Strictly Highways feels a bit like a distant memory, but in saying that the positivity of the event remains high in people’s minds. Since the event I have been having numerous conversations with councils, getting feedback on what we’re doing, hearing some of their issues, and trying to understand more about how we can help them – conversations have been very interesting and I look forward to more. At LCRIG we’re very driven to deliver the best we can and we’re already looking at our forward plans for next year. That’s why we are sending out a survey on Monday and I urge you to complete this as this will help inform what we do.
Of course, surveys only provide part of the picture which is why I and others including Kerry and Susanne are having more detailed conversations with councils, the supply chain, and DfT. In addition to this to ensure we support all our members; Kerry Winstanley will act as a champion for our associate and supply chain members, and I’ll be doing the same for Local Government, Government, and other public sector organisations. We are doing this to ensure we balance needs across LCRIG membership.
Finally, last week I attended one of the TTF (Transport Technology Forum) working group events held at UTAC proving ground, formerly Millbrook Proving Ground. I get the privilege of attending many events and meetings, but last week’s event was something a bit different. When it comes to innovation, the words “Art-of-the-possible” can become an overused phrase. The TTF SPATULA WG demonstrated how using existing mobile phone communications it is possible to deliver in-vehicle signage, safety solutions, real-time traffic information, and signal timing for efficiency and help towards carbon reduction.
The demonstrations proved that connected vehicles aren’t as far away as we might imagine. But not all councils have the time or resources to keep pace with such rapid changes and this is why, going back to the survey, we want to hear more about people’s preferred way of learning, accessing information, and keeping pace with what’s happening. So my final plea is for completion of the survey and with councils and other organisations telling me that want to keep pace with what others are doing the results will be valuable for our dissemination activities next year.