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Residents Return Home After Sinkhole Swallows Road Sweeper in Rhondda Cynon Taf
Residents near a sinkhole in Porth, Rhondda Cynon Taf have been allowed to return to their homes following a safety evacuation. The hole, believed to be linked to old mineworks, appeared on Monday afternoon in a lane behind Aber-Rhondda Road, between Porth and Ynyshir. Five properties were evacuated as a precaution after the sinkhole swallowed a road sweeper at around 14:20 GMT. Thankfully, the driver was unharmed. The Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) confirmed that the co
Safer Highways
Feb 41 min read


Polystyrene Debris Causes Serious Flooding at Salisbury Underpass
A Salisbury underpass was severely flooded last week due to polystyrene debris, National Highways has confirmed. The underpass beneath Churchill Way West , between St Paul’s Road and the retail park, is prone to flooding, but the blockage caused a pump to fail, leading to significant water accumulation. Two nearby underpasses at the St Paul’s roundabouts were also temporarily closed on Monday, February 2, while National Highways inspected smaller flood incidents, also linked
Safer Highways
Feb 41 min read


Funding Cut Looms for National Highways’ Driving for Better Business Programme
National Highways’ Driving for Better Business (DfBB) programme is set to see its funding halved for the next financial year, according to sources familiar with the matter. The reduction comes just weeks after the initiative was highlighted in the Government’s new road safety strategy. The strategy notes that approximately one in three road traffic fatalities involve someone driving or riding for work , prompting plans for a National Work-Related Road Safety Charter pilot .
Safer Highways
Feb 42 min read


When Is a Pothole Not a Pothole? East Sussex Highways Explains
East Sussex Highways has clarified the difference between general road surface damage and what legally counts as a pothole, stressing that not all visible defects on highways meet the criteria for pothole repairs. A spokesperson explained: “Some areas of the road may look messy, but not everything on the highway classifies as a ‘pothole’. ” The distinction lies in the nature of the damage. When the top layer of the road surface begins to peel or flake, this condition—known as
Safer Highways
Feb 42 min read


Electro-Wind supports HS2 Water Orton Viaduct with bespoke transformer solution
Electro-Wind Limited have announced the successful deployment of a bespoke 40kVA IP65-rated transformer at the HS2 Water Orton Viaduct, supporting one of the most significant transport infrastructure projects in the United Kingdom. The installation marks another key milestone for the HS2 Delta Junction, one of the most technically challenging and ambitious sections of the high-speed rail network in the Midlands. The junction will play a central role in linking Birmingham Curz
Safer Highways
Feb 41 min read


Smart sensors to make finding a seat easier on LNER services
Customers travelling with LNER will find it easier than ever to locate an available seat or wheelchair space, thanks to new smart sensors being introduced across the Azuma fleet. Following a successful trial, LNER is installing more than 36,000 “SeatSense” sensors. The small devices will be fitted above all seats and wheelchair spaces and will detect and show instantly whether they are available or occupied, providing real-time updates. This marks a significant shift from pre
Safer Highways
Feb 42 min read


Cancellation of Midland Main Line electrification alters EMR's new train plans
East Midlands Railway has not ruled out diesel options for a new fleet of trains, following last year’s cancellation of the Midland Main Line electrification project. RAIL understands that EMR had initially planned to order nearly 80 three-car battery-electric multiple units (BEMUs), to replace its current fleet of Class 158s and Class 170 Turbostars. Currently, both diesel multiple unit (DMU) fleets cover regional routes on the EMR network, with the ‘158s’ mainly operating a
Safer Highways
Feb 44 min read


TransPennine Express gives details on new train fleet and expected operations
New trains for TransPennine Express are likely to deploy onto Hull-Manchester Piccadilly services and two of the four hourly trains planned through Manchester Victoria. TPE made the revelation to a meeting of stakeholders in Manchester on January 30 as it unveiled its likely service pattern from 2027 onwards when work to remodel Huddersfield is complete. The company’s managers said the plan was not yet a done deal. The service pattern comprises: 2tph (trains per hour) from L
Safer Highways
Feb 42 min read


South Lanarkshire Council Reviews School Travel Plans as Car Use Remains High
South Lanarkshire Council has outlined the steps it is taking to encourage children to travel to school in more active and sustainable ways, as new figures show progress remains mixed. Members of the Road Safety Forum were presented with an update on the council’s school travel programmes at a meeting held on February 3. While initiatives are in place to promote walking, cycling and other forms of active travel, the latest data shows car journeys to school remain high and par
Safer Highways
Feb 43 min read


Councils say budget funding constraints is biggest barrier to EV charge point rollout
Councils name top eight barriers to EV charging rolloutCharge point operator (CPO) Believ says new report shows more advice and training should be signposted to local authorities and that administrative delays hindering the LEVI tendering process need addressing. Local authorities say constrained budgets and slow access to government funding are the biggest barriers to installing public electric vehicle (EV) charge points, according to a new national survey. The research,
Safer Highways
Feb 42 min read


Marlborough Highways Strengthens Partnership with Newham Council Through New Highways Contract
Marlborough Highways has confirmed the continuation of its long-standing relationship with the London Borough of Newham following the start of a new Highways Works Contract this month. The new agreement significantly broadens Marlborough’s role within the borough. Alongside the ongoing upkeep and improvement of roads, pavements and associated infrastructure, Marlborough’s teams will also be responsible for delivering most of Newham’s public realm works on the public highway d
Safer Highways
Feb 42 min read


Hyde Park to get major 'safety upgrades' with bus stop changes and cycle highways
Floating bus stops have been criticised for making roads less safe for the visually impaired. Hyde Park is set to get floating bus stops and new segregated cycle paths are in an effort to make the public space "safer." The plans also include new pedestrian and cycle crossings. A floating bus stop, or bus stop bypass, is a design where the bus stop and shelter are located on an island, separated from the main pavement by a dedicated cycle track. This layout keeps cyclists away
Safer Highways
Feb 32 min read


Minister Liz Kimmins Announces Graduated Driver Licensing Scheme to Launch in October 2026
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has confirmed that Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) will be introduced on 1 October 2026, marking a major step forward in improving road safety across Northern Ireland. The scheme aims to reduce the high number of serious and fatal accidents involving new and younger drivers. Under the new system, a restructured framework for driver and motorcyclist training, testing, and post-test requirements will be introduced. The initiative forms part
Safer Highways
Feb 32 min read


Arcadis Appoints Peter Hogg as Country Director for the United Kingdom and Ireland
Arcadis has announced the appointment of Peter Hogg as Country Director for the United Kingdom and Ireland, succeeding Simon Bimpson, who will continue in his role as President of Arcadis Advanced Manufacturing. With 28 years at Arcadis, Peter brings a wealth of experience in the built environment, a strong record of civic engagement, and an enduring commitment to improving quality of life. Alongside his new role, he will continue to serve as London City Executive. Throughout
Safer Highways
Feb 32 min read


Simister Island: New plans approved in motorway upgrade
The major motorway junction upgrade on the notorious Simister Island will be boosted by the approval of plans for a new compound. Five lanes of traffic and a new link road will be created at Junction 18 in a bid to ease congestion, following official confirmation by the Department for Transport (DfT) last year. Simister Island interchange, which connects the M60, M62 and M66 motorways, has long been earmarked for a massive change under National Highways proposals. The scheme
Safer Highways
Feb 32 min read


Storm-hit coastal road in beauty spot washes away
A section of coastal road in a beauty spot has washed away after being battered by storms. Part of the A379 between Torcross and Slapton, Devon, broke apart overnight after sea defences protecting the road were damaged in storms last month . The Start Bay Inn in Torcross said on Facebook, external it was "a mess, like a bomb has gone off". Dan Thomas, cabinet member for highways at Devon County Council, said: "A section of the road has washed away from constant battering due
Safer Highways
Feb 33 min read
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