Guidance & Support

The RAC and the Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA) are calling on ministers to make training on preventative road maintenance compulsory for local authorities, in a bid to address the UK’s worsening pothole problem. They argue that councils are too often relying on expensive resurfacing projects rather than applying low-cost treatments that could prolong the life of roads.

The RSTA says sealing road surfaces at an early stage can stop water damage and extend durability, yet many councils wait until potholes appear before replacing entire layers of asphalt – often more than a decade after a road was first laid. The RAC’s analysis shows preventative maintenance is in sharp decline: in 2023/24, half of England’s highway authorities carried out none on A roads, and more than a third failed to use it on smaller roads.

RSTA chief executive Mike Hansford said a shortage of knowledge within councils was partly to blame, citing retiring engineers and gaps in training courses. He described a “knowledge gap” that has led to misconceptions and reluctance to adopt long-term solutions. “We need government to require training for those authorities still ignoring preventative maintenance,” he said.

Simon Williams, RAC’s head of policy, added that mandatory training would ensure the government’s £6.4bn road investment delivers value. By moving away from reactive patch-ups and resurfacing only when roads reach the end of their lifespan, he argued, councils could deliver safer, smoother and longer-lasting roads for drivers.

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has revealed that more than 117,000 heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers have left the profession in the past year, raising fresh fears over the resilience of the UK’s supply chains. The organisation stressed that the departures are not confined to those reaching retirement age but also include a significant number of drivers in their 30s and 40s.

The RHA report highlights a mix of pressures behind the exodus. High insurance premiums and costly training continue to deter both new and returning drivers, while the withdrawal of government-funded bootcamps has closed off an affordable entry route into the industry. With operators already working on razor-thin margins, the association argues that the profession has become increasingly unattractive to both recruits and experienced drivers.

Managing director Richard Smith said wage rises alone cannot address the crisis. He urged government and industry leaders to deliver a coordinated plan, warning that the shortage is now at levels “unseen since the pandemic”. He added that many qualified drivers are leaving because they feel the system is stacked against them, with lapsed Driver Qualification Cards (DQCs) pointing to long-term disillusionment.

The report concludes that structural issues lie at the heart of the problem, with decades of cost-cutting leaving hauliers vulnerable. Smith called for investment in affordable training, meaningful support for employers, and recognition of logistics as a cornerstone of the national economy. “We must build a system where HGV driving is seen as a respected career choice for the future,” he said.

Fresh data has cast doubt on government claims that the steep rise in Dartford Crossing charges would help cut congestion. From 1 September, the cost for cars, motorhomes and small minibuses jumped from £2.50 to £3.50, while HGVs now face £8.40 tolls – a 40% increase. Ministers argued the move was designed to “manage traffic levels,” but motoring groups say the figures show little has changed, branding the increase nothing more than a cash grab.

Figures shared by telematics firm GeoTab show that on the first day of higher charges, more lorries actually crossed than the week before, while overall traffic levels remained in line with August. Average crossing times also rose slightly, with drivers facing longer delays on both the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge and the northbound tunnels. The data suggests haulage companies are simply absorbing the higher costs, with no evidence that vehicles are shifting to cheaper off-peak travel.

Critics including the AA and RAC Foundation have condemned the decision, describing it as an “unjustified tax on movement.” They argue that with no realistic alternative routes east of London until the Lower Thames Crossing opens – at the earliest in 2032 – motorists and freight operators are being unfairly penalised.

The Dartford Crossing, linking Kent and Essex, carries up to 180,000 vehicles a day. Campaigners point out that the bridge was paid off more than two decades ago, yet drivers continue to face escalating charges. Local leaders warn that the move will only increase costs for businesses and, ultimately, consumers.

A new road safety campaign has been introduced to help drivers navigate motorways more safely, especially when travelling near heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). The initiative, developed by National Highways in collaboration with RED Driver Training, is aimed at both recently qualified motorists and those with years of experience behind the wheel.

The campaign underlines the dangers of driving close to lorries, pointing out that HGVs have significant blind spots. These include areas directly in front of the cab, immediately behind the vehicle, and diagonally behind the driver on both sides. Motorists are being reminded not to drive too close, to avoid lingering alongside lorries, and to always position themselves where they can be seen by the HGV driver.

The launch comes as thousands of new drivers take to the roads during late summer, with official figures showing more than 68,000 passed their test in August last year alone. Worryingly, one in four serious or fatal accidents involving HGVs involves a driver under the age of 30. National Highways said greater awareness of lorry blind spots and road positioning could help reduce risks significantly.

Colin Stevenson, road safety lead at National Highways, stressed that “understanding how to share the road with large vehicles is vital.” RED Driver Training’s CEO, Seb Goldin, added that extra motorway practice with an instructor could be invaluable for learners and newly qualified drivers in building confidence and experience.

Royal Mail has confirmed plans to introduce 3,500 redesigned postboxes fitted with solar technology, following a pilot earlier this year in Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire. The company describes the move as the most significant update to its iconic red postboxes in 175 years, aimed at making it easier for customers to send and return parcels.

The upgraded boxes include a barcode scanner and a solar-powered drawer, allowing parcels up to shoebox size to be posted directly, alongside the usual letter slot. Customers using the Royal Mail app can also obtain proof of posting and track their items, bringing parcel services in line with modern shopping habits. The solar panels are positioned to face south to maximise efficiency, powering the new digital functions without affecting traditional letter services.

The rollout will begin in cities such as Manchester, Edinburgh, Nottingham, Sheffield and Sunderland, before expanding across the UK in the coming months. Jack Clarkson, managing director at Royal Mail, said the changes reflect the ongoing rise in online shopping and second-hand marketplaces: “With a postbox within half a mile of almost every household, we already offer the most convenient parcel network in the country.”

Alongside the new design, Royal Mail continues to expand its wider network of parcel services. Customers now have access to more than 23,500 drop-off and collection locations, including parcel lockers, Post Office branches, Collect+ stores, and Royal Mail customer service points, in addition to standard postboxes.

DP World has introduced a new Low Carbon Truck Programme (LCTP) at its London Gateway and Southampton terminals, in what it calls a first for the UK logistics sector. The scheme, developed in partnership with Certas Energy and New Era Fuels, will allow haulage firms using the ports to switch to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), a renewable alternative to diesel that can cut emissions by up to 85%.

With over 4,000 truck movements through its sites each day, DP World hopes the initiative will encourage at least 500 vehicles to transition to HVO during the pilot, which runs until 2027. The programme is intended to act as a stepping stone towards the longer-term ambition of fully electric HGV fleets, which would eliminate tailpipe emissions entirely.

John Trenchard, DP World’s vice president for sustainable supply chains, said the move could help cut more than 30,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually if widely adopted. He described the initiative as a major step in tackling Scope 3 emissions for cargo owners and freight forwarders, adding that it complements the company’s existing sustainability programmes.

The scheme also includes a full day of carbon literacy training to equip hauliers with knowledge on low-carbon operations. Funded through DP World’s Energy Transition Contribution, the project has been welcomed by the Road Haulage Association, which said HVO provides operators with a practical interim route to reducing emissions on the path to net zero.

With thousands of newly qualified drivers set to join the nation’s motorways this summer, National Highways and RED Driver Training are reminding motorists of the importance of staying safe around heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). August is traditionally one of the busiest months for test passes, with nearly 70,000 drivers gaining their licences in August 2024 alone. But while excitement builds for summer trips and first motorway experiences, figures show drivers under 30 account for one in four serious or fatal collisions involving HGVs.

To reduce risks, the campaign highlights the importance of knowing HGV blind spots and practising safe driving habits. Motorists are urged to overtake steadily and avoid cutting back in too soon, to keep a safe distance rather than tailgating, and to stay visible by signalling clearly and avoiding blind spots. These simple steps, experts say, can make a vital difference in preventing accidents.

Research by National Highways and RED Driver Training found that despite a 2018 law change allowing learners on motorways with instructors, more than half of new drivers had never driven on a motorway before passing their test. Two in five also admitted to feeling anxious when near lorries, showing the need for greater preparation.

Colin Stevenson of National Highways said many young drivers will be experiencing motorways for the first time this summer and urged them to give large vehicles space and respect. RED’s CEO, Seb Goldin, added that additional training with instructors can help new drivers build the skills and confidence needed to share the road safely with HGVs.

New figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveal that the UK’s heavy goods vehicle (HGV) market shrank by 11.2% in the second quarter of 2025, with just 10,185 new registrations recorded. Tractor units, which continue to account for more than 40% of the sector, slipped by 8.1% to 4,295 vehicles. However, the sharpest fall was seen in box vans, which plummeted by 33.1% to only 905 registrations. Demand also weakened for tippers and curtainsiders, down 19.6% and 24.2% respectively.

One notable exception was refuse collection vehicles, which bucked the trend with an 11.4% rise, reaching 614 units. While overall volumes declined, zero-emission trucks saw significant growth, with 183 new models registered in the first six months of 2025. This marks a 59.1% increase compared with the same period last year, although they still represent less than 1% of the total market share.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said the latest decline was expected as the market “normalises” but warned that a recovery was urgently needed given the sector’s importance to the UK economy. He welcomed new government funding for depot infrastructure but stressed that energy grid reform was vital to support operators investing in electric fleets.

The SMMT has urged policymakers to prioritise depot grid connections in the same way as data centres and renewable energy projects. The organisation argues that a long-term strategy for HGV charging infrastructure will be essential to support operators and encourage greater adoption of zero-emission vehicles.

Heathrow Airport has formally submitted its plans for a third runway to the government, with Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander set to review the proposal. The next stage will see a public consultation on the national policy framework for airports, which outlines how approval for such a project can be granted. Only after this process can a full planning application be lodged.

The £49 billion scheme would increase Heathrow’s capacity by 276,000 flights a year, bringing the total to 756,000 annually. Plans include diverting part of the M25 into a tunnel beneath the new runway. Alongside the proposal, the Department for Transport is preparing to launch an Airspace Design Service to redesign the UK’s flight paths, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce delays — a move seen as essential for accommodating the extra air traffic.

Other proposals, including a shorter runway plan from the Arora Group, will also be considered. Logistics UK’s Senior Policy Manager, Alexandra Herdman, stressed the importance of ensuring air freight growth is included in the winning design, noting Heathrow’s role as the UK’s largest port by value and a vital link for global trade.

Meanwhile, the government is expected to approve plans allowing Gatwick’s second “emergency” runway to be used regularly, with conditions on noise levels and public transport improvements. A final decision is anticipated in the autumn.

From early 2026, learner drivers in the UK will be tested on vital cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills as part of the car and motorcycle theory exam. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) hopes the move will equip more people with the knowledge to act in life-threatening emergencies, particularly as drivers are often first to arrive when someone suffers a cardiac arrest.

The updated test will include questions on CPR techniques and how to use a defibrillator — a device that delivers an electric shock to help restart the heart. Official study materials have already been revised, covering topics such as “Who can use a public access defibrillator?” with the simple answer being “anyone”. Defibrillators are designed to be easy to operate, giving clear instructions so that even untrained bystanders can step in to help.

Evidence shows that if CPR and defibrillation are administered within the first few minutes of collapse, survival rates can reach up to 70%. Without prompt action, that figure falls to fewer than one in ten. The NHS advises delivering firm chest compressions — 5 to 6cm deep at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute — until professional help arrives.

James Cant, chief executive of Resuscitation Council UK, welcomed the change, saying it will ensure millions of new drivers gain the confidence to step in and potentially save lives during a cardiac arrest.