Motorists are being told to prepare for fuel price protests with “slow-moving roadblocks” that are planned across the UK from today.
As millions of families in Greater Manchester and across the country are expected to hit the road after schools across England and Wales break up for the six-week summer holidays, a number of protests over the increase in fuel prices amid the rising cost of living crisis are scheduled to take place on a number of motorways, and it could bring extensive delays.
Demonstrations are planned in Birmingham, Cardiff, Liverpool, and London, as well as in Manchester.
Fuel Price Stand Against Tax – which is a Facebook group with over 53,000 members – shared a post suggesting activists will assemble “nationwide” to make their voices heard.
Protesters plan to cause delays on parts of the M4, M5, M32, and A38.
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The protests come as the RAC estimates that around 18.8 million leisure trips are planned in the UK between today and Monday.
Motorists are being told to prepare for fuel price protests with “slow-moving roadblocks” this weekend / Credit: RAC
While all the motorways where protests are scheduled have been officially named, the RAC is also warning motorists of traffic jams on roads not caused by demonstrations too over the weekend, with the M25 feared to be one of the worst-affected – in particular stretches between Bromley and the Dartford Crossing and Maple Cross.
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Traffic jams are also expected on parts of the M3, and the M23 to the M40.
Queues are also likely to build up on the A303 near Stonehenge in Wiltshire, on the M4 between Cardiff and Newport in South Wales, and on the M5 south of Bristol, according to reports by transport analytics company, Inrix.
One of the most significant known protests taking place today will see a convoy of vehicles travel north on the M5 between Bridgwater and the Almondsbury Interchange from about 8.45am, then east along the M4 and to Junction 1 of the M32.
With the price of fuel having been constantly rising since February 2022, the RAC is calling on major retailers to cut the cost of petrol by 5p a litre.
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The RAC believes motorists should pay 174p a litre of petrol and 189p for diesel – but the average price of a litre of petrol on Wednesday was 187.5p and diesel cost 196.1p, according to data company Experian.
New proposals to transform one of Manchester’s busiest roads revealed
Emily Sergeant
New proposals which could transform one of Manchester’s busiest roads have been unveiled.
Oldham Road is one the key routes into the city centre, and sees upwards of 26,000 journeys a day via a combination of car, bike, and public transport, according to Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), but these new plans are set to improve journey times, safer crossings, protected cycleways, better connections, and boost sustainability.
“We know that things can be better,” TfGM said in a statement unveiling the proposals this week, adding that change is needed.
In the last five years alone, there have been 36 collisions on Oldham Road between Great Ancoats Street and Queens Road, with seven serious injuries caused as a result, which is why Council believes, with a number of targeted improvements, the road can be made better for everyone.
New proposals to transform one of Manchester’s busiest roads have been revealed / Credit: TfGM
When asked during the last consultation, hundreds of locals said what they wanted buses to come more often and be more reliable, safer places to cross the road, wider pavements for walking, and better-protected cycle lanes.
As part of the unveiled plans – which are currently out for consultation too – TfGM and the Council is proposing adding more bus lanes so buses don’t get stuck in traffic, as well making bus stops nicer with better places to wait, and building more cycle lanes that are separate from cars.
Proposals also include changing traffic lights to help people cross the road, and fixing busy junctions so they’re easier and safer to cross.
Proposals are aiming to make the road safer, better-connected, and more sustainable / Credit: TfGM
“Improving everyday journeys is a priority, and the proposals for Oldham Road are central to this,” commented Alison Chew, who is TfGM’s Interim Director of Bus.
“Through the Bee Network, we’re creating a joined-up, safer and more affordable transport system for Greater Manchester, reducing congestion for everyone and connecting people with places and opportunities.
“These plans aim to make bus stops safer and easier to use, improve the speed and reliability of bus services, and provide better walking and cycling routes with upgraded crossings and footpaths.
“As Manchester city centre continues to grow, improving the way people can move easily around the city is a major driver for change. We know that things can be better.”
You can have your say on the proposals on the Council website here.
Featured Image – TfGM
News
Subjects for first vocational equivalent to A-Levels revealed ahead of introduction next year
Emily Sergeant
The subjects for the first vocational equivalent to A-Levels have been revealed ahead of their introduction into the curriculum next year.
Claiming that too many have been ‘held back’ by a system that didn’t ‘value every route to success’, the Government has now announced that young people will be able to take the very first V-Levels in subjects like education, finance, and digital in 2027, as part of landmark reforms to close the skills gap and help them secure well-paid jobs.
V-Levels are described as being ‘transformational’ new qualifications where learning is designed around real jobs and the skills that employers actually need.
They combine study and real‑world work experience to achieve the final outcome.
As mentioned, the new qualifications will be introduced next year for 16‑year‑olds, providing a year of study before progressing to V-Levels, T-Levels or A-Levels – with the initial subjects being Education and Early Years, and Digital.
The first subjects for the vocational equivalent to A-Levels have been revealed / Credit: EasyPeasyAI | JESHOOTS (via Unsplash)
A separate two‑year, employment‑focused route will also be available for those aiming to move straight into work or an apprenticeship after education.
Students who want to specialise in technical, sector-focused studies will also have more options, as T-Levels will soon be expanded to include subjects such as Sports, Fitness and Exercise Science, and Care Services.
These further changes to T-Levels will refine content and assessment, and allow providers more scope to tailor industry placements, to ensure that more young people can access them.
“Our bold reforms will end the snobbery in post-16 education, supporting young people with real choice and real opportunity to build secure, future‑proof careers,” commented Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, as the V-Level subjects were announced.
“Not only that, but it will give parents much-needed confidence in a system that values every route to success, as we continuing driving forward our mission to ensure two‑thirds of young people are in education, training, or apprenticeships by 25.”
Bill Watkin, Chief Executive of the Sixth Form Colleges Association, added: “We are pleased that a third qualification pathway will sit alongside A levels and T levels in the future.
“The changes announced to T levels today are also very welcome and should make it easier for more young people to study a T level and for schools and colleges to offer them.”
Emily Sergeant -
22nd July 2022 
