The UK’s two largest motor insurers, Aviva and Admiral, have sought to temper expectations around the rapid adoption of self-driving vehicles, suggesting that traditional car insurance will remain a core part of their businesses for many years. Their comments come as the Government closes its consultation on the regulatory framework for automated vehicles, with the first self-driving models expected to begin appearing on UK roads later this year. The Department for Transport’

Kent County Council has submitted a bid for £63 million in government funding to support two key highway schemes aimed at improving resilience and connectivity across the county. The funding application focuses on repairs to Galley Hill Road in Swanscombe, which was severely affected by a landslip in 2023, and upgrades to the A299 corridor between Whitstable and Ramsgate, a vital route serving east Kent. The council has stated that national funding will be crucial in deliveri

National Highways has selected WSP to play a leading role in delivering its water quality strategy, aimed at reducing pollution from road run-off across the strategic road network. Rainwater flowing from roads can carry contaminants such as oils, tyre particles and brake-related metals. As part of its Water Quality Plan, National Highways has committed to tackling its most significant sources of pollution by 2030. Under the new agreement, WSP will act as technical partner, wo

Teesside International Airport is set to play a central role in a new feasibility study exploring the use of autonomous freight vehicles, as part of the UK’s Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) Pathfinder programme. The study, known as Project TACTIC (Teesside Autonomous Corridor for Trade Integration and Clearance), is being led by the International Centre for Digital Trade and Innovation (iC4DTI) in partnership with transport research organisation Cenex. The six-month pr

Aurora Energy Services has introduced a new initiative aimed at supporting former armed forces personnel in moving into the wind energy sector, helping them apply their existing engineering skills in a growing industry. The programme, based at Aurora’s Renewable Energy Training Centre in Inverness, is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and certifications needed to work on both onshore and offshore wind projects. The first cohort has already seen success, with t

Blakedale has officially rebranded as Northgate Highways, marking a significant step in its evolution as part of the wider Northgate Mobility brand. The move represents more than just a name change. It signals a new phase of growth, offering customers access to a broader range of services and enhanced national support, while retaining the specialist expertise and trusted relationships that have defined Blakedale’s reputation in the highways sector. Despite the rebrand, the co

East Midlands Railway (EMR), operated by Transport UK, has opened applications for its 2026 Community Fund, offering £100,000 in grants to support projects that benefit communities across its network. The fund is available to non-profit organisations within 15km of an EMR-managed station, with a focus on initiatives that promote wellbeing, inclusion and opportunity. The scheme is designed to help grassroots groups turn ideas into impactful local projects. Applications must be

Doncaster Sheffield Airport has moved closer to a potential reopening following the arrival of a Boeing 727 as part of a programme of operational readiness assessments. The aircraft, operated by 2Excel Aviation, landed at the airport in late April, marking the first time a large jet has touched down at the site since it closed in November 2022. The Boeing 727—commonly used for specialist roles such as oil spill response and aerial monitoring—is being deployed to test key aspe

Innovate UK has announced two new funding competitions aimed at accelerating the development of aviation technologies that can be used across both civilian and defence applications. The programmes, which open for applications in early May, reflect increasing government focus on strengthening the UK’s capabilities in areas such as autonomous systems, advanced air mobility and counter-drone technologies. In total, up to £15 million will be made available across the two competit

Concerns about the safety of slip roads on the A34 at East Ilsley and Beedon have been acknowledged by the Government following a meeting between a local MP and the roads minister. Olivia Bailey, MP for Reading West and Mid Berkshire, met with Roads Minister Simon Lightwood to discuss issues raised by residents about the junctions. The meeting followed significant local feedback, with hundreds of constituents responding to a survey highlighting safety risks. Residents have ca

Thousands of drivers in the UK could be impacted by proposed changes to driving licence rules affecting Ukrainian nationals. The Government has launched a consultation on plans to extend the period Ukrainian licence holders can drive in Great Britain, increasing the current allowance by an additional 24 months. Under the proposals, the existing eligibility period would rise from 36 months to 60 months for some drivers, while others could see their entitlement extended from 54

Nottinghamshire County Council has unveiled two new machines designed to improve the speed and quality of pothole repairs across the county. The equipment, known as the JCB Pothole Pro, weighs around 13 tonnes and is designed to cut out sections of damaged road to enable cleaner and more durable repairs. According to the manufacturer, the machines can operate up to four times faster than traditional repair methods. The council has purchased the machines at a cost of £66,000 e

Moto Hospitality has unveiled plans to significantly grow its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across its UK motorway service areas, with a particular focus on supporting electric freight. The operator intends to quadruple the number of charging bays available across its estate in the coming years, as part of a wider push to meet rising demand from both passenger vehicles and heavy goods transport. Moto currently operates more than 60 motorway service locations n

GB Railfreight (GBRf) is set to accelerate the introduction of its new Class 99 bi-mode locomotives after securing network acceptance from Network Rail. The operator received Network Rail Summary of Compatibility (NRSC) approval for the Stadler-built electro-diesel fleet on 30 April, marking a significant step forward in bringing the locomotives into operational service. With compatibility now confirmed, the Class 99 fleet is no longer restricted to testing and can be deploye

Great Western Railway (GWR) and Network Rail have taken a further step towards closer collaboration by bringing the management of London Paddington station under a single leadership structure. A new role of Integrated Station Lead has been created, with Lauren Clancy appointed to oversee operations across both organisations. The move is part of wider efforts to align track and train functions more closely, with a focus on improving the passenger experience. The appointment re

TransPennine Express (TPE) has introduced new Passenger Assistance meeting points at stations across its network, aimed at making journeys easier and more accessible for customers who require additional support. The designated meeting points provide clearly marked, easy-to-locate areas where passengers can meet staff for assistance at the start of their journey. The initiative forms part of TPE’s wider Passenger Assistance service, which supports customers with tasks such as