Protecting and preserving the network on this week’s Highways Voices
Even though the Chancellor’s budget, delivered just two weeks ago, indicated that budgets to maintain the local road network appear to have escaped further cuts, although as we sit in the middle of a three-year funding cycle-no further increase are expected for at least another two years. On this week’s Highways Voices podcast, we explore […]
Bosch and Mercedes-Benz’s driverless parking system approved for commercial use
Bosch and Mercedes-Benz have announced they have reached an important milestone on the way to automated driving. Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) has approved their highly automated parking system for use in the P6 parking garage run by APCOA at Stuttgart Airport. The companies say this makes it the world’s first highly automated driverless […]
Driverless bus service planned for Belfast Harbour
It’s reported a scheme to introduce a driverless bus into Belfast Harbour could be revealed within weeks. The Irish News says that, under the plan, passengers would be able travel from Translink’s Sydenham Halt all the way down Queen’s Road to the Catalyst building in vehicle without a driver. Innovate UK, has been working with […]
QEII Bridge protestors to face trial next year
Two men accused of causing the closure of the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge in a protest last month have been committed to stand trial next year. The BBC and other media report that 33-year-old Marcus Decker of no fixed address, pleaded not guilty at Basildon Crown Court to one count of causing a public nuisance. […]
TRL Software connected vehicle trial minimises wait times at Manchester’s signals
An innovative trial of connected vehicle technology in Manchester is using open data provided by TRL Software’s SCOOT 7® traffic management software to create a demonstration app that helps drivers minimise wait times at traffic lights. Teeside-based traffic data analyst company KL Systems is using this data to generate in-vehicle alerts to inform drivers how […]
National Highways obtains new injunction to stop M25 protesters
National Highways has secured a new injunction intended to deter protesters from disrupting England’s busiest motorway. The High Court injunction covers structures on the M25 will remain in place until mid November next year, or until the High Court makes any further order. The injunction, granted before the Honourable Mr Justice Soole, seeks to prevent […]
Lower Thames Crossing plans accepted for examination
The Government’s independent planning authority, the Planning Inspectorate, has confirmed it has accepted National Highway’s application for a Development Consent Order for detailed examination of the Lower Thames Crossing project. National Highways submitted its planning application for the road project last month following what it calls a comprehensive programme of assessments, consultation, and engagement with […]
Majority of people “don’t think driverless cars are safe”
Global research by safety charity Lloyd’s Register Foundation has uncovered that only a quarter (27%) of the world’s population would feel safe in self-driving cars. The researchers say that, despite the potentially transformative safety benefits artificial intelligence could bring to vehicles by reducing crashes causes by human error, distraction or fatigue, almost two thirds (65%) […]
Bristol CAZ “milestone” for city
The Mayor of Bristol has described the introduction of its Clean Air Zone “an incredible milestone” which will “help create a city that is healthier for everyone to grow up, live and work in”. The CAZ was introduced yesterday (28 November). No vehicles are banned from entering Bristol Clean Air Zone, which covers a small […]
London’s ULEZ expansion plans described as “flawed”
The vehicle retailers’ industry body the National Franchised Dealers Association has reacted to the decision to expand London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone to cover the whole of the capital as “flawed”, as it will “have disproportionate effect on London’s most deprived communities and motorists.” The organisation says it opposed the idea in the recent consultation, […]