SWARCO UK & Ireland has partnered with North Yorkshire Council to deliver an expanded flood detection and electronic warning system on the A684, a key east–west route crossing the Yorkshire Dales. The new system provides real-time flood warnings to motorists using automated detection sensors and electronic Variable Message Signs (VMS), helping road users make safer, more informed journey decisions during periods of heavy rainfall. Three new electronic warning signs have been

More than a third of councils—and nearly half of those responsible for social care—say they are likely to require emergency government bailouts to set balanced budgets within the next three years, according to a new survey from the Local Government Association (LGA). While funding levels have increased in recent years and multi-year settlements provide some certainty, rising costs and demand pressures continue to outpace available resources. The LGA warns that underfunded loc

Many smart motorway schemes in England are failing to provide the value for money originally anticipated, according to newly released reviews from National Highways. The BBC reports that two schemes—sections of the M25 and M6—were rated as offering “very poor” value. Only three out of sixteen projects evaluated were on track to deliver the financial benefits originally expected. However, National Highways noted that most schemes have met or exceeded their safety objectives. E

Mayor Richard Parker has announced plans to double the funding available to councils for pothole repairs and road resurfacing across the West Midlands. Under the proposal, £240 million would be made available to six councils—Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, and Wolverhampton—over five years from April 2027. This would double the £120 million allocated to the same councils during the current five-year period. The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Board is s

Charities and community organisations in Gravesham and Medway can now apply for grants of up to £10,000 as part of the Lower Thames Crossing’s newly launched Community Fund, announced today (Monday 9 February). The fund aims to support local good causes ahead of the start of construction on the new road and tunnel later this year. Over the next seven years, National Highways plans to award nearly £2 million in funding, reinforcing its commitment to leaving a positive legacy f

Camden Council continued to advance its sustainable transport agenda in 2025, allocating £22 million to initiatives promoting walking, cycling, and public transport. The investment supported a variety of schemes aimed at prioritising people over cars, improving air quality, and enhancing the resilience of local high streets. A highlight of the year was the launch of an 18-month pedestrianisation trial on Camden High Street. Early feedback suggests the scheme has improved safe

This National Apprenticeship Week, former trainee detective Ben Harrison is proof that career changes can lead to exciting new opportunities. The 26-year-old from Wakefield never expected leaving policing would lead him to a role as an Apprentice Data Scientist at National Highways—especially one he thought was out of reach without formal qualifications. Ben is one of 142 apprentices currently thriving in the programme. National Highways is now recruiting for 44 additional ro

To mark National Apprenticeship Week 2026 (9–15 February), Network Rail is celebrating the apprentices developing the skills needed to maintain, improve and future-proof Britain’s railway. As National Apprenticeship Week gets underway, Network Rail is sharing the stories of apprentices from across the country, highlighting the different routes into railway careers and the hands-on experience they gain while working on the network. Apprentices play a vital role in maintaining

Transport for London (TfL) is launching a trial of upgraded bus shelters designed to improve passenger safety, comfort, and accessibility across the capital. Over the next 12 months, 27 locations will receive new shelters as part of the initiative, which forms a key part of TfL’s Bus Action Plan to make bus travel more attractive and user-friendly. Carl Eddleston, TfL’s director of streets and network operations, said: “This initiative reflects our commitment to creating a bu

Passengers on the Metrolink between Altrincham and Bury could be travelling underground in the future, after the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) approved £375,000 to fund feasibility studies for a tunnelled metro system. The Altrincham–Bury line is one of three routes being considered for an underground network, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) revealed during last week’s Bee Network committee meeting. TfGM said these lines are the busiest in the system an

Children living in temporary accommodation across Greater Manchester are set to receive additional support with travelling to school under a new initiative announced last week. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) confirmed that, following sustained campaigning, homeless children placed in temporary housing will be eligible for free school travel on all Bee Network buses. TfGM said it recognises that families placed in temporary accommodation are often housed far from thei

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) will operate in effect as a shadow version of the proposed Single Construction Regulator (SCR) before the new body is formally established, government officials confirmed last week. A government prospectus published before Christmas stated that the SCR would ultimately assume the BSR’s duties and serve as the cornerstone of a fully integrated regulatory system. However, the document provided limited detail on how the transition would work i

The government has launched an early-stage market exercise to gauge private sector interest in delivering a new HS2 station at Euston. According to a preliminary market engagement document issued last week, the Department for Transport plans to appoint a private partner using a design, build, finance and maintain (DBFM) model. Under this approach, the selected firm would take responsibility for the detailed design and construction of the HS2 Euston station, as well as its lon

London commuters were left stranded during Wednesday morning’s rush hour as major rail disruption brought services on Express, Southern, and Govia Thameslink to a grinding halt. A rare “do not travel” warning stayed in place for nearly two hours, sparking outrage and safety concerns. Network Rail later confirmed the chaos was caused by a signalling fault between Norwood Junction and London Bridge and a train derailment at the Selhurst depot , leaving thousands of passengers

For the third consecutive year, South Western Railway (SWR) has achieved a perfect score in the Safeguarding on Rail Scheme, earning praise from the British Transport Police for its efforts to protect vulnerable passengers and staff. SWR has maintained its high standards by continuously updating and improving safeguarding measures , rather than relying on past practices. Key Initiatives Over the past year, the operator has: Increased the use of body-worn cameras Trained 51 co

The redevelopment of Liverpool Street station is set to move closer to approval despite receiving thousands of objections, with planning officers citing the wider benefits of the scheme as outweighing heritage concerns. Planning officers at the City of London Corporation acknowledged that the proposals would cause harm to several historic assets, including the station itself, but argued the impact was “clearly and convincingly justified” given the broader advantages. “The pr