The Institution is a learned society concerned specifically with the planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of land-based transport systems and infrastructure.  It serves the transport profession for the benefit of society and its members. 

With over 11,000 members, working across a wide range of disciplines, it aims to promote the exchange of knowledge, improve policy formulation, stimulate debate on transportation issues, recognise individual competence and encourage best practice in the industry. 

The Institution is a registered charity.  Its Charitable Object is 'to advance for the public benefit the science and art associated with highways and transportation in all their aspects and to promote education, training and research in and development of the said science and art'. IHT fulfils these responsibilities by providing authoritative, independent, professional advice to government and transport stakeholders.  It ensures members have access to current skills and good practice and provides qualifications to underpin the standards of the profession.

• To be a learned multi-modal transport institution relevant to all sectors of the industry for the benefit of society

The Institution will ensure that it continues to be at the hub of developments in the field of safe, sustainable, integrated transportation by working in partnership with other like-minded bodies. It will continue to contribute to all aspects of transport policy development by maintaining influential and constructive relationships with all levels of Government throughout the UK and in overseas Branch areas.

• To provide services that meet the needs of members

It is essential that the Institution represents the interests of both existing and potential members, providing support to members through the branches in the UK and overseas. It will maintain an effective communication and public relations policy in order to promote the wide-ranging interests of its members.

• To be a leading body in the award of transportation related qualifications

The Institution has a leading role in influencing policy on vocational education and training in the industry, so that the issues of skill shortages, quality and the number of people entering the profession are addressed. 
To retain its essential character, the Institution will continue to provide membership for appropriate personnel in the business and environment of transport, whether qualified academically, professionally or by experience.

In time, the Institution will seek to provide appropriate qualifications for the full range of interests of its membership.

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