With the deadline to enter the DfT Special Recognition Awards 2026 fast approaching, we’re pleased to introduce the remaining members of this year’s judging panel.
In Part One, we introduced the first members of this year’s judging panel. Now, we meet the remaining judges bringing their experience and expertise to the judging process.
Kerry Winstanley
Managing Director, LCRIG
Kerry is Managing Director of LCRIG, leading the organisation’s work to bring together central and local government, the supply chain and the wider highways community. Through LCRIG’s growing membership and programme of events, networks and initiatives, Kerry is focused on strengthening collaboration across the sector, supporting innovation and ensuring the work of the highways community is recognised and celebrated.
Kerry said:
“We’re proud to host the DfT Special Recognition Awards on behalf of the Department for Transport for the seventh year, and it’s a privilege to be part of the judging panel once again.
“The awards have become an important part of Strictly Highways and recognise the exceptional work taking place across our sector. Each year, we see submissions that demonstrate the breadth of expertise, collaboration and progress within the highways community.
“I’d encourage anyone who has made an outstanding contribution, or knows someone who deserves recognition, to put forward a submission or nomination before the deadline. It’s important that we take the time to recognise these achievements and share the great work happening across our sector.”
Darren Capes CEng FIET FIHE
Head of Road Infrastructure Technology, Department for Transport
Darren is Head of Road Infrastructure Technology at the Department for Transport, focusing on the adoption of emerging vehicle, infrastructure and data technologies by the UK’s highway authorities. A qualified civil engineer and Fellow of both the IHE and IET, Darren manages the UK’s Transport Technology Forum on behalf of the DfT and is a member of the ITS World Congress Programme Committee. He is also President of the Institute of Highway Engineers.
Darren said:
“I’m pleased to once again be part of the judging panel for the DfT Special Recognition Awards. Every year the awards provide a valuable opportunity to see the innovation, collaboration and good practice taking place across our sector, and importantly to give that work the recognition it deserves.
“As judges, we’re looking for entries that demonstrate not just a good idea, but positive outcomes too. From a technology perspective, I’m particularly interested in how innovation is being applied to solve challenges. Whether that’s using data and digital solutions to make our roads safer, greener and more efficient, improving the experience for road users, or developing new approaches that can be scaled and adopted across the wider sector.
“I’m looking forward to seeing this year’s entries and recognising the people, projects and organisations that are helping to move our sector forward.”
Keely Metcalfe
Relationship Manager
Keely is Relationship Manager at LCRIG, where she leads the Membership team and works closely with local authorities, the supply chain and wider highways community to support and engage LCRIG’s growing membership. She also chairs LCRIG’s Apprenticeship Task Group and has played an active role in initiatives supporting skills and career development across the sector.
Keely said:
“I’m delighted to once again be a judge for the DfT Special Recognition Awards. It’s a real privilege to be involved in recognising and celebrating the outstanding people and achievements across the highways sector.
“I really enjoy being part of the panel, hearing the inspiring stories behind the nominations and seeing the dedication and innovation that individuals bring to our industry. I’m looking forward to reviewing this year’s entries and helping to shine a light on those who are making a difference.”
They join judges, already announced:
- Nathan Hurdsfield – Head of Innovation, Department for Transport
- Ian Large – Head of Highway and Traffic Management Services, Blackpool Council
- Phillip Proctor – Head of Research, National Highways
- Kim Harper – Head of Highways Policy, Innovation & Knowledge, LCRIG
Together, this year’s judging panel brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from across local government, national organisations and the wider highways and transport sector. Their combined expertise will ensure entries are considered from a range of perspectives, with the individuals, teams, projects and partnerships making a genuine impact receiving the recognition they deserve.
Don’t Miss Your Chance to Enter
There’s still time to submit your entry and celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals, teams, projects and partnerships across the highways sector.
Entries close at 5pm on Friday 21 August 2026.
Award categories include:
- Employer Initiative of the Year Award
- Highways Apprentice of the Year Award
- Best Use of Technology in the Highways and Transportation Sector Award
- Transport Technology Innovation Award
- Net Zero Project of the Year Award
- Collaborative Partnership Award
- Best of Britain Award
- Outstanding Contribution Award (Private Sector)
Find out more and submit your entry here.
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.
Individual places are also still available for the DfT Special Recognition Awards. Book yours today and join us for an evening celebrating excellence across the highways community.
