Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Container shipping: March 2026 In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [373288/31743/52] Posted by Mark A at 20:48, 12th March 2026 |      |
Sort of not-off-topic perhaps, as this must interface with our rail system. A discussion of container shipping flows, and mitigating the effects of disruption.
Mark
https://www.kpler.com/blog/the-top-5-container-carriers-diverting-ships-after-the-strait-of-hormuz-disruption
| Re: Fuel tax - freeze, and should it have been frozen in the first place? In "Fare's Fair" [373287/31734/4] Posted by Oxonhutch at 19:37, 12th March 2026 | |
From my South African days:
Now - sometime in the future,
Just now - sometime in the near future,
Now now - should be soon - hopefully.
| Re: Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) - merged posts In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [373286/9998/31] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 17:42, 12th March 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Woman saved with dogs felt like 'biggest fool'
The crew carried out the rescue on Saturday morning
A woman has said she felt like the "biggest fool" after being rescued alongside her two dogs when they were cut off by a rising tide.
Hannah Murphy was picked up from the beach at West Wittering in West Sussex by a lifeboat crew from Hayling Island, Hampshire, on Saturday morning.
Hannah told the BBC she abandoned an attempt to wade through waist-deep water and managed to call 999 while she waited on a sandbank.
The Coastguard has warned others to be careful in the area.
Hannah said she was not a regular walker at Wittering but had "come for a change of scenery".
Hayling's first ever all-female crew made the rescue
She explained that she started to walk back to shore and realised the tide had come in behind her. "I tried wading through the deeper channel but once it got to waist-height decided it was too deep to continue," she said. "I felt like the biggest fool."
The crew were able to escort Hannah and her pets back to the lifeboat. RNLI Hayling Island said it was the first time it had launched an all female crew, and that this had coincided with International Women's Day.
Selsey Coastguard has warned others to avoid getting themselves into dangerous situations at the beach. "The sand bars at West Wittering Beach go out a long way at low tide," said its spokesperson. "When the tide changes it races in and it’s easy to get cut off quickly, the currents are extremely strong. Do not attempt to cross or enter the water."
The crew carried out the rescue on Saturday morning
A woman has said she felt like the "biggest fool" after being rescued alongside her two dogs when they were cut off by a rising tide.
Hannah Murphy was picked up from the beach at West Wittering in West Sussex by a lifeboat crew from Hayling Island, Hampshire, on Saturday morning.
Hannah told the BBC she abandoned an attempt to wade through waist-deep water and managed to call 999 while she waited on a sandbank.
The Coastguard has warned others to be careful in the area.
Hannah said she was not a regular walker at Wittering but had "come for a change of scenery".
Hayling's first ever all-female crew made the rescue
She explained that she started to walk back to shore and realised the tide had come in behind her. "I tried wading through the deeper channel but once it got to waist-height decided it was too deep to continue," she said. "I felt like the biggest fool."
The crew were able to escort Hannah and her pets back to the lifeboat. RNLI Hayling Island said it was the first time it had launched an all female crew, and that this had coincided with International Women's Day.
Selsey Coastguard has warned others to avoid getting themselves into dangerous situations at the beach. "The sand bars at West Wittering Beach go out a long way at low tide," said its spokesperson. "When the tide changes it races in and it’s easy to get cut off quickly, the currents are extremely strong. Do not attempt to cross or enter the water."
| Peterborough, Helpston level crossing near-miss caused by signaller: RAIB report In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373285/31742/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 17:13, 12th March 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Crossing near-miss caused by signaller - report
The incident was recorded at the level crossing in Helpston near Peterborough on 21 October
A railway signaller forgot that a train was approaching and used an emergency system to lift the barriers of a level crossing, causing a near-miss incident, an investigation has found.
The incident was recorded at the Helpston signal box near Peterborough at 08:16 BST on 21 October, according to a report published by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB).
It revealed that the signaller had activated a sealed release mechanism - an override system designed to be used for emergencies or equipment faults only.
As a result, the barriers were lifted and the "wig-wag road traffic lights" were extinguished - and a waiting car had begun to move forward. The report confirmed no vehicles were struck in the incident and no one was injured.
Data showed that the sealed release plunger had been used 183 times at Helpston between mid-February 2025 and the incident, a period of about eight months. The report said this suggested "there was an acceptance of a non-compliant local practice regarding sealed release use by staff in this signal box".
CCTV from the second train at the time shows the lowered barrier on the left
At the time of the incident, the report found that at 08:12, the signaller started the crossing lowering sequence for three approaching trains. They were a passenger train on the Down Fast line, a second passenger train on the Up Fast line, and a freight train on the Up Stamford line.
It found that the signaller had "tried to manually raise the barriers" 11 seconds after the second train had passed, without looking towards the Stamford line. He was unable to raise the barrier, the report said, because "interlocking had detected the freight train approaching".
"The signaller had forgotten that this train was approaching and assumed that the barriers had developed a fault," the report added.
View of the Stamford lines from Helpston signal box. The East Coast Main Line is to the right of the picture
A sealed release is an emergency tool that is only used during mechanical failures or emergencies.
The RAIB report said, if the sealed release has been used, an entry in the train register should be made and operations control should be notified.
The investigation found use of the sealed release was not documented at Helpston and managers were unaware that this practice had been adopted. It further revealed that the signaller involved "had been trained to use the sealed release" but "did not clearly understand the circumstances in which a sealed release should be used".
The report concluded that signallers should only used sealed releases "in line with the requirements of the Rule Book" and that managers should ensure that "effective assurance arrangements exist so that emergency or out-of-course systems do not become routinely used during normal operations".
The incident was recorded at the level crossing in Helpston near Peterborough on 21 October
A railway signaller forgot that a train was approaching and used an emergency system to lift the barriers of a level crossing, causing a near-miss incident, an investigation has found.
The incident was recorded at the Helpston signal box near Peterborough at 08:16 BST on 21 October, according to a report published by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB).
It revealed that the signaller had activated a sealed release mechanism - an override system designed to be used for emergencies or equipment faults only.
As a result, the barriers were lifted and the "wig-wag road traffic lights" were extinguished - and a waiting car had begun to move forward. The report confirmed no vehicles were struck in the incident and no one was injured.
Data showed that the sealed release plunger had been used 183 times at Helpston between mid-February 2025 and the incident, a period of about eight months. The report said this suggested "there was an acceptance of a non-compliant local practice regarding sealed release use by staff in this signal box".
CCTV from the second train at the time shows the lowered barrier on the left
At the time of the incident, the report found that at 08:12, the signaller started the crossing lowering sequence for three approaching trains. They were a passenger train on the Down Fast line, a second passenger train on the Up Fast line, and a freight train on the Up Stamford line.
It found that the signaller had "tried to manually raise the barriers" 11 seconds after the second train had passed, without looking towards the Stamford line. He was unable to raise the barrier, the report said, because "interlocking had detected the freight train approaching".
"The signaller had forgotten that this train was approaching and assumed that the barriers had developed a fault," the report added.
View of the Stamford lines from Helpston signal box. The East Coast Main Line is to the right of the picture
A sealed release is an emergency tool that is only used during mechanical failures or emergencies.
The RAIB report said, if the sealed release has been used, an entry in the train register should be made and operations control should be notified.
The investigation found use of the sealed release was not documented at Helpston and managers were unaware that this practice had been adopted. It further revealed that the signaller involved "had been trained to use the sealed release" but "did not clearly understand the circumstances in which a sealed release should be used".
The report concluded that signallers should only used sealed releases "in line with the requirements of the Rule Book" and that managers should ensure that "effective assurance arrangements exist so that emergency or out-of-course systems do not become routinely used during normal operations".
| Re: 1726 Worcester Foregate Street to London Paddington w/c 9 March In "London to the Cotswolds" [373284/31741/14] Posted by charles_uk at 17:07, 12th March 2026 | |
Perhaps because the 16:32 from Great Malvern is not running this week - so the extra call in the normally-express train reduces a long gap in service at Hanborough?
Ah, that makes sense. I'd noticed the 1726 calling at Hanborough but not picked up on the missing service.
| Re: 1726 Worcester Foregate Street to London Paddington w/c 9 March In "London to the Cotswolds" [373283/31741/14] Posted by grahame at 17:03, 12th March 2026 Already liked by charles_uk | |
I notice that the 1726 Worcester Foregate Street to London Paddington service has been stopping at Hanborough this week - at least from Tuesday to Friday. The only reason I can think of for this is the Cheltenham Festival but it does seem a very obtuse explanation for this additional stop.
Perhaps because the 16:32 from Great Malvern is not running this week - so the extra call in the normally-express train reduces a long gap in service at Hanborough?
| Re: Fuel tax - freeze, and should it have been frozen in the first place? In "Fare's Fair" [373282/31734/4] Posted by eXPassenger at 16:59, 12th March 2026 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea | |
They have both now been merged into HMRC.
Thanks for your informative post, eXPassenger.
However, purely in the interest of historical accuracy, the merger of the official customs, excise and revenue collection authorities hasn't just 'now been merged into HMRC': that was actually done on 18 April 2005.
CfN.
Since I was quoting the historical development of the 2 organisations I stand by the use of the word 'now'. I did not use 'just now'
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373281/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 16:39, 12th March 2026 Already liked by matth1j, Mark A | |
"On" topic - looks lie the train got delayed for half an hour at Swindon this morning ... and left fairly soon after trains from Swansea and Paddingon had called, and an empty (running late) from Stoke Gifford had terminated. I don't think the Gloucester crews sign the TransWilts any longer, so as an educated guess the train was awaiting crew.
"Off" topic
But it seems daft to me that for a job that centres around spoken communication, with no visuals, they give it to someone with a strong accent?
A point well made but it doesn’t appear to be unique to railway helplines. I seem to encounter it on a daily basis - and that’s once you got past the AI “receptionist”.
It reminds me of my friend Paul from Newbury (or somewhere else in stockbroker belt). Spoke in a similar way to I do. Fell I love with someone he met online (as many of us innovative types did) and ended up marrying Laura and they moved to her home state of Texas. Paul got himself a job at a local call centre, answering customer queries. Sadly, he got bad reports from customers - not because of the advise he gave, but they wanted the call centre to have staff who could speak English properly ...
Some time when I have the time (!), I must tell the story of Laura and Paul, the Chinese takeaway we ate in my flat in Nythe on what should have been their wedding night, and how a relationship that seriously had us doubting its longevity has endured 30 years through events that would have broken most of us.
| Re: Recycling rubbish and charity shops - something of a minefield? Ongoing discussion In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [373280/30854/31] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 16:27, 12th March 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Extra bin for households struggling with recycling
Black bins will be collected every three weeks in South Gloucestershire from May
Large families who struggle with the upcoming move to three-weekly black bin collections can apply for a second wheelie bin, a council has announced.
South Gloucestershire Council will make the move from fortnightly collections in May in a bid to save money and encourage recycling. Food waste and recycling will remain as weekly collections.
The change also includes the rollout of new reusable white recycling bags for plastic, cans and foil, and a roll of small blue bags for soft plastics, along with a nappy and hygiene waste collection. But civic chiefs admitted that they made had made mistakes and "learned lessons" as some households were unaware of the changes.
It is the first time the authority has implemented a new waste service in 25 years, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
At a council meeting on 4 March, councillor Sean Rhodes said the change was "transformational". But opposition councillor Paul Hughes asked if the impact of the move on vulnerable residents and larger households had been considered.
Rhodes said anybody struggling with the change could apply for an additional black bin through the council website. "As long as all of the appropriate levels of recycling and sorting are happening, the option of getting an additional black bin is available to people," he said.
The council awarded a £120m eight-year contract to kerbside waste collectors SUEZ in 2024 to continue picking up the county's rubbish. The authority has taken over operating the waste transfer stations and household waste recycling centres.
Black bins will be collected every three weeks in South Gloucestershire from May
Large families who struggle with the upcoming move to three-weekly black bin collections can apply for a second wheelie bin, a council has announced.
South Gloucestershire Council will make the move from fortnightly collections in May in a bid to save money and encourage recycling. Food waste and recycling will remain as weekly collections.
The change also includes the rollout of new reusable white recycling bags for plastic, cans and foil, and a roll of small blue bags for soft plastics, along with a nappy and hygiene waste collection. But civic chiefs admitted that they made had made mistakes and "learned lessons" as some households were unaware of the changes.
It is the first time the authority has implemented a new waste service in 25 years, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
At a council meeting on 4 March, councillor Sean Rhodes said the change was "transformational". But opposition councillor Paul Hughes asked if the impact of the move on vulnerable residents and larger households had been considered.
Rhodes said anybody struggling with the change could apply for an additional black bin through the council website. "As long as all of the appropriate levels of recycling and sorting are happening, the option of getting an additional black bin is available to people," he said.
The council awarded a £120m eight-year contract to kerbside waste collectors SUEZ in 2024 to continue picking up the county's rubbish. The authority has taken over operating the waste transfer stations and household waste recycling centres.
| 1726 Worcester Foregate Street to London Paddington w/c 9 March In "London to the Cotswolds" [373279/31741/14] Posted by charles_uk at 16:11, 12th March 2026 | |
I notice that the 1726 Worcester Foregate Street to London Paddington service has been stopping at Hanborough this week - at least from Tuesday to Friday. The only reason I can think of for this is the Cheltenham Festival but it does seem a very obtuse explanation for this additional stop.
| Re: Glasgow Central closed by fire in adjoining building - 8 March 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373278/31728/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 15:41, 12th March 2026 | |
An update, from the BBC:
Fire-ravaged remains of Glasgow building to be demolished
The remaining section of a historic Glasgow building wrecked by a fire is to be demolished.
Glasgow City Council said the decision was made due to public safety concerns with parts of the building on Union Corner, next to Glasgow Central Station, continuing to fall off since Sunday's blaze.
The news came as the first minister said details of financial support for businesses affected by the fire would be set out very soon.
The fire spread from a vape shop on Union Street through the B-listed Victorian building on Sunday night, leaving it in ruins. Firefighters remain at the scene to continue to cool any remaining hot spots. There were no casualties in the blaze.
Glasgow City Council took control of the building from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service earlier and were able to carry out an assessment of the damaged structure for the first time.
In a statement, the local authority said: "We are now in control of the Union Street site, and after a full and final assessment of the remaining structure, has decided that demolition must happen in the interests of public safety. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are still on site to take care of remaining hot spots."
The council has not yet announced when the demolition will be carried out.
(BBC article continues)
The remaining section of a historic Glasgow building wrecked by a fire is to be demolished.
Glasgow City Council said the decision was made due to public safety concerns with parts of the building on Union Corner, next to Glasgow Central Station, continuing to fall off since Sunday's blaze.
The news came as the first minister said details of financial support for businesses affected by the fire would be set out very soon.
The fire spread from a vape shop on Union Street through the B-listed Victorian building on Sunday night, leaving it in ruins. Firefighters remain at the scene to continue to cool any remaining hot spots. There were no casualties in the blaze.
Glasgow City Council took control of the building from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service earlier and were able to carry out an assessment of the damaged structure for the first time.
In a statement, the local authority said: "We are now in control of the Union Street site, and after a full and final assessment of the remaining structure, has decided that demolition must happen in the interests of public safety. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are still on site to take care of remaining hot spots."
The council has not yet announced when the demolition will be carried out.
(BBC article continues)
| Re: Fuel tax - freeze, and should it have been frozen in the first place? In "Fare's Fair" [373277/31734/4] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 14:39, 12th March 2026 | |
They have both now been merged into HMRC.
Thanks for your informative post, eXPassenger.
However, purely in the interest of historical accuracy, the merger of the official customs, excise and revenue collection authorities hasn't just 'now been merged into HMRC': that was actually done on 18 April 2005.
CfN.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373276/31359/18] Posted by bobm at 14:23, 12th March 2026 Already liked by matth1j | |
But it seems daft to me that for a job that centres around spoken communication, with no visuals, they give it to someone with a strong accent?
A point well made but it doesn’t appear to be unique to railway helplines. I seem to encounter it on a daily basis - and that’s once you got past the AI “receptionist”.
| Re: Bus fares - when is a senior pass accepted in YOUR county? In "Fare's Fair" [373275/31731/4] Posted by Witham Bobby at 13:14, 12th March 2026 Already liked by Mark A, Chris from Nailsea | |
Worcestershire County Council's seniors' bus pass is valid for travel 0930-2300 M-F, all day SSuO, all day public holidays
The village where I live is on two thinly served routes. One operates six or seven times a day into Evesham, and takes best part of half an hour for a journey that takes less than 10 minutes by car, and the last bus out of town departs just after 1800. The other service is the 247 between Redditch and Evesham. This route was quite useful when it provided an hourly Midland Red bus right through to Birmingham. Those days are gone. It's a bit quicker into Evesham from the village, but, again, the last bus is at a fairly early time. Neiter route runs on Sundays
The service is so thin and ponderous that it does not attract much custom. One of the routes is kept going mostly for anyone who wants to visit any guests of His Majesty at Long Lartin max security jail, I'm sure
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373274/31359/18] Posted by matth1j at 12:50, 12th March 2026 Already liked by Witham Bobby | |
This morning's early Gloucester-Southampton service got delayed somewhere between Chippenham and Melksham
Problems again this morning, didn't leave Swindon until 06:31, 28 mins late. The time for Trowbridge was showing as 07:05, the same as my Trowbridge-Bristol service (2nd choice after the 06:46), so I decided not to risk it and caught the 271 bus to Bath and 07:46 Weston-super-Mare instead.Of course the Southampton service subsequently departed Trowbridge at 07:04, so there would have been time to catch the 07:05 on the other platform
BTW I tried using the Help Point(?) at Melksham when the ETA was just showing 'Delayed'; this was at about 6:30. They picked up after a few rings - great - and gave what I guess was a standard spiel about what they could and couldn't do. I'm guessing because they had a strong accent, which combined with the less than perfect audio quality of the equipment meant I literally didn't understand a word of what they were saying.
After they stopped I didn't reply immediately, and they started again - this time I could make out something about disconnecting the call. So I piped up, and explained the situation. After that, when they weren't just reading from a script, it got easier (but not easy) to follow, and they were pretty helpful.
But it seems daft to me that for a job that centres around spoken communication, with no visuals, they give it to someone with a strong accent
| Re: Electric Ferries In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [373273/31739/52] Posted by John D at 10:51, 12th March 2026 | |
From Shippax.com
THE BALTIC WHALE has now been put into operation
FERRYScandlines has put its new ferry, THE BALTIC WHALE, into operation on the Rødby–Puttgarden route. The ferry marks an important step toward the company’s long-term goal of operating without direct emissions by 2040, while also increasing capacity for freight customers.
THE BALTIC WHALE is the largest ferry in the world capable of sailing entirely on electricity charged from shore. Despite its size, the ferry can be recharged for the crossing in just a few minutes.
The ferry departed on its first trip from Denmark to Germany on the 10 March at 08:05. THE BALTIC WHALE has been built as a freight ferry with space for 66 freight units distributed across two decks and the capability to handle IMO Cargo (dangerous goods). This means that more freight can be moved onto THE BALTIC WHALE, freeing up capacity for cars and passengers on Scandlines’ four double-ended RoPax ferries on the route - especially during the high season.
THE BALTIC WHALE has now been put into operation
FERRYScandlines has put its new ferry, THE BALTIC WHALE, into operation on the Rødby–Puttgarden route. The ferry marks an important step toward the company’s long-term goal of operating without direct emissions by 2040, while also increasing capacity for freight customers.
THE BALTIC WHALE is the largest ferry in the world capable of sailing entirely on electricity charged from shore. Despite its size, the ferry can be recharged for the crossing in just a few minutes.
The ferry departed on its first trip from Denmark to Germany on the 10 March at 08:05. THE BALTIC WHALE has been built as a freight ferry with space for 66 freight units distributed across two decks and the capability to handle IMO Cargo (dangerous goods). This means that more freight can be moved onto THE BALTIC WHALE, freeing up capacity for cars and passengers on Scandlines’ four double-ended RoPax ferries on the route - especially during the high season.
That route is where the Fehmanbelt immersed rail and road tunnel is under construction. I wonder if this is temporary until tunnel opens, and then will move elsewhere, or if it will stay carrying the dangerous cargos and the older ferries will be dispersed.
| Re: More Tube strikes on the way March-May 2026 In "Transport for London" [373272/31740/46] Posted by ChrisB at 08:20, 12th March 2026 | |
I think the BBC have it wrong.
Both the Standard & Telegraph report that 24-hour strikes will run
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) will walk out at midday on March 24 and 26, April 21 and 23 and May 19 and 21.
So, the BBC seems to be saying that there will be no service after they return to work after midday 26/3, 23/4, 21/5
| More Tube strikes on the way March-May 2026 In "Transport for London" [373271/31740/46] Posted by TaplowGreen at 07:35, 12th March 2026 | |
RMT this time
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0ljyd03n88o
| Electric Ferries In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [373270/31739/52] Posted by grahame at 05:24, 12th March 2026 Already liked by GBM | |
From Shippax.com
THE BALTIC WHALE has now been put into operation
FERRYScandlines has put its new ferry, THE BALTIC WHALE, into operation on the Rødby–Puttgarden route. The ferry marks an important step toward the company’s long-term goal of operating without direct emissions by 2040, while also increasing capacity for freight customers.
THE BALTIC WHALE is the largest ferry in the world capable of sailing entirely on electricity charged from shore. Despite its size, the ferry can be recharged for the crossing in just a few minutes.
The ferry departed on its first trip from Denmark to Germany on the 10 March at 08:05. THE BALTIC WHALE has been built as a freight ferry with space for 66 freight units distributed across two decks and the capability to handle IMO Cargo (dangerous goods). This means that more freight can be moved onto THE BALTIC WHALE, freeing up capacity for cars and passengers on Scandlines’ four double-ended RoPax ferries on the route - especially during the high season.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373269/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 05:19, 12th March 2026 | |
06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47
Facilities on the 06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47.
Disabled toilet facilities are not available.
Facilities on the 06:35 Salisbury to Worcester Foregate Street due 09:47.
Disabled toilet facilities are not available.
| Re: Melksham Transport User Group - 12.3.2026 meeting agenda In "TransWilts line" [373268/31306/18] Posted by grahame at 02:36, 12th March 2026 | |
Edit note: A few of grahame's typical typos corrected, purely in the interest of clarity here. CfN.
Thanks for that - hopefully I corrected most in this graphic:
Here's the circular email just sent out as a final call to attend
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Please find attached running oder / agenda notes for this evening and minutes from the committee meeting a month ago. The running order document include links to many other documents too.
This is a circular email. Please share as and if appropriate - all are welcome … And if you have already sent apologies, please forgive this circular repeat and I already have your apologies. If you can’r make this evening - don’t worry; this is a silly-busy month and day, and slides and news will be online afterwards and through (I hope and thank you) the Melksham News.
Finally - massive “thank you” to everyone circulated and readers who have been are are doing so much to support MTUG and public and sustainable transport in the Melksham area. This is a year of great change - of great opportunity but of great risk too. It’s also the year where we’re moving from a few of us doing a lot towards a far wider community and partnership involvement as we help current transport information, use and improvement in the Melksham area - for this week, this summer, next year, and the next decade as Melksham grows and changes.
I look forward to seeing those of you who can make this evening - packed agenda!
Graham
Graham Ellis - graham@sn12.net
Links via https://www.sn12.net
07974 925 928 / 01225 708225
48 Spa Road, Melksham SN12 7NY, UK
Please find attached running oder / agenda notes for this evening and minutes from the committee meeting a month ago. The running order document include links to many other documents too.
This is a circular email. Please share as and if appropriate - all are welcome … And if you have already sent apologies, please forgive this circular repeat and I already have your apologies. If you can’r make this evening - don’t worry; this is a silly-busy month and day, and slides and news will be online afterwards and through (I hope and thank you) the Melksham News.
Finally - massive “thank you” to everyone circulated and readers who have been are are doing so much to support MTUG and public and sustainable transport in the Melksham area. This is a year of great change - of great opportunity but of great risk too. It’s also the year where we’re moving from a few of us doing a lot towards a far wider community and partnership involvement as we help current transport information, use and improvement in the Melksham area - for this week, this summer, next year, and the next decade as Melksham grows and changes.
I look forward to seeing those of you who can make this evening - packed agenda!
Graham
Graham Ellis - graham@sn12.net
Links via https://www.sn12.net
07974 925 928 / 01225 708225
48 Spa Road, Melksham SN12 7NY, UK
and the committee minutes, etc, are mirrored at https://www.firstgreatwestern.info/mirror/mtugmins_20260212.pdf for Coffee Shop members
| Re: Fuel tax - freeze, and should it have been frozen in the first place? In "Fare's Fair" [373267/31734/4] Posted by eXPassenger at 17:22, 11th March 2026 Already liked by Oxonhutch, Mark A | |
Does anyone understand why governments apply flat-rate duties on some goods and services, but percentage taxes on others?
Like so many things it comes down to history.
Customs & Excise collected taxes based on units. eg bottle of whisky, gallon of petrol etc. This simplicity was removed when they had responsibility for purchase tax and then VAT which were percentage based.
Inland Revenue collected taxes on income and capital and used percentages.
They have both now been merged into HMRC.
The total tax on 1l of fuel is slightly over 80% so we could replace fuel duty by applying VAT at 80%. Imagine the headlines.
Personally I belive that fuel duty should have been allowed to slowly increase ather than be held at the reduced level.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line" [373266/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 16:52, 11th March 2026 Already liked by matth1j | |
Today (11th??) ... Civil Engineer's train 6C41 left Swindon at 05:56 - 29 minutes late - and didn't reach Bradford Junction until 06:31 ... by which time the Southampton trains had left Chippenham on time (06:19) and was twiddling its thumbs at Thingley East waiting for the single line - which it got and passed onto at 06:34. No idea why 6C41 had been held up at Swindon - it got there on time.
| Re: Glasgow Central closed by fire in adjoining building - 8 March 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [373265/31728/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 15:09, 11th March 2026 | |
An update, from the BBC:
Some Glasgow Central trains resume - but station remains closed after fire
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said five vehicles and specialist unit remained on site
Some train services at Glasgow Central Station have resumed after the weekend fire that devastated a building next door.
The station's low level platforms, which serve the Argyle line north of the River Clyde, have been reopened after a full site assessment. But Network Rail said the main high level station would remain closed for the rest of the week due to the "high level of instability" of the fire-damaged facade.
Scotland's busiest railway station has been shut since Sunday, after a blaze spread from a vape shop on Union Street through the B-listed Victorian building.
Network Rail said it must wait for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and Glasgow City Council to complete their work to determine the safety of the site.
Network Rail route director Ross Moran said: "Further work is required to ensure the high level station is safe for trains to operate. Our priority is to make sure that we can reopen Glasgow Central as soon as it is safe to do so. We will continue to work with emergency services, the local council and our train operators to restore services."
No trains have been running to or from the high level station this week, with services passing through the lower level without stopping.
ScotRail said services would now call at Glasgow Central low level, and all three entrances to the section - one on Hope Street and two on Argyle Street - were open.
SFRS said that three fire engines and one high-reach vehicle remained at the scene on Wednesday. Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Ian McMeekin said: "We understand the disruption this fire has caused, and we are grateful for the patience shown by the public as we work to bring this incident to a safe conclusion."
Glasgow Central's low level station is part of the Argyle Line, a cross-city rail link running under the city centre. Services using it include those running from Balloch, Dalmuir, and Milngavie in the west, through to Motherwell, Larkhall, Lanark and Cumbernauld to the east
(BBC article continues)
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said five vehicles and specialist unit remained on site
Some train services at Glasgow Central Station have resumed after the weekend fire that devastated a building next door.
The station's low level platforms, which serve the Argyle line north of the River Clyde, have been reopened after a full site assessment. But Network Rail said the main high level station would remain closed for the rest of the week due to the "high level of instability" of the fire-damaged facade.
Scotland's busiest railway station has been shut since Sunday, after a blaze spread from a vape shop on Union Street through the B-listed Victorian building.
Network Rail said it must wait for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and Glasgow City Council to complete their work to determine the safety of the site.
Network Rail route director Ross Moran said: "Further work is required to ensure the high level station is safe for trains to operate. Our priority is to make sure that we can reopen Glasgow Central as soon as it is safe to do so. We will continue to work with emergency services, the local council and our train operators to restore services."
No trains have been running to or from the high level station this week, with services passing through the lower level without stopping.
ScotRail said services would now call at Glasgow Central low level, and all three entrances to the section - one on Hope Street and two on Argyle Street - were open.
SFRS said that three fire engines and one high-reach vehicle remained at the scene on Wednesday. Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Ian McMeekin said: "We understand the disruption this fire has caused, and we are grateful for the patience shown by the public as we work to bring this incident to a safe conclusion."
Glasgow Central's low level station is part of the Argyle Line, a cross-city rail link running under the city centre. Services using it include those running from Balloch, Dalmuir, and Milngavie in the west, through to Motherwell, Larkhall, Lanark and Cumbernauld to the east
(BBC article continues)
| Re: Spring (March 2026) Interrail Global Pass sale - rail ticket across 33 countries In "Fare's Fair" [373264/31738/4] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 14:49, 11th March 2026 | |
... and I have a copy ...
Now, why doesn't that surprise me?
I have had the pleasure of seeing, and indeed dipping into, grahame's comprehensive library of published railway timetables. He has at least one copy of all of them - since 1804, when Richard Trevithick invented the railways.
| Re: Fuel tax - freeze, and should it have been frozen in the first place? In "Fare's Fair" [373263/31734/4] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 14:11, 11th March 2026 Already liked by Mark A, Western Pathfinder | |
Well, we in my household are doing our bit for the economy by avoiding paying such exorbitant taxes.
Since October last year, we have not had a car - thus avoiding paying any fuel duty, vehicle excise duty, MoT tests, insurance costs and the VAT thereon.
Instead, my wife and I use our senior bus passes, to travel free.
| Re: Fuel tax - freeze, and should it have been frozen in the first place? In "Fare's Fair" [373262/31734/4] Posted by Western Pathfinder at 13:16, 11th March 2026 Already liked by Witham Bobby | |
When you consider the amount of tax including vat on fuel duty ! HMG has its hand well and truly rammed into the motorists wallet as it is ,increasing the rate is not going to do any good for the economy and will only serve to punish those who are struggling to afford to run a vehicle already .
I also see no mention of the increase in duty being gathered currently,caused by the increase in crude oil prices….
| Re: Bristol Rail Campaign (FoSBR) AGM 11 March 2026 In "Diary - what's happening when?" [373261/31295/34] Posted by Red Squirrel at 12:05, 11th March 2026 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea, Western Pathfinder | |
Just a quick reminder that Bristol Rail Campaign's AGM is tonight at the Watershed, Bristol. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30 start.
We will be hearing from GWR about ongoing developments around Bristol and Temple Meads, and there should be plenty of opportunity to meet up with old friends and catch up!
Non-members are welcome, and if you want to join the campaign you can do so at the meeting.
Hope to see some of you there!
| Re: Fuel tax - freeze, and should it have been frozen in the first place? In "Fare's Fair" [373260/31734/4] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 12:04, 11th March 2026 | |
| Re: Fuel tax - freeze, and should it have been frozen in the first place? In "Fare's Fair" [373259/31734/4] Posted by Red Squirrel at 11:56, 11th March 2026 Already liked by Richard Fairhurst | |
Does anyone understand why governments apply flat-rate duties on some goods and services, but percentage taxes on others?
It strikes me that there is scope for a stealth tax here - replace duty with percentage taxes (maybe initially in the guise of a slight reduction) and then allow something related to fiscal drag to uplift the tax take with inflation.
Seems a lot less politically painful than the current modus operandi to me (but maybe that's why I'm not a politician!)
