From Data to Delivery: Real-world solutions transforming our road network
This week on Highways Voices we talk to both the public and private sector about the challenges facing, and the solutions helping, our industry today. We’re at the LCRIG Strictly Highways event in Blackpool to hear fresh insights into how collaboration between local authorities, government, and the supply chain is unlocking new efficiencies and innovation […]
DfT and Transport Scotland issue Blue Badge renewal warning
Blue Badge holders across the UK have been given a warning that they could be hit with a fine of up to £1,000 if they fail to apply for a new disabled parking permit 12 weeks before their current one runs out, says the Liverpool Echo. Latest data from the Department for Transport and Transport […]
‘Thousands of jobs secured’ as Welcome Break extends lease on eight motorway sites
Motorway services giant Welcome Break has completed an agreement with National Highways and the Department for Transport to extend the lease at eight of its sites for a further 75 years. According to Insider Media, the eight sites are on land owned by National Highways, England’s Strategic Road Network operator, and the new agreement will […]
DfT starts conversation on connected data services to shape UK’s digital roads future
The Department for Transport’s Head of Road Infrastructure Technology has used his address at the LCRIG Strictly Highways event in Blackpool to start a conversation about the future connected data services that will bring together vehicles, road users and road operators. Darren Capes says starting the development of a Digital Vehicle Services Framework gives the […]
New competition for feasibility projects announced
Innovate UK and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) have announced a new competition to support feasibility projects exploring use cases and business cases for quantum sensing technologies in the transport sector. The aim of the competition is to improve the transport sector by accelerating the development of innovative quantum sensing technologies to solve transport challenges, increasing the efficiency and resilience […]
Highways Voices: Lilian Greenwood on RIS3, resilient roads and the future of highways
Today on Highways Voices we feature what we believe to be Lilian Greenwood’s last interview as Future of Roads Minister before she moved to the whip’s office in the recent government reshuffle. Despite her moving on, it was such a good conversation that we should still share it with you, to give you an idea […]
New England parking law change to bring country ‘in line with Scotland’
A new pavement parking rule is set to be introduced across England with a major update imminent. The Department for Transport has confirmed that an announcement will be made shortly after weeks of speculation. The new law will grant English councils the same powers as their Scottish counterparts to ban pavement parking, says the Birmingham […]
DfT publishes Science, Innovation and Technology Plan 2025
A new policy paper has set out the role of science, innovation and technology within the Department for Transport. The plan outlines how DfT will ‘enhance the visibility and effective use of science, innovation and technology across DfT, transport agencies and arm’s length bodies’. The plan’s purpose is to: This plan replaces the DfT 2021 science plan. Of […]
Only a Mather of time: Who is the fast-tracked new Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the DfT?
Keir Mather’s appointment as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Transport took many by surprise yesterday. Lilian Greenwood’s departure was surprise enough but the appointment of the Selby MP who was born during Tony Blair’s first stint as Prime Minister was, perhaps, unexpected. Mather is the youngest government minister since William Gladstone was […]
Labour to freeze local council transport funding
The Government is to freeze transport funding for councils ahead of Rachel Reeves’s Budget. Figures released by the DfT on Tuesday revealed every single English local transport authority has had its Local Transport Grant (LTG) funding frozen next year, says the Daily Telegraph. It comes amid continued warnings that the Chancellor intends to raise taxes in October’s Budget […]