National Highways, the government-owned body responsible for England’s motorways and major A-roads, is facing an existential question: can it retain its credibility as a publicly owned infrastructure company? After a decade marked by ambitious but controversial projects, safety controversies, financial overruns, and public protests, the organisation’s reputation is under intense scrutiny. With the government pivoting toward road renewals rather than headline-grabbing new-buil

Retail crime in the UK is worsening, with a quarter of retail staff reporting that they have been physically assaulted while at work. A recent report from the Retail Trust revealed that nearly half of retail employees (44%) experience abuse or attacks on a weekly basis — a 10% increase compared to last year. A separate YouGov survey commissioned by the Trust found that one in three members of the public had witnessed a shop worker being treated rudely or abusively over the pa

A Lancashire MP has renewed calls for the return of a rail connection to Fleetwood, arguing that one of the country’s largest towns without a train service is being held back by poor transport links. Lorraine Beavers, Labour MP for Blackpool North and Fleetwood, raised the issue in the House of Commons, highlighting that the town’s single main road is often heavily congested. She said improved rail connectivity was essential for tackling inequalities in health, education and

Wrexham is set to receive a major boost to its active travel infrastructure with a new scheme designed to improve walking and cycling links between the city centre and Wrexham General railway station. The project will establish an upgraded active travel route beginning at the pedestrianised section of Hope Street, near Waterstones, and continuing towards the station. Roadworks are scheduled to begin on 5 January 2026 and will be delivered in phases through to early summer. T

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has been officially recognised for its efforts to tackle harassment, abuse and violence against women and girls, Mayor Richard Parker has confirmed. The authority has secured White Ribbon accreditation—a nationally respected m ark awarded to organisations that commit to long-term, strategic action to prevent violence against women. To achieve the accreditation, organisations must appoint a senior leader as a White Ribbon Ambassador

Hundreds of Greater Manchester workers are going on strike through November, with further action planned if a wage increase deal is not reached.  Across Manchester’s transport services, workers belonging to Unite and Unison, two major trade unions, are walking out to demand a real-terms pay increase, better working conditions, and a 4-day working week. Action took place on 12 November and 14 November, following strikes and work-to-rule action in previous weeks. Unite has warn

Thousands of London Underground ticket barriers are being rebranded as part of a new sponsorship deal that will offer travellers cashback on their fares when they pay with a Chase debit card. Transport for London (TfL) has agreed a multi-year partnership with the online bank, which will see Chase become the official payment provider across the network. About 5,000 contactless-enabled barriers will carry Chase branding, with the first installations completed on Monday at 12 of

The number of defects on Lancashire’s roads and pavements has dropped by more than 25,000 over the last year. Figures from Lancashire County Council show that the tally of faults awaiting repair – which includes potholes – had fallen to 35,514 in September 2025, down from 61,063 when the same snapshot was taken 12 months earlier. The authority’s Reform UK administration, which took control at County Hall in May this year, has attributed the 42 percent reduction to a wholesale

A number of short-term fixes have been suggested to improve traffic flow into Shrewsbury town centre. There have complaints about a build up of traffic outside the railway station since the new gyratory road system was redesigned, along with concerns about the safety of passengers at a new bus stop. Shropshire councillors met on Monday to look at potential solutions. Meeting chairman Ed Potter said the committee had recommended resequencing the traffic lights and looking for

Newly released data shows that more than 200 cyclists were injured in road traffic collisions across North Yorkshire during the past year. Figures obtained by Advice.co.uk reveal that North Yorkshire Police recorded 237 cyclist casualties in the 2024/25 reporting period. North Yorkshire Police categorise cycling injuries as slight, serious or fatal. In 2024/25, officers recorded two fatalities, 48 serious injuries and 187 slight injuries involving cyclists. These figures alig

New research reveals that 63 per cent of people believe more restrictions should be placed on older drivers to improve road safety practices. New research reveals that 63 per cent of people believe more restrictions should be placed on older drivers to improve road safety practices. Over the coming weeks, the government is expected to publish its newest road safety strategy. Amongst discussions, the topic of older drivers has been raised with concerns for failing eyesight and

During last week’s Road Safety Awareness Week, James Naish, Member of Parliament for Rushcliffe, joined Minister for Local Transport and fellow Nottinghamshire MP, Lilian Greenwood, to support the government’s upcoming Road Safety Strategy. Across Rushcliffe and Nottinghamshire, residents have raised concerns about speeding, dangerous driving, poor enforcement and pedestrian safety – particularly near schools, residential areas and busy junctions. James Naish MP said: “I’ve h

Injunctions that had prevented environmental activists from blocking key routes in London have been lifted after a High Court judge ruled they were no longer necessary. The orders, imposed in May and June 2023, restricted members of Insulate Britain and Just Stop Oil (JSO) from obstructing major roads including Marble Arch, Park Lane and Vauxhall Bridge. Designed to run for five years with annual reviews, the injunctions were granted to Transport for London (TfL) following a

Road users and local residents are being thanked for their support and patience with news that long-running roadworks along the A1 near Pontefract in West Yorkshire will be completed early next month. Traffic management along the A1 over Grade II listed Wentbridge Viaduct will be completely removed by National Highways by Sunday 7 December with the final phase of repairs, along the southbound carriageway, being completed next week.  Narrowed lanes and a temporary, 50mph, spee

Britpave, the UK infrastructure association, has warned that driver safety on the M5 could be compromised following National Highways’ plans to replace barriers between Bridgwater and Burnham-on-Sea. National Highways recently announced a £1.1 million project to replace the existing wire rope central reservation with steel beam barriers along this stretch of the motorway as part of a barrier renewal scheme. However, Britpave has raised concerns that the planned steel barriers

Devon and Cornwall’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Alison Hernandez, has highlighted the urgent need to improve road safety across the region. In a statement, Hernandez pointed to concerning statistics from last year, noting that 57 people were killed and 614 seriously injured on roads in Devon and Cornwall. Across Great Britain, 1,633 deaths and 27,904 serious injuries were recorded. Hernandez stressed that these figures represent real people—family members, friends, and lo