Via 100 Tory MPs call for Cameron to prepare legislation for EU referendum: Is the momentum towards a referendum on Britain’s relationship with the EU becoming irresistable? I ask because, this morning, nearly 100 Tory MPs have signed a letter to the Prime Minister urging him “to place on the […]
Read MorePost Tagged with: "Transport"
Ride to Work day on Monday began a great week for motorcycling, but London’s too congested
Monday was Ride to Work Day: On Ride To Work Day, motorbike and scooter riders around the world show just how enjoyable their daily commute is. By riding to work we demonstrate that life would be better if more people rode motorcycles and scooters every day, with time savings, less […]
Read MoreCrony capitalism is so entrenched, we scarcely even spot it
The Transport Committee met today for an evidence session on low carbon vehicles. It illustrated that crony capitalism is now not merely entrenched and passed over, but borne out of the good intentions of a global regulatory elite. In the first session, we learned that “consumer demand is lagging policy”, […]
Read MoreA petition to ensure that biker related questions are compulsory in the driving theory test
Via Motorcyclists Matter – to ensure that biker related questions are compulsory in the driving theory test – e-petitions: In order to raise awareness of motorcyclists on Britain’s roads, Bennetts, the UK’s No.1 Bike Insurance Specialist, is campaigning to ensure biker related questions are made compulsory in the driving theory test […]
Read MoreArbitrary and capricious power anyone?
Successive governments have incentivised people to buy ‘greener’ cars which use less fuel. Apart from outrageously high fuel duty with 20% VAT on top, the other tool has been Vehicle Excise Duty graded to promote low CO2 cars. Having herded people down this road, apparently the Government now finds it […]
Read MoreJustine Greening must review HS2 in the public interest
I’m grateful to StopHS2 for drawing my attention to this video of the Public Accounts Committee hearing at which it was revealed HS2 has a Cabinet Office Major Projects Authority status of red/amber: As The Guardian reported: The latest figures issued by the HS2 high-speed rail scheme have revised down […]
Read MoreThe rail fares and ticketing review – closes 28 Jun 2012
Via Rail fares and ticketing review – Consultations – Department for Transport: The Government’s goal for rail fares and ticketing is to allow more passengers to travel and to have a better experience of rail, at the same time as reducing rail industry costs. This consultation is designed to gather […]
Read MoreRail: did we win the Cold War then suffer a Communist takeover?
I had a series of exchanges recently at the Transport Committee on the subject of rail regulation which illustrated how far economic regulation has drifted from economic reality. The transcript is here. The Chief Executive of Network Rail appears not to appreciate the role of price and freedom to contract, […]
Read MoreNAO report shows HS1 is a financial disaster
Today, the National Audit Office publishes a report that demonstates HS1 is a financial disaster and radically confirms the doubts and fears of opponents of HS2. The report reveals that passenger demand has fallen far short of forecasts and government guarantees are kicking in so “the Department is now responsible for servicing and repaying the project debt. […]
Read MoreWycombe Hospital CEO responds to my bus trip to Stoke Mandeville
After my bus trip from High Wycombe to Stoke Mandeville hospital, I wrote to Anne Eden, Chief Executive of Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, outlining my reflections on the journey. Here are elements of Ms. Eden’s reply: Improving the transport infrastructure within the county requires cooperation between many organisations not least […]
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