 Free festive travel as bus firm scoops more plaudits
Reading Buses, who run services in the borough with their sister firm Thames Valley Buses, have again been named Top Shire Operator in the UK Bus Awards.
They've won this seven times since 2012 and this year they also came third in the UK-wide Bus Operator of the Year category.
This follows their third consecutive Passenger Transport Award at the Chartered Institute for Logistics and Transport Awards in September.
Over the next few weekends, you can ride free on any local single bus journey that starts in the borough thanks to an offer we're providing.
This includes services by Carousel Buses, whose 850 route from High Wycombe to Reading passes through Wargrave, Twyford, Charvil and Sonning.
Similar offers are available in some other council areas, and there's also a discount on park and ride fares arranged by Reading Borough Council.
These offers are funded by the Department for Transport through the Bus Service Improvement Plans that we and other councils have prepared.
We'll be consulting everyone on bus provision across the borough next year, as part of a review of the services that we fund. We'll let you know more nearer the time - please share your views when you can!
 Don't let seasonal delays spoil your Christmas
We're closing part of the A4 near Woodley, just north of Shepherds Hill roundabout, for essential maintenance on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
It'll be closed in both directions from 6am to 6pm and open outside these times, with two diversions - one for cars and lighter vehicles and another for HGVs.
This is due to the weight restriction at the Pound Lane and Butts Hill Road bridge.
Meanwhile, motorways across the country are expected to be very busy in the final run-up to Christmas, even with most planned closures suspended.
If you're driving further afield for your celebrations, you should plan your journey on the National Highways website.
Reading Buses have now confirmed changes to their festive bus times, and you can plan your bus journey with Carousel too.
There'll be changes to rail services across the country over the festive period, so check National Rail's guidance if you've got plans.
If you're flying anywhere, this is one of the busiest times for airports. Allow time not only for delays on the road, but getting through security.
Looking ahead, between Tuesday 6 and Friday 9 January, Sonning Bridge will close overnight (8pm to 6am) for works by Scottish and Southern Power Distribution.
Several festive events are coming up including the Twyford Together Christmas Fayre (tomorrow, 5 December) and the Woodley Christmas Extravaganza and Reading Toy Run on Sunday, 7 December. They could be disruptive so plan your journey around them - and have fun if you're going!
 Above (click or tap to enlarge): the fake website which the scam text leads to
Don't be fooled as old parking scam resurfaces
We've been contacted again by concerned residents who've received a text claiming they owe us an overdue parking fine.
This links to a fake Government website (pictured above) displaying the potential victim's registration number and a threat of court action.
You should just delete these messages as we would either place a penalty charge notice (PCN) on your windscreen or contact the registered keeper by post.
Don't click any links or give any personal details - and if think you've already given details to a scammer, follow official advice on what to do next.
If you've received a genuine parking fine from us and want to dispute it, you can make an appeal and we'll look at your case on its merits. No-one wants a fine, but parking enforcement is vital for everyone's safety and convenience.
 Road closure to overlap with existing diversion
There'll be a road closure on Nine Mile Ride in Finchampstead, between White Horse Lane and Warren Lane, next weekend (13 and 14 December).
This will allow South East Water (SEW) to install a new water main. The diversion will follow the B3016, B3348, A327, and Nine Mile Ride Extension.
Drivers following the diversion for Thames Water's Evendons Lane closure should follow part of the SEW diversion route and rejoin the main diversion at Park Lane.
Following talks between us and SEW, they've rearranged their programme so it can be done over a weekend - and not five days as originally planned.
As we've previously reported, we do all we can to reduce delays and have postponed many non-essential works while Thames Water fix a damaged sewer.
But in emergencies and other circumstances, like ensuring residents or businesses have a supply, utility companies have a legal right to carry out work.
They still have to apply for a works permit but we can't refuse this without a valid reason and have to help them meet their legal obligations to the public.
We always try to time works so they overlap and encourage companies to work together, but sometimes that can't be done for logistical or safety reasons.
Last week, we mentioned disruptive works that are due on Blagrove Lane and Edneys Hill near Wokingham next March. These have since been removed from our map while we resolve some details with the applicant. Apologies for any confusion and we'll let you know when the final dates are confirmed.
 Knitted hearts raise awareness of women's safety
Volunteers handed out hand-knitted hearts to rail passengers to raise awareness and offer support to women experiencing violence from men.
The gesture at Reading station was organised by the Southeast Community Rail Partnership, with our support, as part of the White Ribbon Day initiative.
The hearts offered a a soft, discreet and symbolic gesture of care to passengers, staff and local businesses, and included QR code links to support services.
While incidents on our railways are relatively infrequent, recent surveys show:
- Women and girls feel more vulnerable at stations and on trains than men
- Young people often feel intimidated by drunk, rowdy or anti-social passengers
If you witness violence or harassment in public, you can report it immediately on 101 (or 999 if you think someone is in danger).
You may be able to intervene with a non-confrontational gesture if you think it's safe, according to guidance from British Transport Police.
The rail partnership are making wider safety efforts, including staff safeguarding training and public awareness campaigns. They also coordinated a public artwork at Wokingham station for the 200th anniversary of Britain's railways, with contributions from the CLASP learning disability group.
 Upcoming roadworks
We think these works will be the most disruptive, but you can see a list of all upcoming works in your area or browse our interactive map.
Finchampstead
Two-way lights - Nine Mile Ride
Wednesday 10 to Monday 15 December
There'll be two-way lights near the junction with Heath Ride while SSE disconnect a power supply.
Road closure - Nine Mile Ride
Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 December
There'll be a road closure between California Country Park and White Horse Lane while South East Water install a new water main. Access will be maintained where possible for residents, emergency vehicles and waste collection.
Twyford
Multi-way lights - Hurst Road
Monday 8 to Wednesday 10 December (9.30am to 4pm daily)
There'll be multi-way lights at the junction with Broadwater Road while Cityfibre carry out fibre optic works.
Winnersh
Two-way lights - Robin Hood Lane
Thursday 11 to Monday 15 December (9am to 3pm daily)
There'll be two-way lights between Sherwood Road and Arbor Lane while BT carry out fibre optic works.
Keeping up to date
- For planned and emergency roadworks, follow us on Facebook
- To find out about roadworks near you, visit our interactive map
- For active and sustainable travel, visit My Journey Wokingham
- Visit our major new roads page for plans and updates
- Find out more about resurfacing and repairs including potholes
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Report any issues with roads and streets online - including street lights, problems with traffic lights, potholes, damaged street furniture, problems with road markings and removal of dead animals.
- Find out more about parking and permits including car park locations and costs, resident permits, park and ride services and appealing a parking fine
- Our transport and travel page includes applying for a senior citizen's or disabled person's bus and train pass, as well as public transport information
- The blue parking badges page has information on applying for, using, replacing and returning your blue badge
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