Emergency services, including South Wales Police and paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Service, were called to Fabian Way at around 9pm after reports of a collision involving four vehicles.

Early reports suggest the crash may have been caused by a car travelling on the wrong side of the road into oncoming traffic, although this has not been officially confirmed by police.

All four injured individuals were transported to hospital for treatment. Thankfully, their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.

A 37-year-old woman has since been arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of drink or drugs.

A spokesperson for the police said officers responded to the scene shortly after 9pm and confirmed that paramedics attended, treating those involved before taking four people to hospital. The woman remains under investigation in connection with the incident.

Drivers aged 17 to 69 must renew their photocard licence every 10 years, while those aged 70 and over must renew every three years.

Failing to renew on time means you could be breaking the law, and anyone caught driving with an expired licence faces a fine of up to £1,000.

Photocard licences must be kept up to date so that drivers can be clearly identified.

---

Who can renew a licence?

To renew, you must:

- Be a resident of Great Britain  

- Not be disqualified from driving

---

How to Renew Your Driving Licence

Online renewal

- Cost: £14  

- You’ll need valid photo ID (passport or driving licence)  

- The new licence usually arrives within one week

Renewing by post

You’ll need a D1 form pack from a Post Office that handles DVLA services.

Include:

- A recent passport-style photo (not signed)  

- Your current photocard licence (if you have it)  

- A £17 cheque or postal order payable to DVLA  

  - No fee if you have a medical short‑period licence or are 70+  

- Identity documents if you’ve changed your name  

Send to:  

DVLA  

Swansea  

SA99 1DH

At a Post Office

Take:

- Your reminder letter (or your photocard licence if you don’t have the letter)  

- The £21.50 fee

Licences renewed via post or Post Office usually arrive within three weeks, though it may take longer if medical or personal details need checking.

---

Can you still drive while waiting?

Yes — you can continue driving as long as you meet the DVLA’s eligibility rules and your application is being processed.

Swansea Council’s planning committee has approved plans from Stoford Properties Ltd to demolish empty industrial units at Penllergaer Business Park and replace them with a huge warehouse and multi‑level parking facilities.

The site sits just off the A48, close to junctions 46 and 47 of the M4.

What the development includes

The 11‑hectare scheme will feature:

- A 151m x 73m warehouse with rooftop solar panels  

- A double‑level van car park measuring 153m x 70m  

- A separate 221‑space car park  

- 899 van bays, HGV bays, 36 bike spaces and 28 motorcycle spaces  

- New trees planted to replace those removed (113 new trees in total)

The council expects the facility to operate 24 hours a day.

£1.3m in required contributions

As part of the planning approval, the developer must fund:

- £790,000 for improvements at M4 junction 47  

- £50,000 for bus stop upgrades  

- £40,000 for A48 crossing improvements  

- £25,000 to reduce the A48 speed limit from 50mph to 40mph  

- £16,000 for traffic regulation orders and signage  

- £390,593 for biodiversity improvements across three nearby grassland sites  

A planning report said these measures were essential to ensure the surrounding road network can “operate safely and effectively” once the centre opens.

Traffic concerns raised — but modelling deemed ‘robust’

The scheme attracted 24 objections, including from Penllergaer Community Council, with many residents worried about the impact on the already‑busy junction 47.

The council’s highways department initially recommended refusal but changed its stance after receiving further modelling and agreeing mitigation measures.

A highways officer told councillors the modelling was “accurate and robust” and represented a worst‑case scenario. Traffic light timings at the junction will be reviewed once the centre is operational.

Jobs expected — but not everyone convinced

An agent for the developer said the site had been vacant for two years and the project would create “a significant number of jobs”.

However, some councillors remained uneasy. Cllr Philip Downing said the impact of HGVs queuing to join the roundabout “does not fill me with confidence”. He abstained from the vote.

The application was approved with nine votes in favour, one against, and one abstention.

A large distribution depot already operates around a mile away at Parc Felindre, north of the M4.

Handling staff at Palma de Mallorca Airport walked out on Monday, with unions CCOO, UGT and USO calling for industrial action across all airports where Groundforce operates — including Palma, one of Spain’s busiest holiday hubs.

The strike entered its second day on Tuesday (March 31), plunging the airport into chaos just as hundreds of thousands of tourists begin arriving for the Easter getaway.

Three daily strike windows causing maximum disruption

Groundforce workers are striking during three peak periods each day:

- 5am – 7am  

- 11am – 5pm  

- 10pm – midnight

By midday on Tuesday, 12 flights had already been delayed — eight departures and four arrivals — with airport sources warning more disruption is likely throughout the week.

800,000 passengers expected over Easter

Around 800,000 travellers are expected to pass through Palma Airport over the Easter holidays, and tourists are being warned to brace for queues, delays and potential knock‑on disruption.

Local media report that the strike is already causing staffing shortages at check‑in, baggage handling and aircraft turnaround operations.

The Gorseinon 10K returns on Sunday, April 12, with the main race starting at 9am. Hundreds of runners are expected to take part, with the event once again raising money for Morgan’s Army and other local causes. A 2km family fun run will also take place.

Race route

The 10K will start and finish near Penyrheol Leisure Centre, before heading through Gorseinon High Street and joining the newly refurbished cycle path for around 4km. Runners will then make their way towards Pontarddulais, loop through Grovesend, and tackle the final stretch back to Penyrheol.

Road closures and restrictions

To keep runners safe, several roads will be closed or restricted during the event. Organisers say emergency access will be maintained at all times.

8.30am – 9.45am

- Pontarddulais Road (both directions)  

- Brynteg Road (and all adjoining roads)  

- Princess Street (and all adjoining roads)  

- High Street (and all adjoining roads)  

8.30am – 11.30am

- B2496 (and all adjoining roads)  

- Pentre Road / Grovesend High Street / Coalbrook Road (and all adjoining roads)  

- Heol y Mynydd (and all junctions/adjoining roads)  

- Pontarddulais Road (both directions)  

Race pack collection

Participants must collect their race packs — including bib and timing chip — in advance:

- Saturday, April 11 at Penyrheol Leisure Centre  

- Race day between 7.30am and 8.30am  

ID will be required.

Supporting Morgan’s Army

The event continues to honour the legacy of Morgan’s Army, founded by Natalie and Matthew Ridler after their son Morgan’s cancer diagnosis. Morgan died in June 2023, but the charity continues to support families affected by childhood cancer across Wales.

A Freedom of Information request submitted by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) shows Cardiff Council spent £5.7 million on road surfacing, £72,469 on pothole repairs, and £1.5 million on patching work in 2025. All three categories represent the highest spending levels since 2020.

The year before, the council spent almost half that amount on surfacing and significantly less on potholes and patching. But despite the surge in investment, many people living in the city say they’ve seen little improvement on the ground.

“It’s embarrassing for a capital city”

Resident Liz Nihan didn’t hold back when speaking to the LDRS.

> “It’s atrocious. The roads in Cardiff are absolutely appalling,” she said.  

> “It’s embarrassing for a capital city… wherever you drive, it’s just appalling.”

Others echoed the frustration. Sukhcharan Gill said potholes have become unavoidable.

> “The potholes are just mad. Me and my son have had punctures, cuts — everything,” he said.  

> “Some you can dodge, but some parts are really bad now.”

Regular visitor Sheena Cameron said the issues are noticeable even from the bus.

> “There can be big dips where you really get thrown about,” she said, adding that grooves around bus stops have become so deep “it’s almost like a wave.”

Another resident, Ben, who didn’t want to give his surname, said repairs often feel temporary.

> “It feels like potholes are left unattended or fixed in a way that won’t last,” he said.  

> “It makes it feel like they’re done on the cheap.”

Council: “A challenging winter and a national backlog”

Cardiff Council said the city is facing the same pressures as local authorities across the UK, pointing to a £12bn national backlog in road repairs.

A spokesperson said the winter’s persistent heavy rainfall caused “significant and continuous damage” to road surfaces, leading to a spike in potholes. Utility works were also blamed for weakening road structures and allowing water to seep in.

The council said 4,252 potholes were repaired in the first two months of this year alone, compared to 12,660 across the whole of 2025.

Temporary fixes, they added, are sometimes necessary to make roads safe quickly, with more permanent resurfacing carried out later.

The spokesperson also confirmed Cardiff has received an additional £10m from Welsh Government for resurfacing over the next two years.

More permanent repairs planned

Looking ahead, the council says it aims to increase the use of long‑term reinstatement methods rather than temporary patches, and will trial new repair techniques alongside ongoing resurfacing programmes.

Monmouthshire County Council confirmed that the Old Wye Bridge, which links Bridge Street to Castleford Hill, has now been shut to all users, including pedestrians. The decision follows urgent safety advice from specialist engineers who inspected the structure this week.

The cast‑iron bridge has already been closed to traffic for several months while detailed inspections were carried out. But during the latest assessment, engineers identified several new cracks in the structure, prompting an immediate safety warning.

According to the council, experts advised that the bridge could no longer be considered safe for pedestrians due to the deterioration.

Closure implemented on March 27

The council said a team was being deployed on the evening of March 27 to secure the site and put the full closure in place. Officials will continue working with structural engineers to assess the damage and determine what repairs or long‑term solutions are required.

Further updates are expected once the full condition of the bridge has been evaluated.

The OOONO Co-Driver NO2 is £65 (was £69) at Amazon and connects to smartphones to provide motorists with real-time alerts about speed cameras, roadworks, hazards and accidents. With it, motorists can receive alerts without having to look at a screen or their phone, preventing dangerous driving that could see them slapped with unwanted fines or points on their license.

It’s compatible with Apple and Android devices and shares road data from a network of more than eight million drivers in eight countries, OOONO says. Drivers simply tap the Co-Driver – which can be easily applied to a car’s dashboard – to send a visual or audio alert to other users.

Many modern cars now feature touchscreens infotainment systems, but OOONO says its Co-Driver offers a simpler, safer solution. Sean Morris is OOONO's UK chief operating officer who previously held engineering positions at Aston Martin and Continental.

He said: “This is a game-changer for motorists and UK road safety. With popular navigation apps, drivers can easily miss road hazards, police, or safety cameras ahead – and adding alerts often becomes horrendously distracting, hidden behind various sub-menus.

“Most people don’t even switch their maps on just to pop to the shops – Co-Driver is different. It’s always on, using a simple button and audio beep system to keep drivers focused.

“We believe safe driving is a team sport. With Co-Driver, every user becomes both a recipient and a contributor of vital road information.”

According to research by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL), using car screens while driving can be more distracting than driving under the influence. The Co-Driver aims to counter this with its single-button design that connects millions of drivers and allows them to share and verify road information quickly and safely.

The gadget can be charged via USB-C and traditional USB ports, whether in the car or home. Similar features are offered by rival gadgets like the Tom by TomTom Road Alert Assistant, but this model holds a three-star rating compared to the Co-Drivers 4.1.

There’s also the Road Angel Pure Sync, but this requires a subscription to work and comes in at a more pricey £99.99 (was £199.99). Motoring Editor Gareth Butterfield road-tested the Co-Driver and hailed it as ‘one of the most useful bits of motoring tech out there’.

Explaining how the little gadget works, he said: “You’re driving along and the dashboard-mounted Co-Driver beeps at you. This is a warning that something is ahead.

“You can distinguish exactly what it’s warning you about by configuring the alerts in the app, but this means a Co-Driver user has spotted a speed camera or a hazard and tapped on the device. So picture the scene, you’re driving along the motorway and carelessly let your car wander over the speed limit.

“A camera is approaching in a few hundred yards but, thankfully, the Co-Driver knows, lets you know, and you’ve got time to slow down before you reach the camera. When you get to whatever it is you’ve been warned about, you then confirm it’s still there by pressing the device.

“You don’t need to look at it, you don’t need to read anything, it’s all just done with beeps and flashes. It’s really clever.”

On his own experience with Co-Driver, Gareth added: “I’ve been on some long journeys with the Co-Driver, including motorway jaunts and a blast around Snowdonia – it’s pretty good. In high-traffic areas, it’s very reliable, it only missed a few speed cameras and hazards.

“In more rural, isolated parts, it’s not been quite as clever. I guess that's the hitch with a community-based system, the bigger the community is, the better it works.”

Numerous parks are set to reopen for the spring season within the next fortnight, whilst others are unveiling new rides and even entirely new themed areas. From adrenaline-pumping attractions to experiences based on children's television programmes, there are numerous forthcoming openings to mark in the diary.

Here's an overview of some of Britain's largest and most popular theme parks and what new experiences await visitors in 2026.

Paultons Park

Paultons Park is introducing an entirely new themed area to its layout. Valgard: Realm of the Vikings launches on 16th May, perfectly timed for half term.

It will feature three Viking-inspired attractions: Drakon, the park's first inverting rollercoaster featuring a dramatic vertical lift, Vild Swing, which will propel riders 39ft skyward, and Raven, a bobsled ride formerly known as the Cobra coaster, which has been reimagined to complement the theme, 

The new area will also feature a Viking-themed playground and dining hall, offering a truly immersive experience. Theme park enthusiasts can reserve Paultons Park tickets online for the opening day.

Paultons Park is arguably most renowned as the location of Peppa Pig World, and its new area is targeted towards older children and adults, introducing additional thrill rides to the park. However, if you're bringing younger visitors, be sure to visit Peppa Pig World to meet the family's newest member, Evie.

Chessington

Chessington's new World of PAW Patrol will arrive on the double, though a specific launch date remains unconfirmed. The park has announced a spring 2026 opening, featuring four attractions.

Chase's Mountain Mission, a family-friendly rollercoaster, Skye's Helicopter Heroes, offering youngsters an aerial adventure, and Marshall's Firetruck Rescue, where children can board a gleaming red fire engine.

Zuma's Hovercraft Adventure will be a 'drifter' attraction, set to become the first of its kind in Britain. Additionally, Rubble and Rocky's Playzone will allow children to "climb, slide, and explore."

Character meet-and-greets with the beloved pups will be available, and fans can even reserve an overnight stay in one of the PAW Patrol-themed rooms at Chessington's Azteca hotel. These vibrant rooms accommodate up to five guests and feature themed bunk beds for youngsters.

Alton Towers

Bluey the Ride: Here Come The Grannies! welcomes Alton Towers' visitors on March 28, perfectly timed for the Easter holidays. It's the world's first Bluey rollercoaster and will cater to young devotees of the programme.

Preview images for the attraction depict Bluey and Bingo dressed as the beloved grannies Janet and Rita, with the ride situated in the Heelers' back garden. Additional Bluey rooms are being introduced to the CBeebies Land hotel, with bookings available online for spring dates and beyond.

Adrenaline junkies can also experience the Toxicator, which launched last March. This vivid green rollercoaster propels riders skyward whilst spinning them at breakneck speed, delivering a heart-pounding thrill.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Come spring 2026, Blackpool Pleasure Beach will unveil Aviktas, a new £8.72 million gyro swing attraction. Standing at 138ft tall, it will claim the title of Britain's loftiest ride of its type.

Whilst a precise launch date has not been announced, enthusiasts can secure VIP passes for the inaugural event, guaranteeing first access to the new attraction.

The year 2026 also marks Blackpool Pleasure Beach's 130th anniversary. Throughout March, guests booking online ahead of time can obtain half-price admission, with eTickets priced at £30.

Alternatively, families can purchase four tickets for £100, granting unlimited access to the park's attractions for the day.

Crealy

Crealy will introduce two new attractions in 2026, with one potentially recognisable to theme park aficionados. Spring will witness the debut of Pirates' Plummet, an 80ft tall drop tower set to become the South West's highest ride.

Previously located at Paultons Park under the name Magma, the attraction is being reconstructed at the Devon theme park.

During summer, Rotor, an inverting air race attraction, will commence operations. The ride will rotate guests around and upside-down for an exhilarating adventure.

Neither ride has a confirmed opening date yet, though short breaks or tickets can be reserved via the Crealy website.

Pleasurewood Hills

Pleasurewood Hills changed hands last year, with new proprietors unveiling proposals for four fresh attractions to rejuvenate the family-oriented Suffolk theme park. The BBC reports that the proposed additions would feature Star Flyer (a 30-metre-high thrill ride), Spinning Coaster, Apple Coaster, and the Big Wheel.

Planning permission for these new attractions is anticipated in April, though no opening date has been confirmed should approval be granted.

The areas of Wales which have seen the greatest spikes in prices are Ceredigion, where motorists are paying more than an 11p extra per litre. The second largest price increase was seen in Carmarthenshire, where costs have gone up by more than 10p a litre.

Here are the full price increases in each Welsh local authority area:

• Ceredigion - 137.6p. Up 11.4p per litre.
• Carmarthenshire - 139.7p. Up 10.4p per litre.
• Flintshire - 140.9p. Up 9.7p per litre.
• Swansea - 137.5p. Up 9.5p per litre.
• Pembrokeshire - 136.5p. Up 9.4p per litre.
• Anglesey - 136.8p. Up 9.3p per litre.
• Monmouthshire - 139.5p. Up 9.2p per litre.
• Bridgend - 136.8p. Up 9.2p per litre.
• Gwynedd - 136.1p. Up 9.2p per time.
• Conwy - 141.6p. Up 9p per litre.
• Blaenau Gwent - 136.9p. Up 9p per litre.
• Cardiff - 140.5p. Up 8.8p per litre.
• Wrexham - 140.2p. Up 8.8p per litre.
• Caerphilly - 138.5p. Up 8.8p per litre.
• Newport - 138.7p. Up 8.7p per litre.
• Neath Port Talbot - 136.8p. Up 8.7p per litre.
• Torfaen - 136.4p. Up 8.7p per litre.
• Powys - 140.3p. Up 8.5p per litre.
• Denbighshire - 142.2p. Up 8.2p per litre.
• Rhondda Cynon Taf - 137.5p. Up 8.2p per litre.
• Vale of Glamorgan - 139.4p. Up 7.9p per litre.
• Merthtyr Tydfil - 140.4p. Up 6.1p per litre.

It is estimated that the Iran war is set to cost UK motorists £15m a day in extra fuel costs as prices continue to spike upwards at petrol forecourts around the country. 

The impact of the price hikes means that the average cost of all the fuel bought each day in the UK is already costing motorists £12.9m more than it did before the war began on February 28, and that figure is set to pass £15m on current trends.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it has put fuel retailers “on notice” that it is stepping up monitoring of petrol and diesel prices in light of the Middle East conflict.

The CMA’s executive director for markets, Juliette Enser, said: “Whilst price increases might be inevitable because of rising wholesale costs, it is important that those increases reflect genuine cost pressures.

“We will be closely scrutinising and reporting on what’s happening with fuel prices and call out any concerning behaviour.”

Among the major retailers, Asda Express is charging the highest average price for unleaded petrol. The firm, which operates Asda service stations rather than supermarket forecourts, has an average price of 142.9p per litre - which is 12.1 p more than before the Iran war.

Esso, BP, Shell, Murco and Texaco are all charging motorists an average of over 140p a litre at their petrol stations.

Of the big four supermarkets, Tesco is charging the highest price at 138.2p a litre, slightly more than Morrisons (137.7p), Sainsbury’s (137.6p) and Asda (137.1p).

A petrol industry trade group pulled out of a meeting with Chancellor Rachel Reeves after accusing minister of using “inflammatory language” that has led to abuse against forecourt workers.

The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) said executive director Gordon Balmer had been invited to take part in the Downing Street meeting with Ms Reeves and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband on fuel prices.

But it said Mr Balmer had withdrawn over concerns that recent language being used by ministers was inciting abuse against fuel retail staff by members of the public.

The PRA said “following several days in which ministers have suggested that forecourts may be ‘price gouging’ and ‘ripping off’ the motorist”, it had looked to get assurances from Ms Reeves’s office that the meeting would be held in private, but that this was not provided.

The PRA said it made the decision not to attend the meeting to “protect retail staff”.

On Thursday, the Competition and Markets Authority warned it was putting fuel retailers “on notice” of plans to step up monitoring of petrol and diesel prices in light of the Middle East uncertainty.

President Donald Trump has said he is not ready to make a deal with Iran to bring about the end of the war as "the terms aren't good enough yet". The President told NBC American forces had "totally demolished" military targets in Iran.

Israel launched "wide-scale strikes" on Iran overnight, with residents in southern Lebanon and Beirut ordered to evacuate. the country targeted heavily armed checkpoints in Iran, according to he Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, with an attack on a factory in Isfahan resulting in the deaths of 15 workers.

Under the new prices, a single ticket bought from the driver will rise from £3.00 to £3.10, while a return will increase from £5.70 to £5.90. Day tickets will climb from £7.00 to £7.30, with weekly passes rising from £25.00 to £26.30 and monthly tickets increasing from £80 to £84.

First Cymru says the changes are part of a regular fare review aimed at balancing rising operating costs while continuing to invest in services.

Passengers using the company’s Tap On, Tap Off system will also see small changes depending on how far they travel. The distance-based system was introduced in 2024 when the operator rolled out new Tap On, Tap Off payment technology across its network as part of a wider overhaul of fares and ticketing.

That shake-up also triggered criticism at the time after some ticket prices jumped sharply. Early changes to the pricing structure saw the cost of some day tickets rise by more than 40%, prompting complaints from passengers when bus users hit back at the price rises.

Under the Tap On, Tap Off system, fares vary depending on the distance travelled, with longer journeys capped. From March 29 that cap will remain £3.10 for a single journey and £5.90 for a return.

Pembrokeshire services follow a slightly different mileage-based structure, with lower starting fares for very short journeys but increases still being applied across most distance bands.

Despite the changes for adult passengers, fares for children and young people using the My Travel Pass scheme will remain unchanged. Single journeys will continue to cost £1, returns £2, and day tickets £3.

Main First Cymru fares (from 29 March 2026)

Tap On, Tap Off adult fares (distance-based)

Tap On, Tap Off fare caps

Pembrokeshire Tap On, Tap Off fares (from 29 March)

Children and My Travel Pass fares (unchanged)

The latest fare review comes after a turbulent period for the bus operator. In late 2025, drivers and engineering staff staged a series of walkouts as pay talks broke down, causing disruption across the region before unions eventually secured a new deal that was hailed as a major pay win for First Cymru drivers.

The agreement delivered a 5% increase backdated to April, along with staged rises that will see drivers’ pay reach £15 an hour by 2027.

First Cymru says passengers can still ensure they are charged the cheapest available fare by using Tap On, Tap Off when boarding and leaving the bus.

The new fares will apply across the operator’s network from March 29.

British tourists planning to visit destinations such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi are advised to review their travel plans. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its guidance in response to the conflict.

The Foreign Office currently warns against travel to the UAE and urges those already in destinations like Dubai and Qatar to shelter in place and to limit movements to “essential journeys only".

As a result, British Airways has issued a major travel update for customers on flights to the UAE. In a statement on its website, BA announced that flights to Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, and Tel Aviv are cancelled through March 28, while flights to and from Abu Dhabi are suspended until later this year.

While the airline has not specified the number of cancelled flights, its previous daily service to Abu Dhabi suggests that hundreds of flights have been grounded.

The airline writes: "Due to the continuing uncertainty of the situation in the Middle East and airspace instability, we’ve had to temporarily reduce our flying schedule in the region.

We’ve cancelled all flights to and from Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai and Tel Aviv until later this month and to and from Abu Dhabi until later this year. We’re keeping the situation under constant review and are in touch with our customers to offer them a range of options.

"We have limited seats remaining on our repatriation flights from Oman (Muscat) to London Heathrow on 11 and 12 March for customers with an existing booking. Following these dates, the flights will pause due to reduced demand, but will be kept under continuous review."

Thousands of passengers have been affected by airspace closures, disrupting major airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar. Some travellers are stranded in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Australia.

As of Tuesday, 10 March 2026, Dubai International Airport (DXB) remains operational with limited service. Flights have resumed in phases following initial disruptions, but significant issues continue due to ongoing conflict and airspace restrictions.

The disruption to aviation resulting from the US and Israeli attack on Iran has been extensive. Of 38,193 flights scheduled to depart or arrive in the Middle East since February 28, 21,915 have been cancelled.

Recent figures indicate that most routes are returning to near-normal operations. Of the 4,783 flights scheduled for today, 1,107 have been or are expected to be cancelled.

If you are scheduled to fly to or from the Middle East in the coming days, please check your airline’s website for instructions and consult the Foreign Office website for the latest guidance.

Due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, Brits have been told to avoid dozens of destinations, including popular holiday hotspots.

The FCDO’s list of restricted areas now includes 76 countries and territories where certain zones are flagged as dangerous. Major winter-sun destinations such as Egypt, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are among those affected by the updated safety advice.

The warning comes as chaos hit major travel hubs over the weekend. Flights in and out of Dubai were suspended, leaving British tourists, including those from Wales, stranded abroad.

While Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reassured the public that the UK Government is working to keep citizens safe, the scale of the disruption is significant. Currently, 76 out of the 226 travel advice pages maintained by the FCDO contain warnings against travel.

Airlines, including British Airways, have confirmed they are "closely monitoring the situation" as large sections of airspace across the Middle East remain closed. Many carriers have already moved to cancel a string of flights to the region.

The full list, covers countries across the globe where tensions remain high.

FCDO advises against all travel

Afghanistan

Belarus

Burkina Faso

Haiti

Iran

Iraq

Israel

Mali

Niger

Palestine

Russia

South Sudan

Syria

Venezuela

Yemen

FCDO advises against all travel to parts

Algeria

Armenia

Azerbaijan

Benin – northern border

Burundi

Cameroon

Central African Republic

Chad

Congo

Côte d’Ivoire

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Djibouti

Egypt

Eritrea

Ethiopia

Georgia

India

Indonesia

Jordan

Kenya

Lebanon

Libya

Mauritania

Moldova

Mozambique

Myanmar (Burma)

Nigeria

Pakistan

Philippines

Saudi Arabia

Somalia

Sudan

Togo

Tunisia

Turkey

Ukraine

Western Sahara

FCDO advises against all but essential travel

Bahrain

Cuba

North Korea

Kuwait

Qatar

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts

Angola

Bangladesh

Bolivia

Brazil

Cambodia

Colombia

Ecuador

Ghana

Guatemala

Kosovo

Laos

Malaysia

Mexico

Papua New Guinea

Peru Rwanda

Tanzania

Thailand

Peter Boden, who lives at Clifton Street in the Splott area of Cardiff, has called for disabled parking bays to be refurbished in the street. He said he is currently having to park a long distance from his house because motorists who aren't disabled are using the bays.

"[The] disabled bays are not vacant enough," he told Pulse Media. “You just can’t find a space to park.”

He said the problems have arisen due to the paintwork differentiating the disabled parking spaces from normal spaces having been weathered away, meaning other motorists who don't have a blue badge are parking in the allocated spots.

Pictures from the street show the disabled signs on the road are weathered and in some instances are hardly visible.

Mr Boden claimed at Clifton Street larger vehicles which stay for extended periods of time appear to be taking up the spots. He claimed: "It's the owners of the shops that park their vans there."

He said he has sometimes had to rely on others for shopping because of a "constant struggle" with parking on the street. He said he has tried to get in touch with the council but his complaints have gone unanswered.

Parking in a disabled bay without a blue badge can result in a fine up to £1,000.

A spokesperson for Cardiff council said: “There are seven disabled bays on Clifton Street, which is more than the recommended government guidance.

"Blue badge holders can park for up to three hours in permit-holder-only bays or on yellow lines by displaying their badge with the time clock displayed, provided there are no ‘no loading’ restrictions in place."

They added: “Blue badge holders can also park for free and for as long as they require in limited waiting bays or pay-and-stay bays, with their badge displayed.

“The council frequently patrols this area of the city, and 24 visits have taken place this year, with 14 penalty charge notices issued. The council has also had one request to repaint one of the disabled parking bays – and this will be carried out when weather conditions allow.”

One motorist told Pulse Media they only navigated it when absolutely necessary, opting instead to travel all the way around Ystradgynlais and through Pontardawe.

"My foot is constantly hovering over the brake whilst I'm driving on it and I'm constantly looking over my shoulder because I'm so paranoid somebody is going to hit me," she said. 

The roundabout has five lanes at some points, four at others, and a minimum of three. There are nine entries and exits, so people are getting ready to join it or leave it practically wherever you are on the circuit.

Each lane is marked differently at points, meaning drivers have to pay attention to the signs, the road markings, and other drivers as they navigate their way to the exit they want.

Expect last minute lane changes, potential weaving as people try to stare at road signs and concentrate on where they are going at the same time, and general confusion.

It can be frightening even for the most experienced of drivers, let alone a learner or someone who has recently passed their test - screaming has been known in the worst cases.

But, like any roundabout, it is governed by rules - follow them and you will enter and exit unscathed.

The Highway Code provides clear guidance for anyone who remains uncertain about regulations concerning roundabouts.

When taking the first exit to the left, it advises that unless signs or markings indicate otherwise, you should signal left and approach in the left-hand lane, keep to the left on the roundabout and continue signalling left to leave.

However, this is where it becomes perplexing. What if you're driving straight on, taking what's referred to as an intermediate exit? 

In other words, what if the exit is situated at 12 o'clock as you approach?

This is where we encounter some road rage, particularly from those who insist that you should be in the right-hand lane. If you're one of these people, unfortunately, you're mistaken.

When taking any intermediate exit, unless signs or markings suggest otherwise, you should choose the appropriate lane as you approach the roundabout. Normally, there's no need to signal on approach.

You should remain in this lane until you need to change direction to leave the roundabout, and you should indicate left after you've passed the exit prior to the one you want.

The code stipulates that when there are more than three lanes at the entrance to a roundabout, you should use the most suitable lane on approach and throughout. In other words, the law advises using a bit of common sense.

For mini roundabouts, the guidance is to approach these in the same manner as regular roundabouts, and all vehicles must go around the central markings except large vehicles which physically can't do so. It advises against making U-turns at mini-roundabouts.

The Highway Code further states: "When reaching the roundabout you should give priority to traffic approaching from your right, unless directed otherwise by signs, road markings or traffic lights, check whether road markings allow you to enter the roundabout without giving way.

"If so, proceed but still look to the right before joining, watch out for all other road users already on the roundabout; be aware they may not be signalling correctly or at all and look forward before moving off to make sure traffic in front has moved off.

"You should give priority to cyclists on the roundabout. They will be travelling more slowly than motorised traffic.

"Give them plenty of room and do not attempt to overtake them within their lane. Allow them to move across your path as they travel around the roundabout.

"Cyclists, horse riders, and horse-drawn vehicles may stay in the left-hand lane when they intend to continue across or around the roundabout and should signal right to show you they are not leaving the roundabout.

"Drivers should take extra care when entering a roundabout to ensure that they do not cut across cyclists, horse riders, or horse-drawn vehicles in the left-hand lane who are continuing around the roundabout.

"In all cases watch out for and give plenty of room to pedestrians who may be crossing the approach and exit roads, traffic crossing in front of you on the roundabout, especially vehicles intending to leave by the next exit, traffic which may be straddling lanes or positioned incorrectly, motorcyclists, long vehicles (including those towing trailers).

"These might have to take a different course or straddle lanes either approaching or on the roundabout because of their length. Watch out for their signals."

"After I count to three, I need you to look up my friends", says Zuhair. "So one, two and three..." As I lift my head, I'm met with the astonishing view of the Treasury, the most elaborate rock-cut tomb in Petra, Jordan’s crown jewel and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

A legacy of the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled in southern Jordan more than 2,000 years ago, Petra, Zuhair explains, is "the biggest tourist attraction that we have here in Jordan," and visitors flock here from around the world.

Only, as I look around the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), there's one thing that shocks me. There's no one here. Normally, Petra attracts close to 1 million tourists annually, but thanks to "noisy neighbours", it's now eerily deserted.

"At this time of year, it should be the peak," laments Zuhair. "Two years ago, there were certain days when we had over 10,000 visitors."

So why are there only a handful of visitors at this magnificent site right now? Zuhair tactfully explains that since the conflict between Hamas and Israel erupted in October 2023, tourism here has plummeted dramatically.

Because Jordan shares a border with Israel, the current conflict has hit its tourism industry hard. Many would-be visitors see the region on the news and assume it all blurs into one unsafe zone.

In reality, the Middle Eastern kingdom of Jordan has consistently stayed out of military action, but perception can be more powerful than fact when people are booking holidays.

"With the current political situation in the region, we're victims of misperception, and so there's less tourism coming in," says Tourism Consultant Malia Asfour, who was the Former Managing Director of Jordan Tourism Board North America.

She’s keen to stress that the country is very much open and eager for visitors, including small tour groups like ours. Tourism sustains many local families, and when visitor numbers drop, the impact is immediate. “By having you here, you’re giving people a lift,” she says. “You’re giving them life and support.”

The irony is striking. Not long ago, Jordan was grappling with overtourism at its most famous sites. Now it faces the opposite challenge: persuading the world that it is safe, stable and very much ready to welcome people back.

The impact is most obvious where I'm standing. I've seen photos of Petra on social media, and it's usually rammed with selfie-taking tourists scrambling to get the best shot of this archaeological wonder, so it's surreal to have the famed 'Rose City' almost to myself.

Thought to be over 2,300 years old, the exact date of Petra’s construction remains unknown. By the first century BC, it had become the capital of the Nabataean Empire, whose wealth was built on the trade in frankincense, myrrh, and spices.

Today, it's an Archaeological Park covering an area of 264,000 square meters within Wadi Musa, with a visitor centre and various Bedouin shops selling coffee, snacks, and souvenirs.

An entrance ticket costs 50 JOD (around £51). You begin in the Siq, a narrow gorge that slices through rose-red rock. The walls tower above you, sometimes only a few metres apart, streaked with pinks, russets and buttery gold where centuries of wind and flash floods have polished the stone smooth and wave-like.

It is cool and echoey in places, and if you visit with a guide, they'll likely point out remains of ancient water channels carved neatly into the rock, proof that the Nabataeans were not just good at dramatic architecture but also superb engineers.

Then, with exquisite timing, the Siq opens just enough to perfectly frame Al Khazneh, the Treasury. Carved straight into the sandstone cliff in the first century AD, its façade rises about 40 metres high, all Corinthian columns, ornate capitals and theatrical flourishes.

Our guide tells me that Petra was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom from around the 4th century BC. These were Arab traders who amassed fortunes by controlling caravan routes for incense, spices, and other luxuries moving between Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean.

They turned this desert stronghold into a thriving city, complete with temples, tombs, and a theatre carved into the hillside that could seat thousands.

Fast forward, and Rome eventually annexed the city (blimey, they really got everywhere, didn't they?), and it continued to prosper until a major earthquake in AD 363 devastated much of it.

The damage, combined with shifting trade routes, accelerated Petra’s decline. In time, it was abandoned and came to be known only to local Bedouin communities.

Petra popped back onto the Western radar on 22 August 1812, thanks to a Swiss explorer with a flair for adventure, Johann Ludwig Burckhardt.

Travelling under the name Ibrahim Ibn Abdallah and passing himself off as an Arab scholar, he persuaded his Bedouin guides to lead him to a fabled hidden city in Jordan’s Wadi Musa.

What he found was a 12th-century marvel that reportedly was largely unknown beyond the local region. Quite the detour to add to the travel diary, considering Johann was actually searching for the source of the Niger River.

Since then, Petra has become world famous, especially after it served as a cinematic backdrop in the 1989 film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, significantly boosting tourism to the site.

As a devoted film fan (obsessive, according to my husband), I was thrilled to be treading in Indy’s footsteps. I also very nearly wore out our guide by peppering him with questions about what else had been filmed there. Apparently, I was not the first person to quote sections of The Last Crusade to him.

In an attempt to steer me away from yapping on about films, Zuhair explained that there is more to Petra than the Treasury.

Wander around, and you'll see a theatre that may date to the early first century AD, the Petra Church Complex, the Pharaoh's Column, and Qasr Bint Far’un (Palace of the Pharaoh’s Daughter).

More importantly, as you walk past the Treasury, you'll start to spot a few cafes and shops run by Bedouins, where you can try Arabic eyeliner, buy souvenirs, and try pomegranate juice.

Even though the government relocated the Bedouins to nearby Wadi Musa, they’ve kept their shops alive inside Petra and in the 2,000-year-old caves they’ve called home for centuries. The doors are open. The shelves are stocked. What's missing are the visitors.

This is the moment to buy your souvenirs, not just because the scarves are gorgeous, but because tourism is chronically slow, and these families really rely on tourism dollars.

Every trinket, every cup of juice or coffee, every little purchase isn’t just a memory for you; it’s a direct way to support local communities.

“Today is good because we see tourists,” says Rosa, who sells sand art bottles, jewellery, trinkets and bright woven textiles. “Normally, there is no one.”

As she speaks, she steadies my face and traces a line of dark kohl around my eyes, a Bedouin tradition used for centuries for both beauty and protection.

“Very beautiful,” Rosa declares. In a moment of pure vanity, I agree and buy the kohl, fully aware that I will never recreate this smoky desert goddess look at home. Still, it feels like a small act of solidarity. It's hard to walk past those colourful treasure troves and see them so quiet.

After sampling freshly squeezed pomegranate juice, fussing over the resident cats, and panic-buying more souvenirs, our time in Petra was drawing to a close, and we were shepherded to a waiting bus.

The visit felt far too brief. I would happily return to this jaw-dropping wonder and see it buzzing with visitors again, even if that means sacrificing my smug Instagram photos of an almost-empty Treasury.

Until the crowds find their way back, this is an unusually good moment to visit Jordan. Petra, the red sands of Wadi Rum and even the Jordanian side of the Dead Sea can feel astonishingly peaceful. It is a rare chance to experience these places without having to fight through hordes of selfie-stick-wielding tourists.

If you are nervous about travelling here independently, group trips are an easy and fun option. Companies such as G Adventures, Explore Worldwide and Wild Frontiers offer a range of itineraries in Jordan, where you can witness these wonders with experienced local guides.

Honestly, I also think it's worth spending your hard-earned money somewhere people are genuinely pleased to see you, rather than somewhere that treats tourists as moving targets for water pistols (I'm looking at you, Spain).  

I will almost certainly be returning to this gracious and hospitable country. Next time, I may even manage to take a decent selfie with other humans in the background. I hope to see you there.

If you’ve already ticked off the classics like Barafundle Bay, Rhossili Bay, and Harlech Beach, you might be itching to find somewhere new to explore.

Great news! There is a huge sandy beach that few people know about. Porth Ceiriad is located on a remote stretch of coast towards the southern end of the Llŷn Peninsula and offers a crowd-free day by the sea, if you can find it that is.

It's an absolute gem of a beach owned by the National Trust and found beneath towering cliffs. You’ll get sweeping views over Cardigan Bay all the way to the mountains of the Eryri National Park. Lush!

It's also less than three miles from the popular seaside village resort of Abersoch, where you'll find plenty of cafes, shops, and facilities.

This lovely dog-friendly beach is rarely very busy, largely because it's a fair stomp from the nearest parking and is reached by walking across fields and ascending a steep flight of steps.

Even in the middle of the school holidays, it never feels super rammed, so it’s a brilliant spot if you're after peace and big ocean views.

What makes this almost secret beach tricky to visit is that the mobile signal can be very spotty here, so good luck navigating with Google Maps.

Finding the isolated spot is part of the challenge for intrepid explorers. Many Tripadvisor reviewers posted about their joy at finding the beach when the satnav couldn't. One poster remarked: "It's an adventure to get there on single-track country roads. Good luck with the tractors."

Online it's even dubbed the "Porth Ceiriad Mystery Tour" because of the curious case of disappearing tourists led astray by unreliable satellite navigation directions and confounding maps.

To get there you’ll need to go through the former Nant Y Big campsite. From there, it’s just a short trek across a couple of fields before you reach a steep set of steps carved right into the cliff. It's a bit of a thigh burner, but totally worth it once you see the golden sands and crashing waves.

While it's a perfectly lovely sandy stretch, this is where you come for a spot of solitude to walk the dog or have a bracing sea dip. There are no facilities here, including toilets, cafes, or lifeguards, so if you're plodding down here you'll need to bring everything with you. It's a proper wild seashore free from seaside resort tat shops, whirring arcades, and beachside fish and chip shops.

If you bring a big beach picnic, be aware that there are no bins here, so you'll need to take all your rubbish home to keep this scenic spot beautiful and litter-free.

The Beach Guide notes that, along with a beautiful sandy shore and geologically significant cliffs, the surf at Porth Ceiriad is among the best on the Llŷn Peninsula.

If you're a pro surfer, there are large, powerful waves here that are more suited to experienced surfers than those at neighbouring Hell’s Mouth.

They add that while generally quite sheltered, the surf at this south-facing beach comes into its own during the winter months.

If you're new to surfing, this might not be the best spot to give it a whirl. The waves can pack a punch here, and the rip currents can be downright feisty. There's also no lifeguard here, and the nearest loos and facilities are a few miles away.

Porth Ceiriad is also popular for other watersports, and in the summer, you might spot a range of crafts, including kayaks, paddleboards, and even yachts.

If you're lucky, you may also see pods of dolphins here, their distinctive dorsal fins carving through the choppy waves. 

How to get there

To get there from Abersoch, head out along Lon Sarn Bach and keep going straight over the crossroads at Sarn Bach. About 0.7 miles on, take a left onto Lon Groes – you’ll spot it by the green electricity substation, so keep your eyes peeled.

Soon after, you’ll come to a contactless payment barrier at what used to be the Nant Y Big campsite. From there a path leads you straight towards the beach.

There’s a paid-for car park perched right up on the cliffs that gives you the feeling you might just drive off the edge, but don’t worry, as you won’t, but it’s a bit of a thrill!

If that’s not your bag, you can take an earlier turning towards Bwlchtocyn, where there's a smaller car park tucked away on the far side of the village.

You'll need to navigate a few cattle grids and some fairly narrow lanes, but you’ll get there!

Postcode: LL53 7BY

Swansea city centre and Swansea University will also benefit from extra coach services between Bridgend, Bristol, Newport, Cardiff and London.

The network growth is a result of a newly expanded partnership between FlixBus and Cardiff-based coach operator Watts. 

FlixBus vice president for west Europe, Andreas Schorling said: “The affordable, reliable and comfortable journeys we offer are extremely popular with people travelling between London and Wales, so we’re proudly providing more access to our much-loved brand than ever before."

Watts Coaches joined the FlixBus network in 2025 and is adding two new FlixBus-branded Temsa HD12 vehicles to its fleet to enhance capacity.

Jo-Anne Watts, director of Watts Coaches, said: “Our first year with FlixBus has been incredibly rewarding, and we’re proud to be growing with the go-to coach name in Wales and beyond."

Mr Schorling added: “Kicking off our 2026 expansion strategy is a milestone moment as we plan to grow by the same as last year."

It is not yet known if speed was a factor in the incident but at the latest meeting of Neyland Town Council, residents voiced their worries about vehicle speeds in a particular area of the town.

Town council member and county councillor Simon Hancock, stated: "They came to express their concern at speeding cars losing control on the corner where Honeyborough Road leads into Kensington Road."

He said that on Sunday afternoon a car mounted the pavement and smashed into the wall of No 43, coming to rest in the middle of the road. Emergency services were on the scene.

He mentioned that photos of the incident and its aftermath were circulated on social media and sent to the council. 

In response to this, Councillor Hancock, who also serves as the county council's presiding member, said: "I am extremely concerned by some drivers travelling at excessive speeds at this bend.

"This is the fifth serious incident in nine years where cars have collided with houses in the terrace.

"Any pedestrians on the pavement at the time could have been killed or seriously injured. I have written to the chief executive, leader and cabinet member [of Pembrokeshire County Council] insisting on road traffic calming measures at this location.

"It is by sheer good luck that a terrible tragedy has been avoided."

A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire Council stated: "We are liaising with the police over the incident to determine the cause of the accident before considering what measures the Highway Authority may take."

A young moped rider has been killed in a hit-and-run at a ‘deathtrap’ junction in south west London.

The victim, 22, was fatally injured near Kingston Bridge at just after 11.30pm on Saturday. 

Detectives said the driver of the dark coloured vehicle collided with the rider.

Met Police said they had arrested a 27-year-old man in connection with the fatal crash on Sunday evening. He remains in custody.

Locals described the ‘chaos’ at the junction on the corner of Horse Fair and Wood Street after the crash.

Mark Godstone, 47, told Pulse Media: ‘It’s a horror junction that goes from three lanes to two and can be very confusing. There are lots of accidents here. 

‘On the night this one happened, it was chaotic.

‘The police managed to block traffic from one side and there was a woman with a torch stopping cars on the other side so that no one else would crash. 

‘The police accident investigators were down here and have been asking around about any dashcam footage locals may have.’ 

Amanda Cross, who lives just off Wood Street, said: ‘That junction is a deathtrap.

‘Especially with so many delivery riders, electric scooters and the like on the roads.

‘The one-way system around Kingston town centre needs rethinking.’

A Met police statement said: ‘The collision, between a car and a moped, happened on Saturday, 7 February at 11.30pm on Wood Street at the junction with Horse Fair in Kingston.

‘Sadly, the driver of the moped, a man aged 22, died at the scene.  Specialist officers are supporting the victim’s family.’

The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames have been approached for comment.

Detectives are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information, including dash cam footage, to call police on 101.

Its 2026 network is being expanded with new direct flights to Portugal and Egypt.

TUI has announced its flying programme from Cardiff for summer 2026 with a fourth aircraft based at the Airport and the launch of the two new direct routes to Faro and Hurghada.

TUI said its fourth aircraft and new routes mean thousands of new seats for people travelling from Cardiff Airport.

The company said it was responding to increasing customer demand for more convenient, affordable sunshine escapes direct from Cardiff.

Flights to Hurghada on Egypt's Red Sea coast, will run twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Hurghada is known for year‑round good weather, coral reefs, and some of the world’s best snorkelling and diving.

It's a good value destination with good shopping, a pint costing as little as £1.50 and eating out 70% cheaper than in the UK.

Starting on May 21 the new Faro flights will also run twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays giving Cardiff a route to the Algarve two and a half hours away.

Chros Logan, commercial director at TUI UK said: “Adding Faro and Hurghada expands an already impressive line‑up of sunshine getaways for Welsh holidaymakers.

"From the Algarve’s beaches and world‑class golf to Egypt’s incredible snorkelling and unbeatable value, these routes strengthen a diverse network of holidays all available direct from Cardiff. We’re focused on giving customers in Wales more choice, more flexibility, and the ease of flying from their local airport."

Jon Bridge, CEO of Cardiff Airport, said the expansion was good news for travellers and the airport and showed TUI's commitment to the airport.

With this fourth TUI aircraft based at Cardiff Airport, there are now more than 250,000 seats on sale for the summer 2026 season from Cardiff, more than 45,000 more seats than summer 2025.

TUI is currently offering seven night all-inclusive holidays to The Algarve from £915 per person staying at the 4* Hotel Alvor Baia Baia in Alvor based on two people sharing a suite with garden or pool view, travelling from Cardiff Airport to Faro on TUI Airways on 28 May, 2026. Overseas transfers, 20kg cabin, and 10kg hold luggage are included per person.

TUI offers seven night all-inclusive holidays to Hurghada from £976 per person staying at the 5* TUI Magic Life Kalaway based on two people sharing a double room with garden or pool view, travelling from Cardiff Airport Hurghada on UI Airways on 9 June 2026. Overseas transfers and 20kg cabin and 10kg hold luggage included per person.

Wales’ new Bus Services Act has now received Royal Assent, giving ministers sweeping powers to take back control of local bus networks after years of cuts, collapsing operators and shrinking timetables. The Welsh Government says the change marks the start of a complete rebuild of how buses operate across the country — and Southwest Wales will be the first to feel it.

The law was formally sealed in Cardiff by First Minister Eluned Morgan, who said the move sends a clear signal that the days of unreliable, patchwork bus services are numbered.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said:

“This is a historic day for public transport in Wales – it sends out a clear message that we are committed to improving the bus system and delivering better, more reliable services for the people of Wales.”

Swansea region becomes the testing ground

The first rollout in 2027 will cover Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire — an area that has seen repeated route cuts, operator collapses and emergency funding packages just to keep buses on the road.

Under the new system, the public sector will take charge of designing the entire network. Instead of operators deciding which routes they want to run, Transport for Wales will set the timetables, fares and connections, and companies will bid for contracts to operate them.

It’s a complete reversal of the deregulated model that has shaped Welsh buses since the 1980s — and one the Welsh Government argues is essential to stop communities being “cut off”.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, said:

“Today marks a major milestone for bus services in Wales. It’s the beginning of a new era… These changes won’t be seen overnight, it’s going to take time, but we are working closely with the industry and local authorities to plan and deliver bus services to meet the needs of passengers today and for generations to come.”

What franchising actually means for passengers

For decades, bus companies have been free to pick and choose the routes they run. If a service wasn’t profitable, it disappeared — leaving councils scrambling to plug the gaps with dwindling budgets.

Franchising flips that on its head.

Instead of operators calling the shots, Transport for Wales will design a single, joined‑up network, deciding where buses go, how often they run and how they connect with trains. Operators will then compete for contracts to run those routes — similar to the system used in London.

The Welsh Government says this will mean clearer timetables, simpler routes and a network that actually works together, rather than a patchwork of competing companies.

For passengers, the promise is straightforward: more reliable buses, better connections and a system designed around public need, not commercial priorities.

Why the change was needed

The bus network in Wales has been in crisis for years. Operators have folded, routes have vanished and councils have repeatedly warned that entire communities risk losing their only public transport link.

Swansea Bay News has reported extensively on the turmoil — from emergency funding packages to operators collapsing and councils warning that cuts could leave people stranded.

The Welsh Government says the new law is the only way to rebuild a stable, reliable network that doesn’t fall apart every time a company pulls out or a subsidy ends.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said:

“We will use local knowledge to design and plan services that put the voice of the passenger at the heart of their local bus network.”

What happens next

Transport for Wales will now work with councils, unions, operators and the public to design the new franchised network for Southwest Wales ahead of the 2027 launch.

Early proposals published last year showed plans for simpler routes, better interchange points and more direct links between key towns, hospitals and employment sites.

The Welsh Government insists the direction of travel is now set — and that the Swansea region will lead the way in proving whether franchising can finally fix Wales’ broken bus system.

Can someone turn around in my driveway without permission?

According to Dropped Kerb Nottingham, it is generally illegal for someone to turn around in someone else's driveway without their permission.

This means that if someone is turning around on your driveway without consent, you can take legal action against them.

When it comes to driveway access rights, it is important to consult local laws and guidelines to ensure that you are not infringing on another person's property.

How do I stop someone from using my driveway to turn around?

Before taking action, there are several legal considerations that you should account for.

You should first consider parking regulations, as these vary between local authorities.

Nuisance laws should also be looked at when dealing with trespassers on your property.

If it is determined that the person is causing a nuisance, you may be able to take legal action against them.

However, before any action is taken, it would be wise for you to attempt mediation.

To discourage people from turning around in your drive, consider installing a barrier or sign indicating that the drive is private property.

How do shared driveways work and who owns them?

Checkatrade states that there are two main types of shared driveways in the UK.

The first type is an accessway, located partly on one person's land. Here, both the owner and neighbour enjoy the right of way.

The second is where one neighbour owns the land outside another person's house.

In this instance, it is common for an agreement to be written up, allowing everyone access. This is known as a shared driveway easement.

How do you think parking rules could be improved in the UK? Let us know in the comments.

Fortunately, you don't need to travel long haul to experience some warm weather this time of year. Destinations such as the Canary Islands are well-loved, but if you're after somewhere a bit more off-the-beaten track, then another group of islands is becoming increasingly sought-after.

Cape Verde enjoys warm weather year-round, and in the coming fortnight, daytime highs will reach 24C, making it warmer than Tenerife at 20C. With flights taking around six hours, you don't need to spend an entire day on a plane to enjoy its extended days of sunshine.

The islands that comprise Cape Verde include Sal and Boa Vista, with the largest airport on Sal. Budget carrier easyJet launched flights to the archipelago back in March 2025, with the route marking the airline's first venture into Sub-Saharan Africa.

It also became easyJet's longest route at the time. The airline went on to launch a route from Manchester, and from May 1, passengers will also be able to fly from Bristol.

TUI also operates flights to the island from the same airports and also provides routes from Birmingham, Glasgow, and Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. A seasonal service from the East Midlands is also available to book on dates from April 29.

The islands, situated off Africa's western coastline, welcomed approximately 1.2 million visitors in 2024. Nevertheless, this number appears modest when compared to the Canaries' tourist figures. Tenerife alone attracted around seven million holiday-makers during the same timeframe, providing Cape Verde with a considerably less crowded feel.

The archipelago's greatest attraction is undoubtedly the wonderful weather. Whilst February is still winter in Cape Verde, temperatures regularly climb to 27C throughout the day, accompanied by six to eight hours of sunshine and little rain.

By comparison, Tenerife fluctuates between 17C and 22C during this time, experiencing approximately six hours of sun, though conditions can turn cloudy with occasional downpours.

Travelling with easyJet will bring you to Sal, an island distinguished by its volcanic desert landscape. Most visitors stay in Santa Maria on the southern shoreline, renowned for its sweeping golden sands and pristine blue waters. The resort destination maintains a relaxed vibe, with roads lined by towering palm trees.

After sunset, the area springs to life with lively entertainment, including live shows and beach bars. Tourists can enjoy windsurfing, embark on boat excursions to spot sharks, or discover the abandoned Pedra Lume salt works tucked inside an extinct volcano. Visitors can explore the historic mining site before enjoying revitalising mud therapy and floating in the saline pools, which are believed to leave skin feeling remarkably smooth.

Of course, there's no requirement to stay on Sal for your entire break. A three-hour ferry links you to Boa Vista, which has a range of resorts. This more peaceful island features magnificent, unspoilt beaches where fortunate travellers might witness turtles emerging from the sea.

Take on a quad bike adventure through the desert landscape, or climb aboard a catamaran to explore the most beautiful coastal locations. At the island's northern point, you'll also discover the shipwrecked MS Cabo Santa Maria, which has stayed beached in these waters since 1968, offering a captivating setting for photos.

EasyJet Holidays' Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Bixby, previously said in a statement: "Cape Verde is a fantastic destination, providing year-round sunshine and white sandy beaches. That's why we're thrilled to be offering our brilliant package holidays, whether it's a family looking for a resort to enjoy with kids, or a couple looking for adults-only luxury, we have a great range of fantastic resorts across the island of Sal."

Lodging choices range from budget-conscious basics to lavish all-inclusive establishments. The Meliá Llana Beach Resort and Spa, an adults-only all-inclusive resort, receives excellent reviews. One delighted visitor said: "The resort itself is beautiful, a true oasis of tranquillity and style."

The hotel also offers swim-up rooms for an indulgent experience. For families, the Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort has a coveted position on the lively Ponta Sino, a favoured spot for kitesurfers.

One visitor said about their stay: "A lovely stay at Hilton Sal Cabo Verde and would certainly return again. Great location and friendly staff. Extremely clean and good choice of food. Rooms are a great size with comfy beds."

EasyJet runs flights from London Gatwick to Sal three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with February fares beginning from £148.99 one-way. Holiday packages include a seven-night all-inclusive break at Sol Dunas Family Fun, departing February 3 from Manchester, priced from £737 per person, based on two adults sharing a double room and using code BIGSALE.

The Passport Office reminded those nearing a certain birthday that they must do something different when applying for their next passport. Some will be required to "skip" a particular option and pay nearly £100 by law if they want to be able to fly anywhere abroad.

In a post on X, a spokesperson explained: "Got a teen about to turn 16? If their birthday is less than three weeks away, skip the child passport and apply for an adult passport instead. That way, they'll be ready for any travel plans."

According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics, there are about 1.5 to 1.6 million people aged 16 to 17 in the UK. This means that around 750,000 to 800,000 of them will be turning 16 in 2026, which is about half of that age group.

Those celebrating their 16th birthday this year would have been born in 2010. Under UK regulations, an adult passport - which remains valid for 10 years rather than the five-year limit of a child passport - becomes mandatory once someone reaches 16.

Whilst young people may continue using their child passport beyond the age of 18 until it expires, they are obliged by law to obtain an adult passport when renewing. Anyone within three weeks of their 16th birthday can submit an application for the appropriate passport through the online system.

What does a passport cost in the UK?

If you're in the UK, you can apply for your first adult passport in two ways, including:

• Apply online - costs £94.50
• Apply with a paper form - costs £107

The quickest and most cost-effective method to get your documents is through the online application system. Those who've applied digitally can also track their application straight away if the reference number starts with 'PEX'.

For those requiring an urgent new passport, the UK provides a same-day service, though an appointment must be secured at the nearest passport office. Applicants will need to hand over their existing passport and wait roughly four hours following their appointment for the replacement to be prepared.

This option is not available, however, when a passport change (from child to adult) is necessary. Anyone in this unique situation will have to make sure they give themselves plenty of time to obtain a valid document.

How long will it take for a passport to arrive?

Those with travel plans booked ought to sort out their documents at the earliest opportunity. Delaying this for weeks or days until you head to the airport could result in people being turned away from the check-in desk.

People can check how long passport processing will take prior to submitting their application via the government's website. At the time of writing (January 29, 2026), the expected timeframe is roughly three weeks once the Passport Office has received all necessary documentation.

The time it takes for a passport document to be sent out depends on when and by what way the application is submitted. The period around the summer months tends to be particularly busy, potentially leading to some hold-ups.

In some cases, the documents can arrive before the three-week estimate. However, people should never assume that the Passport Office will get the documents out ahead of schedule, so they should always plan for the chance it could take weeks.

The horror incident occurred during a flight between the Cúcuta and Ocaña municipalities in Colombia. The plane was initially reported missing, prompting local officials setting up a crisis committee.

A total of 13 passengers and two crew are confirmed to have been on board. Further reports indicate Diógenes Quintero, a member of the Colombian house of representatives, was among the passengers.

Radar data shows the final recorded position was in the area between the municipalities of Hacarí and La Playa de Belén, within the Catatumbo region. The plane was due to land around noon local time.

The flight's last contact with air traffic control was around 4:55 PM UK time (11.55am local).

While aeroplanes remain the swiftest mode of transport globally, they're scarcely renowned for passenger comfort.

Travellers regularly find themselves crammed into confined seating for prolonged periods with minimal chance to stretch their limbs or avoid numbness. 

In reality, true comfort is usually reserved for those prepared to pay premium rates for first-class tickets with larger and more luxurious seats.

And if you've chosen a more budget-conscious airline, such as Ryanair, the limited comforts that exist on other flights may need to be sacrificed in return for the cheaper fares, including reduced legroom available or being seated in a smaller chair.

Due to this, whatever comfort remains becomes increasingly valuable during those lengthy hours up in the sky.

However, the airline has recently turned to social media to advise passengers against wearing a specific clothing item during their flights, leaving many people puzzled.

In footage shared on TikTok, the carrier posted a video of an aircraft bearing the Ryanair branding descending over turquoise waters before landing at what appears to be Corfu airport.

A celebratory melody can be heard in the video, followed by a voice delivering the recognisable phrase: "Thank you for flying Ryanair".

This tune and announcement are synonymous with every Ryanair journey.

"It's 2026, let's stop travelling in jeans," appeared as text overlay on the video, with a 'please' included in the caption.

Nevertheless, this statement baffled followers, as numerous individuals rushed to the comments section to enquire why they should steer clear of wearing jeans whilst travelling.

"What is wrong with jeans please explain," one viewer enquired. The airline responded: "What's right with them?"

Remarkably, several people supported the airline's stance, conceding that jeans weren't the most comfortable garment to wear, especially during extended periods of sitting. One viewer commented: "So real. I'll never get it.

"Agreed. It needs to be banned. Comfies only!" another person declared, whilst someone else shared: "always wear leggings."

One viewer humorously proposed: "Ok I'll fly in my 18th century historically accurate outfit."

Nevertheless, not everyone endorsed Ryanair's position, with some maintaining they would persist in wearing jeans on flights.

"No it's an hour let me live," another viewer countered, displaying themselves wearing jeans on a Ryanair flight.

Another individual declared they would continue wearing jeans as they 'wouldn't fit' inside their hand luggage, and they were reluctant to pay the notorious additional charge levied by the airline for a checked-in bag.

The 'filters' will operate like bus lanes, with ANPR cameras detecting number plates and issuing fines to drivers who break the rules. Under the scheme, most drivers will need to apply for a permit that will allow them to go through the filters for up to 100 days a year without being fined.

The rules will come into force in August this year.

Greg Smith, shadow transport minister, told Pulse Media: “This is the blueprint for a national rollout. Labour has given the green light for draconian councils like Oxfordshire to police how people live, move and drive, using cameras and fines backed by DVLA data.

“Oxford is the test case, but this is Labour’s blueprint for the country.”

Duncan White, director of the Alliance of British Drivers told the Telegraph: “It is an encroachment on civil liberties, and it is a page out of the East Germany playbook. With the 15-minute city, you will have to, in effect, apply for an internal passport to go and visit your granny. From a civil liberties perspective, it is nonsensical. From an operational point of view, it is bizarre.”

The Oxford scheme was originally called a '15-minute-city' as by 2040 the councils want everyone to be able to access all community services with a 15-minute walk from their home. This led to the idea that people would be 'banned' from travelling more than 15 minutes away from their houses, and the terminology was dropped.

Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council say there will be no physical barriers, and people will be able to go anywhere they want to. In a joint statement, they said: "Residents will still be able to drive to every part of the city at any time – but in the future, during certain times of the day, you may need to take a different route (e.g. using the ring road) if you want to travel by car.

"The reason we have proposed these changes is because – as everyone who lives and visits Oxford knows – the city has had awful congestion for decades. This is damaging both our economy and our environment, and is making the bus network unviable.

"Our aim is to reduce traffic levels and congestion, make the buses faster and more reliable, and make cycling and walking safer and more pleasant. "

Buses and taxis will be able to pass through the traffic filters freely at all times, people can walk or cycle through them at all times, and there will be exemptions and permits for blue badge holders, emergency services, health workers and both professional and non-professional care workers. People receiving frequent hospital treatments will also be eligible to drive through the filters.

Oxford residents (and residents of some surrounding villages) will be able to apply for a permit to drive through the filters on up to 100 days a year. Residents living in the rest of Oxfordshire will be able to apply for a permit to drive through the filter on up to 25 days a year.

The Telegraph says councils across the country could follow Oxford’s lead and introduce camera-enforced traffic filters. A Department for Transport spokesman said: “Local councils use DVLA data to help keep our roads safe and crack down on dangerous driving. How they use this information is up to each council, so it works best for their communities.”

Traffic from the border into England along the A48 and drivers travelling over the old Severn Bridge on the M48 cause havoc in the town. Proposals for a relief road on the English side of the River Wye, south of Sedbury, gained fresh momentum recently after Forest of Dean MP Matt Bishop indicated his willingness to examine plans for what has been dubbed a "Forest Gateway Road".

The bypass would link Bulwark in Chepstow with a new crossing south of the current A48 bridge over the Wye. 

But councillors representing Chepstow appear split on the issue. Conservative members support the bypass proposal which the council pushed while under Tory control, but Labour members prefer a new Severn crossing between Lydney and Sharpness in Gloucestershire which was previously discussed with the UK Government.

Monmouthshire councillors will now be asked to "reaffirm that addressing the traffic congestion in and around Chepstow remains a strategic transport priority" for the county council. Chepstow Mount Pleasant councillor, Paul Pavia, is set to present a motion at the full council's meeting on Thursday.

The motion also requests that members ask the council's Labour and Green Party cabinet to provide an update on the proposed bypass or relief road, including potential funding sources.

Any new road would require financial backing from the UK Government. Cllr Pavia's motion recognises that Monmouthshire County Council and the Welsh Government play crucial roles in cross-border partnership working and scheme development.

The Conservative councillor's motion also calls for the full council to have the chance to debate and make recommendations to the cabinet on how the council could "progress infrastructure projects". The motion states this should happen "rather than the matter being deferred or allowed to stall further".

If the motion is approved, the cabinet will be obliged to submit a report to the council detailing the current status or previous commitments made in support of a bypass. This includes the agreement by the then Conservative-led Monmouthshire to jointly fund a business case with Gloucestershire in early 2022.

The report would also outline possible options for funding and advancing the next assessment phase for a bypass. It would provide a clear timetable for engagement and decision-making with Gloucestershire County Council, the Welsh and UK governments, and partners including MPs.

Police and ambulance crews attended the scene, and the road was taped off while officers from the collision investigation unit carried out enquiries. The pedestrian was taken to hospital, where she remains receiving treatment for serious injuries.

A 45-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He remains in custody while enquiries are ongoing.

Charlotte Road was closed for several hours to allow for the investigation and was reportedly re-opened just before 5pm. 

Following the incident, Sergeant Alun Jones of the Roads Crime Unit said: "I urge anyone who witnessed the collision and hasn't already spoken to police to contact us.

"Additionally, anybody who was travelling in the nearby area prior to the collision and may have dash-cam footage is asked to get in touch with officers."

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact the Roads Crime Unit via the police website or by calling 101, quoting reference number O009895.

The Alicante-bound flight from Manchester Airport departed Monday morning (January 19), leaving dozens of passengers stranded in a stairwell awaiting boarding. Despite having their passports checked and boarding passes scanned by airline staff, the holidaymakers found themselves waiting for up to 40 minutes with no explanation.

They believed they were simply waiting for an airline employee to open the doors leading to the aircraft stairs or a shuttle bus. However, to their shock, the plane took off without them.

The group, consisting of at least 35 individuals, was later informed that there had been an 'error on the stairwell directions'. Jet2 has since apologised to the affected customers and stated that they are treating the incident as a 'matter of urgency'.

Matt, a Denton resident who was scheduled to travel on the LS879 flight to Alicante at 7am, expressed his astonishment over the incident. He claimed that Jet2 staff told him such an occurrence had 'never happened before'.

Matt recounted to the Manchester Evening News how he and his son had arrived punctually at the airport, passed through security, and reached the gate in good time when their flight was announced. Following the initial boarding call for passengers seated in the front section of the aircraft, Matt's seat number range was then called.

He explained: "So we've all come to the terminal and everybody's gone through from 26 to 40, then they called the rest of us. We've all gone through to the gate and boarded.

"But instead of carrying on onto the plane, there were some stairs so the herd mentality is that we all went down the stairs and followed each other. There was a lot of us.

"And then we're thinking 'why aren't these doors open'. We thought a bus would come for us and take us to the plane.

"We were there for 10 minutes, 20, 30, then we thought 'what's going on'. We were literally stuck like caged animals."

According to Matt, an airport employee subsequently approached from the tarmac to enquire about the situation, before allegedly informing the stranded passengers that the aircraft had already departed.

Matt revealed he was informed that staff don't conduct passenger counts once boarding is complete. "I am gobsmacked at the fact they don't do a headcount.

"That plane is at least 36 people light, it's bizarre. You'd think the captain would ask if they had a full flight."

Matt revealed that he and his fellow passengers were given a £10 voucher from Jet2 as they awaited information on the next available flight to Alicante. He also highlighted the presence of many elderly individuals, adding, "There's lots of elderly here as well".

He expressed his concern for his son who suffers from anxiety, saying, "I've got my son here who suffers from anxiety and I've brought him to take him away. It's like an episode of Fawlty Towers, you've never seen anything like it."

He further explained the confusion at the gate, stating, "They're saying now that there should have been the red rope to divert you onto the plane but that wasn't, so everyone just went down. It's unfathomable. I don't even think this has ever happened before."

In response, a spokesperson for Jet2 issued a statement: "We are aware that flight LS879 from Manchester to Alicante departed without some customers this morning, and we are investigating this as a matter of urgency with the airport. Our team are looking after these customers, and we have already arranged for them to take other flights to Alicante today."

The spokesperson concluded by expressing regret over the incident, saying, "We would of course like to apologise to these customers."

• Bus services will resume operating through Pen-y-Fai, Kenfig Pool and Mawdlam from Monday, February 23, following an agreement between Bridgend County Borough Council and First Cymru Buses Ltd
• Services through Pen-y-Fai will be reinstated as part of the existing Number 71 route, which operates between Bridgend and Cymmer via Maesteg
• The Number 71 service will divert through Pen-y-Fai on both inbound and outbound journeys at no additional cost, running hourly from Monday to Saturday between approximately 7.44am and 6.17pm
• However, as a caveat to the reinstatement, Service Number 71 will no longer operate directly to McArthurGlen Designer Outlet or the Princess of Wales Hospital, with those destinations continuing to be served instead by Service Number 70 on its existing route
• Passengers travelling on Service Number 71 who wish to reach McArthurGlen Designer Outlet or the Princess of Wales Hospital and who are using a day ticket, free concessionary travel bus pass, or the Tap On Tap Off facility will be able to transfer to another service at Bridgend Bus Station, or remain on the bus as it departs as Service Number 70
• Passengers who have purchased a single or return ticket will need to remain on the bus or pay an additional fare to travel onwards to McArthurGlen Designer Outlet or the Princess of Wales Hospital, which may result in extra cost
• The same ticketing and transfer arrangements will apply for return journeys to Maesteg, with passengers travelling on Service Number 70 back to Bridgend Bus Station before the service changes to Number 71 for the onward journey
• Services through Kenfig Pool and Mawdlam will also be reinstated under a new service, Number 63B, which will operate as part of the existing Number 63 route between Bridgend and Porthcawl
• Service Number 63B will run hourly from Monday to Saturday via Mawdlam and Kenfig Pool between approximately 9.41am and 3.39pm, with the caveat that operating hours are limited and any additional journeys will be dependent on future funding availability
• Councillor Neelo Farr, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Development and Housing, welcomed the reinstatement, stating that the return of services is important for communities that rely on public transport to access employment, education, healthcare and other essential services
• Cllr Farr added that the outcome reflects the importance of partnership working and thanked residents, ward members, council officers and First Cymru Buses Ltd for their continued engagement, while reaffirming that improving connectivity across the county borough remains a key priority
• For further information, residents can contact the BCBC Public Transport Unit on 01656 642591 or email publictransport@bridgend.gov.uk. First Cymru Buses will publish the new timetable closer to the start date

It is to allow for Wales and West Utilities to undertake gas mains replacement works. Council notices warn the maximum duration of the order is 18 months, but that it is anticipated the work will take 61 days to complete.

It will affect Brynmill Lane in a north-westerly direction from its junction with Bryn Road to its junction with A4118 Gower Road, a distance of approximately 1km.

The alternative route for vehicular traffic will be via the A4118 Gower Road, De La Beche Road, A4216 Sketty Park Road, A4216 Sketty Lane and A4067 Mumbles Road, a distance of approximately 3km.

This route will operate in the opposite direction.

Elsewhere in the city, a temporary road closure will be in place at A4217 Pentrechwyth bypass in Bonymaen from Sunday, January 18 for one to five days, to allow the council's highway maintenance team to undertake litter picking, pothole repairs and sidings works.

And from Wednesday, January 21, there will be a temporary road closure at Worcester Place in the city centre for three to five days to allow Wales and West Utilities to lay a new gas main.

To reduce stress on the bridge from passing vehicles the council is putting the precautions in place while they work towards medium- and long-term solutions. The bridge will remain open with restrictions in place for an "extended period".

The council said: "We do not currently have a completion date for the work, and the temporary traffic lights and single-lane arrangement are expected to remain in place for an extended period until a suitable solution is implemented." 

The following traffic measures will be implemented on the bridge from Monday, 19 January, until further notice:

• The bridge will have a 3.0 tonne weight limit

• Traffic will be reduced to a single lane running across the bridge with temporary traffic lights managing traffic

• Pedestrians will still be able to use the bridge

Cllr Catrin Maby, Monmouthshire County Council's Cabinet Member said: "We understand that these restrictions may cause inconvenience to the local community. These temporary measures are essential to protect the integrity of the Gilwern Viaduct as we work towards a comprehensive and long-term solution.

"We appreciate the public's patience and cooperation during this important period of remedial action."

Images captured by witnesses passing the scene showed the bus engulfed by flames with fire crews battling the huge blaze. Smoke was seen billowing from the scene.

The A55 was shut between Broughton, Flintshire, and the Posthouse Roundabout while emergency crews dealt with the incident.

One lane was initially closed at around 3pm, before the road was shut in both directions. 

Emergency services including the North Wales Fire & Rescue Service and Welsh Ambulance Service were at the scene of the fire on the eastbound carriageway.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said at around 3.07pm on Tuesday: "We’re currently dealing with a vehicle fire on the A55 Eastbound- the road has closed in both directions from J36 Broughton - J38 Posthouse A483.

"Please avoid the area." Further details on the cause of the fire have not yet been disclosed.

The disruption unfolded on the evening of Wednesday, January 7, after a body was discovered on the tracks at Shotton station, Flintshire. Paramedics pronounced the individual dead at the scene and British Transport Police launched an investigation, bringing services between Chester and Holyhead to a halt.

Passengers booked on the 6.26pm service from Chester were initially told to wait for the next Avanti West Coast train. But with Holyhead-bound services suspended indefinitely.

Eddie Williams, who was en route to Bangor, Gwynedd, described it as the beginning of a "truly horrific experience". Four buses supplied by Mold-based Keane's Coaches transported the passengers to Prestatyn railway station, Denbighshire, 

Mr Williams, aged 81, said: "Passengers waited around for about an hour on a platform at Chester station, then we were told that buses would take us on to Prestatyn, where trains would be available.

"Some 100 passengers were then left to stand on the station platform at Prestatyn in freezing conditions for approximately one hour. There was no waiting room, no food or drink, and no railway or station staff whatsoever. A number of passengers were well over pension age.

"We telephoned various agencies including Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast and Citizens Advice, only to be faced with automatic responses or engaged tones. Fearing some passengers would suffer hypothermia, I telephoned the 101 non-emergency number to be told by the ambulance service that as long as no one had actually collapsed, they did not need to respond. They advised contacting the police."

Meanwhile, several travellers arranged taxis or contacted friends for collection. Fellow passenger David Berry noted that not everyone had such options, leaving numerous people "trapped" at Prestatyn station.

"We were told to get coaches yet we could have stayed warm in Chester," he stated. "We were given no information and no support. There were no station staff at Prestatyn and no trains or warm areas.

"Apart from booking a taxi to Bangor we had no idea what to do. I gave up my seat in a taxi to an old gentleman who was shivering. TfW abandoned OAPs and families."

After contacting the police, Mr Williams was provided with a crime reference number. At around 8.30pm, a coach driver named Keane arrived and invited the remaining passengers to board his bus for warmth while he sought a solution.

"Everyone clapped the driver," Mr Berry recounted, "But not everyone could fit on the coach." 

After approximately 20 minutes, the driver, Dan Keane, declared that he would transport the passengers to Rhyl station. Upon arrival, he committed to waiting for the train.

"He said he would wait, with his bus, until he had seen the train arrive, so that we would not again be stranded on a freezing platform," Mr Williams explained. "The train arrived some 10 minutes later. Without question, the hero of the night was young Dan Keane."

Mr Williams finally reached Bangor around 11.15pm, a delay of four hours, after a 16-hour journey from the USA to Euston, London.

He further commented: "The most dangerous and regrettable action was that of the authorities at Chester station, who arranged for about 100 passengers to be taken to a completely deserted station with no shelter from the wind and nothing to eat or drink.

"Presumably they knew that no trains would arrive there for some time. The situation could well have ended much more seriously. They should have kept us in Chester station, and offered us free tea/coffee."

Avanti West Coast organised its own rail replacement buses from Chester, but these didn't turn up until approximately 9.30pm.

A TfW spokesperson stated: "Due to the emergency services dealing with an incident between Shotton and Chester, all train services on this route were disrupted.

"Limited road transport was available and, unfortunately, we were unable to get customers to their final destinations.

"We would like to apologise to those passengers travelling for the inconvenience this caused."

Passengers whose journeys were delayed by 15 minutes or longer are entitled to claim compensation through the national Delay Repay scheme. For Avanti West Coast passengers, this can be accessed here. For TfW travellers, the Delay Repay portal is here.

• Police are trying to locate a driver after a car crashed into a number of stationary vehicles in Swansea. The incident happened at around 12.16am on Saturday, January 10, in Teilo Crescent, Mayhill.
• Officers from South Wales Police attended the scene. They are continuing their inquiries to try and locate the driver, who left the scene.
• A local woman told WalesOnline she saw a car that had crashed into about three parked cars before it ended up in a hedge halfway along Teilo Crescent. She said police officers were in attendance along with the fire crew.
• A spokesman for South Wales Police said: “Officers were called to Teilo Crescent, Mayhill, at 12.16am on January 10 to reports of a collision between a car and stationary cars. Officers attended and inquiries to locate the driver are ongoing.”

It says the works, to assist with track renewal, will mean buses will replace trains between Port Talbot Parkway and Swansea from January 26 to February 6, and again on February 8. Anyone who uses the route has been urged check before they travel.

A statement from Network Rail reads: "We're currently renewing the track and refurbishing Landore Viaduct near Swansea football stadium.

"To assist with track renewal, we'll be closing the railway for 11 days from Monday, January 26, to Friday, February 6, and again all day on Sunday, February 8.

"During this time, TfW and GWR services in west Wales will be affected, with buses replacing trains between Port Talbot Parkway and Swansea. Please check before you travel.

"Thank you for your understanding and patience and we're sorry for any inconvenience this might cause."

In addition to the 11-day railway closure, Network Rail has said work will be carried out on the following dates:

Track renewal

• Every Sunday throughout January - midnight to 8.30am

• Every Sunday from February 8 to March 22 - midnight to 8am

Viaduct refurbishment

• 8am to 5pm - Until Wednesday, April 22 (weekdays only)
• 10pm until 8am - Saturday, March 7 until Sunday, April 5 (Saturday nights only)

While London’s Heathrow and Gatwick are also being hit with eye-watering increases in their business rates bills, the figures show that the most extreme cases are focused outside of London, with regional airports set to suffer. Global tax firm Ryan’s calculation of Valuation Office Agency (VOA) data found that the rateable values have jumped more than sixfold in some cases in the latest property revaluation, sending tax bills soaring higher.

Even with so-called transitional relief, which limits increases to 30% next year, regional airports will still endure some of the largest cash increases in the country. And most airports will see their bills more than double over the next three years.

Manchester Airport is among the worst affected, with its business rates bill set to surge by £4.2 million to £18.1 million next year, according to Ryan’s data. Bristol Airport will see a £1.2 million increase to £5.2 million, while Birmingham International Airport is expected to see a £1.8 million hike to £7.6 million. Newcastle International Airport is in line for a £244,755 hike to £1.1 million.

Alex Probyn, practice leader for Europe and Asia-Pacific property tax at Ryan, told PA: “With an unprecedented 295% sector-wide uplift, regional airports simply cannot absorb a cost shock of this magnitude. These increases will inevitably flow through the system: first into airport charges, then into airline costs, and ultimately into ticket prices.”

Airport operators have warned the tax blow may also hold back investment in the sector.

A Manchester Airports Group spokesperson said: “Airports were already some of the highest rates-payers in the country and were prepared to pay significantly more. But increases of more than 100% mean we have to look again at our plans to invest more than £2 billion in our airports across the UK over the next five years.

“It is inevitable air travel will become more expensive as the industry absorbs these costs. That impacts hard-working people throughout the country and makes global trade harder for businesses.”

AirportsUK – the trade group representing the sector – is working on a response to the Treasury’s consultation on the business rates plan, which closes in February. It said the plans are “short-sighted” and will “have a knock-on effect for the businesses that depend on airport connectivity in all areas of England”.

This risks “negatively impacting local economies that depend on the supply chains, tourists and connections their airports provide”, according to the group. “That is why the long-term review into how airport business rates are calculated, also announced by Government, is so important and we will engage with Treasury to ensure this delivers the positive outcome airports need to drive investment and economic growth.”

Other regional airports heading for mammoth bill increases include Liverpool Airport with a £233,100 rise to £1 million, East Midlands International Airport with a £437,895 increase to £1.9 million and Bournemouth Airport with a £102,398 increase to £443,723.

The A40 in its entirety stretches for around 260 miles between London and Goodwick in Pembrokeshire. A relatively small section of the carriageway, between Carmarthen and Llandovery in Carmarthenshire, has long been complained of as a crash hotspot. Almost a decade ago a local MP voiced his concerns in a letter to the Welsh Government outlining safety issues with a particular stretch through the village of Rhosmaen, north of Llandeilo.

This was before a 55-year-old woman died on the road in 2017 as a result of a crash between a car and a skip lorry. 

More recently tragedy has struck again on the A40. In October 2024 two people died in the same motorbike crash on the A40 near Llandovery.

Less than a year later, in July 2025, 18-year-old Sally Allen was killed in a crash further west between Carmarthen and Llandeilo near the hamlet of Broad Oak while driving home from the Royal Welsh Show in Builth Wells.

Meanwhile, in August this year, a man was left with serious injuries following an early-morning collision on the A40 near Manordeilo.

The true extent of the road's safety record can now be revealed after WalesOnline obtained data from Dyfed-Powys Police via a freedom of information request.

The stretch of road between Carmarthen and Llandovery measures 27 miles in length, connecting the two towns and providing links to Llandeilo and the villages of Manordeilo, Llangadog, Dryslwyn, Nantgaredig, Whitemill, and many others.

The national speed limit of 60mph for single carriageway roads in the UK applies to large sections of the road although some stretches are subject to lower speed limits.

According to the data supplied by Dyfed-Powys Police there were 249 collisions on the A40 between Carmarthen and Llandovery between January 2020 and the end of June this year (2025).

A breakdown of the number of crashes can be seen below:

• In 2020 there were 30 collisions
• In 2021 there were 40 collisions
• In 2022 there were 40 collisions
• In 2023 there were 58 collisions
• In 2024 there were 59 collisions
• In 2025 up to the end of June there have been 22 collisions
• Total: 249 collisions

While data since the end of June has not been published two crashes mentioned above which took place after that above means more than 250 collisions have occurred on the 27-mile stretch of road in less than five years. That's roughly one a week this decade so far on a road that largely goes through rural areas.

When presented with the figures Adam Price, the Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, said: “The number of road traffic collisions along the A40 is deeply concerning and I would urge the Welsh Government to consider necessary measures to improve its safety.

“The tragic death on this stretch of road earlier this year demonstrates that this must be taken seriously and that action is needed.

"I would welcome a discussion with the cabinet secretary to discuss what options are available to address the safety concerns of drivers in my constituency.”

Ann Davies, the Member of Parliament for Caerfyrddin, said the crash figures relating to the A40 between Carmarthen and Llandovery are "alarming" and "stark".

She said: "The figures reveal an alarming rise in road traffic collisions between 2020 and 2024 and the first six months of this year have already recorded a disturbingly high number of incidents.

"These statistics are stark but behind every number is a human story, families, and communities deeply affected by loss and injury. I am committed to working closely with those impacted, alongside the Welsh Government and our Senedd Members, to ensure that road safety is treated with the urgency it demands. Protecting lives must remain our top priority.”

In response the Welsh Government’s cabinet secretary for transport Ken Skates said: “We take road safety very seriously and routinely review personal injury collision data recorded by the police to inform improvements on the trunk road network including this section of the A40.

"We await details of the most recent collisions to inform our work.”

Proposals to stop motorists making right turns across the A40 at the Raglan Bypass in Monmouthshire were initially approved in 2022 after concerns over multiple collisions including fatal incidents, and have come again on Monday in a council meeting on the matter.

The particularly dangerous stretch is from the A449 to the Raglan roundabout on both sides of the dual carriageway and owes mostly to a series of strange junctions. 

Residents say you only have to stand beside the busy trunk road, which was 70mph and is now - temporarily - down to 50mph, for a matter of minutes to see how perilous it is.

Cars coming from the A449 are encouraged by road signs to travel across the carriageway and turn right using the central reservation to head towards the villages of Mitchel Troy and Dingestow via Groesenon Road.

Those coming from the direction of Groesenon Road must also turn right across both sides of the A40 to travel towards Raglan and Abergavenny.

Less than 100 yards down the road towards Raglan vehicles also turn right from the Monmouth Road across the A40 to head towards Monmouth.

A no right turn restriction prohibiting vehicles from turning right off Monmouth Road – cutting across two lanes of traffic – onto the A40 was anticipated to come into force in 2023, but the scheme was delayed due to ongoing discussions between Monmouthshire County Council, the Welsh Government and cycling organisation Sustrans.

Julian Dyer, a long-time campaigner for road safety in the area, then said one of the main issues is the central reservations in the middle of the A40 are not large enough areas for cars to be queuing in, meaning some vehicles which try to get into them often end up overhanging into the busy carriageway.

Now Conservative councillor Richard John has highlighted that a road safety report was released in June 2024 and questioned at Monmouthshire County Council's December meeting why the "quick wins" it recommended hadn't been delivered within 12 months of publication.

During the meeting the council's Labour cabinet member overseeing highways explained that several meetings and potential solutions have been explored, including making a 50 mile per hour speed restriction on the dual carriageway permanent and blocking right turns from Monmouth Road and into Groesonen Road, off the A40.

"We are working with the Welsh Government to make sure any implementation of one doesn't impact, or create a worse position, for other road users including cyclists. It's not that straightforward," said Cllr Catrin Maby.

She also referred to the report mentioned by Cllr John as a "road safety study rather than an audit", and advised caution when using the term "quick wins".

She stated: "It is probably not reflective of the actual timelines needed to undertake design, consultation and construction."

However, she confirmed that the "joint, initial designs" have been submitted to independent road safety auditors to ensure the proposed right turn prohibitions "complement each other in terms of safety". She told councillors they would receive updates in the new year once the road safety audit is completed.

Cllr John, who represents Mitchell Troy and Trellech, thanked Cllr Maby for the response but said: "I really must emphasise the level of frustration, the community has been waiting for years for this report."

He said the previous report had suggested the three "quick wins" were "achievable within 12 months" and 18 months on the community hadn't seen any changes.

Earlier this year Raglan Community Council wrote that residents were “becoming frustrated that officers and politicians with the authority to make changes and improvements, are not showing any urgency to make the necessary improvements”.

• Emergency services are at the scene of a serious incident on the B4268 in Bridgend.

• The road is closed in both directions.

• At 12.47pm today, police received a report of a motorist suffering a medical episode while travelling along the B4268.

• The man has been taken to the Princess of Wales Hospital.

• The road was closed while emergency service dealt with the incident.

• The road was closed from the Pentre Meyrick crossroads down to the B4270 near the quarry.

• Drivers are asked to avoid the area and use alternative routes.

• Authorities thank the public for their patience and cooperation.

A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: "We're at the scene of a serious incident on the B4268 in Bridgend.

"The road is currently closed in both directions from the Pentre Meyrick crossroads down to the B4270 near the quarry.

"It is expected to remain closed for some time; please avoid the area and use alternative routes where possible. We're grateful for your patience."

They later added: "At 12.47pm today, we received a report of a motorist suffering a medical episode while travelling along the B4268. The man has been taken to the Princess of Wales Hospital. The road was closed while emergency service dealt with the incident."

South Wales Police received reports of a man in distress on the M4 footbridge near Junction 36 shortly before 9:30pm on Saturday. Upon officers arrival the body of the 24-year-old was located on the slip road nearby.

South Wales Ambulance Service attended the scene along with police and CSI and unsuccessfully attempted resuscitation on the man.

The man has been identified as a 24-year-old man from Litchard, Bridgend with his family confirming his identity. The family are receiving support.

A spokesperson from South Wales Police said: "Officers were called to the M4 footbridge near Junction 36 shortly before 9:30pm on Saturday December 6 following a report of a man in distress.

The A40 in Pembrokeshire was closed in both directions which resulted in queueing traffic due to a crash between the A478 (Penblewin Roundabout) to Bethel Lane.

Drivers were being urged to avoid the area and traffic monitoring systems reported severe delays. The incident happened just after 2pm, and the road reopened at around 3.30pm.

A spokesman for Dyfed-Powys Police previously said: "A40 Whitland -Penblewin in both directions.

"The road is currently closed due to a collision

"Please avoid the area and find alternative routes for your journey. Thank you."

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A spokesman for South Wales Police said the road is expected to remain closed for some time. They said: "We are dealing with an incident at the Galbalfa roundabout.

The road is closed between Gabalfa roundabout and Whitchurch Road, to the junction of Maitland Street

It is expected to remain closed for some time; please avoid the area and use alternative routes where possible. We're grateful for your patience."