TfL boss accused of 'victim blaming' pedestrians for deaths and serious injuries on London roads

Commissioner of Transport for London Andy Lord has been accused of 'victim blaming' pedestrians for the deaths and fatal collisions seen on London's roads. The comments came from Green Assembly Member Caroline Russell, who said pedestrians seemed to be disproportionately impacted on the capital's transport network despite work to eradicate deaths and serious injuries on the capital's roads through the Mayor's Vision Zero strategy.

The Assembly Member said at a City Hall meeting on February 27 that Transport for London (TfL) data showed 110 people died on the capital's roads last year due to motor vehicle collisions, with 67 of the individuals being pedestrians. She said there were not enough signals for pedestrians at the junctions for main roads in the capital where signals for motor vehicles may already be in place.

Mr Lord responded by saying he would look into working more with London councils as the majority of the deaths last year occurred on borough-run roads. He added that he was looking into strategies to add pedestrian crossings to major junctions, but he felt more campaigning was needed to educate people on how to use crossings. He said people in the capital's adherence to crossing controls was 'not where it needed to be'.

Mr Lord said he would work with London councils to ensure there was a consistent approach to road safety across the capital (Image: TfL)

Ms Russell AM said at the meeting: "That sounds worryingly like victim blaming because the point of Vision Zero is that everyone makes a mistake. People walking can make mistakes, people cycling can make mistakes, people driving can makes mistakes and the safe system approach of Vision Zero is meant to design out those errors."

She added: "I think for many pedestrians, who experience traffic going through on a red signal for traffic while there's a green signal for pedestrians, will respond quite negatively to being told, 'You need to stick to the rules,' when it's quite clear that an awful lot of the motor traffic is not sticking to the rules and we're still seeing that coming out in the stats for the numbers of people who are being killed and seriously injured."

The TfL boss said that the transport authority would fix the design of incorrect junctions and ensure mitigations were in place to encourage drivers to behave appropriately on the capital's roads. He added that he would work with London councils to ensure there was a consistent approach to the issue across the capital.

Mr Lord said: "I am not victim blaming but we have to ensure we understand the root cause and we have to ensure that people do adhere to the safe systems that are in place. Everybody needs to make sure that they adhere to the controls and safety measures that are there. We need to make sure that if there are no crossings that crossings are there, but equally we need to make sure that people are using those crossings effectively."

Deputy Mayor for Transport Seb Dance added that he was working with Mr Lord to address crossings without signals in the capital. He said that it would be beneficial to introduce a change in driving culture in the capital to note the national hierarchy of importance among road users, which prioritises pedestrians crossing at junctions.

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The South London bakery rivalling Greggs with 31 branches fans say is '10x better'

Greggs may be the best known and most beloved bakery on the British high street, but a rival could be looking to nab the top spot. Coughlans Bakery, found across the South East including some parts of South London, is causing a stir with fans raving about their baked goodies.

Founded in Croydon 87 years ago, the chain currently has 31 shops throughout London, Surrey, Kent, and East Sussex, particularly gaining momentum in recent years.

TV personality Romesh Ranganathan recently made headlines by investing in Coughlans, raising its profile as a potential top bakery contender. According to the company's director Sean Coughlan, Ranganathan plans to be actively involved in Coughlan's expansion.

Ranganathan has professed his love for the bakery chain (Image: Kate Green/BAFTA, Getty Images for BAFTA)

He said: “Romesh wants to be hugely involved. This isn't something that he wants to sit on the sidelines for. He's going to be doing shifts in the stores, doing stuff in the bakery as well, and we’re going to document a lot of it.”

The chain has launched a new site in Crawley with Ranganathan's help, as well as adding the vegan 'Ranga Yum Yum' -named after the comedian - to their permanent menu.

Coughlans' charm has not gone unnoticed on social platforms, with customers raving about their pastries, cakes and sausage rolls. One social media user exclaimed it's "10x better" than Greggs, while another has declared: "Finally had a Coughlans bakery sausage roll and they are definitely better than Greggs." A third chimed in, posting: "Totally agree! They're delicious."

Despite this surge, Coughlans still isn't operating non-stop production like Greggs. However, with an expansion from 19 to 31 stores within four short years and plans to franchise even more under the guidance of Ranganathan, Coughlans could become the next high street staple, reports the Express.

Both bakeries heated up the competition when they simultaneously launched similar vegan products—the vegan sausage roll and shortly after, the vegan steak bake.

Fans of baked goods at MyLondon undertook a taste test to settle the debate once and for all on which bakery reigns supreme. The Greggs vegan steak bake review was less than favourable: "It wasn't chunky like a steak bake should be. I would call it more of a mince pasty. I'm glad I tried it. I'm also glad I didn't queue for hours to wait for one," giving it a mediocre 3 out of 5 rating.

In contrast, Coughlans' vegan bake exceeded expectations: "It tasted, smelled and felt like I was eating real chunky beef when I bit into it. The seitan steak was chubby and juicy, the hot gravy rich and silky and the mushrooms were a fantastic extra," earning a superior 4 out of 5 rating.

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Two Brits 'decapitated' in horror crash near Spanish resort

An alleged human-trafficking gang has been arrested after two Brits were "decapitated" in a horrific car crash at a luxury Spanish resort. Detectives revealed today that an unnamed Moroccan has been arrested on suspicion of homicide and attempted homicide over the accident.

A third Brit was critically injured in the crash, initially reported to have occurred after a speedboat - dubbed at the time as a suspected 'narco lancha' used by drug smugglers - detached from a trailer on the back of another vehicle in front of them.

Today, police stated that the Volkswagen Touareg pulling the trailer, which was seized following an investigation, had been "blocking the road" late at night on November 16 on a dual-carriageway known locally as La Manga motorway when the pile-up involving the Brits took place, reports The Mirror.

They also accused the detainees, who include Spanish nationals as well as suspects from Morocco, Algeria, Ukraine and Colombia, of belonging to a people smuggling gang operating across the Strait of Gibraltar.

Reports at the time of the crash said the two Brits who died, aged 49 and 57, had been beheaded and golf clubs found in the back of their smashed-up Seat Leon had led officials to believe they were heading towards the exclusive La Manga golf and tennis resort in south-eastern Spain.

A total of 11 people were injured in the incident on the RM-12. The car pulling the trailer fled the scene. Confirming the arrests today as the suspects were hauled to court, a spokesman for the Civil Guard said: "Seventeen people have been held for crimes of homicide, wounding, traffic offences, criminal damage, abandoning the scene of an accident, unlawful weapons possession, drugs trafficking, smuggling, fraud and favouring illegal immigration as well as belonging to a criminal gang.

"This criminal gang provoked the deaths of two British citizens on November 16 in a road traffic accident on the La Manga motorway when a vehicle blocked the road with a trailer transporting a speedboat."

The spokesman added: "Our investigation points to this criminal gang specialising in people smuggling through the use of speedboats crossing to southern Spain from north Africa. They also allegedly used stolen vehicles with false number plates and documentation."

A source said: "The detainees include the man believed to have been driving the Volkswagen Taureg that was pulling the trailer. He is a middle-aged Moroccan. He was arrested on suspicion of homicide rather than manslaughter.

"His intention that day might not have been to kill anyone but we believe his actions were so reckless they constitute alleged crimes of homicide and attempted homicide. It will be up a judge now to decide how the investigation proceeds."

A revolver, a rifle, ammunition, 15 mobile phones, weighing scales, cocaine and cannabis resin were also seized during the operation, codenamed Operation Narbox-Alakman along with cash.

Police said at the time they wouldn't be formally naming the Brits (Image: amoklv via Getty Images)

The Civil Guard in Murcia said in a statement: "Investigations carried out by the Civil Guard and National Police enabled detectives to discover the make and model of the vehicle that had been transporting the speedboat the day of the accident, as well as the place where it may be being hidden and the identity of the driver.

"Other suspects and properties linked to the criminal organisation were subsequently identified. A judge authorised searches at the three places where the arrests were made.

"They took place on Tuesday. It turns out the suspects had changed the numberplate of the vehicle used to transport the speedboat involved in the La Manga accident.

"Detectives also discovered the gang were using an electrical system which prevented the back lights from coming on at the same time as the front lights, to hinder their detection by police."

That system is believed to have been central to the arrest of the driver on a wilful homicide rather than a manslaughter charge. At least two other passengers in the Volkswagen Touareg are also believed to have been held on the same homicide charges pending the continuing criminal court probe.

One of the first emergency responders on the scene told Spanish news website El Confidencial in the aftermath of the crash: "The Zodiac was a 'narco lancha' because it didn't have a number plate and it had been tied to the trailer badly, with the bad luck that it came loose and came off and crashed on top of the car the British men were in behind it at between 100 to 120kms an hour.

"The driver tried to dodge it but couldn't and the car ended up a write-off. Two of the occupants died instantly. They were decapitated."

Police said at the time they wouldn't be formally naming the Brits, although the men who died were identified locally by their initials only as P.D, 49 and J.W, 57 and the survivor as I.P, aged 54.

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Hunt for suspect after 'man breaks child's jaw' in Enfield attack during walk home from school

A man allegedly broke a child's jaw as he walked home from school in Enfield. The child was walking home alone when the attack happened at Kendal Parade and Derwent Avenue between 3pm and 4pm on Friday, December 6.

Police are appealing for witnesses following the attack which left the child needing hospital treatment. The attacker is described as a white male, around 20-25 years old of a stocky or chubby build, wearing a green tracksuit with his hood up.

He wore blue trainers, and may have been wearing blue gloves. It is believed that he is clean-shaven and that he spoke with a foreign accent.

A spokesperson said: "We are appealing for witnesses after a child was assaulted resulting in a broken jaw The attack happened on Friday 06th December 2024, between 3-4pm at Kendall Parade and Derwent Street, N18 The child was alone whilst walking home from school and required hospital treatment

"The suspect is described as a white male, around 20-25 years old, stocky/chubby build, wearing a green tracksuit with his hood up, blue trainers, and may have been wearing blue gloves. It is believed that he is clean-shaven, and that he spoke with a foreign accent."

If you have any information, please call the Met Police on 101 quoting reference number 6850/06DEC24. Alternatively, you can contact them on their website here.

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TfL warns 3 London Underground lines will be extra busy as Elizabeth line strike dates confirmed

Significant disruption is expected across the Elizabeth line over the next two weeks as a result of planned strike action from the ASLEF trade union. Passengers have been asked to check before they travel on the affected dates, with Transport for London (TfL) warning three London Underground lines in particular are likely to be even busier than usual.

The Elizabeth line strikes come following a dispute over pay from train drivers and are planned to take place this Thursday (February 27) and then on Saturday (March 1), the following Saturday (March 8) and Monday (March 10). There will be no service between Abbey Wood and Reading as well as Heathrow on February 27 and March 1, with a significantly reduced service between Liverpool Street and Shenfield from 7am to 6pm only.

Services on these dates will not be calling at Maryland, Manor Park, Forest Gate and Goodmayes stations. Full service information for the March 8 and March 10 strikes will be confirmed at a later date.

Some strike days will see no services running between Abbey Wood and Reading or Heathrow (Image: Richard Baker / In Pictures via Getty Images)

Mike Bagshaw, managing director for MTR Elizabeth line, which operates the cross-London line, said: “Following intensive talks with Aslef to resolve this dispute and avoid disruptive strike action for our customers, we have put forward an enhanced offer. This builds upon the original offer of a 4.5 per cent pay increase and enhanced terms and conditions, which would have maintained some of the highest salaries in the industry."

He added: "In the meantime, we have worked closely with Transport for London to implement a robust contingency plan, ensuring customers are informed of alternative travel options during the strike."

TfL warning to Tube passengers on lines to avoid

TfL has confirmed that no other services will be impacted by the strikes but Tube passengers are being warned the Jubilee, Central and District lines will likely be busier as a result. There will also be planned works on other lines including the DLR on March 1 and March 8. Passengers travelling to or from Heathrow Airport have been advised to use the Piccadilly line during the strikes.

Howard Smith, TfL’s Director of the Elizabeth line, said: "Talks are continuing, and we urge ASLEF to suspend any industrial action whilst these are taking place. We encourage ASLEF and MTR Elizabeth line to continue talking to try and resolve this dispute and avoid impacting our customers with strike action."

He said: "If the strike action does go ahead, customers are urged to check before they travel, allow extra time for their journeys, and check the TfL website or the TfL Go app for the latest travel information."

The transport authority is reportedly working to ensure customers are aware strike action is taking place and to ensure any disruption caused is minimised. The latest information on the planned strikes is available on the TfL website.

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'Stylish' Amazon kettle that boils in 43 seconds reduced 33% to £22

Amazon has slashed the price on a highly-rated Russell Hobbs kettle that's racking up praise from customers as a true kitchen gem. The Russell Hobbs Honeycomb Electric 1.7L Cordless Kettle is currently reduced to £21.94, down from the usual £32.99 price tag.

Far from an ordinary kettle, the device boasts rapid boil technology that can have a cup of water bubbling away in 43 seconds, thanks to internal cup indicators that ensure you only heat the water you need. Other standout features include a removable and washable anti-scale filter, an effortless push-button lid and a 'perfect pour spout' designed to eliminate splashes and drips.

The stylish honeycomb design with a dash of stainless steel means it'll look right at home in any contemporary kitchen setting. To complement the kettle, Amazon also offers a bundle with a matching toaster for £43.90 – a significant drop from the usual £65.98.

READ MORE: 'Perfect pancakes every time' with £25 gadget

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This deal seems to be striking a chord with consumers as the Honeycomb Electric Cordless Kettle boasts an impressive average rating of 4.5 stars after more than 10,000 Amazon reviews. Delighted buyers have singled out its design as 'sleek and stylish', while also noting it's 'very reliable and efficient', reports Birmingham Live.

One satisfied shopper said: "Great value for money. This boils the water twice as fast as our previous kettle, lightweight and looks cute."

'It's well made, feels solid on the work surface, boils quickly and at a price that's excellent for the quality.'

Another said: "I'm absolutely thrilled with the Russell Hobbs Honeycomb Electric Kettle. It's not only sleek and stylish, but it also performs incredibly well. The design, with its unique honeycomb texture, gives it a modern touch that looks fantastic in any kitchen.

"One of the standout features is the fast boil capability – it heats water up in no time. I'm also impressed by how the kettle stays cool to the touch. Even when it's boiling hot, you don't have to worry about burning your hands."

A third thrilled buyer said: "This kettle has proved to be very reliable and efficient. I it is used many times every day with no problems. It pours without spilling."

However, some shoppers were less than thrilled with their purchase, as one wrote: "This kettle looks so gorgeous and stylish, it's just a shame the rest of it doesn't live up to expectations. It feels very flimsy and plastic-like."

Despite this, others have hailed the Russell Hobbs kettle as an 'excellent piece of kit', as this customer said: "I am one of those people who seem to get through kettles fairly regularly and I can say that this Russell Hobbs kettle ticks all my boxes.

"It's well made, feels solid on the work surface, boils quickly and at a price that's excellent for the quality. It's easy to fill with the wide-opening flip lid and also easy to assess how much you need for the job at hand. It's so easy to be green with energy usage, and that is so important with today's spiralling energy costs. Highly recommended."

For those searching for a bargain, Amazon is currently offering 33% off the Honeycomb Electric 1.7L Cordless Kettle. If you're looking for something more wallet-friendly, Dunelm has a 1.7L Plastic Kettle priced at £13, which won quick praise from consumers for its speedy boil.

Elsewhere, Debenhams is dishing out a deal on the HOMCOM Fast Boil Electric Kettle, now going for£24.99, down from its original price of £37.99.

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Home And Away diner owner Irene Roberts to leave soap after more than 30 years

Home And Away diner owner Irene Roberts, played by Lynne McGranger, is to leave the Australian soap after more than 30 years. The Channel 5 show said the 72-year-old actress would film her last scenes as Irene in March, with her final episode airing later this year.

Home And Away's statement read: "After nearly 33 incredible years, our beloved diner queen, Irene, is waving goodbye to Summer Bay. While Lynne wraps up filming at the end of March, fans can still enjoy many more months of Irene's iconic slang and warm presence before her final episode airs later this year."

Irene was first introduced in 1991, when she was played by Jacqy Phillips, as a recurring character, but when the role was taken on by McGranger in 1993 she was promoted to the regular cast. In her original incarnation, the character was seen as a villainous alcoholic, but when she joined the main cast Irene was made mellower.

She is best known for working in and later owning the Summer Bay diner, having previously worked as a shop assistant. During her time on the show, Irene's biggest storylines have included her breast cancer diagnosis, discovery of a long-lost son, and surviving a plane crash.

Home And Away has been running since January 1988, and was first broadcast in the UK on ITV in 1989. It remained on the channel until 2000, when it was picked up by Channel 5, the show was unable to air in Britain for 12 months afterwards due to an ITV exclusivity clause, which meant it eventually appeared on Channel 5 in July 2001.

Along with her role on Home And Away, McGranger was a finalist on the Australian version of Dancing With The Stars in 2014, and has also appeared in The Flying Doctors and Skirts.

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