TfWM officer sets out devolved transport strategy ahead of World Congress 2027

by Paul Hutton

Transport for West Midlands’ Principal Policy and Strategy Officer has set out ideas for a range of improvements to the region’s transport infrastructure that could be showcased in 2027 when the Intelligent Transport Systems World Congress comes to Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre.

Adam Harrison, speaking at a recent ITS UK – Urban Mobility Partnership event in Birmingham, detailed how the West Midlands is already using new devolved powers to improve transport and support regional priorities like economic growth, job creation, and housing. The event also looked at the implications of wider devolution for transport authorities across the country.

He also highlighted calls for the government to grant more powers to local authorities such as a proposal to allow regions to retain revenue from average speed cameras, which could then be reinvested directly into road safety initiatives.

Mr Harrison discussed how greater local control is already leading to improvements in a range of other key areas, including devolution of bus services, increasing rail capacity, and promoting active travel.

During his address, Harrison showcased two major projects that demonstrate the West Midlands’ innovative approach to transport:

Coventry Very Light Rail System: An advanced research and development project that uses local expertise to create an affordable and innovative light rail system (pictured)
HS2-NEC Link: A new transport connection designed to link the High-Speed 2 rail line with the National Exhibition Centre.

These projects, among other cutting-edge technological advancements in the region, are set to be showcased at the ITS World Congress in 2027.

“We are working on a range of solutions that will help people get around safer, more efficiently and with less impact on the environment,” Mr Harrison explained. “We will be judged on how well we have improved accessibility to key amenities through public and active transport, reduced traffic and improved safety and security across the transport system and reduced transport’s contribution towards harmful emissions. We look forward to the world coming to the West Midlands in 2027 where we can share our lessons learned.”

The Congress, in October 2027 is expected to be one of the biggest industry events ever to take place at the NEC, with at least 15,000 attendees expected from around the world. Under the banner “Connect Ideas. Transform Transport.”, it involves a major exhibition, a summit of transport leaders from around the world, five days of technical and special interest sessions, demonstrations, technical visits and networking. The event is organised by ERTICO – ITS Europe and hosted by Transport for West Midlands. It is the first time this major global event has visited the UK since it was held in London in 2006.

(Picture – TfWM)