2026 CIHT Awards now open for entry

5th Jan 2026

The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) has officially opened entries for the 2026 CIHT Awards, presenting an unmissable opportunity for highways and transport organisations to elevate their work on a national and global stage. Entries are free and open to any organisation in the sector, whether a CIHT partner, member, or not — and there’s no project too big or too small to enter.

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Overview

From innovation in digital transformation to excellence in road safety, sustainability and infrastructure delivery, the awards celebrate the full breadth of achievement across the highways and transport world.

  • The awards are free to enter
  • 17 categories
  • No project too big or too small
  • Entries can be from any location
  • Entries are open to every organisation working in the sector, whether a CIHT partner or not
  • Entries can be submitted by anyone whether a CIHT member or not
  • Eligible projects can be entered for as many categories as appropriate
  • An organisation can also enter as many distinct eligible projects as they wish for a category
  • Submissions must be made in English only
  • Entries must be submitted no later than 20 February 2026. We encourage early submission.
  • Entries are judged by impartial expert judges with a diversity of experience and opinion
>>> Find out more

   

Stand Out in a Crowded Sector

Entering the CIHT Awards gives organisations a powerful platform to showcase their most impressive work and innovations to industry leaders, key decision-makers and future sector talent. It’s a chance to tell your story — and to stand out from the crowd.

Winners and shortlisted entrants benefit from high-impact PR opportunities, including featured placements on the CIHT website, across social media and in Transportation Professional magazine — exposure that can raise profile and boost business development prospects.

A strong entry doesn’t just reflect past success — it can enhance brand reputation, acting as a recognised mark of quality for clients, investors and strategic partners. It can also play a meaningful role in attracting future talent and motivating existing teams by celebrating the dedication and expertise they bring to complex transport challenges.

   

Real-World Impact & Recognition

Previous entrants have seen tangible benefits from their involvement. For example:

  • HW Martin and partners were celebrated for excellence in Technology and Digital Transformation at the 2025 awards, gaining visibility for technological leadership. hwmartin.com
  • Eurovia Surfacing won the Health and Safety Award in 2025 for pioneering safety technology, underscoring how CIHT recognition can highlight industry-leading practice. Eurovia
  • Transport for the South East was shortlisted in 2025 for its collaborative Centre of Excellence, demonstrating how cross-sector teamwork can earn industry-wide acclaim. Transport for the South East

   

Expert Judging and Continued Exposure

Entries are reviewed by impartial expert judges with diverse experience, ensuring that excellence is recognised fairly and credibly.

Even organisations that don’t win top prizes will benefit: all entries are considered for inclusion in CIHT thought leadership, events and future communications, giving every participant a platform to influence sector debate and practice. 

>>> Start your entry today

  

2026 CIHT Awards Categories

Has your organisation between 01/01/2024 and 01/01/2026;

Worked in collaboration with other organisations and/or sectors to deliver real solutions >>> CIHT Collaboration Award

Improved the places around them and created places for people >>> CIHT Creating Better Places Award

Worked on an activity that can demonstrate the delivery of a significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions >>> CIHT Decarbonisation Award

Implemented (or been involved in) an EDI (Equality, Diversity, Inclusion) initiative of merit >>> CIHT Equality Diversity and Inclusion Award

Worked on an initiatives that improved safety practices and culture at work >>> CIHT Health and Safety in the Workplace Award

Worked on an engineering or infrastructure solution that has delivered positive outcomes for the benefit of the public >>> CIHT Infrastructure Award

Developed a product or material that has made a positive impact to the highways and transportation sector through innovation, sustainability and decarbonisation >>> CIHT Product of the Year Award

Developed research that has changed perspectives and moved the industry forward >>> CIHT Research Award

Worked on a project, scheme or strategy in the highways and transportation sector that has contributed to making infrastructure more resilient to extreme weather events and climate change >>> CIHT Resilience Award

Worked on road safety initiative, scheme or product that contribute to casualty reduction >>> CIHT Road Safety Award

Contributed to sustainable development >>> CIHT Sustainability Award

Used teamwork to achieve a clear result or outcome >>> CIHT Team of the Year Award

Changed the game, this could be in terms of new technology, products, processes and/or digital services that have impacted an organisation, industry and society positively >>> CIHT Technology and Digital Transformation Award

Know a CIHT member  who has been a role model within the profession >>> CIHT Transportation Professional of the Year Award

Bus Centre of Excellence Awards

Funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) and run by CIHT, the Bus Centre of Excellence is a place of resources, guidance and support for all those working within and around the bus sector.

For the Bus Centre of Excellence award categories all individuals, companies, organisations, activities and projects in England within the bus sector are eligible.

Made a significant positive impact in England within the field of bus transportation >>> Bus Centre of Excellence - Bus Initiative of the Year Award

Know an individual who has made an exceptional contribution within the bus transportation sector >>> Bus Centre of Excellence - Bus Person of the Year

Know an individual who is making an exceptional contribution within the bus industry in England whilst early in their career >>> Bus Centre of Excellence - Emerging Bus Professional

   

Key Dates

Entries Open – 5 January 2026

Deadline for entries – 20 February 2026

Shortlist announced – w/c 23 March 2026

Awards ceremony – 17 June 2026

   

Help and support

If you have an urgent question about the awards or just want to check eligibility or see what category is best for your project? Contact us via e-mail at awards@ciht.org.uk.

Award ceremony enquiries: conferences@ciht.org.uk

Sponsorship enquiries: ben.sellers@thinkpublishing.co.uk

   

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Get ahead with CIHT Membership

Join other savvy professionals just like you at CIHT.  We are  committed to fulfilling your professional development needs throughout your career

Find out more