The Minister for Local Transport has described the ITS World Congress 2027 as a “fantastic opportunity to showcase UK transport innovations” on the global stage.
In a video message to ITS UK members played at the organisation’s Parliamentary Reception, Lilian Greenwood said the Department for Transport is “delighted to support next year’s ITS World Congress”, describing it as a chance to “show the world how we’re seizing opportunities and tackling challenges to better connect people and to keep them safe.”
The Minister linked the event to the government’s wider ambitions for transport, saying: “We want to connect more people to more places through easier, safer, faster journeys, whoever and wherever they are.”
She told delegates that intelligent transport technologies are helping to deliver that vision and highlighted the role innovation will play in meeting the government’s road safety targets.
Referring to the recently published road safety strategy, Greenwood said: “We need smarter solutions and more use of technology” to achieve the government’s ambitions to reduce deaths and serious injuries on the road network, which the ITS World Congress will focus on.
The Minister pointed to a number of digital initiatives being developed by the Department for Transport, including the Connected Vehicle Services Framework, which will establish nationwide standards for introducing data-driven services on the road network.
She said the framework will help make journeys safer and easier, “from flagging upcoming hazards to suggesting alternative routes”, while ensuring such services are rolled out consistently across the country.
Ms Greenwood also highlighted work to digitise traffic regulation orders and traffic control information, alongside support for data-driven services such as the National Parking Platform, the Bus Open Data Service and Street Manager.
Addressing ITS UK members directly, she praised the sector’s contribution to the government’s objectives, saying: “Your dedication is making that happen right now.”
The ITS World Congress 2027 will bring transport technology leaders, policymakers and innovators from around the world to Birmingham, providing the UK with a platform to demonstrate advances in connected mobility, data sharing, digital infrastructure and road safety.
(Picture – TfWM)
