UK Student Travel News (31/8/11)

Here you can find the latest UK student travel news headlines for the week ending the 31st August 2011:

Taxes on Air Travel Expected to Rise

27th August 2011: New figures have revealed that plane travel tax in the UK could rise by as much as 25% due to fewer people flying. The government hoped to almost double their income through tax on flights, airlines and airport transfers over the coming years, but to now meet this target, the tax will have to be increased more and more.

Passenger numbers are decreasing because of the recession as well as the higher taxes. Two years ago, the Department for Transport was expecting 315 million people to pass through Britain's airports in 2015. However, that figure has dropped 24% to just 250 million in their latest estimates.

If you are hoping to fly out of the UK on holiday but are worrying about the rising costs, don't worry. We have some student travel top tips that will mean you can still travel in Europe on a student budget. Firstly, try and book through a student travel agency which may be able to offer you some great deals. Secondly, using UK trains instead of planes can save you loads of money.

Coach Journey Concessions Removed by Government

31st August 2011: Government money that allows coach companies to charge concessionary fares are to be scrapped on 1 November. Currently they allow transport companies to offer cheaper fares for those over 60 or with disabilities, but if they are to continue with it in the future, it will have to come out of their own pocket.

However, in defence of the new policy, Transport Minister Norman Baker has revealed that companies have had 12 months' notice of the plans. They will also allow the government to maintain current schemes that give free concessionary travel on local buses and coaches such as on London public transport.

The concessions are aimed at the elderly and disables, as they are the ones most likely to struggle with driving in the UK for both physical and financial reasons. However, in terms of student travelling, the new rules will not change the discounts that students often enjoy, as these are unrelated to any government funding.

Go back to Student Travel News, or vist our Student Travelling Guide