Heathrow and Gatwick fly to new heights as the London rivals both announce a record February March 10, 2017 February has been a bustling month for London’s two largest airports, as both Gatwick and Heathrow reached record-breaking passenger numbers. Again. Gatwick Airport recorded its busiest-ever February, as three million passengers used it, up 9.9 per cent from the same month last year. Once more, long-haul routes proved a key area of growth, soaring 20.3 per cent, while cargo [...]
Rolls-Royce crushed 1,000 diamonds to take luxury cars to a whole new level with this bespoke Ghost March 10, 2017 Just in time for the end of the Geneva Motor Show, luxury car maker Rolls Royce has rolled out its newest luxury: diamond paint. The paint colour itself is dark grey, but contains the dust of 1,000 “ethically sourced” diamonds, according to the company. In photos, the paint glitters rather underwhelmingly in the light, but [...]
London Assembly members have sided with Uber over English language tests and want the mayor Sadiq Khan to drop written plans March 9, 2017 London Assembly members have sided with Uber in the battle over English language tests, despite Transport for London triumphing in court last week. The majority of members have backed a motion calling on the mayor Sadiq Khan to ditch the requirements for written tests for Uber and other minicab drivers due to the disproportionate and unfair [...]
HS2 investigates Mace’s concerns over its controversial contract award to CH2M March 9, 2017 HS2 is investigating concerns raised by construction firm Mace after a £170m contract was awarded to competitor CH2M. There had been questions raised over potential conflicts of interest and the role of Roy Hill, HS2's interim chief executive, who was on secondment from CH2M during the procurement process for the contract. A Mace spokesperson said: “A [...]
Chancellor Philip Hammond unveils Midlands Engine strategy with £392m investment and plans to cut congestion March 9, 2017 Chancellor Philip Hammond unveiled details of his Midlands Engine plans today, including £392m through the Local Growth fund to improve transport connections. This includes £151m for the West Midlands City region, the largest award for any area. There are also transport and infrastructure plans to improve the Midlands, including a commitment that by 2018, all [...]
The new Elizabeth Line passenger trains have arrived for testing ahead of May launch March 9, 2017 The time is drawing closer… The Elizabeth Line has been quietly taking shape with a release of bird's eye images in January showing how the various stations are shaping up. And this week, Transport for London (TfL) announced the first train to be used for passengers had arrived for testing in the capital. The first @elizabethline train [...]
Cyber Security in a Transport Revolution March 9, 2017 The transport industry is undergoing a technological revolution driven by connectivity, Big Data, autonomy and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Driverless cars are on the horizon and the Internet of Things is being developed throughout our current transport infrastructure. However, these technologies pose some significant issues, particularly in the area of cyber security. To address some of [...]
Britain will need its aviation industry “more than ever” post-Brexit, says aviation minister Lord Ahmad March 9, 2017 Aviation minister Lord Ahmad has told the industry it will be needed "more than ever" with Brexit on the horizon, as airlines seek clarity on what lies ahead. Ahmad said the government has been clear in its plans and will be "negotiating for a new, comprehensive, free trade agreement" securing the "right access" to European aviation markets. [...]
London mayor Sadiq Khan launches London’s first low emission bus zone in Putney High Street with 11 more to come March 9, 2017 Sadiq Khan has launched the capital's first low emission bus zone in one of the most polluted areas of London: Putney High Street. The clean bus zone runs 145 buses on seven scheduled routes and will now be serviced by cleaner buses in a drive to slash nitrogen oxide emissions. Putney High Street exceeded hourly [...]
Uber bans drivers from using Greyball technology that helps them to dodge investigators March 9, 2017 Uber has banned the use its controversial “Greyball" technology, which helps the drivers dodge undercover investigators. The counter-intelligence programme allows the tech giant to identify undercover officials trying to expose Uber’s operations in cities where it has previously banned. Read more: The worst or best job in tech? Uber's hiring a COO Once identified, the [...]
