On Thursday 5th February, CIHT North East & Cumbria held its Future Transport Conference at St James' Park, Newcastle. The themes of this conference were a fairer, greener and connected North East & Cumbria based on the respective North East, Tees Valley and Cumbria Local Transport Plans.

In her welcome address, Grace Smith, Chair of the CIHT North East & Cumbria committee, shared a personal anecdote on why she joined the industry, always striving to make improvements to the infrastructure surrounding our day-to-day lives.

The jam-packed day's first session focused on the future of the region's transport, 1-year on from the Mayor's Local Transport Plan, which, in line with the Conference's key themes, aims to create a green, integrated transport network that works for all. Attendees heard an update from Lucy Jacques, Head of Transport Policy & Strategy at North East Combined Authority on some key developments, including the £2.5 cap on bus fares, the region's new green fleet, and new metro trains. 
Attendees then heard from Tees Valley Combined Authority regarding their Tees Valley's Strategic Transport Plan. The ambitious plan sets out to match UK growth targets and has already achieved significant progress since its launch in 2020, including fare improvements and better connectivity to Newcastle Airport by train. Their next focus is ensuring technology is utilised in the best way possible and maximising their influence on the local supply chain as well and in return, generating more income for the local economy.

After a short comfort break, the next session focused on delivering an integrated transport network. The impressive panel covered a range of topics, from the resources DARe has developed to support its mission to a decarbonised transport system; Active Travel England's pledge to raise standards in street design to make them safer and more accessible; the 13 kilometer extension proposed to the Tyne and Wear Metro line to Washington; and Susan Leadbetter's, Associate at WSP, presentation on creating gender inclusive mobility and design, with a large focus on women and girls.

Attendees had a great opportunity over lunch to network and visit the exhibition stands on display. 

Jumping straight into the first afternoon session, the focus was on transport-led regeneration. The session focused on regional development highlights, such as the newly opened Keel Crossing, a pedestrian and cycle footpath in Sunderland, North Tyneside seafront's sustainable route (CIHT NE&C Large Project of the Year winner), and Carlisle's Devonshire Street's transformation (CIHT NE&C Small Project of the Year winner) which reshaped the city's town centre. Andrew Dorrian's presentation, Principal Transport Planner at North East CA, reiterated the importance of integration within the sector as it improves choice for everyone; this will underpin the Integrated National Transport Strategy, due to be released later this year.

In the last session, the focus was on the use of technology for transport. The session was opened by Andrea Reacroft, Digital Transport Programme Delivery Manager at Tees Valley Combined Authority - Andrea's slot highlighted the many developments the region has seen around automation, praising the fact that the region is quickly becoming a hub for CAM-automation. Attendees also heard from Prof Phil Blythe, Professor of Intelligent Transport Systems at Newcastle University, and a presentation on the use of active-travel data, delivered by Paul McKenna, Director at TNC/NCC Consultant; Diego Perera-Solis, Project Manager, Climate Change Team at Northumberland City Council and Tom Bailey, Director at Streets Systems. Lastly, we heard from Lucy Batley, Owner of Traction Industries on a very interesting presentation around how AI can transform the transportation and highways sector. Lucy's top tip for adapting AI? Start small then scale your use of AI up over time.

CIHT North East & Cumbria would like to thank all speakers, attendees, and exhibitors once again for a fantastic day of networking and knowledge sharing. A special thank you to the event sponsors: Street Systems, Waterman Aspen, WSP, and Cundall.

There will be many more exciting events happening in the region throughout the course of the year - if you want to find out more or get involved with CIHT North East & Cumbria, please contact northeastandcumbria@ciht.org.uk.  

Photos by Gavin Forster Photography