Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: Bristol Temple Meads - station, facilities, incidents and events (merged posts) In "Bristol (WECA) Commuters" [370716/10737/21] Posted by stuving at 22:42, 7th January 2026 |      |
This photo was taken in April 2021:
April was when work on the roof started. Work on foundations for the massive scaffolding platform started over Christmas 2020, with the platform itself going in during March 2021. All the work was then scheduled to finish in 2023, but you know what happens when you start grit-blasting a can of worms...
| Re: Bristol Temple Meads - station, facilities, incidents and events (merged posts) In "Bristol (WECA) Commuters" [370715/10737/21] Posted by johnneyw at 22:26, 7th January 2026 | |
| Copyright of images - do you need to check your old posts? In "News, Help and Assistance" [370712/31403/29] Posted by grahame at 21:56, 7th January 2026 | |
The online world has changed in the nearly-20 years since the Coffee Shop forum was started. The rules and regulations around what we all (and that includes posting members) post has changed somewhat, and is taken far more seriously. Our moderator and admin team, for example, now have to keep an eye out for the 17 (yes, 17) types of post / content that the law does not allow and requires us to remove, and we have a couple of admin tools that will pick out search engine naughties, grooming, under age activity. We are very, very fortunate and thank you - our members - for respecting protocol - so much so that it's rare for us to have to take any action.
Although we look our for these things, at the end of the day it's your responsibility as members to post content which is "legal, decent and honest". It always has been - the forum agreement that everyone has to agree before they post includes:
You agree, through your use of this forum, that you will not post any material which is false, defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, vulgar, hateful, harassing, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, invasive of a person's privacy, adult material, or otherwise in violation of any International or United States Federal law. You also agree not to post any copyrighted material unless you own the copyright or you have written consent from the owner of the copyrighted material.
[snip]
You remain solely responsible for the content of your posted messages. Furthermore, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless the owners of this forum, any related websites to this forum, its staff, and its subsidiaries.
[snip]
You remain solely responsible for the content of your posted messages. Furthermore, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless the owners of this forum, any related websites to this forum, its staff, and its subsidiaries.
I am writing a reminder here about copyright - and specifically copyright of images. There have been no reported transgressions on the Coffee Shop that I am aware of and have caused a problem. However, incidents elsewhere and reported to me have suggested that a reminder of image copyright is prudent. If you source images directly or indirectly from the likes of Alamy, iStock, Getty, Adobe, Shutterstock and PA, and that is not a complete list, you need to check and probably pay them or someone for a license if you are publishing them via the Coffee Shop.
Concern has been expressed to me about some images posted here, by one of our the posters. Over 14,000 messages have images in them (in total) on the Coffee Shop. To give all of our members an opportunity to review / reconsider images in their posts if they wish, I have tweaked the code so that only logged in members can see most images within posts. That means that they are no longer being published (which - dictionary checked - means "made available to the public"). If you are logged in and viewing on the "coffeeshop", no difference, but if you are not logged in or looking on the read-only pages you'll mostly see a message saying that images are not available at present.
I'll be leaving the temporary image restricting in place at least until the weekend ... and maybe beyond. The action taken to restrict them is to provide protective cover while we think this one through and look further forward - a balance between a freedom to post in public and providing a safety net to help protect our members. I will follow up tomorrow with further comments on copyright and how images can be safely posted - the vast majority here already fit that description, but a single error can be expensive.
If you have any doubt about your images, please ask me for an (unprofessional but with some knowledge) opinion and suggestion. If you need an old post editing, let me know.
| Delivering South West England’s New Economy - Greenguage21 Report In "Across the West" [370711/31402/26] Posted by ChrisB at 21:19, 7th January 2026 | |
Greenguage21 latest report
Greengauge 21’s latest report sets out the case for a transformational economic opportunity across Devon and Cornwall — and the vital role that resilient transport connectivity must play in securing it.
As Jim Steer, Director, Greengauge 21 explains; the report “shines a light on the prospect of a huge regional-scale economic stimulus in Devon and Cornwall.” But he cautions that this opportunity “could be squandered if the region’s transport links are left in their current fragile state.”
The analysis identifies three powerful economic forces now converging in the South West: rising housing demand and supply, the growth of new industries, and significant investment in nationally important defence assets. Combined with the shift away from five-day office attendance, these trends are encouraging people and businesses to see the merit of living and operating year-round in Devon and Cornwall.
To capitalise on this moment, the report argues that dependable, all-weather rail links are essential. The South West’s vulnerability is stark: Plymouth is the only city of its size and significance without a motorway connection and is reliant on a single, sometimes fragile, rail route to the rest of the country.
Greengauge 21 sets out a practical and deliverable solution — the creation of a second rail connection to Plymouth, restoring Tavistock to the national rail network and transforming resilience across the region. The success of reopening the Exeter–Okehampton line four years ago, which has exceeded expectations, demonstrates why the next stage onward to Plymouth is now so critical.
The report also highlights the urgent need to strengthen rail routes east of Exeter, ensuring that both the Paddington and Waterloo corridors are fit for purpose. With road investment schemes on the A303 and A358 abandoned, “make-do and mend has run its course.” A resilient railway is essential to support both passenger growth and increasing rail freight demand.
For the Salisbury–Exeter route, the report notes that private sector investment is already lining up to fund the necessary improvements — underlining that solutions exist and that the time to act is now.
You can read the full report here:
http://www.greengauge21.net/wp-content/uploads/Delivering-South-West-Englands-New-Economy.pdf
As Jim Steer, Director, Greengauge 21 explains; the report “shines a light on the prospect of a huge regional-scale economic stimulus in Devon and Cornwall.” But he cautions that this opportunity “could be squandered if the region’s transport links are left in their current fragile state.”
The analysis identifies three powerful economic forces now converging in the South West: rising housing demand and supply, the growth of new industries, and significant investment in nationally important defence assets. Combined with the shift away from five-day office attendance, these trends are encouraging people and businesses to see the merit of living and operating year-round in Devon and Cornwall.
To capitalise on this moment, the report argues that dependable, all-weather rail links are essential. The South West’s vulnerability is stark: Plymouth is the only city of its size and significance without a motorway connection and is reliant on a single, sometimes fragile, rail route to the rest of the country.
Greengauge 21 sets out a practical and deliverable solution — the creation of a second rail connection to Plymouth, restoring Tavistock to the national rail network and transforming resilience across the region. The success of reopening the Exeter–Okehampton line four years ago, which has exceeded expectations, demonstrates why the next stage onward to Plymouth is now so critical.
The report also highlights the urgent need to strengthen rail routes east of Exeter, ensuring that both the Paddington and Waterloo corridors are fit for purpose. With road investment schemes on the A303 and A358 abandoned, “make-do and mend has run its course.” A resilient railway is essential to support both passenger growth and increasing rail freight demand.
For the Salisbury–Exeter route, the report notes that private sector investment is already lining up to fund the necessary improvements — underlining that solutions exist and that the time to act is now.
You can read the full report here:
http://www.greengauge21.net/wp-content/uploads/Delivering-South-West-Englands-New-Economy.pdf
| Re: Bristol Temple Meads - station, facilities, incidents and events (merged posts) In "Bristol (WECA) Commuters" [370710/10737/21] Posted by Red Squirrel at 20:32, 7th January 2026 | |
This photo was taken in April 2021:
Image not available to guests
| West Coast Mainline £61m Carlisle signal replacement complete - Jan 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [370705/31401/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 19:10, 7th January 2026 | |
From the BBC:
£61m train signal replacement complete
Image not available to guests
A new train signalling system has been installed in Carlisle
A £61m project to upgrade a train signalling system has been completed, on a route which is undergoing a series of upgrades.
The Kingmoor resignalling project on the West Coast Main Line at Carlisle, in Cumbria, has seen 1960s systems modernised, including brighter signal lights and new systems, Network Rail said.
Work began in April, but went live after a seven-day closure of the line between Carlisle and Lockerbie for "final installation, testing and commissioning".
It is as the line between Preston and Carlisle is also closed for the demolition and replacement of the Clifton railway bridge, which is expected to reopen on 15 January.
Network Rail said journeys would be more reliable after the "once-in-a-generation overhaul of the signalling system".
Work carried out by principal contractor Siemens Mobility included:
- 26 lightweight LED signal heads replacing traditional bulbs
- New detection systems to monitor train movements
- Upgrades to track and points for the new systems
- Overhaul of signalling power supplies
- New control panels installed for signallers in Carlisle signal box
- Digital operating systems installed in the signal box relay room
- Upgraded CCTV at Floriston level crossing
Image not available to guests
Brighter LED signals would be easier for train drivers to see, Network Rail said
Buses are running between Oxenholme and Carlisle until 15 January, with a shuttle rail diversion running on the Settle to Carlisle line between Preston and Carlisle.
Meanwhile, the M6 will shut between junction 39 at Shap and junction 40 near Penrith over the weekend, from 20:00 GMT on 9 January to 05:00 on 12 January, so a new bridge can be put in place.
Image not available to guests
A new train signalling system has been installed in Carlisle
A £61m project to upgrade a train signalling system has been completed, on a route which is undergoing a series of upgrades.
The Kingmoor resignalling project on the West Coast Main Line at Carlisle, in Cumbria, has seen 1960s systems modernised, including brighter signal lights and new systems, Network Rail said.
Work began in April, but went live after a seven-day closure of the line between Carlisle and Lockerbie for "final installation, testing and commissioning".
It is as the line between Preston and Carlisle is also closed for the demolition and replacement of the Clifton railway bridge, which is expected to reopen on 15 January.
Network Rail said journeys would be more reliable after the "once-in-a-generation overhaul of the signalling system".
Work carried out by principal contractor Siemens Mobility included:
- 26 lightweight LED signal heads replacing traditional bulbs
- New detection systems to monitor train movements
- Upgrades to track and points for the new systems
- Overhaul of signalling power supplies
- New control panels installed for signallers in Carlisle signal box
- Digital operating systems installed in the signal box relay room
- Upgraded CCTV at Floriston level crossing
Image not available to guests
Brighter LED signals would be easier for train drivers to see, Network Rail said
Buses are running between Oxenholme and Carlisle until 15 January, with a shuttle rail diversion running on the Settle to Carlisle line between Preston and Carlisle.
Meanwhile, the M6 will shut between junction 39 at Shap and junction 40 near Penrith over the weekend, from 20:00 GMT on 9 January to 05:00 on 12 January, so a new bridge can be put in place.
| Lorry stuck on slope after smashing through fence in Nottingham - 7 Jan 2026 In "The Lighter Side" [370704/31400/30] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:46, 7th January 2026 | |
Noting that the lorry driver suffered only minor injuries, I'm posting this here on The Lighter Side.
From the BBC:
Lorry stuck on slope after smashing through fence
Image not available to guests
The lorry crashed into an industrial unit in Wingate Close on Wednesday
A lorry became wedged on a steep bank after it left the road and smashed through a fence at an industrial estate in Nottingham.
Nottinghamshire Police said it was called at 04:15 GMT on Wednesday after the lorry and its trailer left the road and crashed into an industrial unit in Wingate Close.
The driver, a man in his 60s, was freed from the wreckage and taken to hospital, where he is being treated for injuries not believed to be life-altering.
The lorry is now stuck between the industrial unit building and the slope leading up the damaged fence while police inquiries continue.
Image not available to guests
Pictures from the scene show the lorry getting stuck after going through the fence
Pictures of the scene show the rear end of the lorry's trailer bent upwards on a steep slope while the cab had gone through the fence and ended up near a warehouse building.
It is currently unclear what caused the vehicle to leave the road.
A police spokesperson added: "An investigation into what happened is ongoing."
Image not available to guests
Image not available to guests
The lorry crashed into an industrial unit in Wingate Close on Wednesday
A lorry became wedged on a steep bank after it left the road and smashed through a fence at an industrial estate in Nottingham.
Nottinghamshire Police said it was called at 04:15 GMT on Wednesday after the lorry and its trailer left the road and crashed into an industrial unit in Wingate Close.
The driver, a man in his 60s, was freed from the wreckage and taken to hospital, where he is being treated for injuries not believed to be life-altering.
The lorry is now stuck between the industrial unit building and the slope leading up the damaged fence while police inquiries continue.
Image not available to guests
Pictures from the scene show the lorry getting stuck after going through the fence
Pictures of the scene show the rear end of the lorry's trailer bent upwards on a steep slope while the cab had gone through the fence and ended up near a warehouse building.
It is currently unclear what caused the vehicle to leave the road.
A police spokesperson added: "An investigation into what happened is ongoing."
Image not available to guests
| Re: Road safety strategy - 2026 In "Buses and other ways to travel" [370703/31396/5] Posted by CyclingSid at 18:43, 7th January 2026 | |
The responses are now appearing. A couple of what people might think of as "hard line views"
https://bsky.app/profile/carolinerussell.bsky.social/post/3mbt5es7tqc24 from a London Assembly member
https://bsky.app/profile/ianwalker.bsky.social/post/3mbtvcm6q522a from the motornormativity guru
and from Cycling UK https://www.cyclinguk.org/news/our-response-governments-road-safety-strategy, a more considered answer
| Three children fall from window of double-decker bus - Manchester, 7 Jan 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [370702/31399/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:20, 7th January 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Image not available to guests
Passer-by Gary Hurst captured the size of the police and ambulance response
Three schoolchildren have fallen through a window from the top deck of a bus in Greater Manchester, police have said.
A large emergency response attended following the incident on Bolton Road in Ashton-in-Makerfield shortly before 16:00 GMT.
The children have "potentially serious injuries" but they not thought to be life-threatening, Greater Manchester Police said.
An investigation was in the early stages but Inspector Simon Barrie said it "appears to be an unfortunate accident".
"This is a serious incident that will cause disruption," he said. "Our priority is to make sure the children get the treatment they need in hospital. Thankfully we don't believe their injuries are life-threatening."
Councillor Danny Fletcher, of Ashton-on-Makerfield South ward, posted on Facebook and said some of the children had suffered potentially life changing injuries. "I've spoken with our policing team this afternoon," he said. "As we know, three young people have fallen from a top floor side window of a school bus and have been taken to Manchester Children's Hospital, some with potentially life changing injuries. I've contacted the schools involved to ensure they have council support if needed. Sending my thoughts and all my love to the kids and families involved."
The road has since reopened.
Transport for Greater Manchester said: "Our thoughts are with those injured and we want to wish them a speedy recovery. Emergency services remain at the scene, and we are working closely with the bus operator in supporting police with their enquiries into the incident."
Passer-by Gary Hurst captured the size of the police and ambulance response
Three schoolchildren have fallen through a window from the top deck of a bus in Greater Manchester, police have said.
A large emergency response attended following the incident on Bolton Road in Ashton-in-Makerfield shortly before 16:00 GMT.
The children have "potentially serious injuries" but they not thought to be life-threatening, Greater Manchester Police said.
An investigation was in the early stages but Inspector Simon Barrie said it "appears to be an unfortunate accident".
"This is a serious incident that will cause disruption," he said. "Our priority is to make sure the children get the treatment they need in hospital. Thankfully we don't believe their injuries are life-threatening."
Councillor Danny Fletcher, of Ashton-on-Makerfield South ward, posted on Facebook and said some of the children had suffered potentially life changing injuries. "I've spoken with our policing team this afternoon," he said. "As we know, three young people have fallen from a top floor side window of a school bus and have been taken to Manchester Children's Hospital, some with potentially life changing injuries. I've contacted the schools involved to ensure they have council support if needed. Sending my thoughts and all my love to the kids and families involved."
The road has since reopened.
Transport for Greater Manchester said: "Our thoughts are with those injured and we want to wish them a speedy recovery. Emergency services remain at the scene, and we are working closely with the bus operator in supporting police with their enquiries into the incident."
| Re: Holyhead - Dublin ferry route In "Buses and other ways to travel" [370696/29628/5] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 17:22, 7th January 2026 | |
From the BBC:
UK's second busiest passenger ferry port closes after berthing incident
The UK's second busiest passenger ferry port has been forced to close after a berthing incident as a ship docked.
It is the second time in a year that Holyhead has been closed to ferries.
Stena Line, which operates the port, said the incident happened as its vessel Stena Estrid arrived on Wednesday morning from Dublin.
Irish Ferries said they "expect this situation to be resolved this afternoon" and that sailings would resume on schedule from 17:30 GMT on Wednesday.
Wales' transport secretary Ken Skates said he met with Stena representatives and "sought their reassurance on the integrity of the port and services".
The port operates Terminal 3 and Terminal 5.
However, Terminal 5 was closed following an incident in December as one of the ferries docked in the port. Poor weather conditions delayed underwater surveys, with repair work expected to get underway this month.
In the meantime, both Stena Line and Irish Ferries were sharing Terminal 3, after altering their timetables to accommodate both services running from a single terminal. But with Terminal 3 out of action, it meant no ships were able to dock.
The Stena ship Estrid was travelling from Dublin at 04:30 on Wednesday and was due to dock at 08:00. The ferry company said all passengers and freight operators "disembarked as normal".
A Stena spokesperson said: "A berthing incident occurred on Wednesday 7 January 2026 as the Stena Estrid berthed at Holyhead Port. The incident is currently being investigated".
In a statement, Irish Ferries said "all customers impacted by delays are being contacted, and we sincerely apologise for this disruption".
(BBC article continues)
The UK's second busiest passenger ferry port has been forced to close after a berthing incident as a ship docked.
It is the second time in a year that Holyhead has been closed to ferries.
Stena Line, which operates the port, said the incident happened as its vessel Stena Estrid arrived on Wednesday morning from Dublin.
Irish Ferries said they "expect this situation to be resolved this afternoon" and that sailings would resume on schedule from 17:30 GMT on Wednesday.
Wales' transport secretary Ken Skates said he met with Stena representatives and "sought their reassurance on the integrity of the port and services".
The port operates Terminal 3 and Terminal 5.
However, Terminal 5 was closed following an incident in December as one of the ferries docked in the port. Poor weather conditions delayed underwater surveys, with repair work expected to get underway this month.
In the meantime, both Stena Line and Irish Ferries were sharing Terminal 3, after altering their timetables to accommodate both services running from a single terminal. But with Terminal 3 out of action, it meant no ships were able to dock.
The Stena ship Estrid was travelling from Dublin at 04:30 on Wednesday and was due to dock at 08:00. The ferry company said all passengers and freight operators "disembarked as normal".
A Stena spokesperson said: "A berthing incident occurred on Wednesday 7 January 2026 as the Stena Estrid berthed at Holyhead Port. The incident is currently being investigated".
In a statement, Irish Ferries said "all customers impacted by delays are being contacted, and we sincerely apologise for this disruption".
(BBC article continues)
| Re: School coach crash with bus leaves 18 injured in Reading - 7 Jan 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [370693/31397/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 16:50, 7th January 2026 | |
Agreed, ChrisB.
The Ashford school bus incident, which the BBC also reported at much the same time, involved a double deck bus skidding on black ice. As you say, thankfully there were no injuries on that one, which is fortunate when looking at where that bus came to rest:
Image not available to guests
Image not available to guests
| Re: Driving licences and tests - ongoing discussion In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [370691/19893/51] Posted by ellendune at 14:05, 7th January 2026 Already liked by Timmer | |
That would end the week long intense courses of driving lessons followed by the driving test, though I would imagine trying to book a test to match when you’d have a week of lessons may be tricky these days.
Yes the end of driving instructors being able to book tests must be ending those anyway.
| Re: Wales explorer 4 in 8 ticket: trip 3 In "Introductions and chat" [370690/31395/1] Posted by Mark A at 13:37, 7th January 2026 Already liked by johnneyw | |
Marconi broadcast from here, my great aunt remembered his visit, and now, here am I sending text to the coffeeshop forum via a mobile phone, what is this life?
Mark
| Re: Wales explorer 4 in 8 ticket: trip 3 In "Introductions and chat" [370689/31395/1] Posted by Mark A at 13:34, 7th January 2026 | |
At a stand at Tywyn awaiting the southbound train, which has sat down on the approach with an I. T. issue and is refusing to move.
Mark
| Re: School coach crash with bus leaves 18 injured in Reading - 7 Jan 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [370688/31397/51] Posted by ChrisB at 13:16, 7th January 2026 | |
There was another down in Chillenden Green, Ashford, Kent about 30 minutes before this. No injuries in that one. Treacherous this morning.
| School coach crash with bus leaves 18 injured in Reading - 7 Jan 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [370687/31397/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 12:43, 7th January 2026 | |
From the BBC:
School coach crash with bus leaves 18 injured
Image not available to guests
Emergency services were seen at the slip road following the crash
Nine school children have been injured following a crash between a bus and a coach on a slip road that saw two people taken to hospital.
The children on a school coach in Reading, Berkshire, suffered minor injuries, along with the coach's driver.
Eight adults on a bus were also injured in the incident on the A3290 slip road onto the Sutton Seeds Roundabout at about 08:25 GMT.
South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) said two people were taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital for further treatment, while three adults and three children were still being assessed for minor injuries. The other 10 people were discharged at the scene.
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Several ambulances were on the scene of the crash that injured 18 people
A Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) spokesperson said it was initially called to a vehicle fire on the slip road and that it found the crash and the bus's engine on fire on arrival. Firefighters left at about 10:45.
RBFRS, SCAS and Thames Valley Police asked people to avoid the area as there is likely to be disruption while emergency services are at the scene.
Another two-car collision on the same slip road on Wednesday morning resulted in no injuries, SCAS added.
Image not available to guests
Emergency services were seen at the slip road following the crash
Nine school children have been injured following a crash between a bus and a coach on a slip road that saw two people taken to hospital.
The children on a school coach in Reading, Berkshire, suffered minor injuries, along with the coach's driver.
Eight adults on a bus were also injured in the incident on the A3290 slip road onto the Sutton Seeds Roundabout at about 08:25 GMT.
South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) said two people were taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital for further treatment, while three adults and three children were still being assessed for minor injuries. The other 10 people were discharged at the scene.
Image not available to guests
Several ambulances were on the scene of the crash that injured 18 people
A Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) spokesperson said it was initially called to a vehicle fire on the slip road and that it found the crash and the bus's engine on fire on arrival. Firefighters left at about 10:45.
RBFRS, SCAS and Thames Valley Police asked people to avoid the area as there is likely to be disruption while emergency services are at the scene.
Another two-car collision on the same slip road on Wednesday morning resulted in no injuries, SCAS added.
