The first quarter of the year has seen a wide range of activity across the ITEN network, with members contributing to discussions, events and developments across the transport sector.
From advances in infrastructure management to evolving conversations around artificial intelligence, sustainability, and vehicle safety, these contributions reflect the breadth of expertise within the network.
Advancing transport through technology and data
Recent discussions have highlighted how technology continues to shape the transport sector.
At the Landor LINKS Transport AI conference in Manchester, ITEN member and founder of Reed Mobility, Nick Reed, contributed to conversations on the role of artificial intelligence in transport and planning. The event brought together professionals from across the public and private sectors to explore both the opportunities and challenges associated with AI.
Topics included the application of AI-powered tools, the importance of data, and the need to consider safety, trust, and usability as these technologies develop. The conference also explored how organisations can plan for AI readiness, alongside the resourcing, procurement, and ethical considerations that will influence adoption across the sector.
Nick Reed participated as a panellist, sharing insights from his work on Digital Commentary Driving as a potential approach to improving transparency and assurance in AI-guided vehicle systems.
Alongside this, Nick also contributed to wider discussions on the role of technology in road safety, hosting a panel session at a Road Safety Trust event marking ten years of funded projects. The session explored how technology can support improved safety outcomes across the network.
He also hosted a panel session at the European AV Summit 2026 in London, focusing on the role of automated vehicles in supporting goods delivery, bringing together perspectives from across the sector.
Further practical insight was gained through attendance at the Bus Centre of Excellence AEB demonstration event, where emerging safety technologies were explored in an applied setting.
Managing infrastructure and protecting assets
Across the network, there has also been focus on the practical challenges of managing transport infrastructure.
ITEN member Eugene OBrien was involved in discussions at the SETO project final dissemination event, highlighting how developments such as weigh in motion systems are changing how truck overloading can be managed. These approaches have the potential to reduce damage to road pavements and support more effective infrastructure management.
Considering whole life carbon
Sustainability remains an important area of focus, particularly in relation to infrastructure.
ITEN member Emma Pye presented on PAS 2080 and whole life carbon at the IAT South East Branch, contributing to discussions on how carbon can be managed across the full lifecycle of highway assets. This includes not only construction, but also operation, maintenance, and long term performance.
Circular economy and system level thinking
Sustainability continues to be a key focus across the transport sector, particularly in relation to long life infrastructure.
ITEN member Helen Bailey opened a joint IHE and IAT East Midlands seminar on circular economy for highways, contributing to discussions on how systems can be designed to consider performance, carbon, cost, and resilience together.
Her contribution highlighted the importance of moving beyond individual metrics, towards a more integrated approach to managing highway assets across their full lifecycle.
Circular economy in practice
Across the network, there has also been focus on applying circular economy principles in a practical way.
ITEN members Martin Lamb of Maple Consulting Ltd and Helen Bailey The Driven Company launched Circular Materials Mapping, a service designed to support local authorities and service providers in managing cost, carbon, and reporting requirements.
This reflects the increasing need to translate circular economy thinking into tools and approaches that can be applied in real world transport and infrastructure contexts.
Vehicle safety and standards
Vehicle safety continues to be an important area of focus across the transport sector.
ITEN member Iain Knight visited the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Highway Loss Data Institute alongside industry partners, contributing to discussions on topics including truck rear underrun protection and how different rating approaches compare with existing regulations.
The visit also included discussions on areas such as direct vision in vehicles and its relationship with crash risk, as well as wider considerations around vehicle safety performance.
These discussions highlight the ongoing importance of research, testing, and standards in improving vehicle safety outcomes.
Environmental standards and sustainability
Sustainability and environmental management continue to play a key role across the transport sector.
ITEN member Emma Pye was also announced as a speaker for a BSI webinar on the revision of BS EN ISO 14001:2026 Environmental Management Systems. The session brings together UK experts involved in developing the updated standard, providing insight into the forthcoming changes and their practical application.
This reflects the importance of environmental standards in supporting organisations to manage sustainability, compliance, and long term value.
A connected approach to transport challenges
Across these areas, a common theme is the need for a connected, multi disciplinary approach.
Transport challenges often sit across engineering, technology, infrastructure, and environmental considerations. Through its network of independent specialists, ITEN brings together expertise across these disciplines to support projects at different stages and scales.
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To find out more about the work being delivered across the ITEN network, visit our project page.
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