Skills for a green recovery: A call to action for the UK construction industry
A group of industry leaders has called on the government to consider proposals developed by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) think tank on how the UK can implement teh skills needed to help achieve net zero by 2050. In the new report, the IPPR warns that up to 750,000 construction workers could retire […]
Government considers unitary approach in Cumbria, North Yorkshire and Somerset
A consultation on proposals for unitary local government submitted by councils in Cumbria, North Yorkshire and Somerset has been launched by government today (22 February 2021). Following a formal invitation from government last October to councils in these areas to submit proposals for reorganisation, the Local Government Secretary has received eight locally-led proposals for consideration: four from […]
Hampshire County Council launches innovative on-street electric vehicle chargepoint pilot
Hampshire County Council has introduced 50 new on-street electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints in the areas of Eastleigh and Winchester as part of an innovative pilot scheme to be launched in March. This forms part of the council’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions across the county, The pilot involves the installation of two different types of […]
Vivacity Labs secures £5m Series A funding to enhance international growth and deliver ‘smarter transport’
Vivacity Labs has announced that it has secured £5 million of Series A funding, led by investor Mobeus, with additional funding from existing investors Downing Ventures and London Co-Investment Fund as well. The investment will support the company in its expansion of its AI-based traffic signal system, which reduces congestion and allows cities to prioritise sustainable modes […]
NIC calls for roadmap for EV charging infrastructure
The National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) has called on the government to produce a delivery roadmap for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to meet the 2030 ban on sales of new diesel and petrol cars and vans. In the Annual Market Monitoring Report 2021, the Commission outlined a number of key priorities including: Produce a delivery roadmap […]
TfL brings forward work to improve safety at Battersea Bridge
Transport for London (TfL) has said it plans to start work on improving safety at Battersea Bridge including installing a new signalised pedestrian crossing on the north side of the bridge and a reduction in the speed limit to 20mph TfL hopes the measures will reduce road danger in the area in line with its Vision Zero […]
Three more highways companies join the Tarmac/Kier JV as winners on the TfL Surface Transport Infrastructure Construction Framework
Costain, Eurovia, FM Conway and VolkerFitzpatrick have joined the Tarmac/Kier JV as winners on the Transport for London’s (TfL) Surface Transport Infrastructure Construction Framework. The new framework will cover construction of future TfL walking and cycling schemes, including new Cycleways TfL’s red routes, which are the busiest roads in the capital, consist of just of […]
Worcestershire County Council to make ‘major’ investment into its highways and footways
A major investment of £30 million will be made to improve and maintain the county’s highways and footways in the next year. In the budget for 2021/22, which was approved in February’s Full Council meeting, the County Council made the committed to invest capital funds to further improve Worcestershire’s road and footway network. In the […]
Two large highways frameworks worth more than 1 billion to be launched soon
The Midlands Highways Alliance Plus is planning to launch a £1bn framework for highways maintenance projects in the region. The Medium Schemes Framework (MSF) Four will replace a third incarnation of the agreement, which had an estimated total value of £500m and is due to expire in July 2022. There is no upper limit on […]
WJ Group and BEAR Scotland extend their strategic partnership
WJ Group and BEAR Scotland have extended their longstanding relationship by confirming a strategic partnership on the Scottish Trunk Road Network Management Contract for the South East Unit. The partnership covers the delivery of all road marking services, including permanent and temporary markings, high friction surfacing and demarcation solutions. This means that WJ and BEAR […]