Innovation is transforming how we manage, maintain, and improve our roads – and the DfT Special Recognition Awards shine a spotlight on the organisations driving that change. Entries are now open, with two standout categories putting cutting-edge thinking centre stage:
- Best Use of Technology Award
- Transport Technology Innovation Award
If you’re leading the way with fresh ideas or using technology to solve real-world challenges, these are the awards to enter.
Best Use of Technology in the Highways and Transportation Sector
Sponsored by Polaris Software
This award recognises an organisation or partnership that can demonstrate the best use of technology within the highways and transportation sector.
Last year’s winner: VivaCity and Transport for West Midlands.
The winning project saw Transport for West Midlands (part of the West Midlands Combined Authority) collaborate with VivaCity to deliver a UK-first project to improve road safety within the West Midlands, using innovative AI-powered computer vision technology to gather road safety insights and near-miss data.
The judges praised it as “a great innovative use of AI technology to gather road safety insights and near miss data.”
The judges also gave a Highly Commended award to Durham County Council in recognition of the council’s engagement with National Underground Asset Register. Judges were impressed by their appetite for innovation, stating: “It’s very refreshing to see a local authority having such an appetite for innovation and forward thinking.”
Transport Technology Innovation Award
Sponsored by Multevo
This award recognises transformative innovations addressing the evolving demands and future challenges of the highways and transportation sector.
Last year’s winner: Aisin RoadTrace
RoadTrace™, a pioneering data insights offering by Aisin, stood out for its data-driven approach to improving road safety and maintenance across the UK and beyond. After two years of successful implementations, including a significant project with Transport Scotland, RoadTrace™ has been adopted by more than ten local and county authorities – and piloted by National Highways. This innovative offering delivers proactive insights that help prevent collisions and save lives.
The judges said it is “a really good innovation that is using new technology to meet real issues.”
Why Enter?
- National recognition from industry peers and the Department for Transport
- Free to enter, with the chance to showcase your work on a national stage
- Raise your profile and demonstrate leadership in innovation and technology
Deadline to enter: 15 August 2025 at 5pm
Find out more and submit your entries
Whether you’re a supply chain organisation collaborating with local authorities or a council adopting new solutions to improve outcomes – these awards are your chance to step into the spotlight.
The awards will be presented during Strictly Highways 2025, which brings together the whole highways community and celebrates the amazing work taking place across our sector.