Intelligent transport systems have never been more vital

thing, but the technology will be there when they are.

certainly run to tens of billions. We can start with the value of human lives saved as a result of road safety measures ranging from speed detection through to early warning of dangers ahead and including in-vehicle safety related functions which are now standard across the globe. We could add the incalculable value to the global economy from reducing congestion and using road space more efficiently, or the use of pay-as-you-go ticketing to encourage more people onto the public transport network. And now we can add the value to travellers to be able to plan and almost always pay for their journeys using smart phone applications.

As we look ahead to a world in which fossil fuels are diminishing in significance so treasuries across the globe will need another way to replace the massive revenues earned from one of the easiest taxes to collect, namely fuel duty, taxed as the fuel leaves the refinery and one hundred percent efficient. But here in the UK as elsewhere fuel duties pay for far more than transport. They pay for schools and hospitals too. So as income falls governments of all colours will be looking for a new way to tax the UK’s last great free utility, namely the use of our roads. That means road user charging and that will yet again be a major innovation generated through intelligent transport systems. As we commit to Net Zero, whether politicians will be brave enough is one

At the start of this year ITS UK said a fond farewell to Jennie Martin who led the organisation with such dedication and commitment for more than two decades. We were delighted when she was awarded an MBE in recognition of her service. After a rigorous search we appointed her successor and our new Chief Executive, Max Sugarman. Those of us who selected him are delighted how clearly he is already proving his worth. For all of us involved in ITS, what we want from the organisation is a forum for the exchange of ideas linked to a proactive, effective industry body which gets our message across to governments at every level. We have a huge amount to offer but as in every industry the key is making society aware of how valuable our offering is. It turns out the Department of Transport is delighted that we have adopted this approach which bodes well for the future.

We now have regular dialogue with special advisors to ministers, we are offering members better access to decision makers and connecting members better to the policy trends they need to be aware of. ITS UK has never been more valuable to its members and as your President that makes me very proud. I wish every ITS UK member a successful future in a world in which what we offer has never been as valuable.

Steve Norris President, ITS UK

Kerbside Management

ITS UK Awards 2022 Winner

Project of the Year

Better Environment through Technology Award