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Rail passengers given more powers over compensation
Rail passengers can challenge the amount of compensation they receive for delays and cancellations after strengthened rules take effect from today. Travellers unhappy with the amount of their payout will be able to pursue a claim through the courts if they fail to resolve the issue with the train company. The new power comes after the Government decided the Consumer Rights Act should apply to all transport services.
The Campaign for Better Transport campaigner Lianna Etkind, said: "Poor performance on the railways is not just limited to delays, and we welcome the fact that from this weekend, the new Consumer Rights Act will cover the quality of rail journeys as well. How much compensation will passengers be able to claim when the there is no working toilet on board, when there are no seats available or the promised wi-fi is not working?"
More drink-drivers in accidents for first time in decade
Some 3,450 drivers failed the drink-drive breath test after a crash in 2015 – up from 3,227 in 2014. Department for Transport records show the number had previously fallen every year from a high of 6,397 in 2005.
AA president Edmund King described the latest figures as "frightening". He said: "We need better targeting of potential drink drivers so the message gets out that they won't get away with it. Drivers also need to remember that they will get a minimum one year driving ban, big fine, hike in insurance costs and possibly lose their jobs."
A total of 1,730 people were killed on Britain's roads in 2015.
On-the-spot fines sought for parents who drive and smoke
Police are still waiting to be given the power to issue fines to people smoking in cars with children a year after the crackdown was launched, according to the Police Federation of England and Wales. It argues that a "piece of the jigsaw is missing" in the regime.
It became illegal in England and Wales to smoke in a car or other vehicle with anyone under the age of 18 present from October 1 last year, with motorists or passengers facing a £50 penalty. The Department of Health said police can pass information to local authorities who can issue the penalty notice and collect the fines, while health campaign groups said the legislation has worked well and compliance has been high.
But figures obtained through Freedom of Information requests have suggested enforcement of the ban has been minimal.
More of a whimper than a bang as wartime bomb exploded
A controlled explosion of a Second World War bomb went off with such a small blast that disposal experts thought it had failed to explode. The 1,102lb (500kg) German device was dislodged from the seabed in Portsmouth Harbour on Thursday night, causing restaurants, bars and a nightclub on the waterfront Gunwharf Quays to be evacuated
It was discovered during dredging work to deepen the harbour entrance for the arrival next spring of the Royal Navy's new aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth. Navy disposal experts towed the device into open waters east of the Isle of Wight, where the controlled explosion was carried out yesterday.
A Second World War torpedo was also found earlier this month through the dredging operation and it too was exploded at sea.
Council workers find AK-47 hidden in London street
An AK-74 assault rifle has been discovered hidden in the undergrowth in a residential street in Southwark, south London police said. Council workers discovered the weapon as they were cutting back bushes. The Metropolitan police said the weapon had been decommissioned and investigations are continuing.
Acting Detective Superintendent Nicola Duffy, of Southwark Police, said: "Firearms - whether decommissioned or not - have the potential to cause fear and harm and I am glad this weapon is now off the streets.
Tower Bridge closes to traffic for three months
Tower Bridge will be blocked to road traffic across the Thames for three months from today as extensive maintenance work takes place. The City of London Corporation, which owns the 122-year-old landmark, is repairing timber decking that was last refurbished in 1970, as well as carrying out maintenance on the lifting mechanism and waterproofing its brick arches.
Pedestrians will still be able to cross the bridge on all but three weekends of the work, when a free replacement ferry service will be provided. The viewing gallery along the walkways of the bridge will also remain open.