Two-Day Conference Near Nuneaton to Spotlight Future of Intelligent Transport and Data-Driven Decisions
The Department for Transport (DfT) is gathering momentum for one of its most anticipated technology events of the year — the Transport Technology Forum (TTF) annual conference. Scheduled for May 6 to 8 at the Leonardo Hotel Hinckley Island near Nuneaton, this year’s forum promises big conversations, serious tech insight, and a peek into the future of how Britain moves.
It’s more than just a networking event. It’s a focused dialogue on the real issues affecting roads, signals, digital traffic rules and how AI and cybersecurity are becoming critical to the UK’s transport infrastructure. And it’s drawing heavy hitters — both from government and private sectors — ready to unpack what’s coming next.
Policy, Practice, and a Bit of Pressure
The UK’s transport sector isn’t short of ambition — but execution always lags behind big policy announcements. That’s where events like this become vital.
Professor Sarah Sharples, the Department’s chief scientific adviser, is headlining with a talk titled “Transport – from Physical to Digital.” It’s expected to go deep into the shift from bricks-and-mortar roads to tech-driven networks, where digital data plays as big a role as asphalt.
She’s not alone. The DfT’s heads of AI and cybersecurity are also on the bill. Their sessions are expected to tackle:
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National AI integration plans across public transport systems.
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How councils can prepare for escalating cyber threats.
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Making real-time traffic data both safe and shareable.
It’s not just big-picture stuff either. Local authorities will share what’s working — and what isn’t — when it comes to implementing new tech on tight budgets.
Local Councils Are the Quiet Heroes
While the DfT sets policy, it’s local authorities who do the heavy lifting — and they’ll have plenty to say.
One of the most anticipated parts of the forum will be case studies funded by the Green Light Fund and the Traffic Signals Obsolescence Grant. These are practical projects, not flashy PR campaigns, where small teams are quietly making old systems smarter.
In one standout example, a council used grant money to sync up outdated traffic signals with newer models, reducing rush-hour gridlock by over 20%. Another has deployed AI-driven cameras to monitor junction performance — improving safety and cutting emissions.
It’s not glamorous work. But it’s the kind of innovation that can scale — if others take notice.
Big Names, Bigger Questions
Three sponsors are back again this year, each playing a unique role in the conference.
Clearview Intelligence is sponsoring for the third straight year. They’re known for turning roads into data points — literally — using smart road studs and vehicle detection tech.
AECOM is backing the pre-conference high-level round table, which brings senior decision-makers together for closed-door discussions. These are less about PowerPoints and more about friction — tackling the tough conversations in a tight circle.
Yunex Traffic is sponsoring the networking session on opening night. Expect a lot of side conversations about tenders, pilots, and public-private partnerships over drinks.
Inside the Working Groups and What’s Next for ITS
The forum isn’t just keynotes and applause. A big chunk of time is carved out for working group updates — those smaller teams doing the slow but necessary work of shaping standards and best practices.
These groups will cover:
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AI deployment guidelines.
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Traffic signal upgrade pathways.
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Building resilient digital infrastructure.
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Improving data interoperability between councils.
One paragraph. Just one sentence. It keeps things flowing.
And then there’s the future — literally. Delegates will get a sneak peek into the 2027 ITS World Congress, which the UK will host in the West Midlands. That’s a big deal for Britain’s transport reputation on the global stage.
The Power of Gathering in One Place
The forum’s format — a blend of structured talks, breakout working groups, and informal mingling — has proven successful before. This year’s agenda leans into that model but brings a sharper focus on policy alignment and tech accountability.
It’s also worth noting that this year’s event feels more… grounded. Less shiny showcase, more boots-on-the-ground collaboration.
One table in particular caught attention. Here’s how the key topics stack up from both the government and local authority perspective:
| Topic | Department for Transport Focus | Local Authority Interest |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence | National standards, procurement rules | Practical use in congestion and parking |
| Cybersecurity | National infrastructure protections | Preventing breaches in local signal systems |
| Digital TROs | Legal clarity, system integration | Usability and local enforcement |
| Connectivity | National networks | Gaps in rural infrastructure |
| Data Interoperability | Cross-agency collaboration | Real-time use, resource constraints |
Looking Ahead, Without the Clichés
You won’t find any sweeping statements or hollow “smart city” slogans on the agenda. What’s being offered instead is a rare, grounded space where policy meets pavement. The TTF’s focus this year isn’t just about innovation. It’s about implementation.
Transport in the UK is changing. Slowly. But surely. And for two days next month, near Nuneaton, the people pushing those changes forward — one traffic light, one grant, one algorithm at a time — will get their moment in the spotlight.
