Amazon is making drone deliveries in the UK – here’s why nimbyism could hamper a wider rollout
There is a new buzz around Darlington: the sound of delivery drones. This northern English town is now the only place outside the US where […]
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From London’s deadly smog to predictive science: how air pollution control evolved and air dispersion modeling began
Air pollution control didn’t start with regulations, models, or even science. It started with people getting sick—and dying—because the air itself had become dangerous. To […]
The Transition to a Franchised Bus Network for the West Midlands and the Benefits that Franchising will Bring: TRANSPORT Smart Class, Midlands 2026 Retrospective
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is transitioning to a bus franchising system, aiming for full implementation by the end of 2029. Restoring public control […]
Electric vehicles pass tipping point, breaking the link with oil prices
When the Strait of Hormuz first closed in March and oil hit US$120 a barrel, a very old question came back: is this finally the […]
Dr Viet Nguyen-Tien Dr Gavin Harper Professor Robert Elliott
From Blocks to Better Streets – Empowering Young People to Reimagine Public Realm through Minecraft: TRANSPORT Smart Class, Midlands 2026 Retrospective
Walk Wheel Cycle Trust provide advice and consultancy to make walking, wheeling and cycling safer and easier. They are trusted by public and private sector partners […]
How autonomous vehicle operators and councils could help each other out
AV operators need real-world edge cases. Councils need capacity gains. Early partnerships could benefit both. Behind every bin collection, gritted road, and pothole repair there’s […]
Coventry Very Light Rail – Delivering a Demonstration Line: TRANSPORT Smart Class, Midlands 2026 Retrospective
At TRANSPORT Smart Class, Midlands 2026 we were delighted to welcome back Nicola Small (VLR Programme Director at Coventry City Council, Regional VLR Programme Director at […]
From drains to dreams: how the UK is turning forgotten spaces into living wetlands
From overlooked urban land to working water systems, a quiet transformation is underway. London may be the proving ground, but the opportunity stretches across every […]
Zero Emission Freight Using Containerised Cargo Bikes: TRANSPORT Smart Class, Midlands 2026 Retrospective
Urban freight transport is a major contributor to UK pollution, with road vehicles accounting for 91% of domestic transport emissions, primarily from heavy goods vehicles […]
The Transport Committee’s ‘joined-up journeys’ inquiry: what the evidence says about integration
The Transport Committee’s recent inquiry on ‘joined-up journeys’ offered a treasure trove of evidence and viewpoints on integration. I reviewed the more than 100 submissions […]
Next Steps for Devolution and Growth in the Midlands – Challenges and Opportunities for Integrated Transport and Infrastructure: TRANSPORT Smart Class, Midlands 2026 Retrospective
Devolution brings major opportunities for the Midlands by giving local leaders greater control over transport, infrastructure, and economic growth. But turning these new powers into […]
What makes a city beautiful? Here’s what ratings of thousands of urban landscapes reveal
Some buildings leave such an impression when you visit them that they can be forever summoned to the mind’s eye. For us, these include the […]
Smart Classes Digest #25
Peruse the first 2026 edition of Smart Classes Digest, our quarterly e-digest for the Smart Classes and Smart City-Region stakeholder communities! Issue #25 “Insights”: Why do […]
The innovation crossroads: why Ofwat must reinvent how it funds water innovation after 2030
The Water White Paper has landed. And while many have welcomed it as a step forward, I argued yesterday that when it comes to innovation, […]
TRANSPORT Smart Class, Midlands 2026 Filmed. Register for Complimentary Access to the Presentation Videos and Slides!
On February 25th we travelled to Birmingham to host TRANSPORT Smart Class, Midlands 2026 at The Old Library at Zellig, located in the heart of […]
Birmingham, UK Mike Bull Nicola Small Sandeep Shingadia Pete Bond Steve Evans Lorenzo Ciancarini Ben Macdonald
Surface tension – the pothole test
Since the turn of the year, much of the UK has become all too familiar with grey skies and persistent rain. It feels, at times, […]
PUBLIC REALM & URBAN SPACES Smart Class 2025 Retrospectives Round-Up
Missed any of the “Retrospectives” from PUBLIC REALM & URBAN SPACES Smart Class 2025? Here’s another chance to gain valuable insights from our Keynote Supporters […]
London, UK Claire Hepher-Davies Sarah Hoare Robert Edwards Alina Sechrest Geoffrey Stevens Joshua Thomas Bharati Ghodke David Chapman Herbie Barnieh Zeina Hawa Lorenzo Ciancarini
A new vision for water: key takeaways from the Defra water white paper and the impact on operators
The Defra Water White Paper 2026, titled “A New Vision for Water”, sets out the UK Government’s long‑term plan to reform and revitalise the water […]
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