General News

TfLTransport for London has recently launched a new Countdown Digital Sign service - providing a new way to deliver tailored live bus arrival information cheaply & effectively to a range of public locations, such as hospital waiting rooms, schools or shopping centre foyers.
 
The technology can be self-installed using existing equipment - so it can be delivered at minimal cost to all.  The business or organisation is provided with a tailored web link via a dedicated URL - that will give information for the bus stop or stops in the immediate vicinity.  An electronic map detailing the local area is also displayed, which is especially useful for passengers unfamiliar with the location.
Press release & links
 
EHRC: The Equality & Human Rights Commission has welcomed new recommendations published by a United Nations Committee to help the UK improve its human rights record

Following the Committee Against Torture’s close scrutiny of the UK’s compliance with the Convention Against Torture, a series of recommendations have been made that include:
* maintaining the current level of human rights protection provided by the Human Rights Act
* recognising the extra-territorial application of the Convention
* tackling long standing issues such as prison overcrowding and rates of suicide in prison
Press release & links
 
NE: Experts have spent 2 weeks collecting short-haired bumblebees from farmland in southern Sweden and last week they were re-introduced to the RSPB’s reserve at Dungeness in Kent.  T

he project began last year with an initial pilot re-introduction, which followed 4 years of work with local farmers to create the ideal wildflower habitat for bumblebees across Romney Marsh & Dungeness.  Of the 25 native species in the UK 7 are declining and 2 are extinct - one of which is the short-haired bumblebee.
Press release & links
 
MoD: A new mobile phone app is the latest weapon in the armoury of the Defence Discount Service to help Service personnel save cash. The app offers attractive discounts to members of the military community & the civilians who work alongside them.
Press release & links
 
TfL: The Crossrail project has celebrated its biggest milestone so far, as the titanic tunnelling machine Elizabeth broke through into the shell of the new Canary Wharf station.
Press release & links
 
Monitor: Health sector regulator Monitor has opened its first investigation to take place under NHS purchasing rules designed to protect patient interestsThornbury Radiosurgery Centre has complained about purchasing decisions taken by NHS England and its predecessor body North of England Specialised Commissioning Group in Yorkshire and Humber.
 
Monitor will consider whether decisions made before 1 April 2013 breach the Principles & Rules for Cooperation & Competition, and whether decisions made after 1 April breach the NHS (Procurement, Patient Choice & Competition) regulations which replaced them.
 
Monitor has published draft guidance for consultation on the application of the Procurement, Patient Choice & Competition Regulations and their approach to enforcement under them.  Consultation closes 15 July 2013.
Press release & links
 
Defra: From 1 July 2013 the application fee to place a dog that is a banned type, such as a Pit Bull, on the Index of Exempted Dogs in England & Wales will increase from £24 per dog to £92.40 per dog.  The new fees will apply to all applications received on or after this date.
Press release & links
 
TfLTransport for London are working with the Metropolitan Police Service, British Transport Police and City of London Police on an initiative called Project Cycle Ops to crack down on cycle theft in the Capital.  

It involves using various tactics, including bike marking & registration events, crime prevention advice to cyclists and enforcement. Security marking your bike deters potential thieves as it can be easily traced if it is stolen.  Check out where & when free cycle security marking & registration events are taking place in your area.
Press release & links ~ Free cycle security marking & registration events
 
TfL: The Mayor and Transport for London have published 'Safe Streets for London', a new road safety plan which ‘sets out a clear path towards helping to reduce death and serious injury on the Capital's roads’.
Press release ~ Safe Streets for London
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