Roadworker abuse victims urged to report incidents and gather evidence to support prosecutions
Roadworkers subjected to abuse are being urged to report incidents and capture evidence that can help police secure convictions, rather than accepting aggression as part of their job. A panel at LCRIG’s Strictly Highways conference in Blackpool heard that vehicle registration numbers, descriptions of those involved, precise times and locations, and body-worn or dashcam footage […]
DfT outlines funding and accountability priorities for local highways maintenance
The Department for Transport has outlined its next steps for local highways maintenance, including further analysis of council spending, updated ratings and stronger requirements for incentive funding. Speaking at LCRIG’s Strictly Highways 2026, DfT Head of Local Highways Dominik Lengauer said the department’s approach focused on funding, transparency and accountability, and practical support to help […]
Tees Valley sets out £1.34bn transport investment programme
Almost £1.34 billion will be invested in transport infrastructure across Tees Valley through 2031/32, with a £250 million road scheme and plans for a trackless tram among more than 20 projects in the region’s investment programme. The Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) has approved its Local Transport Delivery Plan and will now submit it to […]
Celebrating Excellence: Winners of the 2026 DfT Special Recognition Awards announced
The winners of the 2026 DfT Special Recognition Awards were announced at Strictly Highways on Wednesday 7 October, recognising people, partnerships and projects contributing to the highways and transportation sector. The awards ceremony was hosted by Highways News Managing Editor Paul Hutton. Now in their seventh year, the awards were established by the late Steve […]
DfT outlines £30m digital twin trials and plans to help councils make better use of AI
Officials from the Department for Transport have outlined a £30 million programme to trial digital twins in local transport networks, alongside early plans to help councils adopt artificial intelligence and share successful approaches. Speaking at LCRIG’s Strictly Highways conference in Blackpool, DfT Public Sector AI Engagement Lead Dr Hannah Parker and Integrated Transport Digital Twins […]
Conservation areas excluded from new EV pavement charging rules
Electric vehicle owners living in England’s conservation areas will not benefit from new permitted development rights allowing charging cables to cross pavements without planning permission, following a late change to the legislation. The new rules come into force on 21 October and will allow residents without off-street parking to install domestic EV chargepoints and use […]
Updated highways code sets out expectations for council leaders
New guidance on artificial intelligence, carbon management and workforce competence will feature in the updated Well-managed Highway Infrastructure Code of Practice, which is due to launch at Highways UK on 14 October. AtkinsRéalis Senior Consultant Alex Leslie (pictured) told LCRIG’s Strictly Highways conference in Blackpool that the update also introduces a dedicated section on tunnels, […]
Women in Bus and Coach focuses on the Workforce of Tomorrow at its fourth annual summit
Women in Bus and Coach (WiBC) held its fourth annual summit at lead sponsor BT’s Snowhill conference facilities in Birmingham on Tuesday 6th October, bringing together industry leaders, stakeholders, front line operators and advocates to explore how the bus, coach and community transport sector can build and retain the workforce of tomorrow. With this year’s […]
Google Maps adds near real-time fuel prices for UK drivers
Drivers can now check near real-time petrol and diesel prices through Google Maps, making it easier to compare fuel costs at nearby filling stations. The new feature, launched today (8 October), displays fuel prices when motorists search for forecourts on Google Maps. The Department for Transport (DfT) said the move could help drivers find cheaper […]
LCRIG launches employer pledge to help attract new talent into highways
The Local Council Roads Innovation Group (LCRIG) has announced a new initiative to help people find routes into highways and transport careers, calling on employers to contribute information about jobs, entry requirements and opportunities for progression. Announced at LCRIG’s Strictly Highways conference in Blackpool, the Highways Career Pathways Hub Employer Pledge invites organisations to support […]