Innovation is driving the future of highways, from new technologies and smarter ways of working to collaborative partnerships delivering better outcomes for our communities.
The 2026 DfT Special Recognition Awards are your opportunity to showcase that work, celebrate your achievements and gain recognition from across the sector when the winners are announced at Strictly Highways 2026.
Following an inspiring week at the Innovation & Learning Festival, where delegates experienced first-hand the breadth of innovation happening across the highways community, there’s no better time to recognise the organisations and individuals making that innovation a reality.
Could your project, partnership or technology be next to receive national recognition?
Entries are now open, with two standout categories putting cutting-edge thinking centre stage:
- Best Use of Technology Award
- Transport Technology Innovation Award
Best Use of Technology in the Highways and Transportation Sector
Sponsored by Nu-phalt Contracting
From AI and digital asset management to connected data and innovative maintenance solutions, technology is transforming how our highway networks are managed.
This award recognises an organisation or partnership that has successfully used technology to improve efficiency, enhance decision making or deliver better outcomes for highway authorities and road users.
Last year’s winner, WJ Group and HAAS Alert, was recognised for improving roadworker safety through real-time in-car Variable Message Signs (VMS). By integrating HAAS Alert’s Safety Cloud technology with WJ’s Chapter 8 vehicle work lights, drivers receive instant digital alerts through navigation apps and in-car infotainment systems as soon as roadworks begin.
The judges said: “This project exemplifies how innovative systems can protect lives, enhance communication, and drive progress in the sector.”
If your organisation has embraced technology to solve challenges or improve the way highways are managed and maintained, we’d love to hear about it.
Transport Technology Innovation Award
Sponsored by Winvic
The Transport Technology Innovation award recognises transformative innovations addressing the evolving demands and future challenges of the highways and transportation sector.
Last year’s winner, VivaCity, was recognised for its AI-powered Near Miss Detection technology, helping authorities identify potential collision hotspots before serious incidents occur. By analysing interactions between vulnerable road users and vehicles, the technology provides data-driven insights that enable targeted safety improvements.
The judges said: “VivaCity’s Near Miss AI Detection stands out for its ability to identify risks before collisions happen. With evidence of an 88% reduction in near misses at pilot sites and adoption by authorities, it offers a scalable, data-driven way to make roads safer for vulnerable users.”
If your organisation is developing technology that’s changing the way we understand, manage or improve our transport networks, we’d encourage you to enter.
Why Enter?
The DfT Special Recognition Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the work you’re proud of, recognise the people behind it and share your achievements with colleagues from across the highways sector.
Whether your project was showcased at this week’s Innovation & Learning Festival or has been quietly delivering results over the past year, entering the Awards is an opportunity to gain the recognition it deserves.
- National recognition from peers and the Department for Transport
- Free to enter, with the chance to showcase your work on a national stage
- Raise your profile and celebrate your team’s achievements
Submit Your Entry
Entries are now open across all award categories, with winners announced during the DfT Special Recognition Awards Ceremony at Strictly Highways 2026.
Deadline to enter: 21 August 2026 at 5pm
Find out more and submit your entry
If you’re delivering innovation or embracing technology that is making a difference across the highways sector, we’d encourage you to put your work forward.
The awards will be presented during Strictly Highways 2026, bringing together the highways community to celebrate the outstanding people, projects and innovations shaping the future of our sector.
Find out more and book your place to join us
Thank you to our Strictly Highways 2026 sponsors
