New Test and Release protocols could cut quarantine restrictions for travellers arriving in the country from abroad.

The new rules, which come into effect next month, will see those facing two weeks of quarantine asked to isolate for five days before taking a privately funded Covid test. If it is negative, they may then leave quarantine.

Gatwick Airport will open a new ExpressTest Centre at its South Terminal this week and Crawley MP Henry Smith called the new rules positive news for the aviation, travel and tourism sectors.
He said:
“The announcement of a COVID-19 testing regime for international travellers is positive news for our aviation, travel and tourism sectors; it will allow us to restart commercial air travel with confidence once restrictions are lifted.

“It also provides much-needed clarity and certainty which will be essential to these sectors’ recovery from the deeply damaging effects of this pandemic.

“I’m grateful to the Government and the Prime Minister’s Global Travel Taskforce for listening to the calls for testing made by industry and from all sides of the political divide. It’s essential for ensuring that global Britain is open for business and today’s announcement will be warmly welcomed by all.

“UK-wide the pandemic’s impact continues to be devastating on airport communities as well as the aviation, travel and tourism sectors as a whole, but today’s announcement is a very important step in helping these sectors to recover and to play their full role in our national economic recovery.”

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130 new green eco buses are coming to Surrey in the next five years.

The county council has pledged £49 million to help speed up the introduction of ultra-low and zero emission buses, with the aim of having 80 buses and 50 minibuses on the road by 2025.

Councillors hope to have all buses across Surrey being ultra-low or zero emissions by 2030 as part of the scheme which will be supported by funding from operators and community transport groups.

Surrey County Council’s investment will see £32.3m allocated to buses, £6.3m for Community Transport vehicles, £9m for bus priority measures on the highway and £1.4m dedicated to improving the real time passenger information system.

Matt Furniss, Cabinet Member for Highways, said:
“This scheme is a key part of our significant investment in Surrey’s entire transport infrastructure to help address the climate change emergency and achieve a greener future.

“By acting now to reduce the environmental impact of buses, we can reduce harmful vehicle emissions and improve Surrey’s air quality whilst providing new, state of the art vehicles for a healthier travel experience.

“We know that our bus network is already highly valuable to many of our residents and we hope that buses, walking and cycling prove to be increasingly popular travel options in the future for journeys when cars aren’t essential.”

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A Surrey Police dog has put her new skills to good use to help track down a missing person.

Police Dog Zena, and her handler PC Hunt, were called to the scene of an abandoned car on Friday, over concerns for the safety of the driver, who was considered a high risk missing person.

Zena, who has recently completed her training in tracing people, drugs and weapons, swiftly followed the man’s scent and he was found safe and well a short distance away.

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A man from Leatherhead has been jailed for two years following a dangerous police pursuit earlier this year.

37-year-old Nicholas Hazell from Aperdele Road was arrested in Epsom following a pursuit where he reached speeds of 70mph in a 30mph zone, after his car had activated Police ANPR cameras.
Hazell was found guilty of multiple offences, including driving whilst disqualified and in possession of an offensive weapon. Sentencing took place at Guildford Crown Court following a three-day trial.

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Sussex Police are appealing for witnesses after several sheep were attacked and killed at a farm in Scaynes Hill.

Around 16 sheep were found after the incident at Pegden House Farm which happened in the early hours of Friday. Officers from the Rural Crime Team suspect a large dog may have jumped into the field and attacked the flock of sheep.

If you have any information that can help this investigation, you are asked to contact police on 101 quoting serial 229 of 20/11.

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