Month: June 2018

The exercise is part of a completely fresh look at how traffic can be managed better when there is disruption to services across the English Channel, and builds on significant improvements already made by Highways England and its partners in Kent since the unprecedented deployment of Operation Stack in summer 2015.

The exercise starting today is inviting feedback on the development of a lorry holding area. The solution could be an on-or off holding area for lorries, at one site or a number of sites. No specific sites have been identified at this stage. Views are also welcomed on the possible provision of 24-hour lorry parking facilities for everyday use by lorry drivers, which could help with lorry parking problems in Kent.

Highways England project director John Kerner said:

The disruption that people in Kent experienced in the summer of 2015 underlined the need for improvements to how traffic is managed when services across the English Channel are interrupted. Around 11,500 lorries use the Kent corridor to access cross-Channel travel services every day. In 2016, the port of Dover and Eurotunnel handled a record number of lorries and this is expected to double over the next decade.

We now have an opportunity to take a completely fresh look at what a permanent solution to Operation Stack could be, and understanding people’s views will be vital in making sure we can identify the most appropriate outcome. I encourage anyone with an interest to get involved.

When disruption occurs, as a result of severe weather, industrial action or operational problems, lorries often queue on the roads leading to the port, leading to congestion of the strategic and local road network.

When extraordinary levels of disruption occur, Operation Stack is activated to queue lorries on the M20 until they can catch their ferry or train. In summer 2015, Operation Stack was in place for over 30 days. As a result, the Government asked Highways England to investigate options for management and handling of lorries caught up heading to Dover.

Without action, existing and likely future issues will continue to put pressure on the roads and motorways in Kent. With traffic levels due to increase, this would likely mean Operation Stack being activated more frequently.

The exercise starts today and runs until 22 July 2018.

Drop in sessions are being held across Kent, and information will be available at 30 locations countywide. For more information on the dates and venues, and to sign up to receive updates about the scheme, visit the project page on the Highways England website.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

• Up to 50 Hawking Fellowships will support the research of our most talented mathematicians, physicists and computer scientists for up to 3 years
• prestigious award from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will honour the memory of the world leading British physicist who died in March this year

Science Minister Sam Gyimah today (Monday 11 June) announced that new fellowships are to be created in mathematics and physics in tribute to Stephen Hawking, the world-leading British scientist whose work changed our understanding of the universe.

The fellowships, which will build on the government’s modern Industrial Strategy and its record investment in science, research and innovation, will be awarded to exceptional candidates completing their doctoral studies in the fields of maths, physics and the computer sciences. Financial support will be offered to allow them to continue their work in any UK institution for up to 3 years.

UK Research and Innovation will award up to 10 “Stephen Hawking” fellowships a year for the next 5 years.

Professor Stephen Hawking was instrumental in providing greater insights into how the universe was created and is widely regarded as one of the most brilliant minds in science. His work included ground-breaking analysis of the laws that govern the universe, including his revelation that black holes produce radiation.

Science Minister Sam Gyimah said:

Few have contributed as much to humanity’s understanding of the universe as Professor Hawking. His ground-breaking work inspired people of all ages and nations to think about the cosmos and their place in it, and to appreciate the beauty and elegance of mathematics and physics.

I am delighted to announce that, following discussions with the Hawking family, we are creating the Hawking Fellowships in his memory. The Fellowships will allow exceptional graduate students in maths, physics and computer science in institutions across the UK to take their work even further. I can think of no more fitting tribute to this great man than to support the next generation to push the boundaries of knowledge of the laws that govern our universe.

Stephen’s children, Robert, Lucy and Tim Hawking said:

Our father knew the value that fellowships could provide to advancing research. As a scientist who made extraordinary discoveries throughout his career but particularly in his early years, he was very interested in the development of new talent and devoted much of his career to his teaching roles. We are thrilled that these fellowships will be named after him and see this as a great tribute to his life in science.

UKRI Chief Executive Professor Sir Mark Walport said:

Professor Hawking’s life and work provided inspiration far beyond the world of scientific research. His discoveries opened a new window on our universe and through his books and personality he opened a unique window on science to millions. It is an honour to be launching fellowships in his memory and fitting that they will support a new generation of exceptional talent.

The fellowships will build on the work outlined in the government’s modern Industrial Strategy, building on our strengths in science, research and innovation to build a Britain fit for the future and using this vital knowledge to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

Notes to editors:

• Further details of the fellowship and how to apply will be publicised later this year.

The Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain are today (11 June 2018) launching a consultation to look at whether the financial resources test for restricted operator licence holders needs to be changed.

All operator licence holders must demonstrate a certain level of financial resources based on the type of licence they hold and the number of vehicles they’re operating.

The level of financial resources available is checked when operators first apply for a licence but is a continuing requirement and can be checked at any stage during the life of the licence.

The test is designed to show they’ve got enough money to cover the cost of keeping large, commercial vehicles safe whilst they’re being used on public roads.

For restricted operators (those who just carry their own goods or run no more than two passenger transport vehicles), the financial levels are set by the Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain.

The current rates – £3,100 for the first vehicle and £1,700 for each additional vehicle – haven’t been reviewed since 2004.

The rates for standard licence holders (those who carry other people’s goods or run passenger transport vehicles full time) are higher and set by European legislation.

Richard Turfitt, the Senior Traffic Commissioner for Great Britain, said:

The cost of maintaining vehicles properly has increased since we last reviewed the rates for restricted operators.

Although we’ve taken a conscious decision not place any additional burdens on restricted operators, especially
following the period of economic downturn in 2008, it’s right to review the financial security test now and get the
thoughts of industry and stakeholders on where the levels should be set.

Restricted operators work in a number of diverse sectors so I encourage them all to engage with this consultation so we can understand the impact of any changes.

The consultation will run from 11 June to 31 August 2018.