This week’s VfTT comes a little later than usual, but for a good reason. The Transport Technology Forum (TTF) Conference took place this week, and I couldn’t wait to share the experience with you. I have to say, it was the best one yet. That’s not to downplay the quality of previous years, but as the TTF grows, so too does the number of delegates, and with that comes richer, more engaging discussions.
The speaker lineup was truly impressive, spanning Government and Local Government, with international and European perspectives adding even more depth. Of course, there were also updates from TTF’s well-regarded working groups, which have become a core part of the forum’s identity.
While there was plenty to celebrate, there was also a bittersweet note, as the industry said goodbye to two long-standing champions: Anthony Ferguson, Deputy Director of Traffic & Technology at the Road Strategy Directorate at DfT, and Graham Hanson, a well-known figure at DfT Traffic and Technology. Both men have been instrumental in pioneering ideas within the sector and have been unwavering supporters of TTF.
The conference kicked off with a deep dive into Government policy, setting the stage for conversations around AI, Data, Connectivity, Cyber Security, D-TRO, and Connected Vehicle data. Dr. Annette Pass masterfully tied it all together, painting a vision of interconnectedness across all these critical areas.
One of the standout moments for me came from the Local Authorities. Representatives from Lancashire CC, Bath and NE Somerset, Portsmouth, Rotherham MBC, and Glasgow shared real-world insights on dealing with obsolescence, leveraging the TSOG grant, maximising the impact of connected data, and managing the day-to-day challenges of aging infrastructure. While I’ve always been fascinated by government policy, it’s the local authority sessions that truly capture the frontline realities of service delivery. The sessions were not only informative but peppered with humor, making the serious discussions around funding challenges, especially those tied to short-term funding, hit home with even greater impact.
Elsewhere in the two-day event was the STREETWISE meeting – a closed session for the devolved nations, including the Welsh Government, Transport Scotland, Northern Ireland Road Infrastructure Department, the Department for Transport, and major operators like Transport for London, National Highways, and Transport Infrastructure Ireland. I’ve covered STREETWISE before in VfTT, but its role in ensuring seamless transport across borders remains as crucial as ever.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the support of our sponsors. Clearview Intelligence delivered an insightful presentation on integrating data, Yunex Traffic hosted the bursting networking events, and AECOM not only sponsored the TTF working group sessions but also led a new feature for this year – a roundtable discussion, which you can read more about here.
To wrap things up, the prominence of AI throughout the conference was clear, with discussions ranging from policy and legislation to hands-on applications by local councils. It’s an area that we’re keen to explore further, with our introductory webinar on the topic scheduled for Monday. I’m genuinely excited to see how these conversations evolve and shape the future of transport technology.
Paula Claytonsmith, CEO
