Latest news with #AlexWilliams
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
UK drivers warned over 'avoiding' road instead of having to follow new rule
TfL has said it will 'closely monitor the situation' after new figures showed that around 13 per cent of drivers are dodging the toll fees at the Silvertown Tunnel in London A substantial number of drivers are shunning the recently launched Silvertown Tunnel - opting to boycott the crossing by refusing to stump up for its contentious toll fees. The route was free but now drivers will be charged up to £4 per journey. Statistics published by Transport for London (TfL) exposed the escalating problem, showing that roughly 13 per cent of motorists are deliberately swerving the crossing charge. Instead of paying the toll, numerous drivers have switched to the Woolwich Ferry as their preferred option - a change that has triggered a dramatic spike in ferry numbers since the tunnel's launch. During weekdays alone, the ferry has witnessed an extra 1,278 cars each day, marking a 36 per cent jump in traffic. The effect has proved even more striking at weekends, with daily numbers rocketing by 1,538 vehicles, amounting to a whopping 58 per cent surge, reports Birmingham Live. The figures highlight growing public defiance against the tunnel fees, as motorists hunt for cost-free alternatives despite extended queuing times and possible hold-ups. The Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnels three-month monitoring report stated: "We are reviewing how to manage potential longer-term increases, for example, with improved real-time information. We expect travel patterns to settle, but will continue to closely monitor the situation." Opened on April 7, 2025, the Silvertown Tunnel is a new road tunnel in East London that runs beneath the River Thames, connecting Silvertown with Greenwich Peninsula to ease pressure on the Blackwall Tunnel. The purpose was to manage traffic and generate revenue for improvements related to the tunnel. However, it was met with criticism from drivers, forcing them to find alternative routes to avoid the fees, Highway News explained. The Mayor of London, Labour Party politician Sadiq Khan, said: "The new data TfL has published today clearly demonstrates the impact the new Silvertown Tunnel is having. It's a big win for London." "Since it opened in April, we have seen congestion significantly reduced at the Blackwall Tunnel, ensuring more Londoners get to their destination on time. The discounts and concessions we have put in place have also helped to encourage public transport uptake, boosting the numbers of journeys being made on the three cross-river zero emission bus routes by 160 per cent." Alex Williams, Chief Customer and Strategy Officer at TfL, added: "We are fully committed to monitoring the impact of the tunnels, including how it impacts other river crossings and traffic along major and local roads in London."
Time Out
21-07-2025
- Business
- Time Out
The price of London's 60+, Zip and Student Oyster Cards is going up this week
We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but from tomorrow (Tuesday, July 22), the price of London's Oyster cards will go up for the first time in a decade. And the city's senior citizens are set to see the biggest increase. TfL has revealed that the price of the 60+ Oyster card will almost double from £20 to £35, while the cost of its annual eligibility check (needed if someone wants to retain their card) will increase from £10 to £18. If someone needs to replace their card, they'll also now have to pay £18 instead of the previous £10. As for the young 'uns, the Oyster Zip cards that provide half price tube travel and free bus journeys for kids, students, apprentices and care leavers, will all go up by £1. The replacement fee for those cards will also increase from £10 to £11. On top of all that, TfL has plans to increase the prices of new Oyster cards and Visitor Oyster cards from £7 to £10 in September. Freedom Passes are safe from the price hike, as they're managed by London Councils TfL said that the price hikes are necessary for helping it deal with wider financial constraints. It said that the huge hike for the 60+ card in particular is down to the fact that it has the 'biggest gap between the estimated revenue that we would receive were these journeys paid for, and the income we receive through fee'. Alex Williams, chief customer and strategy officer at TfL, said: 'We are fully committed to keeping travel in London affordable and accessible to everyone. 'Our fees for photocards haven't increased in 10 years, and these changes will mean that we can continue to provide these concessions while ensuring that the fees better reflect our costs for operating the schemes.' Of course, the news isn't going to be music to Londoners' ears. Michael Roberts, chief executive of London TravelWatch, said: 'Higher TfL photocard fees, especially for the over-60s, will be unwelcome news to Londoners who continue to feel the pinch of the ongoing cost of living crisis and some of the most expensive public transport fares in Europe. 'Annual index-linked increases might in future avoid big hikes in fees, but it's disappointing that more isn't being done to soften the blow this year for 60+ card holders on lower incomes. Londoners will be wondering what further unpleasant revenue-raising surprises TfL might have in store over the coming months.' London Oyster card price increases
BBC News
23-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Consultation launched on Thamesmead DLR extension
Transport for London (TfL) has opened a public consultation on plans to extend the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) across the River Thames from east to south-east proposals would see the service extend from Gallions Reach to Thamesmead via the Beckton would include two new stations - one at Beckton Riverside and another at Thamesmead Waterfront with a tunnel built under the River Thames to connect the claims journey times from Thamesmead could be cut to about 25 minutes to Stratford and 35 minutes to Tottenham Court Road. It says the scheme could unlock up to 30,000 new homes and 10,000 new jobs, and estimates an economic impact of £15.6bnAlex Williams, TfL's chief customer and strategy officer, said the case for the extension "is clear as it provides a crucial opportunity to create new homes, jobs and economic growth".He urged the public to give their feedback on the plans. The consultation follows a previous exercise in 2023, when 75% of respondents supported the proposals, according to polling showed 85% of residents in the area backed the plans. The scheme is being developed with the Greater London Authority, Greenwich Council, Newham Council and several major landowners.A spokesperson for Greenwich Council said: "Thamesmead is the only London postcode without a direct train link, and our residents deserve the same connectivity as the rest of the capital."As we've seen with the Elizabeth Line in Woolwich, a new station could reimagine Thamesmead."TfL plans to submit a Transport and Works Act Order in 2026. Subject to approval and funding, construction could begin in the late 2020s, with services running by the early consultation runs until 17 August.
Cision Canada
13-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
CIRO Issues Warning about Scams Targeting Seniors, Issues Tip Sheet
TORONTO, June 13, 2025 /CNW/ - To help raise awareness of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO), is issuing a warning—scams are on the rise, including scams that target seniors. CIRO enforcement data reveals that approximately 30% of all CIRO case assessment files involve seniors. According to CIRO's 2024 Investor Survey, approximately one in five Canadians have been approached with a possible investment fraud. Most of those Canadians were approached through unsolicited, spam emails, texts or calls from strangers, or messages on social media. To avoid being fooled by fraud and scams targeting seniors, CIRO's Office of the Investor offers the following tips: When receiving text messages, emails, or direct messages on social platforms from unknown contacts, STOP and THINK before you CLICK! Keep your financial and personal information in a safe place and protect the information, keeping it private; Get legal advice before signing documents that involve major decisions involving your home or other assets; Be cautious about opening a joint bank account as the other person / people can withdraw funds without asking; Keep records of any money you give away- noting whether it is a loan or a gift; Have a Power of Attorney. Choose someone you trust to look after you, so that if you are ill or unable to look after yourself, your finances will be protected from others who may try to take advantage; Name a Trusted Contact Person with your financial advisor. In specific circumstances, this allows your advisor to contact the individual about concerns related to your mental capacity and financial well-being. CIRO's Office of the Investor works to build financial literacy and help Canadians avoid scams and fraud. "People often report feeling shame following a scam, but it is important to communicate quickly with your financial services provider if you believe you have been a victim," said Alex Williams, Senior Vice-President, Strategy, Innovation and Stakeholder Protection at CIRO. "Victims are often retargeted in what is called a recovery scam—whereby perpetrators claim to assist the victim, only to defraud them again. Getting ahead of scams by communicating with the right agents quickly if you suspect you've been scammed can make all the difference in protecting your assets." Read a cautionary tale, about Elder Financial Exploitation, based on real life events.
Malaysian Reserve
07-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Bread Head Sandwiches Expanding To Manhattan Beach
Elevating The Sandwich Experience In Manhattan Beach MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif., June 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BREAD HEAD proudly announces the GRAND OPENING of its second restaurant location on Friday June 13, 2025. Located in downtown MANHATTAN BEACH just steps from the beach and the famed pier, this new location will allow chefs Alex Williams and Jordan Snyder to 'stretch their wings' by offering a more expanded menu including delicious breakfast options. It also has a bar area and sizable outdoor patio where customers will be able to enjoy a variety of craft beers & wines. And it has five beautiful new TVs that will air sports programming including NFL Sunday Ticket. 'We could not be more excited to join the Manhattan Beach community. I used to live in Manhattan Beach and think that Bread Head will be an amazing addition to an already vibrant downtown area. The kitchen area is quite a bit larger than at our current Santa Monica location, so Chefs Alex & Jordan will have the ability to offer some truly amazing dishes including breakfast,' shared Co-Founder and CEO Greg Willsey. Jordan Snyder adds, 'Our vision all along has been to be the neighborhood sandwich shop that people come to for the food and the experience. We've crafted our sandwiches to be the best versions of timeless classics that we are all familiar with, perfect for a weekday lunch or a picnic at the beach. Our goal is to be a staple of the Manhattan Beach community, and we hope to be here for a long, long time.' In addition to their delicious sandwiches, Bread Head will delight its guests with a selection of sides, salads and beverages. Specialty beer and natural wines will be coming soon. The restaurant's sleek and modern interior provides a welcoming atmosphere for all guests to enjoy, whether dining in or grabbing food to go. Stay tuned to Bread Head's social media channels for updates and announcements. Bread Head's new restaurant is located at 1129 Manhattan Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA. For more information, visit us online at or follow us on social media @breadheadla. About Bread Head Restaurant GroupBread Head is a culinary venture founded by chefs Alex Williams and Jordan Synder (both have been awarded a Michelin Star) alongside Michael Pasternak (former Director of Operations of Night + Market restaurant group) and Greg Willsey (founder of Joolies, Kinderfarms, Desert Valley Date and Only Skin among other companies through his firm Venice Brands). Bread Head has been named 'LA's Next Great Sandwich Shop' by the Los Angeles Times, and its Mozzarella Sandwich was named 'One Of The 26 Best Dishes We Ate Across America' by the New York Times. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Bread Head elevates the classic sandwich experience through premium ingredients, creative flavor combinations, impeccable craftsmanship, and the joy of best friends working together on what they love. Media Contact:Greg Willsey310.384.7410395839@
