The popular JCT Traffic Signals Symposium is introducing a new panel session to support local authorities looking for help in managing their road networks amid changing requirements.
Nicknamed “Signallers’ Question Time” the session will invite leading experts to answer questions from the audience on signal-related issues.
Emily Madsen from Staffordshire County Council (pictured) and consultants Mark Pleydell, Peter Routledge and Chris Kennett are the likely panellists in the session, which will be hosted by Highways News co-owner and former broadcaster Paul Hutton.
Organiser John Nightingale, Director at JCT Consultancy, explains the session is in response to comments from Local Authority representatives about how difficult it is to keep on top of the myriad of new requirements across their roles.
“Back when I was a Local Authority signals engineer, our role was fairly straightforward – manage the signals to keep the traffic flowing,” Mr Nightingale says. “However, now signals engineers have much wider remits, far more choice of technology and many more people to consider – not only drivers but public transport operators, pedestrians and cyclists, and emergency services. They’re not only under a requirement to keep traffic flowing, but there’s also a greater emphasis on emissions and air quality, and on road safety.
“Fortunately, through our two-day learned programme, the Symposium does cover all those aspects, and attracts the leading consultants in the industry. However, what we can’t do when putting the programme together months in advance is answer every here-and-now issue that a Local Authority might face, so we’re adding this session to help with immediate, pressing challenges.”
Because there may be some sensitivities, participants to the event will be able to submit their questions anonymously if they wish. Questions can be posed ahead of the session, or while it is taking place. Delegates will also be able to contribute with their experience to make “Signallers’ Question Time” an open debate to share best practice.
“Last year, one of our moderators, Jennie Martin MBE, made a great point about the wealth of experience in the Symposium,” Mr Nightingale continued. “She said that if a Local Authority were to pay the experts they were hearing from to come and help them, it would cost multiples of the price of a ticket to the Symposium. We think “Signallers’ Question Time” will offer authorities real value at a fraction of the cost of inviting these people to help solve their challenges.”
This year’s JCT Traffic Signals Symposium takes place at the Royal Armouries Conference Centre in Leeds from 23-25 September 2025. It features two days of academic presentations alongside a large exhibition and two evening networking events.
You can watch last September’s Symposium from Nottingham Trent University here.
Sign up to attend or exhibit at this year’s event through the Symposium website, which also features options to book hotel rooms alongside the main event.
(Picture – JCT)
