OPINION: From driver error to safer system design – the folly of 21st Century cars on 19th century roads
Vastly experiences road engineering expert Derek Cozens explores the fundamental flaw of cars packed full of modern technology being driven by human beings on roads that were, in many cases, designed for horse-drawn carriages. In this fascinating opinion piece written exclusively for Highways News, he outlines some potential solutions and wonders if the incentive to […]
Research suggests new album ‘drops’ can lead to dangerous driving surges
Researchers seeking to understand the impact of smartphones on driving safety have issued an intriguing warning for music fans who drive: album release day might be dangerous. The study, described in a working paper published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, showed a 43 per cent increase in streaming and a 15 percent increase in traffic […]
Econolite’s next-generation EPIQ RADAR™ receives EU Certification
Umovity has announced that Econolite’s next-generation detection solution, EPIQ RADAR™, has received European Union certification. Following its successful deployment across North America and pilot projects in Europe, the advanced radar-based system is now available to municipalities and road authorities throughout Europe, helping modernize traffic management, improve safety, and support more sustainable mobility. Since 1933, Econolite […]
Taylor Woodrow wins Devon roads framework berth
Taylor Woodrow has broken into Devon County Council’s highways framework in a refresh of contractors for the next four years. The Vinci-owned contractor is the only completely new entrant on the renewed framework, which runs until August 2030, joining four incumbents on the main £48 million resurfacing and reconstruction lot, says Construction Enquirer. Taylor Woodrow […]
Government set to decide on ‘ghost plate’ points and car seizure laws
Motorists who use illegal “ghost” number plates to evade speed cameras and bypass clean-air tolls face having their cars seized on the spot under a swingeing road safety crackdown being prepared by ministers. Under proposals drawn up by the Department for Transport, reports Devon Live, the police will be granted immediate powers to confiscate vehicles […]
AtkinsRéalis appoints new Director of Private Finance
AtkinsRéalis has appointed Ian Tasker as Director of Private Finance for the UK & Ireland. His appointment comes as the Government, local authorities and infrastructure owners are exploring new ways to attract private capital to fund and accelerate major projects. Ian has over 30 years of experience advising central government, local authorities, investors and financial […]
Toward Zero Deaths: Minnesota DOT selects Sensys Gatso for work zone safety pilot
Sensys Gatso Group has announced a partnership agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to support their innovative Work Zone Safety Camera Pilot Program. Budgeted at US$800,000 (SEK 7.6 million/£575,000), the initiative is designed to educate drivers on the dangers of speeding, slow their travel through active highway work zones, and improve safety for […]
Mayor of London criticised for silence on Gallows Corner ‘misery’
City Hall has failed to respond to a series of queries and Freedom of Information (FOI) requests about the further delay to the Gallows Corner roundabout in Romford fully reopening, senior Conservative politicians have claimed. According to My London, Shadow Cabinet Minister Julia Lopez, who is the MP for Hornchurch and Upminster, filed a series of […]
Extreme heat damaging to UK roads, says AA’s King
AA President Edmund Kind has warned the UK’s already deteriorating roads were under strain during the extreme heatwave as temperatures reached the mid-30°Cs for large parts of July and August. Mr Kind said air temperatures in the low-to-mid 30°C range could translate into much higher road surface temperatures as the asphalt absorbs and stores heat, causing some roads to soften and leading highways […]
M8 to close during September bridge jacking works
Drivers in the Glasgow area have been urged to plan their journeys ahead of essential works taking place over a full weekend next month. Amey, working on behalf of Transport Scotland, is carrying out major bridge jacking works on the M8 Woodside Viaducts between Junctions 18 and 16 as the motorway curves round the city centre, says […]