"The company has a renewed lease of life, we can look forward to more activity, more impact, growth and a thriving and secure business for the employees in the business." TRL's CEO Paul Campion's explanation of a major investment in the UK’s transport research and innovation pioneer by Blandford Capital which he says for clients "and, with the risk of sounding a bit a little bit up ourselves here, for the country, we think that the things that TRL does are vitally important, and this enables us to do more of them better." S ubscribe to Highways Voices free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify , Amazon Music , Google Podcasts or Pocket Casts and never miss an episode! Now, with fresh investment from Blandford Capital , it's entering a new era. But what does this mean for the future of highways, safety, and transport efficiency? If you’re involved in highways technology, infrastructure planning, or decision-making, this episode unpacks crucial insights about what’s next.In this exclusive interview, recorded at the Interchange Conference in Manchester, Mr Campion explains how this investment ensures long-term stability and innovation, what changes, or indeed continuities, businesses and stakeholders should expect and the opportunities this new backing creates for infrastructure, safety, and decarbonisation efforts. Highways Voices is brought to you with our partners the Transport Technology Forum , LCRIG , ADEPT and ITS UK .…

Ever wondered what it is like to start a business in the highways and transport sector and nearly fail several times before making a success of it? That is exactly what we will be talking about in today’s Highways Voices podcast, which see the launch of a new series-Highways Business. This series will explain the highs and lows, the profits, the losses and successes and failures of running a company in the highways and transport industry. Our guests are all business leaders with the aim of sharing what they do so other leaders can learn from their experiences-whether good or bad. In this weeks edition, we talk to Dom Cotton, Co-Chief Executive and founder of the award-winning folding cycle helmet company Newlane . During the interview, we cover: *Turning ideas and concepts into reality *How Newlane built an award-winning business *Why failing is important before you get success *What has been the hardest thing about running the business? *How to go about getting investment for a business *What are the key takeaways for other business leaders? “I wouldn't advise doing it on your own, because you need someone to share it with,” says Mr Cotton when referring to how he found the perfect business partner. Highways Voices is brought to you with our partners the Transport Technology Forum , LCRIG , ADEPT and ITS UK .…

How do engineers manage complex overnight tunnel maintenance and infrastructure upgrade projects while ensuring roads are operational by morning? For decision makers in the highway industry, tunnel maintenance presents unique challenges — limited access, strict timelines, and evolving technological demands. In this episode, we dive into the intricate world of tunnel operations with Chris Mayo, Contracts Manager at Dalkia, as he shares insights into decades of experience in tunnel refurbishment and innovation and tells us about the Road Tunnel Operators' Forum in Liverpool next month. S ubscribe to Highways Voices free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify , Amazon Music , Google Podcasts or Pocket Casts and never miss an episode! Discover the behind-the-scenes process of maintaining and upgrading road tunnels while minimising public impact, learn about the latest advancements in tunnel technology, including lighting, electrical systems, and smart controls and get an exclusive preview of the 2025 Road Tunnel Operators Forum , where industry leaders will discuss future infrastructure trends and best practices. You'll also hear about the new format for Highways Voices as we freshen it up after four years of bringing you keynote speaker-quality guests, latest news and reports from major events. Enjoy! Highways Voices is brought to you with our partners the Transport Technology Forum , LCRIG , ADEPT and ITS UK .…

What happens when the people making the decisions about transport policy don’t have the power to act on the issues that matter most to road users? From potholes to smart motorways and the future of road user charging, former Transport Secretary Chris Grayling joins us on this week's Highways Voices to share insider insights on the challenges of governing the UK's transport network. This episode explores how decisions are made, the slow-moving machine of Whitehall, and the evolving role of technology in shaping the future of mobility. S ubscribe to Highways Voices free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify , Amazon Music , Google Podcasts or Pocket Casts and never miss an episode! You'll Discover the real reasons why potholes persist despite government funding, g ain insights into the politics and practicality of smart motorways and road safety strategies, and u nderstand the future of road user charging and its potential impact on motorists. Hear first hand from a former Transport Secretary about the realities of decision-making in government—press play now!…

Are cars destined to fade away, or are they turning into something even more essential to our lives and identity, and can we balance our love for cars with the pressing need to reimagine transportation systems for health, climate, and cost-of-living challenges? Today, Richard Hammond, famous for his years of motor journalism on Top Gear and then the Grand Tour, and Active Travel England commissioner Chris Boardman are our guests, in interviews I recorded at a Rees Jeffreys Road Fund debate held at the Royal Automobile Club in London. S ubscribe to Highways Voices free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify , Amazon Music , Google Podcasts or Pocket Casts and never miss an episode! Richard Hammond discusses how we balance environmental concerns with the enduring human love for cars, and how we reimagine the car's future in an evolving transport network, balancing utility and emotional connection. He discusses what he sees are the limitations of electric vehicles and alternative energy solutions, and how he sees the future of car ownership in a world of shared mobility and environmental consciousness. Then Chris Boardman joins us to talk about how active travel options can address carbon emissions, public health, and equitable access to transport. He points to places like Cambridge and Kesgrave are leading the way in creating transport systems that prioritise people, not just vehicles. He looks at the economic and societal benefits of shifting to multi-modal transport systems, including improved health outcomes and reduced costs, before giving some practical solutions and innovative technologies, from rural design guides to data-driven cycling infrastructure, that enable transport independence and reduce reliance on cars.…

How can the highways industry overcome challenges like resource shortages, outdated infrastructure, and fragmented data systems to create a smarter, more efficient future of mobility? This week's Highways Voices discusses these issues in a special panel discussion from the SWARCO User Group. S ubscribe to Highways Voices free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify , Amazon Music , Google Podcasts or Pocket Casts and never miss an episode! Sean Bulmer from City of York Council, Staffordshire Council's Emily Madsen, LCRIG CEO Paula Claytonsmith and SWARCO UK's Managing Director John Pickworth explore the pressing issues preventing progress toward future mobility. From staffing constraints to leveraging AI and integrated data systems, this discussion is tailored for industry professionals grappling with how to align innovation with real-world limitations. You'll hear insights into how local authorities and private-sector partners are addressing resource and infrastructure challenges to make incremental but impactful progress, plus get an understanding on how data-driven decision-making and technology can revolutionise transport networks, from easing traffic congestion to reducing obsolescence issues. You'll also learn about some practical strategies to balance innovation with immediate operational needs, ensuring continuity while fostering future mobility.…

Are we designing transport systems that truly serve human needs, or are we stuck in outdated metrics of speed and efficiency? Two leading behavioural scientists, Rory Sutherland and Pete Dyson discuss their book Transport for Humans: Are We Nearly There Yet on this week's Highways Voices. S ubscribe to Highways Voices free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify , Amazon Music , Google Podcasts or Pocket Casts and never miss an episode! This episode dives into how understanding human psychology can revolutionise transportation design. Whether you're struggling with inefficient commutes, complex travel systems, or the challenges of sustainable infrastructure, this conversation offers fresh perspectives tailored for decision-makers in highways and travel technology. You'll learn their views on why focusing on user perception over traditional metrics like speed can lead to smarter, more effective solutions, how looking at behaviour can avoid costly mistakes in transport planning and policy and took a look at innovative approaches to road pricing, smart motorways, and multimodal travel that prioritise human behaviour and equity.…

As decision-makers in the highway and travel technology sectors face mounting pressure to innovate sustainable transport options, this week's episode of Highways Voices dives into the rise of electric scooters, exploring whether they truly align with safety, environmental, and efficiency goals—or if they’re adding to the chaos. Mail on Sunday columnist Peter Hitchens really doesn't think so, and today he discusses the broader implications of transport policies designed around them, questioning their affect on the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, and how safe they are when they're sharing roadspace with traffic. He also questions the hidden environmental costs, and their effect on enforcement. S ubscribe to Highways Voices free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify , Amazon Music , Google Podcasts or Pocket Casts and never miss an episode! While this interview was recorded during Covid times in 2021, the issue remains close to his heart, as he wrote only last week . In it he quoted statistics showing 29 people died and nearly 5,000 were injured – 1,402 seriously – between 2020 and 2023, including Linda Davis, a 71-year-old grandmother, who was killed in 2022 when a 14-year-old, glued to his phone, mowed her down while riding an escooter. "That's to say nothing of the risks posed by the flammable lithium batteries powering them," he wrote, " – "which are thought to have sparked more than 36 e-scooter fires in 2023 alone". Don’t miss this critical discussion —play the episode to uncover an alternative view about e-scooters and what it means for the future of transport.…

Today on Highways the legendary TV technology journalist Michael Rodd shares memories of his time on flagship BBC TV show Tomorrow's World, as he remembers the early technology innovations that paved the way for what we take for granted in the 2020s. This episode dives into the fascinating evolution of technology in transport technology and highways, from a quirky cassette-based navigation solution to prototypes in driverless cars, and how he made the first ever televised mobile phone call. For decision-makers in the highways industry, it offers a rare opportunity to understand how early innovations shaped the solutions we rely on today. In today's programme, you'll discover how a 1971 cassette-based navigation system laid the groundwork for modern GPS technology, gain insights into the challenges and breakthroughs in developing transformative transport technologies like maglev systems and driverless cars and learn valuable lessons from the Concorde story about aligning technological innovation with real-world business needs. Hit play now to uncover the untold stories behind the technologies revolutionising the highway and travel industries—stories that could inspire your next big decision.…

Merry Christmas from Highways Voices. A little extra podcast for you today. After the popularity of the recent bloopers podcast showcasing when things go wrong, we thought we'd delve into the archives of the mistakes from our first year of publishing weekly shows. We get the bloke who turns into a dalek, plus a lot of Paul and Adrian just being incapable of speaking properly. Enjoy, and catch you again in 2025!…

What if you could dramatically improve travel experiences and reduce traffic issues without spending billions on new infrastructure? In this episode of Highways Voices, we revisit a chat with behavioural scientist Rory Sutherland, author of the book Transport for Humans - Are We Nearly There Yet, exploring how psychology and better information, and not just engineering, can solve key challenges in highways and travel. S ubscribe to Highways Voices free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify , Amazon Music , Google Podcasts or Pocket Casts and never miss an episode! If you're a decision-maker in transport, this discussion offers a fresh perspective on solving problems efficiently and cost-effectively. Discover why improving perceptions of travel time can reduce frustration and improve satisfaction. Learn how small, inexpensive changes like better signage or reframing can influence behaviour and optimise existing infrastructure. Gain insights into how psychology can maximise the use of current networks to reduce congestion and improve flow. Don’t miss this opportunity to rethink travel and highways solutions. Hit play now and uncover practical strategies that can transform your approach. Don’t forget to sign up to our daily email to get all our news into your inbox, and you can also find our stories on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) .…

Today on Highways Voices you get to hear some of the bits we edited out of our podcasts through the year. S ubscribe to Highways Voices free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify , Amazon Music , Google Podcasts or Pocket Casts and never miss an episode! You'll hear when things don't quite go right - from strange noises to coughing, mispronunciations to brain fades. And a man turns into a dalek. PLEASE NOTE, THERE IS SOME OFF-MIC SWEARING ON THIS PODCAST SO IT MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR THE OFFICE OR YOUNG EARS. Enjoy 15 minutes of bloopers proving that it's best that podcasts are edited before publication! Happy Christmas. Don’t forget to sign up to our daily email to get all our news into your inbox, and you can also find our stories on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) .…

Today on Highways Voices you will discover why self-enforcement plays a vital role in the battle for better road safety. We hear from the founder of Alcosense, Hunter Abbott, who explains why, even when you’re under the alcohol limit, if you’ve had any drink at all you’re many times more likely to be in a crash. S ubscribe to Highways Voices free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify , Amazon Music , Google Podcasts or Pocket Casts and never miss an episode! Hunter explains why he designed the breathalyser solution, how it changes driver behaviour, and the need for better education on morning-after drink-driving risks. Plus you’ll want to share with your HR team why if you employ people who have to socialise for work, you probably have an obligation to have them use breathalysers for their, and other road users’ safety. Don’t forget to sign up to our daily email to get all our news into your inbox, and you can also find our stories on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) .…

In this episode of Highways Voices we hear from Sean Rooney, Head of Service in Highways Maintenance at Oxfordshire County Council and President of the Local Government Technical Advisers Group. You will discover what he is doing during his year in the post, and why a year might not be long enough, plus hear about opportunities from the Innovation Fund, his ideas on strengthening collaboration with other organisations and creating a directory of research projects. S ubscribe to Highways Voices free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify , Amazon Music , Google Podcasts or Pocket Casts and never miss an episode! Highways News reporter Kevin Borras chats to Sean, and they discuuss duplication and the importance of intelligent technology use with practical applications over blind adoption. Don’t forget to sign up to our daily email to get all our news into your inbox, and you can also find our stories on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) .…

In this episode of Highways Voices you will discover a lot about the most influential Intelligent Transport industry associations in Europe, how their working together helps the industry, about a legacy from a major international congress, connected ITS installations and why the UK is leading the way in supporting the next generation of industry professionals. This special Highways Voices comes from Bern in Switzerland and the first ever ITS Network of National Association Awards, celebrating excellence among the people who support our industry across the continent. The awards were sponsored by The Traffic Group , Ohmio , IDASO , Neology and SWARCO . S ubscribe to Highways Voices free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify , Amazon Music , Google Podcasts or Pocket Casts and never miss an episode! The ITS Nationals network remit includes developing and sharing best practice in running ITS National Associations, connecting the fee-paying members of ITS National Associations to each other, the sharing of news and research to better inform members of ITS National Associations, sharing case studies and promotional materials to further the implementation of ITS and supporting members of the ITS National Associations to attend National, European and Global ITS Congresses, and to support ERTICO and other bodies with the delivery of them. These awards celebrate their successes, and help knowledge share about what works so more member organisations in each country can benefit. You'll hear from the winners, sponsors, the host and lead judge - all in half an hour! Don’t forget to sign up to our daily email to get all our news into your inbox, and you can also find our stories on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) .…