National Highways explains protest closure approach
National Highways says that roads must be closed when protestors are close to a carriageway because safety remains its number one priority. The Independent has reported quotes from Sean Martell, who is leading National Highways’ response to protests from organisations like Just Stop Oil, that is not an option because “There is a risk of […]
LTC opponents call on Harper to undertake immediate review
Opponents of the Lower Thames Crossing have called for an immediate review of it amid fears about its environmental impact. The BBC reports that a coalition of conservation groups want Transport Secretary Mark Harper to rethink the plan, voicing concern that the proposed 14-mile (23km) tunnel linking Kent and Essex will destroy ancient woodland and […]
Bereaved man tells how Just Stop Oil protest stopped him getting to father’s funeral
In a very powerful interview, a man has told the BBC how the journey to his father’s funeral yesterday was halted by the Just Stop Oil protest at the Dartford Crossing. Tony Bambury lives in Aylesbury but was travelling with his children to south Essex where he grew up to attend the funeral just off […]
Unmarked HGV ‘supercabs’ to patrol M25 in bid to reduce road collisions
National Highways has again teamed up with Police forces across the South East in a fresh bid to improve road safety on one of the most important routes in the region. During Operation Orbital, police forces will use National Highway’s unmarked HGV “supercabs” to patrol the M25 and record drivers of all types of vehicles […]
National Highways secures protest injunctions
National Highways has secured a new injunction as it continues to try to stop protesters from disrupting England’s busiest roads. The High Court has granted a further injunction following an urgent out-of-hours application that specifically seeks to prevent unlawful protests on the M25 motorway. It applies to all individuals although the intent is primarily to […]
National Highways signs up for closer working with European counterparts
A group of European highways authorities have today declared an intention to work more collaboratively with one another. Representatives of England’s National Highways came together with counterparts from Die Autobahn of Germany, and the Rijkswaterstaat of the Netherlands, to sign a memorandum of agreement at Highways UK. The agreement is intended to establish a platform […]
Coroner warns of more smart motorway deaths without education
A coroner has warned that the public needs to be told that nobody may be watching if they break down on smart motorways. The Telegraph reports that Nicola Mundy, senior coroner for Doncaster Coroner’s Court, has written to National Highways to warn that there is a “lack of public understanding” regarding the need to contact […]
A flavour of Day 1 of Highways UK
Thousands of our industry colleagues have gathered in Hall 1 of Birmingham’s NEC for Day 1 of the huge Highways UK event, and we’ve been gathering a flavour of the event on Highways Voices. These podcasts are brought to you thanks to the support of Re-flow, Kier Highways, Causeway Technologies, Navtech Radar and SWARCO. In today’s podcast we hear some of […]
Harris confirms LTC DCO submission
The CEO of National Highways has announced that a new Development Consent Order for the Lower Thames Crossing has been submitted. Speaking at the major Highways UK event at Birmingham’s NEC, Nick Harris (pictured) told delegates in the keynote session that the scheme, which has been delayed over planning matters, is incredibly important for connectivity […]
National Highways apologises for random lane closures on smart motorways
National Highways has apologised after what it calls “unexpected issues” left motorists seeing random lane closure signs on sections of smart motorway in England. The BBC reports problems were reported by drivers on the M6, M1 and A1(M), with “mile upon mile” of lane closure warnings and “unreadable” overhead signs. Speed limits were placed on […]