News from the Centre for Transport and Society (CTS)
Read the latest news and activities from our members.
News Bites
FUTURES - Toolkit for vision-led transport planning in uncertain times
FUTURES is the Future Uncertainty Toolkit for Understanding and Responding to an Evolving Society. In recognising the need for resilience and social transformation, development consultancy Mott MacDonald, in collaboration with UWE Bristol, has - through Professor Glenn Lyons - developed FUTURES. This is a forward-thinking and vision-led strategic planning tool based on an alternative approach: ‘Decide and Provide’.
Listen to the podcast episode below as Professor Glenn Lyons and Annette Smith, Technical Director and Lead of the Future Mobility Team at Mott MacDonald, chat about the origin of FUTURES and the challenges around transport planning. More information, including the FUTURES interactive guide, can be found on the FUTURES webpage.
New Handbook to support Triple Access Planning
Transport planning continues to evolve. UWE Bristol has been instrumental in bringing forward the vision-led ‘Decide and Provide’ planning paradigm. In turn, it has been leading a pan-European project called ‘Triple Access Planning for Uncertain Futures’. On 18 March 2024, a new Handbook for Practitioners has been made available that further supports those already applying Triple Access Planning and helps others consider whether they too wish to join this movement of change.
Read or download the full Handbook
MSc Transport Engineering and Planning – Professional accreditations confirmed
The Centre’s MSc Transport Engineering and Planning programme has recently had three professional accreditations confirmed. The degree offers flexible career pathways for graduates and provides the educational basis for becoming a Chartered Transport Planning Professional, a Chartered Engineer (DOC) (depending on students’ undergraduate qualifications) or a Chartered Member of the Institute of Logistics and Transport. For more information about the course and careers in transport planning/engineering, please contact the programme leader, Dr Ben Clark.
Building Better: Side Street Crossings
Building on two completed research projects on enhancing priority for pedestrians and cyclists at side road crossings funded by Transport Scotland and the Road Safety Trust, Dr Jonathan Flower was one of seven speakers at a recent webinar hosted by Landor Links. The event attracted over 100 questions from the 880 attendees, many of whom were local authority officers, who logged on. Practice is clearly looking for the latest evidence-based guidance to inform city street design around the UK. Watch the session recording.
Jonathan was also invited to address the subject in more depth at an in-person event in London on 13 March 2024: Building better crossings and junctions.
Latest news releases
09 June 2025
Opinion: If you want trams, support the buses
Graham Parkhurst, Professor of Sustainability, Centre for Transport and Society, reacts to news of £800 million investment in the region's transport network.
29 November 2024
Bristol Clean Air Zone – two years on, what is the future of the CAZ?
Two years on, Professor Graham Parkhurst and Professor Jo Barnes comment on what the future of Bristol's Clean Air Zone looks like.
20 June 2024
Academic elected as President of Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation
Professor Glenn Lyons has been announced as the new President for 2024 / 25.
28 November 2023
New report finds lack of transport choices is leaving young people behind
A new study warns that young people cannot access life-defining opportunities due to poor transport provision.
01 October 2023
UWE Bristol wins funding to develop safer autonomous vehicles
UWE Bristol has secured government funding for research into autonomous vehicles.
18 September 2023
One in 15 West of England residents use public e-scooters every month
UWE Bristol researchers have published the results of the West of England rental e-scooter trial.
14 June 2023
Researchers monitor autonomous bus user experience as UK's first zero emission service launches new route
Researchers monitor autonomous bus user experience as UK's first zero emission service launches new route.
31 May 2023
Enhanced junction designs “make it clear to drivers that they need to give way”
A research project has identified two side road crossing designs that encourage drivers to give way to people crossing and waiting to cross.
24 January 2023
UWE Bristol joins First Bus and partners to launch UK's first zero-emission autonomous bus service
The UK's first-ever zero emission autonomous bus service reached a key milestone with trials starting on public roads in Oxfordshire on Monday 23 January 2023.
17 January 2023
Panel poses key questions about future roads spending
Report published raising seven key questions to help guide for decision-makers achieve the best value from future roads spending.
28 July 2022
Unfair bus fares risk holding young people back
Research by UWE Bristol and transport charity Sustrans finds access to free and discounted bus fares for 16–24 year olds varies significantly across the UK.
19 August 2021
Study finds some road closures cause less congestion
A study from the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) sheds new light on why traffic is sometimes reduced when certain city roads are closed.