There are long delays and huge queues stretching back as far as 9-miles along the M60 towards the Worsley Junction 13, due to a road surface defect requiring emergency repair work on the anti-clockwise carriageway.

Two lanes have been closed off which has lead to huge problems for drivers seeking to get to work this morning.

It is not known how long the repairs will take, so drivers are being advised to seek alternative routes around the area for the time being.

As you would expect, roads in the surrounding area have also been impacted, traffic through worsley is particularly bad as drivers opt to leave the motorway.

Photo ©: Highways England

Bus fare cap to be extended for three months, backed by up to £75 million to help passengers save money and Get Around for £2

Government also confirms up to £80 million to continue support for critical bus services around England

Lifeline funding takes total to more than £2 billion since March 2020

Millions of passengers across England will benefit from £155 million Government support to cap bus fares at £2, maintain services and ensure people can travel affordably.  

The Transport Secretary today (17 February 2023) confirmed £80 million from 1 April to 30 June to protect vital bus services people rely on for work, education, medical appointments and shopping. 

The Government has also announced plans to provide up to £75 million so that bus operators can continue to cap single bus fares outside of London at £2 until the end of June, saving passengers money and encouraging more people back on the bus. With the average single local bus ticket costing £2.80, passengers can save almost a third of the ticket price. Bus operators which are continuing the £2 fare cap scheme will be confirmed in due course.  

During the pandemic, bus usage dropped as low as 10% of pre-pandemic levels, and the Government has provided unprecedented financial support totaling more than £2 billion since March 2020. 

With bus patronage still at around 85-90% of pre-Covid levels, there are a number of ongoing challenges for bus operators. The Government is working closely with the sector on the challenges they face with changing travel patterns since the pandemic and will continue to work on delivering the National Bus Strategy. 

The Government’s existing £60 million investment to cap single bus fares has already shown early signs of increased bus use, with an independent survey of 1,000 people from passenger watchdog Transport Focus showing 7% of people saying they are using the bus more. During these difficult economic times, these trends already indicate that the Government’s support to cap fares is a welcome intervention, helping families, commuters and all passengers to ease with the cost of living.  

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

Quote

 

“I want to make bus travel affordable for all, that’s why we’re continuing to cap fares at £2 and protecting local routes, ensuring we have a modern and efficient network that’s accessible for everyone.

“Getting more people onto reliable and affordable buses will strengthen communities and help grow the economy – connecting people to jobs, driving pensioners to see friends and family, and helping people attend medical appointments or access education.

“I’m determined to ensure that no matter where you live, you have the same opportunities to get around easily and can feel pride in your local area – which is why protecting our local bus services is so important.”

 

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:  

Quote

 

“Travelling by bus remains the most popular option for commuters and families across the country, but the sector is still trying to recover after the end of the pandemic.  

“We’re providing £155 million to help passengers save money on fares, get more people on the bus and protect vital bus routes – helping with the cost of living and enabling people to get where they need to in an affordable and convenient way.” 

 

The recovery grant support comes in addition to Government investment of £3 billion in bus services by 2025, including over £1 billion to improve fares, services and infrastructure. 

In 2021, the Government published the National Bus Strategy, and asked all English Local Transport Authorities outside London to publish their Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIPs) setting out local visions for the step-change in bus services that is needed, driven by what passengers and would-be passengers want.  

Since then, over £1 billion has been awarded to 34 counties, city regions and unitary authorities to deliver service improvements, bus priority and ambitious fares initiatives. In addition  £5.7 billion investment has been provided to eight mayoral combined authorities in England to support integrated, cross-modal transport networks over the next five years through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement(CRSTS), including supporting bus infrastructure. 

Main Photo ©: Route One

Updated 17:40 - Both carriageways now seem to be moving freely again. There is still a lot of traffic on surrounding roads so be aware when travelling.

Updated 17:30 - The clockwise carriageway now seems to be moving again with limited traffic, anticlockwise remain diverted off the motorway at Junction 10, the Trafford Centre.

The M60 is closed in both directions between J9 (Trafford Park) and J10 (Trafford Centre) due to a North West Motorway Police Group led incident.

Emergency services are said to be currently responding to a concern for the welfare of a female and are trying to ensure her safety.

Drivers are being advised to avoid the motorway network around the area and are warned that traffic on adjoining roads is heavy.

National Highways Traffic Officers are on scene assisting with traffic management.

Diversion Routes

Clockwise traffic is advised to follow the hollow circle diversion symbol:

Exit the M60 clockwise at J9

At the roundabout take the 1st exit onto the B5158 Lostock Road westbound

At the roundabout with the B5214, take the 3rd exit onto the B5214 Barton Road northbound

Continue until the M60 J10 roundabout and then take the 1st exit to re-join the M60 clockwise

Anti-clockwise traffic is advised to follow the hollow diamond diversion symbol:

Exit the M60 anti-clockwise at J10

At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto the B5214 Barton Road

Continue until the roundabout with the B5158 and then take the 1st exit onto the B5158 Lostock Road eastbound

Continue until the M60 J9 roundabout and then take the 4th exit to re-join the M60 anti-clockwise

If this incident impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time as there is a 30 minute delay approaching the closure. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.

Further information is available from National Highways by visiting their  www.trafficengland.com website and travel apps, or via their regional twitter feed.

Regent Road is partially closed this afternoon as police deal with an incident involving the protest group 'Just Stop Oil', who are blocking the outbound carriageway towards Eccles.

Traffic is backing up onto the Mancunian Way and is impacting all major roads in and around the area.

The inbound carriageway has been coned off by police.

It is being advised if driving, to avoid the area if possible.

The protest group is reportedly walking slowly along the carriageway holding banners, which is delaying traffic around the busy route between Salford and Manchester.

The group says that it aims to highlight the damage that fossil fuels do to the environment and their goal is to prevent new licences and exploration consents from being granted by the UK government.

Transport for the North (TfN) today published its International Connectivity and Aviation policy paper which highlights the potential of Northern gateways. The report calls for the maximising of the full potential of our ports and airports, as essential to growing the North's economy.

The policy paper builds on TfN's previous policy on International Connectivity which highlighted the importance of aviation and shipping in supporting the transformation of economic performance in the North and close the productivity gap with other parts of UK.

The initial work highlighted the North's economic opportunities from the untapped spare capacity at Northern ports and airports for 60m additional passengers per year. However, to ensure we make full use of these opportunities, these gateways must be better connected to towns and cities with good quality road, rail, and water links. 

The International Connectivity and Aviation policy paper highlights:

The role of gateways as economic hubs and enablers for growth.

The importance of providing high-quality and efficient surface access to the North's airports and ports, allowing businesses access to international markets and linking economic clusters across the North.

The challenges of aviation emissions associated with the growth in international connectivity and emphasises the role of innovative technologies that are constantly evolving to overcome these challenges.

There are clear opportunities to rebalance growth across the UK - currently only two in five (39%) of the North's total exports are shipped from Northern ports/airports and 4.1m business trips in/out of the North in 2017 is forecast to reach 9m by 2050.  

A better connected North will it make it faster and cheaper for businesses to access international markets, encouraging trade and investment which will facilitate economic growth. But it requires significant investment in improved surface access, including Northern Powerhouse Rail, HS2, and rail electrification into major ports. 

TfN's new policy paper – International Connectivity and Aviation – is part of the organisations work to update the 2019 Strategic Transport Plan (STP) for the region. 

Martin Tugwell, Chief Executive at Transport for the North, said: 

Quote

 

"The evidence is clear: poor transport infrastructure and services are holding back the North's economic potential. Investing in improving infrastructure will enable growth, improve access to jobs, and ensure the North is a great place to live and invest. 

"The North has demonstrated its potential to be a performer on the global stage. To build a well-connected North we need to do more than just improve travel within the region. We also need to ensure that the North has first-class international connections. 

"Maximising the use of our existing ports and airports will realise the North's potential, whilst helping provide relief to gateways in the over congested South. This includes making use of the potential of its airports and ports to deliver more direct international connections.  

"The TfN Board will continue to work with its partners to seek solutions to the challenges we face by harnessing the opportunities our work has identified."   

 

Through the publication of the International Connectivity and Aviation policy paper, TfN will coordinate and influence key priorities and projects for the North's aviation and maritime sectors, embedding the views of local partners, academia and stakeholders in the industry.

Northern Rail has issued a warning to fare evaders across its network that from today (Monday, 23 January) the government’s new £100 penalty fare comes into effect.

Anyone caught travelling on-board one of the train operator’s 2,500 services a day without a valid ticket or ‘promise to pay’ notice will be issued with the penalty fare, which is reduced to £50 if paid within 21 days.

Since 2005, the penalty fare has been just £20 – but it was felt by the industry that that figure was too low and was no longer an effective deterrent to would-be fare evaders.

As part of the government’s public consultation, 69% of respondents agreed that the £20 penalty fare was too low.

Industry body, the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) estimates that every year around £240 million is lost through fare evasion on Great Britain’s railways.

Mark Powles, commercial and customer director at Northern, said:

Quote

 

“The overwhelming majority of our customers – upwards of 95% - do the right thing and buy a ticket before they board one of our services.

“However, fare dodgers will find themselves having to dig deep if they continue to try and travel without buying a ticket. The £100 penalty fare is a government initiative that Northern and other train operators in England will begin to enforce from today.

“With more ways than ever before to buy a ticket – be it online, through an app, at a self-service machine or ticket office – there really is no excuse. It is, however, totally avoidable for everyone who travels responsibly on our network.”

 

Money raised through penalty fares issued by Northern will, in-line with other revenue income streams, be re-invested in the rail industry to improve the service offered to all customers.

The £100 penalty fare forms part of The Railways (Penalty Fares) (Amendment) Regulations 2022.

The increase in the penalty fare brings it in-line with penalty fares charged across much of Western Europe and by Transport for London (TfL) and Manchester’s Metrolink tram network.

Northern’s new timetable came into effect in December 2022 and all customers, especially those who have made regular journeys on specific train times, are advised to use the new 'Check My Timetable' feature on Northern’s website to see changes specific to their local station.

Motorists awoke to a blanket of snow this morning and along with roadworks, it caused bedlam on both motorways and local roads, with parts of the road network descending into chaos.

A vehicle collision on Cadishead Way in Irlam close to Fairhills Road, lead to tailbacks east bound. It is believed that there were no serious injuries.

The snow and ice conditions did not help the temporary traffic lights situation on Trinity Way, with delays causing a knock on effect on Regent Road and the Mancunian Way.

As the rush hour traffic increased, the A6 was gridlocked upon the crescent, with cars struggling to get anywhere quick.

The M60 was temporarily closed southbound from the top of the Flyover near the Trafford Centre, with vehicles held as police dealt with an incident. Traffic was at a standstill for awhile with huge tailbacks around the Worsley junction, but things soon got moving again, albeit slowly.

Elsewhere on the roads, motorists were not faring any better with delays on almost all of the regions motorways, due to either traffic collisions or broken down cars.

Bus services as well as the Metrolink have all had issues this morning. Trams on the Manchester Airport line were part suspended.

Check out their website for details if you are heading out on Public Transport today. https://tfgm.com/public-transport

Temperatures are expected to rise to around 4C today before dropping again overnight.

Traffic is heavily congested on the M62 following an incident involving multiple vehicles on the M62 between junction 12 (Eccles Interchange) and junction 11, causing an eight mile tailback. The incident has had a knock on effect which has resulted on other roads around the area with slow moving traffic on the westbound carriageway of the M62 towards Warrington.

The crash reportedly involved three cars and a truck, although that has not been confirmed.

Initially all lanes were closed but two lanes (of four) have been reopened and traffic is slowly being allowed to pass.

Drivers are advised to find alternative routes around the area.

Commuters are facing huge problems travelling into work via trains this morning as rail workers stage a 48-hour strike after failing to resolve the dispute with the government over the festive period.

As many look to be heading back to the office after festive break, it is expected that 80,000 trains will be cancelled over the coming days, forcing them to work from home where possible.

RMT chief Mick Lynch accused the government of "blocking" the union's attempts to reach a settlement with rail employers, something the government refutes. He joined his fellow union members on the picket lines this morning (3rd January).

It is expected that around 40,000 RMT union members of Network Rail and 14 train operating companies will take strike action today, with further action planned for Wednesday, Friday and Saturday,, effectively shutting down most rail services across the country.

Thousands of members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) and ASLEF unions are currently holding industrial action over pay and conditions.

Meanwhile over 100 road traffic officers and control room operators working for National Highways across England are also holding a 48-hour strike on today, which could cause meltdown across the road and rail network.

The advice is to only travel if absolutely necessary, allow extra time and check when first and last trains will depart.

Photo: @theothebald via Twitter

Millions across England can travel by bus for £2 thanks to £60 million Government funding to bring down the cost of single tickets until 31 March

Passengers can save almost a third off tickets on average to help with the cost of living, with savings of more than 75% on some of the longest journeys

The offer will apply to more than 4,600 routes in England, encouraging greater bus use and taking up to two million cars off the road 

Millions of people across England can now save money and "Get Around for £2", thanks to £60 million Government funding to cap single bus fares until the end of March.

From today (1 January) until 31 March 2023, over 130 bus operators outside of London will charge no more than £2 for their single tickets across over 4,600 routes, helping families, commuters and other passengers save money on travel.

With the average single bus fare for a 3-mile journey costing around £2.80 outside London, passengers will save almost a third of the single ticket price, with even bigger savings in some rural areas where tickets can reach over £5.

The initiative encourages people to get back on the bus to help the industry continue its recovery from the pandemic. It will also reduce CO2 emissions and tackle congestion by taking an estimated two million cars off the road.

Some of the biggest savings on the longest routes up and down the country thanks to the fare cap include:

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

"By helping passengers outside London save almost a third off the average single bus ticket and taking two million cars off the road, the £2 bus fare cap is a fantastic way to start the new year.

"Buses are a key part of our vision for a clean, efficient and modern transport network that is affordable for everyone. That's why we're investing £60 million to encourage everyone to hop on the bus and 'Get Around for £2'."

The scheme forms part of the Government's Help for Households campaign, as the new cap can deliver real savings for those most affected by the rising cost of living. 

This fare cap builds on the allocation of more than £2 billion to support bus services in England through the pandemic and a commitment to fund improved services, new bus priority measures and new electric or hydrogen buses as part of the ambitious National Bus Strategy, published in 2021.

Martin McTague, National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said:

"More than a third of small firms consider public transport important to their business. It is therefore encouraging to see support on bus fares as we battle tough economic conditions. This move will likely encourage shoppers to go to towns and cities – just the fuel we need for economic growth."

The Government will continue to work closely with bus operators and local authorities and consider future support to help passengers continue accessing reliable and affordable bus services after March.

Norman Baker from Campaign for Better Transport, said:

"Affordable bus travel really is a win-win. Capping bus fares in this way will help struggling households, cut traffic congestion and carbon emissions, and inject new life into dwindling bus services."

Overnight resurfacing work will close a key Salford road to motorists for eight nights later this month.

The A666 Manchester Road and A666 Bolton Road will be fully closed to all traffic except buses for just over half a mile from Wynne Avenue to its junction with Queensway and Station Road.

The work, which is part of a major road improvements to the route between Bolton and Salford, will take place from 7pm to 6am from Sunday 13 November to Friday 18 November inclusive and again at the same times on Monday 21 November and Tuesday 22 November.

The road will not be closed on Saturday 19 November and Sunday 20 November. 

Local traffic can use Wynne Avenue and Rake Lane or Carlisle Street and Little Moss Lane to reach roads inside the closure zone but the main diversion will take motorists via Walkden along the A6, A575 and A666 in both directions.

Junction 16 of the M60 will be open and will not be affected by the work but motorists are advised to use alternative junctions to join or leave the motorway to avoid the diversion.

Buses will still run through the closure zone in both directions but for safety reasons passengers will only be able to board or get off at either end of the closure zone. Services will be reduced to two an hour each way during the overnight working.

Councillor Mike McCusker, lead member for planning and sustainable development, apologised for the disruption the work will cause.

Quote

 

“We’ve looked carefully at this and the overnight closure is the fastest way to get the work done and cause the least amount of disruption possible,” he said.

“We appreciate it will be a huge inconvenience for people, particularly bus passengers, for a short while but the work has been planned for the quietest time possible on this busy route.”  

 

Millions of people across the North face risk of transport-related social exclusion, new report shows 

New research by Transport for the North (TfN) reveals that 3.3 million people from across the North of England live in areas where there is a significant risk of transport-related social exclusion (TRSE).  

TRSE is a complex issue with many potential causes and consequences, but the ultimate result is that people are prevented from participating in the opportunities and communities around them because of poor mobility and connectivity. 

TfN, in conjunction with Social Research Associates and Temple, engaged with over 3,000 members of the public and experts from across the North to understand the impacts of the transport system on everyday life. Following this, TfN developed a data tool to measure the risk of TRSE across England – analysing access to jobs, education, healthcare and key services, and the vulnerability of the population to social exclusion.   

This study, the first of its kind in the UK, estimates that 3.3 million people in the North of England, or 21.3% of the population, live in areas in which there is a relatively high risk of social exclusion because of issues with the transport system. These areas are widely distributed across the North but are particularly concentrated in former manufacturing and mining communities, in coastal areas, and in smaller towns and cities. 

TRSE means being unable to access opportunities, key services, and community life as much as needed, and facing major obstacles in everyday life through the wider impacts of having to travel. Our research tells us that high levels of car dependency is the key driver of TRSE in the North. This has been exacerbated by declining bus service provision – reducing the travel choices for the most vulnerable people in our communities. 

These wider impacts include the cost and time entailed in using the transport system, and the impacts of stress and anxiety linked with using the transport system. Together, these impacts can contribute to a vicious cycle of poverty, isolation, and poor access to basic services. 

The report demonstrates the need to reduce TRSE in the North and the disproportionate impacts faced by specific population groups, including people with disabilities and with caring responsibilities, and those on low incomes.  

The solutions to TRSE set out in the report focus on the need for transformation in the quality, availability, and cost of local public transport services, alongside the rollout of safe, convenient, and accessible routes for walking, cycling and wheeling that connect communities to key destinations. 

This research into transport related social exclusion reveals how a poorly connected transport system in the North can have widespread and fundamental impacts on the everyday life and be a cause of social exclusion. 

 Lord Patrick Mcloughlin, Chair of Transport for the North said: 

Quote

 

“As the research shows, transport-related social exclusion impacts people’s lives on a daily basis. We’ve known for a long time about the lack of transport options for those living in the rural and urban fringes and the impact it has on them, but what is revealing is the amount of people that TRSE is affecting.  

“Over one in five people in the North are at risk of exclusion because of the limitations of transport options in their community. That is millions of people, many of whom are those with specific needs who rely on public transport to get to work, to go to medical appointments or to just see friends and family. This issue is holding the region back and must be addressed if we are to achieve our full potential. 

“I truly believe that transport has the ability to transform people and places. It’s not just about getting from point A to B – it’s about connections: allowing communities to be sustainable and to grow; giving young people the chance to make the most of opportunities on offer; enabling older people to remain engaged and active, with a reduced risk of social isolation and loneliness. 

“This report shows the level of commitment that we need to see if the levelling up agenda is to come to fruition, we need to see significant investment in local public transport across the North of England to ensure that those people who really need a working transport system will get it.” 

 

Firefighters were called after yet another fire being started in the old depot area within Buile Hill Park this evening.

The incident has caused minor delays on the section of the A576 Eccles Old Rd which faces the park, due to hoses being stretched across the carriageway to help put out the flames.

We are told that the fire has been brought under control.

It is thought that no one has been injured and as yet the cause of the fire has not been determined.

The road is still passable in both directions with care.

Photo: Via MancTraffic

Police are investigating a serious collision on the M60 earlier today that has left a man with life-changing injuries and caused significant travel disruption this morning (1st September).

At around 6.20am emergency services were called to the first of a number of reports of a lorry colliding with a man on the first lane of the M60 clockwise at around junction 13.

The man – aged 57 – is understood to have got out of his car on the side of the motorway in the moments before the collision.

He was taken to hospital with life-changing injuries and is in a serious condition as he continues to receive treatment.

The driver of the lorry remained at the scene and is assisting GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit with their investigation.

Our enquiries are ongoing, and police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have dash-cam footage from around the area at the time, to get in touch with them on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident 491 of 01/09/2022.

Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The council say that as from Monday 8th August, for approximately one week, there will be a temporary road closure in place on A576 Broughton Road, Salford.

The road closure is required following a recent carriageway collapse.

United Utilities are to undertake consequential damage which was caused by a recent water main repair they undertook.

The closure will be from the junction of Broad street A6 to approximately Gloucester Street.

Traffic traveling on the A6 and the A580 Manchester bound will be diverted to the next junction Frederick Road.

Upodate: The tree has now been removed and the road is once again passable.

We have been made aware that a fallen tree is currently blocking access on Peel Lane in Little Hulton this evening.

The tree is thought to have fallen due to the recent wind and rain working to undermine its roots system, causing it to come crashing down onto the carriageway.

Fortunately no one is thought to have been hurt when it fell.

We understand that the council have been informed.

Drivers are being warned to drive with caution and avoid the area for the next few hours until it can be dealt with.

Photo: John Brierley

Trafford Road was temporarily closed to traffic in all directions last night at around 11pm (21st July) close to the junction with Merchants Quay, after what is believed to have been due to a collision between a car and a tram.

Emergency service attended but fortunately, neither anyone on the tram or in the car were seriously injured.

The tram was reportedly partially blocking Trafford Rd for awhile and Metrolink engineers were called in to to deal with the situation.

The road has since fully reopened.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police, said:

Quote

"At around 11pm on Thursday 21 July 2022, we received reports of an RTC between a car and a tram on Trafford Road, Salford. It is believed no one was injured on the tram with emergency services attending to assist at the scene. The driver of the vehicle was also not seriously injured.

"We can confirm the road was blocked for a short while overnight but the incident has now been dealt with."

Some bus services across Greater Manchester continue to be affected by an ongoing all out strike by Arriva employees, backed by the Unite Union whose bosses have labelled an offered pay rise of just three per cent as 'pitiful'.

Around 1,800 of the companies employees returned a 96 per cent 'yes' vote in favour of strike action on a 72 per cent turnout, the union revealed in a statement.

Arriva said that further talks had been proposed for later this week but workers remain steadfast and are continuing their open ended strike action having walked out on Wednesday (20th July).

The Unite Unions general secretary Sharon Graham, said:

Quote

 

"This dispute is entirely of Arriva's own making. It can fully afford to ensure its workers receive decent pay and conditions. Instead, Arriva has made our members a pitiful offer. Not only do they want workers to accept a real terms pay cut, they also want them to sacrifice their sick pay. This is just not acceptable.

"Unite will back these members to the hilt until this dispute is resolved and they receive a decent pay increase."

 

The services affected in Salford are:

10 - Brookhouse Estate - Lower Broughton - Salford - Shudehill

During the strike action, consider using the following services to complete your journey: 52, 67, 93, 95, 97, 98 and 100.

18 - Eccles - Trafford Park - Sale - Manchester Airport

During the strike action, consider using the following services to complete your journey: 15, 23.

A full list of all services affected can be found on the TFGM website via this link.

Strike action will continue every day until further notice.

Transport for Greater Manchester has been working closely with other operators to cover as many services as possible at short notice, however limited driver availability means not all services will operate.

To support Arriva ticket holders, the following Metrolink ticket acceptance has been put into place until further notice.

Arriva tickets of 7 days or more (that were purchased and activated before the date of the strike, and remain within their validity period) will be accepted for travel at all stops on the following Metrolink lines:

In Manchester city centre (zone 1)

Altrincham Line

Eccles & MediaCityUK Line (or appropriate replacement bus services)

Manchester Airport Line

Trafford Park Line

The line between Eccles and Media City remains closed due to ongoing essential maintenance work.

As fuel price protestors are set to take to the highways once more today, fair fuel price campaign group FairFuelUK has slammed Garage Forecourt operators for charging more than they should be for both Petrol and Diesel.

The group says that from 2016 up until the Covid lockdown years, the average wholesale price difference to pump prices was traditionally around 10p to 12p per litre.

However, since 2019, that yearly average has nearly doubled with recorded profits at about 18p to 21p per litre gained by some retailers.

Current retail margins, recorded for July 20th, have hit an astonishing 35p per litre for both fuel types.

That's up almost £20 profit per average family car. Calls have now been made to whomever takes over as Prime Minister to take action as a priority.

Howard Cox, FairFuelUK's Founder Says:

Quote

 

"As oil prices have rocketed since 2020, the fuel supply chain has exploited drivers by doubling their profits through record pump pricing.

"They are directly responsible for making the cost of living crisis even worse. I call on The Government, once and for all to punish the opportunistic profiteering in the fuel supply chain.

"This simply cant go on. The CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) seem in total dereliction of their core duty in not punishing the fuel supply chain's lack of competition, exploiting global oil price instability, and blatant unchecked profiteering.

"It is clear, mine and MP Robert Halfon's call for a pump pricing regulator, we call PumpWatch, is way past overdue.

"The New Prime Minister must make this a priority, in order to reduce inflation and the cost-of-living crisis."

 

Police have issued warnings to motorists across the UK that they could be impacted by slow moving roadblocks planned on the nations roads and motorways as part of a nation wide protest which will include cities such as Birmingham, Cardiff, Liverpool, London and Manchester.

FairFuelUK is not involved with the current Fuel Price Protests but does support the protesters' objectives so long as they are lawful.

Motorists in many areas have witnessed slight drops in the cost of fuel over the past couple of weeks but prices on the whole are still dramatically higher than they were before the crisis in Ukraine unfolded.

One forecourt owner bucked the trend earlier this week by significantly reducing prices at the pumps to help hard stretched locals who are already dealing with a cost of living crisis.

The Limes Service Station on Manchester Road in Walkden cuts its price, much to the delight of eager motorists heading to the station looking to take advantage of the stations lower prices. 

The owner says he aims to maintain its lower prices for at least a week or longer if it can, but fluctuations in the market are unpredictable and so eventually prices could once more rise.

A three-month-long pilot to allow dogs on Greater Manchester's Metrolink is set to start on August 1st.

The scheme was part of a pledge by Greater Manchester's Metro Mayor, Andy Burnham's who included it in his manifesto and now it is set to become a reality.

However, there will be rules which those seeking to take their prized pooches onboard must adhere too.

Metrolink will allow a maximum of two well-behaved dogs per passenger without charge, but you will be liable for their behaviour.

Dogs must always be kept on a short lead and under control at all times. They will need to be able to listen to your commands and travel without bothering other passengers.

Your dog is your responsibility. If your dog is involved in an incident concerning another passenger or member of the public, you will be liable.

Please keep your dog away from assistance dogs and the disabled boarding points.

Make sure you and your dog board and alight the tram together – be wary of trapping the lead in the door. 

If your dog makes a mess on the tram, stop or anywhere on the network, you will need to clean it up and inform a member of staff where possible. 

Dogs are not allowed on seats while travelling on the tram.

Do not let your dog sit under the seats as there are heaters and other systems which could harm them.

Be considerate of others on the Metrolink network who may be frightened of dogs, or who may be allergic to dog hair. 

Be aware of your dog’s needs. Bring water and treats for your dog if you need to, but also make sure you have poo bags and wipes so that you can clean up after any mess your dog makes, on or off the tram.

Mr Burnham said:

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"We want the Bee Network to work for everybody and for public transport to be as accessible as possible. A pilot scheme allowing non-assistance dogs on Metrolink was one of the pledges I made when I was re-elected as mayor, and I want to thank Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM) for working together to make this a reality.

"I would now urge everyone who uses Metrolink during this period, including dog owners and those without dogs, to take part in the survey to provide us with the valuable insight we need to inform whether or not we make this permanent."

 

Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Head of Metrolink, added:

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"A scheme allowing non-assistance dogs on Metrolink was a manifesto commitment made by the mayor and over the past few months, we have worked with KAM to make this happen. 

"While passengers with dogs will be very welcome on Metrolink, please respect other passengers and our staff by keeping your dog under control."

 

Further information on the pilot can be found at https://tfgm.com/dogs.