Latest news with #PFI
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'Hated' £2.2bn tunnel in the UK to temporarily close just months after opening
The controversial Silvertown Tunnel, which cost around £2.2bn, has temporarily closed due to maintenance and snagging works - just two months after its grand opening Drivers have been warned after a mega £2.2 billion tunnel, that promised to slash congestion and delays, has temporarily closed. Despite opening just two months ago, the hated Silvertown Tunnel has closed for 17 nights for general maintenance and snagging works. During the southbound-only closures - buses will be diverted via the Blackwall Tunnel. When both directions are closed, buses will operate a split-service that terminates at Canning Town and North Greenwich. "TfL will look to ensure bus services can continue to run where possible and has been communicating with drivers about the closures and weekly customer emails," a spokesperson said. Drivers will be advised through email communications to use alternative routes like the London Underground or route 108. The closures started on Friday, May 30 and will last until Sunday, June 22. Silvertown tunnel closures - the full list Friday, May 30: 22:00–06:00 (Southbound only) Saturday, May 31: 22:00–06:00 (Southbound only) Sunday, June 1: 22:00–05:00 (Southbound only) Monday, June 2: 22:00–05:00 (Southbound only) Tuesday, June 3: 22:00–05:00 (Southbound only) Wednesday, June 4: 22:00–05:00 (Both directions closed) Thursday, June 5: 22:00–05:00 (Northbound only) Friday, June 6: 22:00–06:00 (Both directions closed) Saturday, June 7: 22:00–06:00 (Both directions closed) Sunday, June 8: 22:00–05:00 (Both directions closed) Friday, June 13: 22:00–06:00 (Both directions closed) Saturday, June 14: 22:00–06:00 (Both directions closed) Sunday, June 15: 22:00–05:00 (Both directions closed) Wednesday, June 18: 22:00–05:00 (Southbound only) Friday, June 20: 22:00–06:00 (Both directions closed) Saturday, June 21: 22:00–06:00 (Both bores closed) Sunday, June 22: 22:00–05:00 (Both directions closed) The 1.4km tunnel - which opened on April 7, 2025, links Silvertown to the Greenwich Peninsula in east London and aims to reduce traffic in the area by making peak-time journeys faster and more reliable. After its grand opening, the average trip across the river was slashed by up to 20 minutes. Funded with a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) against future earnings for £2.2 billion, the tunnel was met with unwavering criticism ever since its planning approval back in 2018. While TfL argued the nearby Blackwall Tunnel was 'never designed' for the levels of traffic now whizzing through the Big Smoke - residents slammed the decision to allow Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) to use the new tunnel - meaning they no longer have to travel over the Dartford Crossing. Campaigners have slammed this rule, arguing they'll be subject to gas-guzzling vehicles travelling past their 'schools and kids', worsening the area's air quality. TfL has clapped back, saying it has been monitoring air quality for the past five years across five boroughs and will continue to monitor them for at least three years after the tunnel is opened. "This is to make sure the tunnel user charge levels are working and the project meets its objectives," TFL said. Silvertown Tunnel has resulted in more public transport offerings, with 21 zero-emission buses an hour travelling in each direction between 7am and 7pm Monday-Friday. However, the project was slammed again after it was revealed how almost £2 million was being spent on a three-year 'bike bus' contract that will allow cyclists to travel through the tunnel. The revelation came after TfL prohibited cycling in the tunnel for 'safety reasons' - meaning those on their bike will have to hop off and take a shuttle to cross the tunnel. find out if you're eligible for a discount here.
Hans India
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Hindu Groups Allege Targeted Action in Dakshina Kannada, Submit Memo to State Police Chief
Bengaluru: A federation of Hindu organisations has alleged targeted police action against Hindu activists in Dakshina Kannada district in the wake of the murder of Abdul Rehman in Bantwal on May 27. Representatives of multiple Hindu outfits submitted a memorandum to Director General of Police M.A. Saleem at the State Police Headquarters in Bengaluru on Monday, calling the action a 'one-sided crackdown' and a 'conspiracy to suppress Hindu voices'. According to Hindu Janajagruti Samiti state spokesperson Mohan Gowda, cases were filed against 15 Hindu activists overnight and several others have been issued externment notices. 'Police are entering homes at night, photographing activists without consent, installing GPS devices, and summoning individuals without formal notice. These actions are creating an atmosphere of fear,' he alleged. He further claimed that the Communal Violence Prevention Unit was being used selectively against Hindu groups, while no action was taken against SDPI leaders accused of making provocative speeches. Gowda also alleged that complaints filed by Hindus against hate speech from other communities were being ignored, while swift action was taken against Hindu individuals for comments on social media. 'This clearly shows an attempt to curtail the freedom of expression of Hindus,' he said. Raising concerns over the investigation into the earlier murder of Suhas Shetty, Gowda said there was credible suspicion about the involvement of members of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI), but instead, Hindu leaders were being booked under pressure from religious and political leaders of the Muslim community. The memorandum also referred to alleged incidents during Abdul Rehman's funeral procession in Bantwal on May 28, including forced shop closures, attacks on journalists, and stone-pelting. The federation said no action had been taken against those involved. Sri Rama Sene founder-president Pramod Muthalik, who was also present during the submission of the memorandum, said that several Hindu leaders in Dakshina Kannada had received threatening audio messages via WhatsApp, allegedly from terrorist groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and originating from countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Saudi Arabia. He claimed that Suhas Shetty had received similar threats prior to his murder. Muthalik further said that the sudden mobilisation of large crowds from neighbouring Kerala for protests in Mangaluru was a serious concern. 'Though the PFI is banned, its members remain active under the banner of the SDPI. The government must take strict legal action,' he demanded. The delegation included a number of prominent figures from across the state: Shri Pramod Muthalik (Sri Rama Sene), Advocate Amrutesh N.P., Shri Puneeth Kerehalli, Shri Santosh Kenchamba, Shri Govardhan Singh (Regional Co-convener, Bajrang Dal), Shri Suresh Kumar B. (Joint Regional Secretary, Vishwa Hindu Parishad), and Shri Rajanna (Joint Regional Coordinator, Hindu Jagarana Vedike - South). Also in attendance were Shri M. L. Shivakumar (Vijayanagar), Shri Mallikarjun Raju (Youth for Human Rights), Shri Suresh (Azad Brigade, Ramanagara), Shri Sundresh Naragal (Sri Rama Sene, Bengaluru), advocates Prasanna D. P. and G. M. Nataraj (Karnataka High Court), and Shri Deepak Pawar (Shiva Gharjane Sene, Bengaluru), among others. The federation urged the DGP to ensure that law enforcement acts impartially and that the rights and safety of Hindu leaders and activists are protected.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Major toll route used by 150,000 drivers a day could TRIPLE in cost for motorists to help fund £9bn mega project
MOTORISTS who use the Dartford tunnel toll route could face triple the costs - if the upcoming Lower Thames Crossing mega project is built using private finance. Transport analysts suggest that funding for the new crossing, a 14.3-mile route connecting Essex and Kent with an estimated price tag of £9.2 billion, could result in daily fees at the Dartford Crossing soaring to £8.10. Advertisement 4 The Dartford Crossing, connecting Essex and Kent, faces potential toll hikes to fund the £9.2bn Lower Thames Crossing project Credit: Getty 4 The Lower Thames Crossing (concept design pictured) is set to ease congestion but could see Dartford tolls rise to £8.10 for cars and £14 for lorries Credit: National Highways 4 National Highways assures tolls will align with inflation, dismissing claims of a trebling cost at the Dartford Crossing Credit: Getty 4 Originally designed for 135,000 vehicles a day, the Dartford Crossing now handles 150,000 on average Credit: Getty Currently, cars pay £2.50 to use the crossing, but the Transport Action Network (TAN) suggests fees could rise to £8.10 for cars and £14 for lorries to cover the Lower Thames Crossing's construction and financing costs. However, National Highways has dismissed these claims as speculative - claiming that tolls would remain in line with current rates but adjusted for inflation . Specifically, the huge, motorway-style tunnel would link the town of Tilbury in Essex to Medway in Kent, would also be connected to the A2 and M2 in Kent, as well as the A13 and M25 in Essex. Advertisement Read more Motors News It would also provide transport links between London and crossings to Dover - which, of course, account for half of the goods traded between Britain and mainland Europe. While business groups like the Road Haulage Association and Logistics UK welcome the infrastructure as critical for reducing congestion and improving freight reliability - they stress the importance of keeping tolls reasonable. Environmental campaigners have argued that the crossing could further add to pollution and congestion. Despite the controversy, the Lower Thames Crossing is viewed as a critical addition to Britain's transport network, with some comparing its potential toll structure to that of the recently tolled Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels in east London. Advertisement Most read in Motors According to figures, the Dartford Crossing generated £221.5m in tolls and penalty charges in 2023 to 2024, with £134.9m in operating costs. As reported by First new road bridge crossing River Clyde in 20 years opens to drivers TODAY 'In addition to the construction chaos, the huge drain on the public finances, the cost of private finance is likely to be high. 'On even the cheapest PFI deal, the tolls at Dartford and on the new crossing will have to treble. Advertisement 'That's a huge hit for the travelling public. Most people will still have to use the Dartford Crossing yet will be paying three times what they are now, for very little noticeable benefit.' In response, the National Highways said: 'These numbers are untrue. 'As the planning application for the project is made clear, charges will be applied at the same rate as the Dartford Crossing.' The Dartford Crossing, one of the busiest bridges in Europe, links the counties of Essex and Kent via the cable-stayed Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which stands 137 metres high and carries southbound traffic and two 0.8-mile-long tunnels for northbound journeys. Advertisement According to statistics, up to 180,000 vehicles use the bridge during its busiest times, although it was originally designed for 135,000 vehicles a day. Its daily average works out at approximately 150,000 vehicles. Almost 40% of those vehicles are HGVs carrying freight - a much higher proportion than on other major roads.
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
SNP: Labour costing households in South Lanarkshire £165m
A spokesperson for South Lanarkshire Council defended the use of the funding model, saying it had allowed the authority to rebuild its entire school estate. Labour claimed the SNP were trying to deflect from their own record of local authority funding cuts. READ MORE: PFI contracts were introduced by John Major's Conservative government in the 1990s to fund infrastructure projects with private capital. The approach was later expanded by Tony Blair's Labour government and rebranded as PPP. Though hundreds of schools, hospitals and roads were built under these schemes, they have been criticised for long-term repayment costs far exceeding the original construction value. Since 2005, the Scottish Government has replaced PFI with non-profit distributing (NPD) and hub models, which aim to limit private profits by removing dividend payments. These alternatives have funded £3.3bn in infrastructure projects. The long-term financial burden of PFI was highlighted in a report by Audit Scotland last year, which found NHS Scotland is still less than halfway through repaying its PFI debts — more than 25 years after contracts were signed. BBC Scotland has also reported that at least 11 Scottish PFI schemes may require expensive buyouts at the end of their terms, including Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and University Hospital Wishaw. The council said PFI had allowed them rebuild every school in the regionSince Labour took control of South Lanarkshire Council in 2022, the local authority has paid — or is projected to pay — £165.29m in PFI and PPP repayments over four years: £39.81m in 2022/23, £40.80m in 2023/24, £41.82m in 2024/25, and £42.86m in this financial year. SNP MSP Collette Stevenson said the figures exposed the 'true price of Labour failure' and claimed the increasing costs were the result of 'decades-old policy decisions' that continue to drain local budgets. 'Labour's PFI and PPP failure is costing households across South Lanarkshire more and more every year — hitting this community with a bill of almost £43m this year,' she said. 'In government, the SNP has delivered for this community; scrapping PFI and PPP contracts and providing record funding for local authorities — much of which goes towards mitigating the impact of Labour decisions like PFI.' She added: 'Whether it is decades-old policy decisions like PFI, their decision to cut the Winter Fuel Payment or the council's decision to slash school bus provision, Labour in power is costing households dearly. 'Scotland has always been an afterthought to the Labour Party — but the SNP under John Swinney's leadership will always stand up for Scotland and be on the side of communities like South Lanarkshire.' A council spokesperson said: 'The council has utilised different financing options at different times in order to rebuild every single secondary and primary school in the area. "The result is a fantastic learning environment for every pupil in the area — and what many consider to be the best schools estate in the United Kingdom — including 127 new primary schools that were funded directly by the council. 'Part of the due diligence process undertaken for the secondary school contract was a comparison exercise signed off by Audit Scotland and the Scottish Government. 'In terms of secondary schools, funding is provided by the Scottish Government towards the costs of these contracts.' READ MORE Scottish Labour also hit back, with local government spokesperson Mark Griffin accusing the SNP of trying to 'deflect' from its own record. 'The SNP is the architect of austerity in Scotland's councils and this desperate attempt at deflection will not hide that,' he said. 'The SNP has raided over £480m from core South Lanarkshire Council budgets over recent years, undermining vital local services. 'Despite the SNP's relentless campaign of cuts, the Labour council has protected frontline services and delivered the lowest Council Tax increase in the country for local families.' The row comes as the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election enters it final week.
NDTV
6 days ago
- NDTV
Hindu Group Leader Arrested For Provocative Remarks In Karnataka
Mangaluru: Mangaluru police on Tuesday arrested Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Sharan Pumpwell for allegedly making provocative remarks and inciting unrest following the murder of Hindutva activist Suhas Shetty earlier this month, officials said. Shetty, a known rowdy-sheeter and Hindutva activist, was murdered on May 1 in the Bajpe police station limits in Mangaluru city. In the early hours of May 2, Pumpwell, addressing the media, alleged involvement of "jihadi Islamic terrorists" in the murder and linked the incident to the banned Popular Front of India (PFI). He also announced a district-wide bandh from 6 am to 6 pm that day, calling on the public to shut shops and offices in protest. However, as the general public did not heed the bandh call, supporters of Pumpwell allegedly resorted to acts of vandalism and disruption in various parts of Mangaluru. According to police, this resulted in damage to public property, disturbance of communal harmony, and a breakdown of public order. The Mangaluru police subsequently registered a suo motu case against Pumpwell under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), a senior police officer said. Investigators said that the accused ignored two summons issued under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and failed to cooperate with the inquiry. He was taken into custody on May 27 and is being produced before a local court, the Mangaluru police said in a statement.
