Oxford News
Airlines may introduce new in flight overhead lockers rules
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has warned that “draconian” measures, including locking overhead bins, may be necessary to prevent travellers from retrieving luggage during evacuations.
Efforts to collect bags during emergencies can delay evacuations and risk passenger safety, the organisation said.
Aircraft must be capable of being evacuated within 90 seconds, according to IATA.
IATA has launched a campaign called “Save A Life, Not A Bag” urging travellers to leave belongings behind during evacuations.
The campaign was created in response to an increasing number of incidents where passengers attempted to retrieve bags during emergencies, or even stopped to take photos.
Nick Careen, senior vice president of operations, safety, and security at IATA, said: “If we do not see the type of behaviour changes that we’re expecting, then we will have to be a little more draconian which could be penalties and could be something as simple as a hard locking mechanism on the overhead bin.
“Penalties are somewhat effective but unless they are implemented on a consistent basis then they lose their effectiveness.”
IATA’s campaign is supported by safety bodies including the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The group also commissioned a survey of passengers in the UK, US, UAE and Singapore, which found that while 80% believed they knew what to do in an emergency evacuation, only 61% correctly identified that they should leave all personal items behind.
The issue has real and potentially deadly consequences, said IATA’s director general Willie Walsh.
Mr Walsh said: “Taking bags during an evacuation is not a minor issue.
“Every second matters.
“Even taking one bag can affect the safe evacuation of everyone onboard.
“Crew instructions are clear and simple: leave everything behind and move quickly.
“‘Save A Life, Not A Bag’, is a message that passengers need to understand and act upon.”
EASA’s executive director Florian Guillermet explained why rapid, unobstructed evacuation is essential.
Mr Guillermet said: “Rapid evacuation in an emergency situation saves lives.
“Aircraft are certified to stringent evacuation standards and crews are trained extensively for emergency situations, to make sure every single passenger has the best possible chance of survival in an acute situation.
“For this to work in a real emergency, all passengers must play their part too.
“And it is very simple: follow crew instructions, leave all baggage behind and move quickly to the nearest usable exit.
“Not only will this save your life, but you will have done your very best to allow everyone to get out of danger.”
FAA administrator Bryan Bedford highlighted the rise in non-compliance during emergencies.
Mr Bedford said: “We’re seeing an increasing number of passengers not following flight crew instructions during emergencies.
“In those moments, compliance is critical.
“Passengers must act quickly, follow instructions without hesitation, and leave all belongings behind.
“Safety is a shared responsibility, and informed, attentive passengers help ensure a faster, safer evacuation for everyone on board.”
Mr Careen believes that while most people have some understanding of evacuation protocol, it is often incomplete.
He said: “The majority of passengers know what to do in an accident.
“There is, however, a significant gap in knowledge among some travellers that could result in disaster.
“Even just a passenger or two taking a few extra seconds to gather personal items can endanger lives.
“That is why it’s essential to build good habits for all travellers, like paying attention to safety demonstrations each time and keeping essential items, such as passport, money, and medication on person.
“It is also important that passengers understand the consequences of not listening to the crew.
“‘Save A Life, Not A Bag’, is meant to be a blunt reminder of what is at stake for everyone in the rare event of an evacuation.”
Recent and current projects include the swing bridge near Oxford railway station, a Victorian fountain and its own headquarters.
The swing bridge swung across the Sheepwash Channel to allow trains to pass into the former Rewley Road railway terminus and then swung back to allow boats to pass.
It was designed by engineer Robert Stephenson, son of George Stephenson, opened in 1851 and is thought to be the earliest surviving moving railway bridge in the world.
The railway line, which ended on the site of what is now the Said Business School, closed to passenger trains in 1951 and to freight trains in 1984.
After its closure, the bridge fell into disrepair and was added to the national Heritage at Risk Register in 2013.
Ownership of the bridge transferred in 2019 to the Preservation Trust, which led a £900,000 restoration project funded by the Railway Heritage Trust, Historic England and Network Rail.
When work was completed in 2021, the bridge was removed from the At Risk Register. Trust volunteers continue to maintain it and manage the surrounding landscape.
The Trust organised a ‘drop-in’ in May for visitors to see the 175-year-old bridge, which links the Oxford Canal and the River Thames.
Another trust project is the restoration of the drinking fountain between Walton Well Road and Southmoor Road in Jericho.
The ancient Walton well was a spring in a natural dip in the rural landscape. The Portland stone fountain was built in 1885 when the area began to transform into a Victorian suburb. It provided water for the local community.
William Ward, a coal merchant, who was Mayor of Oxford twice, led the campaign for the fountain. It was designed by local architect Harry Moore but now, 140 years later, it no longer works and is in need of restoration.
The trust launched a fundraising campaign last year and now has enough money for work to start on the first phase.
Eventually, it will again provide water and a bench will be installed for walkers to rest.
The Trust is also researching the history of its own offices in Turn Again Lane, formerly Charles Street, and their connection with the wider St Ebbe’s community.
In a public appeal, it says: “Maybe you remember the Church Army hostel at 2 Charles Street or Mr Vokins, a Morrell’s beer retailer at Nos 6 and 7? Or perhaps you knew some of the families who lived in the street – the Corbetts, the Howes, the Birchills at No 8, or the Robinsons and the Ayres at Nos 9 and 10?
“Whether you lived or worked nearby or had family there, we would love to hear from you. Your recollections could be a valuable part of our research.”
Email a.clark@oxfordpreservation.org.uk or liz@lizwoolley.co.uk or call 01865 242918
Explosions and loud bangs have been heard amid a ‘major incident’ in Bicester, Oxfordshire
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The 66-year-old farmer has been in Boston, USA, in recent days to watch England in the World Cup.
On his BA flight back home on Friday, June 26, though, the Clarkson’s Farm star announced a new partnership with the airliner.
British Airways will now be be serving Hawkstone lager, produced entirely from British barley made by UK farmers.
READ MORE: Historic decision reached for leading private school in 175-year first
In an announcement on Instagram, Mr Clarkson said from his flight: “Farmers of the UK, good news.
“You know we buy your barley to turn into Hawkstone lager? Well British Airways, which is where I am now, is now serving that lager on their flights. I kid you not, they are.”
The deal is the latest in a long line of contracts being signed for Mr Clarkson’s Hawkstone brand.
It is now sold in Waitrose, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Marston’s pubs.
Hawkstone, named after a Cotswold stone, was announced earlier this year as the fastest-growing company in the region in the fourth annual Sunday Times 100 rankings.
The brewery, whose largest shareholder is the 65-year-old presenter, was ranked 23rd on the list, which ranks the 100 leading entrepreneurial businesses in the UK.
The brand is led by managing director Owen Jenkins, 44, and has expanded into more than 1,500 UK pubs.
The business has nearly tripled its sales to £21.3 million in the year up to March with an average annual growth of 134 per cent over the last three years.
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