CIHT South West is delighted to host the South West Emerging Professional Presentation Competition to showcase new talent in the sector.
This is a fantastic opportunity to hear and support some of the top emerging talent in the South West as they present on a wide and varied range of topics to see who will reach the final of the presentation competition in May.
In this session, we will hear from three rising stars providing fresh perspectives on issues affecting the sector. This is an ideal moment to support emerging professionals in your region, to offer guidance and reflect on the work they are already embarking on.
Looking to attend both heats?
Book to attend the South West EPPC 2026 Heat 2
Anyone is welcome to join this free event.
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Luna Vandeweghe - Graduate Consultant (Transport Planning), WSP Mind the Gender Gap - Tackling Inequality in Sustainable TransportThe journey from A to B has changed in the 21st century, with public and active transport being promoted more than ever in line with the UK’s goals of achieving Net Zero. In September 2025, the government announced a £2.3 billion investment as part of the ‘Plan for Change’ to support local transport connections and provide smoother journeys using public services. However, do we all rely on public transport in the same way? How does your view of safety compare with others? Is transport really that political? In her presentation, Luna looks to answer these questions and explores the challenges faced by women in the UK when using sustainable travel. She highlights successful initiatives in Mexico City, Osaka and Tallinn that have targeted gender inequality. This provides an opportunity to reflect on the UK’s current policies and how the challenge of women’s safety is approached differently across the globe. |
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Oscar Freeman-Davies - Transportation Planning Officer (Road Safety), Devon County Council Trend → Treatment → Outcome: A 10 year comparison showing transport schemes' impact on collision reduction at cluster sitesDevon County Council conducts an annual cluster site review identifying sites where there have been 5 or more collisions, within a 50m radius over the latest 5-year period of collision data. Eight cluster sites were chosen and analysed over a 10-year period (2015–19 vs 2020–24) and compared with a countywide baseline; changes in total collisions, cyclist collisions, and KSI were assessed before calculating financial benefits using DfT ‘Cost per Collision’ (2023). Across cluster sites where schemes were introduced, reductions consistently exceeded the county baseline for all collisions and cyclists. The largest reductions were schemes that reduced motor traffic, improved infrastructure, provided signage, and crossing upgrades. The value of cyclist collision reduction alone is estimated at £3.5 million across the 8 sites analysed. This shows how scheme led transport planning alongside collision intelligence can lead to a safer system for all whilst reducing the burden on public health. |
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Vaani Shokar The Lifecycle of Travel Plans - From Conception to ImplementationComprehensive travel plans aim to ensure new housing developments encourage walking, wheeling and public transport over private car use. Effective travel plans look to support community wellbeing whilst simultaneously reducing congestion in and around developments. This presentation explores the intricate journey required to produce such plans, examining how policies are conceived, developed and ultimately implemented in addition to the challenges that inhibit uptake and interaction at each stage. Collectively, these challenges undermine the effectiveness of travel plan delivery, resulting in missed opportunities, dissatisfaction and delays. By analysing and evaluating strengths and weaknesses associated with these stages, it highlights the interconnected problems facing decision makers and proposes strategies for a more streamlined, efficient approach to travel planning with context to both public and private sectors. |
CPD is defined as any activity that provides new knowledge or skills that help you to achieve your professional development goals or has otherwise helped you to develop as a highways and transportation professional
Plan, record and manage your CPD for free at CIHT Learn.
Need help with getting the most out of your CPD access CIHT’s CPD Guidance here.
For more information, please contact southwest@ciht.org.uk.
Got a question?
t: +44 (0)20 7336 1555
e: info@ciht.org.uk