Delegates at the Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning and Transport autumn conference in Leeds next week will get a chance to hear more about and discuss ideas for better using technology on local roads, as the Digital Local Roads report is discussed.
Digital Roads is a broad concept encompassing increased use of information technology, data and connectivity to allow a step-change in the way roads are designed, built, managed and used, enabling future safer forms of mobility.
The Digital Local Roads report is authored by TRL, with specialist contributions from Ringway and Vinci Highways as local and strategic highways providers, while professional services organisation Jacobs provides the digital transportation solutions, and Ordnance Survey is mapping and data provider.
At the event, presenters aim to convey an understand the challenges and potential benefits of Digital Local Roads and how the authors engaged have with a wide range of stakeholders including local authorities, national government, maintenance contractors and technology or data suppliers.
They will also talk about how stakeholder engagement through surveys, workshops, and interviews highlighted the key benefits of Local Digital Roads such as improved asset management and environmental benefits, but also challenges to be overcome such as budget restrictions and a lack of digital skills.
The final report published on the Transport Technology Forum website captures these findings and sets out a vision to enable Local Digital Roads by 2030. The report contains an action plan for Local Authorities, National Government, and Industry. The next steps for Local Digital Roads is to develop a formal road map for Digital Roads and to develop new financial models to enable roll out in a time of decreasing public spending.
To read the report, click here.
ADEPT Members can sign up to the event here.
The Digital Local Roads report is authored by TRL, with specialist contributions from Ringway and Vinci Highways as local and strategic highways providers, while professional services organisation Jacobs provides the digital transportation solutions, and Ordnance Survey is mapping and data provider. This team has worked with Government, specifically the Department for Transport through the Transport Technology Forum, along ADEPT and Innovate UK.
(Picture – TTF)
