Responding to the announcement from the Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens that rail is her “number one priority for Wales” for the Spending Review, Logistics UK Senior Policy Advisor – Rail, Ellis Shelton welcomed her commitment to the sector but is adamant that the needs of rail freight must be considered alongside those of passenger services.
“While discussions about passenger rail investment in Wales are important, the government must not overlook the vital role of rail freight in supporting Wales’ economy and sustainable transport goals. Rail freight is essential for connecting Welsh ports, industrial centres and businesses to markets across the UK and beyond. As we address historical railway underinvestment in Wales, it’s critical that rail infrastructure is improved and rail freight operators given appropriate access to the upgraded network.
All car manufacturers have successfully complied with the UK’s electric car sales mandate according to analysis by T&E based on 2024 car sales figures from Dataforce, although Suzuki will need to purchase compliance credits.
The ZEV mandate accelerated electric car (BEV) market share to 19.6% in 2024, below the headline target of 22% but exceeding the 18% required for compliance when flexibilities in the law are counted and T&E said the flexibilities secured by the car industry are sufficient to ensure future compliance and the Government should resist calls to weaken the mandate further.
Sales of new electric cars fell in the European Union last year, according to new data released by industry body the ACEA.
Some 91,400 fewer BEVs – or a 1% reduction in market share – were sold in the EU in 2024 compared with the year before and the slump is tied to the withdrawal of subsidies in key markets, as governments across the EU tighten their funding belts.
Apprentices at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars have designed and handmade a series of nest boxes for one of the UK’s most endangered mammals, the hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius), as part of the marque’s long-term environmental partnership with the neighbouring Goodwood Estate.
The hazel dormouse is a tiny creature, with a body 6-9cm (about 3”) long plus a tail of similar length, and typically weighs around 25g (1oz) – roughly the same as a pencil and the Apprentices based their design on detailed research, conducted online and through contact with various wildlife trusts, to determine the appropriate shape and dimensions for the nest boxes while making them resistant to predators.
