ITS UK, the national association for the transport technology sector, revealed the winners of its prestigious annual Awards at its 18th President’s Dinner.
Hosted by esteemed ITS UK President Steve Norris, this year’s event brought together 250 leading figures from industry and government to honour those individuals, projects and organisations delivering excellence in the intelligent transport sector.
“Many congratulations to all the winners of the ITS UK Annual Awards. Now in our 18th iteration, this year’s event was the biggest yet, with 16 awards presented across a range of categories,” said Max Sugarman, chief executive of ITS UK. “What is clear from the range of entries and the winning individuals, projects and organisations is the clear dynamism, innovation and excellence of the UK transport technology sector, and its capabilities in supporting a more integrated, safer and greener transport network for all.”
Individual Awards
1. Rees Hills Award for Outstanding Personal Contribution
Winner: Graham Hanson, Department for Transport
Judges’ Comments: “Graham Hanson has been working in ITS at the Department for Transport since 2014. Over those ten years, he has been a leading figure in pushing forward ITS policy, tirelessly working to ensure ITS is raised up the Government’s and sector’s agendas. Whether it’s the opening up of local authority data, engaging with the European Commission or working on smart parking and C-ITS, Graham’s work has been critical to the roll out of ITS across the UK.”
2. Eric Sampson CBE Award for Early Careers Professional of the Year
Winner: Alicia Blatiak, GridiCity
Highly Commended: Nora Ali, Clearview Intelligence
Judges’ Comments: “Alicia founded Gridicity in 2022, a software provider that supports the efficiency of businesses’ electric vehicle fleets, ensuring they know when best to charge up, and also offering the opportunity to put power back into the grid at peak times. The judges were hugely impressed with Alicia’s drive and determination and her focus on solving a key issue for the EV market, which has seen Gridicity move from success to success.”
Jennie Martin MBE Award for ITS Woman of the Year
Winner: Jill Hayden, AtkinsRéalis
Judges’ Comments: “Long recognised as a leading ITS professional, Jill has been at the forefront of many major ITS programmes over her 25 year career, including leading the DfT’s Connected Vehicle Data Strategy Research Project and an independent review of National Highways’ safety case for smart motorways. The judges were particularly impressed by her commitment and involvement in the sector, where she is one of the leading thinkers on transport technology and innovation.”
4. Frontline Hero Award
Winner: Tom Siddall, 4way Consulting
Judges’ Comments: “The judges were impressed by Tom’s commitment both to his work at 4Way, and to supporting the wider industry. A STEM Ambassador, Tom has a passion for sharing best practice, improving both his and others knowledge of transport technology and in working with others to support the industry.”
5. Richard Harris Award for International Achievement
Winner: Jon Harrod Booth, Harrod Booth Consulting
Board’s comments: “Jon has – over a 25 year career – supported ITS projects over the world. As Chair of the British Standards Institute’s ITS Committee since 2007, and as a consultant working in the US, UK and Europe, Jon’s impact on the ITS sector has been globally significant, making him a worthy winner of this award.”
Project Awards
6. Better Mobility or Accessibility through Technology Award, sponsored by Emovis
Winner: AGD Systems – Improving pedestrian crossing safety with the Cone B Tactile
Judges Comments: “Many neurological and physical disorders which result in vision loss in humans, also see conditions where the individual has abnormal skin sensation that can feel like tingling, prickling, burning, or numbness. The team at AGD undertook a review of the design of their cone tactile, the device that sits at the bottom of a pedestrian crossing device, to ensure it supported these vulnerable road users. The judges were particularly impressed with AGD’s engagement with organisations like RNIB, to help support the product design.”
7. A Sustainable Environment through Technology Award, sponsored by Neology UK
Winner: Yunex Traffic – Yutraffic Actis
Judges’ Comments: “The Yutraffic Actis traffic signal really is a step-change in sustainable product design. It supports the global drive to reuse, reduce & recycle, using recycled raw materials, ensuring maximum future recyclability and reducing packaging. The judges were particularly impressed with the Yunex teams’ drive and commitment to sustainability which has seen such a significant redesign of a critical product for ITS.”
8. Digitisation & Digital Services Award
Winner: Connect Plus Services – Extending working windows on the M25
Judges’ Comments: “The M25 is one of the busiest roads in Europe and a key strategic artery for the UK. In partnership with Alchera Technologies, Connect Plus Services—the operator and manager of the network—is leveraging advanced technology to maximize efficiency during road closures by identifying opportunities to safely extend start and end times. The judges were highly impressed with this innovative tool, which can unlock extra productive time per shift, delivering up to a 20% increase in efficiency.
9. Connected & Automated Mobility Award
Winner: Arup – Commercialising Automated Public Transport
Judges’ Comments: “The judges highlighted Arup’s work to consider new modes and use cases unlocked by automated vehicle technology, showing CAM could have clear advantages for public transport, bringing wider social, economic, and environmental benefits to the sector. The panel were particularly impressed by the opportunities this could provide for the sector, following the passing of the Automated Vehicles Act.”
10. Better Safety through Technology Award
Winner: VivaCity & Transport for West Midlands — Boosting road safety using near miss data
Judges’ Comments: “TfWM has built an extensive network of 40 VivaCity AI-powered computer vision sensors that gather real-time, multimodal data and insights on a wide range of road users. Its innovative AI-powered computer vision technology is allowing the transport authority to uncover and discover “Near Miss” hotspots and risk exposure relating to our most vulnerable road users. The judges felt this worthy winner showcased how AI and data could have a real, tangible and effective impact on road safety.”
11. Changing Behaviour with Technology Award
Winner: Westcotec – Heathrow Airport Perimeter Road Casualty Reduction Scheme
Highly Commended: Intelligent Instruments – Noise Camera Project – Kensington and Chelsea, London
Judges’ Comments: “A speeding problem affected many stretches of the Heathrow Perimeter Road, with a number of collisions occurring. The strong partnership between Westcotec, Heathrow Airport Ltd and the Metropolitan Police organisations, used dynamic speed display signs and repeated speed warning signs to reduce speeding on the stretch of road. The judges could see the huge benefit these interventions had on road safety, so much so, that the perimeter roads were changed from 40mph to 30mph, with compliance continuing.”
12. Public Transport Award sponsored by Interchange
Winner: Transport for Greater Manchester – ITS Supporting the Bee Network
Judges’ Comments: “To support the first reregulation of bus services since the 1980s, TfGM has implemented a series of cutting-edge ITS interventions. It includes the extended deployment of SCOOT bus priority, 25 new CCTV sites at strategic corridors and pinch points, 20 Automatic Traffic Counters (ATCs), 50 video analytic sensors as well as working with partners to better utilise the data they had. The judges were impressed with the level and scale of the project that was having demonstrable benefits to the bus network, during a period of significant change for the city’s transport network.”
13. Project of the Year
Winner: VivaCity & Transport for West Midlands — Boosting road safety using near miss data
Judges’ Comments: “Congratulations to the team at VivaCity and Transport for West Midlands. This prize is clear recognition of the impact data and AI is having on the transport sector, ensuring a safer, more efficient and greener road network. The judges felt that this award showcased the future of the sector and was a pioneer in its field, worthy of the top prize.”
Organisations
14. Start Up or Scale Up of the Year Award
Winner: EMSOL
Judges’ Comments: “EMSOL has developed an innovative platform that integrates advanced sensor technology with cutting-edge data analytics and source attribution capabilities, offering unparalleled insights into pollution sources and patterns. The judges recognised EMSOL’s product as a major breakthrough in air quality management technology, with impressive scalability potential. The company is already partnering with NHS Trusts, waste management firms, and construction projects.”
15. Public Sector Body or Client of the Year
Winner: Solent Transport
Highly Commended: Transport for Wales
Judges’ comments: “Solent Transport is one of the UK’s trailblazing Future Transport Zones. Through visionary leadership and innovation, the organisation has made significant strides in enhancing personal mobility and advancing sustainable logistics for the residents of Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton, and the Isle of Wight. The judges were particularly impressed by the diversity of initiatives, from the introduction of mobility credits and the development of the Breeze MaaS app to pioneering the use of drone delivery technology.”
16. Exporter of the Year
Winner: Valerann
Judges’ comments: “Over the past 12 months, Valerann has achieved remarkable international expansion, with its advanced remote traffic management systems now operational in Ireland, Portugal, the United States, Costa Rica, Chile, and Peru. The judges were particularly impressed by this substantial growth, harnessing AI and data to enhance road safety on a global scale.”
