Next week’s Transport Technology Forum conference is promising to offer delegates examples of where technology has helped local authorities deliver better transport.
The event, from 3-5 March, features a series of presentations about successful projects supported by Transport Technology partner Innovate UK. That session led by Connected Transport Innovation Lead Karla Jakeman takes place on Thursday morning, followed in the afternoon by a series of presentations with London Councils, including details of London’s Electric Vehicle Charging Data and the DfT’s Local Authority Guidance. Although aimed at boroughs in the capital, that session will have content relevant to other authorities.
The Conference begins on the Wednesday morning with some keynote speeches including a Ministerial Address and a talk from the Department for Transport’s Head of Traffic and Technology, Anthony Ferguson plus a view on future mobility from the automotive electronics industry with a speaker from AESIN. Practical advice on procurement guidance, plus details of support offered by LCRIG make up part of Wednesday afternoon’s session while on the Friday morning the new shape of traffic is examined, including lessons learned from the TTF’s Covid data reports, a local authority’s view from Devon County Council and future mobility with Vivacity. The event is rounded off with further keynote speeches on the Friday afternoon, including from the DfT’s new cycling lead.
There have already been more than 300 free online registrations for the sessions.
“This year’s online Forum format is based on the way people work in our virtual world,” explained TTF Manager Darren Capes of the DfT. “At a physical event, people tend to sit and listen to all the sessions, but we can see that when you are watching on a screen, you tend to be a bit more choosy. We are therefore not expecting everyone to sit and watch every minute, but pick the sessions of greatest interest, and we have structured the event to fit into that way of working. Everything will be recorded and made available on demand, so people can either join live and take advantage of interactive Q and A sessions, or watch at their leisure the sessions most of interest.”
The TTF is also offering an innovative social event on the Wednesday and Thursday evenings, with a radio style discussion programme streaming online from 7-8 each night. Nicknamed “TTFM”, the light-hearted programme will feature special guests including legendary TV technology presenter Michael Rodd and former Transport Ministers Steve Norris and Stephen Ladyman, as well as what is being called “Transport’s Got Talent.” “We wanted to do something in the evenings where people could raise a glass as they would in person,” commented TTF adviser Andy Graham of White Willow Consulting. “You don’t sit and watch a screen or see a powerpoint at event socials, so we decided an audio only format would work best – listen to it while cooking, washing up, walking the dog or even just with your feet up on the sofa. It should be interesting and a lot of fun.”
To sign up for the event go to: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ttf-annual-conference-2021-registration-138411318981. TTFM will be streamed on the website of the TTF’s media partner www.highways-news.com.
(Picture – Transport Technology Forum)
