World-first platooning trial finds technology is safe
A multi-year trial to ascertain the effectiveness of platooning technology on the UK road network has drawn its conclusions, and found that the technology could be safely used. The HelmUK trial of platooning across the strategic road network – the first realistic platooning trial to have taken place on a live road network globally– saw […]
New THINK! campaign launched to improve road safety for those most at risk
People driving, walking and cycling are being encouraged to give space and be considerate to other road users in the Government’s latest THINK! road safety campaign. The ‘Travel Like You Know Them’ campaign will promote the recent changes to the Highway Code, aimed at improving road safety for people walking, cycling and horse riding. The […]
Government launches second cycling and walking investment strategy (CWIS2)
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to aim for 50% of all journeys in towns and cities to be walked or cycled by 2030 as well as deliver a world-class cycling and walking network in England by 2040. This forms part of the second cycling and walking investment strategy (CWIS2) launched this week. This strategy […]
Chris Boardman appointed National Active Travel Commissioner on a permanent basis
Chris Boardman MBE, has been appointed National Active Travel Commissioner on a permanent basis. Chris Boardman will continue to inspire the nation into getting about on foot and by bike after being appointed as permanent National Active Travel Commissioner alongside several other senior officials, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced today (28 June 2022). Chris, […]
Government launches country’s first ever investigation branch focused on road safety
The government will recruit a specialised team of inspectors to join the country’s first ever Road Safety Investigation Branch (RSIB), looking at how and why incidents happen and to provide real insight into how new technologies – such as self-driving and electric vehicles – can be rolled out on our roads. The branch will investigate […]
Technology at the heart of transport – Sarah Sharples on this week’s Highways Voices
“I think when it was first brought in as a role to government departments, the Chief Scientific Adviser was expected to be the wise expert who knew everything about science,” says the Department for Transport’s Chief Scientific Adviser Professor Sarah Sharples on this week’s Highways Voices podcast. “I hope I don’t disappoint you, I don’t […]
Transport Minister says “we’re taking steps in the right direction”
The Transport Minister Baroness Vere says the Government is making improvements and carrying out essential maintenance so the road network continues to power our economy, while ensuring that the network embraces technology and meets the needs of the green economy. In a speech to highways and transport professionals at Traffex 2022, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of […]
Decision delayed on A1 upgrade again to consider multimodal alternatives
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has delayed his decision on National Highways A1 upgrade in Northumberland between Morpeth and Ellingham so more ‘multimodal alternatives can be considered first. The extension is in light of the written statement made by the Secretary of State on 26 May 2022 regarding the Union Connectivity Review. The proposed development comprises the […]
DfT announces £160m road and bridge upgrades
The Government has announced four schemes in Newcastle, Cornwall, Greater Manchester and Southampton, which it estimates will generate £659.3 million in economic benefits for the regions through improved investment, new housing and employment opportunities. In a statement, the Department for Transport says the road and bridge schemes will level up infrastructure across the country, helping […]
Funding granted for two further active travel schemes in Kent
Kent County Council (KCC) has been successful in securing funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) for a further two Active Travel schemes. Government officials have awarded £100,000 to go towards local improvements to make walking and cycling more attractive along Herne Bay seafront. A further £1.2 million has been earmarked to enhance walking and […]