Tube Temperature Warning!

Monday, April 30th, 2007

Tube users have been warned that they face the warmest summer ever on the underground network. With record numbers of passengers and record summer temperatures expected, the combination is set to cause users of the underground to suffer near unbearable conditions.

Weather forecasters have warned there is little prospect of a cooler than average season warned and given the record temperatures seen in London in the last two summers, expecting anything less this summer would be naïve.

Passenger numbers are all ready higher than expected, moving past a billion a year, well before predicted and tube bosses now say it will be “years” before the Underground system gets better and are telling passengers to prepare for the worst.

A senior Tube source said: “This summer, if the weather is as hot as some are predicting, it will be difficult down there.

“We are going to be completely honest with passengers. We have a strategy for mitigating the worst of the hot weather but it is going to take years to implement.”

Last summer the Evening Standard recorded “apparent temperatures” of 47C (117F) on the Tube.

The apparent temperature combines air temperature with humidity to find out the true effect of heat. Official European Union guidelines state that cattle should not be transported in temperatures above 27C (81F).

Last year Ken Livingstone warned of a “serious loss of life” if a train breaks down in a tunnel”.

Of course there is one sure way to avoid the heat and overcrowding, driving to work provides you with a guaranteed seat, the ability to wind down the window for some fresh air, or turn on the air conditioning to cool down.

So let 24 7 Parking sort out a guaranteed space in a convenient location at our usual unbelievable rates, and enjoy a comfortable, cool and relaxed journey to work this summer.

New Laws for Rogue Parking Wardens

Monday, April 23rd, 2007

Rogue parking companies that issue tickets to drivers who have parked on private land are to be barred from obtaining details of the vehicle’s registered keeper from the DVLA unless they comply with a new code.

The companies will have to agree to charge a standard penalty of no more than £75 and will be banned from turning up on people’s doorsteps or marching drivers to cash points.

The DVLA has been forced to act after an outcry from drivers who have been charged up to £200 for parking briefly in a private car park. Some companies have resorted to intimidation, sending debt collectors to people’s homes and demanding large sums in cash on the spot.

For more information see a full article at www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article1668526.ece

Discount for local drivers at the Dartford Crossing

Monday, April 2nd, 2007

Drivers living on either side of the Dartford Crossing could get a discount on the cost of crossing the Thames.

The government has agreed in principle to reductions in the toll, due to rise from £1 to £1.50 for cars, but said it was not yet able to say by how much.

A public consultation on changes to the charges had 10,730 responses.

Transport minister Stephen Ladyman has said:

“We have registered the strong demand for local discounts expressed through the consultation.”

He said his department would publish detailed proposals later this year.

The government confirmed there would also be a discount for drivers using the electronic DART-Tag.

These drivers will also be able to use the crossing for the current £1 cash charge regardless of where they live.

For full story see http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/6518051.stm