Transport connections are integral to delivering economic growth, job opportunities, and improved outcomes for communities around the country.
Whilst connecting people to the people and places that are important to them, the nation’s highways and transport networks also play a big part in wider government aims, especially around issues such as decarbonisation.
In order to discuss examples of best practice, some of the biggest barriers to success, and how communities can remain connected, Public Sector Executive brought together leaders from across the sector at its 2024 Highways and Transport Networks online conference. Across five panel discussions and three keynote speeches, the audience heard from representatives of organisations including Transport for the North, Midlands Connect, HS2, and the Transport Action Network.
The day began with a keynote speech from Owen Wilson, Head of Major Roads at Transport for the North, who discussed some of the biggest challenges faced in transport, what work is being done in the North of England, and how transport can be futureproofed through new technologies.
“The future is uncertain in terms of new technologies. We do need to work towards future futureproofing out networks” – Owen Wilson
Future Proofing Transport Networks
The first panel discussion of the day followed from there, moving on to further explore the idea of futureproofing transport networks. With issues ranging from the environment to bigger vehicles being on the road, it is essential that those in charge of improving transport are keeping pace with development, even looking forward at what the future of transport might look like as opposed to simply adapting to the times.
Joining this discussion was Mark Collins (Transport for West Midlands), Daniel Hobbs (Connected Places Catapult), and Chris Todd (Transport Action Network).
“You can see the benefit when you do have a local or regional leader who is prepared to take political risks” – Chris Todd
Digitalisation
Innovation and modernisation is central to keeping highways and other transport infrastructure up to date. Digitalisation can ensure that the future of road networks is secure, whilst offering the opportunity for huge levels of transformation across the board – including safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
With digitalisation, the focus of the conference’s second panel discussion, host Nicole Norman was joined by Anna Watt, Kerry Blakeman, and Mark Collins – all from Transport for West Midlands.
“I don’t think we’ve reached optimum performance, in terms of drones and drone technology in the world of transport.” – Kerry Blakeman
The second keynote speech followed the discussion around digitalisation, with this particular speech focusing on artificial intelligence. Passing on some vital insight into the uses of AI in the public sector, CEO and Founder of Autogen AI Sean Williams told delegates of how Autogen can support efficiency developments.
“Large language models allow computers to be able to read and write for the first time. Not only can they read and write, but they can read and write orders of magnitude faster than humans can” – Sean Williams
Multi-modal
With so many different modes of transport on offer, each with its own positive and negative aspects, careful planning and integration is required by those making local and regional transport decisions. Massive community benefits can be unlocked by bringing public transport together and encouraging further active travel use.
Discussing the latest advancements in multi-modal transport, and the impact it can have on communities, was Phill Bibby (Hertfordshire County Council), Kate Morris (Leeds City Council), and Sarah Spink (Midlands Connect).
Decarbonisation and biodiversity
Whilst organisations up and down the country try and drive improvements in transport networks, one of the key factors in this work is the environmental impact of transport. As of December 2023, there were 41.2 million licensed vehicles in the UK, so improving public transport and active travel can play a huge role in the reduction of carbon emissions from transport.
In order to talk about the impact that the road network has on biodiversity – from noise pollution to water outfalls – the penultimate panel discussion of the day saw Ian Hawthorne (London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham), Nigel Riglar (South Gloucestershire Council), and Dr Rachel Allison (HS2) come together.
“We’re trying to make sure that by the time we’re running, our wildlife habitats will be in the same way or better than when we started construction.” – Dr Rachel Allison
Following the panel, the final keynote speaker addressed delegates. Director of Environment and Transport at Leicestershire County Council, Anne Carruthers, explored how local authorities can support wider government objectives through its transport infrastructure. This saw Anne touching on areas such as franchising, integration, and decarbonisation.
“We need to make sure devolution does not lead to some areas being left behind because they can’t get a deal off the ground. We need equity of opportunity, regardless of local politics.” – Anne Carruthers
Road safety
As our roads change, and more people take up active transport to get around, it is vital that road safety continues to be a focus. The government has recently backed this up with £38.3 million to improve safety on 17 of the nation’s most dangerous roads, but more must be done.
Discussing how safety on the roads can be improved, whilst not putting people off travelling by walking, wheeling or cycling, Darren Divall (Transport for West Midlands) and Chris Todd (Transport Action Network) joined the final panel discussion of the day.
“A strategic approach needs to be in place at a national level because it drives the work at a regional level.” – Darren Divall
If you missed the event live, you can catch the conference on demand now.
