Government calls on railway stations to keep ticket barriers shut to fight fare evasion November 27, 2022 The UK Government has called on railway stations to keep their ticket barriers shut as it clamps down on fare evasion. “For the barriers to be left open would be bad enough in the days when things were better,” rail minister Huw Merriman said. “To do so when I am fighting so hard with the [...]
Volkswagen’s new boss makes strategy U-turn as giant focuses on getting ‘spirit’ back November 27, 2022 Volkswagen’s new chief executive Thomas Schafer has made a u-turn in the company’s strategy, focusing on reducing “the portfolio of models” as well as introducing “proper vehicles.” “We need to get back our spirit, our heart, and create new iconic people’s cars,” Schafer told the Sunday Times. The German manufacturer has been through a turbulent [...]
Mark Harper: Inflation-matching pay rises ‘unaffordable’ November 27, 2022 Increasing workers’ salaries to match inflation rates is simply unaffordable, according to transport secretary Mark Harper. “We want to try and give all the workers in the public sector who work very hard decent pay rises, but they can’t be inflation busting,” he told Sky News’ Sophy Ridge on Sunday. Salary increases have been the [...]
Qatari investment in London pulled into question over transport advert ban November 26, 2022 Qatar is reportedly reviewing its investment in London after the capital banned the country’s adverts from its transport network. Transport for London (TfL) contacted Q22, the body overseeing the World Cup, to inform them of the ban this week, the Financial Times reported, citing a person involved in the Qatari review. In response, Qatar said [...]
Nightcap: Cocktail group urges RMT to move rail strikes in exchange for free drinks November 25, 2022 The owners of UK cocktail group Nightcap have called on the union RMT to switch the rail strike dates in exchange for free drinks. Co-founders Sarah Willingham and Michael Toxvaerd – who own the likes of Cocktail Club, Barrio and the Adventure Bar Group – pleaded with the RMT to move their planned walkout from [...]
Sadiq Khan presses ahead with London-wide ULEZ expansion November 25, 2022 Sadiq Khan has pressed ahead with his decision to expand the ultra-low emission zone London-wide from next August. The ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) is aimed at cleaning London’s air, forcing vehicles that don’t conform to the environmental standards to pay a daily £12.50 to enter. It will also help relieve congestion in the capital. The [...]
Government and private sector pump up to £100m into HGV roadside facilities November 25, 2022 Both the UK Government and the private sector are pumping up to £100m into the improvement of HGV roadside facilities such as rest areas. Roads minister Richard Holden has announced the investment will improve facilities such as showers and restaurants as well as increase parking space. The funding will be available in the form of [...]
SMMT: Getting automotive back on track priority for 2023 November 25, 2022 Getting the automotive sector back on track is the top priority for 2023, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Chief executive Mike Hawes warned that a return to pre-Covid production levels was fundamental, “given the jobs, exports and economic contribution the automotive industry sustains.” “UK car makers are doing all they [...]
UK motor insurers to make largest annual loss in a decade due to inflation November 25, 2022 The UK motor insurance sector is set to make the largest annual loss in over a decade as a result of inflationary pressures. Analysis published today by EY has forecast that net combined ratios will reach 115 per cent this year – the worst year since 2010 – going down slightly to 114 per cent [...]
Mick Lynch: Strikes are STILL going ahead despite ‘positive meeting’ with Transport sec November 24, 2022 Rail union boss Mick Lynch has said the upcoming strikes will go ahead despite a “positive meeting” with transport secretary Mark Harper. “We won’t be any closer [to calling off the strikes] until we have a reasonable offer on the table that we can put to our members,” Lynch told journalists on Thursday following his [...]