Tag Archives: GB

Market investigations are powerful tools that can bring in major changes to make markets work better for consumers and businesses.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) committed, in its Annual Plan, to review the way it conducts them. It took account of experience since they were introduced in the Enterprise Act 2002, and in particular of the CMA’s major investigations into energy and banking, as well as legislative changes that came into force in 2014, reducing their time limit from 2 years to 18 months.

The CMA is proposing the following changes to streamline its existing processes and ensure it meets the shorter statutory timescale:

• Increasing interaction with stakeholders at an early stage in the investigation, including holding formal hearings sooner in the process.
• Assessing potential remedies to improve the market at an earlier stage in the investigation.
• Reducing the number of formal publication and consultation stages – removing the Updated Issues Statement, and combining provisional findings and provisional remedies into a single Provisional Decision Report.
• Allowing market studies (a shorter look at the market which can precede market investigations) to carry out preparatory work when they are likely to lead to a full investigation.
• Introducing the option for the CMA board to give an advisory steer on the scope of the market investigation, which is run by an independent group of CMA panel members.

The CMA considers that these proposed changes will enable it to carry out its market investigations more quickly, without reducing their effectiveness. It also believes they will preserve a fair and robust process and independence of decision-making throughout, which is central to the regime. And it thinks that earlier discussion of possible remedies to any competition problems uncovered should ensure a fuller discussion with all parties involved, ensuring the most effective remedies possible.

The document outlining the proposed changes and the resulting changes in the CMA’s published guidance, is available on the consultation page.

Interested parties are encouraged to respond to the consultation, which will run until 2 May 2017. Responses should be submitted by email to marketinvestigations-review@cma.gsi.gov.uk or by post to:

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Today [March 6] we are going to be having a discussion about the continued role of the EU in defence and security and clearly this is something that the UK supports. We are always going to be part of Europe’s wider security architecture provided, of course, that it does not undermine NATO. NATO is the cornerstone of our Atlantic alliance and of our defence.

We’ll be having discussions about Ukraine and what we can collectively do to shore up Ukraine in view of the various threats that it faces. I’ll be briefing the Council along with my Polish colleague – Witold Waszczykowski – about our recent trip to Kiev and what we were able to discuss with President Poroshenko and Foreign Minister Klimkin about the struggles that they face, and the threats that they face, particularly in Eastern Ukraine.

We’ll also have a discussion with Sameh Shoukry – the Egyptian Foreign Minister – and we’ll be talking again about what we in Europe can do to shore up Egypt as it makes its important progress towards democracy and greater reform.

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The following summary of planned new and ongoing road improvements over the coming week is correct as of 06 March but could be subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. All our improvement work is carried out with the ai… read more

The following summary of planned new and ongoing road improvements over the coming week is correct as of 2 March 2017 but could be subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. All our improvement work is carried out with the aim of causing as little disruption as possible.

M1 junction 6 Bricket Wood, Hertfordshire: barrier repairs

Work to improve safety by carrying out barrier repairs will start this week. The southbound exit and entry slip roads will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Monday 6 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place for the entry slip road via the M1 northbound to junction 8 and return. A clearly signed diversion will be in place for the exit slip road via junction 5 and return.

M3 junction 2 (M25), Surrey: smart motorway improvement

Work to reduce congestion and improves journey times continues this week. The dedicated link roads from the M3 southbound to the M25 will be closed overnight, between 8pm and 7am, on Saturday 11 March for 2 nights. Work on Sunday will be between 10pm and 5.30am. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via M3 junction 3 and return.

M3 junctions 2 (M25) to 4a Farnborough, Hampshire: smart motorway improvement

Work to reduce congestion and improve journey times continues this week with narrow lanes a 50mph speed limit in place on both carriageways between junctions 2 and 4a, with a free recovery service operating 24 hours a day.

The southbound carriageway between junctions 2 and 4a will be closed overnight, between 8pm and 5.30am, from Monday 6 March for 3 nights and overnight, between 8pm and 7am, on Friday 10 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via M25 junction 13, A30 and the A327 to M3 junction 4a.

The northbound carriageway between junctions 4a and 2 will be closed overnight, between 8pm and 5.30am, from Monday 6 March for 3 nights and overnight, between 8pm and 7am, on Friday 10 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A327, A30, M25 junction 13 and M25 junction 12.

The southbound carriageway between junctions 3 and 4a will be closed overnight, between 8pm and 5.30am, on Thursday 9 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A322, A30 and A327 to M3 junction 4a. The northbound carriageway between junctions 4a and 3 will be closed overnight, between 8pm and 5.30am, on Thursday 9 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A327, A30 and A322 to M3 junction 3.

M4 junctions 3 (A312) to 1 Chiswick, West London: electrical installation

Work to improve safety by carrying out electrical installation will start this week. The eastbound carriageway, including Heston Services and junction 2, will be closed overnight, between midnight and 5.30am, from Monday 6 March for 2 nights; and overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am, from Wednesday 8 March for 3 nights. Work on Friday will start at 11pm. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A4.

The westbound carriageway, including Heston Services and junction 2, will be closed overnight, between midnight and 5.30am, from Monday 6 March for 5 nights. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A4.

M4 junction 5 Langley, Berkshire: drainage survey

Work to maintain safety by carrying out drainage surveys will continue this week. The eastbound entry slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Monday 6 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via M4 westbound to junction 6 and return.

M11 junction 5 Chigwell, Essex: carriageway repairs

Work to improve journeys by carrying out repairs will start this week. The northbound exit slip road and the southbound entry slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Monday 6 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the M25 junction junction 26.

M25 junction 9 Leatherhead, Surrey: drainage

Work to maintain safety by carrying out drainage inspections and repairs will start this week. The clockwise entry slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Monday 6 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the M25 anti-clockwise to junction 8 and return.

M25 junctions 10 (A3) to 11 Chertsey, Surrey: bridge joint replacement

Work to improve journeys by carrying out bridge joint replacement on the structure that carries the M25 over the River Wey and the South West Trains railway line continues this week. The clockwise carriageway and junction 10 entry slip road will be closed overnight, between 9pm and 8am, on Saturday 11 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A3, A245, B376 and A317 to junction 11.

M25 junction 12 (M3), Surrey: smart motorway improvement

Work to improve journeys by carrying out smart motorway improvement continues this week. The dedicated link roads from the M25 in both directions to the M3 southbound will be closed overnight, between 8pm and 5.30am, from Monday 6 March for 3 nights and overnight, between 8pm and 7am on Friday 10 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via M25 junction 13, A30 and the A327 to M3 junction 4a.

M25 junction 14 Heathrow, Greater London: signage

Work to maintain safety by carrying out signage work will start this week. The clockwise exit slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Monday 6 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via junction 15, M4 eastbound to junction 4 and return.

M25 junction 14 and Terminal 5 spur road, Heathrow, Greater London: maintenance and inspections

Work to maintain safety by carrying out maintenance and inspection work will start this week. The clockwise exit slip road and the Terminal 5 spur road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Saturday 11 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via junction 15, M4 westbound to junction 5 and return.

M25 junction 23 South Mimms, Hertfordshire: structure maintenance

Work to maintain safety by carrying out structure maintenance will start this week. The southern section of the roundabout will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am, from Thursday 9 March for 2 nights. Work on Friday will start at 11pm. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A1 to Stirling Corner and return.

M25 junctions 25 Enfield, Greater London: electrical

Work to maintain safety by carrying out electrical works will start this week. The clockwise entry slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, from Tuesday 7 March for 4 nights. Work on Friday will start at 11pm. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via M25 anti-clockwise to junction 24 and return.

M25 junction 29 Romford, Essex: carriageway repairs

Work to improve journeys by carrying out repairs will start this week. The anti-clockwise entry slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Tuesday 7 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via M25 clockwise to junction 30 and return.

The clockwise exit slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Thursday 9 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via junction 30 and return.

M25 junction 31 Lakeside, Essex: barriers and street lighting

Work to maintain safety by carrying out barrier works will start this week. The anti-clockwise exit slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 6am, on Saturday 11 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via junction 30.

Work to maintain safety by carrying out street lighting works will continue this week. The clockwise entry slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am, from Monday 6 March for 2 nights. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via junction 30.

M26 junction 1 to 3, Kent: survey

Work to maintain safety by carrying out survey work will start this week. The M26 eastbound will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am, on Thursday 9 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the M20 and M25.

A1(M) junction 1 South Mimms, Hertfordshire: vegetation clearance

Work to maintain safety by carrying out vegetation clearance will start this week. The southbound exit slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Monday 6 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A5135 Borehamwood and return.

A13 (A1012), Essex: electrical

Work to improve safety by carrying out electrical works will start this week. The westbound entry slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Tuesday 7 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A13 eastbound to the A128 Brentwood junction and return.

The eastbound entry and exit slip roads will be closed overnight, between 11pm and 5am, on Friday 10 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place for the entry slip road via the A13 westbound to the junction for the M25 and return. A clearly signed diversion will be in place for the exit slip road via the A128 Brentwood junction and return.

A13 (A1089) Tilbury, Essex: electrical

Work to improve safety by carrying out electrical works will start this week. The A13 westbound link road to the A1089 southbound will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Monday 6 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A1012 Grays junction and return.

The eastbound link road to the A1089 southbound will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Thursday 9 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A128 Brentwood junction and return.

A21 Sevenoaks, Kent: electrical

Work to improve safety by carrying out electrical works will start this week. The A21 to M25 clockwise link road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, from Monday 6 March for 5 nights. Work on Friday will start at 11pm. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via M25 anti-clockwise to junction 4 and return.

A282 junction 1a Swanscombe, Kent: tunnel maintenance and over-width detection system

Work to improve safety by carrying out overwidth detection system works will start this week. The northbound carriageway at the exit slip road will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am, from Tuesday 7 March for 4 nights. Work on Friday will start at 11pm. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the exit and entry slip roads.

Work to maintain safety by carrying out tunnel maintenance will continue this week. The northbound entry slip road will be closed overnight, between 8.30pm and 5.30am, on Saturday 11 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A282 southbound to junction 1b and return.

A282 (M25) Dartford – Thurrock Crossing: maintenance

Work to improve journeys at the Dartford Crossing continues this week. The following closures will be in place with fully signed diversions in place during the northbound east tunnel closures for oversized vehicles.

• Monday 6 March (9pm to 5.30am) northbound west tunnel
• Tuesday 7 March (9pm to 5.30am) northbound east tunnel
• Wednesday 8 March (9pm to 5.30am) northbound east tunnel
• Thursday 9 March (9pm to 5.30am) northbound east tunnel
• Friday 10 March (9pm to 5.30am) northbound east tunnel
• Saturday 11 March (9pm to 5.30am) northbound west tunnel
• Sunday 12 March (9pm to 5.30am) northbound east tunnel

The QEII Bridge will have three (of four) lanes closed overnight, between 10pm and 5.30am, from Monday 6 March for 5 nights.

A1089 Tilbury, Essex: electrical

Work to improve safety by carrying out electrical works will start this week. The northbound link road to the A13 westbound will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Monday 6 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A13 eastbound to the A128 Brentwood junction and return.

The northbound link road to the A13 eastbound will be closed overnight, between 10pm and 5am, on Thursday 9 March. A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A13 westbound to the A1020 Grays junction and return.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

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The following summary of planned new and ongoing road improvements over the coming week is correct as of 6 March 2017 but could be subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. All our improvement work is carried out with the aim of causing as little disruption as possible.

A38 – Claymills to Wood End Lane: carriageway repairs

Southbound carriageway closed overnight between 8pm and 6am from 6 March until 12 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

A38 – Alrewas to Toyota: carriageway repairs

Northbound carriageway and all associated slip roads closed overnight between 8pm and 6am from 6 March until 12 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

A449 – Gailey roundabout to Brewood Road: carriageway repairs

Northbound carriageway closed overnight between 8pm and 6am from 6 March until 12 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

A449 – Gailey Roundabout to Brewood Road: carriageway repairs

Southbound carriageway closed overnight between 8pm and 6am from 6 March until 12 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

A46 – Twyford to Badsey: carriageway repairs

Carriageway closed in both directions overnight for one night from 10pm 9 March until 6am the following morning (10 March). A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

A49 – Wellington Marsh: carriageway repairs

Carriageway closed in both directions overnight between 10pm and 6am from 6 March until 12 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

A5 – Gledrid roundabout and all approaches: carriageway resurfacing

Roundabout and all approaches closed overnight between 9pm and 6am from 27 February until 5 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

A5 – Wall Island to Muckley Corner: carriageway resurfacing

Westbound carriageway closed overnight between 7pm and 6.30am from 6 March until 12 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

A50 – Meir Tunnel to Stanley Matthews Way: carriageway repairs

Westbound carriageway closed overnight between 8pm and 6am from 6 March until 12 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

A50 – Heron Cross to Stanley Matthews Interchange Burton Road entry slip: carriageway repairs

Westbound Carriageway will be closed 24 hours 7 days a week until 7 July. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

A50 – Heron Cross exit slip road to Foley Road: carriageway repairs

Eastbound carriageway and all associated slip roads closed overnight between 8pm and 6am from 6 March until 9 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

A50 – Meir Tunnel: carriageway repairs

Carriageway closed in both directions overnight between 8pm and 5.30am from 7 March until 10 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

A50 – Meir Interchange exit slip road to Catchems Corner: carriageway repairs

Eastbound carriageway and all associated slip road closed overnight between 8pm and 6am from 9 March until 12 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

A500 – Porthill exit slip: vegetation clearance

Northbound exit slip road closed overnight between 9pm and 6am from 6 March until 12 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

A500 – Wolstanton exit slip: vegetation clearance

Southbound exit slip closed overnight between 9pm and 6am from 6 March until 12 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M40 – junction 15 to M42 junction 3a. West Midlands: carriageway works

Northbound carriageway and associated slip roads closed overnight between 10pm and 6am from 6 March until 12 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M40 – junction 16 entry slip road: carriageway works

Northbound entry slip road closed overnight between 9pm and 6am from 6 March until 12 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M40 – junction 15 entry slip road: carriageway works

Northbound entry slip road closed overnight between 9pm and 6am from 6 March until 12 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M40 – junction 3a M42 to M40 link road: carriageway works

Southbound carriageway closed overnight between 10pm and 6am from 6 March until 12 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M42 – junction 1 exit and entry slip road: carriageway works

Northbound exit slip road closed overnight between 10pm and 6am from 6 March until 12 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M42 – junction 6 entry slip road: carriageway works

Northbound entry slip road closed overnight between 10pm and 6am from 6 March until 12 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M42 – M6 junction 4a to M42 junction 8 north link: carriageway works

Northbound link road closed overnight between 10pm and 5am from 6 March until 12 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M42 – junction 5 entry slip to junction 6: carriageway works

Northbound carriageway closed overnight between 10pm and 6am from 6 March until 12 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M42 – junction 6 exit slip road: carriageway works

Northbound exit slip road closed overnight between 10pm and 6am from 6 March until 12March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M42 – junction 10 to junction 11: carriageway works

Northbound carriageway closed overnight for one night from 10pm 6 March until 6am the following morning (7 March). A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M42 – junction 6 exit slip road: carriageway works

Southbound exit slip road closed overnight between 9pm and 6am from 9 March until 14 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M42 – M6 junction 4 exit slip road northbound/link to M42: carriageway works

Northbound exit slip road closed overnight between 8pm and 6am from 11 March until 12 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M5 – junction 4a to junction 5: carriageway works

The southbound carriageway will be closed overnight between 8pm and 6am from 6 March until 10 March and on 12 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M5 – junction 5 to junction 4a: carriageway works

The northbound carriageway including the northbound entry slip at junction 5 will be closed overnight from 6 March until 10 March and on 12 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M5 – junction 6 to junction 5: carriageway works

The northbound carriageway closure including the northbound entry slip at junction 6 will be closed overnight from 6 March until 10 March and on 12 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M5 – junction 5 to junction 6: carriageway works

The southbound carriageway closure including the southbound entry slip will be closed overnight from 6 March until 10 March and on 12 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M50 – junction 2 to junction 1: carriageway repairs

Eastbound carriageway closed overnight between 8pm and 6am from 6 March until 12 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M50 – junction 4 to junction 2: carriageway repairs

Westbound carriageway closed overnight between 8pm and 6am from 8 March until 12 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M54 – junction 5 to junction 6: carriageway repairs

Westbound carriageway closed overnight between 8pm and 6am from 6 March until 12 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M54 – junction 5 entry slip road: carriageway repairs

Westbound entry slip road carriageway closed overnight between 8pm and 6am from 6 March until 12 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M54 – junction 6 entry slip road: carriageway repairs

Eastbound entry slip road carriageway closed overnight for one night from 10pm 6 March until 5am the following morning (7 March). A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M6 – junction 10 to junction 7 including junction 10 and 9 entry slip roads and link from M5: carriageway works

Southbound carriageway and associated slip roads closed overnight between 9pm and 6am from 6 March until 12 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M6 – junction 11 entry slip road to junction 10 exit including M54 junction 1 entry slip road: carriageway works

Southbound carriageway and associated slip roads closed overnight between 9pm and 6am from 6 March until 12 March A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M6 – junction 7 to junction 10 including junction 9 entry slip and link from M5 northbound: carriageway works

Northbound carriageway and associated slip roads closed overnight between 9pm and 6am from 6 March until 12 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M6 – junction 10 entry slip road to junction 11 exit slip road: carriageway works

Northbound carriageway and associated slip roads closed overnight between 9pm and 6am from 6 March until 12 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M6 – junction 7 entry slip road: carriageway works

Northbound entry slip road closed overnight between 9pm and 6am from 10 March until 13 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M6 – junction 7 to junction 8: carriageway works

Northbound carriageway closed overnight between 9pm and 6am from 10 March until 13 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M6 – junction 9 exit slip road: carriageway works

Northbound exit slip road closed overnight between 9pm and 6am from 6 March until 12 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M6 – junction 9 entry slip road: carriageway works

Northbound entry slip road closed overnight between 9pm and 6am from 6 March until 12 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M6 – junction 13 entry slip road: carriageway works

Southbound entry slip road closed overnight for one night from 10pm 6 March until 5.30am the following morning (7 March). A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M6 – junction 6 to junction 5: carriageway works

Southbound carriageway closed overnight between 10pm and 6am from 6 March until 11 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M6 – junction 15 to junction 14 including junction 15 entry slip road: carriageway works

Southbound carriageway and entry slip road closed overnight for one night from 10pm 7 March until 6am the following morning. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M6 – junction 16 entry slip to junction 15: carriageway works

Southbound carriageway and entry slip road closed overnight between 10pm and 6am from 8 March until 10 March. A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M6 – junction 5 to junction 6: carriageway works

Northbound carriageway closed overnight for one night from 10pm 10 March until 6am the following morning (11 March). A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M6 – junction 10 entry slip to junction 7: carriageway works

Southbound carriageway and entry slip road closed overnight for one night from 10pm 10 March until 6am the following morning (11 March). A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

M6 – junction 4 exit slip and entry slip roads: carriageway works

Northbound exit and entry slip roads closed overnight for one night from 10pm 11 March until 6am the following morning (12 March). A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

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