new trains an

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Cover Story Detail Thu, 25 Mar 2010 10:37:00 GMT 21868
Luck of the Irish https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21906/luck-of-the-irish

The recent British Airways strikes saw the much anticipated chaos become a whimper after a sizeable number of cabin crew reported for duty backed up by a flotilla of aircraft sourced from third party airlines. Surprisingly, three of those chartered planes belonged to Irish low cost airline Ryanair, which suspended its usual hostility against the British flag carrier to operate domestic UK routes from London’s Gatwick Airport. For those booked on those flights they experienced a curious hy

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End of the line Wed, 24 Mar 2010 14:21:00 GMT 21906
Are the Tories ready to tackle transport? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21898/are-the-tories-ready-to-tackle-transport-

For most of the last two years there has been absolute confidence that the Tories would win the general election, and that Theresa Villiers would be the new transport secretary. The narrowing of the polls since the new year has thrown that into doubt, bringing excited talk of a hung Parliament. But the betting exchanges (always the best guide) and most pundits back a Conservative win – albeit with a small majority – and for now I agree. So what will face the new, Conservative, secre

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Viewpoint Wed, 24 Mar 2010 13:44:00 GMT 21898
Government lays the foundations for a high speed rail revolution https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21870/government-lays-the-foundations-for-a-high-speed-rail-revolution

Train travel at speeds of 225mph between London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds could become the norm if the government’s plans published last week for a high speed rail network can be turned into reality. It won’t happen overnight: ministers envisage construction of the network beginning only after the completion of Crossrail in 2017. The first section of line from London to Birmingham would open in 2026 with extensions to Manchester and Leeds following in subsequent years. The

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Projects Lead Story Wed, 24 Mar 2010 10:43:00 GMT 21870
BAA parking campaign wins marketing prize https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22290/baa-parking-campaign-wins-marketing-prize

Heathrow Airport won two awards at this year’s Travel Marketing Awards, which took place on 15 March. The judges named Heathrow joint-equal winner in the Pay Per Click category for its campaign on airport parking. BAA’s paid-search campaign was devised by digital marketing agency iCrossing. The radical approach to search terms saw keywords increased to more than 30,000 and resulted in considerable year on year increases in airport parking, said BAA. The operator was also awarded a

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Cover Story Wed, 24 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT 22290
Baker plans for a seat at the post-election transport table https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21832/baker-plans-for-a-seat-at-the-post-election-transport-table

The current bookmaker odds on no single party having overall control of Parliament following the upcoming General Election are 10/3 or 4/1 (depending on whether you think David Cameron or Gordon Brown will end up as Prime Minister of a minority administration). Which means that it is quite likely that the Liberal Democrats will be in a position to directly influence transport policy for the first time since the party’s formation in 1988. But what will this mean in practice? “It depe

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Interview Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:45:00 GMT 21832
North Wales rail freight plan https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21822/north-wales-rail-freight-plan Stakeholders in North Wales and the Republic of Ireland are drawing up plans for a rail freight terminal at Holyhead to handle traffic between mainland Europe and Ireland. Consultant Aecom has been developing a north Wales rail freight strategy that also envisages a consolidation centre created at Deeside Park, Shotton. The partners plan to bid for Trans-European Network Funding to fund feasibility work.  

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In brief Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:25:00 GMT 21822
Container port plans delayed https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21823/container-port-plans-delayed Hutchison Ports is delaying plans for a new container port at Bathside Bay, Harwich. The port operator had planned to develop the terminal by 2016 but is seeking to extend the consent to 2021. This will delay improvements to the A120, which were a condition of the planning consent.

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In brief Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:25:00 GMT 21823
MPs call for re-think of ports policy https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21816/mps-call-for-re-think-of-ports-policy The house of Commons transport committee this week urged the DfT to delay final publication of its national policy statement (NPS) on ports so that it can be co-ordinated with the impending draft statement on national road and rail networks. In their report on the ports NPS, the MPs also call for the forecasts underpinning the strategy to be updated to take into account the recession. “We believe that the ports NPS should be linked much more strongly to regional development plans,”

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Regular news Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:20:00 GMT 21816
Councillors approve Kent airport expansion plans https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21806/councillors-approve-kent-airport-expansion-plans Councillors have approved an expansion to Lydd Airport south of Ashford which would enable commercial services to be handled. Shepway District Council overturned an officer recommendation that the £25m expansion plans for Lydd – branded London Ashford Airport – should be rejected on environmental grounds. The councillors’ decision is almost certain to be called in by the Government, triggering a public inquiry.

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Regular news Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:11:00 GMT 21806
Five-year delay likely for Stansted decision https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21805/five-year-delay-likely-for-stansted-decision A final decision on plans to build a second runway at Stansted Airport may not be made for another five years, after BAA conceded that a public inquiry into the plans was unlikely to begin until 2012 at the earliest. The public inquiry into the Stansted Generation 2 plans was scheduled to start last April but was delayed by the Competition Commission’s inquiry into BAA. Communities and local government secretary John Denham wrote to BAA last month, asking if it still planned to proceed w

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Regular news Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:10:00 GMT 21805
High-speed line bypasses Heathrow but Tory reviews long-term options https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21784/high-speed-line-bypasses-heathrow-but-tory-reviews-long-term-options

The Government has kicked the idea of serving Heathrow Airport directly by high-speed rail into the long grass. Instead, ministers favour linking the airport into the network via an interchange station at Old Oak Common in West London. Lord Adonis said HS2 had concluded that the business case for routing the high-speed line via Heathrow Airport station was weak. It would require a near continuous tunnel of about 29 miles and would add three-and-a-half minutes to the journey time compared to HS2

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News extra Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:51:00 GMT 21784
Adonis lays the foundations for a high-speed rail revolution https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21781/adonis-lays-the-foundations-for-a-high-speed-rail-revolution

Train travel at speeds of 225mph between London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds could become the norm if the Government’s plans published last week for a high-speed rail network can be turned into reality. It won’t happen overnight: ministers envisage construction of the network beginning only after the completion of Crossrail in 2017. The first section of line from London to Birmingham would open in 2026 with extensions to Manchester and Leeds following in subsequent years. 

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News extra Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:41:00 GMT 21781
Does Greengauge know where Heathrow Airport is? https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21734/does-greengauge-know-where-heathrow-airport-is-

Greengauge 21 makes a persuasive case for serving Heathrow directly by high-speed rail and avoiding an interchange. But in a map in their report they make the case easier by moving Heathrow from its current site to a new location north of the Great Western Main Line so that it lies on their proposed network of interconnectors (see illustration – Ed).  If they plan to relocate Heathrow, why not site it directly on High Speed 2? I believe a site midway between Coventry and Birmingha

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Letters to the editor Fri, 5 Mar 2010 11:48:00 GMT 21734
Villiers sets sights on making transport changes big and small https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21709/villiers-sets-sights-on-making-transport-changes-big-and-small

General Election campaigns usually offer politicians the chance to make bold pledges about ‘big ticket’ transport projects. But things may be a bit different this year. With the public finances in such dire straits and with the transport budget not enjoying the same protection as areas such as health and education, one of the main tasks facing the next transport secretary – irrespective of their political colour – will be how to manage down expectations. If the Conserva

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Interview Fri, 5 Mar 2010 10:39:00 GMT 21709
BAA could retain Stansted Airport https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/21706/baa-could-retain-stansted-airport BAA could retain ownership of Stansted, Edinburgh and Glasgow airports after the Competition Appeals Tribunal last week ruled in favour of the operator in its battle with the Competition Commission. The commission last year ordered BAA to sell Stansted and Edinburgh or Glasgow airports but BAA challenged the decision on the grounds of apparent bias.  

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Regular news Fri, 5 Mar 2010 10:27:00 GMT 21706
Five councils shortlisted for PATROLs inaugural award https://www.transportxtra.com/publications/local-transport-today/news/22263/five-councils-shortlisted-for-patrol-s-inaugural-award The shortlist for the PATROL Annual Report Award was announced at Parkex 2010. The councils shortlisted are Brighton & Hove Council, Colchester Borough Council, Sheffield City Council, Torbay Council and Weymouth & Portland Borough Council. The announcement of the shortlist coincides with councils beginning to prepare their reports for 2009/10. The overall winner will be announced in May. PATROL has commissioned an independent group to review councils’ reports for 2008/09. PATRO

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Enforcement News Wed, 3 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT 22263