There is now just one week left to enter the DfT Special Recognition Awards 2026, with entries closing at 5pm on Friday 21 August.
If you know an individual, team, project or partnership that deserves recognition for the difference they are making across the highways and transport sector, now is the time to put them forward.
Now in their seventh year, the DfT Special Recognition Awards are proudly hosted by LCRIG on behalf of the Department for Transport. Established by the late Steve Berry OBE, former Head of Highways Maintenance, Innovation and Resilience at the DfT, the awards continue his legacy by celebrating the people and organisations going the extra mile to drive innovation, collaboration and positive change across the sector.
The winners will be announced at the DfT Special Recognition Awards ceremony on Wednesday 7 October, as part of Strictly Highways 2026 at the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool.
Award Categories
There are a range of categories recognising excellence across the highways and transportation sector:
- Employer Initiative of the Year Award, sponsored by Triopsis
- Highways Apprentice of the Year Award, sponsored by RMS
- Best Use of Technology in the Highways and Transportation Sector Award, sponsored by Nu-Phalt Contracting
- Transport Technology Innovation Award, sponsored by Winvic
- Net Zero Project of the Year Award, sponsored by Galliford Try
- Collaborative Partnership Award, sponsored by Heidelberg Materials
- Best of Britain Award, sponsored by Kiely Group
- Outstanding Contribution Award (Private Sector), sponsored by Multevo
New for 2026, the Outstanding Contribution Award (Private Sector) recognises an exceptional individual working in the private sector who has made a lasting and meaningful impact on the highways sector.
The DfT Special Recognition Awards are open to all, giving organisations and individuals from across the sector the opportunity to showcase their achievements on a national stage.
Why Enter?
The awards are an opportunity to celebrate the work you and your teams are proud of, recognise the people behind that success and share achievements that are making a tangible difference across the highways community.
Whether it’s an innovative technology, a successful partnership, a project helping to accelerate decarbonisation or an individual who has gone above and beyond, we want to hear about it.
With just one week remaining, don’t miss the opportunity to give that work the recognition it deserves.
Submit Your Entry
Visit the DfT Special Recognition Awards page to view the full criteria for each category and submit your entry.
Find out more and submit your entry here.
Don’t miss your chance to celebrate the people, projects and organisations making a difference across our sector.
Entries close at 5pm on Friday 21 August 2026.
Join Us at Strictly Highways 2026
Public sector delegate places are still available for Strictly Highways 2026. As well as hosting the DfT Special Recognition Awards, the event features a comprehensive CPD-accredited conference, an extensive exhibition and invaluable networking opportunities, bringing together local authorities, the supply chain, industry experts and the Department for Transport to explore the latest developments shaping the highways sector.
Apply now for your fully funded public sector place.
Thank you to our 2026 Strictly Highways sponsors
