The MPs argue that alternatives to the project, which will initially see a line running from Euston to Birmingham, will not meet the growing demand for rail travel. “All of the available evidence makes clear that the very running of our railways is under threat as we fast approach total saturation on some of the major trunk lines. We are already seeing passenger numbers that were projected for a decades’ time,” said Graham Stringer, Labour MP for Blackley and Broughton and a joint chairman of the group. “In November Network Rail said the alternative proposal met capacity and the Department for Transport agreed in January. “But a group of MPs with vested interests don’t seem interested in that or the independent damning scrutiny by the ... Continue reading →

Catherine West, chairman of London Councils’ transport committee, has said commercial partners should use public transport instead. In all 30 miles of road within London will contain a Games Lane, which have been created to ensure competitors and officials reach events in time. However allowing sponsors access to these lanes – which will see many executives sweeping through the capital in a fleet of BMWs, has triggered huge resentment especially with ordinary motorists facing £130 if they use them. Speaking to the Transport Select Committee Ms West said sponsors would be sending a “very poor message” if they were to use the lanes to get to the Olympic stadium East London. "I don't see why they can't get the train which is a very good ... Continue reading →

The MPs argue that alternatives to the project, which will initially see a line running from Euston to Birmingham, will not meet the growing demand for rail travel. A report compiled by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for High Speed Rail said the existing rail network is close to being full and that growth in passenger demand has continued despite the recession. “All of the available evidence makes clear that the very running of our railways is under threat as we fast approach total saturation on some of the major trunk lines. We are already seeing passenger numbers that were projected for a decades’ time,” said Graham Stringer, Labour MP for Blackley and Broughton and a joint chairman of the group, However some doubts about the ... Continue reading →

“But there are always circumstances beyond our control. There could always be conditions which arise. “Our job is to make sure that at times of peak demand we have adequate resources." Nearly 500 extra staff are being drafted in over the summer to tackle the flood of visitors expected to visit Britain during the Olympics. Mr Moore, who endured an uncomfortable session before MPs was reluctant to tell the committee how long he felt passengers should wait to complete immigration formalities. "Most people find that 25-minute mark to be not unreasonable," he said, but that did not mean that longer delays were necessarily unreasonable. The public generally accepted the 25 minute target set for holders of passports from the European Economic Area – the EU ... Continue reading →

Penalties were imposed for such offences as taking the “wrong train” – such as one operated by a different company. Others had been hit with massive penalties for not having a ticket, even though they could prove that one had been bought – such as an email confirming an online purchase. The passenger’s plight has been worsened by the fact that some revenue protection staff are paid a commission for the fines they levy or tickets they sell on board. Passengers on commuter services are covered by the penalty fare system, which can see fines of £20 or double the single fare imposed for “fare dodging”. However there are a raft of safeguards in place including a detailed appeal system. However long-distance passengers face far ... Continue reading →

It was more by luck than judgment that nobody was hurt as thousands of football fans were crammed onto a platform at Marienplatz in the heart of the city waiting a ridiculous amount of time for a train to the Allianz Arena. Extra trains were not laid on, some of those that arrived were shorter than the length of the platform. At least one empty train swept through the station leaving supporters stranded much to everybody's frustration. Crowd control at the station was minimal, precious little attempt was made to hold people back to prevent a dangerous crush. Information from those in charge of the network was well-nigh non-existent. Mercifully the Bayern Munich fans stepped into the breach keeping Chelsea supporters in the loop about ... Continue reading →

“They don't need to be told to look after them, they're out there in all weathers checking the condition of the engine, tyres and bodywork.” However owners of the cars will still be obliged to ensure their cars are in a roadworthy condition, Mr Penning added. Greg Knight, who chairs the all-party Parliamentary Historic Vehicles Group. welcomed the announcement. “I am delighted by this announcement. Accidents involving historic vehicles are extremely rare and the majority of owners are meticulous in keeping their vehicles in good condition. “Having to have an annual MOT test for a vehicle which may only travel a few hundred miles in a year was costlyand absurd.” However there has been some opposition to the changes. Nigel Case, owner of the Classic ... Continue reading →