UK government to review and remove train announcements that add unnecessary noise and disruption to journeys
the Department for Transport will ensure train operating companies retain important safety messages and work with accessibility groups so that passengers receive the necessary information
announcement follows the publication of the government’s Plan for Rail, which puts passengers back at the heart of the railways
Quieter train journeys are set to become the norm after the government announced it will identify and remove repetitive and unnecessary onboard announcements on trains in England.
The changes mean that passengers will no longer be bombarded with unnecessary ‘tannoy spam’ that distracts from important safety-critical messaging.
Working closely with the Rail Delivery Group, passenger groups including Transport Focus, and train operators, the Department for Transport (DfT) will identify how the vast number of announcements can be cut or reduced while maintaining vital obligations to ensure train travel remains accessible for all. Messages that play a safety critical role, or that ensure the railways are accessible for all, will remain.
The review will take place over the course of this year, with redundant messages identified and starting to be removed in the coming months.
Banal announcements set to be culled include self-evident instructions, such as having your ticket ready when leaving the station and contradictory calls for passengers to keep volume levels low while onboard announcements blare out. There will also be new curbs on the maximum frequency at which remaining announcements will be heard.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Train passengers are all too often plagued by an endless torrent of repeated and unnecessary announcements.
“In line with the passenger improvements, we are rolling out with our Plan for Rail we want to see improvements to the railways for those who use them day in day out.
“That’s why I’m calling for a bonfire of the banalities to bring down the number of announcements passengers are forced to sit through and make their journey that little bit more peaceful.”
As passengers come back to the railways, DfT will continue to ensure journeys are more comfortable to all users and that passengers continue to receive the important information they need about their journey.
Officials will work with accessibility groups to ensure that access for all is maintained.
The Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail, launched last year, ‘puts passengers at the heart of the railway’. To improve the comfort and enjoyment of train travel, customer service will be modernised and upgraded across all stations and, on trains, focused on providing passengers with better communication and a more personalised service.
Anthony Smith, Chief Executive of the independent watchdog Transport Focus, said: “Passengers will welcome a review intended to cut out unnecessary announcements.
“Transport Focus looks forward to helping with the review so passengers get the information they want, including those with additional accessibility needs.
Jacqueline Starr, CEO of the Rail Delivery Group, said: “We know people want the most relevant and timely messages on their journeys and to help with this, train operators are continuing their work to improve customer information, including cutting unnecessary onboard announcements.
“We’re also going further by asking customers what they want to know and using their responses to plan more useful and consistent announcements across the network, helping people have a better experience travelling by train.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a statement in the House of Commons on the Omicron variant yesterday:
Mr Speaker, with permission I will make a Statement on the Omicron variant, and our measures to contain this virus, fortify our NHS and keep our country open.
First, I am sure the whole House will join me in paying tribute to everyone working in our NHS and social care, for their extraordinary efforts in the teeth of yet another wave of this pandemic, and for all they have done, together with thousands of volunteers, to get Britain boosted.
Since we began the Get Boosted Now campaign just over three weeks ago, we have delivered 10 million extra boosters across the UK; we have doubled the rate of vaccination from 450,000 doses a day to a peak of more than 900,000; we have matched the NHS’s previous record day, and then beaten it again and again; and we have met our target of offering a booster to every eligible adult in England a whole month early.
As a result, we have a higher level of booster protection than all our European neighbours, with over 34 million boosters administered across the UK, including in England reaching more than 90 per cent of the over-70s, and 86 per cent of the over-50s.
Together with the evidence that Omicron causes less severe disease than previous variants, and the way the public have conscientiously changed their behaviour in response to Plan B, this level of protection means we are in a very different position than during previous waves.
I know some Hon Members might therefore ask whether this means we can now do away with measures altogether. But I am sorry to report that hospital admissions are rising rapidly, doubling around every 9 days, with already more than 15,000 Covid patients in hospital in England alone.
We are experiencing the fastest growth in Covid cases that we have ever known, with over 218,000 cases reported yesterday, although that included some delayed reporting.
And potentially of greatest concern, case rates are now rapidly rising among the older and more vulnerable, including doubling every week among those over 60, with the obvious risk that this will continue to increase the pressures on our NHS.
So in response to the latest data, the Cabinet agreed this morning that we should stick with Plan B for another three weeks, with a further review before the regulations expire on 26 January.
People in England should carry on working from home whenever they can, wear face coverings on public transport and in most indoor public places, and take a test before going to high risk venues or meeting the elderly or vulnerable.
All of these measures are helping to take the edge off the Omicron wave, slow the spread of infection, manage the immediate pressures on our NHS and buy time for the boosters to take effect.
And those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should, of course, continue to follow the rules where they live.
Mr Speaker, faced with these pressures on our NHS, I know some Members may ask the opposite question: whether we should go even further and move towards a full lockdown. But lockdowns are not cost free. They impose a devastating toll on our physical and mental wellbeing, on our businesses, jobs and livelihoods, and, worst of all, on the life chances of our children.
So this government does not believe we need to shut down our country again. Instead we are taking a balanced approach, using the protection of the boosters and the Plan B measures to reduce the spread of the virus, while acting to strengthen our NHS, protect critical national services and keep supply chains open.
We’re building onsite Nightingale hospitals and creating 2,500 virtual beds to increase NHS capacity.
We’ve bought more antivirals per person than anywhere else in Europe. And we’re working to identify those NHS Trusts which are most likely to need military support, so this can be prepared now.
From 10th January, we will provide 100,000 critical workers in England with free lateral flow tests for every working day to help keep essential services running.
This includes those who work on critical national infrastructure, national security, transport, and food distribution and processing. And these tests are separate – and in addition – to those already allocated to our public services, such as in education, where we have delivered 31 million testing kits to schools and colleges for the start of the new term.
Mr Speaker, we have the biggest testing programme in Europe, registering almost twice as many tests as France, and four times as many as Germany.
Last month alone, we distributed 300 million lateral flow devices – enabling millions of people to get tested and keep their loved ones, friends and colleagues safe in the run-up to Christmas.
But thanks to the sheer size of the Omicron wave, we still need to take steps to ensure our testing capacity reaches those who need it most.
So we will be suspending the need to do a PCR to confirm the result of a positive lateral flow test.
From next Tuesday in England, if you test positive on a lateral flow device, you should just record that result on gov.uk and begin self-isolating.
Mr Speaker, our balanced approach also means that where specific measures are no longer serving their purpose, they will be dropped.
So when the Omicron variant was first identified, we rightly introduced travel restrictions to slow its arrival in our country.
But now Omicron is so prevalent, these measures are having limited impact on the growth in cases, while continuing to pose significant costs on our travel industry.
So I can announce that in England from 4am on Friday we will be scrapping the pre-departure test, which discourages many from travelling for fear of being trapped overseas and incurring significant extra expense.
We will also be lifting the requirement to self-isolate on arrival until receipt of a negative PCR, returning instead to the system we had in October last year, where those arriving in England will need to take a lateral flow test no later than the end of Day 2 and, if positive, a further PCR test to help us identify any new variants at the border.
Mr Speaker, all of these measures are balanced and proportionate ways of ensuring we can live with Covid without letting our guard down.
And we can only do this thanks to the biggest and fastest booster campaign in Europe.
Yet Mr Speaker, there are still almost 9 million people eligible, who haven’t had their booster. As many as 90 per cent of those in intensive care with Covid have not had their booster and over 60 per cent have not had any vaccination at all.
And there are 2 million slots available over the next week alone. So I urge Hon Members on all sides of the House to do everything possible to encourage your constituents to get boosted now.
This is the very best way to save lives, reduce the pressure on our NHS and keep our country open. And I commend this Statement to the House.
Pre-departure testing removed for vaccinated travellers
Testing and border measures are changing for fully eligible fully vaccinated travellers arriving in England
A lateral flow test can be used instead of PCR tests for eligible fully vaccinated travellers and over 5s to take on or before day 2
Eligible fully vaccinated travellers and under 18s will no longer have to take a pre-departure test or self-isolate on arrival in England – returning to the travel rules that were in place before Omicron
Scotland expected to follow suit
Omicron is the dominant variant in the UK and is spreading widely among the community
From 4am on Sunday 9 January, eligible fully vaccinated travellers and over 5s will be able to take a lateral flow test instead of a PCR on or before day 2 of their arrival in England. Lateral flow tests for travel can be booked from Friday 7 January and taken upon arrival, by the end of day 2.
Eligible fully vaccinated passengers and under 18s will no longer need to take a pre-departure test or self-isolate on arrival in England from 4am on Friday 7 January but must continue to take their post-arrival tests.
As data shows Omicron is the dominant variant in the UK and spreading widely in the community it is now proportionate to cautiously reduce testing measures at the borders.
Anyone who receives a positive result on their lateral flow test must self-isolate immediately and order a NHS PCR test from gov.uk. Positive PCR tests for arrivals will be sequenced to understand if and where variants are emerging around the globe in order to protect the UK public.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “As we learn more about the Omicron variant it is right that we keep our testing and border measures under review to ensure they remain proportionate.
“The steps we’re taking will make travel easier for people while protecting the UK public from the virus.
“Omicron continues to be a serious threat and it is important that travellers continue to get tested. The most important thing anyone can do if they haven’t already is come forward for their vaccine.”
Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps said: “I’ve always said that we won’t keep international travel restrictions in place any longer than they are necessary to protect public health.
“That’s why we’re removing the temporary, extra testing measures we introduced for Omicron in November, making travel easier and cheaper for fully vaccinated passengers and providing a big boost for the travel industry as we enter the peak new year booking period.
“We want to provide more certainty to passengers and businesses, and will do a full review of our international travel measures for 2022 by the end of the month.”
Dr Susan Hopkins UK Health Security Agency said: “It is vital anyone who receives a positive Day 2 lateral flow test self-isolates immediately and orders a PCR on gov uk. All travel PCRs with high amounts of virus are sequenced to help us understand if any new variants are emerging around the world and entering the UK.
“Everyone must continue to wear face coverings where required, wash hands regularly and work from home to help stop the spread of the virus and keep our loved ones and community safe.”
Lateral flow tests for international travel must be purchased from a private provider as NHS Test and Trace lateral flow tests cannot be used for international travel. Passengers who have already bought a PCR to use for travel do not need to buy another test as PCRs can still be used.
Unvaccinated passengers must continue to take a pre-departure test, PCR test on or before Day 2 and on or after Day 8 and self-isolate for 10 days. ‘Test to release’ remains an option for unvaccinated people to shorten their self-isolation period.
Proof of vaccination from over 15 further countries and territories will be accepted for entry into England from 4am on Monday 10 January: Bhutan, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Fiji, Iraq, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, north of Cyprus, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Solomon Islands, The Gambia and Uzbekistan.
The World Health Organisation has recently granted WHO Emergency Use List (EUL) authorisation to the two versions of the ‘Novavax’ vaccine named Covovax and Nuvaxovid. Therefore, eligible travellers who have received either version of this vaccine will be recognised for international travel into England from 4am on Monday 10 January.
No countries have been added to the UK travel red list, which remains on standby. A further review of all travel measures will be carried out later in the month, and our long-term goal remains to return to safe, restriction-free travel as soon as it’s safe to do so.
Scotland is likely to follow suit with an announcement expected this afternoon.
On sale now, small coach tour operator Rabbie’s (www.rabbies.com) has unveiled a new series of Europe tours – exploring the most beautiful sites across Italy, Spain, Portugal and Switzerland – which will hit the road from May next year.
To celebrate the launch, guests booking a 2022 Europe tour with Rabbie’s can save five per cent when booking before 31st January 2022, using the promo code EUROPE5 at rabbies.com.
20 new tours, each six or 13 days in duration, will take guests on a journey uncovering the continent’s incredible cuisine, history, landscapes and culture.
Similar to the company’s popular UK trips, guests on Rabbie’s European tours will travel in luxurious mini-coaches, with a maximum group size of just 16. The small size of Rabbie’s coaches allows the tours to access off-the-beaten-track and less-touristed destinations that larger operators are unable to reach.
Each trip is hosted by one of Rabbie’s expert guides, offering guests insider knowledge on everything there is to know about the places visited – including where to find the best spot for lunch!
The six-day South of Spain & the Treasures of Andalucía tour travels from Madrid to Lisbon, taking in Spain’s former capital Toledo, Córdoba, Granada including Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada National Park, dramatic Ronda, Seville and the charming Algarve town of Tavira en route.
Visit a Spanish olive oil production site for a lesson in olive oil-making while soaking in the endless olive grove views. Be entranced by the ornamentation of the Alhambra Palace before delving into the rugged landscapes of the Cumbres Verdes mountains on the forefront of the Sierra Nevada.
Stroll the city walls and picturesque plazas of cliff-top Ronda and join a half-day tour to Jerez de la Frontera – the heartland of sherry and Spanish brandy.
Finally, cross the Portuguese border with a stop at Tavira in the Algarve – a town on the River Gilão that exudes an irresistible charm. Prices for the six-day tour start from €1,185 per person based on 4 July 2022 departure.
Alternatively, the 13-day Vistas of Switzerland & Italy tour travels from Milan, visiting places of exquisite beauty like Lake Como, Interlaken, Zermatt, Cinque Terre, Pisa, and Florence, before arriving in Rome.
Explore Italy’s stunning lake region while admiring its mountainous vistas and colourful villas on a boat trip across Lake Como to Lenno. Head deep into the Alps for sky-touching mountain views and take the winding roads to Simplon Pass – a key historical route.
Discover the most admired peak in all of Europe – the Matterhorn – before travelling by train to car-free Zermatt. Back on the coach, travel south, and sample Parma ham and Parmesan cheese in Parma, the place of their origin.
Architectural wonders aren’t so hard to find in Northern Italy, a certain leaning structure begs for your attention in Pisa and Lucca’s completely preserved city walls are the perfect warm up to the breath-taking wonders of Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance.
Sample one of Italy’s most famous exports in the famous Chianti wine region, before arriving in Montepulciano, your hilltop home for two nights in rural Tuscany. Expect delights of the culinary and aesthetic variety in this part of Italy, before travelling further south to Rome. Prices for the thirteen-day tour start from €3,465 per person based on 23 May 2022 departure.
Other European tour options available:
In Spain/Portugal
Portugal, Galicia & the Heart of Spain
The Mountains and Mediterranean Marvels of Spain (Departing from Barcelona or Madrid)
Passions of Spain
In Italy/Switzerland
The Italian Affair
The Best of Northern Italy (Departing from Milan or Rome)
Italy’s Iconic Coasts and Cities
Highlights of Italy and Switzerland
Rabbie’s European tour prices include transport in a luxury air conditioned mini-coach with a local driver, the stories and services of an English-speaking guide, accommodation in 3-4 star hotels with continental breakfast and selected excursions.
For more information and to book, please visit www.rabbies.com.
Huge boost for UK travel tech business indicates increasing consumer confidence
Business announces plans to target Italian ski tourism market
Ski instructor marketplace, Maison Sport has reported a 200 per cent rise in customers compared to previous seasons, raising confidence that ski tourism is set for a strong recovery despite recent covid developments.
The Edinburgh-based company, founded by three ex-British ski team members which connects its customers directly with the best independent ski and snowboard instructors, has also announced plans to target the Italian market for the first time.
Maison Sport says it is currently averaging £100k a week of new bookings, up from its pre-pandemic level of £30k a week at the same time in 2019. The company has also doubled the number of instructors on its books compared to the 2019/2020 season to 1300 and has reported a 30 per cent rise in customer spending for this time of year, all pointing to growing post-Covid confidence in the recovery of the European ski tourism market.
This latest news follows Maison Sport’s successful fundraise in May where the company secured £1.25million in external investment from both individual investors and a crowdfunding campaign.
Founded in 2016 by former ski champion brothers Nick and Olly Robinson and fellow ex-British Ski Team member Aaron Tipping, the company now boasts the third largest selection of instructors in comparison to any ski school in the world.
Over the past year, Maison Sport grew its team to 20 people and also opened a new, larger head office in Edinburgh. With its innovative platform continuing to grow, overcoming the significant challenges facing the global travel industry, the company plans further expansion into Asia and South America over the course of 2022.
Maison Sport has proven to be a game changer for independent ski and snowboard instructors who can significantly increase their earnings using the platform. The marketplace has surpassed 34,000 hours of lessons taught in 364 ski resorts across Europe.
Founder and CEO, Nick Robinson said: “The significant growth in our customer numbers underline both the success in developing our business model and the rising consumer confidence in the resurgence of the ski tourism market.
“Even though the recent identification of the new Omicron variant may disrupt some travel plans people are obviously keen to get back on the slopes and our instructors are ready and waiting.
“Despite the difficulties posed by Covid-19, this latest development follows a pivotal year for the business where we secured significant investment, grew our base of instructors, and entered new markets.
“This progress continues with our expansion into Italy, where we’re already seeing impressive numbers of customers signing up to our platform. Italian customers, who’ve have typically had to book ski or snowboard lessons last minute, are now benefitting from our platform which allows them to source the best instructors and book them in advance of their ski holiday.”
Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland as part of the Traffic Scotland Operations and Infrastructure Service, are carrying out essential equipment repair works around the M90 north of the Queensferry Crossing in Fife on three nights this month.
This scheme will see slip road closures to allow for the repair and reinstatement of traffic detection loops, which allow for data to be captured on traffic volumes.
The work will be carried out using multiple closures of slip roads overnight from 2000 to 0600 to minimise disruption and to ensure the safety of roadworkers and the public:
Tomorrow (Tuesday) – 14/12/12 – M90 Northbound J2a Halbeath Off Slip – diversion to J3 and return Southbound
Wednesday – 15/12/21 – A92 Southbound link to M90 J2a Halbeath – diversion to M90 J3 and return
Monday – 20/12/21 – M90 Southbound J2 exit link at A823(M) – diversion to J1 and return Northbound
Our operatives will follow strict physical distancing and hygiene protocols throughout the programme, in line with the Scottish Government’s COVID-19 guidance.
Please note, all schemes are weather dependent and may be cancelled or rescheduled if weather conditions are not favourable.
Real-time journey information can be obtained by visiting:
Communities in East Lothian, the Scottish Borders and Northumberland have today been connected via rail for the first time in almost decades thanks to new services operated by TransPennine Express (TPE).
The train company has launched five services per day (Monday to Saturday) in both directions, calling at Edinburgh Waverley, Dunbar, Reston (once opened), Berwick-upon-Tweed, Alnmouth, Morpeth, and Newcastle, with one service per day calling at Cramlington.
The introduction of the new services means that for the first time in decades, communities in Morpeth, Alnmouth, Berwick and Dunbar now have a rail link, providing new journey opportunities for residents between towns in the regions and into Edinburgh and Newcastle.
Matthew Golton, Managing Director for TransPennine Express said: “We are thrilled that, as of today, communities across East Lothian, the Scottish Borders and Northumberland are connected once again, and we are looking forward to welcoming customers onboard.
“Working with Transport Scotland and Rail North Partnership we’re delighted that these additional services will now significantly improve connectivity on this route, providing communities with enhanced access to work, education and leisure opportunities.”
Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “Our railways are vital in connecting communities and empowering our towns and cities to flourish, which is why we have announced our historic £96bn Integrated Rail Plan to help level up the North and Midlands.
“It’s fantastic that Transport Scotland and the Rail North Partnership have come together with TransPennine Express to launch these new services, which will bring people together, drive growth, and provide an important link between two of the UK’s greatest cities.”
Transport Minister Graeme Deysaid: “This is very good news for the local communities along the route and a great example of collaborative working.
“Improving access to work, education and leisure opportunities by connecting communities is at the heart of our transport priorities. These additional rail services, particularly at intermediate stations, will also make a real difference in encouraging more people out of their cars and onto trains as we strive towards achieving our Net Zero goals.”
Cllr Martin Gannon, Chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee,said: “I’m pleased to welcome this new TransPennine Express service which will help to improve connectivity for local people – particularly for communities in Northumberland.
“Better access to employment, education and leisure is a key objective of our regional Transport Plan, so I’m delighted to see this additional service begin.”
The new services will be operated by TPE’s modern, five carriage Nova 1 trains featuring spacious interiors, plenty of leg room, free Wi-Fi in both Standard and First Class as well as access to onboard entertainment system, Exstream.
Customers can travel with confidence onboard TPE’s services with enhanced cleaning in place to keep everyone safe. Face coverings must be worn on trains and at stations (unless exempt).
For those looking to travel, tickets can be purchased online via our website or using the TPExpress App where people can pay using Apple Pay, Google Pay or PayPal.
E-tickets are also available allowing customers to use their phone instead of a paper ticket.
Nigeria to be added to the travel red list from 4am Monday 6 December following 21 cases of Omicron reported in England which are linked to travel from this country, with 134 UK cases now reported in total
In light of emerging evidence on the Omicron variant, from 4am on Tuesday 7 December anyone aged 12 and above wishing to travel to the UK will need to show a negative pre-departure test (LFD or PCR) as close as possible to departure and not more than 48 hours before to slow the importation of the new variant
Government working at pace to expand Managed Quarantine Service capacity, but passengers are advised that hotel bookings may be limited as new hotels are onboarded
These are temporary measures that have been introduced to prevent further Omicron cases from entering the UK, and will be examined at the three-week review point on 20 December
From 4am tomorrow – Monday 6 December – UK and Irish citizens and residents arriving from Nigeria must isolate in a government-approved managed quarantine facility for 10 days, and receive two negative PCR tests, as further precautionary action is taken against the Omicron variant.
Currently, the vast majority of cases in the UK have clear links to overseas travel from South Africa and Nigeria, and over the past week, 21 Omicron cases reported in England originate from Nigeria.
A temporary travel ban will therefore be introduced for all non-UK and non-Irish citizens and residents who have been in Nigeria in the last 10 days, meaning they will be refused entry into the UK. This does not apply to those who have stayed airside and only transited through Nigeria while changing flights.
Last weekend, 10 countries were added to the red list and it was announced that all vaccinated passengers arriving in the UK must take a day two PCR tests and self-isolate until they receive a negative result. Since then, the geographical spread of Omicron has increased considerably, with 37 countries around the world now reporting Omicron cases and over 134 cases identified in the UK.
New analysis conducted by the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) indicates that the window between infection and infectiousness may be shorter for the Omicron variant, which increases the efficacy of pre-departure testing as it is more likely to identify positive cases before travel.
In light of this emerging evidence and the changing global picture with regards to the spread of Omicron, from 4am on Tuesday, anyone wishing to travel to the UK from countries and territories not on the red list must also show proof of a negative PCR or lateral flow (LFD) pre-departure test, taken no earlier than 48 hours before departure. This applies to vaccinated passengers and children aged 12 and above.
Airlines will be required to check for pre-departure tests alongside a completed passenger locator form, and passengers will not be allowed to board a flight without providing evidence of a negative test result.
Given the reduced incubation period of the Omicron variant, passengers are advised to take the pre-departure test as close as possible to their scheduled departure to the UK and no earlier than 48 hours before travelling.
These additional measures are vital to delaying the import of additional cases and slow the rise in cases within the UK.
However, as the Prime Minister set out on 27 November, all temporary measures will be reviewed after three weeks to ensure that they remain necessary and proportionate, and this will take place on 20 December.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Sajid Javid, said: “We knew this winter would be challenging but the arrival of a new variant means we must further strengthen our defences.
“As our world-leading scientists continue to understand more about the Omicron variant we are taking decisive action to protect public health and the progress of our COVID-19 vaccination programme.
“I urge everyone to do their bit to slow the spread by following the new travel rules, wearing masks where mandatory and most importantly getting the booster jab when called.”
Anyone arriving from Nigeria before 4am Monday [6 December] will be advised and strongly encouraged to isolate at home, and their household should also self-isolate for 10 days starting with their arrival in England.
Affected individuals will be contacted and offered free PCR tests to be taken on day 8 after their arrival.
Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, said: “Following developments in the past week, the science shows that we must be cautious in guarding against this new variant and so, while we appreciate this will be difficult for the travel sector, it’s important we prioritise public health.
“As we learn more about the Omicron variant, we will review these temporary measures to ensure they continue to be proportionate and necessary to protect public health.”
Analysis by the UKHSA suggests there is strong indication of Omicron presence in Nigeria, and several cases identified in the UK are linked to travel from Nigeria. The country also has very strong travel links with South Africa, for example Nigeria is the second most popular flight destination from Johannesburg.
The UKHSA continues to monitor the situation closely, in partnership with scientific and public health organisations across the world, and government is working collaboratively with the WHO and countries around the world to better understand the new variant and possible mitigations.
Travellers should not attempt to travel to the UK from a red list country without a Managed Quarantine Service (MQS) booking, as they will not be able to board a flight and could be subject to a fixed penalty notice at the UK border.
The government’s advice is to keep checking the CTM website as there are significant number of cancellations happening which will free up rooms.
The MQS has contracted several new hotels to enter service this week, in response to the likely numbers of UK residents who will want to travel from Nigeria before Christmas.
British nationals in Nigeria should check Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice and follow local guidance. The FCDO will continue to offer tailored consular assistance to British nationals in country in need of support overseas on a 24/7.
The UK government is clear it will take further ‘decisive action’ if necessary to contain the virus and new variant.
The change, informed by a UK Health Security Agency risk assessment, will also take effect in Scotland.
Transport Secretary Michael Matheson said: “It is essential we take steps now to keep people safe, protect the roll out of the booster programme and reduce the chances of unsustainable pressure being placed on the NHS over the winter.
“We have always said it may be necessary to quickly implement fresh measures to protect public health in Scotland, particularly with regards to international travel, and these restrictions are proportionate and necessary to that aim.
“We fully understand the impact the changes will have on staff and businesses in the travel and aviation sectors, particularly as the new variant came at a time when we were beginning to see some signs of recovery. We will not keep the restrictions in place any longer than is necessary.”
Countries currently on the red list are: Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namiba, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Pre-departure tests are currently required for red list arrivals and unvaccinated travellers from all countries of origin. This change extends the pre-departure test requirement to vaccinated travellers and requires all pre-departure tests to be no later than two days before departure.
Virgin Red will match points earned on train travel and donate them to its 13 charity partners
Virgin Red will match all Virgin Points earned with Virgin Trains Ticketing in December and donate them to its 13 charity partners
Hundreds of thousands of Virgin Points are expected to be earned by Virgin Red’s members as the nation reconnects with loved ones this Christmas
Virgin Red members receive three points for every £1 spent on train travel with Virgin Trains Ticketing – meaning they can reward themselves with a Christmas treat too.
As the nation prepares to reunite with family and friends this December after last year’s festivities were cancelled, Virgin Red predicts a bumper month of train travel this December.
Members of Virgin Red, Virgin’s rewards programme, can earn up to three Virgin Points for every £1 spent on train tickets with Virgin Trains Ticketing – and this December, Virgin Red will match all points earned on train tickets and gift them to its 13 partner charities as a cash donation. With Virgin Trains Ticketing, travellers won’t see any booking fees on e-tickets either.
With UK train journeys costing between 5.5p to 34p a mile* Virgin Red is giving travellers an extra reward for heading home and reconnecting with friends and family by delivering much-needed support for charities across the country, many of whom have seen donations dip post pandemic.
Andrea Burchett, International and Strategic Development Director, says: “Travelling by train this Christmas really is rewarding with Virgin Red – not only will members receive points which they could use for a little Christmas treat for themselves, they’re also helping those less fortunate as Virgin Red matches and donates the Virgin Points earned from train tickets to its 13 charity partners.
“If it wasn’t enough reason to reconnect with our friends and family, earning points for every ticket bought and seeing those points matched and donated to charity, really means there has never been a better time to travel by train. And remember, with Virgin Trains Ticketing, there are no booking fees!”
Virgin Red rewards come in all shapes and sizes, from the small things that make the everyday better, to awesome extraordinary experiences, and it’s super easy to earn points, too with members earning Virgin Points just for doing their shopping online via Virgin Red.
It’s also really easy to boost your Virgin Points balance to enjoy rewards with Virgin Trains Ticketing. For example, as of 30 November 2021:
An off-peak return from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly over a weekend (£94.50) will accrue 284 Virgin Points.
An off-peak return from London Victoria to Brighton over a weekend (£39.60) will secure 119 Virgin Points.
An off-peak return from Manchester Piccadilly to Edinburgh Waverley over a weekend (£86.90) will collect 261 Virgin Points.
Peter Vardy, has become the first Scottish automotive dealership group to enter a partnership with electric vehicle specialist, Zoom EV, to provide customers with a bundle of services and benefits that simplifies their switch to electric vehicles (EV).
Peter Vardy Group, established in 2006, is a family-run business with 15 dealerships at sites across Scotland, which include 8 dedicated used car supermarkets trading under the Peter Vardy CARZ brand.
Customers who buy a plug-in hybrid or fully electric car from a CARZ store, will gain access to a suite of discounts as part of Peter Vardy’s EV Benefits Bundle, as well as support from Zoom EV’s expert team.
Benefits include discounted access to industry leading public charging networks, smart home charging units, EV home energy tariffs and accident management services.
Ed Carpenter, Director of Electric Vehicles at Peter Vardysaid: “We are delighted to partner with Zoom EV to further progress our ambition of becoming Scotland’s go-to dealer group for purchasing new and pre-owned electric vehicles.
“We understand that transitioning from a conventional car to an EV can be a daunting experience for some motorists and our teams are often faced with questions around charging an electric car.
“With Zoom EV’s support, the Peter Vardy EV Benefits Bundle will mitigate these concerns, providing our customers with bespoke services to make their EV ownership experience enjoyable and hassle-free.
“As the climate crisis continues to become more apparent, we are proud to be encouraging EV use in the UK and excited to be on this electric journey with Zoom EV.”
Greg Fairbotham, CEO at Zoom EV, said: “We know from our work in the auto-dealer sector that supporting the transition process is critical in customers’ decisions to go electric.
“We are committed to making the switch as easy as possible by ensuring easy access to the essential services needed to own an electric vehicle, whilst also saving customers money. Our concierge-style service gives customers reassurance and a helping hand as they transition to electric.
“Peter Vardy is proactively driving the adoption of electric vehicles across Scotland, and the EV Benefits Bundle is a fantastic way to encourage drivers to make the decision to go electric. We are excited to be working with them.”
For more information contact Peter Vardy Group on 0333 456 0505 or Zoom EV at membersupport@zoom-ev.com.
Commuters urged to consider pressure on motorways and railways
As Scotland prepares to host the COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow, the demand on the transport network is expected to be unprecedented.
While many people across the country have already heeded warnings in the run up to the event, the impact on the motorway network and railways should not be underestimated.
With major road closures in place, further factors that will impact getting in and around the central belt include various protest activities – planned and unplanned – as well as non-COP26 related events such as bad weather, Halloween and major sporting fixtures.
Members of the public are therefore being urged to avoid any unnecessary travel especially during the first few days of the conference.
Nicola Blaney, head of events resilience for Transport Scotland, said: “There will be severe disruption on transport networks and we therefore urge people to consider their travel plans very carefully.
“Across the network, we know certain dates are due to be much busier than others especially November 1, 2, 5 and 6. This weekend is also likely to be very heavily congested, and we need people to help us to avoid gridlock and crucially, leave space for key workers and emergency services to make essential journeys.
“We’ve been encouraging people to work from home as a way of reducing the risk of Covid – which would also help ease pressure on the transport network during the conference’s peak.”
Road closures are already in place for public safety with Glasgow’s Clydeside Expressway now fully closed till November 14.
The M8 will be subject to lane restrictions and road closures from 8pm on October 30 until 6am on November 15. The Tradeston M8 On-slip at West Street will be closed with no access to North Street/Charing Cross.
A signed diversion route will be in place from West Street to North Street, via Kingston Street, George V Bridge and the Broomielaw. Access to Bothwell Street from the M8 Eastbound at Junction 18 will remain open.
The public is advised to visit the Get Ready Glasgow website:
which provides all the travel details and will be regularly updated with all the latest information for commuters and businesses as well as details on alternative routes, local road closure dates and where local access will be maintained.
Further road restrictions which will come into effect next week include road closures from Monday November 1 around Argyle Street – one of the main diversion routes – because of a COP26 event. This will increase congestion and put additional strain on the road network.
Friday November 5 and Saturday November 6 are also expected to be extremely busy, due to planned climate change related marches going from Kelvingrove Park into the city centre and Glasgow Green.
Police Scotland’s assistant chief constable Bernard Higgins, said: “Our aim is to deliver a safe and secure event, whilst keeping the city, and indeed the country, operational and moving.”
