Transport news

New on-board system will allow trains to instantly detect ‘leaves on the line’

Researchers are developing an on-board system for trains that can identify low adhesion hazards such as ‘leaves on the line’ as well as other issues that cause the rail equivalent of black ice.
Cat Gardner

RAEng Industrial Fellow to be based at National Centre for Combustion and Aerothermal Technology to develop sustainable air travel solutions

Dr Cat Gardner, Aerothermal Technologist at Rolls-Royce, has been awarded an Industrial Fellowship by the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng).

As fuel prices and living costs rise, Loughborough produces official calculations for measuring fuel poverty in remote areas

Calculations of how much more it costs to live in remote areas of Scotland have been published by the Scottish Government, using Loughborough’s research on the minimum cost of living.

What electric vehicle manufacturers can learn from China – their biggest market

Despite the pandemic, global sales of electric vehicles (EVs) increased by 43% in 2020. Total EV sales in China were 1.3 million, an increase of 8% compared to 2019, and 41% of all EVs sold worldwide. Though Europe sold more than China for the first time since 2015, China is still the world’s biggest national market for EVs.
Image of REACT by Joe Bentley.

Student designs life-saving device that rapidly stops bleeding from knife wounds

In the year ending March 2019, 259 people were killed in the UK using a sharp instrument, including knives and broken bottles.

Loughborough-led project to help guide national rollout of Electric Vehicle chargepoints

A new Loughborough University-led study will be examining the use of existing Electric Vehicle (EV) chargepoint networks to help guide their widespread introduction across the UK.

Loughborough University to work with HS2 as landmark R&D agreement signed with the UK Collaboratorium for Research on Infrastructure & Cities

As part of its innovation programme, HS2 Ltd has signed a ground-breaking agreement with leading infrastructure research centres in UK universities, which will enable it to access world-leading research capabilities, knowledge and facilities.

New ‘roadmap’ sets out 20-years of technological change in the UK motor industry

Loughborough University’s Institute of Digital Engineering has created a ‘roadmap’ to guide the UK automotive sector through the next 20-years of industry digitalisation.

Loughborough professor tasked with tackling BAME and gender issues in the UK motor industry

Emeritus Professor Jim Saker will investigate ways to improve diversity in the UK motor industry as the head of a new national taskforce.
Transport MSc image

Loughborough University launches MSc in Intelligent Transport Systems

Loughborough University is recruiting students for a new MSc in Intelligent Transport programme which will start in October 2021.

Drivers needed for road safety study

A European road safety initiative is looking for car drivers to test the next generation of motoring technology.

Chief Executive of HS2 joins Loughborough University as a Visiting Professor

The Chief Executive of HS2 Ltd and Loughborough alumnus, Mark Thurston, has joined the University as Visiting Professor of Complex Project and Programme Leadership.

Nissan staying in UK is great news after Brexit, but car industry’s future is still very unclear

When the UK voted for Brexit, there were no positives for the UK car industry. The prospect of a 10% tariff on car production that involves parts and sub-assemblies moving in and out of the UK was untenable.
Professor Jim Saker

Loughborough Professor appointed as new President of The Institute of the Motor Industry

Professor Jim Saker was named the Institute of the Motor Industry’s (IMI) new president at their Annual General Meeting on 27 October.

Theia.

Student designs autonomous way-finding device for visually impaired people unable to home a guide dog

There are more than 253 million visually impaired people worldwide, yet only a small proportion use a guide dog to get around, the remaining majority rely on white canes.

Turtle trapped in a net

FEATURE: Pushing the boundaries of drone engineering to protect marine life from extinction

Commercial drone pilot Melissa Schiele has joined Loughborough University’s Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering – and she has big plans.

Coronavirus is a once in a lifetime chance to reshape how we travel

The transport sector has been impacted as much as any by the coronavirus. This isn’t a normal period of disruption, which is usually caused by failures in supply such as road accidents or industrial action. In this case it is the lack of demand that is the problem.

More caffeine is not the answer for tired lorry drivers – new study shows too much coffee could have negative effects

Lorry drivers who consumed large amounts of coffee and energy drinks reported having crashed more compared to those only drank small quantities of caffeine, according to new research.
Illustrations of cars in arrows.

Four things the UK government must do to phase out petrol, diesel and hybrid cars by 2035

The UK government recently pledged to bring forward a ban on new diesel and petrol car sales from 2040, to 2035.

A vector ofa blue car.

Why is Tesla selling insurance and what does it mean for drivers?

In the past year, Elon Musk and Tesla have fascinated the world with new innovations like the Tesla Cybertruck. There is excitement about most new Tesla products, but one hugely important one has been largely overlooked.

A car taking off the road. Illustration.

Are self-driving cars safe? Expert on how we will drive in the future

Cars are changing – fast. But are innovations such as autonomous and flying cars a bright new dawn, or just a wild pipe dream? And if they become the future’s way of getting from A to B, can we trust them to take us there safely? Here are five key questions answered by Loughborough University's Professor Andrew Morris, an expert in Human Factors in Transport Safety.
Ask an Expert.

Video Q&A: We asked an expert panel your questions on the future of transport

What will our cars look like if they become fully autonomous? What’s the likelihood of vehicle-to-grid being successful? Will flying cars be safe? Or will they present new dangers?

Virtual engine test simulator is transforming China's fledgling hydrogen car industry

Scientists have created a computer simulation program which allows car manufacturers in China to virtually test hydrogen fuel cell engines instead of building expensive prototypes.
Traffic in Kolkata, India. Image courtesy of Getty Images.

Academics to help design electric vehicle specific to the Indian market in a bid to improve the country’s uptake of clean transport tech

Loughborough University academics have been awarded funding to help with the design and development of a four-wheeled electric vehicle for research, teaching and outreach in India.

Loughborough’s lifesaving road safety research given royal recognition at the Savoy

Loughborough academics were at The Savoy hotel in London to meet HRH Prince Michael of Kent and collect awards for their pioneering research into road safety.