Last week, CIHT ran a series of technical seminars (17-19 May 2022) and from these identified three common themes that can help to provide a framework for future thinking.

1) There is a need for a – safe and decarbonised – systems thinking approach to how transport networks are designed and operated. Increasingly, how we think about the choices we make about transport need to be seen within the wider system they operate. For instance, the need for land use planning to better integrate with sustainable transport so that future housing developments are not reliant on car-use.

2) We must develop the right skills that will address the challenges we now face – from decarbonisation to developing the environment to support electric vehicles, to improving road safety – all require people with the right expertise, knowledge, and skills.

3) The need for dialogue – There are many groups looking at similar issues and we must facilitate the sharing of new ideas and best practice if we are to affect real change.

a. To improve road safety - it is about bringing groups of experts together, there are many organisations focused on improving safety so there is a need to share ideas and lessons.
b. For rolling out EV charging infrastructure, there is a need to expand knowledge within the sector of the work of the energy industry. Part of this dialogue needs to ensure it creates a sharing across the UK as there are different approaches across the UK from roll-out of 20mph to roll-out of EV charging infrastructure.

Creating Sustainable Developments Through Integrating Planning & Transport

The first event was focused on creating sustainable developments through integrating planning and transport. Work by CIHT, with a recent survey undertaken that received over 700 responses has indicated that on the question: “How important do you see the relationship of planning and transport in achieving net-zero carbon goals?” 99% of CIHT, RTPI and TPS members said this is important. Professionals in our sector want to do better, but 57% of survey respondents indicated that they do not have the sufficient skills to deliver sustainable development.

Skills will be impeded by a lack of political will, a lack of resource in the public sector, and could perpetuate an embedded car culture in developments. The survey also found that 87% of respondents said that they agree that there are problems in delivering sustainable development and securing sustainable transport outcomes.

A Network Wide Approach to Road Safety

The second day focused on a network wide approach to road safety. The evolution of how our highways are used is changing; with greater use of micromobility, a focus on active travel, and a need to encourage greater uses of public transport. This means safety needs to be at the forefront of these changes and the safe systems approach will also need to keep pace with these changes

The Future of Electric Vehicle Charging and Solutions for Coming Needs

The final day was on the future of electric vehicle charging and solutions for coming needs again indicated the need for much closer integration of transport energy systems.

These technical seminars were run as hybrid events, with an audience of over 250 attending either in person at space@119 or via our digital platform.