Roads.org.uk π³οΈβππ³οΈββ§οΈ
@roads.org.uk
We write about UK road infrastructure and history! Join us for updates and other stuff from the UK's favourite roads website, www.roads.org.uk
Pinned
Hello, here's my ridiculous side project
An introduction to what I write, and why I write it, and where my strange new road sign simulator fits in to all this.
open.substack.com
Today I'm launching a silly roads-related side project - the Simulator, that will let you take journeys around the UK's major roads from the comfort of your chair. And to explain why I have invested so much effort in something so pointless, I wrote this. open.substack.com/pub/roadsorg...
Thank you so much!
January 9, 2026 at 12:34 PM
Thank you so much!
Happy memories of an email I once received from a driving instructor asking if the A1(M) near Peterborough is a motorway.
January 9, 2026 at 11:33 AM
Happy memories of an email I once received from a driving instructor asking if the A1(M) near Peterborough is a motorway.
Reposted by Roads.org.uk π³οΈβππ³οΈββ§οΈ
Well there's a lovely thing, my blog hit 1.5m visits this week. Hoping to write a bit more this year.
therantyhighwayman.blogspot.com
therantyhighwayman.blogspot.com
The Ranty Highwayman
The adventures in time & space of a Chartered Civil Engineer, specialising in designing for walking and cycling.
therantyhighwayman.blogspot.com
January 9, 2026 at 11:22 AM
Well there's a lovely thing, my blog hit 1.5m visits this week. Hoping to write a bit more this year.
therantyhighwayman.blogspot.com
therantyhighwayman.blogspot.com
Thank you!
January 8, 2026 at 9:58 PM
Thank you!
Oh, you went for the classic routes! Iβm hoping to have the modern M60 and 62 before too long.
January 8, 2026 at 7:02 PM
Oh, you went for the classic routes! Iβm hoping to have the modern M60 and 62 before too long.
Just launched, something brilliantly pointless and surprisingly addictive: the Simulator will let you take virtual journeys around the UK's road network with realistic road signs and without the traffic. All you need is your web browser. Why not take a spin? sim.roads.org.uk
January 8, 2026 at 6:41 PM
Just launched, something brilliantly pointless and surprisingly addictive: the Simulator will let you take virtual journeys around the UK's road network with realistic road signs and without the traffic. All you need is your web browser. Why not take a spin? sim.roads.org.uk
I donβt know for sure but 1967 or 68 would be right - probably 67 for a longer three year construction period for a difficult stretch like this. Artists liked to be futurists on commissions like this so possibly included the future electrification?
January 8, 2026 at 2:49 PM
I donβt know for sure but 1967 or 68 would be right - probably 67 for a longer three year construction period for a difficult stretch like this. Artists liked to be futurists on commissions like this so possibly included the future electrification?
Thatβs definitely something Iβd like to do in the future! And yes, I had fun with the services signs, theyβre one of my favourite things. Glad you liked them too!
January 8, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Thatβs definitely something Iβd like to do in the future! And yes, I had fun with the services signs, theyβre one of my favourite things. Glad you liked them too!
Likewise! And at Apleyhead you had to turn the corner at one so you didnβt even go straight on.
January 8, 2026 at 8:17 AM
Likewise! And at Apleyhead you had to turn the corner at one so you didnβt even go straight on.
Thank you!
January 8, 2026 at 8:16 AM
Thank you!
Yes, since making the move Iβve realised itβs not 100% uncontroversial. But Iβm happy to stick with it for a bit and see how it goes.
January 8, 2026 at 8:16 AM
Yes, since making the move Iβve realised itβs not 100% uncontroversial. But Iβm happy to stick with it for a bit and see how it goes.
Fixed! Thank you for that.
January 7, 2026 at 11:11 PM
Fixed! Thank you for that.
Marvellous! I think anticlockwise is the better commentary for the M25 so I must compliment your good taste.
January 7, 2026 at 11:07 PM
Marvellous! I think anticlockwise is the better commentary for the M25 so I must compliment your good taste.
I can fix that without much trouble - if you still have it handy can you send me a link? Or let me know which junction?
January 7, 2026 at 11:06 PM
I can fix that without much trouble - if you still have it handy can you send me a link? Or let me know which junction?
A standalone blog just gets left behind these days, in a network you find more people. In two posts I can already see the difference. People kept suggesting I try it and I ran out of excuses!
January 7, 2026 at 10:41 PM
A standalone blog just gets left behind these days, in a network you find more people. In two posts I can already see the difference. People kept suggesting I try it and I ran out of excuses!
Thatβs not far from me but Iβve never noticed it! Iβll have a look next time Iβm passing that way.
January 7, 2026 at 10:29 PM
Thatβs not far from me but Iβve never noticed it! Iβll have a look next time Iβm passing that way.
Itβs not far from me so Iβll have to see whether itβs still there next time I pass!
January 7, 2026 at 10:28 PM
Itβs not far from me so Iβll have to see whether itβs still there next time I pass!
I had a lot of fun with those!
January 7, 2026 at 10:27 PM
I had a lot of fun with those!
Thatβs me! And yes, taken very much in the intended spirit, Iβd describe myself that way too
January 7, 2026 at 10:25 PM
Thatβs me! And yes, taken very much in the intended spirit, Iβd describe myself that way too
Very glad to hear this, thank you!
January 7, 2026 at 10:24 PM
Very glad to hear this, thank you!
Thank you!
January 7, 2026 at 9:53 PM
Thank you!
Thank you so much!
January 7, 2026 at 9:44 PM
Thank you so much!
Easier to work ahead and imagine it finished than have to come back and keep fiddling with it!
January 7, 2026 at 9:37 PM
Easier to work ahead and imagine it finished than have to come back and keep fiddling with it!
I feel like Iβm in good company with someone who created an online teletext viewer!
January 7, 2026 at 9:34 PM
I feel like Iβm in good company with someone who created an online teletext viewer!