Franchise agreement reinstated for west coast services

The Department for Transport today announced that it has reinstated the franchise agreement with Virgin Rail Group to operate services on the West Coast Main Line.

This replaces the 'Letter Agreement' that was put in place in 2002 following the failure of Railtrack to deliver previously agreed improvements to the main line.

The Franchise Agreement announced today puts the contract on a secure financial footing and will ensure that further benefits are delivered to passengers using the main line service from the end of 2008. These were outlined in the Government's progress report in May 2006 and include:

* 50% increase in frequency in London - Birmingham and London - Manchester services

* A further 30 minutes reduction in London - Glasgow journey times, so that travelling time is around 4 hours 30 minutes.

* London - Liverpool services will be 20 minutes faster than today and there with extra peak time services

* Hourly services all day between London - Liverpool; London - Preston and London - Chester

* Improvement in weekend services

The agreement also transfers services between Birmingham - Scotland currently operated by Virgin Cross Country to Virgin West Coast from 11 November 2007. An enhanced timetable will also be put in place on these routes from December 2008 and journey times between Birmingham and Glasgow and Edinburgh via the West Coast line will be 4 hours.

Rail Minister Tom Harris said:

"The letter agreement ensured passenger services could continue whilst the West Coast Mainline modernisation was rescued.

"Now the project is on track it makes sense to reinstate the franchise agreement. Many passengers are already benefiting from the increase in services, improved reliability and faster journeys.

"But this provides the opportunity to put even more services in the December 2008 timetable within the contract, and strike a better value deal for the taxpayer."

Further capacity enhancements are being examined as part of the development of the High Level Output Specification and longer term framework for the railways which will be announced next summer.

Secure for the entire journey

Concern for personal security is not necessarily confined to the time spent on board the train or bus - people often report this is the safest part of their journey. Instead, it might be the apprehension felt whilst waiting on the platform or bus stop, the environment that surrounds a station or reservations about hiring an unlicensed taxi or minicab.

And neither is it just the fear of direct personal assault. It is also the discomfort and intimidation felt when witnessing anti-social behavior, criminal damage and graffiti.

That is why for both the government and transport operators alike, the safety and security of passengers and staff is an important concern. As a result, the Department for Transport has taken a prominent role in encouraging investment and initiatives that improve transport facilities and their environments in order to reduce actual instances of crime and alleviate people's anxiety.

Think before you buy a mini moto for Christmas

The Government and the National Governing Body of motorcycle sport in the Country, the Auto-Cycle Union are calling on parents considering buying a mini motorbike for Christmas for their child to stop and think before they buy.

The Department for Transport (DfT) and Auto Cycle Union (ACU) want parents to think about the consequences of what might appear to be exciting presents but in reality is often a bigger danger than expected.

Dr Stephen Ladyman, Road Safety Minister and himself a keen motorcyclist warns:

"These bikes may be thought of as 'toys', but they are not. They are fully-fledged motor vehicles; some are capable of travelling at speeds of up to 40mph. While some versions are well made, others, which may seem good value for money, are poor quality and require a high level of maintenance to be kept in a safe condition.

"The vast majority of these machines cannot and must not be used on the roads or in public areas. While they can be a great deal of fun if used sensibly, irresponsible use can and has had fatal consequences. And don't forget if you break the law, they will be seized by the police and crushed."

It is important that parents remember that these bikes are only for use on private property and with the permission of the landowner. Housing estates, footpaths, parks and playing fields are not to be used and anyone caught using a mini bike in these areas risk having their machine confiscated and receiving a fine.

If you do want to get a mini-motorbike for your child, look for a properly-supervised off-road area where he or she can be trained to ride in safety. Make sure that riders wear appropriate clothing and a helmet. Remember too that the bike must be transported (whether in a trailer, van or car boot) to that supervised area.

The ACU believe that if used in a safe and legal environment they can provide hours of entertainment, and a valuable learning experience. Guidelines are provided by the ACU for Local Authorities to create mini bike clubs and provide training so that a child can have fun and learn useful skills in a safe and secure environment.

Dave Luscombe, Head of ACU's Local Authority Support Unit (LASU) said:

"LASU are working with many Authorities across the Country in providing legal areas for owners of minimoto's and off road motorcycles. These areas in which clubs/projects are now up and running have seen a 90% reduction in the number of complaints of illicit/illegal riding."

Rev and Go, based in Cotgrave, Nottinghamshire is a good example of how local clubs can encourage the use of mini motorbikes in a legal environment and train children and young people to use them responsibly and safely.

The group is the brainchild of, Daniel Hegarty who says:

"My interest in motorbikes began from a very young age. When I was twelve I realised that I got a buzz from riding motorbikes like many other lads my age. I knew that I wanted to make a career out of riding motorbikes but to me it was only a dream. My passion for riding mini-moto's meant that on occasions I had the chance to ride them illegally around the streets without all the right safety gear.

"This was something I didn't want my friends and I to have to choose. I took the decision, with help from supporters, to start a club to ride off road and legally. It was hard work but it was the best thing that I ever did. It opened up opportunities that riding illegally would have prevented. If I had gone down the dodgy road then I wouldn't be on my way to better things like I am now. I have come from being a noisy kid in the field to competing with the big boys in the British Superstock Championships; a dream which if I'd made the wrong choice would never have come true."

Craig Carey-Clinch from the Motor Cycle Industry Association said:

"MCI endorses this DfT initiative. Mini-bikes and other motorcycles for use on private property are not 'toys' but motor vehicles, where use demands observance of user legal responsibilities. This means only riding on private land with the landowner's express permission. MCI strongly supports properly organised off road riding areas as a way of engaging young people and allowing a motorcycling experience in a structured environment. Young people should become involved with this and find out more about the exciting off road motorcycle sport opportunities which can lead from becoming involved in a safe and legal way."

Focus on freight: 2006 edition

The third edition of Focus on Freight is published today.

The 'Focus' series are occasional statistical publications produced to take an in-depth look at particular areas of transport. Focus on Freight is designed to bring together previously published information about the freight and logistics industry in Great Britain and highlight some of the key issues in chart form.

Focus on Freight presents an overview and analysis of trends (in most cases) over the ten years to 2005, with a longer perspective for some series where this is helpful. Some of the significant features highlighted in the report are

* The economy continues to be less freight intensive. Apart from a brief period in the late 1970s, freight transport has grown more slowly than GDP.

* The movement of goods is dominated by road transport. In 2005, road accounted for 64 per cent of tonnes moved and 82 per cent of tonnes lifted in Great Britain.

* Despite the dominance of road freight, lorry traffic is increasing more slowly than GDP.

* Rail has increased its share of goods moved in recent years, and is still the major mode for the movement of coal and coke. Water continues to dominate the movement of petroleum products.

* The stock of heavy goods vehicles increased by 6 per cent between 1995 and 2005, with a further shift to articulated vehicles.

* According to the Labour Force Survey, there are just over 300 thousand heavy goods vehicle drivers in Great Britain.

* French and Dutch lorries account for the majority of cabotage carried out in the UK. The UK cabotage penetration rate is 0.4 per cent.

* Sea continues to be the dominant mode for UK international trade. Freight traffic through the Channel Tunnel has expanded rapidly since it opened in May 1994, although with some levelling off in recent years. Although increasing by 40 per cent since 1995, the volume of freight handled at UK airports is relatively small. It does however have a high value.

* The number of goods vehicles travelling between the UK and mainland Europe has more than doubled since 1995. Most of this increase is due to foreign registered vehicles.

* Heavy goods vehicles consume about one sixth of all tonnes of oil equivalent consumed by transport.

* CO2 emissions of both HGVs and vans have been growing: over the period 1994 to 2004 by 19 per cent and 24 per cent respectively.

* While still a problem, the number of deaths in accidents involving heavy goods vehicles fell from 597 in 1995 to 486 in 2005 despite increasing traffic. Over the same period the number of people killed or seriously injured in these accidents fell by 37 per cent.

* Speeding also continues to be a problem, particularly in urban areas with a 30 mph limit, and on non-urban single carriageway roads.

* Taken over the whole 24 hour period, on average goods vehicles typically spend around 20 to 40 per cent of their time running on the road and around 20 to 50 per cent idle (empty and stationary).

* According to the experimental Corporate Services Price Index produced by the Office for National Statistics road freight transport prices rose by a third between 1996 and 2005, whilst rail prices, after falling, had nearly returned to their 1995 level by 2005, and prices for moving freight by sea and coastal services have been falling.

Rural and Community Transport

Community Transport is the provision of non-profit making transport for members of the community who do not have suitable conventional public transport services available for their travel needs. This is a problem experienced by some rural parishes within the County, but it is also because some residents find that they are physically unable to use the bus service on offer.

Community Transport tackles this problem by involving local people in the identification of transport needs within their community, and devising solutions. Devon County Council actively promotes this process by forming partnerships to organize, develop and run these alternative transport schemes to best serve the community needs.

Rural and Community Transport

Community Transport is the provision of non-profit making transport for members of the community who do not have suitable conventional public transport services available for their travel needs. This is a problem experienced by some rural parishes within the County, but it is also because some residents find that they are physically unable to use the bus service on offer.

Community Transport tackles this problem by involving local people in the identification of transport needs within their community, and devising solutions. Devon County Council actively promotes this process by forming partnerships to organize, develop and run these alternative transport schemes to best serve the community needs.

Tough new penalties for illegal mobile phone use from 27 February 2007

Motorists face tough new penalties for breaking the law by using a hand-held mobile phone while driving from February 27 2007, Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander announced today. From that date, the fixed penalty will for the first time include the award of three penalty points as well as doubling the fine to £60.

Mr Alexander said:

"Research shows that talking on a mobile phone while driving affects your concentration and ability to react to dangerous situations. It's quite simple - it's impossible to do two things at once and do them well. That is why in December 2003 we introduced new laws preventing motorists from driving while using a hand-held mobile.

"We have seen a groundswell of support for this move. But, worryingly, while 92% of people agree with the law, 21% of drivers admit to breaking it. That is why, from 27 February, the Road Safety Act will introduce a tougher fixed penalty of three points on your licence as well as a £60 fine."

A campaign to raise awareness of the new fixed penalty begins today and will include radio, press and online activity raising awareness of both the change in penalties and the dangers of using a mobile phone whilst driving. This educational approach goes hand in hand with continued enforcement activity by the police. Home Office figures for 2004 show that nearly 74,000 fixed penalty notices were issued for illegal use of a mobile phone while driving.

DfT continues to work closely with private partners, including the mobile phone industry, to ensure mobile phone users are made aware of the changes and how it affects them.