Episode 39

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Published on:

16th Oct 2025

Policy unpicked: What Simon Lightwood’s plans mean for Britain’s road network on today's Highways Voices, thanks to Westcotec, SWARCO, Clearway and Arcadis

The Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood MP gave his first major speech in his new role at Highways UK today (Thursday) and you can hear it in full on today's Highways Voices podcast.

In today’s podcast, sponsored by Clearway, Westcotec, Arcadis and SWARCO, he is joined by technology innovators and industry experts who discuss the future of the UK’s road network. From AI-driven asset management to smarter maintenance and collaborative partnerships, you'll learn about decisions that are shaping tomorrow’s transport infrastructure, especially at a time when every pound of investment must deliver more value, more safety, and less carbon.

This includes how AI and machine learning are being used to predict crashes, optimise investments, and extend asset life cycles, and real-world success stories of collaboration between suppliers, contractors, and local authorities—proving that partnership and innovation can go hand in hand to deliver safer, smarter roads.

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Today you'll hear from:

  • Roads and Buses Minister, Simon Lightwood MP
  • Arcadis Innovation Director, Alex Walton
  • Westcotec Sales Director, Olly Samways
  • SWARCO Head of Business Development - Interurban, Darren Smith
  • Women In Transport's Jennie Harrison
  • Traffic Group Managing Director, Jonathan Brook
  • RSTA Chief Executive, Mike Hansford

Plus Paul Hutton, Adrian Tatum and Kevin Borras.

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About the Podcast

Highways Voices: Talking Roads and Transport Technology innovation
The highways and transport technology industries' podcast from Highways-News.com
The Highways Voices podcast is a must-listen for professionals in the Highways and Transport Technology industries covering construction, maintenance, Intelligent Transport Systems and Public Transportation.

Presented by leading journalists Paul Hutton and Adrian Tatum, you’ll hear industry leaders sharing insights you won’t hear anywhere else, giving you a taste of the latest thinking about the sector's new techniques and technologies, collaborations and innovations. All in the time it takes for an average daily commute (or dog walk!).

We bring you keynote-speaker quality guests into your phone or laptop, ensuring every time you listen you’ll learn something new you can use in your day-to-day job.

Plus, you'll catch up with the top stories from the daily newsletters sent by Highways-News.com and hear the latest from our podcast partners LCRIG, the TTF, ADEPT and ITS UK.

About your host

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Highways Voices

Highways Voices is the weekly podcast from Highways-News.com. In it, Paul Hutton and Adrian Tatum speak to thought leaders, decision makers and inventors in the highways and transport technology industries. New editions are unloaded every Wednesday.