Wales needs a future-proof transport system to face up to the realities of climate change, but ambitious policies have yet to be matched in the scale and pace of delivery, reports the Institute of Welsh Affairs. A new report from the IWA says that Welsh Government is faced with a complex set of challenges, including encouraging take-up of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, … [Read more...]
Travel Features
Motorway breakdowns need new strategy, says RAC
A year after banning future 'smart motorways' it is time to develop a clear policy for dealing with breakdowns, says the RAC. RAC head of policy Simon Williams said, “It’s incredible to think that a decade has gone by since the first all-lane-running stretch of smart motorway opened on the M25 in Hertfordshire, and that it’s a year to the day since the Prime Minister cancelled all 14 future … [Read more...]
Genesis know egg-actly what you need this Easter
Genesis South Wales, the premium Korean car maker with a luxury experience and a new Welsh dealership, is advising to plan ahead for a calmer road trip this Easter, having identified the four ingredients that impact how we cope behind the wheel. With the looming Easter break and many taking to the roads for the first spring break or delivering Easter goodies to family and friends, the forecast is … [Read more...]
International Driving Permit changes as Post Office lose business
The provider of international driving permits is changing and the Post Office has lost the contract. From 1 April 2024, IDPs will be exclusively available from participating PayPoint stores across the UK. An IDP is not usually required for the majority of popular holiday destinations abroad. However, there are over 140 countries, including Turkey, Mexico, Canada and Australia, where an IDP is … [Read more...]
Train fare dodgers to be targetted with big fines
Transport for Wales is getting tough on fare dodgers using trains. Penalty Fares will be introduced on the South Wales Mainline from today as part of a range of measures to tackle an estimated £10m in lost revenue each year due to fare evasion and fraud. A three-week period of guidance to customers will begins today, when anyone travelling without a valid ticket or permit to travel for their … [Read more...]
Welsh Labour Government move to restrict private cars
The Welsh Labour Government want to discourage all private car use and encourage voters to jump on buses and trains. Deputy minister for climate change Lee Waters has written to opposition leader Andrew R T Davies who questioned the stated policy on new road building in the controversial Welsh Roads Review and told him, "We confirmed that we will continue to consider investment in roads 'to … [Read more...]
Newslines 12 February
Transport for Wales has reintroduced hourly rail services between Chester and Liverpool via Runcorn, Helsby and Frodsham from today. The step-up in services will increase from 15 to 30 a day in total (15 in each direction) and will be delivered on new trains, improving the customer experience and connectivity of the region. New electric buses that will support sustainable travel in Gwynedd … [Read more...]
Fleets looking at hydrogen after ev issues arise
Some fleet operators are starting to “take hydrogen seriously” as a fuel option because of issues they have encountered in operating electric vans, says the Association of Fleet Professionals. Paul Hollick, chair at the organisation, said that the forthcoming arrival of the Vauxhall Vivaro-e Hydrogen – really the first practical hydrogen-powered panel van available in quantity in the UK – was … [Read more...]
Time’s up for 20mph website launched
Welsh Conservatives have created a website to oppose the 20mph speed limit and gauge public reaction to voting against Labour AMs as a result in the next Senedd elections. The site calls time on the limit introduced in September 2023. They claim the new limit is not working and should be scrapped amid a lot of confusion about its implementation, clashes in markings and posted limits. The … [Read more...]
EU criticized over EV strategy
Europe's law makers are ignoring carbon-neutral fuels in the rush towards zero emissions and putting too much importance on pure evs, according to the components industry. The European Commission, the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament have reached an agreement on the CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles today. While the political agreement positively includes … [Read more...]