Bus firms 'expect more accidents'

Bus firms 'expect more accidents'

Nearly half of bus and coach operators think they will face more accidents and passenger injuries, according to a survey.

The survey from insurance company Ensign Motor Policies also found that about 50% of operators think there will be more criminal damage to their vehicles.

Just over half do not believe the London congestion charge will greatly reduce congestion and most are concerned about rising costs.

The Confederation of Passenger Transport's Brian Nimick said: "The jury is still out on the likely impact of the new London congestion charge but early indications suggest that traffic is becoming a little easier for bus and coach operators."

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Recruitment drive for more officers

The Metropolitan Police is attempting to attract more people from ethnic minorities to join the force at an event in south west London.

The Met's Positive Action Central Team will offer people the chance to take the Police Initial Recruitment Test and take part in an interview.

Teams of recruitment offices will sift through applications and interview candidates.

The drive is being held at Wandsworth Arts Centre in Battersea.

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Crime blitz in King's Cross

Forty-eight people have been arrested in King's Cross during a week-long crime blitz.

Officers from the Metropolitan and British Transport Police have been in the area carrying out covert and high-profile operations, including patrols with sniffer dogs.

Arrests have included people suspected of drugs possession, assault, aggressive begging and possession of stolen mobile phones.

Inspector Nick Roach, from the TOCU said: "We have been getting to the heart of crime hot spots."

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Parkinson's sufferer completes 4,500 mile trek

A London man who suffers from Parkinson's Disease has finished a 4,500 mile walk around Britain's coastline.

Tom Isaacs, 35, from Westminster, ended his mammoth trek at the Millennium Bridge in London on Friday, World Parkinson's Day.

It has taken him a year to complete his Coastin' project, which included scaling the highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales, to raise £250,000 for the Parkinson's Disease Society.

He is also planning to run in the London Marathon on Sunday along with a group of his supporters.