DfT’s Hanson honoured by ITS (UK)

Transport technology awards presented at annual dinner

Graham Hanson, head of smarter traffic management at the Department for Transport, has been honoured for his work in the field of intelligent transport.

Hanson was presented with the Rees Hills Award for Personal Contribution and Achievement at the Intelligent Transport Systems UK Awards.

Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK), the national association for the transport technology sector, revealed the winners of its annual awards at its 18th President’s Dinner in London.

Hanson was described as working tirelessly to build and exploit the capability of the UK ITS sector, as well as being an ambassador for the UK on the global scene. He is credited with playing a pioneering role in the UK's presence in connected-ITS and smarter parking.

Hanson has also played a leading role in initiatives such as the Transport Technology Forum (TTF) and the development of the National Parking Platform, a system that will enable drivers to have greater freedom to use apps and payment channels of their choice.

“I am deeply honoured,” Hanson said. “To be appreciated by your peers – there’s no greater privilege. It’s my Kate Winslet moment!

“I saw the change that technology was bringing, the power of data, bringing systems together, and working with local authorities to create a national picture which enables connectivity.”

The Rees-Hills award is named in honour of Neville Rees and Peter Hills, two pioneers of the use of technology in transport. It is given to a professional with a proven and sustained track record of innovation, leadership and talent as well as someone who has a made real difference to the ITS industry in the UK.

Meanwhile Alicia Blatiak of Gridicity won the Eric Sampson Award for Early Careers Professional of the Year,.

Clearview Intelligence’s Nora Ali being Highly Commended. Jill Hayden of AtkinsRealis won the Jennie Martin Award for ITS Woman of the Year.

4way Consulting’s Tom Siddall was Frontline Hero while Jon Harrod Booth was the first ever recipient of the Richard Harris Award for International Achievement, named in honour of the late Richard Harris and presented by his widow, Jane.

Hosted by ITS UK president Steve Norris, this year’s event brought together 250 figures from industry and government to honour individuals, projects and organisations delivering excellence in the intelligent transport sector.

Max Sugarman, chief executive of ITS (UK), said: “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.

“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.

“Congratulations all the winners!”
 

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

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.”

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.”

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.”

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

Better Mobility or Accessibility through Technology Award

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.”

A Sustainable Environment through Technology Award

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.”

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.

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.”

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.”

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.”

Public Transport Award

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.”

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.”

ORGNISATIONS

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.”

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.”

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.”