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Travel Maps & Transport- East Midlands - The Highs and Lows
Updated: 18 May 2013
Experiencing the highs and lows
By Brady Haran BBC News Online, East Midlands Flying the flag at each summit of the East Midlands Two climbers from England's East Midlands have been in the headlines this week. Derbyshire's Nigel Vardy just tackled the highest peak in Greenland, as part of a wider challenge to reach the highest point on seven islands.
And 11-year-old Joseph Pointing, from Newark, tackled Britain's "three-peak challenge" - Snowdon, Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike.
This has prompted BBC News Online to ask the question - must all climbers leave the East Midlands to find impressive summits?
Could there be a multi-peak challenge in one of England's flattest regions?
Over the course of a week, we visited the highest and lowest points of five counties in the East Midlands.
DERBYSHIRE: The highest county
Not surprisingly, the East Midlands' highest point is in the Peak District. At 636m (2,087 feet), the top spot is near Crowden Head, on Kinder Scout's moorland. Heading up Kinder Scout Geographer Professor Paul Mather, from the University of Nottingham, said Derbyshire retained its height despite the ice age which "filed down" much of the East Midlands. He said: "Millions of years ago, Derbyshire's rocks were squeezed up into a big dome by continental collisions. "When ice moved down from the north during the great ice age, the big dome of Derbyshire was sticking up out of the ice so it wasn't eroded." The lowest points in Derbyshire are two areas near the River Trent at Long Eaton, both 26m (85 feet) above sea level. They are found at Cranfleet Farm and the Trent Rifle Range.
LINCOLNSHIRE: The lowest county
The lowest point in Lincolnshire - and the overall title of lowest point in the East Midlands - is shared by several farms under the 0-metre contour line. In total, the Ordnance Survey says there is about 10 sq km just below sea level, including Glebe Farm, Engine Farm and Round Decoy Farm. The hidden summit of Lincolnshire They are located east of Stickford, between the A16 and A52. The highest point in Lincolnshire is marked by a trig pillar 168m (551 feet) above sea level. The pillar is hard to find, concealed by a hedge on farmland near Normanby Le Wold. However, the general location is impossible to miss, as it is dominated by a radar station which can be seen from miles away. The radar looks like an oversized football hovering above the landscape.
RUTLAND: The smallest county
It is the nation's smallest county, so it is perhaps unsurprising that Rutland's topography is also on a small scale. The highest point is a trig pillar on a sheep farm near Cold Overton Park Wood, at an altitude of 197m (646 feet). The low point is a section of secluded farmland near Belmesthorpe, 17m (56 feet) above sea level.
LEICESTERSHIRE: Ashphalt quarry to ashphalt road
The view from Leicestershire's highest point is spectacular. At 278m (912 feet), Bardon Hill rises above the flat landscape. Leicestershire's own Grand Canyon? The hill, near Coalville, is also a rich source of aggregates and is home to a huge quarry. The view from the summit looks directly into the massive quarry, its steep sides and earthy colours resembling a smaller version of the Grand Canyon. The lowest point in Leicestershire is a bend on a minor road near Bottesford, adjacent to the county boundary with Nottinghamshire. It is about 25m (82 feet) above sea level.
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE: From farm to farm
Both the highest and lowest points in Nottinghamshire are found on farms. The highest point is near the M1 at Whiteborough Farm, near Huthwaite, measuring in at 203m (666 feet). Approaching the Nottinghamshire summit The lowest point lies on a contour line running at sea level at Peat Carr, in the county's north. On hearing of BBC's News Online's "five summits conquest", mountaineer Mr Vardy, from Belper, was full of understanding (if not admiration). Describing the lure of highest points, Mr Vardy said: "A lot of people like to get to the top and get the flag out and take a photograph. "Some people find the summit as an extra, they find the climb itself is what they are after. "I get a bit of both... I do enjoy standing on a summit, there is no two ways about it." Mr Vardy returned from his own climb this week, reaching the top of the Arctic Circle's highest peak, Gunnbjornsfjeld in Greenland. ALL THE DETAILS (supplied by the Ordnance Survey) Got and Ordnance Survey map and fancy seeing these places for yourself? The information below may be of some help. Highest points The radar station at Normanby Le Wold Derbyshire (636m) Kinder Scout, grid ref SK 0863387543 Leicestershire (278m) Bardon Hill, grid ref SK 4600413213 Nottinghamshire (203m) approximately 200m to the west of Whiteborough Farm, north of Huthwaite, grid ref SK 4567560503 Rutland (197m) Trig pillar east of Cold Overton Park Wood, grid ref SK 8271708539 Lincolnshire (168m) Trig pillar NW of radar station, Normanby le Wold, grid ref TF 1210696464 Lowest points A significant bend in the road Derbyshire (26m), Spot height 150m north of Cranfleet Farm, Long Eaton, grid ref SK 4942131520, and spot height on the Trent Rifle Range, Long Eaton, grid ref SK 49828131585 Leicestershire (24.8m), Spot height at bend on a minor road, north of Bottesford West Junction, grid ref SK 7955740776 Rutland (17m) Spot height 400m NNE of North Lodge Farm, Belmesthorpe, grid ref TF 0566111226 Nottinghamshire (0m contour) Peat Carr, 3.5 km east of Blaxton, grid ref SE 7073000940 Lincolnshire (below 0m contour) 3 areas: 4.8 sq km approx centred on Glebe Farm, grid ref TF 4187560591 - 3.5 sq km approx centred on Engine Farm, grid ref TF 3728659136 - 1.7 sq km approx centred on Round Decoy Farm, grid ref TF 4578256899
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Travel Maps & Transport -Sales show Skoda owners are not superstitious animals
Updated: 02 May 2013
How to pick up one of Britain's favourite cars at 50% off,
as Skoda dominates top ten cars for customer satisfaction
The Radical - Has a Skoda Octavia, hatchback, his third. It's a 1.4TSI SE with extras included and a tow hitch added. Colour is in Rosso Brunello and at 2 years old since March 2011 goes like a dream. She does 50 mpg on a long run and up to 35 in town. This site does not accept ads but I must say the Czech designers are tops.
By Lee Boyce
PUBLISHED: 08:57, 25 April 2013 | UPDATED: 10:27, 25 April 2013
Sizzling Skoda: Three cars from the manufacturer feature in the satisfaction league table
Britain's top ten cars have been named in a major satisfaction survey, but which is the biggest bargain at three years old?
While the pleasure of a brand new car is undeniable, the satisfaction of picking a second-hand one up that feels as good as new for a fraction of the original cost is substantial.
We reveal how to pick up one of the nation's best motors at a lower price
The Skoda Yeti has been voted as Britain’s favourite car by motorists, beating brands such as BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes.
The Czech carmaker also saw its Superb model take second place on the podium, while its Octavia came sixth – not bad for a manufacturer that was the butt of jokes about its quality for decades.
It has had a huge image change since it was taken over by German car giant Volkswagen.
Before that, its unreliable reputation made it the victim of countless jokes. Favourites included: ‘How do you double the value of a Skoda? Fill it with petrol.’
Today's more positive verdict was reached after more than 46,000 car owners took part in the Auto Express Driver Power car satisfaction survey.
The Yeti, which costs from £14,945 for a basic model to £26,400 for a top of the range pick, achieved a top score of 92.65 per cent in the overall satisfaction ratings.
Last month, sales of new Skodas hit an all-time high in Britain, with car registrations breaking the 9,000 barrier. A total of 9,711 customers bought a 13-plate Skoda in March, up 14.2 per cent on last year.
Read more: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-2314117/Top-cars-customer-satisfaction--buy-cheaply.html#ixzz2S8lZNCGo Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
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Travel & Transport - The Miles Per Gallon (MPG) Myth
Updated: 04 Apr 2013
What Car? Reveals Miles Per Gallon 'Myth'
Radical says that having cruise control and driving at under 60mph improves fuel economy.
Increasing that speed to 70 and performance drops 10mpg.
My 1.4 TSI Skoda (petrol) will co 50mpg on a long run but in town no more than 30 depending on the traffic.
Sky News – 47 minutes ago
There is a significant difference between official fuel economy information and vehicles' actual performance,
according to a study by What Car?.
Research by the consumer magazine revealed that 95.5% of cars do not match the Government's economy
figures, with an average miles per gallon shortfall of 17%.
So-called city cars and superminis were the vehicle types with the biggest disparity, What Car? said.
Despite often being advertised as efficient, city cars had fuel economy shortfall of 23.3%, while the difference for
superminis was almost 25%.
SUVs demonstrated the lowest shortfall in What Car?'s tests, coming in at 12.9% below the Government's
average.
The magazine said it reviewed more than 500 new cars on real roads to arrive at its results - in contrast to the
official research which is conducted in laboratories.
Which Car?'s testing also revealed that some vehicles did deliver the expected miles per gallon, while others
exceeded it.
The the Mazda 3 outperformed the published average miles by gallon by almost 10%, while the Nissan 370Z
exceeded it by 6.8%.
The magazine said it had launched an online tool to check cars' fuel economy following complaints from readers about their car's efficiency.
Since its launch, the What Car? True MPG app has been used over one million times.
"Expecting high fuel economy and getting the opposite can double a household’s fuel expense," editor-in-chief
Chas Hallett said.
"It is vitally important for consumers to buy the right car for their life."
One "misconception", he said, was that smaller cars give better fuel economy.
"But that's not the case. If you use a small-engined car for long motorway runs every day, it will not be that
economical," he said, adding that a vehicle with a larger engine would be better.
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Travel & Transport-Stop the Rail Cuts-We need a Public Transport Policy to get Haulage off the roads
Updated: 28 Mar 2013
by Pete Murray - 27th March 2013, 7.25 GMT
Rail campaigners will mark the 50th anniversary of the Beeching
Report today by holding protests at dozens of stations throughout the UK against planned new cuts to services and staff.
The protests, which have been organised by the TUC’s Action for Rail campaign, come as train operating
companies prepare to embark upon a new programme of cost-cutting over the next six years that could see:
• over 20,000 railway jobs put at risk,
• the closure of 675 ticket offices and
• a 50% increase in the number of unstaffed stations.
Train companies are driving through the cuts in an attempt to find £3.5bn in efficiency savings by 2019, as
requested by the government.
If the cuts go ahead one in ten staff currently working on the railways – including train guards, maintenance
workers, and ticket office staff – could lose their jobs and around three-quarters of all the UK’s railway stations
could become unstaffed, says the TUC.
Action for Rail says the scale of the proposed cuts are frightening and plans to use today’s demonstrations to
highlight how train are using Beeching-style tactics to slim down local services in a bid to make short-term savings.
Campaigners plan to hand out cards with a message about staff and servicing cuts at over 35 train stations across the UK – this morning and evening.
The cards’ message reminds train travellers that in return for paying the most expensive train fares in Europe they can look forward to service cuts, and ticket office closures.
Action for Rail campaigners will use the cards to encourage commuters to tell their local MPs their concern over what is happening to the UK’s railways.
The cards urge MPs to back a policy of investment, fair fares and a publicly-owned railway that puts people and commuter safety before profits.
TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Rail firms seem intent on resurrecting the ghost of Dr Beeching, by embarking upon a new era of swingeing railway cuts.
“At a time when passengers are being forced to pay the most expensive train fares in Europe, they also face the prospect of unstaffed stations and guardless trains.
“Instead of chomping at the bit to save money, train operating companies should be looking to improve vital services at stations and on trains. There is no fairness in asking commuters to pay more for less.”
ASLEF general secretary Mick Whelan said: “Beeching’s vandalism was the worse example of the malaise of short-term thinking that has beleaguered our industry throughout its history.
“A successful rail network is planned carefully for decades ahead. It isn’t subjected to short-term, utterly-unimaginative sticking-plaster solutions like letting franchises, reducing services, poking up fares and cutting staff.”
RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: “Beeching got it badly wrong half a century ago on the future of rail as a popular mode of travel.
“His butchery of rail services has been matched by more recent generations of politicians in the fragmentation and exploitation of privatisation.
“Now is the time to right the wrongs of the past and put an expanded, integrated and publicly-owned railway at the heart of future transport policy.”
TSSA general secretary Manual Cortes said: “Our railways are a success story despite the repeated attacks by the government, Beeching 50 years ago, privatisation twenty years ago and now McNulty which will see the closure of hundreds of booking offices and thousands of job losses.
“Further cuts are not the answer, as Beeching proved so comprehensively five decades ago.
“We need an affordable, socially-owned railway like the rest of Europe where passengers always come first.”
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Travel &Transport- Beeching Rail Cuts fed Marples Road,Haulage & Vehicle Companies profits
Updated: 28 Mar 2013
A historic train wreck
Tuesday 26 March 2013
The 50th anniversary of the Beeching report throws up many lessons for the present and future.
There can be few people now who do not regard the plan to abolish almost one-third of the rail network,
including 6,000 miles of railway line and 2,000 stations, as an utter disaster.
Dr Beeching's medicine not only came close to killing the patient, it ripped the heart out of hundreds of local
communities, destroyed 100,000 jobs and turned many surviving stations into unsafe spaces.
One purpose, we were told at the time, was to stop wasting so much public money "subsidising" an inefficient
and bureaucratic nationalised industry.
The reality was that for most of its history under nationalisation, the British Railways Board had been making a
gross surplus - but was crippled by the cost of replacing clapped-out infrastructure and rolling stock inherited
from the private railway magnates.
While the remaining network benefited from Beeching's modernisation proposals, our society still suffers today
from the legacy of his giant act of vandalism.
Many rural communities have withered or died, motorways and trunk roads have stamped their giant carbon
footprint across the landscape of Britain and the surviving railway network struggles to meet the growing
demand for safer, cleaner and quicker travel.
----
So what are the lessons for today?
First, that when the crumbling industry was taken out of the hands of greedy private monopolies in 1948, it was
an act of capitalist nationalisation rather than one of progressive or democratic nationalisation.
The railway industry was rescued in order to serve the interests of the capitalist economy as a whole.
Many of those appointed to the new management boards were ex-directors in the rail and other industries.
Workers and their trade union representatives were excluded from policy-making bodies altogether.
Compensation paid to the old private shareholders continued for up to 40 years after vesting day, a financial
millstone around the neck of British Rail.
Overcharged passengers and the public purse financed a massive programme of modernisation, ripening the
industry for a return to the profiteers in 1993.
Secondly, the Beeching report was largely implemented because strategic planning in the public sector was
subordinated to the short-term interests of capitalist profit.
----
The road-building, road haulage and motor vehicle corporations and their suppliers piled up the profits as
roads replaced railways.
Tory transport minister Ernest Marples controlled motorway builders Marples Ridgway through his wife's
shareholding.
He had appointed Dr Beeching to chair the British Railways Board and later fled the country to avoid taxes and
lawsuits.
Today there is no strategic planning worth the name in any major industry. All are run in the interests of giant
shareholders who put profits before any wider economic, social or environmental considerations.
The results are plain to see: underinvestment in key industries such as gas and water; a fragmented railway
system in which public money subsidises the profits of most train operating companies and will pay for badly
needed infrastructure development; and a dysfunctional banking system rescued by bail-outs of public cash
that make the subsidies to the old nationalised industries look like petty cash.
The failure of the rail unions in 1963 to unite in action against Beeching was an unmitigated disaster.
Today we need the unity of those unions and of the wider labour movement to tell the Labour Party leadership:
don't just moan about re-privatisation of the East Coast main line and the Air Rescue service - boldly put the
case for economic planning based on progressive, democratic public ownership.
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Travel &Transport-Marples, Beeching & Britain's rail network-Tory efforts to end our Social Society
Updated: 27 Mar 2013
Rail: Fifty years after the vandals
Tuesday 26 March 2013
by Mick Whelan
Ernest Marples was the Conservative transport minister who commissioned Dr Richard Beeching to write his
1963 report in favour of slashing Britain's railway network.
Beeching's brief left little doubt as to what it was to conclude.
The railway was to be made into a profitable business and "must be of a size and pattern suited to modern
conditions and prospects.
In particular, the railway system must be modelled to meet current needs."
It was plain from the outset that the notion of rail as a public service was not to be a consideration.
Beeching's report was to justify savaging the country's rail network.
Quite apart from instigating this railway vandalism, Marples was an unsavoury character.
When Harold Macmillan appointed him minister of transport he owned 80 per cent of Marples Ridgway, a road-
building company.
Even Tories could see this was a conflict of interests, and he said he'd sell his shares.
In fact, he didn't until after his firm was awarded, by his department, the tender to build the Hammersmith flyover
- rejecting a lower tender in the process.
To be fair, he did later sell his shares in the road building company. He sold them to Ruth Marples, his wife.
When Lord Denning investigated the Profumo affair he told Macmillan that Marples was a regular visitor of
prostitutes - and in 1975 he was revealed as a tax-dodger when he scooted off abroad to escape paying his
dues, using a company he owned in Liechtenstein. So we're dealing with a pretty unpleasant man.
But even these crimes paled into insignificance when, as the Conservative minister of transport, he appointed
Beeching as chairman of British Railways with the mission of destroying Britain's rail network.
Beeching, with his business background at ICI and no experience in the rail industry, was observed to have his
head very deep in the trough even in his early days as a "public servant."
He demanded a salary considerably more than the prime minister, and he got it.
It seemed a large amount of money - but, in their terms, he earned it.
He did his master's bidding.
The report he wrote led to 4,000 miles of track being torn up almost immediately, and a further 2,000 destroyed
by the end of the 1960s.
Quite a coup for a transport minister with business interests in constructing roads.
Beeching called the report his master required Reshaping Of British Railways, which is almost as large an
affront to the English language as its contents were to the railways.
It was a breathtaking distortion.
By "reshaping" he actually meant vandalising, destroying and obliterating.
It's like saying that the allies "reshaped" Cologne towards the end of the second world war.
The "Beeching axe" is discussed today as if it were an attack on railways.
In fact it was more than that. It was an assault on public transport as a whole.
It was the victory of the individual in a self-contained tin box over collective travel -
it is part of the Tory dream of the end of social society.
It is a concrete vision of what Thatcher envisaged when she said:
"There is no such thing as society - there are individual men and women, and there are families."
Individuals sit in cars, remote from their kind. Trains provide travel where people interact, exchange and
socialise.
Public transport is anathema to the right.
So who better placed and motivated to destroy it than a combination of a government minister with a vested
interest and an overpaid sycophantic lap dog installed as the head of British Rail?
Yet to label Beeching as the single evil character in this mugging of public transport is misleading.
He was by no means the "lone gunman." He was a piece in the jigsaw, part of what Richard Faulkner in his
recent book Holding The Line defines as a conspiracy.
There were the self-interested grasping managers who crop up everywhere, prepared to toe whatever line their
paymasters invent - administrators lacking imagination, loyalty or morality.
There were the councils, like Blackpool, that shoved aside the railway on which its prosperity had been based in
favour of building a motorway into the town.
There are always hands ready to get grubby in exchange for money or position.
Beeching's cuts robbed remote areas of any train service and made them reliant on the car.
Then the British car industry disappeared and that reliance was exported.
The opportunities for future growth, including the attractiveness of rail as a tourist attraction, were crushed as
the rails were hacked up and the locos smashed.
Beeching buried his dead lines.
This short-term thinking continues today in franchising.
Now 15-year franchises are touted as the solution to providing efficient rail services.
It is ludicrous.
Railway planning has to be considered for generations ahead.
The only thing that can be done in a hurry is destruction - which is so often regretted later.
We would be a cleaner, more efficient and socially accessible country if branch lines had not been turned into scrap.
The real tragedy is how slowly we learn from experience. Rail, and that includes rail freight, has a central part to
play in any thriving green economy.
But instead of planning now to hand on a national integrated rail network to a future generation, the government
concentrates on linking a handful of main cities on a north-south axis, while whole regions are ignored.
HS2 should be a start, running the whole length of the country, with building beginning in the north and the
south and meeting in the middle, while providing the backbone of a network that reaches out to provide reliable
rail to the whole country.
Beeching, Marples and the other vandals made this difficult, but despite them rail doesn't just remain, it grows, to
all our benefit - social, environmental and commercial.
In the last three months of last year, over 385 million passenger journeys took place on our railways.
I see that as 770 million fingers raised in celebration of the fact that ultimately Beeching failed.
- Mick Whelan is general secretary of Aslef the train drivers' union.
----
Day of Action
The rail unions and the TUC are holding a day of action tomorrow to meet passengers at stations around Britain
as part of the Action For Rail campaign.
We will be putting the case against cutting vital staff roles at stations, on trains and in maintenance and safety
and handing out postcards that passengers can send to their MP, demanding better services.
We believe it is vital to get out there and let hard-pressed passengers know that we are there to speak up for an
affordable, people-centered rail service that puts passengers before train company profits.
Please join us at your local station on the day.
For information about where the events are to be held, visit the actionforrail.org website.
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Travel Maps & Transport- Dunham Bridge Company A57 Dunham Road Bridge ( Toll ) Rip Off
Updated: 20 Feb 2013
Dunham Bridge Company A57 Dunham Bridge (Toll) Road Bridge Rip Off.
It is 25 miles between Newark and Gainsborough on the River Trent
There are bridges at both ends and one in the middle on the A57 at …Dunham Bridge (Toll).
The charge to cross the one in the middle owned by Dunham Bridge Company costs 36p in either direction for cars and
considerably more for larger vehicles.
Those who live in the towns and villages between Newark and Gainsborough must either go round, a journey
adding at least 5 miles in either direction or cough up.
The A57 is a main artery between Lincoln and Worksop and Sheffield beyond, yet successive Governments have
never considered building a public bridge.
The A57 crosses the Dunham Bridge Company bridge and as a result they know it is more expensive to travel
around their bridge than pay to cross it.
So they have kiosks manned 24 hours a day to collect money.
Recently the River Trent flooded and road access to the bridge impassable so clearly Dunham Bridge
Company have little regard for the road either side of their bridge.
The Bridge at Dunham Bridge (Toll)…. is a money spinner for the Dunham Bridge Company and those who pay
the Government
their road and fuel tax get short shrift from them in regard to NO public bridge between Newark and Gainsborough
across the River Trent.
It is also a money spinner for the Government who ?? collect tax from Dunham Bridge Company and avoid having
to spend money to build or maintain a public highway.
Please note the area is a Tory stronghold. "The Profit before People Party"
The area is bordered between the Gainsborough and Newark Parliamentary Constituencies.
Edward Leigh MP Gainsborough since 1983 and Patrick Mercer MP Newark since 2001
Dunham Bridge
Company
Registered in the UK
Registered Number ZC185
VAT Number 806 4144 50
Registered Office
Wright Vigar Ltd,
15 Newland
Lincoln
LN1 1XG
Bridge Manager
phone/fax: 01777 228222
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Travel, Maps & Transport - The Radical & his Rose
Updated: 08 Feb 2013
The Radical and his Rose
Leave Bangkok at an early hour on Saturday and fly back to Heathrow via Delhi
Collect the car and drive in the evening to Lincoln
Gaining 7 hours in flight.
Hope we make it in one piece
A cold house and climate awaits us.
We have had a great holiday but it’s good to be going home
I miss the garden and the bulbs in the greenhouse will be missing me
They will be so thirsty.
The mess the “Nasty” Government has created for the people while feathering their own nests does not seem
an attractive proposition to come back to.
But it is our Country as much as theirs, and they will be driven out of office leaving other to repair the damage.
The break has renewed our strength and determination.
The struggle goes on
Thanks for visiting the website and I hope you will return to read the posts next week.
7 oldies grace the front page each week and this Sunday is no exception.
If you have requests do” get in touch”
Radical
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Travel Maps & Transport-Tory lies over rail fares make it cheaper to take the car long distance
Updated: 04 Feb 2013
“Would I lie to you?” Tories did over rail fares, says TSSA
by Pete Murray - 4th February 2013, 8.30 GMT
Campaigners say the cost of rail fares on the busiest routes has risen 3 times faster than the cost of living in the 20 years since privatisation.
The TSSA has published a Top Ten chart of the most expensive city journeys.
A ‘walk on’ single fare from London to Manchester has gone up 208%, to Exeter by 205% and Cardiff by 196%.
Over the same period, RPI inflation has risen by 66%.
The union calculates that average rail fares have increased overall by 102.8% since 1995, the year after British Rail was sold to Railtrack.
TSSA general secretary Manuel Cortes said: “Private rail firms were given a licence to print money in the 1990s and they have been ripping off passengers ever since.”
“This chart demolishes the Tories’ claim when they sold off British Rail that fares would get cheaper.
“Funnily enough, at the time there was a record in the charts called, ‘Would I Lie To You?‘
“Well, sadly, rail passengers have now found out the answer to that one.”
“What we have seen is little more than legalised daylight robbery on a grand scale. Passengers have suffered all the pain while private operators have seen all the gains.
“Now we are number one in Europe for the highest fares.”
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Travel & Transport- After the New Year up goes the price of UK Fuel, Hmm !
Updated: 31 Jan 2013
British campaigners: fuel price hikes ‘suspicious’

Wed Jan 30, 2013 5:32PM GMT
British campaigners have voiced frustration over the Office of Fair Tracing’s (OFT) decision not to hold a full
investigation into whether fuel prices in Britain are being manipulated, local media reported.
The competition watchdog has ruled out a full-scale review of petrol and diesel pricing in the UK after concluding
that high prices have been driven by tax rises and rising oil prices.
However, furious campaigners, who had called on the OFT to announce a full investigation into the sector, said
they were “bitterly disappointed” by the findings.
"UK consumers will be bitterly disappointed.
The nation will feel let down. Quite frankly, I’m shocked…Every motorist and business in Britain instinctively knows that something's not right,” said FairFuelUK campaign’s spokesperson Quentin Willson.
"They did not address the whistleblower evidence of potential rigging of the oil commodity market. Where is the
fairness in all of this?” he added.
British consumers have seen a 38 percent increase in the price of petrol and a 43 percent rise in diesel costs between 2007 and 2012.
Nevertheless, campaigner’s attempts on price transparency have so far remained futile
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Travel & Transport-Cock Up on the West Coast Line "leaves" Government Minister looking slippery
Updated: 31 Jan 2013
MPs West Coast rail report shows franchise system “bleeding to death”
Transport Select Committee report says ministers approved a complex – perhaps unworkable - franchising
policy at the same time as overseeing major cuts to the Department’s resources. Unions say £40m cost of
botched franchise could have paid to train 1,300 NHS nurses or paramedics.
by Pete Murray
- 31st January 2013, 10.47 GMT
Transport unions say a new report into the West Coast rail franchise fiasco has reinforced their case for renationalisation of the UK rail network.
Virgin Trains still operates the West Coast line after First Group’s bid for the franchise was scrapped because of miscalculations by officials
The collapse of the flawed bidding process in October 2012 cost the taxpayer more than £40m in legal fees and compensation.
It comes as the government has confirmed that the franchise for the Great Western Rail link between London,
Bristol and Cardiff is to be scrapped, giving the transport giant First Group an extension on its existing 15-year contract.
Negotiations over four other franchises – East Thameside, Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern – are also about to begin.
Critics say the rail franchise system is “bleeding to death” and should be scrapped.
MPs on the Transport Select Committee investigating the West Coast Mainline contract criticised the Department
for Transport [DfT] for “embarking on an ambitious - perhaps unachievable – reform of franchising, in haste, on
the UK’s most complex piece of railway was an irresponsible decision for which ministers were ultimately responsible.”
They say a major unanswered question remains over why ministers and senior officials at the DfT were misled
about the calculations and “cannot categorically rule out the possibility” that officials manipulated the outcome
of the competition to ensure that First Group got the contract at the expense of Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Trains.
Manuel Cortes, leader of the TSSA rail union, said: “The latest announcement is merely a sticking plaster to try
and save the franchise system which is mortally wounded and bleeding to death before our very eyes.
“Rather than operate on a terminally ill patient, ministers would be better off scrapping the whole system and running the franchises in the interests of passengers rather than private shareholders.
”It is working perfectly well on the East Coast line. Why not do it on all the others?”
The MPs called for the Transport Secretary Partick McLoughlin to explain why ministers and senior officials were
misled about how key loan facilities at the centre of the franchise bid were calculated and to trawl all relevant DfT
emails to get to the bottom of whether or not any officials manipulated the outcome of the competition to ensure
First Group was awarded the West Coast contract.
RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: “Although this report lifts the lid on the whole sordid business of rail
franchising that led us to the West Coast Mainline fiasco it fails to nail the killer point that two decades of railway privatisation has turned our tracks into a money-making racket that is beyond reform.
“The West Coast wasn’t the first rail privatisation fiasco and it won’t be the last until politicians wise up and do
what 70% of the British people want and that is renationalise our entire railway network.”
Transport analysts estimate that operating the UK franchise system costs £1bn more in company profits,
subsidies and other costs than a renationalised rail network would.
The Select Committee report concluded one of the most disappointing aspects of the West Coast fiasco was that
money which could have been spent on transport projects was instead spent on consultants, lawyers and “on
compensating train operators for the DfT’s incompetence.”
UNISON described mishandling of the contracting-out process as ‘a disgrace’.
General secretary Dave Prentis: “As budget cuts bite hard not a penny can be wasted – let alone £40 million.
“Every community in the country is suffering as drastic government spending cuts see hundreds of thousands
of jobs lost and vital local services shut down.”
UNISON estimates money wasted on the botched franchise could have bought 160 new ambulances, paid for
8000 hip operations or for more than 1,300 qualified nurses, midwives, paramedics or social workers
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Travel,Maps & Transport - Pattaya Posted
Updated: 01 Feb 2013
Travel, Maps & Transport –Pattaya Thailand
Pattaya – Past its sell by date ?
Pissing- on the beach
Pot holes- in the major roads
Prostitutes – at all parking places
Pick Pockets – in practice
Prices higher than in the UK for clothes
Piste –Russian taking over from the Germans to the deckchairs
Packed beaches –
Polluted Pattaya Bay
Passengers on the Baht Bus comes second
Pavements are a death trap to the unweary.
Posters all in Russian
Police - pretend tourist ones too
People's paper - with purple tinted specs
Passports, papers and business permission - possibly not !
Poor and plundered ? - "Accidents" don't happen here - its always the victims fault
The Baht Bus system, now 10 baht wherever you are taken, is in utter confusion
This can be 10 metres or 10 miles , but seldom where you want to go.
There are no signs indicating a route or terminus.
This is Pattaya.
Anything goes, but mostly your money, if you don't barter
The Radical
On a friends re-union trip
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Travel,Maps & Transport - Going Boeing Gone
Updated: 29 Jan 2013
High-tech Dreamliner's wings clipped by battery trouble
JAL Dreamliner -
| Economy Class |
30-32.0" |
18.5" |
144 standard seats
|
| Executive Class |
60.2" |
54.0" |
42 lie-flat seats
|
WHEN it went into service a little over a year ago, Boeing's 787 Dreamliner was hailed as a miracle of cutting-edge
innovation – the Chicago-based company used lithium-ion batteries, a carbon-fibre fuselage, and blazing fast
computer networks to cut down on fuel consumption and provide passengers with a ride like no other.
But following a series of mostly electrical mishaps - including a battery fire aboard a 787 at Boston's Logan
International Airport last week - the current global fleet of 50 planes now sits idle.
The US National Transportation
Safety Board has launched an investigation into the plane's electrical systems.
And the US Federal Aviation Administration, which declared the plane airworthy in 2011, is questioning their own certification process.
The plane's lithium-ion batteries, which also appear to have acted up and forced an All Nippon Airways 787 to
make an emergency landing at Takamatsu airport in western Japan this week, store twice the power of nickel-
cadmium cells, making them much lighter.
However, they are a known fire risk under some operating conditions.
No one yet knows if the batteries themselves - built by GS Yuasa of Japan and packaged by Thales of France -
were at fault, or if there's an issue with the wiring, or electronics, they plug into.
Long-standing concern
The FAA's concern over the batteries goes back as far as 2007, when it warned Boeing that the company could
only use lithium-ion batteries if its battery charging, management and failure alarm systems can cope with their unique risks.
Li-ion batteries, the FAA said, are susceptible to self-sustaining increases in temperature and pressure if they are
overcharged "which leads to formation of highly unstable metallic lithium which can ignite, resulting in a self-
sustaining fire or explosion."
Because the Boston battery fire is under investigation by the NTSB, Boeing spokeswoman Lori Gunter cannot
yet comment on what happened.
But she says the 787 is built to cope with any problem the batteries throw at it.
"It is designed to be able to handle any faults that we would expect to see from the battery," she told New Scientist.
Boeing's rival, Airbus of Toulouse, France, uses smaller lithium batteries in its A380 jet to power emergency
lighting, but plans to increase its reliance on the batteries in the forthcoming A350.
"Lithium-ion batteries can be designed in very different ways, with different chemistries, electronic protections,
capacities and number of cells," says an Airbus spokesman.
"The way a battery is integrated in the aircraft is important, as well as the protections that are put in place."
Better sensors
Smart in-battery sensors could be an answer, say Gi-Heon Kim and colleagues at the National Renewable Energy Center in Golden, Colorado.
They are developing a "fail-safe" Li-ion battery that incorporates a passive early warning system (Journal of
Power Sources, DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2012.03.015) that senses the structural defects in a Li-ion battery cell that
can lead to the thermal runaway that leads to fires.
When it does so, it isolates the cell from the battery long before trouble occurs.
Better still, says Kim, "this technology is independent of battery chemistry and cell design" - so could apply to
the Li-ion cells used in phones, electric cars and aviation.
The outcome of the investigations into the battery issues will also resonate off-planet, as the International Space
Station is about to have its power sources upgraded to more powerful Li-ion cells from GS Yuasa.
"NASA is in close communication with Boeing, the FAA, and the cell manufacturer on the ongoing failure
analysis, and will apply any relevant lessons learned as appropriate," a NASA spokesman told New Scientist
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Travel Maps & Transport - Fill up UK - As it always does after the New Year
Updated: 25 Jan 2013
Petrol prices 'to rise by 4p per litre in coming days'
Petrol prices are expected to rise by as much as four pence a litre in the next few days, retailers have predicted as
forecourts pass on increased wholesale costs to motorists. Retailers predict new forecourt rises
12:01AM GMT 25 Jan 2013
The rise forecast by the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) would add £2 to the cost of filling a Vauxhall Astra.
Brian Madderson, chairman of the PRA, said wholesale prices had risen by five pence a litre since Christmas.
"Independent retailers have been soaking up this increase at the expense of already tight margins because they
know how hard the motorist is squeezed. But the floodgates will have to open soon," he warned.
According to the Association’s latest figures petrol was selling for 132.83 pence a litre and diesel 140.4 pence.
It said that "wholesale cost changes could see prices at the pump up another 4p per litre in coming days".
However the AA, which forecast a small rise of about 2.5 pence a litre, accused the industry of failing to pass on
recent falls in wholesale prices to motorists as quickly as increases.
The Office of Fair Trading will decide next week whether to launch an investigation into the fuel market.
“Another new year, another new round of pump price rises after the industry failed to pass on fully wholesale
price savings’” said Edmund King, the AA’s president.
“The insight we are now getting on wholesale price movements rams home the need for this information to be out
in the public domain immediately.
Wholesale petrol prices turned upward in the first week of January, average pump prices six days later.
If falls in wholesale were reflected as quickly, no one would mind – but they’re not”.
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Travel Maps & Transport -Best & Worst Value Holiday Destinations - ?excluding the air fare
Updated: 24 Jan 2013
| TOP 10 VALUE-FOR-MONEY DESTINATIONS | TOP 10 LEAST VALUE-FOR-MONEY DESTINATIONS |
| 1. Spain |
1. South Korea |
| 2. Sri Lanka |
2. Australia |
| 3. Czech Republic |
3. New Zealand |
| 4. Bali |
4. China |
| 5. Vietnam |
5. Canada |
| 6. Bulgaria |
6. Dubai |
| 7. Portugal |
7. Mauritius |
| 8. Mexico |
8. Singapore |
| 9. Hungary |
9. Jamaica |
| 10. Turkey |
10. St Lucia |
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Travel Maps & Transport- A Radical in Bangkok
Updated: 24 Jan 2013
Arrived in Thailand for a break.
Travelled Jet Airways via Delhi
Staying in Bkk for 4 then to seeing friends in Pattaya for 8 nights
Are you planning a trip ?
Get in touch….
We know where the best hotels – not expensive are and where to find a girl – if you need one.
The hotels have swimming pools and the girls are free –that is until you say –may I buy you an iced tea ?
The Rose has been in the pool and posed for photos but not for your eyes friend
But for you – “Help Yourself" as Tom Jones once said
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Travel Maps & Transport- Colchester Council and Disabled Parking
Updated: 19 Jan 2013
Colchester Council and Disabled Parking
Disabled Drivers should avoid this town as the Council are distinctly unfriendly toward them.
Parking near the main attractions including the Castle, Museums and Tourist Information Centre is extremely
limited to say the least.
What opportunities there are to park on side roads, are closed to the disabled even though allowing them to do so
would not cause an obstruction.
In fact the double yellow lines where parking would be permitted causes a major traffic obstruction through the
single carriageway one way system.
Disabled Drivers do not want to be anti –social but need to be close to town centres and attractions otherwise they
are inaccessible.
On the other hand Ipswich, nearby, has lots of disabled parking facilities in the market area, town centre and the
marina areas.
If you have experience of poor town parking facilities for the disabled do get in touch
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Travel, Maps & Transport- Lincoln/Hykeham Bypass - Two Tory MP's are no better than One !
Updated: 03 Jan 2013
Lincoln and Hykeham South and East Bypass cut off their prime. The two
Tory MP’s are not better than one !
Lincoln's eastern bypass plans stalled over funding issue Thursday, August 09, 2012
Highways bosses must re-apply for permission to build Lincoln's eagerly-anticipated eastern bypass.
Lincolnshire County Council is poised to submit a new application after central government revealed there was only enough funds for a single carriageway. 1. Congestion: It is hoped Lincoln’s eastern bypass will help ease congestion in the city but highways bosses have to submit new plans first
The Conservative-led authority was granted permission to build a dual carriageway in October 2010.
But new blueprints must be submitted as the size of the road is being scaled down.
The council says funding for the project has been 'provisionally granted' and that there is no reason why work on the site will be delayed.
William Webb, executive member for highways and transportation at Lincolnshire County Council, said: "The
Lincoln Eastern Bypass will make a huge difference to people's lives, easing congestion and having a tremendously positive economic benefit both here and in the East Midlands.
"We are very pleased the Government has decided to give us this funding which can only be used for a single carriageway road, particularly in light of the tightened economic times.
"However, a dual carriageway remains our long-term aspiration.
"We are presently preparing the new planning application for a single carriageway road, but we still hope to have
the road finished according to the original timetable.
"We just need to make sure we have all the necessary paperwork in place before we start."
Chancellor George Osbourne gave the project the green light in his Autumn Statement to Parliament, in November, last year.
The bypass is one of 35 major transport schemes to be fast-tracked by central government to help boost the ailing economy.
The county council has estimated more than 30,000 jobs will be created as a result of the development. It is hoped construction work will start in 2014.
Spokesman for the Department for Transport Melanie Purkiss told the Echo: "The project is up in the air at this stage.
"Any new plans must go through the planning application process so it would be wrong to say that this a done deal. "We are in full support of the project but the work is subject to planning approval."
She added: "Everything depends on the length of the planning application process so we cannot estimate how long any delay to the work being done would be.
"Ministers reserve the right to reconsider their approval of the scheme if its scope changes significantly from that given approval last year."
£4m spent on Lincoln's southern bypass plan despite its uncertain future Monday, September 26, 2011
ALMOST £4 million of taxpayers' cash has been spent buying houses and land to make way for Lincoln's southern bypass – despite no guarantee it will ever be built.
Lincolnshire County Council stands accused of wasting money and jumping into the project too early after buying eight houses and a plot of land in Station Road,Waddington. 1. JUMPING THE GUN? Land in Station Road, Waddington, that has been bought by Lincolnshire County Council. 2. ROAD PLAN: A view of Station Road, Waddington. The proposed bypass would run through the middle of the houses in the centre of the shot.
The future of the southern bypass hinges on a successful council bid to the Government for £50 million to build the city's long-awaited eastern bypass.
A decision is expected before Christmas, but there are no guarantees of success.
Retired teacher Sid Orford, 85, who moved out of his Station Road home in November last year after agreeing a deal with the council, said: "I don't think the bypass will ever be built.
"Where I think the council has gone wrong is it has gone in for the properties too early.
At least wait until the eastern bypass is built before issuing plans for the southern bypass."
Officials at the authority say they were approached by homeowners who felt their properties would be affected by the proposed route of the southern bypass.
After considering the applications, and to protect the land from future development, the council has paid out just under £4 million.
Seven of the homes are now being rented out, with the eighth due to be occupied soon.
This raises about £70,000 a year. If the eastern bypass is approved for funding – to be ready by summer 2016 or 2017 – only then will a southern
bypass become a possibility. Estimates suggest this road will not be built until 2030 at the earliest.
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Travel, Maps & Transport- Standing Room only for 3rd Class Plebs ?
Updated: 15 Nov 2012
Third class railway travel plans on track for plebs
by Tim Lezard -
14th November 2012, 8.00 GMT
Third class rail travel, where passengers journey in the open air, might be making a comeback, the RMT has warned.
Abolished on Britain’s railways in June 1956, government refused to rule out its return when answering a question in the House of Lords last week.
Responding to a question from Lord Myners about whether invitations to bid for new rail franchises permitted the introduction of a third passenger class, Earl Attlee replied the current franchising system allows bidders to propose the introduction of a third passenger class as long as these proposals comply with the ticketing and settlement agreement and franchise agreement.
RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: “Now we know: the door is open for the train operators to introduce a third passenger class as and when it suits them.
We knew that this government was winding the clock back on employment, benefit and legal rights but now they are opening up the option to dive back in time more than 50 years to the days of third class rail travel.
“On some overcrowded and de-staffed services, passengers could be forgiven for thinking they are already travelling third class as the train operators bleed them dry.
While the Chancellor blags his way into first class without a ticket his Government are giving a green light to bring third class travel back in through the back door for the masses.
What a shocking indictment of this rotten bunch running the country.”
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Travel,Maps & Transport- Top twenty places to emigrate for young people
Updated: 08 Nov 2012
Top twenty places to emigrate for young people
Warsaw, Poland Poland has the healthiest economy in Europe with 4.4% growth in 2011. Not a visually attractive city, falling house prices may deter potential buyers but the affordabiility of life, booming economy and proximity to home should prove a strong pull
Phnom Penh, Cambodia A gem on the south east Asia tourist trail with Angkor Wat nearby, Phnom Penh is a prosperous, modern city with a good economic outlook. Good rental yields are available for investors
Bangkok, Thailand Recent political instability and flooding will doubtless have dampened the enthusiasm of potential Bangkok expats, but the city still offers an attractive quality of life at very affordable rates. A sharp property price fall since 2008 sees real estate reasonably cheap and with rising value
Prague, Czech Republic Beautiful and only a short flight away from Britain, Prague offers all the stability of Europe with not requiring a new language, and it has the best beer in the world
Montevideo, Uruguay Montevideo's beaches are underrated, with Brazil taking most of the limelight in terms of being the sun-and-sea option in Latin America. Residents benefit from relatively low taxation rates
Mexico City, Mexico Mexico City is one of the biggest conurbations in the world and not everybody's cup of tea, but Mexico's growth rate is stable, its global influence growing and rental yields are good
Hamburg, Germany The weather is not the best and the name lacks the glamour of the national capital, but it is one of the most prosperous cities in Europe, benefitting as a major transport hub for the continent and it has a high quality of life.
Manila, Philippines The Philippines has beautiful islands and beaches, many relatively unspoilt by tourism. Its position close to the booming heart of east Asia is an advantage
Dubai, UAE All glitz and glam, Dubai may have gone bust in 2009 but it's a huge magnet for international money
Auckland, New Zealand Perenially known simply as "the place where they filmed Lord of the Rings", New Zealand's biggest pull is its natural beauty and open spaces. Quality of life is high and, after a difficult few years with recession and the Christchurch earthquake, expansionary economic policies should see jobs and property price rises in the near future
Buenos Aires, Argentina Stylish, exotic and fiery, Argentina has progressed economically in leaps and bounds since it's woeful experiences in the nineties and early noughties. There are excellent rental yields to be had for buyers and a generally optimistic outlook in the property market at the moment. A flare-up or further escalation in tensions in the Falklands could become a factor for Brits
Lima, Peru Peru is undergoing an economic boom, partly due to commodities export revenues. Property here is cheap - both if you want to buy and rent - and, if you buy, you can benefit from very good rental yields.
Shanghai, China Shanghai is the financial centre of China, so it is a city full of opportunity. Unfortunately relocation is hard without at least some Chinese and property is overpriced for potential buyers.
Bogota, Colombia Forget Colombia's reputation for crime and drug-barons. These days it has an improving security situation, huge potential for tourism and economic growth, and Bogota is a vibrant city far from the country's less stable parts. Add to this the attractiveness of the indiginous population and low property prices and you're onto a winner
Vienna, Austria With a reasonable cost of living for a European country, skiing and the Med both on the doorstep and world-class cultural offerings, Vienna is a luxurious but attractive choice
Panama City, Panama Already a popular destination for retirees, the younger generation are waking up to Panama's charms. With its spectacular beaches and rainforest, Panama has beauty in spades. It also boasts some of the best infrastructure in Central America, and though not quite the bargain destination it once was, property is still good value. Residents do not pay taxes on foreign-earned income
Sydney, Australia Oz is an established destination for British emigrants and movers benefit from embedded expat communities and establishe Aussie-Pom banter.Unfortunately rent is high in Sydney at the moment, although Melbourne is another good option
Jakarta, Indonesia Indonesia is enormous, the world's fourth most populous country, and has huge economic potential. There are no language-learning requirements for wannabe movers as you can get around fine with English and living costs are wonderfully low. Unfortunately buying is a bit of a legal nightmare and good guidance is required.
Berlin, Germany The hip and happening city of Europe, Germany's economy is healthy and you won't lack for exciting new experiences if you move here
Malta Despite the recent downgrading of Malta's sovereign debt rating, this compact nation smaller than the Isle of Wight is still an attractive option for those looking for a change of pace. The fabulous weather, low crime rates and relative political stability add up to a laid-back lifestyle. British rule ended in 1969 so English is the island's main language, making property buying less of a headache than in its bigger European neighbours
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Travel, Maps & Transport- UK Fuel Tax hits record high
Updated: 07 Nov 2012
Tax on petrol hits record high in UK
Tue Nov 6, 2012 5:25PM GMT
The amount of tax paid by the British motorists on each liter of fuel has reached a record high, local media reported.
Figures from the House of Commons Library revealed that 81p goes to the Treasury in Value Added Tax (VAT) and fuel duty for a typical liter of petrol costing 138.3.p, The Telegraph reported.
The Library’s report also said that overall, British fuel duty is the second highest in the European Union.
Under current Treasury plans, raising fuel duty by 3p will begin on January 1st next year.
A recent study by the National Institute for Economic and Social Research showed that January’s rise could lead to 35,000 job losses and could impede the country’s economic growth.
Moreover, motoring groups and campaigners are urging British Chancellor George Osborne to abolish the planned rise on fuel duty, which they believe will hit household budgets.
“The current level of taxes on petrol and diesel is a burden on the UK economy and it would be insanity to impose another 3p tax on fuel next year”, Quentin Willson of FairFuelUK said, adding the recent fuel tax plans have been unfair.
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Travel,Maps & Transport - Lindisfarne, Northumberland
Updated: 24 Sep 2012
Lindisfarne, Northumberland Uploaded by UTD111 on 11 Jun 2008
Holy Island (Lindisfarne) is situated off the Northumberland coast in the north of the UK, just a few miles south of the border between England and Scotland.
The island is linked to the mainland by a causeway which twice a day is covered by the tide.
Possibly the holiest site of Anglo-Saxon England, Lindisfarne was founded by St. Aidan, an Irish monk, who came from Iona, the centre of Christianity in Scotland.
St Aidan converted Northumbria to Christianity at the invitation of its king, Oswald.
St. Aidan founded Lindisfarne Monastery on Holy Island in 635, becoming its first Abbot and Bishop.
The Lindisfarne Gospels, a 7th century illuminated Latin manuscript written here, is now in the British Museum in London but should rightfully be returned to Northumbria.
The island of Lindisfarne with its wealthy monastery was a favourite stop-over for Viking raiders from the end of the 8th century.
These Vikings raiders obviously concerned the monks somewhat as they vacated the monastery and did not return for 400 years. Lindisfarne continued as an active religious site from the 12th century until the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1537.
It seems to have become disused by the early 18th Century
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Travel,Maps & Transport- West Coast Mainline -RMT calls for renationalisation
Updated: 20 Sep 2012
RMT calls for re-nationalisation of West Coast mainline
by Tim Lezard -
19th September 2012, 8.47 BST
The RMT today demanded full re-nationalisation of the West Coast mainline route as it emerged the government has a public sector team on standby to take over from December 9th in the wake of the Virgin/First Group fiasco.
The public sector team, called the West Coast Main Line Mobilisation Team, had been drawn from the already nationalised East Cost route.
The confirmation they are now in place and ready to take over staffing, finance and operations as Virgin and First slug it out in the courts contradicts earlier Department of Transport denials when RMT first blew the whistle on the re-nationalisation plan last week.
With little more than ten weeks to go until the Virgin franchise expires, there is still a mass of work to do on transferring the staffing and operations and RMT is warning that it would be yet another expensive waste of time and money to go through the whole charade again as and when Virgin and First reach a court judgment – a judgment which could demand that the whole franchise be re-tendered from scratch.
RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: “Despite the denials only last week it is now clear that the West Coast Main Line Mobilisation Team is in place as the public sector is forced to rescue this privatisation shambles just as it has done on the East Coast.
“This whole wasteful, costly and shambolic farce has to stop now.
If the public sector is the only show in town when things collapse into chaos then they should now be allowed to get on with the job on a permanent basis on both the East and West Coast and end this madness.
” It is little wonder that 70% of the public now support RMT’s call for re-nationalisation of the railways in the wake of the West Coast debacle.”
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Travel, Maps & Transport- Cheapest Fuel Prices
Updated: 17 Sep 2012
Cheapest Fuel Prices ?
Go to Petrolprices.com
Register or Log in
Enter the Post Code of the area you need to know about
And Hey Presto up comes the place to buy fuel
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Travel,Maps & Transport- Increase tax on Oil company profits, not on the motorists fuel bill
Updated: 07 Sep 2012
Petrol price probe launched as explosive evidence
from whistleblower accuses oil firms of price fixing
By Harry Glass and Lee Boyce UPDATED: 13:17, 5 September 2012
..A probe is being launched into UK petrol prices just as explosive evidence of oil price fixing on a global scale came to light from a whistleblowing trader.
Oil companies in the UK face a possible official investigation into the manipulation of prices after the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) agreed to a 'call for evidence' today from the industry, motoring groups and consumer bodies.
While not yet a full-scale investigation, it will study whether reductions in the price of crude oil are being fairly passed on to motorists, who have seen petrol prices remain stubbornly high.
It will explore a number of claims about how the road fuels sector is functioning, including whether supermarkets and major oil companies are making it more difficult for independent retailers to compete.
Whistleblower statement: 'Every day the price is manipulated' Claire Hart, of the OFT, said: 'We are keenly aware of continuing widespread concern about the pump price of petrol and diesel and we have heard a number of different claims about how the market is operating.'
UK motorists have seen petrol prices rise by 38 per cent in the last five years, while diesel prices rose 43 per cent. The UK retail road fuels sector is estimated to be worth around £32billion.
The OFT will publish its findings in January, and has sanctions available to it such as imposing legal requirements on businesses to change their practices and behaviour, or imposing fines. It may also decide to refer the matter to the Competition Commission, which has greater powers.
The decision comes as a whistleblower who trades UK oil futures claimed to one campaign group that oil prices are fixed as a matter of course.
Published on the website PetrolPromise.com, but staying anonymous to protect his identity, his job and his family, the trader said: ‘I trade the oil market on a daily basis, and every day the price is manipulated - not just the daily benchmark price but the calendar spreads that make up a large part of the daily volume.
‘One part of the problem is a lack of market transparency. In the oil futures market, huge volumes are offered and then withdrawn without trading - and unlike stocks and shares where large holdings have to be declared, in the oil market nobody knows where the money is coming from and who is ultimately profiting as a result.
‘For example, large oil futures volumes are often placed on a bid, and then instantly withdrawn and a reverse offer is placed.
There is no reason for this behaviour other than to distort market prices.’ More...Fears grow that oil and petrol prices could have been manipulated like Libor rates
You can see the full whistleblower document on the website.
This will now be presented to Parliament on 13 September 2012, when MPs will have a half-day debate in the main chamber, calling for a formal investigation.
Conservative MP Robert Halfon, who runs PetrolPromise.com and has compiled a dossier of evidence to show how oil barons are ripping off motorists in an echo of the Libor interest rate scandal, hailed the OFT's decision. UNLEADED PRICES UP ALMOST 7P A LITRE IN TWO MONTHS
Petrol and diesel pump prices across the UK have risen drastically since July, as the price of oil has rocketed since a summer low of $90 a barrel.
Oil prices now sit at $114 a barrel and as a result, UK motorists have seen a knock-on impact at the forecourt.
Back in mid-July, the price of unleaded was 132.2p per litre, according to the AA – this increased to 135.5p exactly one month later, while petrolprices.com now has the average price of a litre of unleaded at 138.99p.
At the same time, diesel prices have soared. In mid-July, according to AA statistics, the price was 137p per litre and was up to 140.4p in mid-August. Today, the price is 143.52p a litre, according to petrolprices.com.
As a result, both diesel and petrol prices are now closing in on the highs seen in April 2012, when the threat of tanker boycotts sent ripples of panic through the industry.
During the ‘summer low’ at the beginning of July, petrol cost 130.8p a litre and diesel 136.12p. .He said: 'We have to look at the oil market - pump-prices keep going up and up, even though there is no oil-shortage. Why?
'There have been serious accusations of fraud and market-manipulation. We need a proper investigation, just as Germany and America are doing. Britain is being taken for a very expensive ride.'
He said 'rip-off' petrol prices are keeping people on benefits because they can’t afford to travel and literally driving people out of work.
'In my hometown of Harlow, the question is not can you afford to have a car - but can you afford not to. That’s why we need a tough investigation into the oil market and allegations of price-fixing.'
Quentin Willson, of FairFuelUK, says, 'There is a widespread feeling that when oil goes up, pump prices rocket immediately – but when the oil prices falls, pump prices don’t reflect that call.
This causes a sense of complete exasperation and anger.
'FairFuelUK has been calling for this investigation into the road fuel market for months.
Anything that brings transparency and openness to a £32billion market that's always been shrouded in mystery, will be good for consumers, businesses and the UK economy.
We want full disclosure to make sure pump prices in this country are fair, reasonable and, most importantly, go down quickly when the price of crude falls.'
Mr Halfon's website, PetrolPromise.com, has posted a campaign video today explaining how he believes oil companies are price-fixing and keeping petrol prices high at the pumps.
The price motorists pay for fuel at the forecourts is determined by retailers who use oil price 'benchmarks' to decide how much to pay for future supplies.
This price is calculated by two main price reporting agencies - Platts and Argus - on data which is collected from firms which trade oil on a daily basis, like banks, hedge funds and energy companies.
But like Libor - the interest rate measure that Barclays was earlier this month found to have rigged - the market is not regulated. Instead it relies on the honesty of firms to submit accurate data.
This may have led to drivers paying over the odds to fill their tank, as petrol retailers buy their products based on the prices reported by the agencies.
Mr Halfon is one of 100 MPs campaigning for lower petrol prices and who also backed the successful campaign for Chancellor George Osborne to scrap a planned 3p fuel duty rise which was set to hit next month, said the Bank of England needs to investigate potential manipulation ‘urgently’.
The Petrol Retailers' Association also supports an inquiry.
Read more: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-2198583/Parliament-debate-possible-manipulation-oil-prices-dossier-brings-new-evidence.html#ixzz25kSS5hgG
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Travel,Maps &Transport - Safety First -People before Profit on our Rail Network
Updated: 03 Sep 2012
“Praise heroes, don’t sack them” – RMT on Cumbria evacuation
by Tim Lezard - 1st September 2012, 8.41 BST
Union News
The safe evacuation of the Northern Rail train derailed near St Bees in Cumbria yesterday underlines the importance of safety-trained train and infrastructure crew who are under threat thanks to “wrong-headed” government policy, said the RMT.
As the media reported praise for the train crew’s calm and orderly evacuation of around 100 passengers, the union condemned the government’s plan to abolish guards under the notorious McNulty report, which aims to sack up to 20,000 rail staff to protect private operators’ profits.
RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: “Yesterday’s controlled evacuation in Cumbria underlines exactly why guards are so important and why the government is so, so wrong to put private operators’ profits ahead of rail safety.
“Passengers were full of praise for the way the train crew took control of the situation and led people to safety, but if the government gets its way the safety-critical role of guards will be ditched, along with thousands of safety-trained front-line station staff.
“RMT understands that a Network Rail mobile operations manager was also at the remote scene very quickly to take charge, but under the government’s plans to shift track control towards the private operators, this is another role that is under threat.
“It is at times like these that the crucial importance of professional, properly trained staff becomes so clear, and we would urge everyone who uses the railways to tell MPs and the government that cutting guards and other safety-critical staff is not an option.”
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Travel Maps & Transport- Midweek Cheaper Flights ?
Updated: 31 Aug 2012
Want a cheaper flight?
Jetting off on holiday on a Tuesday could save a family £336
By Joanna Robinson UPDATED: 18:02, 28 August 2012
..If you want to pay less to jet off on holiday then Tuesday is the day to go, according to new research.
A study by consumer group Which? has found that Tuesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly with the biggest airlines in the UK - British Airways, EasyJet and Ryanair.
The organisation analysed 1,174 September flights from each airline’s main airport to one of its most popular destinations.
Cheap flights: If you want to pay as little as possible for your flight, the best day to travel is Tuesday according to new research
British Airways flights between Heathrow and Barcelona, EasyJet between Gatwick and Alicante, and Ryanair between Stansted and Dublin were analysed, for one person with one piece of checked-in luggage.
Friday and Saturday were joint most expensive for British Airways, Friday was the most expensive for easyJet, and Sunday the most expensive for Ryanair.
With easyJet, travelling from Gatwick to Alicante in Spain on a Friday cost an average of 35 per cent or £28 more than the same trip on a Tuesday. For a family of four, this would represent a £112 difference.
The cheapest options varied between carriers, but those flying with easyJet would pay an average of 45 per cent or £56 more to return to Gatwick from Alicante on a Sunday than if they got back on a Thursday.
The midweek return would save a family of four £224.
When returning home Sunday is the typically the most expensive day to fly, while mid-week inbound flights were the cheapest, with the lowest average prices available from Tuesday to Thursday.
Return flights with easyJet from London Gatwick to Alicante on Sundays were on average 45 per cent (£56) more expensive than Thursdays.
Interestingly, the research also found that as well as cheaper days of the week, there were cheaper times of the day to fly – but this varied across different airlines.
Whilst most travellers assume that leaving at unsociable hours is the cheapest, this was only true of British Airways.
It showed that 86 per cent of BA’s cheapest outbound flights were in the morning, before 7.30am, and 86 per cent of its cheapest return flights were in the evening.
When checking prices in August, Which? found BA's two early morning outbound flights on 6 September were £106, but an evening flight was 52 per cent higher at £161.
Meanwhile, outbound flights with easyJet were most expensive in the mornings, with the priciest times between 5.45 and 11am.
Return flights with easyJet were most expensive in the early afternoon – between 2pm and 3.55pm, while the cheapest were in the evening.
More...Book before the end of August avoid Spanish holiday tax hike
Why Londoners pay less for holiday cash than everyone else
Squeeze on cost of living means 2 million adults join their parents on holiday
Richard Lloyd, executive director of Which?, said: ‘With household budgets squeezed, holidaymakers will want to make sure they are getting a good deal on their flights.
'We found that people can save a significant sum of money if they shop around and can be flexible, changing the day or time they choose to travel.’
This advice comes too late for many who will have already returned from their summer holiday.
But it is more important than ever after the rise in air passenger duty in April has added an average of £92 to the price of a family trip to Europe
Read more: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/holidays/article-2194787/Want-cheaper-flight-Jetting-holiday-Tuesday-save-family-336.html#ixzz2571cnrsA
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Travel Maps & Transport- 68% buy their car on the "Never Never"
Updated: 31 Aug 2012
Is Britain becoming a nation of car renters?
More opt to 'rent' new motors on finance that they never actually own
By Lee Boyce UPDATED: 16:49, 24 August 2012
.. Funding a brand new car on finance is growing in popularity.
A whopping 68 per cent of new cars driven away from forecourts in the last year were funded from finance sold in car dealerships, research has shown.
And increasingly drivers are opting to use Personal Contract Plans to get a new car every three years or so, while putting down relatively small deposits and paying just a few hundred pounds a month for them - with a growing trend of never actually owning the car outright.
Our motor money expert Lee Boyce explores how we are becoming a nation of car renters.
Proving popular: A motor tends to be the second priciest purchase after a house - and an increasing number are turning to car finance deals to get a new vehicle
Between April and June 2012, the value of new car finance increased by 38 per cent compared to the same three-month period last year and the number of new cars bought on finance rose by 27 per cent, new data from the Finance and Leasing Association (FLA), the trade body for the motor finance industry, has revealed.
This meant more than £2.2billion was lent to consumers to fund the purchase of more than 155,000 new cars.
And it’s not just new cars that are being financed this way – almost 200,000 used cars were bought in the same period on finance, a rise of eight per cent.
How 'renting' a new car has boomedThe most popular product for financing a car, according to the FLA, is via a Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), accounting for 61 per cent of all new finance agreements.
At the same time, Hire Purchase (HP) accounted for 26 per cent of the market and leasing eight per cent.
The growth of PCP has been substantial. According to data, back in 2006, only 38 per cent of car financing deals were via this method, opposed to 56 per cent taking out an HP deal.
So why has PCP become such a popular method to finance a car?
It’s not that different to an HP deal in the fact you go to a car dealer, you agree the amount you need to borrow and the dealer then contacts a motor finance company which pays for the car on your behalf.
The advantages of a new car
One of the major advantages in owning a succession of new cars on relatively low-cost finance is that drivers can seek cover from expensive bills under manufacturers' warranties.
New cars are typically sold with three-year warranties from the manufacturer - some come with five or even longer periods of protection.
Any faults other than those caused by wear and tear should be covered by the warranty, as long as owners stick to agreed mileages and service plans.
Some manufacturers even offer service plans with their cars, so buying one with three years of warranty and three years of free servicing can keep costs down.
The downside is that new cars depreciate fast - losing thousands in their first year of ownership, so it is important to factor that in and not ignore the true cost due to the convenient monthly payment structure.
.PCP finance deals can be offered across manufacturers, car dealers or through specialist brokers. Broker or loan firm plans tend to be more expensive than manufacturer and official dealer deals.
Many will ask for a deposit, but this can vary between deal to deal - some dealerships will offer cars with no deposit, but these deals will be for those with a good credit history.
The PCP is typically structured so that you pay that deposit at the start, then a set amount of monthly payments, with a final balance, known as a deferred amount or 'balloon' payment at the end.
You make monthly payments to the finance company, which is the difference between the full loan and the deferred amount, plus an interest charge – unless you get a 0 per cent deal.
With an HP deal you own the car at the end with no other options, whereas with PCP you have the choice of whether to make that final payment.
For this reason, monthly repayments on PCP deals tend to be lower because you don’t necessarily own the car at the end of the loan: you can either pay off the deferred amount in full and keep the car, hand the car back to the dealer and walk away (depending on the T&Cs – this will often involve keeping the car in ‘pristine’ condition) or trade the car in and repeat the process.
In this tough economic climate, it appears that PCP deals fit in better with people’s budgets each month. HP monthly payments tend to be higher, because at the end of the finance deal you own the car - and that then has a resale value.
Most owners use equity to fund another car
So which of the three options do those who take out a PCP tend to take?
Well according to rough estimates from the FLA, some customers choose to make the balloon payment at the end, but it’s not a huge number – around 20 per cent.
A small minority choose to hand the car back at the end of the term, but the most popular choice is to use the equity in the car to act as a deposit for a new PCP deal and get a new car via this method every few years.
Equity in the car is the difference between the end balloon payment and the value of the car.
So, for example, if the end payment is for £4,000, but the car is actually worth £5,000 (a car dealership will usually value it via an industry-wide valuation service, CAP) you have £1,000 in equity.
This can be then used as a deposit towards a new car.
This has resulted in a growing number of people essentially ‘renting’ a car, and repeating the process over and again in order to upgrade their motor, almost like a mobile phone contract.
A brand new car for £159 a month: How the deals stack up Toyota Yaris: The manufactuer is currently offering a 0% PCP deal on this car There are a handful of major manufacturers offering 0 per cent PCP deals.
For example, Toyota is offering the Yaris Edition – worth £11,695 - on a 36 month deal.
With a deposit of £1,905.40, a customer can pay £159 a month for three years and then either pay the final £4,224.60, hand the car back (certain T&Cs apply) or trade-in.
Toyota also offers a deal with no deposit - but the monthly payments are higher. It is also offering a range of other models on 0 per cent deals, such as its Rav4 XTR, Aygo Fire and iQ.
Others offer PCP deals that do come with a higher APR. For example, Alfa Romeo is offering its Giulietta 1.4 TB 120 bhp Turismo on a 48 month contract at 6.2 per cent APR.
This requires a £4,745 deposit and the monthly payments are £219 per month.
PCP specialist newcar4me.com, which comes recommended on the Honest John website, lists a Jaguar XF 2.2d SE on a 48 month contract, which needs a deposit of £1,000, has monthly payments of £570, and a final payment of £9,091 - the interest rate works out at 9.5% APR.. The cat's whiskers: A Jaguar XF could be yours for just £1,000 down and monthly payments of £570 - but it will cost you £9,000 to actually own it at the end of the plan
Make sure you check all of your options on finance
As with any type of finance, it is important to check out all the options – for example, you may be able to get an unsecured or secured loan which can cover the cost of a car and end up saving you money – check the latest loan deals here.
A recent investigation by consumer champion Which? revealed that a number of car dealerships are not making the required information, such as the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and total cost payable, clear for buyers to make an informed comparison - so make sure you are fully aware of the costs involved.
John Hartnett, head of personal loans at M&S Money, said: 'Buying a car is a major purchase, and it is important that motorists spend time looking for a good deal on their finance, as well as searching for their perfect vehicle
'By spending just a few minutes looking at some of the best finance options available, you will be armed with enough information to judge whether the deal the car salesman is offering you is worth entering into or not.'
If you do decide to take up one of the options, it is important to shop around and haggle hard. You should, for example, look online to find the most competitive deal – if you know how much this is before you go into a dealership, you may find they cannot match the offer.
As with any loan, you should study the APR, make sure there are no additional fees and compare the total amount you’ll pay back.
If you’re taking out a PCP deal and plan to give the car back at the end of the term, it is important to check the terms and conditions with the provider – there may be mileage restrictions and clauses as to the state of the car when it is returned.
Finance online: A number of motorists are sourcing out finance deals online according to research Increasing number turn online for car finance
Car Loan 4U, the UK’s largest online car finance website which works with 14 of the UK’s top lenders, has reported car loan completions rising by 76 per cent over the last year and expects growth to continue.
It says the average car loan taken out by prime customers – those with good credit histories - over the last 12 months has been £7,081 compared with £6,715 taken out by customers with a sub-prime credit profile.
Ryan Dignan, co-director of Car Loan 4U, said: ‘Over the last three years, the demand for online car finance has grown exponentially, as savvy car buyers increasingly turn to online resources to research their next car and find the most competitive deal from a wider selection of lenders.
‘Many car buyers find the convenience and anonymity of applying for car finance online more appealing than carrying out a finance application publicly in a dealership.’
Read more: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-2192080/Increasing-number-rent-motor-buy-it.html#ixzz256wtLZAu
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Travel, Maps & Transport- Cheap fuel
Updated: 26 Aug 2012
Venezuela tops the ten cheapest countries in the world for petrol
- at 8p a litre
Study unearths the ten cheapest places to buy petrol in the world
Venezuela has the cheapest petrol in the world at eight pence a litre, according to a joint report by Evans Halshaw and This is Money.
It is so cheap in the country that petrol smuggling is thought to be a bigger business than drug smuggling – with neighbours such as Colombia paying more than 40 times the price for petrol, you can see why.
According to the statistics however, the average citizen’s income after tax is £354.48. This means that on average, 2.73 per cent of wages are spent on filling up the motor.
There is no doubt that Venezuelans have it good when it comes to petrol prices and how much they spend on filling up their cars, but it’s oil-rich nations in the Middle East that benefit from not only low petrol costs, but high wages as well.
Topping the list is Qatar, where the average person spends 0.4 per cent of their wage on unleaded petrol. Saudi Arabia is not far behind with 0.98 per cent, while Kuwait (1.2 per cent) and Bahrain (1.81 per cent) also beat Venezuela.
Qatar pays some of the highest wages in the world. The country, which will host the football World Cup in 2022, has a population of roughly 1.7million.
According to Forbes Magazine, it is the richest nation in the world. The research has found the average take home pay after tax is a mammoth £3,664.92, while the average petrol price is 12p a litre.
But it’s not all plain sailing for countries with cheap petrol. Turkmenistan has an average petrol price of 17p, putting it seventh of our list of cheap petrol.
However, this equates to a monthly bill of £20.53 to fill up a motor – and with the average monthly wage before income sitting at £115.42, it means 17.79 per cent of wages are spent on petrol.
This is easily the highest figure in the list and to put it into perspective, of the countries that made up the top ten expensive places for fuel, only three have higher percentage of income going on fuel bills.
These are Eritrea (61.1 per cent), Turkey (34.2 per cent) and Greece (25.4 per cent).
10. Iran Price per litre: 21p Monthly cost: £25.36 Income (after tax): £388.68 Percentage of monthly income spent on petrol: 6.53 per cent 9. Algeria Price per litre: 17p Monthly cost: £20.53 Income (after tax): £173.26 Percentage of monthly income spent on petrol: 11.85 per cent 8. Kuwait Price per litre: 17p Monthly cost: £20.53 Income (after tax): £1,703.98 Percentage of monthly income spent on petrol: 1.2 per cent 7. Turkmenistan Price per litre: 17p Monthly cost: £20.53 Income (after tax): £115.42 Percentage of monthly income spent on petrol: 17.79 per cent 6. Libya Price per litre: 15p Monthly cost: £18.12 Income (after tax): £544.94 Percentage of monthly income spent on petrol: 3.32 per cent 5. Bahrain Price per litre: 15p Monthly cost: £18.12 Income (after tax): £998.19 Percentage of monthly income spent on petrol: 1.81 per cent 4. Qatar Price per litre: 12p Monthly cost: £14.49 Income (after tax): £3,664.92 Percentage of monthly income spent on petrol: 0.40 per cent 3. Saudi Arabia Price per litre: 10p Monthly cost: £12.08 Income (after tax): £1,234.78 Percentage of monthly income spent on petrol: 0.98 per cent 2. Egypt Price per litre: 9p Monthly cost: £10.87 Income (after tax): £247.35 Percentage of monthly income spent on petrol: 4.39 per cent 1. Venezuela Price per litre: 8p Monthly cost: £9.66 Income (after tax): £354.48 Percentage of monthly income spent on petrol: 2.73 per cent
ENDS
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Travel Maps & Transport- UK Airlines safety being compromised by cost cutting
Updated: 21 Aug 2012
UK airlines cut costs along with safety
Mon Aug 20, 2012 9:14PM GMT
Press TV
Pilots of airlines operating in Britain have been forced to make 28 emergency landings due to fuel shortage this year raising worries that flights’ safety is being sacrificed to cut operating costs.
According to figures published by British Civil Aviation Authority, the Virgin Atlantic with two forced landings at London Stansted Airport in January and the low-cost Irish airline Ryanair with three emergency landings in Spain were among the involved companies.
The forced landings due to fuel shortage come as the passenger jets of airlines operating in Britain should carry enough fuel to complete their flights and reserves to take them to an alternative airport where they should be able to circle for 30 minutes before gaining landing permission.
"There is pressure on pilots by airlines to carry minimum fuel because it costs money to carry the extra weight, and that is quite significant over a year,” a retired pilot told the Exaro website.
Safety chiefs at the British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) say the airlines are carrying the minimum reserve fuel possible to cut costs but they fail to consider the combined impact of airport traffic and bad weather conditions leaving airliners running low on fuel.
“The way in which aircraft are being developed in becoming more fuel efficient, there is less need for fuel,” said BALPA’s head of safety David Reynolds.
“However the problem comes when there are delays.
The infrastructure in the South East is creaking … The very bad weather that we had in December caused pandemonium in the south-east of England.
Aircraft were arriving and finding that they suddenly had nowhere to land because the airfield had closed or everybody else had gone there,” he added.
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Travel, Maps & Transport - Which ? -Most and Least reliable cars
Updated: 18 Aug 2012
BMW 3 Series tops Which? list of unreliable cars
but what should you buy to beat hefty repair bills?
By Lee Boyce PUBLISHED: 12:27, 10 August 2012 | UPDATED: 12:27, 10 August 2012
.. When it comes to buying a car, motorists want to be safe in the knowledge they are not choosing a dud which constantly breaks down and needs to go into the garage for pricey repairs.
Consumer group Which?, in its 2012 car survey, has named and shamed the motors that spend more time in the garage than others - and the ones that spend the least time.
BMW, the German car maker, prides itself on producing high-quality, safe and reliable vehicles – however, its BMW 3 Series Convertible has been judged the worst car on the market for breakdowns after spending nearly 3.5 days a year in the garage for repairs. BMW 3 Series Convertible: The popular motor spends the most time in for repairs according to to Which?
FIVE LEAST RELIABLE CARS AGED 4-81. BMW 3 Series Convertible - 3.49 days off the road 2. Land Rover Discovery 3 - 2.69 3. BMW 5 Series Touring - 2.58 4. Volvo XC90 - 2.56 5. Citroen C4 Picasso - 2.53
.The popular upmarket drop-top spends almost a day longer off the road every year due to faults than any other car, according to Which?
It topped both the overall table and that for cars aged four to eight years old that spend most time at the mechanics.
The research also found that cars which just fall outside the warranty period, aged between four and eight years old, are the most likely to be off the road, including the BMW 3 Series.
The Peugeot 3008 crossover takes the wooden spoon as the car that spent the most time off the road while within its three-year warranty period.
At the other end of the scale, the Honda Jazz is likely to be off the road least, spending an average of 0.17 days every 12 months in the repair garage.
FIVE LEAST RELIABLE CARS AGED 0-3 1. Peugeot 3008 - 1.94
2. Land Rover Discovery 4 - 1.82 3. Alfa Romeo Giulietta - 1.37 4. BMW 3 Series Convertible - 1.33 5. Citroën C5/C5 Tourer - 1.29
.Which? said: 'These cars are likely to be outside the warranty period - making repairs a potentially much greater expense.
'Getting your car repaired at a garage can be expensive and inconvenient.'
So we’ve used exclusive Which? Car Survey data to uncover the cars that are most likely to break down - and how long, on average, they are off the road for.
'The best cars are likely to be off the road due to faults for less for than 0.2 days per year.’
The survey questioned nearly 40,000 drivers about more than 47,000 cars they owned.
The five models that spend least time in the garage 5. Peugeot 107 - 0.24 days off the road
Which? target price new: £7,995 - £10,580. Used: From £3,675
4. Kia Picanto - 0.24 days off the road Which? target price new: £7,795 - £12,415. Used: From £6,675
Kia Picanto
3. Suzuki Swift - 0.18 days off the road Which? target price new: £10,695 - £14,115. Used: From £7,475
2. Toyota Avensis - 0.17 days off the road
Which? target price new: £17,735 - £28,745. Used: From £10,250
THE WINNER: 1. Honda Jazz - 0.17 days off the road Which? target price new: £17,735 - £28,745. Used: From £10,250
Land Rover is the least reliable overall manufacturer
Land Rover: It has finished bottom of yet another car reliability report
The owners of the Jaguar Land Rover Group may have reported a 34 per cent rise in profits this year, but there’s been no similar improvement in reliability, according to the Which? survey.
The manufacturer had a reliability score of just 63 per cent for its four to eight year old cars and 81 per cent for newer motors, putting it at the bottom of the table for year another year.
The current Range Rover Sport and Land Rover Discovery 4 are among the brand’s worst offenders.
The Which? reliability score is calculated from the number of breakdowns and faults suffered by all models in the past year reported through its annual survey.
Faults are weighted differently for seriousness – so the more severe the fault and the more time the car is off the road, the harder the model is hit in its results.
The score for each of these areas are then combined to provide an overall reliability score for each manufacturer.
Honda is the top performer according to Which? It produces the highest scoring cars, over the longest period and boasts the best reliability rating for both new and used cars.
Which? says it’s testament to a few rock-solid models in the Honda range, especially the Jazz supermini and large hybrid Insight.
The top five most reliable manufacturers features a strong Japanese presence. To date in its annual survey, Lexus, Mazda and Toyota have always been there or thereabouts when it comes to producing solid cars.
TOP FIVE MOST RELIABLE Manufacturer Sample size 0-3 years 4-8 years Honda Lexus Kia Toyota Mazda .TOP FIVE LEAST RELIABLE Manufacturer Sample size 0-3 years 4-8 years Land Rover Alfa Romeo Volvo Vauxhall Fiat .
Read more: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-2186477/Top-reliable-reliable-cars.html#ixzz23ruhpnXk
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Travel,Maps & Transport- More Chinese Tourists not wanted here- Theresa May
Updated: 17 Aug 2012
UK Home Secretary opposes plans to treble Chinese tourists
Theresa May says she is opposed to proposals for attracting Chinese tourists.
Thu Aug 16, 2012 10:36AM GMT
Press TV
A leaked letter from British Home Secretary Theresa May has revealed that she is opposed to British ministers’ plan to treble the number of Chinese visitors to Britain.
Senior British ministers, led by Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt, have called for simplifying visa applications from Chinese tourists as they expressed concerns that the UK was falling behind France and Germany in attracting Chinese tourists.
“Nobody should underestimate the opportunity China and its cities represent.
By 2030, China should have around 1.4bn middle class consumers - creating a potential market four times bigger than America”, said Hunt on Tuesday 14 August.
However, a leaked letter from May’s private secretary has shown that she has rejected Hunt’s proposals as the issue escalated to the highest level of government with May being forced to answer questions from Prime Minister David Cameron, reported the Daily Telegraph.
According to Hunt’s proposals, Chinese visitors in tour groups should be given British and European visas at the same time.
However, May claims that checks in Europe “do not match the UK decision quality”.
“The proposal...is not acceptable to the Home Secretary for national security reasons”, the letter said.
This comes as British government statistics show that only 147,000 Chinese tourists visited Britain last year while 1.2 million Chinese visitors went to France.
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Travel,Maps & Transport - Lincoln Southern By-Pass Cancelled - No Squeak from Local MP
Updated: 16 Aug 2012
Lincoln Southern Bypass-CANCELLED
And without a whimper from Stephen Phillips QC MP, whose
constituency the road would have run through.
Maybe he is just a YES man ?
So Lincoln ends up with 3/4's of a Ring road
Its total madness and catastrophic
Lincoln is one of the UK’s fastest-growing cities.
Between 1991 and 2001 Lincolnshire’s population grew by 9.9 percent - almost four times the nations average. A dynamic regional hub that is central to local and national transport connection, the Greater Lincoln area is rapidly establishing itself as a vibrant place to live and work.
As the city grows, it generates more traffic, increasing the pressures on the existing transport network.
A new Southern Bypass would link the proposed Eastern Bypass (at the A15 Sleaford Road) with the existing Western Bypass (at its junction with Newark Road), creating a complete ring road around Lincoln.
The County Council sees this as part of the solution to the city’s transportation problems.
Objectives: To assist the sustainable economic growth of Lincoln and Lincolnshire: By improvements to the strategic road network By improving direct links to the Primary/Trans-European Road Network To improve the quality of life in central Lincoln and in the settlements within the study area: By reducing through-traffic By relieving traffic congestion By reducing traffic generation noise and air pollution To maximise accessibility to central Lincoln: By giving drivers more choice of routes to access or bypass Lincoln By providing an additional river crossing By reducing journey times for through-traffic travelling between areas to the east and west of the city. To improve road safety in central Lincoln and the settlements within the study area by:
Providing an alternative, more direct route between areas to the east and west of the city, avoiding the city centre Improving links between primary route corridors and increasing the range of entry points to the city
Reducing conflicts between heavy good vehicles, other road users, pedestrians and property
The Lincoln Southern Bypass has been the subject of two Public Consultations to seek the public’s views on the selection of a Preferred Route. Following an initial route assessment study, Public Consultation 1 was held in October 2005 and presented the public with three alternative route options for the bypass, Route 2a, Route 2b and Route 2c.
In April 2006, Route 2c was selected as a basis for an Emerging Preferred Route for Lincoln Southern Bypass by Lincolnshire County Council, taking into account the results of Public Consultation 1 and the studies preceding it.
Following further route development, a second public consultation on the bypass, Public Consultation 2 was held in October 2006. After careful consideration of all the scheme reports, on 5th December 2006 the County Council’s Executive Committee made the decision to endorse the Emerging Preferred Route, Route 2C, as its Preferred Route for the Lincoln Southern Bypass.
The Preferred Route has legal status and land along the route corridor will now be protected from development. The scheme is currently awaiting National Government’s endorsement to proceed.
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Travel,Maps & Transport- Public and Employees will pay for FirstGroup winning bid
Updated: 16 Aug 2012
Union fears for 800 jobs as Virgin loses WestCoast rail
by Pete Murray - 15th August 2012, 7.31 BST
The UK’s largest rail operator has secured the lucrative franchise to operate the West Coast mainline between London and Glasgow, ousting Virgin Rail.
First Group had been front runner to run Britain’s busiest train service after placing the highest bid, valued at up to £5.5bn.
Virgin bid £4.8m.
Virgin has operated the franchise – which features its tilting ‘Pendolino’ trains – since 1997, running from London, through the West Midlands, to the rail hub at Preston and on to Cumbria and Scotland.
The Department for Transport says there will be extra seats and more investment in stations.
However, rail unions say up to 800 jobs could be at risk as catering and ticket staff are cut back to make more room for passengers on routinely crowded trains.
Manuel Cortes, general secretary of the TSSA, warned that passengers would have to pay the price of First Group’s winning the bid.
“This crazy franchise lottery, where the highest bidder scoops the pot, means that passengers will have to pay inflation-busting fares increases on the busiest line in the UK for the next 14 years.
“That is the only way that First Group will be able to pay their annual £500 million premium to George Osborne as well as rewarding their shareholders with profits.
“We already pay the highest rail fares in Europe and this cock-eyed lottery means they will only go even higher in the future.
“We should take a leaf out of Europe’s book and run a not-for-profit, publicly owned railway which benefits the passenger and not private shareholders.”
Analysts have been sceptical that the new operator will be able to re-livery the rolling stock, re-hire and re-train staff by the time the new franchise begins, in December.
Passenger numbers on the west coast service are reported to have increased by 9% a year, from 13m in 1997 to 31m now.
Rail unions say the government should bring train services back into public ownership as franchises come up for renewal, rather than re-letting control to private operators.
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Travel Maps & Transport - Supermarket fuel increased twice in two weeks- Its holiday time !
Updated: 24 Jul 2012
Hi Folks
This is your petrol prices update from PetrolPrices.com. Your current settings are to receive e-mail updates weekly.
PetrolPrices.com is now also available as an iPhone app:
Cheapest stations within 5 miles of LN6 for Unleaded 128.7p Asda Lincoln
Newark Road, North Hykeham, Lincoln, LN6 8JY
Asda, 0.42 miles away, last updated on 22 July 128.9p Sainsburys Lincoln
Tritton Road, Lincoln, LN6 7QN
Sainsburys, 1.7 miles away, last updated on 22 July 128.9p Morrisons Lincoln
Tritton Road, Lincoln, LN6 7QL
Morrisons, 3.82 miles away, last updated on 21 July 128.9p Tesco Lincoln 1
Canwick Road, Lincoln, LN5 8HS
Tesco, 4.83 miles away, last updated on 21 July 129.9p Lindum Service Station
Newark Road, Lincoln, LN6 8RP
Esso, 2.67 miles away, last updated on 22 July Cheapest stations within 5 miles of LS16 for Unleaded 128.8p Shell Kirkstall
Kirkstall Road, Leeds, LS4 2AH
Shell, 3.56 miles away, last updated on 20 July 128.9p Shell Roydsbeck
Ring Road, Leeds, LS12 6AN
Shell, 4.68 miles away, last updated on 21 July 129.9p Shell Horsforth
Broadway Ring Road, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 4DF
Shell, 1.05 miles away, last updated on 21 July 129.9p Morrisons Kirkstall
Savins Mill Way, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3RP
Morrisons, 2.16 miles away, last updated on 21 July 129.9p Broadway Service Station
Broadway Ring Road, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 4DY
Esso, 3.1 miles away, last updated on 22 July Cheapest stations within 5 miles of CA6 for Unleaded 129.7p Asda Carlisle
Chandler Way, Parkhouse, Carlisle, CA3 0JQ
Asda, 3.42 miles away, last updated on 22 July 130.9p M6 Shell Carlisle Northbound
A74 Northbound, Todhills Blackford, Carlisle, CA6 4HA
Shell, 1.6 miles away, last updated on 21 July 132.9p M6 Moss Connect Motorway Service Area Southbound
A74 Southbound, Todhills Blackford, Carlisle, CA6 4HA
BP, 1.51 miles away, last updated on 22 July 133.9p Kingstown Filling Station
Kingstown Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, CA3 0BN
BP, 4.09 miles away, last updated on 22 July 134.9p Morton Service Station
Wigton Road, Carlisle, CA2 6JS
BP, 4.81 miles away, last updated on 20 July
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Travel Maps & Transport- Cut Price Europe - Leaving the Olympics behind
Updated: 24 Jul 2012
Cut price holiday for millions as pound hits four-year high against the Euro
By Sean Poulter PUBLISHED: 19:39, 20 July 2012 | UPDATED: 20:14, 20 July 2012
Millions heading for Europe this weekend can expect more for their money after the pound hit a four-year high against the battered euro.
Every £1 will buy 23 per cent more in hot spots, such as Spain and Greece compared with last year. While the pound is worth around 1.28 euros on international currency exchanges, the rate available to tourists is a lower 1.24. British holidaymakers can look forward to bargain travels as the pound has hit a four-year high against the euro But this still the highest level in four years and compares with just 1.04 a year ago.
Some two million British holidaymakers are set to head overseas over the weekend following the schools break-up. Tourists to popular resorts in the eurozone will have the equivalent of some £115 more to spend than a year ago if they change £500 into euro currency, according to research by the Post Office. The graphic show the value of one euro against the pound over the past four years
Just as hundreds of thousands of foreign visitors are arriving in the UK for the Olympics, so huge numbers are departing these shores.
Airports are reporting that 482,000 passengers will leave from Heathrow, 275,000 from Gatwick, 132,500 from Stansted and 70,000 from Luton this weekend.
Over 100,000 will be leaving from Scottish airports with 50,000 from Glasgow alone.
It is expected that 297,000 will leave from Manchester, 64,000 from Birmingham and 45,000 from Bristol.
Other regional airports, ferry terminals and the channel tunnel will also be extremely busy over the weekend.
Eurostar is reporting that 50,000 will depart the UK with the destinations of Paris, Amsterdam and Lyon proving most popular As thousands arrive at UK airports, such as Stanstead, ahead of the Olympic Games, so do UK families escaping the country as the schools break up.
Post Office Head of Travel Money, Andrew Brown, said: ‘Sterling’s growing strength is great news for families heading abroad during the school holidays.
‘The sterling gain extends to other European currencies too, which means that families travelling to the Continent in the coming weeks can cash in on some great value.’
Holidaymakers will get almost 23per cent more Hungarian forint than a year ago.
That equates to over £92 more than a year ago for someone changing £500.
Sterling is also up by over 20 per cent against the Polish zloty while the pound is up some 18per cent against the Czech koruna, making Prague a cheap destination.
While currency movements have shifted in favour of British travellers to Europe, other factors will wipe out some of the gains.
Specifically, Spain is putting up VAT rates from August 1, which will mean higher prices on many things, including restaurant meals.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2176638/Cut-price-holiday-millions-pound-hits-year-high-Euro.html#ixzz21BzOJIQf
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Travel Maps & Transport- "A rich mans toy" - HS2 rails and a fast moving train
Updated: 21 Jul 2012
High-speed rail is a rich man’s plaything
HS2 will benefit a few corporate centres and leave everyone else behind, argues Mike Geddes
In January, transport secretary Justine Greening announced that the 250 mph HS2 high speed rail link between London and Birmingham, to be extended later to Manchester and Leeds, was to go ahead.
Maria Eagle, the shadow transport minister, had some reservations, but nonetheless supported the government.
This cross-party consensus reflects the belief that HS2 will solve the apparent capacity problems on our inter-city rail routes and bring jobs and regeneration to the regions, helping to bridge the north-south divide.
Greening’s predecessor as transport secretary, Philip Hammond, said a high speed rail network would have a ‘transformational’ impact and ‘change the social and economic geography of Britain’.
And if other European countries are pressing ahead with high speed rail, how can the UK not do so?
If Frère Jacques has fast trains, they argue, we must have a faster one.
Dubious claims
While the pro-HS2 lobby asserts it will support huge numbers of jobs, in fact the government only claims it will create 40,000, at a cost of £17 billion.
Of these, a quarter would be in construction.
Of the remaining 30,000, more than two thirds will be in London, less than a third in Birmingham, and many of them would not be new jobs but relocations from elsewhere in the region.
This is not surprising – overwhelming research evidence shows that the biggest and strongest city will be the major beneficiary of new transport links.
So much for reducing the north-south divide.
Nor does HS2 have much in the way of green credentials.
The government can only claim vaguely that it would be no more carbon intensive over its lifetime than alternatives.
This is because its very high speed means it uses a lot of energy.
It could take some journeys off roads, but it will also stimulate new travel, including long road journeys to widely-spaced stations.
Extending the network to the north of England and Scotland could cut a few internal flights, but the runway slots released would be taken up by long-haul flights, increasing carbon emissions.
The demand projections used by HS2 also seriously overstate future inter-city traffic.
Improvements to the existing network, especially the West Coast Main Line, could deal with likely demand increases much more quickly and at a fraction of the cost.
And that assumes that we should be blindly catering for demand, rather than controlling it.
Neoliberal transformation
So the claims for HS2 are make-believe. Hammond is right that HS2 would have a transformational effect – just not of the kind he suggests.
High speed rail would indeed create a new economic geography, accentuating the inequalities of the neoliberal market economy.
With stations only for London, Birmingham, Manchester, Nottingham/Derby, South Yorkshire and Leeds, it would tie together major cities (which is why Labour’s big city barons like it) but create a second tier of towns served by fewer and slower trains, and marginalise whole regions – the south and south west, Wales, East Anglia – that the proposed network ignores.
This new neoliberal map of Britain, floating free of the places where most of us live and work, and ‘compressing both space and time’, in David Harvey’s phrase, would at the same time accentuate social disparities.
The most affluent 20 per cent of the population make nearly half of all long distance rail journeys.
As Hammond admitted in a rare moment of realism, HS2 will be a ‘rich man’s toy’.
And the government’s willingness to adopt from Labour a route that slices through a clutch of Conservative constituencies testifies to the hegemony of post-Thatcherite neoliberal conservatism over the old ‘shire’ Toryism.
The process by which HS2 is being imposed also bears all the hallmarks of neoliberal ‘governance’.
It is led by an unaccountable quango, HS2 Ltd, given a narrow remit to design a new rail line, thus ruling out the possibility that it would be better to spend money improving the existing rail network.
Exhibiting the classic neoliberal governance model of managerialism and managed ‘participation‑lite’, HS2 did organise a national public consultation.
The results showed massive opposition to the project. When asked ‘Do you agree that a national high speed rail network from London to Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester would provide the best value for money solution for enhancing rail capacity and performance?’, less than 7 per cent of respondents said yes; more than 93 per cent said no.
Grands projets inutiles
Much is made by HS2 advocates of the ‘success’ of high speed rail in Europe. Again, the reverse is the case.
The Portuguese government has abandoned a £2.6 billion Lisbon–Madrid HSR link.
France’s plans for TGV expansion are running into financing problems because of the recession and the country’s budget deficit. Poland is shelving plans to build a 480-kilometre line.
The Dutch high speed train operator needed rescuing from bankruptcy with a £250 million government bailout; plans for an Amsterdam to Germany line have been suspended.
There are other similar examples.
Cities such as Lille in France are held up as examples of the regeneration impact of HSR, but in fact the regeneration of Lille has been fuelled by quite different funding programmes, and even so unemployment in the city has risen faster than nationally.
Across Europe, there is opposition to high speed rail. Under the banner of the ‘Treaty of Hendaye’ (the site of opposition to a Franco–Spanish high speed line), activists in France, Italy, Germany, Spain and the UK have joined forces against grands projets inutiles (useless mega-projects).
In Stuttgart, activists against a high speed line have faced water cannon, while in the Susa Valley in Northern Italy a 20-year struggle has seen the route of the TAV project militarised to drive it forward.
For these activists, linked to the World Social Forum, high speed rail is at odds with environmentally sustainable local economies and ways of life.
In England, there is an alliance of 70 local action groups opposing HS2.
The government has tried to characterise the opposition as wealthy ‘nimbys’, and the line does indeed run through attractive rural areas in the Chilterns and Warwickshire.
But not everyone who lives in rural areas and opposes HS2 is rich, and it also cuts through swathes of inner city London and Birmingham.
In reality, it is the business and political elites who support HS2 who are the rich and privileged.
Opposition
The question is why many who might be expected to oppose projects like HS2 either support it or have not yet woken up to its implications.
It is a great pity that the rail unions are taking the short term view that any new railway must be a good thing, rather than thinking about the threat to terms and conditions, and to employment elsewhere on the railways, posed by HS2.
And what about all the MPs and councillors in areas that will help pay for HS2 (an average of £51 million per constituency) but gain nothing from it, while local transport projects struggle for funding?
Why should Bolton, Burnley, Barnsley and Bradford support their subordination to London, Manchester and Leeds?
They might look at towns around Lille and Lyon that have suffered ‘collateral damage’ as investment has been sucked to the main regional cities with TGV stations.
Why should other trade unionists support a project creating relatively few jobs at an eye-watering cost of £400,000 each?
As Labour’s Sustainable Development Commission pointed out, the transport investments of greatest benefit to local economies are local and regional links, not prestige grands projets.
The government’s decision in January to go ahead with HS2 is only the start of an extended process, leading up to a parliamentary hybrid bill, which may or may not conclude in the lifetime of this parliament.
This summer, the announcement of the detailed route to Manchester and Leeds will be sure to provoke further protest.
There is still time for a progressive majority to realise it is being taken for a ride and stop this neoliberalism on wheels in its tracks.
Mike Geddes chairs Offchurch HS2 Action Group in Warwickshire
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Travel Maps & Transport-Thousands more enjoying the countryside
Updated: 09 Jul 2012
Survey shows thousands more enjoying countryside
7 July 2012 | By Olivia Midgley
MORE and more people are enjoying the great outdoors, a survey has revealed.
The Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment (MENE) survey, which sampled 47,000 people in 2011/12, found that volumes of visits to paths, cycleways and bridleways have increased by 20 per cent since 2010/11.
The report, which was commissioned by Natural England and with support from the Forestry Commission and Defra, also found:
• 68 per cent of visits were to places within two miles of the respondent’s home
• 93 per cent of the population agreed that having open green spaces close to where they live is important
• 86 per cent agreed that spending time out of doors was an important part of their life
• Nearly 2.7 billion visits were made to English countryside, coast and open spaces last year - around 65 visits per adult
• An estimated £20 billion was spent during visits to the natural environment in 2011/12
• Nearly 1 in 6 people (16 per cent) only visit the natural environment twice or less a year
Natural England’s executive director for people, landscape and biodiversity, Jim Smyllie, said the findings underlined the messages set out in the Government’s White Paper on the Natural Environment - that high quality local green spaces matter, especially for those in towns and cities who can’t afford trips out to the countryside.
He said: “The challenge for the 21st century is to create and maintain high quality natural green spaces at the heart of where people live.
“This makes the data in MENE more important than ever in helping design and deliver them, and it’s good news that the survey is being continued for a further three years.”
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Travel Maps & Transport-The Love Affair with Vietnam Continues
Updated: 05 Jul 2012
The Vietnam Love Affair Continues
Stickman
They say that you can never recapture the feeling of that first visit to Thailand.
The sights, the sounds and the smells can overwhelm the first time visitor.
It would be reasonable to think it would be the same when visiting other countries in the region, the first time being the most fun.
But that wasn't the case for me with Vietnam.
The second time around was even better! I have just spent a few more days in my favourite city of the moment, Ho Chi Minh City, or as the locals still tend to refer to it, Saigon.
I'd been thinking about the place a lot since that first visit and couldn't wait to get back so on the spur of the moment I booked a ticket.
I was keen to explore more of the city, to see the sights I missed the first time around, to enjoy the fantastic food and to see if the overwhelmingly positive impressions I had on that first visit would be the same the next time around.
What follows is a brief look at some of the highlights of Saigon, and general thoughts and observations on visiting the city.
This was always going to be a year of travel for me, a year in which I planned to visit various places around the region conspicuously absent from my CV.
My next jaunt was supposed to be Myanmar but the photos of a friend who visited recently just didn't inspire me.
Just as many readers are keen to escape Farangland to spend a couple of weeks in Thailand each year, I couldn't wait to get back to Saigon.
The attractions of Saigon can be divided into two groups, war-related and non war-related.
The Reunification Palace was the workplace and living quarters of the President of what was South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
When a North Vietnamese tank crashed through its gates in 1975, the Vietnam War ended.
The architecture of the palace has been preserved in all its glory with garish coloured carpets, heavy furniture and ironically, a very stoic, communist feel.
From the rotary dial telephones to the ancient communications equipment, everything is in pristine condition and looks like it is in working order.
The price of admission includes a 1-hour guided tour with commentary in English.
You are free to wander around and explore most of the palace yourself, but I'd do the tour first, get the history and then go roaming.
The War Remnants Museum is a 20-minute walk from Reunification Palace and fills in a lot of gaps if, like me, you're a little sketchy about the background to and the chronology and major events of the Vietnam War.
The museum features weaponry along with some amazing collections of photos from the war, including a powerful and disturbing section on Agent Orange and its (ongoing) effects.
The photos from American war correspondent Larry Burrows are particularly compelling and capture every emotion of the war from pain to desperation to joy.
Outside the main museum building are weapons of war including tanks, helicopters, planes and ordnance.
There's a replica torture chamber with contraptions that are totally inhumane.
While the museum is well put together, some of the claims made about the enemy I just cannot believe but that aside, it's a great way to spend a few hours.
The Cuchi tunnels is one of the extensive tunnel networks used during the war and located about an hour and a half's drive outside Saigon.
In Thailand you might make your own way to such an attraction yourself but getting around in Vietnam is not quite so easy and the best way to visit is to book a tour downtown.
Tours are ridiculously cheap and start at around $US10, all in.
The grounds where the tunnels are located remind me of Cambodia's killing fields - awkward to reach and in some ways kind of disappointing once you get there.
The Cuchi Tunnels is worth checking out, but to be frank, there's really not a lot there.
A destroyed tank, a bunch of forest traps, and replica underground bunkers where you learn how the Vietnamese lived and operated underground.
The best part is that you get to go down into a tunnel. Imagine the scene: You're underground, in a tunnel approximately 100 cm high and 70 cm wide.
There's almost no light. In front of me was a young English couple. Immediately behind me were two young Irish girls.
The young English girl was concerned she was going to get stuck and her English boyfriend was trying to coax her on.
She starts panicking, going on about what would happen if she cannot get out and he's trying to placate her. She starts blaming him for them visiting the tunnels.
It's all his fault! Behind me was an early '20s Irish girl freaking out.
While there are exits every 20 metres or so, there was no way you could get out if the people in front of and behind were having an episode.
Passing someone in the tunnels isn't possible.
You're underground, it's hot and sticky and you've got people cracking around you.
I imagine being chained up in a lunatic asylum in a ward full of nutjobs couldn't be much worse.
I was damned happy to get out of there.
If you go down, either be the first or the last.
Being trapped between people cracking up is freaky.
I personally found the tunnels as an attraction a little underwhelming and like the other war-related attractions, there was a nationalistic undercurrent to the way they were presented.
The Vietnamese are very welcoming of foreign visitors, but at the tunnels there's a major dose of propaganda that's at its most fervent in the video room.
A short documentary is shown with footage from the tunnels during the war with commentary praising the courage and bravery of the locals.
Where it gets a bit much - and remember, I am not American - is that it goes on and on and on about how much the locals loved their life (during the time of war) and how they hate American bullets, hate American planes, and love killing Americans, notwithstanding that everyone knows that life in the tunnels must have been hell for one's general well-being.
Over and over and over again you hear the phrase, "Killing Americans, killing Americans, killing Americans".
Not killing the enemy, or killing outsiders in their country - remember there were a number of other countries helping the Americans including Australia, New Zealand and Thailand - but killing Americans.
It became nauseous.
Vietnam isn't dominated by Buddhism and you may see more churches than temples in Saigon.
One temple worth visiting if you're in to religious landmarks is the Emperor Jade Pagoda.
Not nearly as dramatic as any of a number of Bangkok temples, nor anywhere near their size, it doesn't suffer the throngs of visitors that temples on the Bangkok tourist trail attract.
The days of being able to worship in peace, or just take a photo in the Grand Palace without 100 strangers in the image are long gone.
That's not the case at religious sites in Saigon.
The small temple is not much bigger than a medium-sized house and features rooms with intricate carvings, statues with the smell of incense wafting throughout.
If temples are your thing or you're a keen photographer, it's worth a look.
The Mekong River empties out into tributaries in a large region to the south of Saigon known as the Mekong Delta.
There are many different tour options available to visit the area from day trips to overnight stays lasting a few days.
It's a nice way to get out of the city and see a slice of rural Vietnam, even if the places you are taken to are very touristy.
Pham Ngu Lao is Saigon's backpacker lane, a curiously diverse area which seems to have something for everyone.
A guesthouse sits next to a restaurant which is next to a naughty boy which is neighbour to a home with four generations! If you like Khao San Road, you'll love it.
If you don't, it's still worth a look, and tends to be more happening after dark.
Post offices don't usually make for tourist attractions but the beautiful interior of Saigon's central post office is worth a few minutes.
The Notre Dame Cathedral is a stone's throw away and the Reunification Palace less than 10 minutes walk away so there's no reason not to swing by.
I couldn't in all honesty say nightlife is an attraction in Saigon.
Bars exist and there is a small number of bars with naughty girls set up primarily for foreigners.
There are bars with a name featuring a number such as Bar 49 in the streets surrounding the Sheraton, and another bunch of bars Pham Ngu Lao.
There's a reason Vietnam is not on the naughty boys list of places to plunder.
One thing I got totally wrong on my first visit was the impression that the level of English in Saigon exceeds that in Bangkok.
It doesn't, not at all and it's not even close.
I must have had amazingly good luck on that first trip meeting locals who speak English well.
Away from those who deal with tourists the level of English ranges from poor to non-existent.
Even taxi drivers - who you'd expect would get tourist traffic - often speak no English at all.
Asking them if they speak the international language often results in an immediate and very definite "No!", amazing in a country where seemingly everyone has a desire to make money.
If I had one criticism of Saigon from the perspective of a visitor, it concerns safety.
While the central parts of the city feel as safe as Bangkok, the organisation of tours was at times sloppy in ways it wouldn't be in Thailand.
Boats pulled up to jetties without any gangway making getting on and off very awkward if you weren't nimble.
The lack of information about what to expect and any real warning before entering the Cuchi Tunnels was a concern, especially when people in my tour group started freaking out underground.
Don't take this as Stick being politically correct and wanting everything to be sterile and safe like the West, I just felt some things were a little sloppy which struck me as almost unVietnamese.
Using the local currency, dong, can be confusing.
At a little under 21,000 dong to $1, you need to think twice about how much something costs.
Dollars can be used in some places, but are not as widely accepted as they are next door in Cambodia.
You can change Thai baht into dong in Saigon but the rates offered for baht are low.
The official rate is around 670 dong to the baht, but most money changers offered around 570.
For Bangkok-based expats, change your baht to dollars at Wasu or Super Rich, and then change dollars to dong in Vietnam.
While some Bangkok money changers carry dong, the spread is huge, even worse than with the Philippine peso or the Indonesian Ruppiah so don't bother buying any in Bangkok.
If you're travelling on a passport issued by a Western country, a visa is required to enter Vietnam and must be applied for in advance.
If you apply at the Embassy of Vietnam in Bangkok, note that they provide the express service by default i.e. you pay a premium for the visa to be processed and available for collection the next day - which you may not require.
Express service is 2,300 baht and the standard service takes 3 days and costs 500 baht less.
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Travel Maps & Transport- Fuel Duty frozen for the year ? But Why ?
Updated: 27 Jun 2012
Fuel Duty Tax Frozen For The Year
Sky News – 6 hours ago
The Brent Crude price is at a 16 month low.
Maybe Osborne things fuel prices will rise as Crude Oil prices rise for the Winter ?
Radical
Chancellor George Osborne has scrapped August's planned 3p rise in fuel duty and frozen the tax for the rest of the year.
The £500mn boost to motorists can be paid as a result of departmental savings across Whitehall, the Treasury said.
Announcing the measure to cheers from Tory benches in the Commons, Mr Osborne said fuel duty would now be 10p a litre lower than under the plans inherited from Labour.
"We are on the side of working families and businesses and this will fuel our recovery at this very difficult economic time for the world," he said.
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Travel Maps & Transport- UK Fuel prices down but from what level
Updated: 26 Jun 2012
Supermarkets to slash fuel prices
Press Association – 10 hours ago
Asda is again cutting the price of its pertrol and diesel Supermarkets Asda and Sainsbury's are cutting the price of petrol.
From Tuesday customers at Asda's 196 filling stations will pay no more than 127.7p a litre for petrol and no more than 132.7p a litre for diesel.
Asda said this was the lowest price for a litre of fuel since February 2011.
The latest cut means Asda has shaved 14p off the cost of a litre of fuel since the end of April, reducing the cost of filling up a family car by almost £10.
Asda's petrol trading director Andy Peake said: "After a weekend of falling oil prices and fading hopes of an England victory at the Euros, our petrol price cut will bring a smile back to the nation's faces."
Sainsbury's said it was reducing its fuel prices too, with petrol and diesel coming down "by up to 2p per litre" from Tuesday.
The AA said the 14p Asda reduction since April was welcome.
While Asda had dropped its petrol price largely in line with wholesale, the UK average was down 10.5p a litre since the record high in mid-April.
AA public affairs head Paul Watters said: "We expect to see the usual behaviour of other retailers matching Asda where they need to while charging up to 4p a litre more in other towns, from southern England up into the Midlands.
"This winds up drivers, local and national politicians more than retailers seem to understand.
The Government's pressure for fuel price transparency may help to reduce the postcode lottery that blights fuel prices in the UK.
"It may also address the disparity between petrol versus diesel prices at wholesale level and the price gap at the pump.
In April, retailers in Europe were charging less before tax for diesel than petrol.
Not in the UK, of course."
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Travel, Maps & Transport-Grimsby- next to Cleethorpes
Updated: 09 Jun 2012
Grimsby – Next to Cleethorpes
Don’t miss it.
Going to Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre ?
An Inspiring Day for all the family
Its about Grimsby’s Maritime history
So you get a trip around the Ross Tiger Trawler
It’s hands on centre
Authentic and good value for money
Being right next to Sainsbury’s there is good parking.
I have been three times and with friends visiting Lincoln
I also make a point of visiting the Fish Market to buy some Haddock, Plaice, Herring and a multitude of fresh seafood. All at below supermarket prices.
The Fishing Heritage Centre Heritage / Visitor Centre Location: Grimsby Alexandra Dock Grimsby Grimsby Lincolnshire DN31 1UZ Tel: +44 01472 323345 Fax: +44 01472 323555
For the Fish Market Click in DN31 3QJ into you SatNav or AA route planner
There is also Hull and the Lincolnshire Wolds.
Try www.yorkshirebreak.co.uk and the "East Yorkshire & Lincolnshire Guide"
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Travel,Maps & Transport-Cut the Cost of Your Summer Holiday
Updated: 01 Jun 2012
Cut the cost of your summer holiday
by acting like a savvy seasoned traveller
By Ruth Lythe
PUBLISHED: 00:00, 30 May 2012 | UPDATED: 11:53, 30 May 2012
Travellers have rarely had so much choice when they book a holiday.
Popular destinations have dozens of airlines and car rental firms — and an array of ways to pay for days out and meals.
Seasoned travellers know there are some hidden costs, but in recent years a mind-boggling number of sneaky fees have been introduced to catch out even the most savvy.
Get it wrong and you could find yourself forking out hundreds of pounds before you’ve even checked in for your flights or be lumbered with a shock credit card bill on your return.
WHY IT ALWAYS PAYS TO PACK LIGHT
Extra charges can vary hugely between airlines — and you need to be sure that what you’re booking matches your needs.
You can be charged for anything from booking a specific seat to putting a bag into the hold. Even paying for tickets can cost you dear.
Some of the baggage charges levied by budget airlines can be eye-watering.
For example, Ryanair travellers who book over the phone and fly to Greece, Cyprus and the Canary Islands will pay £130 to load a 20kg bag.
Even hand luggage on the same flight that is just a couple of grams overweight will cost you £50 a bag.
Airlines have different rules for children, too.
Some make you pay for carrying under-twos. For example, easyJet will hit you with a £40 charge for a return flight, even if your child is sitting on your lap.
Be absolutely certain your booking is correct before you pay.
Changing a name in a booking with Ryanair — easily done if it doesn’t match that in your passport precisely— costs £160 over the phone and £110 online.
Changing your flight with the airline will cost you up to £90.
And remember that with most budget airlines seating is a free-for-all — if you want to sit together you’ll have to pay.
With Flybe, you can be charged up to £30 for this, while easyJet will hit you with a £24 fee.
MONEY MAIL’S TIP: Be a smart packer, but be realistic and plan for slightly heavier bags.
DON’T GET SNARED BY CURRENCY CONS The pound has climbed against the euro to its highest level in three-and-a-half years, and has also risen against the Turkish lira.
Last July, £1 bought €1.10, but now it has leapt much closer to €1.25. And against the Turkish lira, £1 is now worth 2.70, compared with 2.40 a year ago.
This is great news for holiday- makers — but don’t lose all this benefit by falling for any one of a crop of currency tricks.
Enlarge For starters, never buy your currency at an airport, at a holiday destination bureau de change or from your bank — these usually offer the worst rates.
British holidaymakers visiting the Continent lose £130 million spending money this way every year.
On the High Street, Marks & Spencer and the Post Office offer good deals.
Yesterday, the Post Office would give €1.21 for every £1. By contrast, Travelex in Heathrow Airport would offer just €1.13.
High Street banks do not always give the best rate, and buying your currency online is usually cheaper than ordering it in a store.
Yesterday, €500 would cost you £423.50 at Barclays, while the best deal with online exchange Moneycorp would cost just £408.69.
If you’re worried the pound could fall in value before your summer break, rather than stashing a pile of cash at home you can buy a pre-paid cash card and lock in the rate today.
These cards work in exactly the same way as credit cards, but you pay to load it with money in advance. You can choose from any number of currencies.
Beware of extra fees and charges.
Some cards charge £2.50 a time for withdrawing cash, while others have monthly charges of £2 for not using the balance on your card when you come back from holiday.
The best pre-paid card is CaxtonFX, which has no ATM charges or charges on purchases.
Yesterday, €500 would have cost you just £409.
You can get a free currency card from FairFX via the This is Money partnership. Most debit and credit cards have huge fees if you use them overseas.
They can charge poor exchange rates, one-off fees for transactions and withdrawing cash, and percentage charges for every sum you spend.
So choose a card that cuts extra charges while abroad.
Halifax’s debit card hammers you with a £1.50 fee every time you spend abroad.
The Lloyds TSB debit card adds 2.99 per cent to the exchange rate.
RBS’s debit card will charge you an eye-watering £5 for every withdrawal abroad over £250.
The cheapest cards to use overseas are the Halifax Clarity credit card and the Sainsbury’s Gold credit card.
The Halifax credit card has no foreign-exchange fees for cash withdrawals or spending in shops and restaurants. The same applies to the Sainsbury’s credit card.
This has a monthly £5 fee, but the bonus of a comprehensive family worldwide travel insurance policy.
Because these are credit cards, interest on cash withdrawals starts mounting up the moment you spend.
So, on the Halifax card, which has a rate of 12.9 per cent, the maximum a £100 cash withdrawal would cost you over a year is £9.79, assuming minimum repayments over a year.
Nationwide customers with the building society’s current account can apply for a Select credit card.
This offers commission-free purchases abroad.
Norwich & Peterborough Building Society offers two current accounts, the Gold Classic and Gold Light, which come with debit cards that are free to use overseas.
However, there is a £5 monthly fee on the Gold Light card.
And ensure you always pay using your own bank’s exchange rate while away. In some bars and restaurants, they’ll offer you a local rate of exchange when paying the bill.
This is called ‘dynamic currency conversion’ and can leave you out of pocket with worse rates. Always stick to paying in the local currency at your credit or bank card’s own rates.
MONEY MAIL TIP: For cash to take with you, order it online.
Use a credit card in shops.
THE PRICEY CAR HIRE TRICKS It’s never been easier to book your hire car, with dozens of companies at every airport.
This extra competition is keeping prices down. A week’s car hire in May in Alicante costs 45 per cent less than it did two years ago, according to comparison website Travelsupermarket.
But hire companies are trying to claw back cash by hitting families with hidden extra charges.
Typically, they do this with outrageous insurance excesses, unwanted upgrades, sneaky fees imposed once you’ve returned the car and fuel bills.
Increasingly, some charge a bargain price and then charge you for a full tank of petrol when you arrive — doubling or tripling the cost of hire.
A reputable company should give you the option of returning the car with an empty or full tank.
It’s also absolutely vital to know what you’ll pay if you have an accident.
Even if you have insurance, you will have to pay for the first part of the claim, called the excess, which can be as high as £1,000.
You will end up paying if the car is damaged in any way — even if it just received a tiny scratch. Some companies use this to scare you into buying expensive excess waiver insurance, which can cost up to £20 a day.
But there are cheaper ‘excess waiver’ insurance policies than those offered by the car hire firms.
With these policies, you would need to pay your excess to the car-hire firm if you had a crash, then reclaim it from the insurer.
Also, don’t fork out for expensive personal accident insurance flogged by the car-hire company without first checking if you are covered by your home or car policy.
MONEY MAIL TIP: Buy car-hire excess cover before you go. Try to spot a petrol station as you leave the airport so you can head to it to fill up when you return the car.
PARKING THAT COSTS MORE THAN A FLIGHT parking is a huge money-spinner for airports, which charge sky-high prices for travellers who fail to plan ahead. You need to book at least 30 days before your trip to get the best deals.
One week’s parking at Heathrow can cost £120 if you turn up without a reservation. But book ahead and the price falls to £77. One week’s parking at Liverpool Airport costs £31.99 when booked in advance, but jumps to £80 without a reservation.
Every airport in the country has dozens of ‘meet and greet’ or valet parking companies. Enlarge With these, a driver picks up your car at the airport and takes it to a parking bay — usually some way from the airport. They normally cost around £50 for a week.
Some of these are reputable firms, but travellers using this service are increasingly being targeted by dodgy firms in it for a fast buck.
Money Mail has been inundated with horror stories from tourists who were made to wait days for their car to be returned. To guard against this, make sure you research the car-parking company before you travel.
MONEY MAIL TIP: Get friends or family to drop you off. If you do need to park, book in advance.
TALK ISN’T CHEAP OVERSEAS The cost of using a mobile phone abroad is coming down. From July, the cost of making calls and of using the internet will be capped.
This should help stop many of those shock bills that families have come home to in previous years.
Phone companies are limited to charging you 70 euro cents per megabyte of data when you use your phone’s internet function, while they must cap the total amount you can spend at €50.
The cost of calls within the EU has also been capped at just 29 euro cents a minute and is due to be slashed to 19 cents by 2014.
By law your phone company must also warn you when you are approaching the €50 limit. However, it does not have to block your service if you go beyond this.
Remember that if you are calling a friend or family member you are on holiday with, you will both pay for the overseas call.
When sending text messages, only the sender pays.
MONEY MAIL TIP: Switch off ‘data roaming’ on your phone. If you need to use the internet, surf for free on a hotel or cafe wireless network
Read more: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/holidays/article-2151740/The-clever-tricks-cut-cost-summer-holiday.html#ixzz1wUvWb3WC
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Travel, Maps & Transport- Sun,Sand and...political unrest ?
Updated: 31 May 2012
Sun, sand and...political unrest?
by YouGov in Consumer and Editor's picks Tue May 29, 12:25 p.m. BST Political unrest biggest reason why Britons would avoid a holiday destination; bad reviews second
Over half of Britons have said that political unrest would be one of the top three factors most likely to put them off travelling to a holiday destination, our online survey has revealed.
Bad reviews from friends or family, and resorts having a poor reputation online, were also factors cited when it comes to dissuading holidaymakers from a given resort.
◦54 % of Britons chose 'political unrest' among their top three reasons for not travelling to a holiday destination
◦Britons aged 55 and over were most concerned about political unrest disrupting their holiday, as 61% of this age group cited events such as the riots in Greece as one of the three main factors which would put them off certain destinations
◦32% of those over 55 said listed bad reviews by friends and family
◦While 29% said that the area being known for unseasonably bad weather would put them off going
Our online poll of 2,007 British adults, commissioned by prepaid currency card company Caxton FX, revealed the most influential factors which will cause Brits to avoid certain destinations, in a country or area they wanted to visit.
Bad reviews Having a stellar reputation online could make or break summer resorts, the poll suggests.
◦29.9% of Britons online said they would avoid certain destinations if they read bad reviews on travel websites such as TripAdvisor
◦The 25 to 44 age group were most influenced by the 'Trip Advisors' of the internet, with 33% of this age group saying they would avoid certain destinations after reading bad reviews online Friends and family recommendations However, despite the ease of hundreds of reviews at your fingers tips online, it seems that word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family are still significant when it comes to choosing your next trip.
◦29.7% of Britons said that bad feedback from family or friends would put them off choosing a destination
◦And it seems that that family and friends' recommendations get more important with age, as 38% of 45-54 year olds cite this as an important consideration
◦Versus only 21% of those aged 18 to 24 who would be influenced Affordable luxury? Aspects of cost also ranked highly in the survey as Brits are increasingly looking for affordable luxury after a few years of tightened purse strings.
◦The rise in fuel prices was a major concern, as 28% of consumers would find the cost of flights one of their top 3 factors putting them off
◦Additionally, 26% of Brits were concerned about the cost of accommodation when booking their holiday
◦While worries about the Eurozone are affecting people's holiday choices, as 14% profess to being put off going to a country with a bad exchange rate James Hickman, MD of Caxton FX commented: “Summer holidays are a costly luxury for most and it’s evident that when Brits are spending their hard earned money, they want it to be a dream holiday.
"Clearly, consumers are increasingly sensitive to the news agenda, as the Greek riots, Trip Advisor’s profile, and the Eurozone crisis are all affecting our holiday making decisions in 2012. It’s important that Brits do their research, ask around and don’t take their holiday decisions lightly.”
The Most Likely Factors That Put Off People Choosing a Holiday Destination:
See the survey details and full results here
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Travel Maps & Transport- Stickman On Vietnam -First Impressions & Ho Chi Minh City
Updated: 26 May 2012
First Impressions of Vietnam
I'd never visited is Vietnam which is kinda surprising given how long I've lived in the region, how much I like travelling and how the pursuit of good food is a big part of the travel experience for me.
Vietnam is but an hour and a bit on the big bird from Bangkok and with opportunities for street photography said to be first class it was time to right a wrong.
On a whim I decided to get out of Bangkok and visit the country many long-term Westerners in Bangkok still refer to as 'Nam.
The trip to Ho Chi Minh, AKA Saigon, was made with little research.
Despite recommendations from friends of places to check out, and even knowing some Stickman readers live in Ho Chi Minh, I chose to do it my own way.
There's little more rewarding that discovering things on the ground yourself.
And going solo means I can do my own thing, go where I want, when I want without having to consider anyone else.
Travelling alone you reach out more and make a greater effort to engage people - and I've also found that the locals seem more likely to get chatty with someone on their own than someone with a companion or two in tow.
I finally made it to Vietnam this week and what follows are a few snaps along with a brief description.
This is very much a brief look, and my initial impressions of the city.
A more detailed look at Ho Chi Minh will follow next week.
When I think of Vietnam, I think of conical hats and ao dais, the national dress worn by Vietnamese women. Conical hats could be seen everywhere, but the ao dais were harder to come by.
The children are all smiles but something seems to happen when they get older when smiles are only seen when you would expect to see them.
Smiles aren't overused or abused, as they are somewhere else...
There's much Western style architecture to be seen in the downtown area, the influences of once being a French colony easy to see.
Phnom Penh hotel
But getting around is not nearly as easy as Bangkok.
There's no skytrain or underground, no pedestrian bridges and traffic is equally bad with its own unique rhythms that take a little getting used to.
It does rather seem that, just like in Thailand, it is women who do a lot of the work, even menial labour.
Vietnam might be officially socialist but there are few reminders.
Whenever you look the people of Ho Chi Minh are pursuing opportunities and seem to be capitalistic by nature.
I didn't see one beggar.
Not one.
You want money?
You go out and earn it!
What a nice change from Bangkok.
That awful phrase "same same but different" applies.
Thailand has tuktuks, Cambodia has motodops and Vietnam has cyclos.
Food on the street appeared clean and whenever I saw someone eating street food I found myself looking more closely at the food and then over at the vendor where I would be impressed by their workspace and how the food was prepared.
Whereas in Thailand street food may taste ok even if the vendor's hygiene looks questionable, on the streets of Ho Chi Minh the food looks great and you actually want to try it!
A vendor in the main downtown area has current edition magazines and yesterday's newspapers from all around the world.
The downtown area has a very cosmopolitan feel with a lot of high-end shopping but an absence of US fast food restaurants.
If McDonalds, Burger King or Starbucks have branches in Ho Chi Minh, I didn't see them.
Slim, fair-skinned, tramp stamp-free, superior English, a ready smile and miniskirts in abundance.
Need I say more?!
There's not a lot of meat here and a full article with more thoughts and something of a comparison between Ho Chi Minh and Bangkok will run next week.
I need a bit of time to get my head clear on this, but what should be a slam dunk victory for Bangkok in almost every respect is not that at all...
Before I round off, let me say this.
I was chatting with the owner of Tilac a week after Songkran.
He and a few mates had had a couple of weeks in Vietnam and when asked about it, his eyes went wide, a big grinned appeared, a bunch of superlatives followed with his closing words something to the effect that if Thailand didn't have gogo bars, the equation would be very different...
Reflecting on Ho Chi Minh City
I was looking forward to visiting Vietnam as I look forward to visiting any country I have yet to step foot in.
But truth be told, I wasn't looking forward to it that much.
I'd never cared for Vietnamese food, had heard the locals weren't as friendly or welcoming as the Thais and then there was the war.
My boys played but a bit part which I quietly hoped would have been long since forgotten.
After the atrocities of that war, how could I expect to be well-received?
Prior to visiting Vietnam I had mixed feelings.
What I'd experienced and heard of the country hardly inspired me, and friends who had visited hadn't been enamoured by the place.
I was to be pleasantly surprised. Very pleasantly surprised.
Back in Bangkok after a wonderful few days in Ho Chi Minh City, I've been reflecting on a trip to a country which made quite an impression...
Environment
Downtown Ho Chi Minh City isn't as built up nor does it have a skyline like Bangkok's.
Modern buildings sit next to colonial architecture and the city is going through a period of rapid development with construction sites everywhere.
The suburbs are bland and feel feature soulless with shophouse after shophouse and less greenery than downtown.
The streets are busy, with motorbikes making up maybe 95% of traffic but unlike Bangkok the traffic actually flows.
Downtown is clean with street cleaners in bright orange uniforms studiously going about their duties around the clock.
With its wide boulevards and high-end European fashion outlets, a few blocks in District 1 almost feel like Singapore.
Vendors sell the usual food, trinkets and junk on the streets you find all over the region, but the city's sidewalks are much less congested than Sukhumvit or Silom.
There are no soi dogs, and when you do see dogs they appear to be well looked after.
There's always been something about the way Thais treat animals and the condition of many that has never sat well with me.
Overall, HCMC is cleaner than Bangkok and the quality of the air is much better.
The downtown area of Ho Chi Minh feels neither as developed nor as cosmopolitan.
People
The Vietnamese remind me of the Hong Kong Chinese, keenly going about their business, something they seem to have a natural disposition towards.
People seem to be more industrious than the Thais, and when it comes to providing a product or service, customer satisfaction seems to be a priority.
Yes, they want to make a sale but they want you to be satisfied, something which it's easy to feel is not always the case in Thailand.
The Vietnamese seem to have a better idea of what customers want.
Quickly working out that no, I wasn't looking for a lady, a motorbike taxi rider suggested a tour of some markets.
No, all I want to do is roam and take photos, I said, and immediately a different itinerary was presented - a visit to a slum where photographic opportunity abounds.
The Vietnamese seem keen to satisfy the market, rather than shape the customer and try to convince them of what they want - refreshing!
Physically, the Vietnamese are noticeably slimmer than the Thais, for which there is probably a multitude of reasons.
The local diet includes more vegetables and other than KFC and a single branch of Burger King at the airport, US fast food chains are conspicuous by their absence.
Apparently this is because the Vietnamese government insists all ingredients must be locally sourced and presumably the Golden Arches and co. haven't been able to find suitable local suppliers.
Of course the Thais as a nation are wealthier - and generally wealthier nations have bigger people.
I had heard that the Vietnamese were intense but I saw no real evidence of that.
#In fact I found the Vietnamese people easy to warm to and while they don't have the ready smiles of the Thais, actually getting them to smile became something of a challenge.
When they smile, it feels real.
I was approached one day by some friendly local 20-somethings while walking through one of the city's many parks who were keen to practice their English with a native speaker.
Finding myself surrounded by a group that slowly grew in size, I couldn't help but be impressed by their intelligent and well-thought out questions.
They were friendly, interesting, engaging and very keen to learn, both about English but also the world outside their country. What a pleasant change!
One group had been chatting with me for about 20 minutes and we'd jumped across a range of subjects, some of which you'd never broach with people you'd just met in Thailand when one, very perceptive guy says to his friends, "I think we have taken enough of his time.
He looks like he wants to continue on his way taking photos.
Sir, we don't wish to bother you any more.
We're very thankful for your time and we hope you enjoy your stay in our country."
What a delight they were!
Accommodation
Quality accommodation is widely available and reasonably priced.
For less than $40 you can get a very well-appointed room in a new hotel in the city's commercial district with a decent view, a fantastic breakfast, and the sort of amenities you would only find in 5-star properties un Bangkok.
Internet speeds are significantly faster than Bangkok and free wi-fi connections are everywhere.
Many of the big hotels are in the main shopping district on one side of the downtown area, which is known as District 1.
$40 seems to be the sweet price point where you can get a room that reminds me of miniature version of a room in a Bangkok 5-star hotel.
The backpacker area seems similar to Khao San Road with the usual mix of guesthouses, travel agencies, eateries and bars.
I enjoyed venturing into the shadows of the area, wandering the labyrinth of alleys, some so narrow that two people could not possibly pass each other at certain points.
Exploring these dark alleys late at night, I found some open up into wider alleys full of neon lights, with hotels with but a number for a name and dubious characters milling around outside.
You don't have to have been in Asia long to know what that means.
In terms of long-term accommodation suitable for expats, HCMC is similar to Phnom Penh in that prices far exceed what you would pay in Bangkok.
Quite a few expats live long-term in hotels, with those keen to save a few dong staying away from the centre of town, or what is known as District 1.
Food
Vietnamese food in both Thailand and my homeland has always left me unimpressed.
Ask me what I'd like to eat and Vietnamese would never be on the list.
But Vietnamese food in Vietnam is fabulous!
Eating well in HCMC won't break any budget.
On the street and in the backpacker area, prices are ridiculously low and you can wash your food down with a San Miguel for less than $1.
Fancy something Western?
A fresh bread roll with pate, meat and vegetables can be had for under $1.
Amazing value!
The quality of the produce is at least on a par with Thailand.
It might even be better - at least if you compare what is readily available on the streets of Ho Chi Minh, compared to what is regularly available on the streets of Bangkok - from where I suspect the best quality produce is exported.
The Vietnamese don't lather their food in spicy or pungent sauces and flavours come from the main ingredients, not primarily the sauces as is so often the case in Thailand.
When it comes to Western food, the Vietnamese stay true to the original recipes.
Local spices aren't used as they are in Thailand where, say, Italian or German dishes often have the original spices and seasoning replaced with Thai variants altering the flavour.
Bakeries produce breads and cakes of a quality that exceeds what you get in Bangkok 5-star hotels - and for less than half the price.
And the coffee? Heavenly!
Be it Vietnamese style coffee at small streetside stalls or coffee in the cafes which are ubiquitous, Vietnam is rightfully known as a producer of high quality coffee.
The most popular beers appeared to be much the same international brews available in Thailand - Heineken, San Miguel, Tiger, Beer Lao along with a few local brews, none of which I tried.
There's a good selection of French wine too.
Drinks prices in bars are similar to what you'd pay in Bangkok, although in the backpacker area prices are lower than in Bangkok.
A bottle of San Miguel beer could be had for 16,000 dong, or about 25 baht - in a small restaurant, perhaps 2 - 4 times that in a better bar.
General Costs
HCMC is an inexpensive destination.
Accommodation, food, tours and entrance fees are all cheaper than what you get in Bangkok.
Locally made products are cheap, but Western brand names are expensive.
Taxis charge about 3 times what they do in Thailand, but given that the longest distance most will cover is from the airport to downtown, a journey of just 7 km will set you back $7.50, or about 230 baht.
If you can't afford that, you should stay at home.
I never did work out what the story with tipping was.
I personally tipped when service was good and didn't when I felt little extra effort was made.
Street food seemed to incur dual-pricing where foreigners paid 2 or 3 times what locals do.
Still, paying 10,000 dong (15 baht or about 50 cents) for a wonderful iced coffee won't break the bank.
As a tourist, a few extra baht here and there won't hurt but if I was an expat resident I probably wouldn't see it that way.
Nuisances, Menaces & Scams
Locals tell me that Ho Chi Minh is safer than Bangkok, but I'm not convinced.
I walked around with camera in hand and frequently received comments from expats and locals to be careful.
I was even told by some people that I shouldn't take a camera into the popular Apocalypse Now bar because I might walk in with it, and leave without it!
That seemed a bit far-fetched but I'm not quite arrogant enough to think I know better than the locals.
A dozen or more people told me about the problem of snatchings, where a motorbike whizzes by and the pillion passenger grabs the strap of your bag, camera or other valuables, just like the bag snatching I reported in soi 11 a couple of months back.
The passenger grabs the strap and either the strap breaks or the owner lets go of it.
In some cases the victim is dragged along and is badly hurt. I
heard so many reports about this happening that I would only venture out with one lens, leaving the rest in the hotel safe which was a little frustrating.
Much is made of the difficulty crossing the road and while, yes, the traffic is bad, getting across the road is not that difficult.
The idea is to wait for something of a gap in traffic and move at a steady pace from one side of the road to the other.
Motorbikes will veer around you.
Maintain a steady pace and don't stop and you should be fine.
Locals told me that police hassling foreigners in Vietnam just doesn't happen.
The police simply don't wish to do deal with foreigners.
Do something wrong, public affray or and you will be arrested and taken away.
Keep your nose clean and you have nothing to worry about.
A Filipino tried to scam me while I was sitting at a roadside vendor enjoying an iced coffee.
I immediately pegged him as a Filipino from his accent, yet he claimed to be a local and would like to teach me Vietnamese.
I told him I was fluent in Vietnamese and said a bunch of Thai to me. He responded by saying that my Vietnamese was indeed excellent.
I then let the cat out of the bag and told him to fxxx off.
I reckon he broke the land speed record in the next few seconds...
A big nuisance was vendors claiming they had no change.
This happened many times.
Telling them that you would come back and pay them the next day saw change magically appear!
Annoyingly it even happened in the Apocalypse Now Bar.
Green-uniformed officers with a Tourist Security badge can be seen everywhere tourists go.
A division of the police or merely another government department, I do not know, but they are there to help tourists. Deployed in significant numbers, they are highly visible.
On more than a few instances I saw them helping (often older) tourists to cross the road.
Nightlife, Bars, Vietnamese Women & Dating
There are plenty of places to drink in HCMC, and many nightlife options.
Many venues close around midnight and a special licence is required if a venue wishes to remain open later.
There are some expat-themed bars, with the Australian-owned and managed Bernie's a pleasant spot.
Figure a British pub-style venue with a good menu and a friendly Aussie with 6 years in HCMC in charge.
Blanchy's Tash is one of the hot spots of the moment, just a few minutes work from Bernie's and nice enough, if not really anything special - at least by Bangkok standards.
There are a number of high-end bars and nightclubs and more opening all the time.
Venues are scattered around the city and I didn't see anything like Bangkok's RCA where you have a strip of club after club after club, right next door to each other.
Smoking is more prevalent than elsewhere in the region, and I think only in Jakarta have I come across more smokers. If smoking in bars bothers you, HCMC at night might not be for you.
On the same street as Blanchy's Tash are various girly bars, most of which have a number in the name, such as Club 49.
The women seemed hard and the bars were very dim inside - never a good mix.
What was perhaps unusual is that they are located right in the heart of the commercial district - and in what is a very conservative society.
OK, I hear you say, Patpong in Bangkok is right in the commercial district and the Thais are conservative too.
But Patpong is its own soi whereas these bars are located alongside decent restaurants, shops and legitimate businesses. They are dark and you can only see inside when the doors open. Exactly what the format is, I don't know, but I got the distinct impression that staff were available.
As far as foreigner-oriented bars go, the most famous is Apocalypse Now.
Expecting something like a cross between Gulliver's and Thermae, I found a 19-year old venue showing its age.
150,000 dong ($7) gets you inside a venue with an eclectic crowd and one free drink.
Girls with easy smiles were amongst the least attractive I saw in my time in Vietnam, which I guess is consistent with working girls around the world.
Pretty girls have options and needn't resort to selling themselves.
Apocalypse Now was a major disappointment.
A lot of the naughty stuff can be found at massage houses. Motorbike riders offer to take foreign men to massage houses and leave you in no doubt that you will leave with a smile on your face for $30 all in.
Massage houses seemed to be located everywhere, with signs in English.
In the backpacker lane one girl tried to entice me inside with a line I will never forget, "$7 for a 70-minute massage and $50 for hand job" caused me to involuntarily erupt into laughter, leaving her confused and probably thinking I was a couple of chilies short of a good som tam. Crazy prices are frequently offered to foreigners.
If you find yourself walking around late at night, expect to be approached by girls on motorbikes offering to accompany you to your hotel.
What little I saw of the girls in the bars in Ho Chi Minh, they were for the most part better looking than what you find in Bangkok although I should predicate that by saying that if fair-skinned girls aren't your thing you might disagree.
Hardcore naughty boys tell me that Vietnamese working girls are mercenary.
Girls in the industry struck me as softer in looks, but much harder in attitude than what you find in Thailand.
As far as dating regular girls goes, the Vietnamese are conservative and while many would like to meet a foreign guy, I was told it takes time for the relationship to develop.
Many regular girls are knockouts, with a natural beauty beyond what you commonly see in Thailand.
Public displays of affection are even less common in Ho Chi Minh than in Bangkok and not once did I see the stereotypical image of a foreigner in a wife-beater pawing a lovely in public.
At night young local couples can be seen in parks sat atop a motorbike, arms draped around each other, few words, just sitting there.
I can only guess they don't have enough dong to go to a hotel.
I would not consider Vietnam a prime destination for naughty boys.
For nightlife, naughty or otherwise, Thailand is better in every respect.
Phnom Penh hotel
General Thoughts
Comparing with Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh does alright.
Ho Chi Minh is cleaner, appears to have a better educated populace and there seems to be more pride in the way the Vietnamese go about things, like they really believe that if you're going to do something you might as well give it your best shot.
The tourist attractions are really well done and the information provided, unlike Thailand, often answers exactly the questions you would have asked.
You don't get gouged at tourist attraction with ridiculous entry fees and the staff speak excellent English.
At the Reunification Palace, the level of the English of the tour guides was just brilliant and commentary delivered in a most engaging way.
What a breath of fresh air!
Asking the guides questions did not require you to grade your language at all.
With that said, some of the commentary was delivered with the sort of nationalistic fervour that would make even the most die-hard patriot swell with pride.
While locals are proud to espouse how safe the city is, I was constantly being tapped on the shoulder and told to be careful of my camera.
Even right on the backpacker strip, crouched down next to a lamppost shooting down a dark alley opposite, I had people come and tap me on the shoulder and tell me to be careful of passing motorbikes.
One of the receptionists at my hotel ran out after me to suggest I not sling my camera over my shoulder as I would be vulnerable to having it snatched.
Many motorbike taxi riders told me exactly the same thing. As a keen street photographer, this is a real concern.
There's a real energy in Ho Chi Minh and people go about their tasks with vigour.
There's not the infectious sanuk that makes being around Thais fun, but rather a drive, the pursuit of work and making money.
Unlike the Thais, the Vietnamese are keen to hear what you think about them and their country - what you really think - and they are willing to take on board suggestions.
I've been hearing for a good few years that when Vietnam finally wakes up it is going to overtake Thailand economically. With 90 million Vietnamese, the population is bigger and younger.
They study hard and appear to have a much better work ethic. The infrastructure needs work but you get the feeling Vietnam is a sleeping giant.
Ho Chi Minh feels like a city on the way up.
Expats told me the economy has slowed but I like what I saw and can see the country clocking up serious growth in years to come.
Massage houses sit next to art galleries, pretty Vietnamese women glide past in their ao dais, the smell of fresh bread fills the air and the 68-floor Bitexco Financial Tower stands tall and proud.
The traditional and the modern, the Vietnamese and the foreign, all converging to create an atmosphere nothing like you find 1,000 km to the west.
Possibly it's a case of the grass appearing greener, but I feel I could fall in love with Vietnam, and I could fall in love in Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh reminds me of the Bangkok I arrived in many years ago, a city with a relatively small expat community and a city on the move.
Ho Chi Minh City is shrouded in mystery and part of the fun is in uncovering its secrets.
It's a city I'd really like to explore and get to know more.
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Travel Maps & Transport- Give London an Olympic wide berth
Updated: 22 May 2012
Olympic’s London –
Giving London a wide berth
Recommended Avoiding dates 20th July – 20th August
Opening ceremony 27th July 2012
Closing Ceremony 12th August 2012
Anyone contemplating visiting London a week before the Opening Ceremony and a week
after the Closing Ceremony should think three times.
- Are you going to the games
- Can you make it in and out between 12midnight and 6 am
- Beyond the Borders of England is a good place to be
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Travel Maps & Transport- Petrol Prices -Lincoln Leeds & Carlisle
Updated: 22 May 2012
Cheapest stations within 5 miles of LN6 for Unleaded
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132.7p |
Asda Lincoln
Newark Road, North Hykeham, Lincoln, LN6 8JY
Asda, 0.42 miles away, last updated on 20 May
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132.9p |
Morrisons Lincoln
Tritton Road, Lincoln, LN6 7QL
Morrisons, 3.82 miles away, last updated on 20 May
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132.9p |
Tesco Lincoln 1
Canwick Road, Lincoln, LN5 8HS
Tesco, 4.83 miles away, last updated on 20 May
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133.9p |
Sainsburys Lincoln
Tritton Road, Lincoln, LN6 7QN
Sainsburys, 1.7 miles away, last updated on 20 May
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133.9p |
Total Thorpe On The Hill
Middle Lane, Thorpe On The Hill, Lincoln, LN6 9AJ
Total, 2.46 miles away, last updated on 19 May
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Cheapest stations within 5 miles of LS16 for Unleaded
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132.9p |
Morrisons Kirkstall
Savins Mill Way, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3RP
Morrisons, 2.16 miles away, last updated on 20 May
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132.9p |
Morrisons Swinnow Road
Swinnow Road, Bramley, Leeds, LS13 4QX
Morrisons, 3.61 miles away, last updated on 20 May
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133.8p |
Broadway Service Station
Broadway Ring Road, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 4DY
Esso, 3.1 miles away, last updated on 20 May
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133.8p |
Shell Kirkstall
Kirkstall Road, Leeds, LS4 2AH
Shell, 3.56 miles away, last updated on 19 May
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133.9p |
Armley Service Station
Armley Road, Armley, Leeds, LS12 2QN
Esso, 3.89 miles away, last updated on 19 May
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Cheapest stations within 5 miles of CA6 for Unleaded
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132.7p |
Asda Carlisle
Chandler Way, Parkhouse, Carlisle, CA3 0JQ
Asda, 3.53 miles away, last updated on 20 May
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132.9p |
Morrisons Carlisle
Kingstown Road, Carlisle, CA3 0AD
Morrisons, 4.78 miles away, last updated on 18 May
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136.9p |
Kingstown Filling Station
Kingstown Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, CA3 0BN
BP, 4.09 miles away, last updated on 19 May
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137.9p |
A74 Shell Carlisle Northbound
A74 Northbound, Todhills Blackford, Carlisle, CA6 4HA
Shell, 1.6 miles away, last updated on 19 May
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138.9p |
A74 Moss Connect Motorway Service Area Southbound
A74 Southbound, Todhills Blackford, Carlisle, CA6 4HA
BP, 1.51 miles away, last updated on 20 May
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Travel Maps & Transport- Car Insurance claim funnies
Updated: 22 May 2012
Funny Car Insurance Claims
Prepare to fall about laughing at some funny car insurance claims
Prepare to fall about laughing at some funny car insurance claims.
Autoglass, you see, has revealed its top ten most bizarre calls from British motorists.
And what a remarkable list. Who would have thought that one of the world's most popular singer's CDs, a kid's sweet, and a smell would play their parts in windscreen claims?
Hold tight, here is the list:
- Suicidal duck – a marauding mallard flew clean through the windscreen of one woman.
- Blast it – a motorist accidentally fired his shotgun inside his vehicle.
- Unpleasant pheasant – an “evil” bird hovered above a car before swooping for the kill.
- SuBo strikes – a driver needed assistance after reporting he had cracked his windscreen using a Susan Boyle CD to scrape away ice.
- Golf balls – a customer parked his car in front of the tee-off at a golf course.
- Smells wrong – a rattling windscreen was actually an air freshener hitting the glass.
- Open sunroof – a leaky windscreen was blamed for a soaked interior when the sunroof had been left open.
- Wrong car – a motorist called out an Autoglass technician for a repair only to realise it’s for somebody else’s car.
- Is it a chip? - a customer called to arrange a chip repair but during the call realised her son had stuck a sweet to the inside of the screen.
- Snow joke – a snowball shattered a side window.
By Stephen Turvil, motoring.co.uk
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Travel Maps & Transport- New Skoda Citgo prices
Updated: 19 May 2012
New SKODA Citigo Prices
Grab a Biro... prices for the SKODA Citigo have been confirmed. The entry-level S, for starters, is available from a temptingly cheap £7,630 to £8,545.
Motorists can have either three or five doors, plus manual or automatic sequential transmission.
The S also has a few gadgets to complement its 1.0-litre 60PS engine.
These include: power steering, daytime running lights, and the CD player. Moving through the range we find the mid- spec SE.
Best bin the Biro and find a pencil to note this lot. The SE builds on its sibling's specification with its electric windows, air-conditioning, body coloured wing mirrors and handles, plus its safety enhancing electronic stability programme.
All from £8,530 - £9,445.
That brings us to the high-end SKODA Citigo Elegance. Considering its status, this specification must be written down with a fountain pen. Standard features include: electric heated wing mirrors, fourteen-inch alloys, heated seats, and front fog lamps.
This complements its navigation system, hands-free Bluetooth facility, and leather steering wheel. What a nice specification for a city car. It would, in fact, be 'decent' for a luxury saloon.
The Elegance is also available with its siblings' 60PS engine, although a 75PS unit is listed too. All from £9,470 to £10,415. But is there somewhere to keep that fountain pen?
By Stephen Turvil, motoring.co.uk
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Travel Maps & Transport- Where your Holiday Pound Goes Further
Updated: 11 May 2012
Where your Pound goes further
1 Hungary 2 Brazil 3 Turkey 4 Romania 5 India 6 South Africa 7 Poland 8 Mexico 9 Czech Republic 10 Iceland
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Travel Maps & Transport- Speeding - A Social Menace or more evidence of the Rat Race is for Rats ?
Updated: 09 May 2012
The social menace of speeding
Tuesday 08 May 2012
by Ian Sinclair
Are you one of the overwhelmingly majority of drivers who admits to regularly breaking the speed limit?
If so, you probably see it as a minor infraction of the law rather than a serious crime.
Speeding is the motoring equivalent of a white lie - something a little bit naughty, something to gently mock your friends and family about.
Speeding is so pervasive even the majority of "gatekeepers" - magistrates, traffic police officers and a small group of driving instructors - admitted to the behaviour when interviewed for a 1997 Transport Research Laboratory study.
However, the basic facts suggest a very different reality. Speed is the main contributory factor in approximately a third of fatal car crashes in the UK, with the Department of Transport estimating that 4,187 deaths in 2009 were attributable to exceeding the speed limit of going too fast for the conditions.
And while the popular image of speeding is someone hurtling down a motorway, arguably the greatest danger is speeding in urban areas.
As Conservative junior transport minister Mike Penning said in 2010, the risk of death is four times higher when a pedestrian is hit at 40mph than at 30mph.
In addition, there is a close correlation between speeding and committing other motoring offences, with what academic Dr Claire Corbett calls "high speeders" more likely to also drink drive, drive through amber and red lights and pull out from side roads without giving way to traffic, among other breaches.
It is these uncomfortable facts that led Julie Spence, the outgoing head of Cambridgeshire police in 2010, to label speeding as "middle-class anti-social behaviour."
She went on to say that while anti-social behaviour is usually defined as rowdy youths or vandalism, "driving without care or consideration for other road users is probably among the worst kind of anti-social behaviour in its truest since, because serious offenders can, and do, kill."
In terms of changing drivers' behaviour, Corbett argues the difficulty "is that individual instances are only very infrequently negatively reinforced and the rarity of harm may help drivers to justify all other speeding occasions."
Of course, we do not all have the same propensity to break the law behind the wheel. Men and women have very different relationships with cars.
So while women often see cars as a way to reduce fear of crime and as a tool for independence, men often use cars to demonstrate their driving prowess and to project an image of success in life.
Perhaps unsurprisingly then, research consistently shows men are substantially more likely to speed and be involved in fatal crashes.
They account for 82 per cent of speeding offences and 97 per cent of dangerous driving convictions, according to 2005 Home Office figures.
Importantly, men are also more likely to overestimate their own driving skills, with a 2005 Admiral poll revealing 65 per cent of men thought they were better drivers than average. Only 47 per cent of women thought the same.
This male arrogance is especially acute among young men, a 2011 poll by Ireland's AA Motor Insurance showing nine in 10 men aged between 17 and 24 believed their driving skills were above average.
Psychologists have a name for this - illusionary superiority. That is the cognitive bias that causes an individual to overestimate their positive qualities and underestimate their negative qualities.
Corbett lists personality traits such as "thrill-seeking, sensation-seeking, risk-seeking" along with "a sense of time urgency, competitiveness, ambition and alertness" as causal factors linked to speeding.
Throw in the need to show competence, control, power and aggression and you have a fairly good summary of the mainstream masculinity that all boys are imbued with as they grow up.
But while these traits when deployed behind the wheel of a powerful car they can be a serious problem, with potentially very serious consequences.
People give a variety of reasons for speeding, including enjoyment of driving fast, that they are in a hurry, the dangers are exaggerated and social pressure to "keep up."
But it strikes me that only emergency life or death situations morally justify breaking the speed limit.
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Travel Maps & Transport-Petrol War at the Pumps
Updated: 08 May 2012
Supermarkets start petrol war
(Tesco are offering 5p /litre off if you spend £50 in store)
Sainsbury, Tesco and Asda have started a battle for shoppers fighting for the best possible petrol price
Sainsbury, Tesco and Asda have started a battle for shoppers fighting for the best possible petrol price.
All three have recently cut petrol price by 2p a litre.
Asda have announced that customers will pay no more than 138.7 a litre for unleaded and 143.7 for diesel.
Tesco have announced a similar cut but a spokesman said that prices would vary in different parts of the country the lowest price at 137.9p a litre and the highest at 140.9p.
Sainsbury’s have followed and said “in many of our stores” the price of petrol and diesel would be cut.
The AA said prices at the pump had hit a new high of 142.48 per litre with diesel remaining at 147.88p per litre.
Pressure has increased on oil companies and retailers to bring down prices as wholesale prices have dropped.
The AA added that if the wholesale petrol price hold or continues to crash the UK pump prices should fall at least 4p in the next few weeks.
By Geraldine Ashton Green, motoring.co.uk
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Travel Maps & Transport- Fuel Farce - Overstated fuel consumption figures
Updated: 28 Apr 2012
Fuel farce:
Official figures heavily overstate how many miles cars do to the gallon
By Lee Boyce PUBLISHED: 09:07, 27 April 2012 | UPDATED: 09:49, 27 April 2012
This is Money
Drivers have long suspected it but now damning research has found that official fuel figures can heavily overstate how many miles cars can do to the gallon.
According to WhatCar? magazine, every single vehicle it tested had a lower miles per gallon (MPG) figure than that given in official Government guideline-meeting statistics and some were found to be out by over 20 miles.
Some of the theoretically most fuel efficient cars were the biggest offenders.
Kia Picanto: Government figures state is does 67.3mpg while the magazine says it does 41.2mpg
WhatCar? carried out testin association with Tesco’s filling stations,
For example, it said that official figures showed the Kia Picanto 1.0 2 did 67.3mpg while the magazine’s own test gave a much lower figure of 41.2mpg. This is a difference of over 25 miles a gallon.
Similarly, the official mpg figure for the Nissan Micra 1.2 DIG-S Shiro was 65.7 while the WhatCar? figure was 44.1mpg.
The official figure for the Ford Focus 1.6TDci 115 Zetec was 67.3mpg compared with WhatCar's 43.1mpg.
More...The best value new cars that beat all the 'hidden' costs Used diesel car is only cheaper if you drive more than 10,000 miles a year
The magazine said it tested the vehicles using a portable emissions-measurement system when the engines had reached normal operating temperature.
The vehicles were then driven by two experienced engineers over a variety of roads, including motorways. A and B roads, and through towns and villages.
The data from the testing considered driving style, changes in altitude, ambient temperature and humidity and engine temperature.
Figures don't add up: The report included results on tests of 60 different types of car WhatCar? has now launched what it calls a ‘true mpg’ initiative whereby car buyers can log on to a website to check miles-per-gallon figures.
Chas Hallett, WhatCar? editor-in-chief, said: ‘With rising fuel prices, the miles per gallon issue is high on every motorist's agenda.
Countless car buyers are frustrated that they don't match the official government fuel figures.
‘True MPG will allow motorists to select a car personalised to their driving needs and budget. We hope that it will become invaluable in the complex and emotional car-buying process.’
Mr Hallett added: 'Some eco cars are very good around town and in an urban environment.
'But the minute you drive them on a motorway then they don’t do so well.
'Against this background, buying a Toyota Prius may be a perfect choice for some people who drive around town a lot, but not for others who may spend a lot of time on motorways.'
Fueled by the figures: The problem with mpg figuresSome experts say an added problem is that manufacturers tune their cars to get the best test result in the lab, which undermines fuel economy when the cars are driven on the road.
The magazine said that in its tests the vehicles were driven by two engineers over a variety of roads, including motorways and A and B roads, and through towns and villages.
By contrast, the official fuel economy figures are obtained in a lab based on what is called the 'New European Driving Cycle'.
This involves two tests run in sequence.
The first 195-second cycle consists of a series of accelerations in the three lower gears linked to periods of idling repeated four times.
The 'extra-urban' element comprises a series of very gentle accelerations and short periods of cruising.
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Travel Maps & Transport- London Underground - The Northern or "Misery Line"
Updated: 17 Apr 2012
Train tracks of our tears put to good use
16 April 2012
New Scientist
A BLACK line runs vertically through the iconic map of the tube, London's underground rail network.
This is the Northern Line - or the "misery line", as veteran commuters call it.
Elderly rolling stock and seemingly endless delays gave the line this unfortunate nickname in the 1990s.
It has (rather unfairly) stuck despite improvements to the service. Indeed, disgruntled users of other tube lines tend to co-opt the name when their own services are lacklustre.
Now it turns out that information about tube journeys can be used to figure out which areas of a city are relatively ignored - which is often linked with urban deprivation (see "Crunch commuter data to track changing communities").
So the daily grind for commuters could help us to better understand urban well-being.
A good way to alleviate misery on and off the tracks
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Travel Maps & Transport- Ten most expensive petrol hotspots revealed
Updated: 13 Apr 2012
World’s ten most expensive petrol hotspots revealed:
Norway tops the charts – but where is Britain in the top ten?
By Lee Boyce PUBLISHED: 12:43, 10 April 2012 | UPDATED: 10:29, 11 April 2012
This is Money takes a look at global petrol prices and reveals the hotspots for expensive petrol and how much of the average disposable income goes on filling the tank.
Top ten: We reveal the top ten countries which have the most expensive unleaded costs worldwide
The petrol price squeeze
Petrol prices are a hot topic in Britain – and even more so in the wake of recent events, with the petrol panic seeing motorists rushing to the forecourt to fill up their tanks.
This has pushed unleaded per litre to record highs, with the average pump price increasing by 4p in just two weeks.
The latest set of figures from petrolprices.com has it at an eye-watering 142p a litre.
With a planned 3.02p tax increase due in August thanks to the Government – which means 60.97p of a litre of unleaded will be made up of duty and roughly another 24p in VAT – Britain’s drivers and businesses reliant on fuel are seeing an ever increasing strain on their finances.
But how do petrol prices in the Britain compare to other countries in the world?
Back in August we looked at the cheapest 10 countries for petrol.
This list included oil rich countries such as Saudi Arabia and Libya. [more details].
Now This is Money, alongside commercial insurance specialist Staveley Head, takes a look at global petrol prices and reveal the hotspots for expensive petrol.
The data also looks at the average monthly disposable income people in each of the countries mentioned has after tax, meaning we can reveal how much percentage of monthly income is spent on petrol in each country.
Unsurprisingly, nine out of the top 10 countries in the list are in Europe while in one country, a whopping 61.1 per cent of monthly income is spent on petrol...
10. Belgium
Average price of litre of unleaded (in pence): 140.8p Percentage of income spent on petrol: 8.7 per cent Across the Channel, Belgium skims into the top ten with the average price of unleaded sitting at 140.8p per litre. The average monthly disposable income after tax is £1,935.65 and the average spend on petrol is £169.08 – this means that 8.7 per cent of income is spent on fuel.
9. Eritrea
Average price of litre of unleaded: 141p Percentage of income spent on petrol: 61.1 per cent The African country, bordered by Sudan and Ethiopia, has a turbulent recent history, which has included a long fight for independence and wars against its neighbours. Petrol prices in the country are among the highest in the world, but that is not its biggest problem, as two thirds of the country is on food aid, according to the BBC. With the average monthly disposable income after tax of just £278.71 – much lower than any other country on the list – those that do own a vehicle will spend £170.29, or 61.1 per cent of their monthly disposable income on petrol – the highest on the list by some distance.
8. Sweden
Average price of litre of unleaded: 141.3p Percentage of income spent on petrol: 7.7 per cent The Northern European country is eighth on the list of expensive places for unleaded in the world and is bordered by the country which tops the list, Norway. But despite its high petrol costs, monthly disposable income of £2,197.54 means that 7.7 per cent of that is spent on fuel – making it ninth on the list for how much is spent on petrol on a monthly basis.
7. Britain
Average price of litre of unleaded: 142p Percentage of income spent on petrol: 10.3 per cent Britain is the seventh most expensive for petrol, with prices pumped up in recent weeks in the wake of a forecourt crisis sending costs to record highs. Duty is set to rise from August by another 3.02p and, as there may still be some upward movement in the price of Brent crude before then, Britain could find itself higher in the rankings by the summer. The average monthly spend on petrol is £171.49 – this means that 10.3 per cent of income is spend on petrol – putting it fifth out of the ten countries in the list. METHODOLOGY This is Money alongside Staveley Head, have scoured a number of sources to find the average unleaded prices worldwide. We then compared this to the average disposable income figures, based on Numbeo data. Monthly petrol costs are based on an individual owning a car that does 37.8 MPG, driving 12,000 miles a year.
6. Denmark
Average price of litre of unleaded: 143p Percentage of income spent on petrol: 8.1 per cent Another Northern European country to make the list, petrol in Denmark is 1p more expensive on average compared to Britain. But along with its neighbours, the country has high monthly disposable incomes - £2,124.18 and that means that 8.1 per cent of income is spent on unleaded, the third lowest on the list.
5. Greece
Average price of litre of unleaded: 145p Percentage of income spent on petrol: 25.4 per cent The crisis-hit country has seen petrol prices soar in recent times as political and economic turmoil hit the Southern European country. With unemployment rates high and the ongoing tension from being involved at the heart of the eurozone crisis, the cost of petrol is yet another source of unrest in the country. Prices have tipped up to 145p a litre – and with the average monthly disposable income after tax just £688.60, 25.4 per cent is eaten up by petrol costs.
4. Italy
Average price of litre of unleaded: 146.5p Percentage of income spent on petrol: 10 per cent Italy lands on the list at number four, with the average cost of unleaded reaching 146.5p. The average monthly disposable income is £1,134.53, the average monthly spend on petrol is £176.32 – so a sizeable15.5 per cent of monthly income is spent on petrol.
3. Netherlands
Average price of litre of unleaded: 148p Percentage of income spent on petrol: 10 per cent Britain’s European neighbour comes in the top three – but is still far cheaper than Norway and Turkey, which top the list. A litre of petrol in the country is roughly 6p a litre more expensive than Britain. However, with a slightly higher disposable monthly income (£1,784) than in Britain, 10 per cent of income is spent on petrol.
2. Turkey
Average price of litre of unleaded: 162p Percentage of income spent on petrol: 34.2 per cent The country in Southern Europe is close to the Suez Strait, and oil rich countries such as Egypt and Syria, but has the second highest petrol prices in the world. The country has seen three petrol prices hikes in just a month, equalling an 8.5 per cent leap in that short time period, according to the Turkish press. With a disposable income after tax of just £572.57, the country is also second behind Eritrea for the amount each citizen spends on fuel – 34.2 per cent of monthly income.
1. Norway
Average price of litre of unleaded: 164p Percentage of income spent on petrol: 7.4 per cent Norway officially has the most expensive petrol in the world. It also took the crown when we looked at petrol prices back in August. The reason prices are so high in the country is the fact that motor fuel is taxed with both a road use tax and a CO2 tax. However, despite the eye-watering cost of petrol, it is roughly 22p a litre more expensive than in Britain on average – workers in the country have higher wages than all the other countries on the list. The average worker has a disposable income of £2,681.07 after tax, meaning that 7.4 per cent of wages are spent on petrol – the lowest amount out of all of the countries.
TEN MOST EXPENSIVE COUNTRIES FOR UNLEADED Country Average monthly disposable income after tax (£) Average monthly petrol expenditure (£) Percentage of monthly income spent on petrol 1. Norway £2,681.07 £198.06 7.4% 2. Turkey £572.57 £195.65 34.2% 3. Netherlands £1,784 £178.74 10% 4. Italy £1,134.53 £176.32 15.5% 5. Greece £688.60 £175.12 25.4% 6. Denmark £2,124.18 £172.70 8.1% 7. Britain £1,660.52 £171.49 10.3% 8. Sweden £2,197.54 £170.29 7.7% 9. Eritrea £278.71 £170.29 61.1% 10. Belgium £1,935.65 £169.08 8.7%
Read more: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-2127644/Wor
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Travel, Maps & Transport- Fixed Penalty Fines increase ?
Updated: 12 Apr 2012
Fixed Penalty Fines could increase
UK motorists could be hit with an increase to fixed penalty notices from £60 to £90 if a government proposal is passed
Enlarge UK motorists could be hit with an increase to fixed penalty notices from £60 to £90 if a government proposal is passed.
According to research by the IAM half of motorists asked disagreed with the government proposal.
Of the 1129 respondents, fifty one per cent disagreed with the proposal, 28 per cent strongly, 35 per cent agreed with the proposal, and 13 per cent neither agreed nor disagreed.
In proposals put forward by Justice Secretary, Kenneth Clarke, the fixed penalty notice for speeding tickets, not wearing a seatbelt, failing to stop at a zebra crossing or jumping red lights could increase in a bid to raise more money for support services for victims of crime.
Proceeds from the fines would also go towards improving road safety schemes.
The Government hopes to raise an additional £30 million from the increase.
IAM chief executive Simon Best said “while funding victims of crime is laudable, the real aim of fines for motoring offences should be deterrence. We want to stop people breaking the law.
Having an income that relies on dangerous driving won’t help reduce crashes.
There is a strong case for this money to be spent on road safety.”
By Geraldine Ashton Green, motoring.co.uk
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Travel Maps & Transport- Fuel rises by 10p due to Govt provoked panic buying
Updated: 03 Apr 2012
UK government's provoked panic-buying to rise fuel by 10p
Mon Apr 2, 2012 6:19PM GMT
The price of fuel in Britain is expected to rise by 10 pence this week as petrol pumps continue to run dry following a week of fuel panic-buying triggered by the government.
Some garages are reportedly taking the advantage of the crisis, as they increased the prices to make most of high demand and low supplies. Some garages will not expect any top-ups until Friday, when people will leave the cities to make use of the Easter weekend. The head of Retail Motor Industry Petrol, Brian Madderson, stressed that petrol crisis would be intensified as he believed garages would increase the prices to 10 pence a liter in some regions, with climbs of four to six pence turning out around the UK. “Motorists are paying a significant premium because the wholesalers know they are on to a good thing. It’s the law of supply and demand,” he said. The RAC Route Planner, a motoring organization, warned that several people have decided to stay at home as they might not be able to find enough petrol for their Easter vacations. The AA Route Planer also said that 54 per cent of the people anticipated to take a road trip during the long Easter holidays, but that three-quarters of the drivers would not make a long distance journey following rising concerns over fuel costs. A possible strike is also expected, after thousands of tanker drivers said they would go on strike and blockade refineries and gridlock motorways if the Unite union called for a tanker strike. However, despite a week of triggering panic by ministers, Foreign Secretary William Hague insisted that ministers, including Francis Maude who called on people to fill up their jerry cans and keep them at homes, had done “absolutely the right thing.” Coalition government has come under fire after ministers warned people to store fuel at home to tackle the possible impacts of the threatened tanker strike. The warning led to a disaster after a woman from York suffered serious burns to her body when she was transferring petrol between canisters in her kitchen. The Labour opposition party claimed that the government had played “political games” in handling of the strike, and deliberately provoked petrol panic to distract attentions from anti-Tory headlines over the cash-for-access scandal.
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Travel Maps & Transport- Why Fuel Prices have Soared
Updated: 24 Mar 2012
Why am I paying £100 to fill up my tank?
Petrol and diesel prices in the UK have soared – but exactly what makes up these high prices and why are they rising?
By Harriet Meyer | Yahoo! Finance UK – 14 hours ago
Petrol and diesel prices have reached dizzying highs - but why
And in August, another rise will add 3.62p a litre, meaning the typical 50-litre petrol refill will cost £1.81 more, the AA calculates.
However, petrol hasn’t always been this pricey.
Five years ago it was just 89p for a litre of unleaded – and even in May 2009 the price was below £1 a litre, according to comparison site PetrolPrices.com.
It now cost drivers more than £68 to fill up a 50-litre tank – £3.45 more than it cost a year ago £12.30 more than in 2010. Meanwhile, larger cars and vans cost up to £100 a tank, says the AA.
What makes up the price of petrol?
According to Whatprice.co.uk, the forecourt price makes up just 5% of the total cost of petrol, while the cost of oil amounts to a further 32% - but of course it’s taxation that eats up the largest chunk, at a hefty 63% of the price you pay to fill up your car.
At 139.67p a litre, the cost of a litre of petrol breaks down into: 57.95p fuel duty, 23.28p VAT, 52p wholesale, 1.5p biofuel content – with just 4.94p the retailer’s margin and transport costs.
Conor Faughnan, director of policy for the AA, is urging the Government to look at the impact of rising taxes on fuel costs, with no sign of these abating.
“Ratcheting up taxes on fuels, which has been Government policy since October 2008, would be a bad idea for most countries but even more so for us given our dependency,” he said.
However, this week saw a “Budget Blow-Out”, with the decision to press ahead with the fuel increase in August.
"The hardship imposed on the consumer and on family budgets ... is extremely serious.
We get calls and emails daily from people in near despair because of it.
But it is also doing considerable damage to the economy,” He added.
What are the prime drivers of the rising price?
Aside from rising taxation in recent years, a combination of oil price rises and turmoil in the Middle East is behind price hikes.
Signs of an improving US economy are also a factor in driving oil prices to post-recession highs.
Brent crude, which is used as a benchmark for petrol prices in Europe, has been as high $128 a barrel - its highest level since the financial crisis brought the price crashing down in 2008.However, Phill Jones, commercial director of Motors.co.uk says that while there are major issues around inflating oil prices, the Government “needs to avoid compounding the issue further with additional tax rises – although they failed to do this in the Budget”.Meanwhile, the he RMI group of 6,000 independent fuel retailers, warned that a further 4.5p rise could be on the way even sooner – with the price of petrol reaching 142p and diesel 150p as soon as Easter.Brian Madderson, who leads the RMI petrol organisation, said: "The weakening of the pound against the dollar, the stand-off with Iran, and the financial trouble at refineries such as Coryton are all causing major problems. The prospects don’t look great.”Not only is the rapid rise in the price of fuel causing problems for the economy, but last month it saw a 20% increase in call-outs to motorists stranded in cars with empty tanks.
In February this year, the RAC says that it received 4,780 calls from drivers who had run out of petrol, up from 3,900 a year earlier.
David Bizley, from the RAC, puts the rise down to “motorists trying to drive on empty” because of the cost of filling up.
What do people pay elsewhere?
Considering the UK, Yorkshire and Humberside are the cheapest regions for petrol, at 137.9p a litre, while Northern Ireland remains the most expensive at 139.2p.
If you’re going further afield into Europe, Spain is one of the cheapest countries, according to the AA. There, petrol is 120.06p a litre while diesel is 115.05p – and the lower prices are down to rock-bottom tax rates compared to the UK. Meanwhile, in Estonia motorists pay 107.47p for a litre of petrol, while diesel is 113.30p.
“A lot of European countries have lower taxes on petrol - and diesel in particular, which is incentivised for environmental reasons,” explains a spokesman for the AA. “This is considered a quick-fix for lowering levels of CO2.”
However bad things are in the UK, be glad you’re not in Norway where petrol costs a wallet-crunching 164.28p a litre and diesel at 153.25p.
Meanwhile, petrol in most US states is around 60p a litre – but this is expected to rise given the pressure on oil.
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Travel Maps & Transport- Eye in the Sky - Parking fines
Updated: 24 Mar 2012
The Big Brother parking fine explosion:
Motorists hit with 330 per cent boom in penalties
as private firms employ hi-tech collection tricks
By Ed Monk PUBLISHED: 12:36, 19 March 2012 | UPDATED: 14:52, 20 March 2012
Eye in the sky: Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology uses cameras to track drivers as they come and go - and allows firms to a greater number of automatic parking fines.
Figures from the DVLA have revealed an alarming rise in automatic parking fines issued by private firms following the introduction of hi-tech enforcement techniques at supermarkets and other car parks.
The number of electronic requests from private parking companies for vehicle details from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has leapt from 272,215 in 2006/07 to 1,167,713 in 2010/11 - a rise of 329 per cent.
With the average fine from private parking firms at £80, it means penalties generated this way now cost drivers £93million each year, compared to £21million in 2007.
The requests are made by parking firms so they can send penalty fines to drivers.
They do not represent the fines from paper tickets attached to windscreens, but where offences are recorded electronically by the firm without the driver being notified at the time.
Parking firms have to pay the DVLA just £2.50 for the information, which is granted to them as long as officials are satisfied that there is 'reasonable cause' that an infringement has taken place.
It is thought around half of the fines issued by private parking firms arise this way.
These are separate from the 8million Penalty Charge Notices issued by councils or the police each year.
The huge increase is the result of new tactics employed by private parking firms that leave no leeway for drivers and have the potential to trap drivers into infringements through confusing rules and easily committed mistakes.
The weapons being employed to ensnare drivers include number plate-reading cameras mounted high in the air and unmanned machines that require licence details to be entered precisely.
HOW REQUESTS FOR DATA TO FINE DRIVERS ROSE 329% YEAR TOTAL 2006/07 272,215 2007/08 499,732 2008/09 687,138 2009/10 1,034,592 2010/11 1,167,713
Source: DVLA
The technology is on the rise.
Supermarket giants Tesco and Sainsbury's confirmed they use the technology at some stores, although Sainsbury's said it is only found in 2.5 per cent of its car parks.
More...'Tax on the sick': One in four hospitals increase parking fees - some by up to 200 per cent
Asda said it used the technology in car parks where there has been a problem of use by non-shoppers, and that it will expand it to 10 per cent of its stores this year.
Asda donates fine generated by abuse of disabled bays to the
Mobile disability charity.
Homebase uses it in around 10 per cent of stores and the technology is also found at Gatwick. Heathrow operator BAA said it uses the technology at all its airports.
The rise in automatic fines came to light following a request to the DVLA by Nick Smith, the Labour MP for Blaenau Gwent. Mr Smith had received dozens of complaints from constituents about the car park attached the The Walk shopping precinct in Ebbw Vale.
'The car park had been there for years but had not been very professionally run. Lots of residents had become used to using it for free without any problem', Mr Smith said.
Nick Smith, MP for Blaenau Gwent, began looking into private parking charges after complaints from his constituents.
'When the car park was taken over by a new parking management company, Excel Parking Services, the complaints started to come in.'
Mr Smith said he had several letters from disabled people who held Blue Badges and who had been using the car park for free under the old regime. Other cases involved taxis that had parked up to collect elderly customers who had to wait for assistance with loading their shopping.
Managing agents of the car park confirmed to Mr Smith that 29 Blue Badge holders had been issued with multiple parking charge notices in the first three months of Excel taking over.
Mr Smith said: 'Excel came in and began enforcing the rules very aggressively, but there was not enough improvement to the signage to let people know what was expected.'
Mr Smith said constituents were confused by a new system that required drivers to enter their full number plate when entering the car park, and that they did not notice signs telling them they had to pay.
Excel said that it had put up 35 extra signs to inform drivers of the rules and had allowed a settling in period of 17 days in which staff were on-hand to explain the charges.
In a statement, Excel said: 'Great attention to detail is taken when specifying sign schedules for car parks managed by Excel Parking, and every effort is made to position such signs in the most prominent user friendly locations.
'We strongly refute the allegation that aggressive parking enforcement took place.' A new business model The case in Ebbw Vale demonstrates the latest approach by a new generation of private parking companies.
Specialist firms will be employed by landowners - often large businesses such as supermarkets, out-of-town retail parks and airports.
These landowners keep any money generated by parking fees, leaving penalty charges as the only way for parking firms to make money.
These firms are taking a hi-tech approach in order to maximise the fines they collect. In particular, cameras armed with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology, which mechanically reads and records number plates as cars come and go, has contributed to fines being levelled in greater numbers.
Regime change: One of the signs that confronted users of the car park at The Walk in Ebbw Vale when Excel Parking took over.
The cameras are sometimes used alongside machines that require drivers to enter their number plate when they pay to enter to the car park.
A computer matches payments up with the number plates recorded by the cameras. If a plate has been entered incorrectly, even by one digit, a fine is generated.
In the case of The Walk in Ebbw Vale, many drivers had assumed they were being asked to enter the just final three characters of their number plate, as was normal in other car parks in the area, when the machine required the whole number.
The cameras can also be used to generate fines where drivers outstay their allotted time.
This may be used either for 'pay-and-display' car parks where drivers pay for an agreed time, or for car parks that are free but only for a set period. The days of hoping an attendant hasn't got round to checking your car, it seems, are numbered.
The British Parking Association, the trade body for private parking firms, said the technology merely enforces existing rules, and that the rise in requests to the DVLA did not necessarily mean more fines were being handed out.
Patrick Troy, chief executive of the British Parking Association (BPA), said: 'The technology has moved forward and it is less likely for you to see a warden strolling around a car park any more.
While there has been a rise in fines issued this way, it means fewer fines are being attached to windscreens.
'There are more out-of-town retailers and they are looking for ways to control their parking spaces so that they can keep their customers numbers turning over.'
The BPA said it had strengthened its code of conduct to make sure firms are only requesting vehicle data where infringements have taken place. Mr Troy added that five firms have had there accreditation removed for failing to stick to the code.
Nick Smith said that he was pushing for a parliamentary debate on private parking firms and has called for the BPA to toughen its code of practice. Legislation going through parliament will create an independent appeals service for drivers issued with fines from private firms from October.
This will be provided by the BPA. He also said there was a problem with drivers wrongly assuming fines from private firms were issued by the council, and were therefore enforceable under the statute.
Private firms label their fines as 'Parking Charge Notices', abreviated to 'PCN', which Mr Smith said was too close to the 'Penalty Charge Notices', also abreviated to 'PCN', issued by council traffic warden and the police. Penalty Charge Notices are subject to a far stricter regime and are legally binding unless drivers can successfully appeal.
Fines from private firms, on the other hand, depend only on rules surrounding trespass.
Drivers can refuse to pay and it is up to firms to convince a judge that an offence took place, including that drivers had been given proper information through clearly visible signs.
Read more: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-2117083/Hi-tech-parking-enforcement-tricks-leading-explosion-automatic-fines-private-firms-DVLA-figures-reveal.html#ixzz1pztT7Mew
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Travel Maps & Transport - Osborne's Petrol now at £6.11p a gallon
Updated: 20 Mar 2012
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Cheapest stations within 5 miles of LN6 for Unleaded 135.7p Asda Lincoln
Newark Road, North Hykeham, Lincoln, LN6 8JY
Asda, 0.42 miles away, last updated on 16 March 135.9p Sainsburys Lincoln
Tritton Road, Lincoln, LN6 7QN
Sainsburys, 1.7 miles away, last updated on 18 March 135.9p Tesco Lincoln 1
Canwick Road, Lincoln, LN5 8HS
Tesco, 4.83 miles away, last updated on 16 March 136.9p Lindum Service Station
Newark Road, Lincoln, LN6 8RP
Esso, 2.67 miles away, last updated on 18 March 136.9p Morrisons Lincoln
Tritton Road, Lincoln, LN6 7QL
Morrisons, 3.82 miles away, last updated on 18 March Cheapest stations within 5 miles of LS16 for Unleaded 135.9p Shell Horsforth
Broadway Ring Road, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 4DF
Shell, 1.05 miles away, last updated on 17 March 135.9p Morrisons Kirkstall
Savins Mill Way, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3RP
Morrisons, 2.16 miles away, last updated on 18 March 135.9p Broadway Service Station
Broadway Ring Road, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 4DY
Esso, 3.1 miles away, last updated on 18 March 135.9p Shell Kirkstall
Kirkstall Road, Leeds, LS4 2AH
Shell, 3.56 miles away, last updated on 17 March 135.9p Morrisons Swinnow Road
Swinnow Road, Bramley, Leeds, LS13 4QX
Morrisons, 3.61 miles away, last updated on 18 March Cheapest stations within 5 miles of CA6 for Unleaded 134.9p A74 Shell Carlisle Northbound
A74 Northbound, Todhills Blackford, Carlisle, CA6 4HA
Shell, 1.6 miles away, last updated on 17 March 135.7p Asda Carlisle
Chandler Way, Parkhouse, Carlisle, CA3 0JQ
Asda, 3.53 miles away, last updated on 18 March 136.9p Morrisons Carlisle
Kingstown Road, Carlisle, CA3 0AD
Morrisons, 4.78 miles away, last updated on 18 March 137.9p A74 Moss Connect Motorway Service Area Southbound
A74 Southbound, Todhills Blackford, Carlisle, CA6 4HA
BP, 1.51 miles away, last updated on 18 March 140.9p Morton Service Station
Wigton Road, Carlisle, CA2 6JS
BP, 4.81 miles away, last updated on 16 March
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Travel Maps & Transport- Britain's Beautiful Castles
Updated: 20 Mar 2012
Britain’s Beautiful Castles
Often described as Scotland's most romantic castle, Eilean Donan sits on a tiny island in Loch Duich in the western Highlands. After being largely destroyed during a 1719 Jacobite uprising, the castle lay in ruins for nearly two centuries, but was restored in the early 1900s. Picture: Robert Harding World Imagery / Alamy
Bodiam Castle in East Sussex is a moated castle which was owned originally by the Dalyngrigge family, but is now looked after by the National Trust. Sadly, although the castle's exterior looks much as it it would have when it was built in the 14th century, the inside is largely in ruins. Picture: Derek Payne / Alamy
Imposing Caernarfon Castle in north Wales was built by Edward I as he tried to stamp his supremacy on a region which had only recently come under English control. The unusual design has been said to deliberately evoke the walls of Constantinople, as well as Roman architecture. Picture: CW Images / Alamy
It may look medieval, but Castell Coch near Tongwynlais in Wales was built in the 18th century for John Crichton-Stuart, the third Marquess of Bute. However, neither he or his family really used it once finished, and it was given by his descendants to the Welsh government Picture: The Photolibrary Wales / Alamy
Set on a hill in West Sussex overlooking the River Arun, Arundel Castle was founded by Roger de Montgomery, one of William the Conqueror's key advisors, in the 11th century. Today, it is the principal seat of the Norfolk family. Picture: Robert Harding World Imagery / Alamy
There can be few castles with a more dramatic location than the medieval structure on St Michael's Mount, the rocky Cornish island accessible by foot at low tide. The castle is home to the St Aubyn family, who have resided there since the 17th century. Picture: Alamy
One of the largest houses in Scotland's northern Highlands, the very French-looking Dunrobin Castle in Sutherland owes much of its present appearance to Sir Charles Barry, the Victorian architect behind London's Westminster Palace. Picture: Derek Payne / Alamy
Used in countless films, from Elizabeth (1998) to Robin Hood (2010), Bamburgh Castle rises from a rocky coastal outcrop in Bamburgh, Northumberland. The historian and TV presenter Dan Snow calls it "impossibly powerful and dramatic". Picture: Alamy
Nicknamed "the Windsor of the North," Alnwick Castle in Northumberland dates from the 11th century, when the first parts of it were built to defend against Scottish invaders. It was also, interestingly, one of the first homes in the north-east to have electricity, with a hydro-electric system set up in 1899. Picture: Roy Rainford / Robert Harding/Rex Features
William the Conquerer ordered the building of a castle at Warwick in 1068, but that wooden motte and bailey bore little resemblance to the towering stone fortress which exists today. Under the ownership of Richard Neville, the castle was famously used in the 15th century to imprison King Edward IV. Picture: Simon Hadley / Alamy
Leeds Castle near Maidstone in Kent was for many centuries a favoured residence of royals, from King Edward I to Henry VIII. The rare black swans which swim in its moat were supposedly given as a gift to Winston Churchill, who bestowed them on the castle. Picture: World Pictures / Alamy
Another commanding castle built by Edward I, Conwy Castle – crowned with eight massive towers – sits on a rock promontory on Wales's north coast. It is said to be one of the best preserved medieval fortifications in Britain. Picture: David Cantrille / Alamy
Small but perfectly formed, Hever Castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, though it was later passed to Henry VIII's fourth wife, Anne Of Cleves, as part of their divorce settlement. In 1903 it was bought and restored by the American millionaire William Waldorf Astor, who also created the gardens and lake. Picture: Tony French / Alamy
On the other end of the scale from tiny Hever is the royal castle of Windsor, supposedly the oldest and largest inhabitated castle in the world, and the Queen's favourite weekend home. Picture: Oxford Picture Library / Alamy
The unusual-looking Stokesay Castle in Shropshire is a fortified manor house, built by a wealthy wool merchant in the 13th century. Picture: Peter Barritt / Alamy
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Travel Maps & Transport - Britain's Lighthouses
Updated: 20 Mar 2012
Britain’s Lighthouses
Longstone Lighthouse on the Farne Islands, Northumberland sprang to fame in 1838, after its keeper, William Darling, and his daughter, Grace, rushed to help the passengers of a nearby shipwrecked boat. They managed to rescue 13 people, and 22-year-old Grace became something of a national heroine.
Belle Tout on Beachy Head in Sussex is sometimes said to be Britain's most famous lighthouse, due to its appearances on countless film and TV shows; from the BBC's The Life and Loves of a She-Devil, to the James Bond film The Living Daylights. In 1999, it was moved 17 metres back along the cliff, due to fears it could fall into the sea.
The oldest lighthouse in Britain stands in the grounds of the Dover Castle. Dating back nearly 2000 years, it was once one of a pair of Roman lighthouses, or pharos, but little remains of its twin.
The lighthouse just off Godrevy in Cornwall is often said to have inspired Virginia Woolf, who spent many childhood holidays in the area, to write To the Lighthouse. The lighthouse was built in the 1850s, to warn sailors of a dangerous submerged reef.
One of Britain's most dramatic lighthouses, South Stack stands on the Welsh island of the same name. Getting to the lighthouse has always been tricky; originally, after descending 400 or so stone steps, people used to cross the sea in a basket, slid along a rope. Thankfully, a bridge was built in the late 1820s.
The shortest lighthouse in Britain is believed to be this five-metre tall construction at Berry Head, Devon. Oddly enough, however, due to the fact it's nearly 60 metres above sea level, it's also one of the highest.
Another contender for the "most famous" title is the isolated Eddystone Lighthouse, situated on the dangerous Eddystone Rocks, nine miles south of Cornwall. It has gone through no less than four incarnations, with the remains of the third version still visible next to it. The lighthouse is famously cited in Moby Dick, when Melville describes Nantucket as "more lonely than the Eddystone lighthouse".
Aside from having a rather entertaining name, the Muckle Flugga Lighthouse on Unst, the Shetland Isles, is notable for being one of many built by members of the Stevenson family, to which Robert Louis Stevenson belonged. The writer visited it as a child, and the island is thought to be the inspiration behind the map of Treasure Island.
According to the National Trust, who now own it, the cheerful red-and-white-striped Souter Lighthouse in Marsden, Tyne and Wear was the first in Britain designed to be powered by electricity. It was decommissioned in 1988, and is popularly believed to be haunted.
Southwold Lighthouse in Suffolk has the unusual claim to fame of being situated within a town, its white tower looming up from behind rows of houses. It began operating in 1890, to replace three local lighthouses which were under threat from coastal erosion.
The lighthouse which stands at the end of the three stacks of chalk known as "The Needles" is iconic of the Isle of Wight. Built in 1859, it replaced a tower on top of a nearby cliff, which was often hidden behind fog and mist, and was one of the last lighthouses to become automated, in 1994.
The tallest lighthouse in Bitain, 48-metre-high Skerryvore stands on a reef off the west coast of Scotland which once wrecked many ships. Building it was incredibly difficult: its chief engineer, Alan Stevenson (uncle of Robert Louis) and his team often found it impossible to land on the rock, and on many occasions equipment was swept away into the sea.
The Lizard Lighthouse on Lizard Point in Cornwall is Britain's southernmost lighthouse. Completed in 1751 on a particularly treacherous stretch of coastline, the building is also notable for having not one but two distinctive towers, with a cottage inbetween.
This octagonal chalk tower near Flamborough Head in the Yorkshire coast is Britain's oldest surviving complete lighthouse, having been built in the late 1600s – though it is not clear whether it was ever actually lit. The "new" lighthouse (built in 1806) stands about half a mile away.
The first-ever ship-to-shore radio transmission and ship-to-shore distress message were received at South Foreland Lighthouse in St Margaret's Bay, Dover. Now decommissioned, the lighthouse is also memorable for its mention in the sea shanty Spanish Ladies ("We bore up for the South Foreland light...")
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Travel Maps & Transport - Fuel - Scraping the bottom of the barrel
Updated: 17 Mar 2012
UK, US to release emergency oil stocks
Fri Mar 16, 2012 11:23AM GMT
The British and US governments have discussed plans to release emergency oil stocks, hoping to relieve the pain at the pump and rescue their economies from recession.
“We didn't make any decision, this has to be discussed broadly. We've got to look at this issue carefully, it's something worth looking at. Short-term should we look at reserves? Yes, we should,” said British Prime Minister David Cameron at New York University. “I think it is something worth looking at, because it's having an effect on all our economies,” he added. Two British sources have confirmed that the US has sent a formal request to Britain to join forces in tapping stocks of crude oil so that they could lower soaring oil prices, reported Reuters. However, White House spokesman Jay Carney denied that any formal deal had been reached between the two countries. “I can tell you that among the many topics of discussion that the British Prime Minister and the President had were energy issues and the situation globally with the rise in the price of oil,” said Carney. Following Iran’s decision to cut oil supplies to Britain and France, the price of Brent crude oil kept rising, reaching above $126 a barrel and pushing petrol prices in the UK up to £1.40 per litre. The Wall Street Journal reported that the release of emergency oil stocks could include the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) which contains 696 million barrels of crude, more than three months’ of US oil imports. The US president has also been urged to expand the country’s oil production. However, Obama has maintained that “with only 2% of the world's oil reserves, we can't just drill our way to lower gas prices. Not when we consume 20% of the world's oil.” Reuters reported that Britain’s contribution would come from a reduction of the minimum reserves of oil commercial oil companies should hold
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Travel Maps & Transport- British Invention - A Hydogen based fuel to run in existing cars
Updated: 14 Mar 2012
British scientists 'invent artificial petrol'
that could cost just 90p per GALLON (and there's no carbon)
By Fiona Macrae and Rob Cooper UPDATED: 00:34, 29 January 2011
Hydrogen-based fuel produces no greenhouse gases so could help nations slash their carbon footprint It is due to be available at the pumps in three to five years
Petrol price relief? Stephen Voller, chief executive of Cella Energy said he is confident the new fuel will work in existing cars
Artificial petrol that costs 19p per litre could be on forecourts in as little as three years.
British scientists are refining the recipe for a hydrogen-based fuel that will run in existing cars and engines at the fraction of the cost of conventional petrol.
With hydrogen at its heart rather than carbon, it will not produce any harmful emissions when burnt, making it better for the environment, as well as easier on the wallet.
The first road tests are due next year and, if all goes well, the cut-price ‘petrol’ could be on sale in three to five years.
Professor Stephen Bennington, the project’s lead scientist, said: ‘In some senses, hydrogen is the perfect fuel. It has three times more energy than petrol per unit of weight, and when it burns, it produces nothing but water.
‘Our new hydrogen storage materials offer real potential for running cars, planes and other vehicles that currently use hydrocarbons.’
The fuel is expected to cost around $1.50 a gallon, or 19p a litre. Even with fuel taxes, the forecourt price is likely to be around 60p a litre – less than half the current cost.
That would bring the price of filling a 70-litre Ford Mondeo down to around £42. Energy from hydrogen can be harnessed by burning the gas or combining it with oxygen in a fuel cell to produce electricity.
But current methods of storing hydrogen are expensive and not very safe.
How it works: Cella Energy is optimistic that drivers will not need to modify their cars in order to use the fuel To get round this, scientists from the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, near Oxford, University College London and Oxford University have found a way of densely packing hydrogen into tiny beads that can be poured or pumped like a liquid.
More...1p levy on petrol could be scrapped: Cash-strapped drivers promised Budget relief Three million drivers who use their car for work hit by £2,000-a-year bill
Stephen Volker, of Cellar Energy, which is developing the technology, told Gizmag: ‘We have developed micro-beads that can be used in an existing gasoline or petrol vehicle to replace oil-based fuels.
Green energy: A hydrogen fuel bus in London. Unlike existing 'green' fuels the new fuel under development will not require motorists to upgrade their vehicles
'Early indications are that the micro-beads can be used in existing vehicles without engine modification.
The materials are hydrogen-based, and so when used produce no carbon emissions at the point of use, in a similar way to electric vehicles.’
A tankful of the artificial petrol, which has yet to be given a brand name, is expected to last 300 to 400 miles, in line with conventional fuel.
But AA president Edmund King warned: ‘The fact the hydrogen is cheaper now doesn’t mean it always will be because the Government would soon get its hands on it and increase the tax.’
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1351341/Reli
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Travel maps & Transport- Less Fuel for Osborne's Economy
Updated: 02 Mar 2012
British motorists pay up to 60% duty and VAT on petrol -
the highest figure in the EU
Without tax duties prices for Unleaded petrol would cost 52.8p
The Radical says increased fuel prices is self defeating for the economy.
1. I travel less and therefore spend less on Britain
2. My car should last longer reducing the need to buy another car
3 I use my Bus pass more or walk.
4. Holidays are spent in my back garden
And diesel would be more manageable at 59.8p By Daniel Martin
Last updated at 10:44 PM on 27th February 2012
In talks: Treasury minister Chloe Smith will meet with campaigners in a bid to find a feasible solution British motorists are shouldering the heaviest tax burden in the EU at the pumps, official figures reveal.
Sixty per cent of the price of unleaded petrol and 58 per cent of the cost of diesel is made up of duties and VAT in Britain, the highest percentages in the European Union.
Campaigners meet Treasury minister Chloe Smith today to demand action for millions of drivers who are already facing a regular £100 fill up for an average family-size car.
The figures show that the soaring tax take has made overall diesel pump prices in Britain the highest in the EU, while the price of unleaded petrol is the eighth highest.
The mid-January price for diesel in the UK was 141.3p a litre. But without tax and duties, it would be only 59.8p. Unleaded petrol cost 132.9p, although without tax and duties it would be a much more manageable 52.8p.
Even since the analysis was completed, pump prices have continued to soar. At the weekend one garage on the M6 was spotted selling diesel for 150p a litre.
The disclosure comes just days after Chancellor George Osborne refused to slash fuel duty in next month’s
Budget, saying he had already done enough to help drivers and that ‘the British government has run out of money’. The only country which comes anywhere near our levels for diesel motorists is Italy, where 53 per cent of the cost is accounted for by taxes and duties.
France and Germany are on 47 per cent and 48 per cent respectively, while the lowest tax take is in Luxembourg: 38 per cent.
In total UK drivers pay a third more for diesel than their counterparts in Luxembourg, according to the figures, published in the European Commission’s Oil Bulletin and available in the House of Commons Library.
There is a similar story with unleaded petrol. Some 60 per cent of the pump price in Britain is down to tax and duties – just ahead of Greece, Italy, Netherlands and Sweden on 59 per cent.
The lowest tax takes are in Cyprus, where just 43 per cent comes from tax and duties. British drivers spend almost 30 per cent more to fill up than those in Cyprus.
More...Petrol bills calculator and the amount you pay in tax Price of diesel at all time high £1.43 a litre after speculators bet on more Iran disruption to oil supply
Last night there was growing support from Tory backbenchers for the Chancellor to do something in the Budget to reduce the price of petrol.
Tory backbench MP Philip Davies, who obtained the figures, said: ‘Fuel duty is already too high and hard-pressed families can’t afford to pay even more.
How UK driversare hit hardest
‘The Government’s debt crisis was caused by spending being too high, not taxes being too low and therefore the solution to the problem is for the Government to cut its spending – not to kick people in the teeth with higher taxes.’
The Chancellor cut fuel duty by 1p a litre in last year’s Budget and announced in his Autumn Statement that a scheduled 3p rise would be postponed until August.
Diesel pump prices last month were 141.4p a litre, up 25 per cent over the past two years, the highest in Europe with only Italy anywhere near on 139.1p.
Britain does not do as badly on unleaded petrol in terms of final pump price.
The UK’s price of 132.9p (up 19 per cent over the past two years) is only the eighth highest out of the 27 members of the EU.
The highest prices are in Italy, where they pay 141.4p a litre.
Prices in Britain are expected to continue rising because fuel duty is planned to rise every year by at least the rate of inflation, regardless of what happens to the price of oil.
Soaring costs: British motorists are paying a record price more than any other EU country In addition, the other tax levied on fuel, VAT, is charged at the standard rate. So as the price of fuel rises, the amount of VAT charged also rises.
Last night Tory MP Priti Patel said: ‘These figures confirm what all fuel consumers recognise; that they are paying record prices on the pump. ‘
This has to be a long-term question for the Chancellor and government in general about how sustainable this is in the long run.
‘People are more squeezed than ever just now, and every opportunity should be made in the Budget to address this issue about fuel duty.’
Campaign group FairFuelUK said high levels of fuel duty meant that petrol pump prices were now around 20p a litre more expensive than the EU average.
DOUBLE WHAMMY AT THE PUMPS
Drivers are taxed twice every time they fill their tanks – first with a ‘fuel duty’ then with VAT.
Fuel duty raises around £27billion a year for George Osborne’s Treasury coffers.
It is charged at 57.95p per litre on both petrol and diesel, down slightly since the election as Mr Osborne reacted to public anger. However, the duty is still much higher than it was in March 2001, just six months after the fuel protests which rocked Britain.
Then, the duty stood at 47.82p per litre, a figure which rose steadily over the Labour years.
Cutting fuel duty by 1p a litre would cost the Treasury around half a billion pounds a year.
Drivers also pay VAT, which is charged at the standard rate of 20 per cent. So every time fuel duty rises, the amount going towards VAT goes up as well.
Quentin Willson, the group’s main spokesman, said: ‘We pay tax on our earnings so that we can buy these vital commodities, and then we pay VAT on the fuel duty.
‘The Europe league table of fuel duty levels is one which we should not be top of. Today we will be meeting the
Treasury to demonstrate that a cut in duty will help Treasury revenues, not harm them.’
Last night a spokesman for the Treasury said: ‘At the Autumn Statement, the Government took more action to help households with motoring costs by freezing fuel duty until August and scrapping a second planned rise altogether.
‘The Government listened to genuine concerns from motorists and delivered support worth more than £4billion over two years.
‘Petrol and diesel will be an average of 10 pence per litre cheaper than if we had proceeded with the previous government’s [plans].’
Cathy Jamieson, a Treasury spokesman for Labour, said: ‘Fuel campaigners are absolutely right to highlight that hard-pressed families already being hit hard by tax rises and spending cuts that go too far and too fast are once again being squeezed by rising petrol prices.
‘George Osborne needs to take action in his Budget to ease the squeeze and boost jobs and growth.
‘A temporary cut in VAT would give immediate relief to hard-pressed motorists by taking almost 3p off the price of a litre of petrol and help jump-start our stalled economy too.’
Read more: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/news/article-2107382/British-motorists-pay-60-duty-VAT-petrol.html#ixzz1nvYdWbD9
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Travel Maps & Transport- The Cheapest Petrol in the World
Updated: 24 Feb 2012
The cheapest petrol in the world!
Robert Powell takes a look at the countries with the lowest prices at the pump...
By Robert Powell | Yahoo! Finance UK – Wed, Sep 7, 2011 13:30 BST
When it comes to petrol, you'll struggle to find many other countries with higher prices than Britain. In fact, to be precise — if you did look, you'd find two.
Yes, according to stats from Car Insurer Staveley Head, the UK has the third priciest pump rates in the world, with an average price of 135p per litre.
Norway's capital, Oslo, tops the rankings with an average price of 164p per litre.
You can see Staveley Head's full infographic here.
But which countries have the lowest prices?
Here are the top ten cheapest places to buy petrol in the world...
10. Algeria: Algiers — 20p per litre
Algeria is one of the Africa's biggest oil producers turning out an average of 1.2 million barrels a day. This flood of oil has pushed down petrol prices in the country to 20p per litre, more than six times cheaper than the average pump price here in the UK. The country's petrol supplies also played a vital role in the recent battle against Colonel Gaddafi in neighbouring Libya. With petrol production in the war-torn country running dry, rebel fighters relied on smuggled fuel from Algeria to power the final push against the corrupt dictator. Hurrah!
9. Oman: Muscat — 20p per litre
Oman's petrol prices also stand at just 20p per litre. Like Algeria, the Arabic state is drenched in oil, stepping up production in the last six months to 878,000 barrels every day.
8. Egypt: Cairo — 19p per litre
Egypt is something of a transport hub when it comes to petrol. The Suez Canal — a vital supply line running across the east of the country — carries an estimated one million barrels of oil from the Persian Gulf every day. That's why at the peak of the country's revolution against former President Hosni Mubarak, oil prices began to climb, amid fears that the unrest would interfere with the Suez supply route. But while this oil price rise pushes up petrol costs here in the UK, the rate petrol is sold at the pump over in Egypt remains relatively low, at just 19p per litre. But with the country's government still anything but stable, it's anyone guess as to how long costs will stay this cheap.
7. Qatar: Doha — 15p per litre
Prior to the discovery of oil in Qatar, the small Arab emirates' economy was mainly built on fishing and pearl hunting. Now the country's national petroleum supplier accounts for 70% of the government's revenue. Recent high oil prices have made per capita income in Qatar amongst the highest across the globe while petrol prices are the seventh lowest at just 15p per litre.
6. Kuwait: Kuwait City — 14p per litre
Kuwait is tenth largest oil producer in the world and its supply is thought to account for 10% of global reserves. But nevertheless, the government subsidises both public transport and petrol bringing prices down to just 14p per litre.
5. Bahrain: Manama — 13p per litre
Compared with its Middle-Eastern neighbours, Bahrain has fairly limited oil supplies. However 60% of the country's economy is still rooted in petroleum refining, which has grown strongly over the last ten years. The country is at fifth in the rankings with an average petrol price of just 13p per litre.
4. Turkmenistan: Ashgabat — 12p per litre
The UK government taxes petrol to the high-heaven, while in Turkmenistan they give it away — literally. Every driver in the Turkic state is entitled to 120 litres of petrol for free every month. If they exceed this, the pump price is only 12p per litre.
3. Libya: Tripoli — 9p per litre
As I mentioned earlier, petrol supplies in Libya have dried up recently owing to the closure of several oil plants in the midst of unrest in the country. But when pumping at its prime level, the country is the ninth largest oil producer with an average petrol price of just 9p per litre.
2. Saudi Arabia: Riyadh — 8p per litre
Saudi Arabia is the largest exporter of petroleum in the world. Domestically fuel prices sit at around 8p per litre. Yet only half of the population can take advantage of these low rates; as women in Saudi Arabia are banned from driving due to a religious fatwa (Islamic law) imposed by conservative Muslim clerics.
1. Venezuela: Caracas — 2/3p per litre
Yes, to get hold of the cheapest petrol in the world, you'll have to travel all the way to the South American country of Venezuela. Petrol is just 2-3p per litre in the socialist republic — that's around 54 times cheaper than prices here in the UK. So if you have a 70 litre fuel tank in your car, you could fill it up in Venezuela for around £1.50.
While In Britain it would cost you a whopping £95.
Prices are kept low thanks to subsidies from the country's left-wing government.
A matter of context
Now, before you all start weeping at the prospect of 2p per litre petrol, it's worth remembering that these insanely low rates almost always come at some cost.
Take Venezuela. Yes, the country may have outrageously low petrol prices.
But vast numbers of its residents live in poverty - the UN calculates 30% of the population live on less than $2 a day.
As The Guardian's South America correspondent Rory Carroll points out, some analysts place the overall cost to economy of maintaining such low petrol prices (through subsidies and loss of taxation) at around £13bn.
That's more than double the education and health budgets.
But this doesn't mean that the cost of petrol isn't unfairly high in this country, especially when you consider that the UK is actually amongst the top 20 oil producing countries in the world.
Your cheapest petrol
Where in the world — and the UK - have you found the cheapest petrol prices?
Are you surprised the USA isn't featured in this list?
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Travel Maps & Transport- Buying a car - As New
Updated: 13 Jan 2012
Got any money left after Christmas?
January is the best time to buy a car...unless you want a 4x4
By Lee Boyce
Last updated at 9:48 AM on 10th January 2012
A new set of wheels may be the last thing most people can afford after a the festive season, but January is the best time to buy a car, according to car specialist Glass’s Guide.
The month offers a window of opportunity to snap up a bargain deal on a car, as a combination of fresh stock and a quiet period for car sales means dealers are more eager to sell.
This means there are bargains to be had, as slow sales means that car prices may be be slashed and there is more room for potential buyers to haggle with dealers for a price reduction.
Car bargain: January offers a great time of the year to snap up a motor on the cheap
January is traditionally a quiet period for car sales, as consumers feel the pinch of an expensive festive season and tend to spend more money on the High Street rather than the forecourt.
But the quest for a cheap set of wheels also depends on what type of car you are after. According to Glass’s Guide, January is the prime month to snap up a convertible model for the summer.
Savings at this time of year for flashy topless models are at their largest, as prices peak in the summer, and of course, demand is very low in the winter.
On the other hand, those looking to bag a used 4x4 bargain will struggle to get a good deal. After three consecutive white winters, snowproof vehicles are in higher demand at this time of year.
If you want a car 2012 is a good time to buy 'as new'
Glass's Guide also say that 2012 as a whole is set to be a great year for motorists to bag a good deal on cars.
With retail demand for new cars not expected to see any recovery this year, it is likely that pre-registration activity will continue to be an enduring feature of the market.
Many motors are pre-registered by dealers to boost overall sales figures meaning there could be some fantastic deals on ‘as-new’ cars which will technically be second hand, but are likely to have only a few hundred miles on the clock and no previous owners.
Glass's Guide recommend considering purchasing a pre-registered model, as you can save thousands on an ‘as new’ car.
Used car prices kept high, because we can't afford new
Data shows that in the last two years, many Britons have been forced to downgrade to cheaper vehicles, gravitating to buying cars of three or more years old.
High demand in this sector means that prices are set to remain fairly stable, and ‘run-arounds’ of five or six years or older and priced under £5,000 are likely to fare even better.
Overall the number of used car sales is predicted to be in line with last year, which will be around 6.6 – 6.8million.
Glass’s also highlights that used car purchases are not just about the headline price, with buyers increasingly interested in fuel efficiency and running costs due to the economic climate.
This will hold true for a wide range of budgets, be it £5,000 or £25,000. So fuel efficient models are expected to become more popular in 2012.
Those considering buying a new car should look for vehicles with low running costs – they will be worth more than powerful, gas-guzzling models after a year or two.
Ron Rodney, co-founder of CarBidOff, says: 'Go to a showroom on a weekday and the salesperson is more likely to give you a better deal because there are fewer customers about.
'Most buyers don’t realise what a good position they’re in. Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the body that represents the motor industry, show that new car registrations to private sellers was down 15 per cent in November.
'Car dealers don’t like having cars sitting there on the forecourt as it’s costing them money. They like to turn around their stock within 90 days of getting it so with cars not selling in the current climate they’ll offer you a good deal to buy the car.
'Car dealers are under more pressure than they have been for a long time and right now buyers are in the best position to get a cracking deal on a car.'
Tips to walk away with a car bargain in January
Always offer around 10 per cent, or £1,000, less than the car is valued at. For example, if a car was up for sale at £6,000, offer £5,000, especially at this time of year. It gives room for negotiating manoeuvre. It can be daunting offering a lower price for a car, but don’t be ashamed or embarrassed – car dealers will be used to negotiating and you are only looking to get the best deal.
Remember, the person selling you the car is a salesman. They should be selling the car to you, so don’t act too interested from the offset.This way, the salesman will feel more inclined to offer you a discount to get you/keep you interested.
Do your research. Look at a reputable car valuation service, like Glass’s Guide, to see how much the car should be valued at and for a full-run down on the car’s rating and performance. You don't want to end up with an overpriced dud.
Ask for added extras. There's no harm in asking for additional items, such as a stereo upgrade, a warranty, an MOT or whatever else you can get thrown into the bargain
Make sure you’re fully decided on the car you want, and on your budget. Don’t be persuaded into spending more than you can afford – and if you don’t like the deal, walk away. Also, don't forget to budget in other outgoings such as what your car insurance is likely to be, as this will also impact how much you can afford to spend.
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Travel, Maps & Transport-Petrol to hit £1.40/litre in 2012
Updated: 10 Jan 2012
Petrol set to hit £1.40 a litre this summer...
but if it had matched inflation over the last 20 years it would be just 83p
By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 4:32 AM on 7th January 2012
Bad news: Experts have warned that petrol could cost £1.40 a litre by the end of summer Petrol could cost £1.40 a litre by the end of summer, experts warned yesterday.
If prices at the pumps had merely matched inflation over the last 20 years, a litre of unleaded would cost an average of just 83.32p per litre, according to analysis from Auto Express magazine.
In reality, tax hikes, speculators and a poor exchange rate mean that today’s actual average price is 133.7p per litre.
More bad news for motorists lies ahead, with further duty increases and crude oil rises set to see the price soar to almost 140p per litre by the end of August.
That average price would translate to even higher prices at motorway service stations, which typically charge about 10p more per litre.
Without government intervention to reduce fuel duty, the average could hit 150p per litre by the end of the year. Auto Express enlisted industry analyst The Energy Institute to examine petrol prices over the last 20 years.
In 1991, motorists paid just 46.55p for a litre of unleaded, of which 17.21p covered the cost of the petrol itself – including crude oil and transportation.
A further 22.41p was taken by the Government in duty, and another 6.93p in VAT.
More...Sales of diesel cars outstrip petrol for the first time, as the motor industry suffers a ‘challenging’ 2011
By contrast, today’s motorists pay 133.7p a litre, of which 53.47p covers the petrol while a massive 57.95p is charged for fuel duty and another 22.28p for VAT.
Duty has risen steadily, helped along by the fuel price ‘escalator’ introduced by the Conservatives in 1993.
Enlarge Interesting: If prices at the pumps had merely matched inflation over the last 20 years, a litre of unleaded would cost an average of just 83.32p per litre
Protests forced Labour to scrap it in 2000, but duty has continued to creep upwards.
Another rise is planned for August, adding 3p per litre. VAT has also increased to 20 per cent.
However, the biggest swings are in crude oil prices, which make up the bulk of basic petrol costs according to broker EnergyQuote.
International speculators can swing crude oil prices by huge amounts – but while companies are quick to pass on increases, they are slow to act when prices drop.
EnergyQuote predicts a peak 2012 price of 139.26p per litre for unleaded by the end of August. Diesel is predicted to peak at 145.89p a litre in October.
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Travel Maps & Transport- 10 Top places to live, & 2 Thoughts ?
Updated: 10 Jan 2012
Telegraph 10 Top Places to Live.
Hong Kong New York City North Island New Zealand Turks and Caicos Tasmania Maui Hawaii Buenos Aires Barbados Victoria British Colombia Cape Town
Two thoughts : Do they have a Tesco ? Do they offer a tax haven for evaders ? HMRC please note.....
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Travel Maps & Transport-Paying respects to Tom Paine
Updated: 08 Jan 2012
Travel Maps & Transport
The Radical and his Rose have been on the road in Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and over the border into Norfolk visiting friends in Newmarket.
Lovely undulating countryside to see the changes at anytime of the year.
We stayed at Bury St Edmunds, visited the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge and Ancient House Museum of Thetford Life.
We recommend both to you.
Entrance is free and at Thetford the Museum is highly suitable for children but not the disabled.
Thetford is the home of Tom Paine, and the Museum does him proud.
The Town has a pleasant traffic free High Street and small market on a Saturday.-
We return to Lincoln on Sunday.
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Travel Maps & Transport- Breaking or Accelerating the Speeding Limit
Updated: 07 Jan 2012
Experts oppose speed limit increase
Friday 06 January 2012
Health experts warned today that raising the speed limit on motorways would lead to an increase in air pollution and obesity as well as more road deaths.
The stark warning comes as the government considers increasing the limit from 70mph to 80mph by 2013, with ministers arguing that deaths on roads have fallen by 75 per cent in the past half-century because of advances in car safety.
In addition, some MPs hold that a higher speed limit makes sense as "almost half of all drivers break the current limit anyway."
But a report from the British Medical Journal from the London School of Hygiene and Medicine challenged the government to produce the evidence to justify its policy.
They argued the move would pose other potential negative health risks since a higher limit could increase gas emissions and lead to obesity, with more people taking advantage of shorter car journeys.
Road safety charity Brake believes that the government should work harder to educate drivers on the importance of staying within the existing limit, rather than "pandering to those who are breaking the law.
"Higher speeds equal less time to react and avoid a collision in an emergency," said Brake chief executive Mary Williams.
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Travel, Maps & Transport- Flying the North Pole route
Updated: 26 Dec 2011
Mind the sleigh! Airlines given permission
to fly over North Pole for the first time
slashing the hours to exotic destinations
• Long-haul flight times reduced by up to 50% • 'Whole new world opened up,' says Branson
By Ray Massey, Transport Editor
Last updated at 1:02 PM on 24th December 2011
Air passengers will be able to cut the times of long-haul flights by as much as half and fly faster to exotic destinations under a new relaxation of aviation rules.
It could also mean cheaper and cleaner flights for British holidaymakers.
The new rules will allow carriers operating in the South Pacific, to take a 'short cut' over the North Pole for the first time. Shorter flights: A British Airways Boeing 777 which will be able to take a 'short cut' over the North pole
While pilots from Australia taking passengers to South America will be able to steer more direct courses making big savings in time, fuel and emissions.
FLIGHTS FROM LONDON Fiji (10,000 miles) - current time via Los Angles or Seoul: 24 hours. New time: 18 hours non-stop using 'polar express' short cut. Tahiti (9,600 miles) via Los Angeles: 23 hours. New time: 17 hours. Honolulu (7,300 miles) via Los Angeles: 18 hours. New time: 13 hours. Anchorage (4,500 miles) via Seattle: 16 hours. New time: 8 hours
Until now, Boeing’s 777 and the new 787 ‘Dreamliner’ jets had for safety reasons to stay within a three hour range (180 minutes) of the nearest diversion airport.
Under the new rules, that has been nearly doubled to five and a half hours, (330 minutes) taking account of improvements in aircraft and engine technology.
It means, for example, that planes from the UK will be able to take a non-stop flight - dubbed 'Santa's short cut' - over the North Pole to destinations such as Hawaii, Alaska or French Polynesia.
It also means shorter journeys, cheaper flights, less fuel, and lower emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) - the so-called greenhouse gas’ blamed for global warming.
The ‘extended operations’ rules define the time that an aircraft is permitted to be from an emergency landing site in case of an engine failure and is applied to two-engine jets.
It follows a decision by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to allow up to 330-minutes ‘extended operations’ for Boeings' 777 fleet. Frozen: An aerial view of the Arctic which passenger carriers will now be able to fly over to exotic destinations It allows airlines operating Boeing 777-300ER (extended range), 777-200LR (longer range), 777 Freighter and 777-200ER models equipped with General Electric engines to fly up to 330 minutes from a potential ‘diversion’ airport.
Approval for the Boeing 777-200ER equipped with British Rolls-Royce and American Pratt & Whitney engines is expected to follow over the next few months.
The first airline to take advantage of the new longer ‘extended operations’ option is Air New Zealand which earlier this month flew from Los Angeles to Auckland.
Capt. David Morgan, chief pilot for Air New Zealand said: ‘What this means is that the aeroplane is able to fly a straighter route between pairs of cities and that's good for the environment.
‘Less fuel is burned and less carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere.
It's also good for customers because flights are potentially shorter and passengers could arrive sooner at their destinations.’ Virgin Atlantic airline president Sir Richard Branson said: 'This new development really does open up a whole new world. 'Our new fleet of 787s could well be flying to Honolulu or even Fiji one day.'
Last October The European Aviation Safety Agency granted a 207-minute rating after receiving an application from Air France to fly a 777-300ER from Los Angeles to Papeete, Tahiti.
The European agency is also expected to adopt the 330-minute rule.
Planes once flew over the North Pole during the Cold War in the 1950s to avoid Communist Bloc airspace
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2078301/Mind-sleigh-Airlines-given-permission-fly-North-Pole-time-slashing-hours-exotic-destinations.html#ixzz1hYGLGXXp
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Travel Maps & Transport- Lincoln Eastern /Southern Bypass
Updated: 07 Dec 2011
LCC only sought funding for the Eastern bypass; the southern bypass is next.
Kind Regards,
Stephen Phillips QC MP
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No Southern Comfort ?
One without the other ?
Whose bright idea was that ?
When is a ring road not a ring road ?
When it passes by on the other side ?
There will be no relief for the existing bypass from the A 46/ A15 North to the A46 south which is already jammed and still single lane in parts.
When are we to expect the Southern pass ?
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Travel Maps & Transport-Expect the Unexpected-Tips for Motorists
Updated: 02 Dec 2011
Expect the Unexpected
Tips for Motorists
A short list of things to carry in your car
Tow rope
Spare bulbs
Shovel
Hazard warning triangle
Spare Wheel
High Visibility Jacket
Jump leads
Wellington boots or similar
De icer
First Aid kit
Working torch
Car blanket
Fully charged mobile
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Travel Maps & Transport- A Brief History of the Electric Car
Updated: 21 Nov 2011
A Brief History Of The Electric Car
By Frances Romero Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009 It sometimes works for the fashion industry — bring back an old fashion, make it new and a fad is born.
This time, though, it's the automotive industry, hoping for the kind of lifestyle change that can bring car sales back from the dead.
All three major U.S. auto companies have been working on plans for electric cars, and debuted some prototypes at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week.
Ford announced that it hopes to have an all-electric vehicle, which would be able run for 100 miles on a single charge, on sale by 2011.
Chastened by their collapsing sales and sustained by infusions of bailout cash, GM, Chrysler and Ford need to come up with ways to revolutionize car design, clean up the environment and wean the industry off foreign oil.
The concept of all-electric cars has faced some resistance, but the big three seem readier than ever for change — and the idea, it turns out, isn't as radical as one might think.
There was indeed a time when electric cars were useful and relatively popular.
Back when cars were used mostly for short jaunts around town or for deliveries between two nearby points, the charging of an electric car posed very little problem.
In the 1830s, when Dutch inventor Sibrandus Stratingh created an electromagnetic cart, the vehicles have always stood out as a cleaner, cost-effective option to the steam or internal combustion engine.
From Stratingh's invention evolved actual cars in the late 1800s that could move at low speeds using rechargeable batteries.
Quieter and less noxious than their gas-powered counterparts, these electric cars surpassed them in popularity in the early part of the 20th century.
One of the best-selling vehicles of that time was the Columbia Runabout, which could go 40 miles on a single charge and run at speeds up to 15 m.p.h.
Later incarnations of the electric car, such as the Detroit Electric, were more attractive than gas-powered versions because they didn't backfire.
Before her husband Henry's mass production of gas-powered cars crushed the electric industry, Clara Ford drove a 1914 Detroit Electric, which could last 80 miles without a charge.
The electric-car industry peetered out during the Roaring 20s when owning a car became more of a convenience and less of a luxury.
Rising fuel costs and the fear of exhausting fuel supplies gave rise to various electric vehicle prototypes in the 1960s and 1970s such as the Vanguard-Sebring CitiCar, which was a boxy, even more miniature version of its miniscule Indian predecessor, the REVA, one of the world's best-selling electric cars.
One of the most important changes those cars exhibited was a reliance on fuel cells, which produce electricity from some form of fuel (hydrogen, hydrocarbons and alcohol have all been used) as an alternative to batteries.
While this helped increase speeds, it didn't help sales take off and ultimately defeated the purpose of a more environmentally friendly, non-fuel reliant automobile.
Better versions of electric cars arrived over the next two decades. GM's EV1 made it to production but proved too expensive to make in mass quantities; Toyota's Rav4 EV, which debuted in 2001, required a separate wall mount for charging. The Tesla Roadster, which first hit the streets in 2006, boasted a sticker price starting at $90,000 each — well out of reach for most consumers.
The latest entry, the Chevy Volt, is expected to be released by 2011; however, the Volt is actually a plug-in hybrid with a gas-powered engine that kicks in as a generator to recharge the car's batteries.
The future of electric cars, it seems, relies not only on whether their purchase and use will catch on, but also on how good the car batteries can become: how much power they can hold, and for how long, has long been the technology's main stumbling point.
GM's plans to build a lithium-ion battery plant in Michigan to assemble battery packs could presage a new technology race among the big three and companies in nations like India and China to see who can first build the battery that will make affordable, long-driving electric cars a reality.
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Travel Maps & Transport- UK Petrol Prices
Updated: 21 Nov 2011
Cheapest stations within 5 miles of LN6 for Unleaded 128.7p Asda Lincoln
Newark Road, North Hykeham, Lincoln, LN6 8JY
Asda, 0.42 miles away, last updated on 19 November 128.9p Sainsburys Lincoln
Tritton Road, Lincoln, LN6 7QN
Sainsburys, 1.7 miles away, last updated on 20 November 128.9p Birchwood Avenue Service Station
Skellingthorpe Road, Lincoln, LN6 0JB
BP, 2.69 miles away, last updated on 20 November 129.9p Tcs Thorpe On The Hill
Middle Lane, Thorpe On The Hill, Lincoln, LN6 9AJ
Total, 2.46 miles away, last updated on 20 November 129.9p Lindum Service Station
Newark Road, Lincoln, LN6 8RP
Esso, 2.67 miles away, last updated on 20 November
Cheapest stations within 5 miles of LS16 for Unleaded 128.9p Morrisons Swinnow Road
Swinnow Road, Bramley, Leeds, LS13 4QX
Morrisons, 3.61 miles away, last updated on 20 November 129.9p Park Moor Grange Service Station
West Park Ring Road, West Park, Leeds, LS16 6EB
Texaco, 0.52 miles away, last updated on 19 November 129.9p Lawnswood Service Station
Otley Road, Leeds, LS16 7PH
Esso, 1 miles away, last updated on 20 November 129.9p Broadway Service Station
Broadway Ring Road, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 4DY
Esso, 3.1 miles away, last updated on 20 November 129.9p Armley Service Station
Armley Road, Armley, Leeds, LS12 2QN
Esso, 3.89 miles away, last updated on 20 November
Cheapest stations within 5 miles of CA6 for Unleaded 128.9p Morrisons Carlisle
Kingstown Road, Carlisle, CA3 0AD
Morrisons, 4.78 miles away, last updated on 20 November 130.9p Bridge Street Garage
Bridge Street, Longtown, Carlisle, CA6 5UD
Esso, 4.87 miles away, last updated on 19 November 131.9p Kingstown Filling Station
Kingstown Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, CA3 0BN
BP, 4.09 miles away, last updated on 20 November 136.9p A74 Moss Connect Motorway Service Area Southbound
A74 Southbound, Todhills Blackford, Carlisle, CA6 4HA
BP, 1.51 miles away, last updated on 20 November 136.9p Morton Self Serve
Wigton Road, Carlisle, CA2 6JS
BP, 4.81 miles away, last updated on 18 November
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Travel, Maps & Transport- Another Air Tax Rise
Updated: 20 Nov 2011
How to turn the air tax rise to your advantage
Simon Calder- "The man who pays his way"
Saturday 19 November 2011
Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer: so goes the first rule of politics.
And on Thursday, it also applied to the airline business.
Four chief executives whose airlines between them carry almost 200 million people each year lined up at a City press conference to berate the Chancellor for his plans to increase Air Passenger Duty next year.
In a first for the industry, the the quartet – Carolyn McCall of easyJet, Willie Walsh of British Airways, Steve Ridgway of Virgin Atlantic and Michael O'Leary of Ryanair – shared a platform to demand that George Osborne scrap APD, the tax of £12 to £170 that applies to every flight from or within the UK.
The Chancellor is about as likely to do that as he is to announce that the British currency will henceforth be the acorn.
His colleague, the Culture Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, is the minister ultimately responsible for tourism.
I asked him if the government would consider at least postponing the 2012 increase.
He told me: "We're having to take some very tough measures to cut the deficit.
So this is not the time to be going to the Treasury and saying could they introduce measures that would cost the Exchequer money.
I'm afraid that's tough, but that's how it is."
The airline bosses know the Chancellor has done his sums ahead of the Autumn Statement on 29 November, and is counting on the £2.5bn APD will raise.
But they are playing a longer game.
By staging this remarkable production of "Much ado about aviation", they aim to stem further increases.
And next time an airline puts up fares or axes an unprofitable route, they hope the travelling public will join them in blaming Mr Osborne.
Within Europe and the Mediterranean, travellers should adopt the brace position for a rise from £12 to £15 or £16.
There could be simplification of the banding structure so that long-haul passengers pay a flat rate of around £75 – or twice that amount for business class.
(It's possible that premium-economy passengers may get a tax break; at present APD doubles as soon as you opt for extra legroom.)
And for the first time, executive jets will be taxed, at a rate of £150 to £200 per passenger.
Happily, it is easy to reduce your exposure to APD, by breaking your journey for at least 24 hours in a European city.
Should you be tempted into a New Year visit to Uruguay by our story on pages 8-9, Iberia will charge you just over £1,000 return in mid-January.
Add in a city break in Madrid and, on the days I checked, the fare falls by 12 per cent.
Or if 48 hours in Boston (pages 12-13) inspires you, get George Osborne to pay for 24 hours in Reykjavik by breaking your Glasgow-Boston journey in the Icelandic capital.
For the former USSR, the only way is Riga.
The tour leader, Neil Taylor, is planning a series of group excursions to Georgia next year.
Flying on Air Baltic, he can offer his clients a day out in the Latvian capital entirely funded by the saving in APD.
The most galling aspect of the inevitable APD rise: even though it will take effect in April, the tax will effectively be backdated for everyone who has already booked.
It's as though you fill the petrol tank of your car before a Budget tax hike – and then get asked to pay extra for every mile you drive after the price rise.
The fine art of diplomacy, Ryanair style
An overbooking?
A confrontation?
Or a grumble?
Surely one of those must be the collective noun for a quartet of gloomy airline bosses.
The uneasiness of the ceasefire became clear when Michael O'Leary declared of his fellow countryman, Willie Walsh, "I think BA's fares are too high, he thinks Ryanair's service is too low."
While the refined Carolyn McCall of easyJet and Steve Ridgway of Virgin Atlantic used measured language in their message to the Chancellor, Mr O'Leary said of Mr Osborne, "He lacks courage and he lacks balls".
At least the Ryanair chief was at the other end of the table from his bitter rival, Ms McCall.
Should you happen to invite the bosses of Europe's and Britain's largest airlines to dinner, you might also choose to seat them apart: the last time I heard him opine on her airline, he said
"For those of you who want to get to the arse end of nowhere, easyJet will now take you to Southend."
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Travel,Maps & Transport- (Ignorant) Drivers enjoy drenching pedestrians
Updated: 20 Nov 2011
(Ignorant) Drivers enjoy drenching pedestrians
Motorists take pleasure in seeing a pedestrians splashed
39% admit laughing when it happens
12% pulled over to apologise
16% admitted they had done it on purpose
The Radical – This Government mentality too.
Who was there first – Pedestrians or Motorists ?
Then Pedestrians should have the right of way.
Why should the Motorist have advantage
Make pedestrians wait at traffic lights etc…
I am not advocating jay walking but so many roads have no pavements
or inadequate ones and often these are taken by parked cars, cyclists, disabled buggies etc..
I am in favour of a statuary 30 mph in town on all roads, 20 mph in built up areas and 10 mph in school zones. In the USA children have priority and no overtaking of loading school buses is allowed.
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Travel, Maps & Transport-Fuel costs 47.8p/litre- the retailer makes 5p-the Government takes the rest
Updated: 18 Nov 2011
The actual fuel itself costs 47.8p per litre, while the retailer makes on average 5p.
This means that in theory, if there was no fuel duty on unleaded, the price at the pump would be around 75p per litre.
If there was no VAT on petrol on top of this, the price would be reduced to roughly 53p.
The ONS data found the average UK household spent £677 on fuel duties in 2009/10 - it found the richest 20 per cent of households spent £1,062 on petrol taxes, compared with £365 for the poorest 20 per cent.
This means the poorest 20 per cent of households are paying almost twice as much of their income in duties on fuel than the richest 20 per cent.
The poorest 20 per cent paid 3.5 per cent of their disposable income on duty, compared with only 1.8 per cent for the top 20 per cent.
Overall, the average UK household spent 2.3 per cent of its disposable income on duties on fuel.
However, in cash terms, the richest 20 per cent of households paid almost three times the amount paid by the bottom 20 per cent.
More...Petrol bills calculator and the amount you pay in tax
Two petrol stations on the same street have a 14p a litre difference £100 to fill the tank: Demand from Asia to trigger years of petrol rises
George Osborne: The AA is urging the Chancellor to set fuel duty based 'current economic and social conditions'
Give motorists a break from the annual fuel duty increases
The AA is urging Chancellor George Osborne to revert to the old system of setting annual fuel duty, which takes into account current economic and social conditions – not the ‘automatic turning of the screw based on inflation.’
It said that lower-income and rural motorists are losing mobility faster than drivers that are wealthier, as motor taxes rise.
A May 2011 survey of AA members showed that those cutting back on car use, other spending or both rose dramatically with lower income.
Of the 28 per cent who say they spend a set amount on fuel, the impact of pump prices, which were 16p-18p a litre higher than a year before, showed it was the poorer motorists who were being hit the most.
In a letter to Mr Osborne, AA president Edmund King, said: 'The private car is, for most people, a necessity not a luxury. It is their means to a job, healthcare, doing the shopping, visiting relatives and friends, and also for improving the quality of their lives.
'We were disappointed that the January fuel duty rise went ahead at a time of rising oil prices and higher VAT.
The AA firmly believes that business and households should be given a break from the annual cycle of fuel duty increases.
'Motorists do not understand the logic of high fuel duty rises which further increase RPI and force demand down at a difficult time for family and business budgets which need mobility to stay afloat.
'Although we fully recognise the need to balance the books we also believe the time has come for activity to be stimulated through lower pump prices.'
Brian Madderson, chairman of petrol retailers group RMI Petrol has also urged the Government to act fast to ensure that prices do not increase to even higher levels next year.
He believes with just a small upward adjustment to global oil prices, the UK will be facing average prices of 150p for diesel and 145p for unleaded by next summer unless the Government reverses its plans to increase fuel duty.
The Government is currently sitting on plans, as revealed in the Budget last year, to increase fuel duty on 1 January and 1 August 2012.
This will increase retail prices by as much as 8p per litre and will cost consumer over £3.5billion a year, Madderson claims.
After some pressure, The House of Commons backbench business committee will be debating the spiralling cost of petrol in a meeting tomorrow, after an e-petition attracted over 100,000 signatures.
MPs will spend up to three hours discussing pump costs.
Read more: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-2061337/Petrol-prices-Government-s-share-petrol-pump-price-DROPS-average-household-spends-677-fuel-duty.html#ixzz1e1Uj3Cyx
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Travel,Maps & Transport- Petrol prices-Lincoln, Leeds & Carlisle
Updated: 08 Nov 2011
PetrolPrices.com is now also available as an iPhone app:
Cheapest stations within 5 miles of LN6 for Unleaded
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128.7p |
Asda Lincoln
Newark Road, North Hykeham, Lincoln, LN6 8JY
Asda, 0.42 miles away, last updated on 6 November
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128.9p |
Sainsburys Lincoln
Tritton Road, Lincoln, LN6 7QN
Sainsburys, 1.7 miles away, last updated on 6 November
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130.8p |
Lindum Service Station
Newark Road, Lincoln, LN6 8RP
Esso, 2.67 miles away, last updated on 6 November
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130.9p |
Morrisons Lincoln
Tritton Road, Lincoln, LN6 7QL
Morrisons, 3.82 miles away, last updated on 6 November
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130.9p |
Tesco Lincoln 1
Canwick Road, Lincoln, LN5 8HS
Tesco, 4.83 miles away, last updated on 6 November
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Cheapest stations within 5 miles of LS16 for Unleaded
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128.9p |
Morrisons Swinnow Road
Swinnow Road, Bramley, Leeds, LS13 4QX
Morrisons, 3.61 miles away, last updated on 6 November
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131.9p |
Shell Horsforth
Broadway Ring Road, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 4DF
Shell, 1.05 miles away, last updated on 5 November
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131.9p |
Morrisons Kirkstall
Savins Mill Way, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3RP
Morrisons, 2.16 miles away, last updated on 6 November
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131.9p |
Broadway Service Station
Broadway Ring Road, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 4DY
Esso, 3.1 miles away, last updated on 6 November
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131.9p |
Lyceum Service Station
Cardigan Road, Burley, Leeds, LS6 1QL
BP, 3.42 miles away, last updated on 4 November
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Cheapest stations within 5 miles of CA6 for Unleaded
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128.9p |
Morrisons Carlisle
Kingstown Road, Carlisle, CA3 0AD
Morrisons, 4.78 miles away, last updated on 6 November
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133.9p |
Bridge Street Garage
Bridge Street, Longtown, Carlisle, CA6 5UD
Esso, 4.87 miles away, last updated on 4 November
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134.9p |
Kingstown Filling Station
Kingstown Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, CA3 0BN
BP, 4.09 miles away, last updated on 6 November
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136.9p |
A74 Moss Connect Motorway Service Area Southbound
A74 Southbound, Todhills Blackford, Carlisle, CA6 4HA
BP, 1.51 miles away, last updated on 6 November
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136.9p |
Morton Self Serve
Wigton Road, Carlisle, CA2 6JS
BP, 4.81 miles away, last updated on 4 November
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Travel & Transport -New supermarket petrol price war
Updated: 07 Nov 2011
Asda and Tesco cut costs to fuel supermarket petrol price war
Saturday, 05 November 2011 11:07
Another supermarket petrol price war is set to cut the cost of petrol by up to two pence a litre for millions of hard-pressed motorists due to a fall in the cost of wholesale fuel prices. Wholesale fuel prices have dropped by up to four pence a litre affected by the fall in value of the euro over the summer.
Asda has now cut its prices by two pence a litre in all of its 192 petrol stations, down to 128.7p for a litre of petrol and 136.7p for a litre of diesel. This brings the cost of a litre of unleaded fuel down to the lowest level since February.
Asda operates an income tracker index, which it claims shows that transport costs are the biggest factor putting pressure on household finances making families £15 a week worse off than this time last year.
Tesco has also announced that it will reduce fuel prices by up to 2p a litre from Friday evening and will also introduce further promotions that it claims will allow customers to save a further 15p a litre on fuel.
Sainsbury’s will also cut the cost of fuel in many stores by 2p a litre from Saturday November 5th.
Luke Bosdet of the AA said: "Throughout the whole of the summer petrol prices have followed the fortunes of the euro: when the euro improved, petrol prices increased. Now things are coming to a head with the euro and we have the end of the Libyan crisis and the pound strengthening. That is worth about 3p-4p at the pump."
Mr Bodset added that Asda remains determined to establish and keep its reputation as the cheapest place to buy fuel and that motorists who live close to an Asda store generally benefit from cheaper prices, though Morrisons has on occasions beaten the Asda price for fuel.
It remains to be seen how long and deep the cuts will last as the previous "supermarket petrol price war" did not last long and dekivered limited benefits to motorists.
Use the Myfinances.co.uk comparison tables to keep your bills low this winter
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Travel,Maps & Transport- Qantas - On Auto-Pilot with no crew -It needs to be Nationalised !
Updated: 02 Nov 2011
2 November 2011
Class war down under !
It’s full-on class war. Qantas is determined to deunionise its workforce and slash labour costs.
The airline’s sudden and arbitrary grounding of all flights was nothing short of a premeditated act of bastardry against its workforce and the travelling public.
The company’s actions and the struggle of its workforce to defend their jobs, wages and working conditions has brought to a head an insidious process that has been under way for decades.
The “globalisation” or equalisation of wages and working conditions in the name of competition is a race to the bottom. The cost of labour is not too high in Australia.
Working conditions are not unaffordable. Qantas workers insisting on their rights are not pricing themselves out of jobs.
It is the constant drive by the private sector to boost profits that is behind the attack on Qantas workers and other workers across the globe.
For decades, the private sector has been exporting jobs offshore, raking in ever larger profits through the super-exploitation of lower paid labour on unregulated and non-unionised labour markets.
The manufacturing sector in Australia was hit hard by trade liberalisation when tariffs and quotas were lifted.
In more recent times, technological developments have seen offshoring extended to jobs that no one a few decades ago would have imagined could be exported.
Qantas has offloaded a large proportion of its potential domestic and international operations to Jetstar.
As reported previously in The Guardian, foreign crew employed by it subsidiary Jetstar have been working shifts as long as 20 hours on a base monthly wage of $258.
The media, Murdoch’s Australian newspaper in particular, have backed Qantas and other corporations in their offensive against Australian workers and trade unions.
Repeatedly, they accuse the trade union movement of “intransigence”, of threatening to wreck productivity and costing workers their jobs.
David Greig’s “Qantas unions in a time warp” (The Australian, 26-10-2011) was a classic piece of employer propaganda, trotting out the all too familiar myths about competition, deregulation, higher productivity (read profits) and flexibility benefiting workers.
“The only way to secure aviation jobs in Australia is to make it uneconomic to send them abroad,” Greig claims. How do you do that?
One method is to pay them “third world” rates on a non-union deregulated labour market where there are no limits to the hours worked or protection of conditions.
Get rid of those “generous work roster and restrictive maintenance work practices” – that’s the way to go according to Greig.
“The unions need to change tack and work hard with management to find ways of increasing flexibility and producing more per employee,” Greig says.
What, fewer pilots in the cockpit? Passengers load their own luggage? Qantas already has passengers weighing and checking in their own luggage.
Cut back on maintenance checks by aircraft engineers – wait until something goes wrong?
Greig’s advice means one thing.
The same thing that Qantas, the banks, the manufacturers and other corporations are after: lower wages, longer hours, slave-like working conditions and short cuts with safety.
If the unions and workers won’t cop it in Australia then go offshore or bring in guest workers.
There is another option, one that Qantas and the likes of Greig are not prepared to consider.
It involves public ownership and control of Qantas and re-regulation of the industry.
Australia’s national carrier should be in public hands, its workforce guaranteed a decent income that recognises their skills and experience with good working conditions and safety a priority.
All airlines flying in Australia should be obliged to meet minimum standards as negotiated with the relevant trade unions in an industry agreement.
That would soon secure the rights and jobs of Qantas staff. Qantas and Jetstar employees deserve the full support of all Australian workers and the wider community.
It is crunch time.
Time to take the employers and government on
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Travel Maps & Transport-Petrol prices - Lincoln, Leeds & Carlisle
Updated: 31 Oct 2011
130.7p Asda Lincoln
Newark Road, North Hykeham, Lincoln, LN6 8JY
Asda, 0.42 miles away, last updated on 30 October 130.9p Sainsburys Lincoln
Tritton Road, Lincoln, LN6 7QN
Sainsburys, 1.7 miles away, last updated on 30 October 130.9p Lindum Service Station
Newark Road, Lincoln, LN6 8RP
Esso, 2.67 miles away, last updated on 30 October 130.9p Morrisons Lincoln
Tritton Road, Lincoln, LN6 7QL
Morrisons, 3.82 miles away, last updated on 30 October 131.9p Tcs Thorpe On The Hill
Middle Lane, Thorpe On The Hill, Lincoln, LN6 9AJ
Total, 2.46 miles away, last updated on 28 October
Cheapest stations within 5 miles of LS16 for Unleaded 130.9p Morrisons Swinnow Road
Swinnow Road, Bramley, Leeds, LS13 4QX
Morrisons, 3.61 miles away, last updated on 30 October 131.9p Shell Horsforth
Broadway Ring Road, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 4DF
Shell, 1.05 miles away, last updated on 29 October 131.9p Morrisons Kirkstall
Savins Mill Way, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3RP
Morrisons, 2.16 miles away, last updated on 29 October 131.9p Broadway Service Station
Broadway Ring Road, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 4DY
Esso, 3.1 miles away, last updated on 30 October 131.9p Shell Kirkstall
Kirkstall Road, Leeds, LS4 2AH
Shell, 3.56 miles away, last updated on 29 October
Cheapest stations within 5 miles of CA6 for Unleaded 131.9p Morrisons Carlisle
Kingstown Road, Carlisle, CA3 0AD
Morrisons, 4.78 miles away, last updated on 29 October 134.9p Kingstown Filling Station
Kingstown Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, CA3 0BN
BP, 4.09 miles away, last updated on 30 October 136.9p A74 Moss Connect Motorway Service Area Southbound
A74 Southbound, Todhills Blackford, Carlisle, CA6 4HA
BP, 1.51 miles away, last updated on 30 October 136.9p Morton Self Serve
Wigton Road, Carlisle, CA2 6JS
BP, 4.81 miles away, last updated on 30 October
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Travel Maps & Transport- Cheapest Petrol -Lincoln Leeds & Carlisle
Updated: 25 Oct 2011
Cheapest stations within 5 miles of LN6 for Unleaded
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129.9p |
Sainsburys Lincoln
Tritton Road, Lincoln, LN6 7QN
Sainsburys, 1.7 miles away, last updated on 23 October
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129.9p |
Morrisons Lincoln
Tritton Road, Lincoln, LN6 7QL
Morrisons, 3.82 miles away, last updated on 23 October
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130.7p |
Asda Lincoln
Newark Road, North Hykeham, Lincoln, LN6 8JY
Asda, 0.42 miles away, last updated on 23 October
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130.9p |
Lindum Service Station
Newark Road, Lincoln, LN6 8RP
Esso, 2.67 miles away, last updated on 23 October
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130.9p |
Sleaford Service Station
Sleaford Road, Bracebridge Heath, Lincoln, LN4 2NA
Total, 4.23 miles away, last updated on 23 October
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Cheapest stations within 5 miles of LS16 for Unleaded
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130.9p |
Morrisons Swinnow Road
Swinnow Road, Bramley, Leeds, LS13 4QX
Morrisons, 3.61 miles away, last updated on 22 October
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131.8p |
Armley Service Station
Armley Road, Armley, Leeds, LS12 2QN
Esso, 3.89 miles away, last updated on 22 October
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131.9p |
Shell Horsforth
Broadway Ring Road, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 4DF
Shell, 1.05 miles away, last updated on 22 October
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131.9p |
Morrisons Kirkstall
Savins Mill Way, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3RP
Morrisons, 2.16 miles away, last updated on 22 October
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131.9p |
Broadway Service Station
Broadway Ring Road, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 4DY
Esso, 3.1 miles away, last updated on 23 October
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Cheapest stations within 5 miles of CA6 for Unleaded
|
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130.9p |
Morrisons Carlisle
Kingstown Road, Carlisle, CA3 0AD
Morrisons, 4.78 miles away, last updated on 23 October
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133.9p |
Bridge Street Garage
Bridge Street, Longtown, Carlisle, CA6 5UD
Esso, 4.87 miles away, last updated on 21 October
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135.9p |
Kingstown Filling Station
Kingstown Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, CA3 0BN
BP, 4.09 miles away, last updated on 23 October
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136.9p |
A74 Moss Connect Motorway Service Area Southbound
A74 Southbound, Todhills Blackford, Carlisle, CA6 4HA
BP, 1.51 miles away, last updated on 23 October
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136.9p |
Morton Self Serve
Wigton Road, Carlisle, CA2 6JS
BP, 4.81 miles away, last updated on 23 October
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220 |
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Travel,Maps & Transport-Fuel Prices - Lincoln,Leeds & Carlisle
Updated: 18 Oct 2011
This is your petrol prices update from PetrolPrices.com.
PetrolPrices.com is now also available as an iPhone app:
Cheapest stations within 5 miles of LN6 for Unleaded 129.7p Asda Lincoln
Newark Road, North Hykeham, Lincoln, LN6 8JY
Asda, 0.42 miles away, last updated on 14 October 129.9p Sainsburys Lincoln
Tritton Road, Lincoln, LN6 7QN
Sainsburys, 1.7 miles away, last updated on 16 October 129.9p Morrisons Lincoln
Tritton Road, Lincoln, LN6 7QL
Morrisons, 3.82 miles away, last updated on 15 October 130.9p Tcs Thorpe On The Hill
Middle Lane, Thorpe On The Hill, Lincoln, LN6 9AJ
Total, 2.46 miles away, last updated on 16 October 130.9p Lindum Service Station
Newark Road, Lincoln, LN6 8RP
Esso, 2.67 miles away, last updated on 16 October
Cheapest stations within 5 miles of LS16 for Unleaded 129.9p Morrisons Swinnow Road
Swinnow Road, Bramley, Leeds, LS13 4QX
Morrisons, 3.61 miles away, last updated on 16 October 131.9p Shell Horsforth
Broadway Ring Road, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 4DF
Shell, 1.05 miles away, last updated on 15 October 131.9p Morrisons Kirkstall
Savins Mill Way, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3RP
Morrisons, 2.16 miles away, last updated on 16 October 131.9p Riverside Service Station
Kirkstall Road, Leeds, LS4 2QD
Total, 2.8 miles away, last updated on 14 October 131.9p Broadway Service Station
Broadway Ring Road, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 4DY
Esso, 3.1 miles away, last updated on 15 October
Cheapest stations within 5 miles of CA6 for Unleaded 130.9p Morrisons Carlisle
Kingstown Road, Carlisle, CA3 0AD
Morrisons, 4.78 miles away, last updated on 16 October 134.9p Kingstown Filling Station
Kingstown Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, CA3 0BN
BP, 4.09 miles away, last updated on 16 October 134.9p Bridge Street Garage
Bridge Street, Longtown, Carlisle, CA6 5UD
Esso, 4.87 miles away, last updated on 16 October 136.9p A74 Moss Connect Motorway Service Area Southbound
A74 Southbound, Todhills Blackford, Carlisle, CA6 4HA
BP, 1.51 miles away, last updated on 16 October 136.9p Morton Self Serve
Wigton Road, Carlisle, CA2 6JS
BP, 4.81 miles away, last updated on 15 October
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Travel,Maps & Transport- Top Ten Company Cars and there is more...
Updated: 17 Oct 2011
Top 10 company cars rated
10 October 2011
Latest News by What Car
Radical - And I thought that there were more Skoda taxi's than that ?
Just goes to show every other car on the road is not owned by the driver and also now you know which cars they are, passing you at 70mph, because they are not paying for the fuel - But we are- through the Companies they represent.!
Choosing your next company car will probably be more about running costs and tax issues than practicality or performance, but you still want the best car for your money.
Fortunately, whatcar.com reviews look at all aspects of buying, owning and running a car – for private and business buyers.
Here are the top 10 fleet cars on sale*, along with our verdict, and the version we'd recommend for company car buyers.
Top 10 fleet cars 1 Ford Focus Our verdict: A superbly rounded family hatchback that’s well specified, competitively priced and great to drive. Our company car pick: Ford Focus Hatchback 1.6 TDCi 115 Zetec 5dr
2 Ford Fiesta Our verdict: It's refined and fun to drive, while the engines are clean and it should be cheap to run. Our company car pick: Ford Fiesta 1.6 TDCi 95 Zetec Econetic 3dr
3 Vauxhall Astra Our verdict: The classy, spacious cabin is a real highlight, but the Astra falls short of the best small family hatchbacks in too many areas. Our company car pick: Vauxhall Astra 1.3 CDTi Ecoflex Exclusiv 5dr
4 Volkswagen Golf Our verdict: Desirable, refined and enjoyable to drive, the Golf is one of the best all-rounders, and deservedly our 2011 Small Family Car of the Year. Our company car pick: Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI 105 Bluemotion 5dr
5 Vauxhall Insignia Our verdict: A stylish family car that's available with lots of high-tech features, but it's not the class leader. Our company car pick: Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 CDTi 130 Ecoflex Excl S/S 5dr
6 Vauxhall Corsa Our verdict: A great-value car that’s best in higher-spec trims. It’s also comfortable and has a roomy, high-quality cabin. Our company car pick: Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 CDTi 75 Ecoflex Exclusiv S/S 3dr
7 BMW 3 Series Our verdict: The 3 Series remains the best compact executive around. There are superb engines, with fuel economy and CO2 emissions that beat most of its rivals. Our company car pick: BMW 318d ES
8 Nissan Qashqai Our verdict: The Qashqai makes a brilliant family car because it's comfortable, refined and affordable to run. Our company car pick: Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi Visia Pure Drive 2WD 5dr
9 Volkswagen Passat Our verdict: VW's family car is one of the best cars in its class and scores highly in just about every area. Our company car pick: Volkswagen Passat 1.6 TDI 105 SE Bluemotion Tech 4dr
10 Vauxhall Zafira Our verdict: The Zafira is getting on a bit, but it's as roomy as any mid-sized MPV and discounted prices mean that contract hire rates are comparatively low. Our company car pick: Vauxhall Zafira 1.7 CDTi 110 Ecoflex Exclusiv 5dr
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Travel Maps & Transport- Cuba welcomes its 2 Millionth visitor of the Year
Updated: 11 Oct 2011
Two million tourists to Cuba • For the eighth year running and 32 days earlier than in 2010
ON September 17, Cuba welcomed its two millionth tourist of the year.
The total number of visitors has been in excess of this figure for eight consecutive years, and was achieved 32 days earlier than in 2010.
Despite this figure now being habitual, it is still worth celebrating, as its constancy confirms Cuba’s position as a destination for vacationers, something which is further borne out by an increasing number of repeat visitors, as noted in a communiqué from the Ministry of Tourism.
The occasion, as the note states, invites a more competitive and efficient tourism and a recognition of the cooperation given by friends from all over the world: clients, partners in joint ventures, tour operators, travel agents, airline companies and associated hotel chains, workers in the sector, officials, the press and communicators, among others, all of whom have made possible what has been achieved to date.
During 2011 there has been significant growth in the numbers of Canadian, Russian and South American tourists visiting Cuba.
There have also been advances in national tourism, one of the principal lines of work.
The Ministry of Tourism note states that Canada has consolidated itself as the principal source market, and the United Kingdom as the most important in Europe, followed by Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Mexico, Argentina and Russia.
Once again reaching this number of visitors before the 2011-2012 winter season, according to the country’s authorities in the sector, ratifies Cuba’s commitment to a peaceful, healthy and secure tourism for those who choose our country as a destination. (Taken from Juventud Rebelde)
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Travel Maps & Transport- Petrol Prices around the UK
Updated: 10 Oct 2011
This is your petrol prices update from PetrolPrices.com.
Your current settings are to receive e-mail updates weekly.
PetrolPrices.com is now also available as an iPhone app:
Cheapest stations within 5 miles of LN6 for Unleaded
|
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129.7p |
Asda Lincoln
Newark Road, North Hykeham, Lincoln, LN6 8JY
Asda, 0.42 miles away, last updated on 8 October
|
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129.9p |
Sainsburys Lincoln
Tritton Road, Lincoln, LN6 7QN
Sainsburys, 1.7 miles away, last updated on 9 October
|
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129.9p |
Morrisons Lincoln
Tritton Road, Lincoln, LN6 7QL
Morrisons, 3.82 miles away, last updated on 9 October
|
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130.9p |
Lindum Service Station
Newark Road, Lincoln, LN6 8RP
Esso, 2.67 miles away, last updated on 9 October
|
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130.9p |
Tesco Lincoln 1
Canwick Road, Lincoln, LN5 8HS
Tesco, 4.83 miles away, last updated on 9 October
|
Cheapest stations within 5 miles of LS16 for Unleaded
|
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129.9p |
Morrisons Swinnow Road
Swinnow Road, Bramley, Leeds, LS13 4QX
Morrisons, 3.61 miles away, last updated on 9 October
|
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131.9p |
Morrisons Kirkstall
Savins Mill Way, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3RP
Morrisons, 2.16 miles away, last updated on 9 October
|
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131.9p |
Broadway Service Station
Broadway Ring Road, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 4DY
Esso, 3.1 miles away, last updated on 9 October
|
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131.9p |
Scott Hall Service Station
Scott Hall Road, Leeds, LS7 2NA
Esso, 4.42 miles away, last updated on 9 October
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131.9p |
Murco Europa
Town Street, Stanningley, Pudsey, LS28 6HQ
Murco, 4.54 miles away, last updated on 8 October
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Cheapest stations within 5 miles of CA6 for Unleaded
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129.9p |
Morrisons Carlisle
Kingstown Road, Carlisle, CA3 0AD
Morrisons, 4.78 miles away, last updated on 9 October
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132.8p |
Bridge Street Garage
Bridge Street, Longtown, Carlisle, CA6 5UD
Esso, 4.87 miles away, last updated on 7 October
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134.9p |
Kingstown Filling Station
Kingstown Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, CA3 0BN
BP, 4.09 miles away, last updated on 9 October
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135.9p |
A74 Moss Connect Motorway Service Area Southbound
A74 Southbound, Todhills Blackford, Carlisle, CA6 4HA
BP, 1.51 miles away, last updated on 9 October
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136.9p |
Morton Self Serve
Wigton Road, Carlisle, CA2 6JS
BP, 4.81 miles away, last updated on 9 October
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Travel Maps & Transport-No advert needed for Skoda
Updated: 10 Oct 2011
SKODA
The Radical has an Octavia 1.4 TSI Elegance and loves it.
Pay no VAT* and 0% APR† representative on selected ŠKODA models.
This offer is valid until 31st December 2011.
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The No VAT offer is available on the following models: Selected Fabia models, Roomster models, selected Octavia models, selected Superb Hatch models and selected Superb Estate models.
The 0% APR representative offer is available on the following model trim levels: Fabia Elegance and Scout models, Octavia Elegance and L&K models, Roomster Scout models, Superb Hatch Elegance models and Superb Estate Elegance petrol models.
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Travel Maps & Transport-Disabled Parking Spaces ?
Updated: 06 Oct 2011
Disabled Parking Spaces ?
How is it in your neck of the woods ?
In Lincoln?
- There isn’t any
South of the river ( which runs through the centre ) in the main shopping and market areas.
In fact they have areas for parking but don’t allow it.
So if you are disabled and want to shop in Lincoln-
Think Again !
County Councillors ? Sometimes they sits and thinks-and sometimes just sit !
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Travel Maps & Transport- Cycling for Health
Updated: 06 Oct 2011
Cycling for Health ?
Its getting more popular.
Its cheaper by bike !
Especially if you live in a flat place.
Like Hull ?
In spite of the lack of the provision of cycle tracks
Which we have to thank Heads of Highways in County Councils
for the "accidents" caused as a result a lack of provision.
And the solution ?
Cut out car allowances for Councillors, MP,s and Senior Council officials
For seniors I want to see tricycles with secure saddlebags for shopping
and less motorised scooters racing round the pavements.
It reminds me :-
Daisy Daisy give me your answer do I’m half crazy all for the love of you It won’t be a stylish marriage I can’t afford a carriage But you’ll look sweet upon the seat of a bicycle made for two
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Travel Maps & Transport- 10 Top tips to save fuel
Updated: 05 Oct 2011
Top Ten Driving Tips for Saving Fuel
» 2nd August 2011
Drive smart to save fuel and cut costs
Driving Tips from Vicki Butler Henderson and Neil Oliver
1. Slim down and watch your silhouette
– Every hundred pounds you carry cuts your fuel efficiency by one or two percent. The boot may be handy but you’ll save if you find another place to store your sports equipment, extra tins of paint, tool kits. Ditto roof racks. Ditch them when not in use. They distort your car’s best aerodynamic profile and can add 5 per cent to fuel consumption.
2. Don’t fill up
– It’s that weight thing again. Carrying a full tank reduces fuel efficiency because the extra fuel uses itself up just carrying its own weight. Drive smart and save by buying fuel as you need it – a bit like eating only when you’re hungry, really.
3. Slow down and keep it steady
– Speeding uses petrol. And racing along the motorway from one traffic hold up to the next is a sure way to waste petrol. The UK Department for Transport estimates that driving at 70mph uses 9 per cent more fuel than driving at 60. Add another 10mph and at 80mph you’re using 25 per cent more than at 70.
4. Get pumped up
– Most drivers check their tyre pressure before a long trip but overlook it for long periods of day-to-day driving. If you’ve ever tried to pedal a push bike with soft tyres, you know how foolish this is. Loss of as little as 1psi of pressure can reduce fuel efficiency by 3 per cent. Check tyre pressure weekly or whenever you buy petrol.
5. Be cool about chilling
– Air conditioning makes your engine work harder and uses extra fuel. If you must use it, do so sparingly. Fold up that suit jacket on the back seat and drive between business meetings in your shirtsleeves.
6. Get in the groove
– Avoid over revving your engine. Change up to a higher gear as soon and as often as you can safely do so. Higher gears use less fuel, plain and simple.
7. Multi-task
– It’s tempting to pop into the car whenever you have to run an errand but a bit of forward planning can save a lot of trips, a lot of fuel and a lot of money. Picking someone up at the station? Why not stop in at the dry cleaners, the greengrocers and the chemists at the same time.
8. Hang on to what you’ve got
- Check the seal on your fuel cap. Few people bother to do this yet fuel, which always evaporates a bit when the cap is open, can continue to evaporate if it isn’t properly sealed. Make sure it’s screwed on tight.
9. Don’t be an idler
– Idling in traffic uses fuel even though you aren’t going anywhere. If you’re in a queue turn the engine off. Consider turning it off if you are stopping often for more than 10 seconds.
10. Get an app
– There are all sorts of apps around that can help you save petrol, improve your driving habits or direct you to the cheapest fuel in your area. Petrol Prices.com or Drive Gain and Car Economy from Drive Gain for fuel efficient driving tips and pointers
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Travel Maps & Transport- Top MPV ?
Updated: 04 Oct 2011
Top MPV-IS......
A Seat Alhambra ?
which will set you back £ 21,000-£31,000 on the best deal
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Travel maps & Transport-Remember when Petrol was 37pence a litre ?
Updated: 04 Oct 2011
[PetrolPrices.com] Remember when petrol was 37p a litre?
It still can be!
Monday, 3 October, 2011 8:16
"Brendan McLoughlin" <brendan@petrolprices.com>;
It's liftshare week this week, 3-7 October.
Did you know that sharing your daily car journey with someone else going your way could save you around ?800 per year?
We have partnered with LiftShare.
It's the free website with nearly half a million members who want to share their journeys from A to B.
You can do a quick search now and find trips to share in your area.
Let me know what you think.
Regards,Brendan McLoughlin Founder PetrolPrices.com
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Travel,Maps & Transport- Cuba Cars
Updated: 03 Oct 2011
CUBA cars
News is that Cubans will be able to buy cars with honestly earned money.
The Vintage American beasts are collectables and disappearing.
What an opportunity for the car industry, but will to much choice lead to decadence?
The Radical suggests the Skoda – Fabia and Octavia – as they double up as taxis.
For a Pickup,a multicab,or small commercial the Chinese have a huge selection.
Good Luck Cuban’s- But Good Public transport - saves a Socialist society and money
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Travel Maps & Transport- Speed Limits
Updated: 02 Oct 2011
Speed limits
Should we Increase the speed limit ?
As it causes more accident and uses more fuel.
Try hitting something with your car at 10 mph. It sure makes a mess of the car !
Driving at 60 instead of 80 gets you there 10 mins later and saves a bucket load of fuel.
Restricting speed to 20 mph when there is no obvious hazard seems daft too.
It's OK when schools are out or pensioners are crossing but not at other times?
Reminds me of a story.
An Oak tree growing in the middle of a B road.
Demands were made to have it removed as a hazard.
Facts showed that no one had ever hit it.
We all know who would have come off worst
Presumably its still there?
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Travel, Maps & Transport- Fuel Prices Pressures
Updated: 28 Sep 2011
Fuel price pressures
Over half of the British public believe that oil companies are taking advantage of them and that the Government should be putting more pressure on them to reduce prices, our survey shows.
- 52% think that oil companies are charging more than they should and are taking advantage of the public
- 36% do not think oil companies are to blame, and say that high prices stem from world prices and government taxes
- 59% believe that the Government should be putting pressure on oil companies to reduce the price they charge for fuel
- Compared to 22% who think that the Government should leave oil companies to set their own prices for petrol and diesel, as competition between companies will keep prices down
The price of fuel has neared record highs despite the sustained fall in price of North Sea oil over the second quarter of the year. Despite a tumultuous year for the commodities market, the price of North Sea oil, known as Brent crude, has in fact fallen across the second quarter, resulting in questions being asked as to where such high prices are coming from.
Despite the reduction of fuel duty in April, the planned hikes in duty in 2012 are set to increase prices further: from January 1st the duty will rise to 3.9p per litre. This will see further pressure put on households and businesses as they attempt to contend with higher costs.
Supermarket wars
When it comes to petrol, supermarkets have been accused of magnifying the pricing problem. Spiralling prices have seen supermarket leader Tesco drop its petrol prices by 2p to attract consumers into their store, putting pressure on other supermarkets to follow suit, as they subsidise this through their other products.
But representative for independent petrol retailers across the UK Brian Madderson explained to the BBC that price wars such as this work to the detriment of independent retailers, who can’t reduce prices to such an extent, leading to an unfair lack of competition, but with consumers continuing to think that they are being ripped off. ‘It’s no wonder that consumers are coming into our independent stores and saying ‘You’re ripping us off at the pump.’ [But] it’s quite untrue.’
‘Astronomical’
Meanwhile, high prices continue to affect Britons’ lives. Louise Pepper from Lincolnshire has seen the rocketing prices compromise her family’s holiday plans to Wales, causing them to go on a shortened trip in a bid to save on petrol. She told the BBC, ‘It is £70 to fill a tank now, and it is a tank there, a tank up, and a tank back. It makes the cost of the holiday astronomical really’, she said.
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SAFETY ALERT - WHEN FILING YOUR CAR- TRAVEL MAPS & TRANSPORT
Updated: 20 Sep 2011
Shell Oil Comments - A MUST READ!�
Safety Alert!� Here are some reasons why we don't allow cell phones in operating areas, propylene oxide handling and storage area, propane, gas and diesel refueling areas.�
The Shell Oil Company recently issued a warning after three incidents in which mobile phones (cell phones) ignited fumes during fueling operations�
In the first case, the phone was placed on the car's trunk lid during fueling; it rang and the ensuing fire destroyed the car and the gasoline pump.�
In the second, an individual suffered severe burns to their face when fumes ignited as they answered a call while refueling their car!�
And in the third, an individual suffered burns to the thigh and groin as fumes ignited when the phone, which was in their pocket, rang while they were fueling their car.�
You should know that:�Mobile Phones�can ignite fuel or fumes�
Mobile phones that light up when switched on or when they ring release enough energy to provide a spark for ignition�
Mobile phones should�not�be used in filling stations, or when fueling lawn mowers, boat, etc.
Mobile phones should�not�be used, or should be turned off, around other materials that generate flammable or explosive fumes or dust, (I.e., solvents, chemicals, gases, grain dust, etc...)�
TO sum it up, here are the Four Rules for Safe Refueling:�
1) Turn off engine� 2) Don't smoke� 3) Don't�use your cell phone - leave it inside the vehicle or turn it off� 4) Don't�re-enter your vehicle during fueling.
Bob Renkes of Petroleum Equipment Institute is working on a campaign to try and make people aware of fires as a result of 'static electricity' at gas pumps. His company has researched 150 cases of these fires.�
His results were very surprising:�
1) Out of 150 cases,�almost all of them�were women.�
2) Almost all cases involved the person getting back in their vehicle while the nozzle was still pumping gas. When finished, they went back to pull the nozzle out and the fire started, as a result of static.�
3) Most had on rubber-soled shoes.�
4) Most men never get back in their vehicle until completely finished. This is why they are seldom involved in these types of fires.�
5)�Don't�ever use cell phones when pumping gas�
6) It is the vapors that come out of the gas that cause the fire, when connected with static charges�
7) There were 29 fires where the vehicle was re-entered and the nozzle was touched during refueling from a variety of makes and models. Some resulted in extensive damage to the vehicle, to the station, and to the customer.�
8) Seventeen fires occurred before, during or immediately after the gas cap was removed and before fueling began.
Mr. Renkes stresses to�NEVER�get back into your vehicle while filling it with gas.� If you absolutely HAVE to get in your vehicle while the gas is pumping, make sure you get out, close the door TOUCHING THE METAL, before you ever pull the nozzle out. This way the static from your body will be discharged before you ever remove the nozzle.�
As I mentioned earlier, The Petroleum Equipment Institute, along with several other companies now, are really trying to make the public aware of this danger.�
I ask you to please send this information to ALL your family and friends, especially those who have kids in the car with them while pumping gas If this were to happen to them, they may not be able to get the children out in time. This is a message that should be passed along.
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TRAVEL MAPS & TRANSPORT- LINCOLN THE LAST CITY IN THE UK WITH HALF A RING ROAD ?
Updated: 19 Sep 2011
Dear
We need the bypass; I continue to work on this.
Kind Regards,
Stephen Phillips
Stephen Phillips QC MP
Member of Parliament for
Sleaford & North Hykeham
House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA
t. 020 7219 7146
e. stephen.phillips.mp@parliament.uk
w. www.stephenphillips.org.uk
Sent: 16 September 2011 18:00 To: PHILLIPS, Stephen Subject: Lincoln Eastern Bypass
Stephen Without the Bypass Lincoln will continue to become gridlocked as traffic has to pass through the city. Other cities in the area all have bypasses, even Motorway's.
The scandal is that Lincolnshire Council could not achieve this 20 years ago.It is also a scandal that we do not have a transport policy, including a road to rail scheme to get lorries off the inadequate roads. I travelled from the M61,M60,M67 to the bottleneck that is the Woodhead Pass and then to the M1.We still only have the M62 across Pennines which takes another 24 miles on the same journey.Lincolnshire has more than its fair share of single lane slow roads, which is uneconomic as it is time wasting. Inward investment into the area will not be encouraged by a poor transport infrastructure. We are expecting this project to be fast tracked and by the incumbent Tory MP's. Failure is not an option.
Claim that Lincoln eastern bypass is 'a waste of money' is rejected
Follow
OFFICIALS have rejected a charity's claim that the eagerly-awaited Lincoln eastern bypass is a waste of public money.
Campaign For Better Transport says the 4.88-mile route, costing £12,787 a metre, has one of the five highest council contributions of all new road schemes nationally.
-

CONGESTION: Traffic in Broadgate, Lincoln.
Lincolnshire County Council's Government funding bid cites the total cost of the road as £95.8 million.
The authority wants Department For Transport (DFT) funding to the tune of £50 million to make the project happen.
Its own contribution is £13.5 million and it is now underwriting £32.3 million in developer contributions.
The transport charity says this means the council's overall contribution is £45.9 million – more than three-and-half times the £13 million original estimate.
Sian Berry, Campaign For Better Transport's sustainable transport campaigner, said: "The expense of this scheme is all the more hard to justify when there are proven solutions that are cheaper.
"Local people should be outraged at just how much this road to nowhere is going to costing them."
The bypass – from Wragby Road to the A15 south of Bracebridge Heath – is one of 45 transport projects nationally vying for Government cash.
The county council will discover if it is successful by Christmas. The road could be ready by 2017.
The county council's assistant director of highways and transportation, Paul Coathup, said: "We are making a contribution of £13.6 million and acting as guarantor for the £32.3 million third party element to put our bid to the DFT for a £50 million contribution in the strongest possible position.
"Taxpayers won't be out of pocket."
Lincoln MP Karl McCartney said he guessed the charity had not consulted city residents.
He said: "Their headline-seeking sensationalist opinions are not representative of the view of local taxpayers and voters which is that the eastern bypass would be beneficial."
Motorist John Marcon, 66, of Cherry Willingham, said: "We need this road now but it should be a dual carriageway. We need a full ring road.
"It is not a huge amount of money and I think the Government should pay a lot more of it than the local council."
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TRAVEL,MAPS & TRANSPORT- A ROLL ON ROLL OFF RAIL SYSTEM - HELPING TO GET LORRIES OFF THE ROAD
Updated: 16 Sep 2011
What are the Benefits of CargoSpeed?
System CargoSpeed is based on a single, simple idea and has the potential to revolutionise the road-to-rail freight industry.
The system has been developed in conjunction with the industry and delivers significant benefits for the Environment, for the Economy and for Industry.
CargoSpeed For the Environment
- System CargoSpeed reduces CO2 emissions by over 83% when compared to transporting freight by road, thereby directly supporting the EU 20/20 CO2 reduction initiatives.
- System CargoSpeed utilises Roll-On / Roll-Off principles and no lifting is required. This means that electric traction is used in the terminals and there is no need for polluting diesel locomotives.
- System CargoSpeed works completely with electric traction. Therefore as electricity generation becomes greener, so does System CargoSpeed.
- System CargoSpeed is capable of economically moving a significant proportion of existing road freight onto rail, thereby reducing road congestion.
- System CargoSpeed terminals are cleaner, quieter and more energy efficient to operate than existing alternatives.
- System CargoSpeed terminals use 90% less energy than equivalent Lift-On / Lift-Off terminals & reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 80%.
- For the same volume of throughput as an existing road to rail Lift-On / Lift-Off terminal, System CargoSpeed terminals require considerably less space and have a far lower environmental impact.
CargoSpeed For the Economy
- System CargoSpeed reduces the economic break-even distance over which road to rail freight transport becomes viable, from over 500km to under 250km.
- System CargoSpeed can handle the same volume as an existing Lift-On / Lift-Off terminal for only 20% of the cost; or it can handle 7 times the volume for the same cost as an existing terminal.
- Reduced freight costs have the potential to lead to lower consumer prices.
- System CargoSpeed will reduce road congestion. This makes the overall economy more efficient and saves both time and money.
- System CargoSpeed can support the projected growth in freight transport and minimise its environmental impact.
- Investment in System CargoSpeed infrastructure is investing in a more sustainable future.
CargoSpeed For the Logistics Industry
- System CargoSpeed uses standard semi-trailers. It does not need the expensive specialist liftable trailers that existing road to rail solutions require. Not only does this reduce the initial investment for the carrier, it also increases their flexibility and operational efficiency.
- System CargoSpeed can support random access “bus stop”-type operations. Individual wagons can be loaded and unloaded at different terminals. Fixed slots on timetabled services to multiple destinations allows the carrier to plan and operate more efficiently.
- System CargoSpeed transports unaccompanied trailers. As cab units are not required to make long inter-city journeys, the road haulier’s trucks and manpower can be used more locally and efficiently.
- System CargoSpeed is fast for the road haulier. Loading and unloading trailers takes a fraction of the time required in a Lift-On / Lift-Off terminal. This ensures that driver’s time is spent on the road and not waiting in a terminal.
- System CargoSpeed is fast for the train operator. Dramatically reduced unloading and loading times mean that the locomotives can spend more of their time moving and earning money.
- System CargoSpeed wagons are simple. The railway wagons used by System Cargospeed are based upon proven existing designs and are mechanically simple to engineer and maintain. This makes the system economical, robust and reliable.
CargoSpeed For the Terminal Operator
- System CargoSpeed gives terminal operators a choice. They can choose to either transfer the same volume of road to rail freight at 20% of cost of a typical Lift-On / Lift-Off terminal or transfer 7 times the volume for the same cost as a typical Lift-On / Lift-Off terminal. This makes the business more efficient and profitable.
- System CargoSpeed is scalable. The system has been designed to allow terminals to grow as demand increases. From mini-terminals with 2 Pop-Up mechanisms, right up to maxi terminals with 40 Pop-Up units and the ability to handle over 750,000 movements per year.
- System CargoSpeed is interoperable—CargoSpeed rail wagons are unique. They can support either Roll-On / Roll-Off operation or Lift-On / Lift-Off operation. This allows the system to be used in existing terminals and provides a clear migration path to a more efficient Roll-On / Roll-Off future.
- System CargoSpeed is efficient. In a Maxi terminal an entire train of 40 rail wagons can be unloaded and re-loaded in only 8 minutes (20 minutes including time for the train to enter, and exit, the terminal). This compares with over 4 hours for existing Lift-On Lift-Off terminals. Time is money and System CargoSpeed saves time.
- System CargoSpeed is flexible. Terminals are multi-directional—trains can arrive and depart the terminal from either direction. This significantly increases the operational flexibility of the terminal and reduces the construction costs.
- System CargoSpeed uses electric traction in the terminal. As the system is primarily a Roll-On / Roll-Off system, no lifting is necessary in terminals. This means that electric traction can be used in the terminal and the time wastage and environmental impact of switching to diesel when a train arrives is not necessary.
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TRAVEL,MAPS & TRANSPORT- TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT POLICY ?
Updated: 16 Sep 2011
Towards a truly sustainable transport policy:
A discussion paper
Bob Jeffery
12/07/09
The way people inhabit and move around the landscape has changed vastly over the last couple of hundred years. Over the course of the last century in particular, with the rise of the motor car as the preferred mode of transportation the landscape has been reshaped to accommodate this system of movement. In this report, I want to argue that these issues have important implications for how people organise their lives, their health, and their social wellbeing. This in turn affects most those in our society who already face challenges: the elderly, the disabled, our children, those with caring responsibilities, and those living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods.
I want to start by outlining the case against the continued expansion of private car ownership in this country, touching on environmental and social sustainability.
I will then discuss how transport policy over the last century has favoured the continued expansion of car ownership.
This will be followed by a discussion on the decline of public transport in this country, before we examine the case for Free Public Transport, examining evidence from those places where it has been tried both in the past and presently.
Firstly, as many authors have been arguing for a long time now, organising cities around the private automobile is unsustainable when trying to create vibrant, safe and equitable societies.
This is because the ‘car-system’ (Urry, 2007) requires so much space to be given over to roads and car parks.
As this happens cities become more spread-out, people are seen walking the streets less, and fear of crime increases due to less ‘eyes on the street’ (Jacobs, 1961).
At the same time, busy roads represent dangers to citizens and may in some cases form an effective barrier in terms of accessing facilities and services on the other side.
The impact of these issues can maker certain areas inhospitable places to live.
As an area becomes more inhospitable, so those with a choice are more likely to use their cars, and the cycle goes on.
Secondly, in terms of the environmental issues, the government report entitled: ‘Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Transport’ shows that 62.8 million tonnes of CO2 were being produced by private household vehicles per year in 2002 (ONS, 2004).
There is also growing evidence on the impact of roads on health, even on a local level (see Rayfield et al, 1998 for the evidence on Greater Manchester).
Data from the Commission for Integrated Transport confirms that private transportation in the form of cars (excluding vans and lorries) makes up the vast majority of transport related CO2.
More than double the amount produced by international aviation (in the UK).
At the same time emissions from public transport make up only a fraction of those produced by HGVs, never mind cars (see Commission for Integrated Transport, 2007).
There are other arguments to be made against organising a society’s transport around the private car, and we will touch on others as we progress.
For the moment I now want to move on to the recent history of transport policy in this country.
To begin with, from as early as the 1920s, private car ownership has been subsidised in a way that public transportation has not (Glaister et al, 2006: 9).
As Reynolds points out: ‘in most instances the real cost of automobile travel is not borne by users and a transit subsidy is needed to “level the playing field” and encourage use’ (2008: 19).
This of course reached its peak during the peak of motorway construction in the mid to late twentieth century.
A key problem regarding the expansion of car ownership and road construction was the predominance of so-called ‘predict and provide’ models, whereby rising real incomes were believed to be the driving force behind increasing levels of vehicle ownership.
All the government did (whatever its persuasion) was to build roads to cater for the predicted demand.
The damage that would be done to towns and cities in the wake of rampant road and car-park growth was unforeseen, as were the environmental issues.
Deregulation and privatisation in the 1980s worsened the already declining public transport situation in the United Kingdom, and can be seen as nothing short of a disaster. The main effects have been discussed by van Goeverden et al:
- First of all they note that the wages of bus drivers fell substantially. ‘In 1998 the wage fall amounted to 30% relative to the average wage rate’.
- Secondly they note that directly following deregulation fares rose by 20-25% and ‘in the years after they continued to increase at a higher rate than they did before 1985’.
- Thirdly, time-table co-ordination between bus companies stopped and bus integration with rail was converted into competition. So instead of different modes of transport working together, they now compete in a wasteful manner, while the cost of that waste is passed onto the passenger.
- Fourthly, the impact on public transport demand is negative, and this is where the Dutch study is most damming: ‘In the metropolitan areas the reduction in bus patronage was 16% three years after deregulation, 25% five years after, 38% ten years after and 45% 16 years after’. (2006: 23)
With public transport in a poor shape at the end of the Thatcher period, the ‘predict and provide’ model that had provide the basis for transport policy for much of the 20th century also came into crisis in the early 1990s, when planners finally realised what many had been saying for years, ‘build more roads and more people will find it convenient to use a car’.
Arguably, the more roads you build the more someone has to use a car, because activities and facilities become more spread out.
With ever greater numbers of cars on the road (34 million currently, source: DVLA), this cycle could not continue indefinitely.
The Tories finally realised this after 1989, when it became clear that they would never be able to meet predicted ‘demand’ through their ‘Roads to Prosperity’ programme (see Goodwin, 1999).
The dead-end of car expansion was confirmed when ‘[…] the Standing Advisory Committee on Trunk Road Assessment (SACTRA, 1994) published evidence that new roads intended to alleviate congestion may themselves be responsible for generating significant volumes of extra traffic’. (Glaister et al, 2006: 30).
So the realisation that something has to change in transport policy has been around for almost two decades, yet next to nothing has been achieved in that time. A key problem here is in managing the expectations of motor vehicle users.
Clearly, people don’t perceive that the problems associated with the car-system are ‘their fault’, and they resent moves to restrict their car usage.
New Labour made the mistake of appearing that they were ‘anti-car’ during the 2000 fuel protests when for the first time since they were elected they fell behind the Tories in the polls.
This led Gordon Brown abandoning the automatic higher-than-inflation increases in fuel tax that had been around since Major’s time. These had been designed to stop further traffic growth and help Britain make its green targets.
As Glaister et al note: ‘The measure had done more than anything to restrict traffic growth, and its abandonment, contributing to increases in traffic, congestion and associated carbon dioxide emissions, raises serious questions about the depth of New Labour’s commitment to sustainable transport policies’ (2006: 34-35).
Does this mean that the Conservative party has a strong record on transport? Not in the slightest, the disregard for public transport and its associated businesses reached its peak under the Tories during the 1980s.
They netted £500million in the years 1982-84, and another £4billion in the years 1987-88 through the privatisation of transport related companies including: National Freight, British Rail Hotels, Sealink, Associated British Ports, Jaguar, British Airways, Rolls-Royce aero engines, British Airports and the National Bus Company (Glaister et al, 2006: 21).
Returning to peoples attitudes towards politicians who appear ‘anti-car’, it is abundantly clear that the people of Greater Manchester resented the attempt to impose a congestion charge on them, and people are right to reject these kind of flat road taxes that will end up punishing those who can least afford it, while those who are better off barely notice the extra cost.
I argue that instead of hitting the British motorist with charges and penalties, it would be much more effective to offer them a huge carrot in the form of a massively expanded public transport system (one that gets you where you want to go quickly and reliably) free at the point of use. In Greater Manchester, as part of the Transport Innovation Fund bid, people were told that public transport improvements would be in place before the charge came along. Anecdotal evidence, from my research in a community within the conurbation, suggests that they simply were not believed. In the next section I want to use current trends in bus services to highlight the stagnation of a sustainable public transport policy in the rest of the UK as compared to the only properly regulated market in the UK, London.
For buses, the high point in Britain was in about 1950, when thee were an estimated 16.7 billion bus journeys made per year, equivalent to an average of seven trips per week per head of population.’ (Goodwin, 1993: 22) In 2007 there were barely 5 billion bus trips per year (White, 2006: 4).
As of 2007, there were almost 2 billion public transport journeys made in London, an increase from around 1.2 billion in 1996. At the same time bus use decreased in the six Passenger Transport Executive areas, from around 1.35 billion in 1996 to just over 1.1 billion in 2007. Also during this period, the number of bus-kilometres ran (this is used to estimate service levels in different areas) increased in London from 353 million to 465 million. The number of kilometres ran in the PTEs decreased from 695 million in 1996 to 584 million in 2007. While the ‘rest of England’, Scotland, and Wales all made increases in this period (White, 2008: 4-5), the change was very low, certainly not enough to encourage huge numbers to abandon their car.
When we turn to ‘real fare levels’ , we can see that they increased by only 5% in London over the years 1996 - 2006, while Great Britain as whole saw increases of almost 20% (and in the major metropolitan areas covered by the Passenger Transport Executives this was well over 20%). If we look at revenue per trip, this actually decreased in London 48p per passenger in 1999/2000 to 43.7p in 2005/2006. Again, the rest if Great Britain compares poorly with this, from 55.9p per passenger in 1996/1997, increasing to 63.4p in 1999/2000, and finally ending up at 66.4p per passenger. Clearly, London is doing much better than the rest of the country, and this speaks of the importance of the much tighter regulation that democratic authorities have over transport in London, and the much higher levels of financial support that public transport receives (White, 2006: 6-7). While the Transport Act 2008 promised some move towards tighter regulation outside London, considering the damage being done to both our natural and social environments, and the social exclusion faced by those with poor access to transport, this is too little too late.
Yet I would also argue that in many ways London transport does not go far enough. All politicians are talking about the need for a ‘step change’ in terms of transport, yet are unwilling to provide car users with necessary incentives. New Labour would rather impose congestion charges through conditional funding programmes like the Transport Innovation Fund. It is telling that of the growth in bus ridership in the capital, of the changes not explained by the traditional core factors of ‘service levels’ and ‘real fares’, only 5% of the increase can be explained by the introduction of the congestion charge, while another 5% is explained by the introduction of an all low-floor fleet, and 3% is down to population change (White, 2006: 8). Congestion charges penalise the poor and deliver very small improvements, certainly not enough to really help the UK reach its greenhouse gas emissions targets. Furthermore, there is always a divided interest when it comes to congestion-charging, if the scheme is too successful, then there will be less income from the levy than predicted (Reynolds, 2008: 10) and this is particularly pertinent when we consider that the government plans public transport expansion through billion pound loans (as with Greater Manchester’s TIF bid).
There have been a few studies over the years of the interaction between the levels of service provided by bus companies and levels of car ownership (what economists call ‘elasticities’). While there have been very many studies of how much change can be expected, Goodwin has reviewed eleven previous studies to arrived at the following figures: an increase of 1 bus kilometre run per person per year was associated with an average reduction of 0.0021 cars per person; and an increases of 10 public transport trips per person per year was associated with a decrease of 0.0077 cars per person (1993: 23). What is self-evident from these figures is that people are not easily turned away from their cars. What this suggests is that positive changes in public transport will have to big, very big, in order to induce people away from their cars. This is confirmed by evidence available on the interaction in other countries, such as the United States of America (see Deka, 2002: 295).
Looking at the evidence from Sheffield, which had as close as the UK has ever had to a zero-fare policy in the late 1970s and early 80s, Goodwin concludes that there was a significant impact upon the levels of car ownership: ‘fares were held at their nominal level during a period of considerable inflation, using a steadily increasing subsidy in effect to cut fares and maintain service levels’ (1993: 25-26). What is interesting here is that bus ridership levels continued to decline among older age groups (35 and above), but increased hugely amongst younger age groups (by almost 100% amongst the 5-14 age group). This is can be explained by fact that the older age groups, while also having access to almost zero cost fares, grew up during a time when public transport was declining and had too great an experience of increasing fares and reducing services, much like the young people who are growing up in Britain today. This shows that transport attitudes are ingrained and it will need a big push to bring about big changes. On the other hand, the good news is that our young are the quickest to change, and if you provide them with zero or very low fare transport they will start to see a reasonable choice between car ownership and public transport use. Goodwin also tells us that during the last years of low fares in Sheffield the number of people living without a car actually increased (1993: 28), an almost unheard of occurrence.
Unfortunately, when the low fares in Sheffield came to an end, car ownership levels resumed their rapid increases. This chimes with experience from America. Salt Lake City trialled zero fares (during off-peak periods) for a month in a bid to boost ridership (see Train, 1981). Predictably, while levels increased during the promotion period, they decreased the moment real fares were reintroduced, and to below their pre-promotional levels (Reynolds, 2008: 9). Whatever changes we make to our public transport system have to be enduring if we are to see a move away from our over-reliance on cars. And, if the system is to be free, why should it be in private ownership, with executives and shareholders taking a slice of public subsidy?
As it stands, public transport in this country is still subsidised and public funding for urban bus routes is vitally important. A Dutch study by van Goeverden et al (2006) showed that the cost recovery (the percentage of costs recovered through fare-income) ratio of bus transport was 30%, implying a heavy reliance upon public subsidy. It is difficult to know by how much British buses are subsidised, as the number of different companies competing in an urban area such as Greater Manchester means that many accounts would have to be examined in detail. That said, the total expenditure for the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) was predicted to be around £231 million in 2007/2008, with almost all of this going on propping up private companies (see GMPTA, 2007). This is only one PTE in one part of the United Kingdom. Clearly there is need to work out exactly what percentage of the cost of a bus trip is already paid for by national government. Older data, from 2001, displayed below in Table 1, shows that at the turn of the millennium Great Britain had the most poorly funded public transport in Western Europe, far below the levels enjoyed in France and Germany, countries we rightly associate with extensive transport networks at more affordable prices than those found in the UK.
Table 1. Level of Subsidy and Fares for European Urban Bus Services
Region Cost Recovery Ratio Mean Fare (ECU/Km)
|
Region
|
Cost-recovery ratio
|
Mean Fare (ECU/Km)
|
|
Benelux
|
0.28
|
0.05
|
|
France
|
0.25
|
0.15
|
|
Austria and Germany
|
0.33
|
0.08
|
|
Greece & Italy
|
0.30
|
0.04
|
|
Portugal
|
0.61
|
0.06
|
|
Nordic
|
0.67
|
0.15
|
|
Spain
|
0.83
|
0.04
|
|
British Isles
|
0.85
|
0.08
|
|
Average
|
0.51
|
0.08
|
Source: Bristow et al, 2002: 79
Nevertheless, the indicators are that the state already pays the lion’s share of the cost of public transport (when the railways and aviation subsidies are considered), why not increase the proportion to the full amount and reap the rewards? On top of all the other positives discussed above and below this would also eliminate wasteful competition that often brings gridlock to our streets, as happens frequently in Manchester city-centre.
Continuing, the authors of the Dutch study have pointed out the following other benefits to free public transport:
The costs of the cashing and administration of payment disappears because no fare is required.
This also enhances the safety of drivers and conductors who will not be carrying cash.
Finally, it means that passengers can get on and off much more quickly - so improving journey times.
The attractiveness of the city to tourists will massively increase and free public transport could provide a unique pitch not just to tourists but all sorts of investors
Motorists will begin to switch to public transport use.
Even if these are few in number to begin with, less road-space will be required and so bus systems will run more efficiently, so further increasing their attractiveness to new users.
Further evidence of the positive effects of free public transport can be gleaned from the Belgian city of Hasselt. Not only did use of Hasselt’s bus system explode once zero fare were introduced (from 331,551 in the old situation to an astonishing 3.2 million - and this for a city of only 70,000 people), with all the obvious benefits this shift suggests, but also, some rather unexpected advantages were produced as well. For example, following the introduction of zero fares, the number of visits to patients in the city’s hospitals was reported to have “increased enormously” (van Goeverden, 2006: 7). This suggests that individuals and families will take more of a role in terms of caring responsibilities if they can actually access the people who need to be cared for, and this could represent incredible indirect savings for the state in terms of social and health care budgets. Indeed, Harvard political scientist Robert Putnam has demonstrated statistically that people who socialise and participate in social activities are on average happier and healthier (2000:326-335). Of course you can only do this if you can get around, an evidence from a wide range of sources indicate that many people cannot ‘get around’ (see Church et al, 2000; Graham and Marvin, 2001; Hine and Mitchell, 2003; Knolwes, 2006 New Economics Foundation, 2003; Pooley et al, 2005; Raje, 2007; Reisig and Hobbiss, 2000; Shaw, 2006; Social Exclusion Unit, 2002 and 2003; Urry, 2007).
Taken together, the fact that we already heavily subsidise the public transport industry (money that ends up in the hands of private companies), the efficiency savings from not administering fares, the boost to leisure and tourism, the reduced costs of dealing with social problems that arise because people are isolated from their friends and family, and in the longer term, reductions in investment in the road network and road maintenance, reductions in health problems associated with harmful emissions, the cost of dealing with road traffic accidents, and the cost of dealing with climate change, combine to suggest a compelling argument for further analysis of the full implications of free public transport. In June of this year Zagreb, Croatia, an urban area of almost 1.3 million inhabitants brought in public transport that is free at the point of use. Given the lamentable record of the UK in terms of its urban public transport provision (when compared to other European cities - White, 2006: 15-16), this is the kind of bold step that is now required.
Ironically, there is actually free public transport already in Manchester; the ‘Metroshuttle’ buses that serve three circuits in the city-centre. But as Reynolds argues, these kind of ‘central-circuit buses’ can actually be bad thing by encouraging people who would have walked across town to use motor transport, increasing congestion (2008, p. 9). At the same time, this ‘socialist experiment’ is not available to the more disadvantaged who do not come into the city-centre. We need to be smart, encouraging walking and cycling where it is appropriate (and funding schemes to promote them), while making sure than any car journey of more than half a mile has a plausible public transport alternative, and that the needs of those with mobility-related impairments are taken care of. Some Green groups have said they do not want people to travel more, and are afraid that free public transport might encourage this. We would say to them that already many millions who used to use public transport no longer do so, and it is this that must be addressed.
We need to be clear, as a group, the Campaign for Free Public Transport are not simply ‘anti-car’ or ‘anti-personal-freedom’. We realise that the complexity of modern living often requires the flexibility provided by a car, especially when people have caring commitments, or need access to shops, health services, education, employment, and leisure activities. There may be some who because of mobility-related impairments may never be able to access public transport, whatever new developments are made in terms of design. Yet at the same time we recognise that a lot of the complexity of modern living is precisely down to the explosion of car ownership over the 20th century, we also realise that the fossil-fuelled car is environmentally unsustainable in the long run, and that people would make the change to public transport were they given the necessary incentives to overcome the car-dependency that they have grown up with.
On this note, as Reynolds is correct to point out (2008: 3), because car drivers spread many of the costs of their vehicle over long periods (tax, insurance, maintenance), once you own a car, you perceive the cost of using it for extra trips (what economists call ‘marginal costs’) to be almost zero. Deka has explained that the motor car is often the fastest mode of transport and that it ‘also provides a level of comfort and convenience unparalleled by other modes of urban transportation’ (2002: 288). These points are quite true, and this represents the scale of the problem to be addressed. Great challenges demand great solutions. At a time when untold billions have been expended creating a ‘consequence-free’ environment for the banks, money could be better spent investing in the future of our towns and cities, of our ability to participate fully in society, of our landscape and of the air we breathe. We believe that “an expanded public transport system that is fully integrated, publicly owned and free at the point of use” will deliver on a more equitable and more environmentally sustainable Britain. The evidence I have presented in this report suggests we have good grounds for believing this.
To end this argument, research (White, 2006: 16) has shown that while the major metropolitan areas of England (the PTEs) have very low bus patronage, one of the highest rates is enjoyed by Lothian buses in Edinburgh under public ownership. From this we can see that public ownership can work, in the same way that we see that tighter regulation, expanded services and greater investment in London works. It is also in the same way that we can see from Hasselt, Salt-Lake City and Sheffield, that the only way to deliver great change is through the system being free at the point of use.
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203 |
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102 |
TRAVEL MAPS & TRANSPORT-SAFE DRIVING IN THE RAIN
Updated: 13 Sep 2011
SAFE-DRIVING TIPS WHEN IT IS RAINING!
GOOD VISION IN A DOWNPOUR
How to achieve good vision while driving during a heavy downpour. We are not sure why it is so effective; just try this method when it rains heavily. This method was told by a Police friend who had experienced and confirmed it. It is useful...even driving at night.
Most of the motorists would turn on HIGH or FASTEST SPEED of the wipers during heavy downpour, yet the visibility in front of the windshield is still bad....... In the event you face such a situation, just put on your SUNGLASSES (any model will do), and miracles! All of a sudden, your visibility in front of your windshield is perfectly clear, as if there is no rain.
Make sure you always have a pair of SUNGLASSES in your car. You are not only helping yourself to drive safely with good vision, but also might save your friend's life by giving him this idea.. Try it yourself and share it with your friends!!!!
Amazingly, you still see the drops on the windshield, but not the sheet of rain falling. You can see where the rain bounces off the road. It works to eliminate the "blindness" from passing cars. Or the "kickup" if you are following a car in the rain. They ought to teach this little tip in driver's training.. It really does work. This is a good warning. I wonder how many people knew about this???
Another good tip:
A 36 year old female had an accident several weeks ago. It was raining, though not excessively when her car suddenly began to hydro-plane and literally flew through the air. She was not seriously injured but very stunned at the sudden occurrence! When she explained to the highway patrolman what had happened, he told her something that every driver should know - NEVER DRIVE IN THE RAIN WITH YOUR CRUISE CONTROL ON.
She thought she was being cautious by setting the cruise control and maintaining a safe consistent speed in the rain...
But the highway patrolman told her that if the cruise control is on, your car will begin to hydro-plane when the tyres lose contact with the road, and your car will accelerate to a higher rate of speed making you take off like an aeroplane. She told the patrolman that was exactly what had occurred. The patrolman said this warning should be listed, on the driver's seat sun-visor - NEVER USETHE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE ROAD IS WET OR ICY, along with the airbag warning. We tell our teenagers to set the cruise control and drive a safe speed - but we don't tell them to use the cruise control only when the road is dry.
The only person the accident victim found who knew this, (besides the patrolman), was a man who'd had a similar accident, totalled his car and sustained severe injuries.
NOTE: Some vehicles (like the Toyota Sienna Limited XLE) will not allow you to set the cruise control when the windshield wipers are on. Even if you send this to 15 people and only one of them doesn't know about it, it's still worth it. You may have saved a life.
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237 |
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103 |
TRAVEL MAPS & TRANSPORT- SKODA -THE "61" SELECTION
Updated: 03 Sep 2011
What Car? gallery
What Car? says4 stars
We love this little engine and appreciate the extras that SE trim brings. To our mind, they make this model one of the best in the range.
ForThe 1.4 engine may sound too small, but it's perfectly fine. SE trim fills some of the few blanks in S specification, with alloys, remote central locking and a CD-changer.
AgainstIf you regularly carry a car-full of people, you may well need the extra grunt you'll get from a diesel engine.
FeaturesSkoda Octavia Hatchback 1.4 TSI SE 5dr
- Alarm
- Immobiliser
- Central locking
- Remote locking
- Unique fit stereo
- Locking Wheel nuts
- Visible VIN
- Drivers airbag
- Passenger airbag
- Side airbag
- ABS
- 3 Point centre belt
- Isofix
- Alloy wheels
- Split/fold seats
- Air conditioning
- Electric mirrors
- Heated mirrors
- Electric windows front
- Electric windows rear
- Seat height adjustment
- Powersteering
- Steering adjustment reach
- Steering adjustment rake
- CD
- Multi CD
- On/Off Passenger Airbag
- MP3 CD Player
- RDS CD
| Key facts See a full ist of features |
| 0–60mph |
9.7 secs |
Tax band |
F |
| Top speed |
126 mph |
CO2 Rating(g/km) |
148 |
| Average mpg |
44.8 |
Fuel per 100 miles |
£13.64 |
| Tank range |
542 miles |
Insurance group |
3 |
|
221 |
|
104 |
TRAVEL MAPS & TRANSPORT-PETROL PRICES - LINCOLN, LEEDS & CARLISLE
Updated: 22 Aug 2011
Cheapest stations within 5 miles of LN6 for Unleaded
|
 |
130.7p |
Asda Lincoln
Newark Road, North Hykeham, Lincoln, LN6 8JY
Asda, 0.42 miles away, last updated on 19 August
|
|
 |
130.9p |
Sainsburys Lincoln
Tritton Road, Lincoln, LN6 7QN
Sainsburys, 1.7 miles away, last updated on 21 August
|
|
 |
131p |
Morrisons Lincoln
Tritton Road, Lincoln, LN6 7QL
Morrisons, 3.82 miles away, last updated on 21 August
|
|
 |
131.9p |
Lindum Service Station
Newark Road, Lincoln, LN6 8RP
Esso, 2.67 miles away, last updated on 21 August
|
|
 |
131.9p |
Sleaford Service Station
Sleaford Road, Bracebridge Heath, Lincoln, LN4 2NA
Total, 4.23 miles away, last updated on 21 August
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Cheapest stations within 5 miles of LS16 for Unleaded
|
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130.9p |
Morrisons Swinnow Road
Swinnow Road, Bramley, Leeds, LS13 4QX
Morrisons, 3.61 miles away, last updated on 21 August
|
|
 |
131.9p |
Morrisons Kirkstall
Savins Mill Way, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3RP
Morrisons, 2.16 miles away, last updated on 21 August
|
|
 |
131.9p |
Armley Service Station
Armley Road, Armley, Leeds, LS12 2QN
Esso, 3.89 miles away, last updated on 20 August
|
|
 |
131.9p |
Scott Hall Service Station
Scott Hall Road, Leeds, LS7 2NA
Esso, 4.42 miles away, last updated on 21 August
|
|
 |
131.9p |
Murco Europa
Town Street, Stanningley, Pudsey, LS28 6HQ
Murco, 4.54 miles away, last updated on 21 August
|
Cheapest stations within 5 miles of CA6 for Unleaded
|
 |
130.9p |
Morrisons Carlisle
Kingstown Road, Carlisle, CA3
Morrisons, 4.78 miles away, last updated on 21 August
|
|
 |
133.9p |
Kingstown Filling Station
Kingstown Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, CA3 0BN
BP, 4.09 miles away, last updated on 21 August
|
|
 |
134.9p |
A74 Shell Carlisle Northbound
A74 Northbound, Todhills Blackford, Carlisle, CA6 4HA
Shell, 1.6 miles away, last updated on 20 August
|
|
 |
134.9p |
Bridge Street Garage
Bridge Street, Longtown, Carlisle, CA6 5UD
Esso, 4.87 miles away, last updated on 20 August
|
|
 |
136.9p |
Morton Self Serve
Wigton Road, Carlisle, CA2 6JS
BP, 4.81 miles away, last updated on 19 August
|
|
361 |
|
105 |
TRAVEL MAPS & TRANSPORT - CSC STUDY TOURS TO CUBA
Updated: 16 Aug 2011
CSC News
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Browse News: |
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Next |
Last |
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Book now for November 2011 study tours to Cuba
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| 08 August 2011 |
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Last few places left on the Media, Environment and Education study tours to Cuba this November, get your information packs and book today.
Cuba Media Study Tour 2011 2-9 November 2011 From £999
A new and ground breaking study tour, providing a unique insight into the Cuban media and the current political situation. The tour is in association with the Morning Star newspaper. ................
Environmental Study Tour 2011 9-23 November 2011 From £1,579
Exploring Cuba’s developing green issues with a full ecological agenda including hiking in the Escambray Mountains, a food conservation project, an urban river conservation project, an organic allotment programme, an environmental research station in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and solar energy projects. The tour will be a three-centre based programme, including Havana, Escambray Mountains, Santa Clara and Las Terrazas. ................
UCU Study Tour 2011 18-26 September 2011 From £1,175
This tour, aimed at academics, lecturers and trainers, provides an exciting opportunity to meet university students and staff, Cuban people in their neighbourhoods, workplaces and educational establishments with time to relax and enjoy the local culture, stunning scenery and beautiful climate.
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| Download full details, itinerary, and booking form for the Media Study Tour |
Download full details, itinerary, and booking form for the Environmental Study Tour
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| Download full details, itinerary, and booking form for the UCU Study Tour |
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530 |
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106 |
TRAVEL & TRANSPORT- FUEL -"CHEAPEST" DOESN'T SOUND CORRECT AS OSBORNE TAKES 60% OF THE PRICE IN TAX
Updated: 15 Aug 2011
Cheapest stations within 5 miles of LINCOLN for Unleaded
|
 |
131.9p |
Morrisons Lincoln
Tritton Road, Lincoln, LN6 7QL
Morrisons, 3.82 miles away, last updated on 14 August
|
|
 |
132.7p |
Asda Lincoln
Newark Road, North Hykeham, Lincoln, LN6 8JY
Asda, 0.42 miles away, last updated on 14 August
|
|
 |
132.8p |
Sainsburys Lincoln
Tritton Road, Lincoln, LN6 7QN
Sainsburys, 1.7 miles away, last updated on 14 August
|
|
 |
133.9p |
Tcs Thorpe On The Hill
Middle Lane, Thorpe On The Hill, Lincoln, LN6 9AJ
Total, 2.46 miles away, last updated on 14 August
|
|
 |
133.9p |
Lindum Service Station
Newark Road, Lincoln, LN6 8RP
Esso, 2.67 miles away, last updated on 14 August
|
Cheapest stations within 5 miles of LEEDS for Unleaded
|
 |
130.9p |
Morrisons Swinnow Road
Swinnow Road, Bramley, Leeds, LS13 4QX
Morrisons, 3.61 miles away, last updated on 14 August
|
|
 |
131.9p |
Morrisons Kirkstall
Savins Mill Way, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3RP
Morrisons, 2.16 miles away, last updated on 14 August
|
|
 |
133.8p |
Snax 24 Stanningley Road
Henconner Lane, Bramley, Leeds, LS13 4AD
BP, 3.01 miles away, last updated on 13 August
|
|
 |
133.9p |
Park Moor Grange Service Station
West Park Ring Road, West Park, Leeds, LS16 6EB
Texaco, 0.52 miles away, last updated on 14 August
|
|
 |
133.9p |
Riverside Service Station
Kirkstall Road, Leeds, LS4 2QD
Total, 2.8 miles away, last updated on 13 August
|
Cheapest stations within 5 miles of CARLISLE for Unleaded
|
 |
130.9p |
Morrisons Carlisle
Kingstown Road, Carlisle, CA3 0AD
Morrisons, 4.78 miles away, last updated on 14 August
|
|
 |
134.9p |
A74 Shell Carlisle Northbound
A74 Northbound, Todhills Blackford, Carlisle, CA6 4HA
Shell, 1.6 miles away, last updated on 13 August
|
|
 |
135.9p |
Kingstown Filling Station
Kingstown Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, CA3 0BN
BP, 4.09 miles away, last updated on 14 August
|
|
 |
136.9p |
Bridge Street Garage
Bridge Street, Longtown, Carlisle, CA6 5UD
Esso, 4.87 miles away, last updated on 13 August
|
|
 |
137.9p |
A74 Moss Connect Motorway Service Area Southbound
A74 Southbound, Todhills Blackford, Carlisle, CA6 4HA
BP, 1.51 miles away, last updated on 13 August
|
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609 |
|
107 |
TRAVEL MAPS & TRANSPORT- TOUR OPERATORS BEACHED HIGH AND DRY
Updated: 15 Aug 2011
Tour operators
Horrible holidays
The holiday business is in trouble. Firms are merging like Brits in Benidorm
Aug 13th 2011 | from the print edition
Wanted: more Germans
EUROPE’S travel industry has had four terrible years: a recession, an Icelandic volcano, unrest in the Middle East, costly oil, a weak dollar and a widespread sense of malaise.
People want to get away from it all, but worry that they can’t afford to.
Airlines, hotels and cruise ships have all suffered, but the worst-hit are the tour operators.
To survive, they have merged and cut costs.
In 2007 Thomas Cook, a German-owned travel firm, took over MyTravel, a British rival, to create Europe’s second-biggest package-tour firm.
A couple of months later Hanover-based TUI, Europe’s biggest travel company, merged its travel business with First Choice, another British package-holiday company, to create TUI Travel, a company based in London and listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Both package-holiday giants cut capacity by as much as 25% in the following years.
Yet mergers and downsizing have provided only temporary relief. On August 3rd Holidays 4 UK, a tour operator specialising in trips to Turkey, went bankrupt, leaving 12,800 holidaymakers stranded.
On the same day, Manny Fontenla-Novoa, the boss of Thomas Cook, was forced out of his job after three profit warnings in 12 months.
His replacement will have a big job on his hands. In the nine months to June, Thomas Cook lost $326.1m before tax.
TUI Travel is perking up a bit. Its pre-tax losses fell to £355m ($424m) in the nine months to June, from £563m for the same period last year.
On August 10th it reported a 57% increase in its “underlying operating profits”, a figure that excludes planeloads of supposedly one-off costs.
TUI Travel has several advantages. It is less centralised than Thomas Cook, more flexible and better managed.
It sells fewer holidays in the turbulent Middle East.
And its margins are buoyed by its focus on fancy holidays rather than bargain booze-ups on beery beaches.
Even so, a spokeswoman for TUI Travel admits that the high oil price is a worry. TUI Travel owns 143 aircraft.
The company was fully hedged for oil-price volatility this year but next year it is expecting a 30% increase in its fuel bill.
Its French business is suffering because of political unrest in France’s former African colonies, which are a favourite destination for French holidaymakers.
TUI Travel is now planning to merge its French operations to create one brand in the hope that this will turn around its weakest unit.
The traditional tour operators’ business model is out of date, says Jamie Rollo of Morgan Stanley, a bank.
Their fixed costs are high.
They book flights and rooms months in advance, and still have to pay for them even if a volcano or terrorist forces travellers to cancel.
And although they now do a lot of business online, they struggle to compete with cheaper online-only firms such as Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz.
Further consolidation is likely. Germany’s package-tour market is still fragmented and lucrative, so REWE Touristik and others might soon be snapped up.
TUI Travel and Thomas Cook might even merge, creating a giant and saving plenty of money.
Alternatively, one of these two big boys might marry a low-cost airline, linking cheap flights with cheap beds.
In the short run Thomas Cook’s new boss will have to improve the company’s dire finances.
The firm is planning to sell assets worth £200m over the next six to 18 months, including some or all of its seven hotels.
Its chief financial officer says that an equity issue is not on the cards, at least for now. He may have to change his mind.
Holidays are supposed to be relaxing, but for the firms that provide them, they are anything but.
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TRAVEL, MAPS & TRANSPORT- HOW RELIABLE ARE YOUR WHEELS ?
Updated: 11 Aug 2011
Land Rover and Range Rover bottom of the table for car reliability – where does your maker come?
By Lee Boyce
Last updated at 4:46 PM on 10th August 2011
They may be among the most desirable vehicles on the road but British style icons Land Rover and Range Rover are the least reliable new cars, according to a new survey.
According to the WhatCar? and Warranty Direct survey, the best choice for a used car are Japanese and Korean makes, with Honda, Toyota and Suzuki topping the list for the most reliable car manufacturers.
In fact, the top ten manufacturers all come from either Japan or Korea.
Wooden spoon: The Land Rover is at the bottom of the reliability table
The findings found that cars from European brands fail the most often, with Land Rover, Alfa Romeo and Renault bottom of the performance league.
However, based on Warranty Direct’s 50,000 live policies on cars between three to eight years of age, European cars are typically cheaper to fix.
The annual car reliability study found Honda to be the best car make to own, the sixth year in a row it has taken the accolade recording an impressive 9 per cent failure rate.
British marque motor Land Rover is the least reliable brand, with 55 per cent of its upmarket vehicles suffering faults within a 12 month period.
The top European cars for reliability are Skoda and Smart, in 11th and 12th respectively. Only they break up the Far Eastern showing, nudging ahead of Daewoo.
MOST AND LEAST RELIABLE CAR MANUFACTURERS
| Most reliable
| Chance of fault in 12 months |
| Least reliable
| Chance of fault in 12 months
|
1
|
Honda
|
9%
|
35
|
Land Rover
|
55%
|
2
|
Toyota
|
14%
|
34
|
Alfa Romeo
|
46%
|
3
|
Suzuki
|
15%
|
33
|
Renault
|
45%
|
4
|
Lexus
|
15%
|
32
|
Saab
|
43%
|
5
|
Mitsubishi
|
15%
|
31
|
Jeep
|
42%
|
6
|
Mazda
|
16%
|
30
|
Chrysler
|
38%
|
7
|
Subaru
|
17%
|
29
|
MG
|
37%
|
8
|
Hyundai
|
20%
|
28
|
Mercedes
|
34%
|
9
|
Kia
|
21%
|
27
|
Vauxhall
|
34%
|
10
|
Nissan
|
22%
|
26
|
Audi
|
33%
|
The cars are rated by a ‘reliability index’ – a formula which takes into account repair costs, age, mileage and rate of failure. The annual survey studies manufacturers according to the number of faults in a 12 month period.
What Car? editor, Chas Hallett, said: ‘This year’s study is a stark reminder of the disparity in reliability between far Eastern brands, which dominate the top 10, and European brands, which contribute the bulk of the bottom 10.’
MANUFACTURERS BY AVERAGE REPAIR COST
| Cheapest repair cost
| £
|
| Most expensive repair cost
| £
|
1
|
Fiat
|
241.63
|
35
|
Porsche
|
689.99
|
2
|
Renault
|
242.22
|
34
|
Mazda
|
462.58
|
3
|
Ford
|
253.92
|
33
|
Jeep
|
437.81
|
4
|
Suzuki
|
255.12
|
32
|
Mercedes
|
428.13
|
5
|
Peugeot
|
257.33
|
31
|
Mitsubishi
|
427.98
|
The most expensive brand to repair is sports car maker, Porsche, at an average cost of £690, followed by Mazda and Jeep, which cost £463 and £438 respectively.
In contrast, Fiat, Renault and Ford models cost the least to repair, at around £250 on average. European cars make up seven of the cheapest 10 brands to fix.
Further differences between European and Far Eastern manufacturers can be found in the problems they suffer the most.
A third of faults found on European cars are down to electrical malfunctions, while owners of Japanese Subaru, Lexus and Suzuki cars report the most axle and suspension issues – accounting for nearly two in five of all their breakdowns.
MANUFACTURER RELIABILITY STANDINGS:
1. Honda
2. Toyota
3. Suzuki
4. Lexus
5. Mitsubishi
6. Mazda
7. Subaru
8. Hyundai
9. Kia
10. Nissan
11. Skoda
12. Smart
13. Daewoo
14. Ford
15. Citroen
16. Porsche
17. Fiat
18. Mini
19. Peugeot
20. Volkswagen
21. Rover
22. Volvo
23. BMW
24. Seat
25. Jaguar
26. Audi
27. Vauxhall
28. Mercedes-Benz
29. MG
30. Chrysler
31. Jeep
32. Saab
33. Renault
34. Alfa Romeo
35. Land Rover
Read more: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-2024538/Land-Rover-Range-Rover-reliable-cars--reliable-manufacturer.html#ixzz1UiKrkhKw
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TRAVEL, MAP'S & TRANSPORT- GOING TO LOS ?
Updated: 10 Aug 2011
GOING TO LOS ?
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110 |
TRAVEL MAPS & TRANSPORT- HANDS FREE ARE AS DANGEROUS AS A MOBILE
Updated: 11 Jul 2011
Distracting hands-free devices are 'as dangerous as a mobile'
By David Gardner
Last updated at 12:25 PM on 9th July 2011
Dangerous talk: 'I'm in the car'
Hands-free mobile devices do not improve road safety, according to a study.
A transport watchdog found that they are just as dangerous as holding a phone while at the wheel.
The report by the U.S. Governors Highway Safety Association was based on analysis of more than 350 scientific papers on ‘distracted’ driving.
It also found texting at the wheel definitely raises the risk of crashing.
It suggested a complete ban on mobile phone use, hands-free or not, for inexperienced drivers and a blanket ban on texting.
‘Despite all that has been written about driver distraction, there is still a lot that we do not know,’ said the association’s executive director Barbara Harsha.
‘Clearly, more studies need to be done addressing both the scope of the problem and how to effectively address it.’ A ban on the use of hand-held phones in cars has been in force in Britain since 2003, but many drivers still flout the law.
Police caught 170,000 offenders last year alone.
According to the Department of Transport, using a mobile while at the wheel makes a driver four times more likely to crash.
U-turn: There is no solid evidence that using a cell phone while driving causes people to crash, a study has found
The U.S. study found that regardless of the law, two thirds of American motorists report using a mobile while driving, about one third of them saying they do it every time they are in a car.
One in eight drivers admitted to texting at the wheel.
The American study also found that in dangerous driving situations, the average motorist paid less attention to their phone conversation and focused more on the road, bringing their level of concentration close to that of a driver not using a mobile.
Driving distractions, primarily by mobiles and other electronic devices, were linked to a quarter of all car crashes in the United States, the report found.
It claimed drivers are distracted for as much as half their time at the wheel by activities that include eating, checking music on iPods, talking and changing radio stations.
‘When it comes to distracted driving, one thing is clear: any activities that take extended focus away from the primary task of driving are both unsafe and unwise,’ said association spokesman Lynda Tran.
In the U.S. in 2009, nearly 5,500 deaths and about half a million injuries resulted from crashes involving a distracted driver.
The report said laws banning hand-held cell phones while driving had initially reduced usage by roughly half before the level of offending crept up again.
Thirty-four U.S. states have imposed bans on texting while driving and nine prohibit talking without a hands-free device.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2012393/Distracting-hands-free-devices-dangerous-mobile.html#ixzz1Rl027ryX
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TRAVEL ,MAPS & TRANSPORT- CROSSING THE CHANNEL ON FOUR WHEELS
Updated: 06 Jul 2011
Car hire and driving abroad: advice on saving money
Taking your own car abroad, or hiring one when you get there? Nick Trend suggests some ways to save money on ferries, fuel, tolls and insurance
As the cost of flying rises and ferry fares reach historic lows, the idea of taking your own car abroad has started to look more attractive – especially if you are heading for France. Despite the weak pound and the strong euro, most of the key holiday costs – meals, wine, hotels and self-catering accommodation – still work out cheaper across the Channel than they are over here. But how do you keep down the costs of getting there, and of driving abroad generally?
Be flexible about ferries. You will usually find the cheapest way to get to France is via the shortest crossing – Dover-Calais. Price competition has driven fares down to as low as £70 return for a car plus up to nine passengers (www.seafrance.com), and there are so many crossings that the cheaper fares are available even in high season – as long as you travel off-peak. But if you live close to Portsmouth or Plymouth, and are travelling to Normandy or Brittany, you may find savings on fuel make a fare with Brittany Ferries (www.brittanyferries.co.uk) better value.
For a one-hit overview of fares, see the website of Ferrysavers (www.ferrysavers.com), which allows you to compare prices for different crossings without having to check all the operators' sites.
2. Avoid overnight crossings
If you do take a longer Channel crossing and are time-rich but cash-poor, avoid travelling overnight. A cabin on a ferry is likely to work out more expensive than a stay en route in a hotel of one of the budget chains, such as Formule 1 (www.hotelformule1.com), Fasthotel (www.fasthotel.com) or Mister Bed (www.misterbed.fr).
3. Travel toll-free
Tolls for driving by autoroute from Calais to Avignon are now £125 return; from Calais to Nice, nearly £200. The French website www.mappy.com has a useful facility that calculates both the tolls and the cost of fuel. So, the Avignon drive by motorway (614 miles/988km) will take nine hours, and cost €252 (£226) in fuel (medium-sized car). The suggested route avoiding the motorway (626 miles/1,007km) takes an extra four and a half hours, and costs €246 in fuel; overall saving, about £132.
4. Avoid traffic congestion
The French government's Bison Futé website (www.bison-fute.equipement.gouv.fr) gives information on current traffic conditions, with predictions of levels over the year ("Forecasts calendar") – invaluable for avoiding the worst weekends – as well as for the coming weekend ("Week-end forecast").
5. Check fuel prices
Should you arrive in France with an empty tank and leave with a full one? Or vice versa? The answer to the first question is yes – if you have a diesel car. French diesel prices averaged 126p per litre in June compared with 140p in Britain. Unleaded petrol, on the other hand, is 142p a litre in France – 2p more than in Britain (source: www.theaa.com).
Another French government website (www.prix-carburants.gouv.fr) gives a comprehensive overview of the cost of fuel at stations all over the country – although using it requires patience and dedication. Unsurprisingly, the site reveals that the most expensive fuel by far is that sold at motorway service stations.
6. Evitez les flics
In most Continental countries traffic police can levy on-the-spot fines, and the use of speed cameras is now as prevalent as it is in Britain – and they may be hard to spot. It's easy to keep to the speed limit, not so easy to notice sudden changes that might catch you out. They are not so well sign-posted across the Channel as they are in Britain, so if you enter a village, city or other built-up area, note that the limit is likely to be 50km/h or less, and that in France limits fall when it rains – from 130km/h to 110km/h on the motorway, from 110km/h to 100km/h on dual carriageways, and from 90km/h to 80km/h on the open road.
7. Buy breakdown insurance
If your car breaks down abroad, you could be in for a hefty bill – especially if it needs to be moved from a motorway. Most UK breakdown policies will extend cover for this while you are driving on the Continent (usually at extra cost), but if you don't have such a policy, or the upgrade is expensive, it's worth getting a few quotes. Premiums and benefits vary hugely, and much depends on your own particular circumstances, but the cheapest I have found recently is £33.50 for 10 days in Europe through Worldwide Insure (www.worldwideinsure.com).
Hire cars
8. Rent a diesel
As we've seen above, if you intend doing a reasonable mileage in a hire car in France, a diesel vehicle will be cheaper to run and, as long as it is not singificantly more expensive to hire, will be a better deal than a petrol one. This is now true of many European countries, including Spain (111p per litre compared with 117p for petrol), Portugal (118p/137p), Italy (124p/135p) and Greece (128p/146p). Only in the United States (64p/60p) and Britain (140p/ 136p) is petrol the cheaper option.
9. Bring your own child seat
Car-hire companies seem to see child safety seats as a way to boost income, rather than as a service to clients. All charge heavily for them. I made a dummy booking on the www.hertz.co.uk site for a one-week car hire from Malaga, for example, and the charge for a safety seat or even a simple booster seat would have been £63 – adding more than 30 per cent to the cost of the car.
Take your own, and, as long as it doesn't add to your luggage charges on the plane, you will make significant savings. The Trunki BoostApak (www.trunki.co.uk) is one solution – it's a booster seat that converts into a rucksack weighing a little under 4lb, with space for toys or books, and which a child can carry. It's suitable for children aged four to 11, and as it measures 16in (40cm) x 14in (36cm) x 6in (16cm), it is small enough to count as cabin baggage on most airlines. It costs £44.99.
10. Buy your own top-up insurance
One way in which car-hire companies boost revenues but camouflage the fact is by including insurance that leaves you exposed to a hefty excess charge if you damage the car – and then offering expensive "top-up" insurance to waive that excess. Reduce these costs by buying top-up insurance from a specialist insurer (about £3 a day, much less than the amounts charged by car-hire companies). Try Insurance4carhire.com; Questor Insurance (www.questor-insurance.co.uk); Worldwide (www.worldwideinsure.com); and Icarhireinsurance.com.
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TRAVEL & TRANSPORT- ASK BRENDAN FOR FUEL PRICES NEAR YOU
Updated: 04 Jul 2011
|
|
128.9p
|
Sainsburys Lincoln
Tritton Road, Lincoln, LN6 7QN
Sainsburys, 1.7 miles away, last updated on 3 July
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
129.7p
|
Asda Lincoln
Newark Road, North Hykeham, Lincoln, LN6 8JY
Asda, 0.42 miles away, last updated on 3 July
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
129.9p
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Brobot Waddington
Grantham Road, Waddington, Lincoln, LN5 9NJ
Jet, 3.71 miles away, last updated on 3 July
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
129.9p
|
Tesco Lincoln 1
Canwick Road, Lincoln, LN5 8HS
Tesco, 4.83 miles away, last updated on 2 July
|
Brendan McLoughlin" <support@petrolprices.com>
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548 |
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TRAVEL &TRANSPORT-FORD CHIEF SAYS CARS FIRMS ARE RIDDLED WITH OVERCAPACITY-UK INDUSTRY NEEDS A PLAN
Updated: 30 Jun 2011
Ford chief calls for new plan to boost UK industry
Britain needs a firm plan to grow manufacturing or it will fail to rebalance its economy, according to the European chief executive of Ford.
Speaking at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders' annual conference yesterday, Stephen Odell welcomed the Coalition's desire to expand the UK's manufacturing output but warned politicians they need a "plan to deploy it".
He also attacked the "industry-sceptical" environment in the European Commission and warned he was "not certain" that volume car-making could survive in Europe if wrong decisions are taken.
Mr Odell, who is British, said European car production is riddled with overcapacity of up to 35pc, which has been "exacerbated" by the recession. As a result, car makers are cutting prices to "unrealistic" levels to keep plants open.
"In the US, the industry has undergone a brutal reckoning in recent years, and has come through leaner, more efficient and stronger. In Europe, nations went their own way," said Mr Odell, who added he was "firing a warning shot for the established European industry".
"This is unsustainable. It is damaging the entire industry. We urgently need an effective EU-wide industrial policy. Not just for the auto industry but for manufacturing as a whole. That is something I hope the UK Government will support," he said.
The UK automotive industry employs 700,000 people and exports $25bn (£15.6bn) a year, equivalent to 10pc of total exports. Ford, the top-selling car maker in the UK, has manufactured in the country for 100 years and produces one in three of all its engines at Dagenham and Bridgend.
But British manufacturing is trying to expand as developing economies such as China, India and Russia drive forward ambitious plans to expand their high-technology production bases.
To compete, Mr Odell said the UK must improve its educational infrastructure to increase the take-up of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in universities. The Government's economic policies must also offer "a real sense of direction in driving public and private sector investment".
He added: "I'm not talking here about grants or financial assistance. Rather, I'm talking about ensuring we have the right skills base and the right pro-industry policies in place to make investing in Britain of benefit to all stakeholders concerned."
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TRAVEL MAPS & TRANSPORT- THE COWBOYS WILL STAGE A DAYLIGHT TRAIN ROBBERY IF WE LET THEM
Updated: 27 Jun 2011
Cowboys will rob our trains if we let them
Sunday 26 June 2011
Bob Crow
Like every other public service in Britain under threat from the millionaires' government, transport faces a bleak future if the Con-Dem coalition is not forced to change its economically, environmentally and socially illiterate course.
Imagine a railway where three-quarters of stations have no ticket offices. Where there are no guards on trains, where worn-out rails from the main line are transplanted onto branch lines, where visual track inspections are a thing of the past and where fares are left to the whim of unregulated, parasitic privateers who are also handed the infrastructure assets to sweat.
Imagine a bus industry where rural communities are left without even the skeleton services they have today, where the same privateer operators run only those routes that return a guaranteed profit, leaving the most vulnerable and least mobile in our communities as prisoners.
Imagine lifeline ferries to island communities abandoned to the market and tendered at the cost of a race to the bottom in jobs, living standards and services.
All these things will become the reality if government plans stand unchallenged.
The "business railway" we have always feared, in which premium routes with premium fares displace any idea of a social railway, has taken a step closer with the McNulty "value for money" review - a review by and for big business.
After more than 15 years of rail privatisation, wealthy boss Sir Roy McNulty found that Britain's railways had higher fares and higher costs and were more fragmented than the publicly owned railways elsewhere in Europe.
Full marks so far. But his solution? Even higher fares, even more fragmentation, unstaffed stations, removal of guards, lower safety standards - and even more asset-sweating by private interests that have already drained billions of public money from the network.
It all adds up to rail workers and passengers being made to pay for the disaster of rail privatisation with an attack worse than the Beeching cuts of the 1960s.
If implemented, the McNulty review can only mean a declining, dangerously understaffed and fragmented railway with worse safety standards and huge fares - but more guaranteed, risk-free profits for the private interests that have already drained billions from the industry.
McNulty wants to lift the cap on rail fares that already allows private operators to impose inflation-busting increases - making passengers pay even more towards shareholders' dividends and forcing more people back onto the roads.
In the crazy world of business logic, McNulty says that the answer to fragmentation is to divvy up the tracks and signalling among the private operators.
That means not just one Railtrack Mark II, but a whole series of mini-Railtracks - so it won't be a case of if but when another Hatfield or Potters Bar sees passengers and workers being stretchered from the tracks.
McNulty wants to reduce the frequency of essential visual track inspections in favour of automated ones, and even wants to use second-hand rails on regional lines.
He wants to leave three-quarters of stations without ticket offices, creating more ghost stations and a nightmare for those, especially women, who travel alone or at night.
Despite the overwhelming evidence from crash inquiries proving that guards save lives, McNulty wants to remove all guards from all trains.
More than a third of McNulty's savings would come through sacking safety-critical staff even though productivity has increased ahead of pay - and those who remain have been told to expect real-terms pay cuts.
In short, McNulty is a recipe for disaster that will make passengers, staff and the environment pay for the mess that privatisation has created.
The only option not considered by McNulty was the obvious one - bringing railways back into public ownership.
McNulty compared Britain's railways with publicly owned networks in Europe - but then managed to miss the obvious conclusion that public ownership works.
And it's no better on the buses, where the same big five that dominate the rail industry - Stagecoach, First Group, Arriva, National Express and Go-Ahead - also have control.
Within its blinkered remit, the Competition Commission has found that the wholesale deregulation that accompanied bus privatisation of the mid-1980s led not to healthy competition but to higher fares and fewer and worse services, with commercial routes taking precedence over social routes.
That is no surprise to those of us who fought the fragmentation and sell-off of the National Bus Company and municipal bus companies 25 years ago.
But it is a picture that is set to get worse with the withdrawal of bus subsidies.
The government is cutting 28 per cent of the grant it gives to local authorities for public transport and cutting fuel tax rebate by a fifth - which means that many rural communities will lose their only transport lifeline, while many evening and weekend services are being withdrawn and some pass schemes will simply vanish.
Together, these changes threaten to trigger a devastating downward spiral in an industry that employs well over 120,000 people.
And with the big five firms seeking to carve up the profitable bits of the bus industry in a way that dovetails with their rail franchises - and a government in power that puts big business interests first - we clearly have a battle on our hands.
On the maritime front, there was some good news when, ironically, the union used a complaint to the EU to force the government to outlaw discrimination against foreign nationals, at least while on British ships and working in British waters.
But the key problems remain - dwindling numbers of British seafarers displaced by "social dumping" in which overseas nationals are super-exploited at a fraction of the rate for the job, and failure to apply minimum employment standards.
Even the new training programme that RMT has painstakingly negotiated in recent months looks set to be undermined by a government "review" that even asks if Britain, an island nation, needs British seafarers at all.
In Scotland, the SNP government has betrayed Caledonian MacBrayne and its workforce, sparking a race to the bottom through the latest completely unnecessary tendering process and a catalogue of deception in an attempt to cover up job losses, pay cuts and a poorer ferry services.
The Scottish government had the gall to boast that it had cut funding to the Gourock-Dunoon service by £1.5 million a year, but it has done so at the expense of jobs and pay and a poorer service.
Fighting back
The government is trying to split public and private-sector workers. We need to unite them.
The government is trying to destroy jobs and services piecemeal. We need to defend them together.
The government says there is no alternative. We must show that there is, based on investment in services, fair taxation and harnessing the banks that have been propped up with £1.3 trillion of our money.
From Southampton to the Scottish isles, workers striking to defend their jobs and pensions on June 30 and beyond need the support of us all.
With the unprecedented attack on jobs and services unleashed on all fronts, the only possible response is unity across the labour movement, alongside pensioners, students, passengers and all service users, with co-ordinated strike action, civil disobedience and a crescendo of protest.
All these issues will be debated this week in Fort William.
I know that RMT members will not shirk the challenge.
They are coming for us all, we need to stand firm together.
Bob Crow is general secretary of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers.
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TRAVEL MAPS & TRANSPORT-"PARKED" VEHICLES NOW NEED INSURANCE
Updated: 18 Jun 2011
'Parked' vehicles now need insurance
Even vehicles kept in a garage must be insured – or owners face a fine or possible seizure
Miles Brignall
Uninsured drivers face a fine, court action or even having their car destroyed. Photograph: Don McPhee for the Guardian
The government is forcing all motorists to insure their vehicle whether they drive it or not, under controversial rules that are designed to combat uninsured driving.
Under the terms of the little-known continuous insurance enforcement law, it will be an offence to "keep" an uninsured vehicle – be it a car, van, motorbike, motorhome or truck – even if it is locked up in the garage or permanently parked on a driveway. Until now it has only been an offence to actively drive an uninsured vehicle.
The change has been introduced quietly, but it will have a big impact on any motorist who has bought a new car but is yet to dispose of the old one, and on sports car owners who park their vehicles for much of the year.
Such drivers will no longer be able to put a car uninsured in the garage or parked off the road. In future they will have to contact the DVLA in Swansea, declare the car as "off the road" by filling in a statutory off road notification (Sorn), and give up the tax disc at the same time.
The government has introduced the changes, which appear at odds with its campaign to abolish red tape, as part of its fight against uninsured drivers.
A national advertising campaign has been launched by the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB), but few drivers are probably aware of the change.
Mike Penning, the road safety minister, says: "Uninsured drivers are a danger on our roads, killing 160 and injuring a further 23,000 people each year, and they cost honest motorists £500m in extra premiums.
"That is why we are introducing this tough new law, which will leave uninsured drivers with nowhere to hide. Our message is clear: get insured or face a fine, court action or seeing your car seized and destroyed."
However, the plan will have major cost implications for law-abiding vehicle owners who want to park their car temporarily after its insurance expires.
From Monday 20 June), the DVLA will work with the MIB to identify uninsured vehicles. Motorists will receive a letter telling them their vehicle appears to be uninsured, and warning them they will be fined unless they take action. The first letters will start going out in the next few days. If the keeper fails to insure the vehicle they will be given a £100 fine.
If the vehicle remains uninsured – regardless of whether or not the fine is paid – "further action will be taken", the MIB says. If the vehicle is on public land it could then be clamped, seized and destroyed. Alternatively, court action could be taken with the offender facing a fine of up to £1,000.
Vehicles with a valid Sorn will not need to be insured.
Ashton West, MIB chief executive, says that at any given time about 4% of vehicles have no motor insurance. "The change in law is a stepping up of enforcement activity, so that not only those vehicles driven without insurance will be caught. Now the registered keeper must make sure their vehicle is insured all the time."
Uninsured driving has become a huge problem in some areas, with some young men who have been "priced out" of insurance buying cars and taking to the road without cover.
Some will wonder why this has been introduced given that it is already an offence to drive an uninsured car. The police seize 180,000 vehicles each year for this offence, with offenders facing a £200 fixed penalty or a court fine of up to £5,000, and possible disqualification. About 200,000 people are convicted of uninsured driving every year.
Every time you give up your tax disc or buy a new one you lose money, unless you time it exactly for the end or the beginning of the month.
The move, however, has been welcomed by the insurance industry. Nigel Bartram, underwriting expert at the UK's biggest insurer, Aviva, says uninsured driving costs premium-paying motorists £30 a year on their insurance policies.
He says:"It is our hope that ridding the roads of uninsured drivers will reduce pressure on premiums. We welcome this as the strongest deterrent yet in the fight against uninsured driving. We know that those motorists driving without insurance are also likely to skip their annual MOT – in fact, they are six times more likely to drive an unsafe vehicle."
In April the prime minister announced his "red tape challenge" to get rid of unnecessary regulations. The AA has asked why driving licences have to be renewed after 10 years, and why some bus lanes are 24 hours, even though the buses don't run through the night.
• Owners can check their vehicle is recorded as insured by using the free service at askMID.com.
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TRAVEL MAPS & TRANSPORT- DECORATE YOUR HOME WITH MAPS ?
Updated: 16 Jun 2011
How to decorate your home with maps
Though we now rely on technology to find our way around, maps have an enduring beauty says Rosie Millard.
Last weekend, I was at Scout camp, and took part in an orienteering race. It sounded easy. All we had to do to win the Scout Hike Trophy was walk around Epping Forest, in Essex, go to four checkpoints and be the first back at camp. There were seven parents, each of us with our offspring; Beaver Scouts aged about six.
It was a high-powered group. One parent was a pharmacology lecturer at Imperial College. Another was a top-flight architect. A third was a policewoman at Scotland Yard (Terrorism department). Besides that, we had a map.
“Does anyone know how to read this map?” cried the lecturer. The architect stepped forward. “Er, I think I might.” We set off in the wrong direction. “Left at the tree stump,” said the policewoman. We marched off the other way.
The children started whining. Everything looked grim until I fished out my BlackBerry with its GPS system. We now trust electronics for route-finding as well as for proving how up to date we are. Back in the day, maps did both.
“Bourgeois families would buy the latest map of the Americas, or Africa, and hang it on their wall to show off,” says map expert Massimo de Martini, who is one of three organisers of the London Map Fair, which opens today at the Royal Geographical Society.
The invention of printing coincided with the golden age of exploration, and maps flew off the presses to keep up with the age.
Blank areas of the globe, such as central and west Africa, had to be depicted simply as “Terra Incognita”.
Maps have always been beautiful. From London Transport’s famous grid of perfectly balanced lines and colour for the Tube, to the Victorian “Balloon view” of London in 1851. They invite you to travel into the life of the past.
Over the years they have also been great showcases for artistic flair. Massimo shows me a 1710 map of Africa by Peter Schenk, where the continent is enhanced by bare-breasted maidens, small cherubs bearing banners, and galleons in full sail. The whole thing is as artistically considered as an Old Master; only far more democratic, in that it was mass-produced.
“The skills to make these printed maps, which would have been engraved on copperplate in reverse, have almost completely vanished,” says Massimo. This helps explain why they can sell for up to £25,000.
Pricewise, location is crucial. Charts of the Americas are costly because they are always in demand. Americans love seeing their home territory on a map. However, the French aren’t overly bothered. If you hanker after a map of Provence, you could pick up a lovely 17th-century one for a few hundred pounds.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Massimo doesn’t think much of satnav and GPS.
“When the battery runs out, or the satellite falls out of the sky, what will you do? You will go back to printed paper,” he says.
Maybe. But for the three hours we were stuck in the forest, the BlackBerry battery held out fine, and no debris fell from the heavens as we romped to victory. Modern technology has some things going for it, even if it doesn’t look as nice in the hallway.
The London Map Fair runs today and tomorrow at the Royal Geographical Society, 1 Kensington Gore, London SW7 (www.londonmapfairs.com)
- Bonnes Vacances, by Rosie Millard, is available from Telegraph Books at £8.99 plus £0.99 p&p. Call 0844 871 1515 or visit books.telegraph.co.uk
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TRAVEL MAPS & TRANSPORT- MOROCCO-TANGIER -GATEWAY TO AFRICA
Updated: 23 May 2011
Morocco: Tangier - Gateway to Africa, Deccan Herald 16/1/11
by Colin Todhunter
By the time I reached Tangier, the day had turned angry.
As I walked toward the medina to find a hotel that was listed in my guide book, the storm clouds had gathered.
At the entrance to the medina a torn hand covered a woman’s sunken face.
Her child stared at an empty plate.
Crouching against a wall, with a blackened sky for a roof and a cobbled street for a bed, I guessed it would be another long day for them both.
Close by, the mist engulfed the ferry boats making their way to Spain.
Although Tangier might feel a long way from home to many visitors, Europe nestles in the mist across the bay, a mere 20 miles away.
Tangier sits on the Mediterranean Sea at the jaws of the Atlantic, near the Straits of Gibraltar. It is where Africa meets Europe, where modernity meets tradition.
Spanish and Portugeuse colonial architecture jostle for attention with new high rises, pavement cafes look out on to fruit and vegetable markets and French style patisseries compete with cafes selling tagines, cous cous, schwarma (hot slices of meat served in flatbread) and grilled fish, fresh from the markets.
The original walled centre is the heart and soul of the city.
It boasts endless narrow, winding streets lined with houses, hotels and cafes.
The medina has been around since medieval times and teems with shops specialising in handicrafts made from wood and silver, traditional clothing and shoes of Moroccan origin.
Although it is quite a sprawling affair, it is still easy to negotiate by foot, and occupies the perfect location on a hill overlooking the sea and the long beach-lined bay fringed with modern buildings.
The medina has a lot of charm, and the Petit Socco (Small Square) is great for a coffee.
My cheap (400 rupees per night), crumbling colonial style hotel was just off the Socco, and stumbling out of the hotel into the square each morning was always a delight.
It was all too easy to spend half the day in one of the pavement coffee houses just people watching.
I guess that’s what a good proportion of Moroccan men do, who seem to spend most of their time in coffee houses seeking respite from home life.
After coffee, it was usually time for me to wander around the maze of alleys.
I always managed to come across some or other gem.
If it wasn’t the old Sultan’s Palace overlooking the Med, it was the Grand Socco (Main Square) just outside the city walls, where traditional products are made and sold and coffee shops and cafes are packed with locals talking about the issues of the day.
Tangier is the gateway to Africa, or should that be the stepping stone to Europe?
It depends on how you choose to look at it. Maybe because of its position, Tangier is, for me at least, Morocco’s most engaging city.
So much so that, after having visited all of the country’s major urban centres, if I had to live anywhere in Morocco then I suppose I would choose Tangier.
I am not alone in thinking this. Tangier has a somewhat legendary standing in modern popular culture.
The city acquired the reputation as a spying and smuggling centre during the 19th and 20th centuries and was a very pivotal location during the Second World War.
It also attracted writers like William S Burroughs, Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, Orson Welles and Tennessee Williams. Along with the Rolling Stones, they all lived in or visited the city for extended periods. The artist Matisse also made the city home at various points. Tennessee Williams actually penned a draft of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof on Tangier beach.
For decades, between 1920 and the late 1950s, Tangier was a playground for the party crowd, adventure seekers and the rich and famous, attracting all those seeking a tax haven or an exotic destination.
The city played host to eccentric millionaires and was a meeting place for secret agents and crooks.
Speculators and gamblers were also to be seen. When Spain finally handed Tangier back to Morocco, its international duty-free status went with it, and the city lost a great deal of its flair.
But, even now, Tangier remains a popular tourist destination for cruise ships and day visitors from Spain.
Although the writers, spies, artists and shady characters may have all but deserted the city, these days the city is far from drab.
Tourists are rediscovering its palpable charm, and the new part of the city has undergone rapid modernisation. Five star hotels are now found along the bay, and a modern business district is springing up.
The attractive broad boulevards of the newer part of the city, with their art deco buildings provide a touch of European chic so much so that for a moment or two you could be forgiven that you are in Marseille or some other southern European city.
The European link is to be expected though. Les Grottes d'Hercules (Caves of Hercules) are ten kilomtres east of the city and are located where mythology claims Hercules split Africa and Europe, blasting the two land masses apart with his mace while completing one of his 12 labours.
But it’s not just the proximity.
The Portuguese and Spanish colonised Morocco for centuries, and Morocco only took back Tangier from Spain in 1956.
In parts, the city exudes an atmosphere of decayed grandeur, which is indeed part of the attraction. Despite its fall from glory, a stylish café society still exists along many of Tangier's boulevards, and merchants in the medina are doing good trade.
If you require character, Tangier has it in abundance.
Who knows, when there you may be tempted to take the ferry leaving from the port just below the medina to Spain and overland through Europe.
I was certainly tempted.
I eventually decided to head south back to Marrakesh to leave the easy way – by plane.
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TRAVEL MAPS & TRANSPORT- POTHOLES - IGNORING THEM COSTS MORE THAN REPAIRING THEM IN THE LONG RUN
Updated: 23 May 2011
Pothole problem sinks to new depths amid £13bn repair bill
Councils are changing their definitions of pot holes in a money saving move, The Sunday Telegraph can reveal.
When is a pothole not a pothole? When it is less than one and a half inches deep
By Patrick Hennessy, Political Editor 9:00PM BST 21 May 2011
When is a pothole not a pothole?
When it is less than one and a half inches deep, according to a new definition aimed at saving money on road maintenance.
Under the guidelines, holes that are less than 1.57 inches (40mm) in depth will no longer be repaired. Previously, holes as shallow as 0.98in (25mm) were filled in.
The cost-cutting move, by Lambeth council in south London, is set to be followed across the country with nearly three-quarters of local authorities preparing to cut their roads maintenance budgets.
It comes as parliamentary research shows that the total cost of repairing every pothole on England’s roads has soared to more than £13 billion, following a run of bad winters which damaged road surfaces across the country.
In Lambeth, the council has also cut road inspections from every four months to every six months in a further bid to cut costs.
Councillor Lorna Campbell, cabinet member for environment and sustainability at the Labour-run council, said holes would be checked less frequently and only deeper ones filled in.
She added: “Because of the unprecedented budget pressures we have had to increase intervention limits and response times and decrease inspection frequencies to achieve a saving.”
Every council has its own definition of how deep a pothole must be before repairs are required. In some areas the threshold varies depending on whether the damage is on a major or a minor road.
The latest nationwide figures for the cost of repairing potholes come from a survey of all English local authorities with highway maintenance responsibility. Responses were received from 111 councils, responsible for around three-quarters of roads.
Detailed figures were provided by some 40 per cent of councils, which together reported a repairs backlog totalling £5.36 billion. If roads in other areas were in a similar state of disrepair, the backlog would hit £13.4 billion.
Previous estimates of the amount it would cost to repair all potholes in England were around £9 billion.
Currently there are estimated to be 10 potholes for every mile of road – a total of around 1.6 million across England.
The overwhelming majority of councils, 102 out of 111, reported having a backlog of repairs which they did not currently have the budget to make good in the current climate of across-the-board cuts to public spending.
Last year the Coalition announced a £432 million cut in road maintenance budgets across the country – first revealed in The Sunday Telegraph.
While ministers later announced an extra £100 million for councils to fix potholes, such a figure is a drop in the ocean compared to the latest £13.4 billion estimate.
John Woodcock, the shadow roads minister who carried out the survey, said: “Potholes frustrate road users more than anything and it’s clear that the Government has no serious long term plan to get our roads back into shape.
“Instead of continually patching up knackered road surfaces with a bucket of tar we need a proper strategic plan for local roads which could save taxpayers money a fortune in the long term.
“What is needed is a radical look at new funding models, councils working together and better engagement with the private sector to tackle this problem.”
Potholes are caused at times of sub-zero temperatures when water seeps into cracks in the road surface then freezes and expands, breaking up the tarmac.
Earlier this year a survey by Kwik Fit found that nearly four in 10 motorists had to take evasive action to avoid hitting a pothole in the previous 12 months.
Some 7.6 million motorists suffered pothole damage to their vehicle in the same period, amassing more than £473 million in bills for repairs to tyre and wheels, nearly £10 million more than in 2009.
Mr Woodcock’s survey showed that 17 local authorities reported individual backlogs of £100 million or more, with three county councils having backlogs in excess of £400 million – North Yorkshire, Kent and Devon.
Philip Hammond, the transport secretary, said: "This Government understands what a problem potholes on our roads can be, that's why we are making available £3.2 billion over the next four years for road maintenance and we found an extra £200 million for councils to tackle the consequences of the extreme cold weather last winter."
Among more detailed findings:
- In Merton, South London, at the end of 2010/11, finances were so constrained that only emergency repairs were being undertaken.
- Dorset county council admitted that prioritisation of repairs is “disadvantaging the lowest priority of roads”, such as residential roads.
- Bolton Council said it was cutting inspection frequencies and intervention levels.
- Kirklees noted that it was shifting to cheaper treatments which “will naturally increase the backlog of repairs in future years.”
- Sunderland Council said it was changing its priority from resurfacing full roads to targeted pothole repairs.
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TRAVEL MAPS & TRANSPORT - SPEED SIGN MERCHANTS
Updated: 20 May 2011
Drivers fined after pranksters change 30 sign to 40
Hundreds of drivers have been issued with speeding tickets after troublemakers changed a 30mph sign to 40.
Local residents in Bradford, West Yorkshire, said the speed camera located on the road was "flashing like a disco strobe light," as motorists were repeatedly pinched.
The local council has now removed the sign, which was believed to have been in place for several days.
Speaking to the 'Daily Mail', Bradford resident Dave Clarke said: "People were coming at 30mph but this sign brought them back up to 40mph so people were picking their speed up and setting the flash off. There have obviously been a lot of people who have been caught by it."
Bradford Council has told anyone who has received a speeding ticket from the camera, situated on Woodside Road in Wyke, to get in touch.
Darren Badrock of Bradford Council said: "Whoever put it up may think it was just a practical joke but it is actually crassly irresponsible.
"We lowered the limit to 30mph on Woodside Road because there had been 157 casualties on the A641 over three years. Encouraging people to drive faster than the speed limit may put lives at risk."
Jack Carfrae
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TRAVEL MAPS & TRANSPORT - GAPPERS HEAD FOR AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK
Updated: 19 May 2011
Australia
It's the classic gap year destination, and remains the top choice for many gappers (however long the gap is that they need to fill). Our resident travel experts will answer your questions if you ask nicely…
Sunset over an old vehicle near Glen Helen Gorge in the West MacDonnell Ranges, 133km west of Alice Springs. Photograph: Alex Coppel/Newspix
• Email your questions to commercial.editor@guardian.co.uk
Australia is the destination that bounds energetically to mind whenever anyone toting a backpack utters the words 'gap year'. The land down under receives more British backpackers than anywhere else on the planet – and for obvious reasons. There's loads to see, from rainforest to desert and mountain to ocean; it's English-speaking; and it has what is arguably the best developed backpacker network in the world with hostels, buses and bars all set up with budget travellers in mind. However it is also overwhelmingly huge and home to enough attractions and sights to keep you occupied from now until retirement. If you're dazzled by its sheer size and stature ask our experts for their tips on the backpacker capital here.
Readers' questions
Jill Champion: As part of a longer gap year holiday us two oldies (aged 60 and 70) have booked a flight to Oz for February 2010. We are flying into Sydney on 3 February and out of Cairns on the 3 March. We're looking for something more than a beach holiday! We have a maximum budget of £500 per week. We are happy to stay in self-catering apartments (unless there are hostels for oldies) and happy to go by Greyhound or use cheap flights. I have a hankering to get to Alice Springs. Can it be done on this budget?
Steve Gill, STA Travel Cambridge: Travelling is definitely not just for the 18-30s – there are lots of activities out there for everyone! But travelling overland from Sydney to Cairns in a month may be a bit of a push. I would advise spending a few days in Sydney before taking an internal flight to Alice Springs to do a three- or four-day safari in the Red Centre and then fly from Alice Springs to Brisbane to get the Greyhound from there to Cairns. The stretch from Brisbane to Cairns covers a few of Australia's gems such as Fraser Island (the world's largest sand island, which you can explore in a 4x4), the Whitsunday Islands, which include Whitehaven Beach (one of the top beaches in the world) and of course the Great Barrier Reef. If you want all of this sorted out for you before you go then there's a 12-day trip from Brisbane to Cairns, which includes the chance to do all of the activities mentioned above between Brisbane and Cairns as well as including all of your accommodation and transport. If you'd prefer to do it independently then you can get a pass with Greyhound which is valid for six weeks and will let you hop on and off between Brisbane and Cairns at your own speed. Another option is hiring a car, which you can do from £18 per day and with some companies there's no fee for picking up in one place and dropping off in another. Either way, the budget of £500 per week is more than sufficient and should allow you to experience all the highlights along the way, so you should be confident of having a brilliant trip. If you visit or call STA Travel, they'll be able to talk through the options in more detail with you. You can find your nearest branch at statravel.co.uk/branches.
Colin Jeffrey: I was considering taking a gap year in Australia towards the end of this year. Having looked at a series of GAP programmes, "guaranteeing" work placements, is the recession having a big factor on the available possibilities of work for travellers? My Aunt is currently living in Brisbane, and says that work is few and far between at the moment for natives, let alone travellers. Is it simply a bad time to consider these "paid" placements, or is volunteer work a safer bet?
Dylan Clements, STA Travel Covent Garden: Office jobs and the like can be a little bit tougher to get in Australia at the moment than they were previously. However it's not impossible. Also, I have a lot of customers over there who are finding it easy to pick up work such as fruit picking, farm work etc. Before you go why not pick up one of the STA Travel Aussie Starter packs that specalise in finding work for Brits coming to Australia to work. Alternatively, a lot of the volunteers organisations in Australia have some great specials on at the moment, so that is another option too.
I've got about six weeks in Australia (as part of a bigger trip later this year). Where do you suggest I go?
Helen Ochyra: Australia could swallow Europe whole so my main advice is, don't plan to do too much. Assuming you're flying into Sydney (most people do) plan to spend at least three days in the city before heading up the east coast. Stop for a night or two in Byron Bay before heading further north to the main attractions – Fraser Island, the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns is a fun town and a great base for trips to Cape Tribulation and into the Atherton Tablelands, so plan on a week or so there. If you still have time head out into the Outback – you could fly to Uluru from Cairns for a couple of nights in the desert.
Dylan Clements, STA Travel Covent Garden: There so much to see and do in Australia, there is something for everyone. Along the east coast you will find sunny beaches, tropical rainforests and a tonne of wildlife. The two main cities, Sydney and Melbourne, will offer you anything from world-class shopping to 24-hour nightlife. Why not go to the red centre and experience the real Australian outback and sleep under the stars and walk the base of Ayers Rock? The west coast can offer you anything from whale watching to some stunning bush walks in snake-infested forests!
I've only got two weeks off in October but really want to go to Australia. Is this enough time – or should I save it for when I've got more time?
HO: If this is a now or never sort of decision then go now and just do Sydney and Cairns (flying between the two). You could just about fit in the sights and beaches of Sydney along with the Great Barrier Reef, Cape Tribulation and maybe the Whitsundays. However, if you can wait you would get so much more out of spending a month or two there (or even six or 12 months). The east coast alone takes a good month to six weeks to see properly and you should really try to fit in Western Australia if you can – it's a ruggedly beautiful place with so many attractions of its own. And that's before we even mention the Outback…
Dylan Clements, STA Travel Covent Garden: Australia is a massive country but you can still see a lot in two weeks. Doing one of our two-week tours from Cairns to Sydney (from £990) will allow you to encounter a lot of different Australia experiences. These tours cover anything from feeding crocodiles, sunning on beaches, drinking with locals at small town pubs, sailing the Whitsundays to doing a 4WD safari on Fraser Island.
I've heard a lot of people say Melbourne is a really cool place to go in Australia. Do you agree?
HO: I certainly do. Although Sydney has all the glamour and the good looks, Melbourne wins hands down when it comes to culture. The arts are really strong here so you'll find lots of great nightlife, from music gigs to comedy nights, as well as numerous exhibitions and a whole host of street theatre. Sport is the city's other obsession and there's probably no better place (except Lords of course!) than the MCG to catch a cricket match. You could easily spend a week exploring the sights of Melbourne, and with such a thriving café culture, you'll need to plan for lots of coffee stops as well.
Ryan Pearson, STA Travel Cambridge: Definitely. Melbourne feels a little more laid back than Sydney but it offers just as much (if not more) culturally. It has good beaches such as St Kilda, lots of lively suburbs and a great music scene, not to mention amazing sports venues and a big nightlife/entertainment hub on the south bank of the river Yarra. Within a day's travel are the Grampian Mountains, the spectacular scenery and surf of the Great Ocean Road, the Yarra Valley Vineyards and the penguins on Phillip Island.
How much money will I need to travel in Australia? I'll be staying in hostels and eating pretty cheaply but also want to have a bit of fun!
HO: Australia is cheaper than Europe and the US but more expensive than many other backpacker destinations. Costs vary depending on where you're staying – Sydney of course being pricier than most other towns and cities, but the Outback also packing a weighty, wallet-stretching punch as everything has to be brought in. Accommodation in hostels starts from around A$20 (just under a tenner) for a dorm bed and if you're fairly frugal with food and drink you'll be able to get by on a further A$50 (about £24) a day. Transport, activities and excursions (plus any big nights out) will add to this though so be realistic about how much you think you'll need for your plans, and budget to spend far more than you set out to.
How easy is it to get a working visa for Australia?
HO: Providing you're aged between 18 and 30 you can get a working holiday visa for Australia almost as easily as ordering next week's supermarket delivery online. Just go to www.immi.gov.au or ask an STA Travel adviser to sort it out for you. You'll need all your passport information to hand and will also have to pay a fee – currently A$230 (about £112). If your application is successful you can stay for up to 12 months and work for any one employer for six. If you want to stay longer though you'll need to do three months 'specified work' in regional Australia, which includes things like plant and animal cultivation and mining – possibly not the sort of work you had in mind!
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TRAVEL MAPS & TRANSPORT- SKODA IS WINNING THE VALUE WAR
Updated: 14 May 2011
Mr Money: Skoda is winning the value war
In the fight to deliver value, the Czech company seems to have triumphed thanks to products and prices that are are spot on.
THE RADICAL HAS AN OCTAVIA 1.4 TSI HATCH -REG MARCH 2011
It seems to me that demoralised competitors have stopped trying to compete with Skoda on product quality, price, after-sales service and overall customer satisfaction.
The cars from the Czech Republic are simply the best high-volume, brand-new, “bread and butter” cars in the world.
Under the umbrella of parent company Volkswagen (which provides access to cutting-edge engines also used in VWs and Audis), the Czechs are responsible for one or two best-in-class models.
These include the sub-£15,000 Yeti in the mini-MPV sector and the Superb in the saloon and estate market, where it more than matches the Mercedes E-class in terms of space and quality.
You can get a Superb for half the price of the similarly sized E-class – it starts at £17,455 – before you receive the large discount Skoda will force on you, whether you want a price reduction or not.
Last year it paid the 17.5 per cent VAT on behalf of its customers for what was described as a limited period only.
Astonishingly, Skoda continued to pay the higher rate of 20 per cent from January this year, but again insisted that the VAT-free concession could not last for ever.
The bad news for consumers is that the company has just stopped agreeing to pay the 20 per cent VAT, but the good news is that it has effectively decided it will now pay 15 per cent andleave the customer to pay the remaining five.
For those taking out Skoda finance loans at 7.9 per cent APR, the company will throw in free servicing for three years.
Skoda’s cars and dealers cleaned up in the recent Auto Express customer satisfaction survey, so it’s no surprise that sales are 33 per cent higher than this time last year.
And despite the firm’s generosity towards British buyers, profits are up 87 per cent, while Skoda has stated it aims to double global sales to 1.5?million per year by 2018.
Whatever happened to Chevrolet, Citroën, Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi and one or two others who used to – but no longer – give Skoda a run for its money?
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TRAVEL MAPS & TRANSPORT-DIESEL AT £6.50p A GALLON
Updated: 05 May 2011
Diesel 'now at £6.50 a gallon'
Petrol prices: The cost of diesel has reached the equivalent of £6.50 a gallon, according to AA figures today.
On average, motorists are paying 142.99p a litre for diesel, with petrol now at 137.24p a litre or £6.24 a gallon.
A year ago, average petrol prices were 121.43p a litre, with diesel at 122.83p.
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TRAVEL MAPS & TRANSPORT- VISIT LINCOLN CASTLE HILL GENUINE FARMERS MARKET
Updated: 03 May 2011
Lincoln Farmers Market City Square
Farmers Market
Castle Hill Lincoln Lincolnshire LN1 3AA
Tel: +44 (0) 1522 545 711
Meet local farmers and producers at Lincoln Farmers’ Markets and sample some of the best food the region has to offer.
1st friday of every month.
Opening Times
| Open All Year (01/01/2011 - 31/12/2011) |
| Day | Times |
| Monday |
Closed |
| Tuesday |
Closed |
| Wednesday |
Closed |
| Thursday |
Closed |
| Friday |
09:00 |
16:00 |
| Saturday |
Closed |
| Sunday |
Closed |
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TRAVEL MAPS & TRANSPORT- LASER SPARK PLUGS ?
Updated: 26 Apr 2011
By Jason Palmer Science and technology reporter, BBC News
Two or three lasers are focused to ignite fuel in more than one place
Car engines could soon be fired by lasers instead of spark plugs, researchers say.
A team at the Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics will report on 1 May that they have designed lasers that could ignite the fuel/air mixture in combustion engines.
The approach would increase efficiency of engines, and reduce their pollution, by igniting more of the mixture.
The team is in discussions with a spark plug manufacturer.
The idea of replacing spark plugs - a technology that has changed little since their invention 150 years ago - with lasers is not a new one.
Spark plugs only ignite the fuel mixture near the spark gap, reducing the combustion efficiency, and the metal that makes them up is slowly eroded as they age.
"In the past, lasers that could meet those requirements were... big, inefficient, and unstable"
Takunori Taira National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki
But only with the advent of smaller lasers has the idea of laser-based combustion become a practical one.
Ceramic powders
A team from Romania and Japan has now demonstrated a system that can focus two or three laser beams into an engine's cylinders at variable depths.
That increases the completeness of combustion and neatly avoids the issue of degradation with time.
However, it requires that lasers of high pulse energies are used; just as with spark plugs, a great deal of energy is needed to cause ignition of the fuel.
"In the past, lasers that could meet those requirements were limited to basic research because they were big, inefficient, and unstable," said Takunori Taira of the National Institutes of Natural Sciences in Okazaki, Japan.
Spark plugs only ignite the fuel mixture very near the spark gap
"Nor could they be located away from the engine, because their powerful beams would destroy any optical fibres that delivered light to the cylinders."
The team has been developing a new approach to the problem: lasers made of ceramic powders that are pressed into spark-plug sized cylinders.
These ceramic devices are lasers in their own right, gathering energy from compact, lower-power lasers that are sent in via optical fibre and releasing it in pulses just 800 trillionths of a second long.
Unlike the delicate crystals typically used in high-power lasers, the ceramics are more robust and can better handle the heat within combustion engines.
The team is in discussions to commercialise the technology with Denso, a major automobile component manufacturer.
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TRAVEL MAPS & TRANSPORT- THE UK CAR MARKET 2011
Updated: 13 Apr 2011
New car sales drop sharply in January
New car registrations fell for a seventh consecutive month with a sharp drop in January as the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders warned it expected 2011 to be a difficult year
"This marks the beginning of a challenging year for the UK motor industry," said SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt.
By Graham Ruddick 11:24AM GMT 04 Feb 2011
TELEGRAPH ARTICLE
The 11.5pc drop to 128,811 is due in part to the loss of the Scrappage Incentive Scheme. However, other factors contributing to the fall included the rise in VAT to 20pc on January 4 and uncertainty over the economic setting.
"This marks the beginning of a challenging year for the UK motor industry," said SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt.
He said with consumer confidence low it was important the Government uses the March Budget to help relieve some of the financial pressure on motorists by freezing fuel duty, while providing stability and certainty on motoring taxes.
Howard Archer, chief UK economist at Global Insight, said the new car market would be heavily reliant on fleet sales this year, which fell only 3.1pc in January compared to a 21pc decline in private retail sales, as consumer confidence wanes.
He added: "The car sector faces an extremely challenging looking 2011. Not only are car sales being pressurized by January's VAT increase from 17.5pc to 20.0pc and current record high petrol prices, but private sales are likely to be dampened appreciably by the serious headwinds facing consumers.
"These pressures are likely to make worried consumers very careful about splashing out on as big-ticket an item as a car, and it is worrying for car retailers that consumer confidence suffered its sharpest monthly fall since 1992 in January to be at a 22-month low. The substantial fiscal squeeze will increasingly hit public sector jobs and consumers' pockets, while households already face high unemployment, negative real income growth and elevated debt levels. In addition, there is the very real likelihood that the Bank of England could raise interest rates before long."
Despite the challenging conditions, the demand for low CO2 emitting and highly fuel efficient cars continues to grow.
Diesel car sales rose and their market share was once again over 50pc in the month. Alternative fuelled cars matched their record share of 1.4pc of the market.
Demand for the mini and supermini segment, boosted by the scrappage scheme a year ago, fell sharply this January, while that for executive, luxury, MPV and dual purpose segment cars recovered strongly.
UK-built cars took a 12.9pc share of the January market, unchanged from January 2010.
The Ford Focus was the best selling new car in January and also the top-selling diesel model in the month.
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TRAVEL MAPS TRANSPORT- 2010 UK CAR INDUSTRY SALES FIGURES
Updated: 13 Apr 2011
What the car sales figures really say about the UK motor industry
The 11.4pc rise in UK car sales figures for September is great news for an industry more than 30pc down earlier in the year. However, given the already-known success of the Government’s scrappage scheme, it was somewhat expected.
TELEGRAPH ARTICLE
By Graham Ruddick 2:39PM BST 06 Oct 2009
Arguably, what is more enlightening about the state of the economy are the trends below that headline number.
From March 2010 the UK car industry could be the first part of the economy to lose the costly Government stimulus provided following the financial crisis.
Therefore, given the tens of billions of pounds that were pumped into the financial sector and the debate surrounding low interest rates, this would be a pivotal test of our hopes for a recovery.
It is therefore concerning that the numbers from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders suggest that the underlying market is weak and could be heading for that dreaded phase - "a double dip" - when the scrappage scheme ends.
The scrappage scheme accounted for 21pc of sales in September, that's 77,316 cars. Without that stimulus, the market would have been down 12pc on a pretty terrible September 2008.
Now I accept that comparison is rather hypothetical, but it is fair to assume that many of the consumers buying a new car in the scrappage scheme would not be doing so without that £2,000 incentive.
Even with the scrappage scheme, as the SMMT points out, sales were
12pc down on the same month in 2007 and 9.5pc off for the average for the month between 1999 and 2008.
A more upbeat trend in the figures is that fleet sales recovered as businesses look to upgrade their cars. That market, which contributes roughly half of all sales in the UK, has been relatively unmoved by the scrappage scheme. However, a fall so far this year of more than 25pc turned into just a 13.6pc annual decline in September.
The anecdotal evidence suggests that businesses are rushing to buy new cars before VAT returns from 15pc to 17.5pc on January 1. So, even this improvement may not be around come March.
A steep fall in sales come the end of the scrappage scheme therefore looks likely. Analysts believe potential buyers from 2010 and 2011 may have brought their purchases forward because of the programme. When the scrappage scheme ran out in the US, sales fell 23pc.
The upside on UK manufacturers is already under threat. New figures on industrial output show a 2.5pc fall from July to August. Automotive output fell 2.6pc despite the scrappage scheme, showing the impact that the end of programmes elsewhere in Europe has had.
This supports an argument the SMMT alway put forward when campaigning for the scrappage scheme - that a UK plan would help foreign manufacturers just as foreign plans helped UK-based manufacturers.
Although the top four best-selling cars in Britain (the Fiesta, Corsa, Focus, and Astra) all have production links to the UK – thanks to Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port and Luton, and Ford’s engine plants – the list of the top ten risers and fallers (below) highlights the benefit Lord Mandelson's £400m investment on foreign companies.
Hyundai and Kia are in the risers, Jaguar and Vauxhall amongst the fallers. The UK scrappage scheme has boosted manufacturers’ cash flow and dealers, but without its European sister schemes, it could lack drive for our manufacturers and their workers.
Biggest year-on-year growth (at least 1,000 cars sold in Sept)
Alfa Romeo, +148pc
Hyundai, +122pc
Kia, +101pc
SEAT, +38pc
Land Rover, +34pc
Nissan, +30pc
smart, +25pc
Skoda, +24pc
Ford, +22pc
Mini, +21pc
Biggest year-on-year decline (at least 1,000 cars sold in Sept)
Saab, -50pc
Mercedes-Benz, -14pc
Chevrolet, -14pc
Suzuki, -8pc
Mitsubishi, -8pc
Audi, -8pc
Jaguar, -7pc
Lexus, -6pc
Vauxhall, -3pc
Renault, -1pc
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TRAVEL MAPS & TRANSPORT - UK CAR MARKET STILL STUCK IN REVERSE
Updated: 13 Apr 2011
UK car market: Stuck in reverse
Yet more dire figures on new car sales add to the pressure for help in the Budget. Sarah Arnott reports
Tuesday, 7 April 2009
INDEPENDENT ARTICLE
Thanks to the annual spring change in the vehicle registration plate, March is traditionally the big sales month for the UK car market. But not in 2009. Nearly 138,000 fewer cars were sold last month than in March 2008, as sales plummeted by 30.5 per cent year on year, the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said yesterday.
The figures for the year-to-date are no cheerier. More than 200,000 fewer vehicles were sold in the first quarter, amounting to a decline of 29.7 per cent on last year.
There are no glimmers of light. Car buying has now been dropping for 11 consecutive months, leaving major marques and their entire supply chains to cut back on hours and lay off staff. Every part of the market is in tatters. Private sales were down 28.6 per cent last month, fleet sales down 31.2 per cent, business sales down 44.7 per cent.
Paul Everitt, the chief executive of the SMMT, said: "Some parts of the motor industry are surviving on fresh air. We did anticipate that life would be tough in 2009, but we had hoped March would see a bit of a shift. Instead we are just bumping along the bottom and things are certainly not getting any better."
Each new, grim number adds to the pressure on the Chancellor to dole out some assistance in the Budget later this month. Lord Mandelson, the Business Secretary, has not been idle. The £2.3bn loan guarantee package launched in January is now finally up and running, and the success of Jaguar Land Rover's £270m application is expected imminently. But the guarantees are only available for longer-term research and development schemes linked to the environmental agenda, and do little to help with the acute demand shortages besetting the industry.
The biggest problem is simply that people are not buying cars. And the industry's best hope for assistance is a scrappage incentive – providing motorists with a cash subsidy for trading in old cars for newer, green models. The SMMT first raised the possibility in early February, and is recommending a scheme offering £2,000 to trade in a car from 1999 or before that has been owned for more than 12 months. So far the government has been tight-lipped, although sources close to the negotiations see the fact that it has not been entirely ruled out as a cause for optimism.
Other European governments have jumped faster. France, Germany, Spain and Italy all have incentives, with some spectacular results. In Spain and Italy, where the cash figure is lower, falling demand has merely stabilised. But more generous packages in France and Germany have seen sales shoot up to, respectively, plus 8 per cent year-on-year and a whopping plus 20 per cent. But the UK proposal has some serious detractors. Only 14 per cent of the vehicles made in British factories are sold here, and 86 per cent of the cars we buy are built abroad. So not only will taxpayers' money go to help foreign car companies, but the subsidy for purchasing foreign-made cars will also undo the benefit of the weak pound to UK manufacturers, claim critics. Even the 14 per cent figure is misleadingly high in the context of scrappage incentives. Because the scheme is aimed at decade-old bangers – likely to be driven by the less well-off but to be traded in for spanking new models – the impact will be felt in the cheaper small-car market. Of the UK-manufactured models, only the Nissan Micra and the Mini fit the bill, and the Mini is too expensive to be a common choice.
Proponents of the proposal maintain that too myopic a focus on models built in the UK is to miss the point. The global car industry is a perfect illustration of the need for a co-ordinated stimulus touted so vocally by world leaders at last week's G20 summit in London.
Not only are UK manufacturers already directly benefiting from incentives in place on the Continent, but component makers – such as the major engine factories at Bridgend, Dagenham and Hams Hall – are also feeling a boost. "The biggest impact will be felt from a co-ordinated, international implementation of these types of scheme," Mr Everitt said.
"Last week Gordon Brown was talking about the need for further stimulus, but at the same time we are the only major European nation that doesn't have a scrappage scheme. Given that we export 75 per cent of what we produce, we are taking the benefits from others' support, but we are not prepared to make these efforts ourselves."
Nor should the effect of a boost in demand on the UK's dealership network be underestimated.
There are about 4,500 dealerships, employing around 600,000 people in the UK, and about 25 per cent of a car's retail value goes to the distribution network.
A more subtly designed scheme could harness the specific characteristics of the UK car-buying public to push demand towards British-built cars, according to some experts. With the vast majority of movement taking place in the used-car market, a better plan in the UK might be to allow buyers to trade up within that secondhand market. This would act as an escalator, pushing the person who has a nearly new vehicle to trade up to a mid-size, UK-made, new car.
Garel Rhys, at Cardiff Business School's Centre for Automotive Industry Research, said: "As it is currently proposed, a scrappage scheme will help the dealers, the insurance companies and the credit providers, but it won't help the UK car factories unless it recognises the fact that the link between the UK market and the UK industry is incredibly weak."
Meanwhile, the recession is throwing existing sales trends into harsher relief. All three major French marques – Renault, Citroen and Peugeot – are still performing well below the market, while South Korea is seeing on-going results reflecting competitive pricing and good model ranges, from the likes of market-beaters Kia and Hyundai. "The situation is particularly worrying for the French brands because they have the biggest bias towards the small and medium models that should do well in a downturn, but they are not performing well," Professor Rhys said.
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TRAVEL MAPS & TRANSPORT- CHINESE MG HITS A DEPRESSED AUTO MARKET
Updated: 13 Apr 2011
13 April 2011 Last updated at 02:23
The MG6 has been designed in Britain
The first new MG for 16 years will roll off the production line in Longbridge later.
The MG6 is the first large scale production at the Birmingham plant since the demise of Rover in 2005 with the loss of 6,000 jobs.
A five-seater model will be available to buy from May and is expected to sell for between £15,495 and £18,995.
MG is owned by the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation, which is the largest car maker in China.
The MG6 has been designed in the UK but the parts are made in China ready for assembly in Longbridge.
'Dark days'
Local MP Richard Burden said: "Today is a real milestone for Longbridge and for the automotive industry in the West Midlands.
"Longbridge has been through dark days. Nothing will bring back the days when thousands were employed on Longbridge production lines.
"But the greatest tribute we can pay to the heritage that made the name Longbridge synonymous with motor manufacturing throughout the 20th century is to build a future in the 21st century.
"Today is about that future. Longbridge is a huge site and we need to make sure that the redevelopment which is taking place beyond the MG factory itself adds real value to the potential which this area has."
MG Rover went into administration in April 2005 with 6,000 jobs axed.
Three months later the company's assets, including the equipment at the Longbridge factory, were sold to Chinese car maker Nanjing.
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TRAVEL MAPS & TRANSPORT- ARE SUPER FUELS WORTH IT ?
Updated: 08 Apr 2011
Are superfuels worth the cash? - The claims, the reality
06 April 2011
They cost more but are claimed to offer better economy. Are petrol and diesel superfuels too good to be true? Peter de Nayer investigates.
Sales of so-called ‘superfuels’ are rising, and it’s little wonder: with their exotic names and bold promises of better efficiency, it would be easy to think that they could hold the answer to increasing fuel prices.
As a result of being made from higher-quality ingredients and being more finely distilled, superfuels contain more energy than standard fuels. Their makers claim they can provide extra mileage benefits of up to 25% – which would be more than enough to offset the extra 4-9% cost for buying the fuel.
Here, we independently test those extra mileage claims in real driving conditions to find out if superfuels really can help make our motoring cheaper.
Click here to see how superfuel claims stand up to scrutiny
Our rigorous tests took several months, and were carried out by What Car? fuel expert Peter de Nayer, a former senior research engineer for the AA. Each car was tested in every condition, from city to motorway, testing each fuel over hundreds of miles. We’re confident that, if asked, we can repeat our results to within plus or minus 0.5%.
We compared both petrol and diesel superfuels to determine the benefits. The petrol tests were conducted in a VW Polo 1.2 SE and the diesel tests in a BMW 318d Touring.
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TRAVEL,MAPS & TRANSPORT - ROAD TAX INCREASE FROM APRIL 2011
Updated: 25 Mar 2011
Road tax rates from April 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
- VED rates up from April 2011
- Inflationary rate rise
- Price increases range from £5 to £25
The Government has announced in the Budget that road tax rates will increase by the RPI inflation rate on April 1.
What does this actually mean for your road tax bill? Here are the numbers you need to know.
VED Rates for 2011-2012
VED Band A B C D E F G H I J K L M
Standard Rate £0 £20 £30 £95 £115 £130 £165 £190 £210 £245 £260 £445 £460
First-year rate £0 £0 £0 £0 £115 £130 £165 £265 £315 £445 £580 £790 £1000
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TRAVEL MAPS & TRANSPORT- CONDEMNED TO TRAVEL FIRST CLASS CAN BE A PAIN IN MORE THAN OUR BANK BALANCE
Updated: 16 Mar 2011
Long-haul flights can be a real pain in the back
Take the pain out of frequent flying by building up your back and core strength, before and after you board.
By Suzi Dixon 8:22AM GMT 11 Mar 2011
Long-haul flights are the scourge of many a back pain sufferer. Cramped leg room, uncomfortable seating and being confined to a small space all contribute to lower back pain during and after a flight.
A substantial 88 per cent of people experience increased back or neck pain following a flight, according to a survey by Spine Universe. Expats clocking up the air miles to visit family and friends are therefore frequently putting their posture under pressure, and risking long-term back problems.
Lydia Sherlock sees many frequent flyers through her work with Core Strength Bristol, a gym that offers a 12-week spinal rehabilitation programme for sufferers of back pain.
“There are measures you can take to reduce the likelihood of an attack and ease soreness if pain strikes,” said Mrs Sherlock, who has put together the following top tips.
Consider a six to 10-week course of Pilates or similar core-strengthening work before you fly. Many back pain professionals now offer such courses with instructors who specialise in back pain.
During the flight
As anyone who has sat in one can testify, airline seats aren’t designed for comfort. Experts suggest that sitting at a 135 degree angle places the least pressure on the vertebral discs and associated structures. You won’t be able to achieve this in-flight but may find it comfortable to sit with your seat in the reclined position.
If you suffer neck pain, take along an inflatable neck pillow to provide extra support for your head and neck, and rolling up a blanket and placing it behind your lower back can help maintain the natural curve in the spine.
Place a book or similar on the floor to put your feet on. This will raise your legs, putting them in better alignment with your hips.
Aim to get up and walk around every 40 minutes if you can, a wander up and down the aisles will suffice. Find some space at the end of the aircraft and perform some stretching exercises to ease any stiffness.
Start with a spine roll-down; standing tall, move your chin towards your chest then aim to articulate one vertebrae at a time, rolling forwards and rounding your spine until you are fully bent over. Reverse slowly to a standing position and repeat once more.
Raise your legs each in turn, bringing your knee into your chest. Stretch the front of your thighs by bending your heel towards your bottom and gently pulling in with your hand. For the back of your legs, put one leg in front of the other, keep that leg straight, bend the other and hinge forwards from your hips. Keep your back straight and place your hands on the bent leg for support.
Dehydration can worsen back pain, especially if you have disc problems. Make sure you drink plenty of water and avoid excessive tea, coffee and alcohol consumption.
After the flight
If you find yourself in pain following a flight, the best thing you can do is keep moving. Avoid staying seated for long periods and give your back a good stretch using the spinal roll-down. A deep-tissue massage can iron out any stiffness and relax tense muscles.
If the pain continues upon your return, see a back pain professional who can talk to you about long-term solutions.
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TRAVEL MAPS & TRANSPORT- HIGH & LOW SEASON- FAR FROM THE MADDENING CROWDS
Updated: 16 Mar 2011
HIGH SEASON/ LOW SEASON
IT’S A CON
PEAK SEASON GIVES THE GAME AWAY. A TIME OF MOST DEMAND.
NOTHING TO DO WITH SEASONS
WHEN IS THE LOW SEASON IN BRITAIN?
IT’S ONLY A TIME WHEN THE TOURIST INDUSTRY FEELS LOW.
COSTS OF HEATING IS HIGHER, FEWER BOOKINGS, FIXED OVERHEADS CONTINUE.
HIGH SEASON – AS SOON AS TRADE PICKS UP, ENQUIRES START.
YOU MAY SAY SUPPLY AND DEMAND
I PREFER TO THINK OF CHEESE
IF IT SMELLS, IT’S HIGH
AND FOR MY RELIGION
I PREFER IT LOW.
HOWEVER FOR SEASONAL TRAVEL I ALWAYS PREFER LOW.
EASIER TRAVEL,CHEAPER AND FAR FROM THE MADDENING CROWDS.
ANY TIME BRITAIN - IT'S JUST WHAT YOU WANT TO DISCOVER
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TRAVEL MAPS & TRANSPORT-CHEAP AIR TRANSFERS BETWEEN LONDON'S AIRPORTS - & THE PROVINCES-ITS POSSIBLE
Updated: 14 Mar 2011
Air Transfers from London airports: Train
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TRAVEL MAPS & TRANSPORT-A SCHENGEN VISA ? FOR THE FOREIGN WIFE OF A UK CITIZEN WITH A UK SPOUSE VISA
Updated: 13 Mar 2011
WHY A SCHENGEN VISA FOR A BRITISH CITIZEN’S PHILIPPINE WIFE WITH A TWO YEAR UK SPOUSE VISA TRAVELLING TOGETHER.?
THE COST AND TROUBLE MAKES ME SICK.
TRAVEL TO LONDON FROM THE PROVINCES FOR AN INTERVIEW AND WAIT TO COLLECT THE PASSPORTS OR COST OF REGISTERED POSTAGE?
THE COST OF THE FIRST VISA MAYBE FREE OR NOT, BUT WHY SHOULD I SPEND MY MONEY IN COUNTRIES WHO ALLOW ME BUT DENY MY WIFE FREE PASSAGE ?
BANK STATEMENTS ? TRAVEL INSURANCE ?PRE BOOKED ACCOMMODATION ?- GET STUFFED
WE SHALL TRAVEL TO COUNTRIES NOT REQUIRING A VISA FOR EITHER OF US TO SPEND OUR MONEY. SO PUT THAT IN YOUR PIPE AND SMOKE IT EUROPE !
I WOULDN'T EXPECT THE BRITISH FOREIGN OFFICE TO HELP.
THE BORDER AGENCY ARE INCOMPETENT UNHELPFUL AND COULDN'T CARE LESS -THATS OFFICIAL.- I ASKED THEM TO HELP.
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EU EMBASSIES AND TOURIST OFFICES IN THE UK- WHY ARE SO FEW IN THE PROVINCES ?
Updated: 13 Mar 2011
| EU Embassies and tourist offices in the UK |
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Austria
Austrian Embassy 18 Belgrave Mews West London SW1X 8HU t: (020) 7344 3250 f: (020) 7344 0292 e: london-ob@bmeia.gv.at w: www.bmeia.gv.at/london
Austrian National Tourist Office 9 - 11 Richmond Buildings off Dean Street London W1D 3HF Not open to personal callers. Telephone enquiries only t: Holiday Information Line: 0845-101 1818 e: mailto:london@austria.info w: www.austria.info/uk
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Belgium
Belgian Embassy 17 Grosvenor Crescent London SW1X 7EE t: (020) 7470 3700 f: (020) 7470 3795 e: london@diplobel.fed.be w: www.diplomatie.be/london
Belgian Tourist Offices Brussels - Wallonia 217 Marsh Wall London E14 9FJ t: 0800 9545 245 (brochure line) f: 020 7531 0393 e: info@belgiumtheplaceto.be w: www.belgiumtheplaceto.be/
Tourism Flanders - Brussels 1a Cavendish Square London W1G OLD t: 0800 954 5245 (brochure line) f: 020 7307 7731 e: info@visitflanders.co.uk w: www.visitflanders.co.uk/
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Bulgarian Embassy
Bulgarian Embassy 186-188 Queen's Gate London SW7 5HL t: (020) 7584 9400 f: (020) 7584 4948 e: info@bulgarianembassy.org.uk w: www.bulgarianembassy-london.org/
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Cyprus
High Commission for the Republic of Cyprus 13, St James’s Square London SW1Y 4LB t: (020) 7321 4100 f: (020) 7321 4165 e: cyphclondon@dial.pipex.com
Cyprus Tourism Organisation 17 Hanover Street London W1R 0AA t: 0900 188 7744 (Brochure line) e: informationcto@btconnect.com w: www.visitcyprus.org.cy/
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Czech Republic
Embassy of the Czech Republic 26 Kensington Palace Gardens London W8 4QY t: (020) 7243 1115 f: (020) 7727 9654 e: london@embassy.mzv.cz w: www.czechembassy.org.uk
Czech Tourist Authority Czech Tourist Authority - CzechTourism 13 Harley Street London W1G 9QG t: (020) 7631 0427 f: (020) 7631 0419 e-mail: info-uk@czechtourism.com w: www.czechtourism.co.uk
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Denmark
Royal Danish Embassy 55 Sloane Street London SW1X 9SR t: (020) 7333 0200 t: (020) 7333 0264/65 (Visas) f: (020) 7333 0270 e: lonamb@um.dk w: www.denmark.org.uk
Danish Tourist Board 55 Sloane Street London SW1X 9SY t: (020) 7259 5959 f: (020) 7259 5955 e: dtb.london@dt.dk w: www.visitdenmark.com/
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Estonia
Embassy of the Republic of Estonia 16 Hyde Park Gate London SW7 5DG t: (020) 7589 3428 f: (020) 7589 3430 e: london@mfa.ee w: www.estonia.gov.uk
Estonia does not have a Tourism Board in the UK, but the Embassy can help tourists with information.
You can collect tourism brochures from the Embassy between 9 am and 5 pm from Mon to Fri.
If you would like tourism brochures sent to you please send a self-addressed and paid A4 size envelope worth £1.14 to the address above.
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Finland
The Embassy of Finland 38 Chesham Place London SW1X 8HW t: (020) 7838 6200 f: (020) 7235 3680 e: sanomat.lon@formin.fi w: www.finemb.org.uk
Finnish Tourist Board P.O. Box 33213 London W6 8JX t: (020) 7365 2512 f: (020) 8600 5681 e: finlandinfo.lon@mek.fi w: www.visitfinland.com/uk
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France
French Embassy 58 Knightsbridge London SW1X 7JT t: (020) 7073 1000 f: (020) 7073 1004 w: www.ambafrance-uk.org/
Consulate 21 Cromwell Road London SW7 2DQ t: (020) 7073 1200 f: (020) 7073 1201
Consulate General Edinburgh 21 Randolph Crescent Edinburgh EH 3 7TT Tel 0131 225 7954 / fax 0131 225 8975 e: contact.edimbourg-fslt@diplomatie.gouv.fr w: www.consulfrance-edimbourg.org/
ATOUT FRANCE - France Tourism Development Agency Lincoln House - 300 High Holborn London WC1V 7JH United Kingdom t: 09068 244 123 (60p per minute at all times) f: (020) 7493 6594 w: www.franceguide.com
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Germany
Embassy of the F.R. of Germany 23 Belgrave Square Chesham Place London SW1X 8PZ t: (020) 7824 1300 f: (020) 7824 1435 e: info@london.diplo.de w: http://www.london.diplo.de/
Consulate General in Edinburgh 16 Eglington Crescent Edinburgh EH12 5DG Scotland t: (0131) 337 2323 f: (0131) 346 1578
German National Tourist Office PO Box 2695 London W1A 3TN t: (020) 7317 0908 f: (020) 7495 6129 Brochure Request: 09001 600100 e: gntolon@d-z-t.com w: www.germany-tourism.co.uk/co.uk
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Greece
Embassy of Greece/Consulate 1A Holland Park London W11 3TP t: (020) 7229 3850 (Embassy) t: (020) 7221 6467 (Consulate) t: 0891 171 202 (Visas) f: (020) 7229 7221(Embassy) f: (020) 7243 3202 (Consulate) e: political@greekembassy.org.uk e: consulategeneral@greekembassy.org.uk w: www.greekembassy.org.uk/
Greek National Tourism Organisation 4 Conduit Street London W1S 2DJ t: (020) 7495 9300 f: (020) 7287 1369 e: info@gnto.co.uk w: www.gnto.gr/
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Hungary
Embassy of the Republic of Hungary 35 Eaton Place London SW1X 8BY t: (020) 7201 3440 f: (020) 7823 1348 e: office.lon@kum.hu w: www.mfa.gov.hu/emb/london
Hungarian National Tourist Office 46 Eaton Place London SW1X 8AL t: (020) 7823 1032 or (020) 7823 1055 f: (020) 7823 1459 e: mailto:htlondon@btinternet.com?subject=[ANTOR]: w: www.hungarywelcomesbritain.com/
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Ireland
Embassy of Ireland 17 Grosvenor Place London SW1X 7HR t: (020) 7235 2171 t: (020) 7225 7700 (Passports & Visas) f: (020) 7201 2515
Irish Tourist Board Visitor Centre: Nations House, 103 Wigmore Street, London, W1U 1QS t.0800 0397000 e: info.gb@tourismireland.com w: www.tourismireland.com/
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Italy
Italian Embassy 14 Three Kings Yard Davies Street London W1K 4EH t: (020) 7312 2200 f: (020) 7312 2230 e: emblondon@embitaly.org.uk w: www.amblondra.esteri.it
Consulate 38 Eaton Place London SW1X 8AN t: (020) 7235 9371 f: (020) 78231609 e: itconlond@btconnect.com
Italian Consulate in Manchester 111 Piccadilly Manchester M1 2HY t: 0161 236 9024 e: italian.consulate@btconnect.com w: www.italianconsulate.co.uk/
Italian State Tourist Board 1 Princes Street London W1R 2AY t: (020) 7408 1254 f: (020) 7399 3567 Brochure request: 09065 508 925 e: italy@italiantouristboard.co.uk w: www.enit.it/
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Latvia
Embassy of the Republic of Latvia 45 Nottingham Place London W1U 5LY t:(020) 7312 0040 f: (020) 7312 0042 e: embassy.uk@mfa.gov.lv w: www.london.mfa.gov.lv
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Lithuania
Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania 84 Gloucester Place London W1U 6AU t: (020) 7486 6401 f: (020) 7486 6403 e: chancery@lithuanianembassy.co.uk w: www.lithuanianembassy.co.uk
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Luxembourg
Embassy of Luxembourg 27 Wilton Crescent London SW1X 8SD t: (020) 7235 6961 f: (020) 7235 9734 e: londres.amb@mae.etat.lu
Luxembourg Tourist Office Sicilian House - Suite 4.1 Sicilian Avenue London WC1A 2QR Tel: 020 7434 2800 Fax: 020 7430 1773 e: tourism@luxembourg.co.uk. w: www.luxembourg.co.uk/
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Malta
Malta High Commission Malta House 36-38 Piccadilly London W1J OLE t: (020) 7292 4800 f: (020) 7734 1831 e: maltahighcommission.london@gov.mt w: www.foreign.gov.mt/
Malta Tourist Office Unit C Parkhouse 14 Northfields London SW18 1DD t: (020) 8877 6990 f: (020) 8874 9416 e: mailto:office.uk@visitmalta.com?subject=[ANTOR]: w: www.visitmalta.com/
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Netherlands
Royal Netherlands Embassy 38 Hyde Park Gate London SW7 5DP t: (020) 7590 3200 e: london@netherlands-embassy.org.uk w: www.netherlands-embassy.org.uk/
Netherlands Board of Tourism PO Box 30783 London WC2B 6DH t: (020) 7539 7950 f: (020) 7539 7953 e: mailto:information@nbt.org.uk w: www.holland.com/uk
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Poland
Embassy of the Republic of Poland 47 Portland Place London W1B 1JH t: 0870 774 2700 f: (020) 7323 4018 e: polishembassy@polishembassy.org.uk w: www.polishembassy.org.uk/
Polish National Tourist Office Level 3, Westec House, West Gate, London W5 1YY t: 08700 675 010 (brochure line) f: 08700 675 011 e: info@visitpoland.org w: www.poland.dial.pipex.com/
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Portugal
Portuguese Embassy 11 Belgrave Square London SW1X 8PP t: (020) 7235 5331 f: (020) 7245 1287 e: londres@mne.pt
Consulate 3 Portland Place London W1N 3AA t: 0870 005 6970
Portuguese National Tourist Office 11, Belgrave Square, London, SW1X 8PP UK brochure line: 0845 355 1212 (Local Call) f: (020) 7201 6633 e: tourism.london@icep.pt w: www.visitportugal.com
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Romania
Embassy of Romania Arundel House 4 Palace Green Gardens London W8 4QD t: (020) 7602 9777 f: (020) 7602 4229 e: roemb@roemb.co.uk w: http://londra.mae.ro
Romanian National Tourist Office 22 New Cavendish Street London W1G 8TT t: 020 7224 3692 f: 020 7935 6435 e:romaniatravel@btconnect.com w:www.RomaniaTourism.com
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Slovakia
Embassy of the Slovak Republic 25 Kensington Palace Gardens London W8 4QY t: (020) 7313 6470 f: (020) 7313 6481 e: emb.london@mzv.sk w: www.slovakembassy.co.uk/
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Slovenia
Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia 10 Little College Street London SW1P 3SH t: (020) 7222 5700 f: (020) 7222 5277 e: vlo@gov.si w: www.embassy.london.si
Slovenian Tourist Office 10 Little College Street London SW1P 3SH t: 0870 225 53 05 f: (020) 7222 5277 skype: tinemurn e: london@slovenia.info w: www.slovenia.info
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Spain
Spanish Embassy 39 Chesham Place London SW1X 8SB t: (020) 7235 5555 f: (020) 7259 5392 e: emb.londres@maec.es
Consulate 20 Draycott Place London SW3 2RZ t: (020) 7589 8989 f: (020) 7259 6487
Spanish National Tourist Office 2nd Floor 79 New Cavendish Street London W1W 6XB t: (Information) (020) 7486 8077 f: (020) 7486 8034 e: info.londres@tourspain.es w: www.spain.info/
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Sweden
Embassy of Sweden 11 Montagu Place London W1H 2AL t: (020) 7917 6400 t: (020) 7917 6415 (Visas) f: (020) 7724 4174 e: Consular and visa department or All other departments w: www.swedenabroad.com/london
Swedish Travel & Tourism Council 5 Upper Montagu Street London W1H 2AG t: 00800 3080 3080 e: mailto:info@swetourism.org.uk w: www.visitsweden.com
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UK Tourist Offices
British Tourist Authority and English Tourist Board Thames Tower Black's Road Hammersmith London W6 9EL Contact: Sue Garland, Assistant Director, Policy and Secretary to the Board t: (020) 8846 9000 f: (020) 8563 0302 w: www.visitbritain.com/
Trade Help Desk (for enquiries about inbound tourism to Britain only) t: (+44) (0)20 8563 3186 Tradehelpdesk@bta.org.uk
Northern Ireland Tourist Board 59 North Street Belfast BT1 1NB t: +44 (0)28 90231221 f: +44 (0)28 90240960 e: VisitorServices@nitb.com w: www.discovernorthernireland.com/
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TRAVEL MAPS & TRANSPORT-ROAD CONGESTION IN THE UK IS WORSE THAN THE US
Updated: 13 Mar 2011
UK worse for congestion than US
You always knew road congestion here was bad. But did you know that it's even worse than in the car-loving States?
British drivers now sit idle in traffic for a total of 46 hours a year, on average – twice as long as commuters in the United States – new figures show.
An in-depth study including analysis of traffic congestion in European and US cities found that UK roads are at their busiest during the Monday morning peak period when workers are heading for the office. By comparison, American roads are most congested on a Friday evening, when US drivers head for home eagerly anticipating the joys of the weekend ahead.
"Despite drivers spending nearly twice the amount of time stuck in traffic compared to the Americans, traffic in the country's largest cities is much worse than those in the UK," said Hans Puvogel, Europe general manager of traffic information service INRIX. "While traffic jams still clog the roads in cities like London and Birmingham, it shows the UK is doing a much better job of managing traffic congestion in its major urban centres than its US counterparts.
"Fortunately, on whichever side of the pond you find yourself, there are ways in which commuters can reduce travel time, both in the short term and for the future."
The worst traffic day in the UK is Wednesday, compared to Thursday in the US. The best traffic day in the UK is Friday, compared to Monday in the US. The worst traffic hour of all, however, in the UK, is 8-9am on a Monday, compared to 5-6pm on a Friday in the US.
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TRAVEL MAPS & TRANSPORT-SLOW DOWN TO SAVE FUEL
Updated: 08 Mar 2011
Lower speed limit to reduce oil use
SPAIN:
The government introduced a lower maximum highway speed limit today to reduce energy use as the insurgency in Libya sent fuel prices above $106 (£65) a barrel.
The fine for violating the new speed limit of 68 mph is €100 (£86).
Spain and other European states depend on Libyan crude oil.
Production has suffered during the crisis there.
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TRAVEL MAPS & TRANSPORT- GRETNA - LINCOLN AA ROUTE PLANNER
Updated: 05 Mar 2011
Distance: 190.9 miles (show in km) Time: 3 hr 46 min
RADICAL & ROSE CAME HOME TODAY
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0.00 |
Start out on Loanwath Road
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0.04 |
Turn left onto Central Avenue
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B721
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0.24 |
Turn right onto Annan Road - B721
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B7076
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0.57 |
At roundabout take the 2nd exit onto Glasgow Road - B7076
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0.90 |
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A6071
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1.12 |
Continue forward onto the A6071
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M6
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1.19 |
Turn right, then join the M6 motorway
Signposted Carlisle
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5.12 |
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18.01 |
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A66
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29.11 |
Leave the M6 at junction 40, then at roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the A66
Signposted Brough
Traffic blackspot: Call AA Roadwatch on 84322
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29.99 |
At Kemplay Bank roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the A66
Signposted Brough, Scotch Corner
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45.95 |
Warning: Speed Cameras along the A66 
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50.41 |
At Brough continue forward
Signposted Scotch Corner
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63.52 |
Keep in right hand lane to continue forward onto the A66
Signposted Scotch Corner
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78.94 |
Scotch Corner Service Area
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A1
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78.96 |
At roundabout take the 3rd exit, then merge onto the A1
Signposted The South
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88.76 |
Warning: Speed Cameras along the A1 
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90.39 |
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A1(M)
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101.78 |
At Dishforth Interchange (Junction 49) continue forward onto the A1(M)
Signposted The South, Wetherby
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116.96 |
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126.64 |
At Junction 43 branch left, then join the A1(M) motorway
Signposted The South
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A1
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137.29 |
At Junction 40 continue forward onto the A1
Signposted The South
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142.15 |
Barnsdale Bar Service Area
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A1(M)
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145.09 |
At Red House Junction continue forward onto the A1(M)
Signposted The South
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A1
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160.13 |
Continue forward onto the A1
Signposted The South
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160.29 |
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169.43 |
Warning: Speed Cameras along the A1 
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A638
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172.27 |
At Markham Moor Junction branch left, then at roundabout take the 1st exit onto the A638
Signposted Retford
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A57
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172.67 |
At roundabout take the 1st exit onto the A57
Signposted Lincoln, East Markham
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178.74 |
Continue forward onto unnamed road
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A57
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178.81 |
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179.15 |
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180.33 |
Warning: Speed Cameras along the A57 
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182.45 |
At T-junction turn right onto the A57
Signposted Lincoln, Broadholme
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186.90 |
At roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the A57
Signposted Lincoln, Newark
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188.28 |
At roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the A57
Signposted Lincoln Central
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189.70 |
Continue forward, then merge onto the A57
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189.76 |
At traffic signals turn right onto Newland - A57
Signposted City Centre, Sleaford A15
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TRAVEL MAPS & TRANSPORT- MOFFAT - LOOK IT UP ?- WE DID !
Updated: 05 Mar 2011
Moffat
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Moffat (Scottish Gaelic: Am Magh Fada, "The Long Plain") is a former burgh and spa town in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, lying on the River Annan, with a population of around 2,500. The most notable building in the town is the Moffat House Hotel, designed by John Adam. The nearby Star Hotel, a mere 20 ft (6 m) wide, boasted a record in the Guinness Book of Records as the narrowest hotel in the world. Moffat also won the famous "Britain In Bloom" contest in 1996. Moffat is also the home to the well known Moffat toffee.
The Devil's Beef Tub near Moffat was used by the members of Clan Moffat and later the members of Clan Johnstone to hoard cattle stolen in predatory raids. The town is held to be the ancestral seat of Clan Moffat.
Early tourism as a spa town
During the 17th century Moffat began to grow from a small village into a popular spa town. The sulphurous waters of Moffat Spa were believed to have healing properties and during the Victorian era the high demand led to the water being piped down from the well to a specially built bath house in the town centre (now the Town Hall). Luxurious hotels sprang up to accommodate the increasing numbers of tourists. One such hotel opened during Moffat's heyday in 1878, Moffat's Hydropathic hotel was destroyed in a fire in 1921.
The old well was refurbished in the mid 1990s, and is still accessible by vehicle and foot. The water smells very strongly of sulphur, with deposits on the walls and well itself. At the grand reopening of the well people visiting it were encouraged to drink a glass of it.
The well is reached by following Haywood Road and climbing up Tank Wood (on the right at the top) - the path at the end was the original route to the well. When the water was first piped into town for the baths it was pumped uphill to a tank in the appropriately named Tank Wood, before travelling back downhill to the bath house.
Wool trade
Ram statue
Moffat was a notable market in the wool trade, and this is commemorated with a statue of a ram by William Brodie in the town's marketplace. The ram was presented to the town by William Colvin, a local businessman, in 1875. The ram is missing its ears, and has been since it was first presented. Legend has it that when Brodie realised that he had forgotten the ears he promptly committed suicide in one of the rooms in the annandale hotel (although he did commit suicide shortly afterwards, this is unlikely to be the reason).
Notable people
Air Chief Marshal Hugh Dowding, commander of RAF Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain, was born in Moffat in 1882. D. E. Stevenson (1892–1973) author and cousin to Robert Louis Stevenson. William Carruthers, botanist, was born in Moffat.
Moffat has spawned two full Scotland international footballers, James B Niven and James Fraser, and Indian-Scottish comedian Danny Bhoy. Ivor Robson, the official starter for the Open golf tournament since 1975, lives in Moffat.
Famous and infamous visitors
Robert Burns came for the waters and frequented the local bars.
The infamous murderer and alleged graverobber William Hare may have stayed in the Black Bull Hotel during his escape to Ireland after turning Kings evidence against William Burke. (Main article West Port murders)
In 1935, the remains of the victims of the Lancaster murderer, Dr Buck Ruxton, were found in a stream near The Devil's Beef Tub. A landmark case in legal history, it was the first in which the murderer was successfully convicted using the type of highly sophisticated forensic techniques which are taken for granted in the 21st century. The bridge at the top is still used to this day - near the very top it is a switchback that is not quite wide enough for two vehicles to pass on. The area is colloquially known as "Ruxton's Dump".
Tourism
Post Office
The town attracts many tourists all year round, both as visitors and as walkers in the surrounding hills. Notable buildings include the Annandale Arms Hotel and Restaurant which recently was awarded 4 stars by Food Review Scotland[1] as well as The Real Food Award by Scottish Hotel Awards 2009. Shops include the Moffat Toffee Shop and The Edinburgh Woollen Mill, while its restaurants and cafes include The Bombay Cuisine, Claudio's, Arietes, The Rumblin' Tum, The Balmoral and the Buccleuch Arms Hotel and Restaurant. The Buccleuch has also been awarded Gold in Visitscotland's Green Tourism Business Scheme.[2]
It also has a recreation park with a boating pond and a memorial to Air Chief Marshal Hugh Dowding.
There is an official Camping and Caravanning Club campsite (for tents, caravans and motorhomes) that is open all year as of 13 March 2008. This is situated next to the Hammerlands Centre - a combination garden centre, gift shop, restaurant, fish farm and children's play area with farmyard animals.
For walkers there is also the Gallow Hill. It has been used for hanging. Moffat is also situated only a few miles from the Southern Upland Way where it passes through Beattock, and the Sir Walter Scott Way starts here.
North-East of Moffat is the Grey Mare's Tail waterfall. This hanging-valley waterfall is 60m tall and lies within a nature reserve.
Education
Moffat Academy teaches pupils of Nursery, Primary and Secondary School age, there are currently 301 pupils taught at the school. It has been in its current location in the north of the town since 1834. In February 2010 the school moved to a new site in the south-east of the town on Jeff Brown Drive.
Moffat Academy website
http://www.moffat.dumgal.sch.uk/
Sport and recreation
Town hall
Moffat RFC caters for all ages from 6–8 years. The 1stXV which plays in The Scottish Rugby Union league structure and are currently in West Region Division 2. They are also known as "The Rams" after the statue in the High Street. The ground wholly owned by the club is situated at The Holm, Selkirk Road.[3]
Moffat Golf Club was founded in 1884. In 1904, Ben Sayers of North Berwick was invited to design the present 18-hole course. Located high on Coats Hill overlooking the town it is some 670 feet above sea level
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