Winner: Aidan Watts -  Assistant Carbon Reduction Officer, Devon County Council

From theory to practice: the challenges and opportunities of reducing carbon emissions in highways construction

When I applied to join the A382 Live Labs 2 project, even then I knew that the aim to construct the UK’s first carbon negative highway was ambitious. However, I have since been delighted to discover that there is an ever-growing number of innovations that we can explore to reduce our carbon footprint on schemes of this size. But for each innovation comes a new challenge – the practical implications of calculating carbon savings, interrogating suspected ‘greenwashing’ claims, and navigating the minefield of carbon credits do not reside in the confines of a university textbook, or in the essays of academic literature. They are met individually head-on in the real-world application of a large, ambitious project.

As a recent Geography graduate entering the industry, I believe I can therefore offer a valuable interdisciplinary perspective on the juxtaposition between carbon theory and practice on a major highways scheme like the A382

Finalist: Gemma Hall - Integrated Network and Partnerships Manager, Cornwall Council

The Challenges of Public Transport in a Rural Authority

Cornwall is an extremely rural county with a dispersed population that almost doubles through our peak holiday season. Effectively connecting communities and enabling the use of Public Transport for work, health, social and education purposes is our aim with Transport for Cornwall.

TfC is our umbrella brand that has created a partnership between operators and the Local Authority and enabled continual and innovative development with the introduction of an App and Website, integrated ticketing across all operators, tap and cap, our Bus Fares Scheme and unified publicity for customers.

Through true partnership working we have been able to overcome challenges that were we working in silo’s we would not have been able to and my presentation will cover these challenges and subsequent solutions that have enabled network development and for Cornwall to remain an exemplar of Public Transport with the passenger at its core.

Finalist: Lloyd Cole - Transport Planner, WSP

WECA Future Transport Zone - Parcels as Passengers Coach Trial

Parcels as Passengers (PaP) is a trial initiative delivered through the West of England Combined Authority’s (WECA) Future Transport Zone (FTZ) programme. The trial aims to utilise unoccupied space on coaches to transport parcels between UK cities where a direct coach link already exists. The trial involves the use of coach services as a direct replacement for dedicated courier vans, and e-cargo bike couriers Zedify to undertake zero emission first and last-mile delivery.

This trial has significant potential to provide a cost effective and commercially viable model for all partners. Possible benefits of the PaP approach include carbon savings and improved air quality, as well as diversification of income for commercial coach services at a time where bus patronage figures have been significantly impacted upon. Indicators of trial success include potential quantification of carbon savings, the proof of commercial viability and the number and percentage of parcels delivered on time.

Finalist: Chelsea Randall - Assistant Transport Planning Officer, Devon County Council

A Toolkit for Public Consultations in Transport Planning

Public Consultations and engagement are increasingly seen as one of the most important aspects of Transport Planning. Research was conducted on the key aspects of a public consultation, based on the experiences and opinions of those working in the Transport Planning sector, in a local authority. This highlighted that fundamentally, consultations should be proportional and, disingenuous consultations need to be avoided. Furthermore, a clear structure improves the quality of consultations.

Based on this, a toolkit has been produced which aims to aid in the planning and running of public consultations, as well as the actions which follow. This comprises of a flowchart which identifies which type of consultation should be undertaken, a key information document, and a checklist of all actions and tasks which may be necessary. Beyond this, the research made it clear that staff wellbeing needs to be prioritised, as an urgent matter which goes beyond the toolkit.

Ann-Cathrin Reissmann - CIHT South West EPG Co-Chair

Lauren Allington - CIHT South West EPG Co-Chair

Lauren joined Devon County Council as a graduate Transport Planner in 2021, working on a range of highways, active travel and multi-modal schemes and policies, including the new Local Transport Plan. She has completed an MSc in Transportation Planning and Engineering with the University of Southampton and became co-chair of the CIHT South West EPG in May 2024.

Lydia Hyde - CIHT South West EPG Social Events Officer

Lydia is a Senior Transport Planner at Pegasus Group, based in Bristol. With around four years experience, I’ve worked on a variety of schemes in a range of sectors. For me, transport planning is about problem-solving to get the optimum solution. Within my role at CIHT,  I’ll be looking after any social/networking events and am always open to ideas. 

Tom Lewis - CIHT South West EPG Educational Events Officer

Bio TBC