PhD research students Lucia Nölle and Tudor-Ioan Caba have spent almost three months applying their mathematical expertise to support the Scottish Road Works Commissioner (SRWC) in understanding the impact of road works on traffic flows across Scotland.
The project marks the first stage of a wider programme of placements that will see doctoral research students from the Algebra, Geometry and Quantum Fields Centre for Doctoral Training (AGQ CDT) work alongside the SRWC. Through these collaborations, researchers will help develop new analytical approaches and improvements to existing systems, supporting more effective planning, coordination and management of road works throughout Scotland.
By combining advanced mathematical modelling with real-world transport data, the project aims to provide evidence-based insights that can help minimise disruption to road users while improving the efficiency of road works planning and delivery.
“We are delighted by the research that Lucia and Tudor-Ioan have been working on and the insights they have created to help us assess the impact of planned road works and improve our systems for the benefit of road users in Scotland.”
Kevin Hamilton, Scottish Road Works Commissioner
“With more than 166,000 road works started in 2024/25 over 57,327 km of roads in Scotland the complexity and data volumes of road works planning provide a very challenging real world research project environment for our doctoral research students. Lucia and Tudor-Ioan have made great progress as the first researcher placements of the programme. AGQ look forward to supporting SRWC with further placements to progress this important work.”
Professor Richard Szabo, AGQ CDT Executive Team Lead for External Engagement
The report can be found here:
AGQ CDT research project - The impact of road works on traffic | Scottish Road Works Commissioner
Photo L-R: Kevin Hamilton – Scottish Road Works Commissioner, Lucia Nölle, Tudor-Ioan Caba, Professor Richard Szabo – AGQ CDT
EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Algebra, Geometry and Quantum Fields (AGQ CDT)
The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Algebra, Geometry, and Quantum Fields (AGQ CDT) is a collaborative effort by Heriot-Watt University, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Glasgow. Our programme is at the forefront of mathematical innovation, leveraging the power of symmetry, geometry, and quantum physics to shape the science and technologies of tomorrow.
The vision for this centre is two-pronged. The doctoral research students will learn to navigate the vibrant new interfaces between Algebra, Geometry, and Quantum Fields and will build a strong abstract foundation. But they will also be prepared to become leaders in industry and society, equipped with innovative problem-solving skills, with expertise in advanced computing, and with the confidence and capability to communicate their work to the wider world.
AGQ CDT – EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Algebra, Geometry and Quantum Fields
The Scottish Road Works Commissioner (SRWC)
The Scottish Road Works Commissioner is an independent public official established under section 16 of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2005 and is accountable to the Scottish Ministers and ultimately the Scottish Parliament.
The Commissioner's aim is to improve the planning, co-ordination and quality of road works throughout Scotland.
The Commissioner monitors performance, promotes and encourages good practice across both utility companies and roads authorities. He also has powers to inspect road works and investigate the organisations carrying these out. Where this identifies systematic failures, the Commissioner can exercise his compliance powers. Organisations who fail to meet acceptable standards can be subject to financial penalties.
What We Do | Scottish Road Works Commissioner
Contact
Office of the Scottish Road Works Commissioner
Tel: 0131 244 9936
Email:enquiries@roadworks.scot