In this week’s ‘View from the Top’, I feel there is a theme of learning beyond our own borders.
Last week, I was at the DfT/Innovate UK Transport Technology Forum (TTF) event in Leeds. Over the two days, we heard from government, local government, and from some of the supply chain. DfT launched the new Manual for Smart Streets and we heard a range of topic areas from the technical to strategic. We had speakers from Europe, from the nations and those dealing with thorny issues of digital exclusion. We also celebrated a record-breaking number of authorities attending the TTF. All keen to hear what TTF is doing policy wise and within the working groups. When I joined LCRIG a year ago, TTF was my first event and to see it grow even from last year is a testament to all those involved in working groups, TTF and the LCRIG team.
This week, I am privileged to be representing the UK, along with DfT, at a PIARC seminar in Tunisia, with a cross section of speakers from across the globe. DfT have long supported PIARC, and the need to work globally and learn from others. The Countries speaking are mainly from middle and low income countries (LMICs) but all with a story to tell about their work around rural roads.
In my last ‘View from the Top’, I talked about an innate need to have curiosity around innovation, this curiosity I believe also extends to learning from other countries. Borderless learning if you will. I have been asked many, many questions about what the UK is doing around roads, lots of interest in our maintenance, funding and how we deliver roads. A number of the Engineers attending are respectful of our institutes, policies, standards and how the UK manages roads – its lovely to hear. Today I give my presentation, and I’m looking forward to showcasing what councils are doing, proud to fly our sector’s flag.
So, hearing from our European friends ERTICO last week and PIARC countries this week, I’m feeling a real sense of LCRIG doing its part to showcase the public sector and the great things we do.