RAC records worst third quarter for pothole breakdowns in 15 years
The RAC says that July to September saw it deal with the largest ever proportion of pothole-related call-outs in any third quarter since 2006. It says RAC patrols attended 1,810 breakdowns for broken suspension springs, distorted wheels and damaged shock absorbers which represented 1.2% of all its call-outs* over the three-month period. July to September, […]
Fears for key bridge and tunnel in London
There’s a warning that Transport for London’s financial problems could necessitate the closure of the Rotherhithe Tunnel to the east of the city and also Vauxhall Bridge in the centre. The London Evening Standard reports that London Assembly has warned there is “serious concern” over the river crossings, with both in need of “urgent” repairs. […]
20 in the running for Rees-Jeffreys cash
The Rees Jeffreys Road Fund has whittled down 142 applications for its £150,000 roads of the future grant to a shortlist of 20. This major UK-wide Competition is offering money for solutions that best respond to the question: “What’s your vision of the way in which our roads (motorways, highways, or streets and footways) could […]
ITS (UK) and its members attending Road Expo Scotland
The UK’s industry association for Intelligent Transport Systems is highlighting the role its members are playing in this Scotland’s leading exhibition and conference for the highways and transport industry, Road Expo Scotland. Along with ITS (UK) itself, a further 13 members are taking exhibition stands at the two-day event, while there are a dozen speakers […]
New plans to reduce congestion on A47 in Great Yarmouth go on show
The latest plans to cut congestion and improve safety on the A47 in Great Yarmouth have gone on display today as National Highways issues an update on proposed roundabout upgrades. National Highways is upgrading six stretches of the A47 between Peterborough and Great Yarmouth as part of a multi-billion pound investment to improve journeys on England’s major A-road and motorways. The section of A47 […]
Panasonic develops connected vehicle security feature
The electrical products manufacturer Panasonic has developed a security system for carmakers to prevent cyberattacks. The website Japan Today reports that the new system will see software installed in internet-connected cars to detect abnormalities which dedicated teams at Panasonic and the carmakers themselves will monitor the cars around the clock. “If the computerised control is […]
New M6 Junction 19 now open
The newly-transformed M6 Junction 19 at Knutsford has opened after a week of systems testing, and is now fully-operational. Lead contractor AmeySRM delivered the 20-month project for National Highways as part of the Government’s road investment strategy. Roads Minister Baroness Vere said, “I’m delighted to see these vital improvements to the M6 completed, which will […]
Traffic enforcement expert calls for technology to be used to police mobile and seatbelt use
A Director of leading enforcement technology company Jenoptik is welcoming the Government’s tightening of laws around using a handheld phone whilst driving, and says proven solutions exist to enforce the rules automatically. Geoff Collins is reacting to last week’s announcement by the Government that new laws will ban drivers from using their phone to take […]
Intelligent Speed Assistance mandated on EU-sold cars next year
The European Union has announced that from next summer it’ll require all new cars to have technology fitted to stop people from speeding. It’s mandating that vehicles sold from May 2022 must have kit which uses GPS and cameras to determine whether a car is exceeding the speed limit, and then prompts the driver to […]
TfL financial crisis “could lead to tube line closing”
Transport for London is considering shutting down an entire tube line to try to balance its books, as its battle with central Government over financing continues. London’s financial paper City AM reports TfL’s chief financial officer Simon Kilonback told the operator’s finance committee that TfL could see the “full closure of a line or part […]