As we return to the bustle of normal life in a new year, I believe it’s important to reflect on the past twelve months and consider their significance for the UK, the industry, ITS UK, and our members.

2024 was undoubtedly a year of major change. The General Election in June brought the Labour Party to power for the first time in 14 years, ushering in a new approach to governance, policy, and investment. For our sector, this has meant adapting to new priorities, including bus and rail reform, a revised approach for road investment, and a new focus on integrating our transport network.

Some positives…

For members, there are certainly positives. The new Integrated National Transport Strategy is something we should strongly welcome, given the role technology can play in acting as the glue between different transport modes. The fact that data and technology play such as prominent role in the Call for Ideas can only be a good thing. And, with a new Transport Committee in Parliament, it is highly encouraging to see issues around demand responsive transport, smart ticketing and road access taking centre stage – with new inquiries into all of these key areas.

The passing of the Automated Vehicles Act, under the previous Government, and the progress being made on Digital Traffic Regulation Orders (D-TROs) is also great to see, as is the certainty that bus and rail reform will bring the industry. Greater powers to local and combined authorities, and talk of longer-term funding deals, make for encouraging reading.

… but also some negatives

However, the year has not all been smooth sailing. Whilst it’s inevitable that general elections slow down decision-making, it’s clear that there has been a sluggish start to transport investment, across a number of modes. With the next Roads Investment Strategy (RIS3) not yet confirmed, and a slow approach to the new rail funding period (Control Period 7), there is still much we need to do to make sure our network is future-ready.

The cancellation of the Intelligent Traffic Management Fund – a very reasonable £20m pot for traffic innovation – and the precarious position of the National Parking Platform, are disappointing to see, particularly given how these relatively small investments could unlock substantial economic growth. More needs to be done, too, on the Home Office Type Approval process for enforcement technology, and we are still yet to see anyone in Government ‘grasp the nettle’ and offer a sensible approach to how we replace falling fuel duty revenue (we can give you the answer: a form of ‘pay as you drive’ mobility pricing).

And finally, it is worth noting that we are yet to solve how local authorities can make greater use of ‘software as a service’, data and AI services – particularly with the issues around operational expenditure, which is hampering the growth of many start-ups and scale-ups in the industry. If we don’t get to grips with this soon, we really do risk being left behind by other nations, and industries.

What we are doing

Throughout the past year, ITS UK has been busy, working to represent our members at the highest levels. Many will hopefully have read our Manifesto for the Future of Transport, outlining ten key recommendations to best leverage transport technology, but we have also been up to much more.

This year, we produced a paper on the future of motorway technology, setting out why the UK needs a motorway technology transition strategy. And, working with the Crown Commercial Service, we’ve explored issues around smart ticketing, what value means in procurement and AI and automation.

In response to local elections, we published a briefing for councillors on the benefits of intelligent transport and following the appointment of the new Government, we held them to account with our 100 Day Plan for Transport Technology. All of these papers can be found in the Publications area of our website.

Critically, though, we aren’t just writing – we’re using these documents to make the case too. Since the General Election, we’ve met with the Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood MP, and have begun a programme of engagement with Members of Parliament from across different parties. We’ve responded to Government consultations, including on the Industrial Strategy, and in September – as MPs were getting settled into their new roles – we brought the industry to Westminster for our Parliamentary Reception.

What does 2025 bring?

The coming year is already set to be a significant one for policy and transport technology. Two Committee inquiries, a call for ideas on integrated transport and a number of bills, on buses, rail and data, all at different stages through their passage in Parliament. And that is not to mention the secondary legislation needed on automated vehicles, the Home Office’s ongoing review of HOTA or the progress being made on D-TROs. And then there is the small matter of a Comprehensive Spending Review, to add to the list!

One thing is certain – it’s going to be a busy year. But we’re set and ready to make the case for the sector during 2025. Here’s how:

• We’re working with Government, at all levels, to make the case for the sector. That includes plans to host a workshop on the Integrated National Transport Strategy and to meet with Metro Mayors and local leaders.
• We’re continuing our thought leadership, with reports planned on a number of issues, including what is next for the noise camera market.
• We’ll soon be launching a study to evaluate the size of the ITS market in the UK, which will provide credible figures that support the case for investment in the sector.
• And we’ll be hosting conferences, events and roundtables with key decision makers to bring members together with those deciding policy. That means once again holding our annual Parliamentary Reception and Executive Dinners, but also looking at new events at Labour and Conservative Party Conferences too.

There’s much to do, but we’re excited to take our advocacy work even further in 2025.

Thank you to all our members who’ve made 2024 such a productive and memorable year – here’s to working together in 2025, to ensure the voice of transport technology is heard.