May bank holiday traffic: 17 million car journeys in ‘busiest weekend’ since 2016 April 25, 2023 Traffic levels are set to soar, with this weekend set to be the busiest since 2016, according to research conducted by the RAC and transport analytics firm Inrix. Over 17 million journeys will take place over the long weekend, beating the 14.6 million predicted for the King’s coronation, as Brits opt to watch the event [...]
HS2 boss: We didn’t know how much Euston would cost to deliver until last year April 24, 2023 HS2’s chief executive Mike Thurston told the Public Accounts committee today that the Euston development of the project was a long way from its initial target – and that the costs of the last stretch of the line into London were poorly understood until 2022. Thurston told the committee “candidly, it was only until we [...]
Medica becomes latest London-listed private equity target in £269m deal April 24, 2023 A medical technology firm which supplies the NHS has become the latest company to fall into the sights of private equity today, as bidders capitalise on low prices and swoop on listed British companies.
Elizabeth Line: More trains and improved timetable to mark new London favourite’s first birthday April 24, 2023 The Elizabeth Line will mark its one year anniversary with speedier travel and an improved timetable, TFL announced today. The popular line will see a swathe of improvements from Sunday 21 May, as it reaches the final milestone of the Crossrail project. Londoners can expect more trains and faster journeys on a number of routes, [...]
Why Turkey’s south western beaches are taking flight this spring April 24, 2023 Ancient sites and untouched beaches: Angelina Villa- Clarke on a fab corner of Turkey’s Turquoise Riviera In the abandoned town of Kayakoy, the streets are dusty and thyme grows tall and wild, scenting the air with a sweet piquancy. Derelict houses have gaping windows; ancient churches are in ruins, their frescoes faded and mosaics crumbling. [...]
If ULEZ was controversial, pay as you drive road pricing will face even more hurdles April 21, 2023 As more and more people buy electric cars, we will need to introduce a road pricing scheme to pay for our highways, but a litany of controversial concerns - such as data protection - will stand in the way, writes Dom Lacey.
Is HS2 a ‘rail to nowhere’? MPs quiz Harper on viability of delayed £1.2bn Euston project April 19, 2023 In a committee hearing this morning, transport secretary Mark Harper admitted that HS2’s Euston developments were “significantly” greater than the initial budget allocated. His comments followed confirmation that the £1.2bn tunnel from Old Oak Common would be paused until 2024. Harper faced an array of strong questions relating to Euston’s Old Oak Common section of [...]
London rent averages over £900 a month as desperate renters battle over fewer properties April 19, 2023 Private renters in London are faced with the highest costs since 2012 as a sparse and competitive market send the cost of homes in the capital to new highs. Landlords in the capital increased rent by 4.8 per cent in the 12 months to March 2023, up from an increase of 4.6 per cent in [...]
A glass of wine with: Small Things wine-in-a-can creator Ian Batt April 19, 2023 One day surfing at the beach, Australian winemaker Ian Batt realised wine wasn’t reflecting his lifestyle or ethos. He is now on a mission to upgrade canned wine’s image with his range of well-crafted, first-class wines launching in the UK next month. What inspired you create Small Things Wine?I created a premium wine in can [...]
Minister Paul Scully ‘considering’ running for London mayor in 2024 April 18, 2023 Minister for London Paul Scully said today he is “considering” running against Sadiq Khan to be the next London mayor in 2024. Speaking at a Centre for London event today, Scully said: “Let me tackle this head on, am I considering running for London mayor in 2024? Yes, I am considering it. I haven’t made [...]