IHT/Engineering Group of the Geological Society Annual Seminar Infrastructure Asset Management: Best Practice

5th February 2008 – Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa

The purpose of the seminar was to understand recent developments in Infrastructure asset management and how they could be applied to a wide variety of different situations.  Perspectives of how assets were managed were given for the rail, inland waterway and highway networks.  The risk to infrastructure as a consequence of climate change was also discussed.

The Seminar was well attended - with delegates and exhibitors from a wide variety of backgrounds including graduates and experienced practitioners.  .There was plenty of useful information on the latest developments in asset management from the exhibitors.

The Chair for the morning session was IHT President Mike Slinn who drew delegates attention to Sir Michael Pitt’s Report on the summer floods and the emphasis for more flood and drainage engineers and the need for infrastructure assets to be designed and maintained to ensure that they were resilient to such risks. 
The morning presentations covered management of geotechnical and highways assets by the Highways Agency as well as an overview of how local authorise approach asset management.
First presenter was David Patterson download presentation, an Engineering Geologist from the Highways Agency who carried forward the theme for the day and talked about how geotechnical assets integrate with broader highway assets.  His presentation highlighted key areas of development in the management of the Agency’s earthworks. David’s presentation identified the geotechnical asset an integral part of broader infrastructure management, highlighting keys areas of development and effective assessment of risk and consequence to the network and its neighbours.
This presentation was followed by Mark Rudrum, a Director with Arup in London. His presentation download presentation focused on targets set in the Highways Agency’s business plan for Journey Time Reliability, Safety and Air Quality.  His presentation covered how performance indicators have been developed to measure the performance of the asset in meeting the Agency’s targets.  Mark summarized his presentation with a geotechnical asset management strategic road map identifying activities (safety risk management, customer and operational reliability, environment, efficient management and continuous improvement) moving towards target.
Alan Vooght an Associate of the Mouchel Geotechnics Group was our final presenter in the first session.  His presentation “Practical Applications on the M25” download presentation shed light on some interesting geotechnical projects in the Area 5 (M25 Sphere) of the network.  This was summarized in an Asset Management Road Map intrinsically linked to Management of the Agency’s Geotechnical Assets within Area 5.  His presentation also highlighted the Maintaining Agents’ responsibility to maintain the asset using a process that included Inspections and Surveys, desk studies, Ground investigations and monitoring, Value Management and research to provide a cost effective programme of repair and preventative works.
After the coffee break, Matt Willis a Senior Engineering Geologist from Arup Geotechnics presented “Remote Sensing”downloadpresentation techniques for transport Infrastructure. His presentation highlighted advancement in technology of aerial photography and implementing modern technology, e.g., satellite and aerial imagery, airborne laser scanning and other techniques for use of viewing, assessment and data collection on Agency’s network.
Matt was then followed by Ramesh Sinhal, head of Highways Agency’s Structures and Geotechnical Delivery and Policy Team.  His presentation on “Practical Highways Asset Management” download presentation covered the Agency’s asset management vision, current best practices and processes and future developments.  Ramesh highlighted the fact that the Agency’s network is a huge asset with limited funds which the main focus of service delivery.  Ramesh explained that the underpinning principle of the Agency was to have a high quality service for all our customers based on Whole Life Cost.
The last speaker before lunch Alan Taggart, Director of Highway Asset Management at Atkins, who explained that Asset management is not only about engineering, or finding the right technical solution at the best price but applying business practice to the asset to ensure it provides the service that the public want from it.  His presentation on “Local Authority Highway Asset Management” download presentation highlighted the importance of balancing politics and engineering in delivering Asset Management Plans. Alan also discussed the progress by local authorities in developing their asset management plans. In doing so he explained local authorities have made good start in developing their asset management plans in order to deliver realistic benefits and value for money from the service they offer.
Once again we had a 10mins question and answer session before we went for our lunch. Lunch was set in the exhibition hall and the queue was like Boxing Day sale demonstrating real value for money.  I decided not to queue and used the opportunity to speak the exhibitors.  Exhibitors included IBI surveying who demonstrated their product RouteMapper. It’s been successfully used in asset management, planning studies, noise modelling and other areas.

The Afternoon session was chair by John Perry from Mott MacDonald. First presenter of the last session was Eifion Evans from British Railways Soil Mechanics Section. Eifion presented on “Practical Management of Rail Assets”. download presentation He talked about Network Rail earthworks , their condition, and safety risks from cutting failure, their earthworths database and some examples of earthwork treatments from recent schemes.
Chris Woofe from British Waterways was next to present “Practical Management of Waterways Assets”. download presentationWaterways are our oldest asset.  The British Waterways Asset Management System comprises of around 11000 principal assets of all types and key purpose of the inspections is to identify Failure grades and identify priorities and maintenance needs. These inspections are highly valuable and can show improvement in networks condition but can never guarantee to stop all failures.

Chris was then followed by Tony Sangwine, Environmental Policy Advisor for the Highways Agency’s Environment and Sustainability Development Group. He highlighted the fact that the Agency network is only 3% of England’s road network but the most highly stressed network because of the nature of its use. His presentation “Asset Management in a Changing Climate”   download presentation explained that the UK is predicting extreme changes in weather and research is needed to examine the Agency’s standards and specifications against future UK climate. These changes may well affect the journey time reliability and will have huge impact on management of infrastructure assets. Climate change is relevant to new development and we should be aware of what we are doing as part of new developments and need to develop risk assessment methodology for risk management issues.

Our last presenter of the day was Steve Hodgetts from Scott Wilson, presenting “Design for Future Management of Assets” download presentation Steve’s presentation underlined the fact that historical assets are not built to modern standards and new developments should be made towards our day to day maintenance and new techniques to retain these structures. Also there should be every effort made to maintain our assets and retain them with the maintenance solutions that are developed.

This concluded our superb day of presentations at the Royal Leamington Spa and I appreciate the IHT and the Engineering Group of the Geological Society for organising this successful event.

Jawad Shah, Atkins

Safety at Roadworks – Stakeholder Forum

The IHT Health and Safety panel has been set up to look at all aspects of health and safety that affect its members and the wider professional community. One of the areas it is keen to contribute and influence is that of the safety at road works of both road workers and road users.

Following discussions with the DfT, Highways Agency, HSE, HTMA and other parties with an interest in this subject, it has become clear that the Institution can make a significant contribution in helping to change driver behaviour. We were keen to develop this initiative further and held a stakeholder forum to scope out the detailed issues involved in taking this important matter forward.

The meeting was held at the Lansdowne Club on Thursday 14th February 2008, it focused on how to get improved compliance through road works by changing driver attitudes/behaviour. The outcome of the day was to identify initiatives that the IHT can take forward and potential partners to work with.

Further information will be available shortly in the meantime the presentation from the day can be downloaded here:

Paul Mitchell, Head of Health and SafetyImproving road worker safety - Highways Agency

David Hutchinson The facts behind the myth! Safety at Roadworks

Chris Hayball The view of the Temporary Traffic Management Contractor – Carillion Traffic Management

 Paul Fuller - Workshop Session

Dr Iain Rillie TRL Safety At Road Works Stakeholder Forum Driver Behaviourand how to change it

Colas Presentation Award Final - 21 Nov

The 2007 Colas Presentation Award Final took place on Wednesday 21 November at the Centre for Life, in Newcastle. The competition invites young professionals to make a presentation on a transport-related subject of their choice and the final was organised and hosted by the North Eastern Branch. Each finalist was asked to create a presentation lasting for just 10 minutes, and then answer questions from the floor. 

IHT Chief Executive, Mary Lewis said “Good communication skills are vital for members of our profession.  If we cannot get a message across in a clear manner to fellow professionals and non-technical people, whether it be the public, politicians, clients, or partners, we get nowhere.”

Around 50 delegates braved the cold weather to show their support and acknowledge the importance of the evening, as the six finalists lined up to give their presentations. North Eastern Branch Chairman Dave Wafer Chaired the final and IHT President Mike Slinn was also in attendance, eager to perform his duties in announcing the winner.  Judging the presentations were IHT Treasurer Roger Elphick, Jon Masters of Barrett Byrd Associates and Arthur Thompson of Colas.  The judging panel were looking for excellent presentation skills, effective communication and the ability to put the message across effectively to a critical audience. The six finalists, who were chosen from previous regional heats, were:

• Sika Antonio from Scott Wilson, ‘Effectiveness of Drink Driving Legislation in the U.K’. ( IHT West Midland Branch)

• Rachael Thom from Scott Wilson, ‘The Performance of Unsaturated Soil under Repeated Loading’. (IHT Northern Ireland Branch)

• James Purkiss from Halcrow, ‘Managing Rural Highways’. (IHT South West Branch)

• Phil Boothroyd from ARUP, ‘Highways Construction Materials and their impact on ground water pollution’. (IHT Midland Branch)

• Kerry Lambton from WSP ‘Dynamic Road Marking – Lighting the Way Ahead’. (IHT North Eastern Branch)

• Louise French from London Borough of Bromley ‘School Travel Plans’ (IHT South East Branch)

There were varying presentation subjects and styles, coupled with a good array of visual aids and obviously high levels of personal research. Questions asked by the audience were sometimes challenging but the finalists all responded articulately and were clearly both passionate and learned about their chosen subject.  Within the presentations themselves, there was careful consideration given to political and community issues, technical advancement and the emphasis on the need for better communication between practitioners and academics in order to ensure a bright and lucrative future for engineering.

The judges stated that they were tremendously impressed by the very high standard of all the presentations, which covered a wide range of interesting topics. All the finalists delivered their presentations confidently and also dealt well with the subsequent questions asked by the audience. IHT President Mike Slinn thanked all those who had taken part in the competition and commented that all the presentations were of an ‘outstanding’ standard. He then announced the winner to be Louise French, of London Borough of Bromley, with her presentation ‘School Travel Plans’.

To view the winning presentation, please click here

One of the judges, Roger Elphick said ‘She communicated extremely effectively with the audience, maintaining good contact with them and delivering her presentation clearly and with obvious enthusiasm. The content was well structured and her presentation skills enabled her to hold the interest of the audience. Well done Louise’.

The runners up all received a Colas pen and pen holder and £100. The winner received a Colas pen and pen holder, £500 and two nights in Paris with an included visit to the Colas Laboratories.

Winner Louise French said, ‘I was very surprised to win the Colas award as all of the presentations were of a very high standard. I think this award is a fantastic opportunity for young people and I have found the whole experience, albeit a bit nerve racking, well worth it.’

By participating in the final, these young professionals were making a concerted effort to better the perception of the profession and to inspire the audience to consider issues facing the industry as a whole. With the common aspiration to educate by sharing ideas and principles, the Colas Presentation Awards Final proved to be a highly interesting, successful and productive occasion.

The next Colas Presentation Award will begin with competitions beginning on 5 March 2008, with the final later in the year. For further information, please contact Colas on 01342 711000 or by email at: info@colas.co.uk

The Manual for Streets: Transforming Streets, Creating Communities: Summer 2007

Between March and July 2007, the IHT ran six conferences to mark the launch of the long-awaited ‘Manual for Streets’ (MfS).  The official launch date, 29 March 2007, was the first in the series, held at the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists in London and attended by over 200 delegates, while another 600 delegates attended the following five regional conferences.

Gillian Merron MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport gave the key note speech, outlining the importance of the new document in the future of street design.  Representatives from the Department for Transport, who commissioned the Manual for Streets, echoed these sentiments at the follow-up events, while Jane Davidson, Minister for Sustainability and Rural Development gave the key note speech in Cardiff.

The panel of speakers consisted primarily of key-contributors to the Manual and covered all areas, from the technical research behind the document through to design ideas that were promoted by the document.  Andy Szandrowski (Gateshead City Council), Mike Biddulph (Cardiff University), and Richard Nickson (Cheshire County Council) joined the line-up in Newcastle, Cardiff and Bolton respectively to add a local perspective on the MfS.

Phil Jones, Director of Phil Jones Associates, gave a run down on the principles, policies, and process behind the new document raising questions about what the MfS should be aiming to do, and how best to achieve a successful end product.  Stuart Reid (TRL) then explained the evidence base behind MfS and lightened the mood with a look back at some road safety videos taken from TRL’s archives.

Alan Young (WSP), looked at the application of MfS and some of the practicalities behind it.  Issues such as permeability, hierarchy of users, frontage access and parking were highlighted as key issues to be considered when applying MfS, and core to this, MfS reflects a process of change. 

Representatives from CABE explored the design concepts behind MfS and how the document could be used to design successful communities, while Ben Castell, Practice Director at Llewelyn Davies Yeang attempted to identify where we have been going wrong with the design of our communities and how the launch of MfS could herald a new era in the way we design.  Ray Farrow of the Home Builders Federations explained the role of the developer in street design, and encouraged planners to work with them in order to produce quality places, something which is promoted by MfS.

In the final presentation of the day, Andrew Cameron (WSP) gave a light-hearted look at the concepts promoted by MfS, equating our relationship with streets to a relationship with our loved ones, and the areas that we need to work on to create quality places that will stand the test of time.

The IHT would like to thank all those involved in the conferences, held in London, Newcastle, Taunton, Cardiff, Coventry and Bolton, and those who played a role in the production of the Manual for Streets. 

Download the presentations below:

Ray Farrow -Home Builders Federation >>

John Stonard - The Manual for Streets Why it matters >>

Andrew Cameron - The Joy of Streets  >>

Mike Biddulph - Streets and placemaking >>

Alan Young - Manual for Streets Highways Application >>

Andy Szandrowski - Transforming Streets, Creating Communities >>

Stuart Reid - Manual for Streets – The Evidence Base >>

Carole-Anne Davies - (Comisiwn Dylunio Cymru) Design Commission for Wales >>

Ben Castell - Manual for Streets andQuality Places >>

Richard Nickson - The Manual for Streets >>

Phil Jones - Principles, Policies and Process >>

Branch Officers' Conference - 8-9 Oct

The 2007 IHT Branch Officers’ Conference took place from 8-9 October at Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh.  In total, around 80 delegates from all 18 UK Branches and the Republic of Ireland Branch attended.

An enjoyable Branch Officers’ Dinner took place on the evening of the 8th at the University.  Three Branch Awards were presented at the dinner. The Corporate Identity Award, given to the branch which had made the best use of the corporate identity guidelines during 2007, was awarded to the South Eastern Branch. The Branch Recruitment Award, presented to the branch who had recruited the most members over the past year, was won by the West Midland Branch.  Lastly, the Branch Minisites Award, for the best branch mini website, was awarded to the Northern Ireland Branch.  After the dinner, there was time for networking and discussion. 

Topics at the Conference the following day included the 2007 Action Plan, Liaising with Branch Committees and Risk Management for Branches.  Helen Pace, Chair of the Knowledge Management Panel gave a presentation on the work of the panel so far.  Daniel Isichei, Head of Public Affairs at IHT, talked to delegates about how to improve external communications.  Speakers from the Branches included Jane Hunter (Northern Branch) on Links with Educational Establishments and Tracy Carter (South Western Branch) on how to run a successful event.  The winners of the 2006 Branch Minisites Award, Yorkshire & Humberside Branch, gave a presentation on how to get the best use out of the branch minisites and Fiona Hampton Matthews from the Member Services Board introduced delegates to the Branch Resources Centre on the IHT Website.

In the afternoon delegates were split into four separate sessions.  There was a meeting for Branch Treasurers and a meeting for Branch Web Officers.  The other two groups discussed support to branches from Endsleigh Street and communication from branches to members.

Download the presentations below:

Action Plan 2007 – David Tarrant >>

Liaison with Branch Committees – Chris Jackson >>

Risk Management for Branches  - Roger Elphick >>

The Work of the Knowledge Management Panel – Helen Pace >>

Improving External Communications - Daniel Isichei >>

Links with Educational Establishments – Jane Hunter and Ian Robinson >>

Running a successful event: Professional and Social – Tracy Carter >>

Getting the most out of Branch Mini Sites – Geoff Davidson and Charles Ferrar >>

The Branch Resources Centre – Fiona Hampton Matthews >>

Presidential Conference 13th - 14th September2008

160 attended to listen to a star-studded list of speakers addressing the issue: “Can we have a Vibrant Economy and Green Transport?” The Conference was opened by Baroness Jo Valentine, Chief Executive of London First and the first set of speakers were Professor Stephen Glaister, Simon Webb, Director General of the DfT, and Stephen Joseph, Transport 2000. There was a lively Questions and Answer period with Simon Webb using his diplomatic skills to thread a course between Stephen Glaister’s view that new and improved road infrastructure needed a significant increase in funding and Stephen Joseph’s view that funding in this area should be decreased.

The speakers that followed were Tony Sangwine (Highways Agency), David Brown (TfL), David Bull (Birmingham City Council), David Quarmby (Buchanan), Mick Roberts (MVA Consultancy) and David Virden (AccordMP).

Tony Sangwine talked about the Agency’s plans to achieve its economic and environmental objectives whilst David Brown described the practical work that Transport for London is undertaking to ensure that its economic and environmental policies are achieved on the ground. David Bull enthusiastically set out Birmingham ’s regeneration achievements and plans for the future which include major investment in New Street station.

David Quarmby provided evidence of the economic and environmental contribution that the rail industry is making whilst Mick Roberts described the appraisal system for transport projects and put in a plea that it should be simplified. David Virden explained how his company is achieving environmental improvements in highway maintenance through recycling and the use of low carbon transport.

The general view fed back was that the Conference had been very successful in extending understanding of the issues around Transport, the Economy and the Environment and including a number of younger members of the profession.

Download the presentations below:

David Tarrant >>

David Brown >>

David Virden >>

Lars Gemzoe >>

Mike Slinn >>

Simon Webb >>

Stephen Joseph >>

View the President's Webblog >>

The World is Changing Conference 10 July 2007 - Launch of the IHT Collision Prevention and Reduction Guidelines

Mike Slinn IHT President opened proceedings and welcomed Andrew Rhind from the Department of Transport Road Safety Division who delivered the keynote address on the progress Local Authorities are making towards the Government’s 2010 casualty reduction targets. Andrew welcomed the new guidelines stating that he saw them as a future contributor to the management of road safety in the UK.

A packed conference then heard from Mike Mounfield of GreenSafe who has been the managing editor for the new guidelines. Mike outlined the changing face of safety management in the UK and how the five elements in the guidelines offered a fresh way forward for Local Authorities, Consultants and Road Safety Specialists to work together with other partners to continue to ensure that roads within the UK remain amongst the safest in the world. 

Mike Mounfield also took the opportunity to launch UK-MoRSE – an online database for road safety schemes.  The DfT and IHT endorse this database and along with GreenSafe are keen for Local Authorities to input data and develop the database as a useful tool for all road safety practitioners.  To encourage patronage of this site GreenSafe have offered £1000 to a charity of IHT’s choice if there are 1000 records on the database by the end of the year.  Details of UK-MoRSE can be found at www.greensafe.co.uk.

Completing the morning line-up, Stewart Thompson (Nottingham City Council) and Simon Came (Amscott) gave a joint presentation on Road Safety Finance, while representatives from Telford & Wrekin Council spoke in detail about the A442 Queensway scheme, winner of the recent IHT Award for Road Safety.  Before lunch Chris Lines (Transport for London) highlighted the importance of monitoring.

The afternoon session, chaired by Alistair Haydock, saw a hard-hitting presentation by John Dabrowski of the Dynamic Advertising Group, who focussed on the trend for drug-driving, calling for more to be done in order to tackle the problem.  Ian Malkin (Cheshire Road Safety Partnership) spoke in detail about motorcycle safety, looking at current methods of reducing accidents in motorcycling hotspots.  Finally, Russell de Ville explained the restructuring within Cambridgeshire County Council and the formation of their new Road Safety Partnership.

All those who attended the conference received a free copy of the Guidelines. 

Further copies of the document are available from the IHT and can be purchased by contacting:

t: +44( 0)20 7387 2525

e: info@iht.org

Click on the photos to enlarge

The IHT Awards Dinner 2007 was held on the 7 June 2007 at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich.

The evening was hosted by BBC Journalist George Alagiah, who presented 11 Awards, including the new Urban Design Award, the IHT Young Professional Certificate, and the Institution Award.

In the splendid surroundings of the National Maritime Museum 420 guests mingled on the terrace for a drinks reception and were entertained by a string quartet before being invited to the upper deck for dinner. A full house watched the presentation of the 2007 awards, celebrating the excellent work carried out within the transportation profession over the past 12 months.

9 Awards were presented for projects ranging from Accessibility to Technological Application and Urban Design.  2 further awards were presented to the Institution’s Young Professional of the year, Lee Templeman, Senior Consultant in Transport Planning at Halcrow, and to Stephen Glaister, Professor of Transport & Infrastructure at Imperial College, who was presented with  the 2007 Institution Award.

The results of the 9 awards were as follows:

The IHT /Transport for London Award for Urban Design

* Winner - City of London , Old Bailey | Download entry | View winners photo
* Runner-up – Newcastle City Council, Grainger Town | Download entry
* Runner-up – City of London , Queen Street Pilot Project | Download entry

The IHT /Atkins Road Safety Award (Reducing all Accidents)

· Winner - Telford & Wrekin Council, A442 Project | Download entry

· Runner-up – Hull City Council, Newland Avenue MPR Road Safety Demonstration Project | Download entry

· Runner-up – Amey, A77 Safety Group | Download entry

The IHT /Atkins Road Safety Award (Reducing Child Casualties)

* Winner - Children’s Traffic Club | Download entry
* Runner-up – Fife Road Safety Unit, Making Choices | Download entry
* Runner-up - Norfolk County Council | Download entry

The IHT /Colas Award for Technological Application

* Winner - Highways Agency, ATM on the M42 | Download entry
* Runner-up – Corus, Protect 365 | Download entry
* Runner-up – Arup/Highways Agency | Download entry

The IHT /Ringway Award for Innovation

* Winner - AmeyMouchel, M6 Motorway | Download entry
* Runner-up – Carillion Roads, M621 CCTV Scheme | Download entry
* Runner-up – Halcrow Group, SCANNER Research & Develoment | Download entry

The IHT /Corus/CPNI Award for Security in the Public Realm

* Winner - National Counter Terrorism Security Office, Hostile Vehicle Mitigation Guide | Download entry
* Runner-up – ATG Access Ltd, SP1000 Automatic Rising Bollard | Download entry
* Runner-up – West One Infrastructure Services, Australian High Commission | Download entry

The IHT /Mouchel Parkman Accessibility Award

* Winner - South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, Sheffield Station | Download entry
* Runner-up – London Borough of Islington, Accessible Heritage Crossover | Download entry
* Runner-up – London Underground, Deep Level Commitment to Accessibility | Download entry

The IHT /Highways Agency Health & Safety at Work Award

* Winner - May Gurney, Making a Difference Behavioural Programme | Download entry
* Runner-up – AmeySECO, Safety Non-Compliance Procedure | Download entry
* Runner-up – Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering, Take CARE | Download entry

The IHT Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Services Award for Effective Partnerships

* Winner - Rhondda Cynon Taf/Glamorgan Engineering Consultancy/Costain, the Porth Relief Road | Download entry
* Runner-up – Bristol City Council & DHL Exel Supply Chain | Download entry
* Runner-up – Salford City Council/Capita Symonds/Morrison Highway Maintenance | Download entry

The Institution would like to thank all those who attended the awards, as well as those companies who sponsored the separate categories.  We hope that the excellent quality throughout will inspire organisations to enter in 2008.

Implementing the Traffic Management act 2004: Progress to date and the challenges ahead

14 March 2007

IHT held a national conference on 14 March 2007 at the Royal College of Surgeons, London. The conference provided an opportunity for delegates to learn from experiences to date from Traffic Managers and other stakeholders, whilst identify key challenges and issues for the future.
Alistair Haydock, IHT President welcomed over 120 delegates to the event where they heard from key stakeholders involved in the implementation of the Traffic Management Act 2004, and related secondary legislation.
The opening presentation was given by Ray Gercans, Head of Local Road Network Policy from the Department for Transport (DfT) on the ‘Progress and Challenges Ahead’. Topics covered included: An outline of the Traffic Management Act, the Progress to Date, an Assessment of Network Management, Guidance on the Intervention Criteria, the Next Steps and an examination of changes that would be taking place at the DfT.
Other speakers were:
Mark Kemp, Chair of the National Traffic Managers Forum and Cambridgeshire County Council - he looked at the National and Regional Traffic Managers Forums and gave details on their remit, scope and progress to date. Mark also gave an outline of the challenges ahead for Traffic Managers.

View presentation >>

Robert Hudleston, Traffic Manager, Surrey County Council - he gave details of the situation in Surrey and how they were overcoming any problems they encountered. Robert also highlighted their involvement with regional and national groups, working with elected members and co-ordinating with second-tier authorities.

View presentation >>

Stephen Rimmer, Traffic Manager, Halton Borough Council – he gave an introduction to the current situation in Halton Borough. He gave details of their road network and road hierarchy, their congestion hotspots and how they were overcoming any issues.

View presentation >>

Listen to presentation (podcast) >>

Dave Turnbull, Chair (Operations Group), National Joint Utilities Group – he outlined the benefits and costs of permit schemes including the legal structure, fees, likely impacts and timescales.

View presentation >>

Listen to presentation (podcast) >>

Trevor Hunt, Team Leader & Claire Taylor, Network Management Policy, Highways Agency – they gave a presentation on the Implementation of the Traffic Management Act on the Highways Agency network. This included; details on the Traffic Officer Service and how this would develop and an outline of the Highways Agency Network Occupancy Management Process.

View presentation >>

Listen to presentation (podcast) >>

Neil Greig, Assistant Director, IAM Trust – he provided an understanding of the motorist’s perspective. This included an outline of who the IAM Trust is, the research they were looking to develop, the public’s view and what the public (customers) wish to see in place.

The afternoon session was chaired by Tim Andrews, Director of Transportation, TRL and this featured the following speakers:

View presentation >>

Listen to presentation (podcast) >>

Mark Prior, Head of Network Management, Transport for London – he gave an introduction to the situation in London. This included the role played by Transport for London, future journey times, the issues for London, the Network Management Duty Action Plan and the role of communication.

View presentation >>

Listen to presentation (podcast) >>

Keith Grima, Police Liason Officer, ACPO / HA Partnership – he looked at the changing roles and responsibilities for the Police and how they operate on the motorway network. Keith also outlined ACPO’s priorities for effective road policing and a vision of the future.

View presentation >>

Listen to presentation (podcast) >>

Dave Pownall, Network Manager & Traffic Manager, Durham County Council - he gave an introduction to the current situation in Durham County. This included the organisational structure Durham was following, a Traffic Manager’s responsibilities, the problems caused by congestion/disruption and the solutions they had implemented.

The conference was formally closed by Tim Andrews who highlighted the main theme of communication that emerged throughout the day.

View presentation >>

Listen to presentation (podcast) >>

Download the days programme  >>          

ANNUAL JOINT SEMINAR OF THE INSTITUTION OF HIGHWAYS AND TRANSPORTATION AND THE ENGINEERING GROUP OF THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

30 JANUARY 2007 

INNOVATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS

From Martin Curd, Engineering Geologist, Scott Wilson

The IHT and Engineering Group of the Geological Society Annual Joint Seminar was held on the last Tuesday of January at its customary location the Royal Spa Centre at Leamington Spa.

This year’s seminar focused on the topical subject of innovation and sustainability in highways improvements (read ‘motorway widening’) and was well attended with around 150 delegates from both the IHT and the Geological Society.

Topics covered included methods of motorway widening, ground investigation techniques, contaminated land and sustainability, earthworks efficiency and use of recycled aggregate.  Delegates were also given a brief overview of some changes to the Highways Agency design guidance and the research carried out by the HA in relation to the topic.

The subject of sustainability is a particularly important one that faces not only the transportation sector but the whole of the construction industry.  Few would disagree that sustainability makes sense environmentally, but there is often the view that good environmental practice and sustainability come at a price. It was, therefore, good to see in Steve Phipps’ case study of the M25 widening project between Junctions 12 and 15, how sustainability and cost saving had gone hand in hand.  It was astonishing to learn that some 90% of all fill aggregate (833,000 tonnes) came from a recycled source – mainly demolition waste from Greater London.  However, as was highlighted during the conference that this sort of percentage of recycling may not be possible in all locations – for example in a rural setting.  

With regard to making savings on the volume of aggregate required we were given an overview of the reinforcement of pavement foundations through the use of geogrid reinforcement thereby enabling the construction of a thinner pavement and reduced capping. David Tonks’ practical, common sense approach to the issues of contaminated land came as a breath of fresh air to a subject that is often complicated by the mass of legislation and the conflicting requirements of various stakeholders and authorities.

Overall the day was what I have come to expect of the annual IHT / Engineering Group meeting; a thoroughly interesting, well-received seminar on topical geotechnical aspects of transportation infrastructure design and construction which benefits from the close involvement of the Highways Agency among a range of informative and practically minded speakers.

IHT Procurement Conference

IHT 2nd procurement conference held in York and organised in partnership with the Yorkshire and Humberside Branch was a great success.

IHT Chief Executive, Mary Lewis chaired the morning session which included some strange analogies for the difficulties faced by Local Authorities in Delivering Efficiencies - including marbles on buses, nailing jelly to walls and small dogs!

Baroness Ros Scott got the conference of to a lively start with a key note address outlining the changes and pressures on local authorities from a political perspective. Martin Duffy of Buro Happold and Mike Bordiss of HELG outlined the work going on at a national level to highlight the issues surrounding procurement and the efficiency agenda and examples from Norfolk, Hampshire and Gloucestershire explained how authorities were organising to meet the challenges.

In the afternoon branch chairman Richard Fuller took charge of a session that first explained how North Yorkshire had developed its approach over the years and was now incorporating other service areas alongside highways and then heard from Andrew Tate of Leeds City Council about the approach they had taken to managing the significant input of PFI funding into the city. Neil Jarrett concluded the conference with his view of the key issues that needed to be addressed if the industry was to make improvements in service delivery.

Download Powerpoint Presentations
Andrew Tate >> Leeds City Council – Delivering PFI & PPP.	Liz King >> Highway Delivery in Hampshire.	Michael Bordiss >> Measurement as a Driver for Change.
HELG >> Senior roads industry representatives.	Martin Duffy >> Procuring Local Authority Services.	NYCC-BBIS-Jacobs  >> North Yorkshire – Combining Service Areas
John Joyce >> East of England Collaborative Procurement Study.	Neil Jarrett >> An External View of the Way Forward.	Phil Hoare & Rob Vale  >> Gloucestershire Integrated Highways Contract.

2006 IHT Presidential Conference 

Theme for the 2006 IHT Presidential Conference held in Liverpool – was ‘Best Practice’ in transportation and it was soon made clear that lofty ambitions have to be tempered by realism. The most fundamental basic truth, as told by speaker Andy Southern, managing director of transport planning at Atkins, is that delivering best practice is far from easy while riding a roller coaster. The ‘reality cycle’, as he described it in his paper on transport policy, charted transportation expectations over the last decade against what really happened. The effect was of highs and lows undermining the best of intentions.

“UK investment in roads in the 1990s was at a constant, if relatively low level,” he said. A sense of pragmatism was matched by funding constraints. Then came a White Paper setting out a ‘new deal’, followed in 2001 by the Ten Year Transport Plan and an increase in expenditure which sent expectations soaring. “But there were delivery problems, costs started to escalate and public and political resistance to the plan developed.” All this was recognised in a further White Paper and the brakes were applied to spending. “Recent times have seen a return to pragmatism, affordability and value for money,” he said. It was a shame, but such circumstances made development of best practice difficult.

For a full report click here >> "Transportation Professional October 2006"

Click here for photos from the Conference + Dinner

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Traffic Signs Manual - Chapter 8 Conferences.

The first in the series of conferences to give an insight into and launch the revised addition of the Traffic Signs Manual - Chapter 8 'Traffic Safe

ty Measures and Signs for Road Works and Temporary Situations took place on the 23rd May in Leeds.

Three further events are planned, Birmingham 14th June, London 20th June and North Wales on the 4th July. All but the Wales event are sold out.

The Highways Agency has worked closely with the Department for Transport, the Health and Safety Executive, CSS, the AA, the RAC and members of the road traffic industry in revising Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual. Following a three-month consultation period and on road trials the new version is to be release on the 30th June copies will be available form the Stationary Office about to be released.

Chapter 8 set out the requirements for temporary signing and management of traffic on the highway. All companies whether they are undertaking construction, maintenance or utility work are required to use this document to set out and maintain their traffic management, The Highways Agency

The opportunity has been taken to revise the document format, incorporate new and revised temporary traffic management standards and guidance issued since 1991, rationalise the spacing of cones and signs, and provide additional and expanded advice.

The Department for Transport will be opening up at website for further comments from practitioners once the new document is in circulation and being implemented on road works schemes.

On completion of the series of conferences the presentation and audio files of the speakers will be available on this site.

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Promoting Excellence within Transportation’

The IHT Awards Dinner 2006 was held on Tuesday 16 May in the Flight room at the Science Museum, London. Martin Bell, journalist, presented the awards.

A packed audience of over 320 guests witnessed the inaugural awards ceremony where members of the institution celebrated and rewarded the good work currently taking place in the highways and transportation sector in eight categories, which include Innovation, Health & Safety and Accessibility, Effective Partnerships, Technological Application, Environment and two awards for Road Safety.

Two further awards were presented on the night, Tracy Abby from East Sussex CC, received the IHT young Professional Certificate and Peter Hendy Transport Commissioner for London was presented with the Institution Award for 2006.

The IHT’s President said “I’m delighted that the inaugural Institution’s Awards Dinner has fallen in my Presidential year. Throughout the year I have sought to stress the importance of planning for our future, by inspiring the young talent from around the world that the transport profession is a vibrant and stimulating career choice.  By creating an opportunity to celebrate good practice and reward ingenuity publicly, it helps to raise awareness and stimulate interest. What better location to do this than at the Science Museum, which celebrates achievements of those inspirational innovators from years gone by”

The winners on the night for the various categories were:

For Accessibility sponsored by MRC McLean Hazel the winner was Darlington Borough Council/Darlington Association on Disability

For Health & Safety sponsored by the Highways Agency the winner was Accord

For Innovation sponsored by Ringway the winner was Ames/Alfred McAlpine

For Effective Partnerships sponsored by Mouchel Parkman the winner was Atkins

For Technological Application sponsored by Colas the winner was Atkins

For Environment sponsored by RCS the winner was Peter Brett Associates / Chester City Council

For Road Safety sponsored by BP Bitumen the winners were Buchinghamshire for the “all accidents” category and The Safety Centre (MK) Ltd for the “child accidents” category

The Institution would like to thank all of those who entered the Awards and the Sponsors, and we hope that the projects showcased at the event will inspire companies to enter in 2007.

Click here for the Awards brochure of short listed entries >>

Click here for photos of the night:

Winners'

Pre-drinks

Dinner

Attendees' comments:

Well Done to one and all for a unique evening in the Science Museum. What an excellent location surrounded by the pioneers of travel and transportation and above all applauding today's pioneers (young and older).

I can appreciate organising this new event was challenging and at times difficult- this impact however was very special hence the pain was worth the gain.

As for the man in the white suit he did indeed do his part and left us with the mystery of the light?

A great evening for IHT!

Duncan Fraser

Congratulations on a superb Awards Dinner - the venue was innovative, the organisation seamless and the food and service great - certainly the award winners next to me were well chuffed with their win and enjoyed the whole function. The only problem for you will be that it will be hard to top as an event next year!

Thanks again.

Paul Forman

Click here for photo's of the evening >>

Sponsores for the 2006 awards were:

Planning for Freight - Sharpening up your LTPs' conference was held on 26 May 2005 in Central London.

Click here to view Photo Gallery of the Event >>

The Institution of Highways & Transportation joined forces with the County Surveyors Society to hold a conference to launch the jointly developed Traffic Calming Techniques document on 25th January 2005 in London. A packed audience of more than 200 delegates heard high profile speakers share their expertise including Mike Sharpe, IHT President, and Mike Talbot, Head of Traffic Management Division, Department for Transport.

Download press release word doc 44k >>

Managing the Highway Network Conference - A Full House Success!

Managing the Highway Network - New Legislation, New Duties and Wider Responsibilities, held on 4 November 2004 provided an important opportunity to discuss and highlight the implications for highways and transport professionals of the forthcoming Traffic Management Bill.

The programme featured high profile speakers including representatives from the Department for Transport, the Highways Agency and Local Authority practitioners.

Download press release word doc 53kb >>

Download full write-up of the conference word doc 59kb >>
Taken from Transportation Professional, December 2004

The plans for how London should tackle the transport challenge of staging the Olympics in 2012, should the bid be successful, were debated at a conference held on 5 July 2004 hosted by the Engineering and Technology Board (etb) and the Institution of Highways & Transportation (IHT). Over 150 delegates attended the conference that took place at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in London. Transcripts (in Microsoft Word format) are available to download below.

Click here to download press release word doc 344kb >>
Click here to view conference programme word doc 26.5kb >>
Click here to download transcripts >>

Click here to read Catalyst, the Engineering and Technology Board's online magazine.

New safety standard launched at international event

IHT held its International Road Safety Audit Forum conference on 2/3 October 2003 in London.   A packed audience of more than 200 delegates heard high profile speakers like Professor George Hazel, IHT President, and Dennis Roberts, Director of Road and Vehicles at the Department for Transport, along with international speakers, sharing their expertise on road safety audit.  

News release, word doc 52k >>

Urban Safety Management: road safety strategies for urban communities

Thursday 18 September 2003
University of Gloucester

Transport Minister, David Jamieson MP, launched the Government's new Urban Safety Management Guidelines at an IHT organised conference held in Gloucester, home of the pioneering Gloucester Safer City project.