Highways Voices: Talking Roads and Transport Technology innovation

How much longer can our industry afford to keep filling potholes instead of preventing them in the first place? In our latest Highways Voices we discuss the situation that is drivers the most - the poor condition of our roads. Subscribe to Highways Voices free on Apple Podcasts, [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/highways-voices/id1551975855] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0U6BbFBYLr5eeX0HuZtPv8], Amazon Music [https://highways-voices.captivate.fm/amazon], Google Podcasts [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5jYXB0aXZhdGUuZm0vaGlnaHdheXMtdm9pY2Vz] or Pocket Casts [https://pca.st/7a3xxskl] and never miss an episode! During Pothole Prevention Week we hear that more than half of councils still carry out no preventive road maintenance at all, and look into why reactive approaches are costing millions more, damaging trust, and keeping the cycle of potholes alive, despite there being proven, cost-effective solutions are within reach. The RAC and the Road Surface Treatments Association have written to the Government [https://highways-news.com/rac-and-rsta-call-on-government-to-mandate-preventative-road-maintenance-training/] calling for the introduction of mandatory training for councils who carry out little or no maintenance to prevent potholes forming, and guests Mike Hansford, Chief Executive of the RSTA and Simon Williams, PR and External Affairs lead at the RAC, discuss the need to factor in your maintenance from the very beginning, and to make it part of the overall project cost. They also explain how preventive maintenance saves up to five times the cost of resurfacing, describe pothole repair like Groundhog Day, and that practical strategies and case studies show early interventions extend road life, improve safety, and deliver visible results for drivers. You can sign up to the webinar they talk about here [https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_N2VkYTY2NDctZTZmZC00MDFhLWE0YzQtMTFmOWRkNDU1NTcz%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%220fdfbddf-6c49-4d34-ae38-d9a327164ff8%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22481fbdd5-7b06-48c2-bb45-8dc4fe33aa01%22%7d]. Highways Voices is brought to you with our partners the Transport Technology Forum [https://ttf.uk.net/], LCRIG [https://lcrig.org.uk/], ADEPT [https://www.adeptnet.org.uk/] and ITS UK [https://www.its-uk.org/].

Today on Highways Voices we'll look at how AI-driven maps, integrated traffic data, and smarter signal systems could cut congestion, boost safety, and transform how highways are managed, thanks to insights from HERE, Flow Labs and TomTom. This episode takes you inside the Intelligent Transport Systems World Congress 2025 in Atlanta, where global experts reveal how new data partnerships, real-time integration, and AI are reshaping traffic management and mobility ecosystems that matter directly to your network’s performance. Subscribe to Highways Voices free on Apple Podcasts, [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/highways-voices/id1551975855] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0U6BbFBYLr5eeX0HuZtPv8], Amazon Music [https://highways-voices.captivate.fm/amazon], Google Podcasts [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5jYXB0aXZhdGUuZm0vaGlnaHdheXMtdm9pY2Vz] or Pocket Casts [https://pca.st/7a3xxskl] and never miss an episode! You'll get insight into how AI and collaborative mapping initiatives are improving incident detection, fleet operations, and long-term planning, real-world examples of integrated data platforms that give agencies visibility across entire networks to optimise signals and improve safety and a clear view of how UK and global expertise is driving the next wave of resilient, future-ready transport solutions. We'll also hear from British Consul General to Atlanta Rachel Galloway, talking about the UK's hosting of this major event in two years' time, as the excitement builds towards Birmingham 2027. Along with Rachel Galloway, the guests are Jeff Rowen, Vice President Global Product Partnerships at HERE Technologies; CEO & Founder at Flow Labs, Jatish Patel; and Douglas Gilmour, TomTom's Global Traffic BD lead. The podcasts are presented from the UK & ERTICO – ITS Europe Pavilion at the World Congress, supported by Transport for West Midlands, AGD Systems, MAV Systems, Immense, Intelligent Instruments, Navtech Radar, Nicander and Zenzic. Highways Voices is brought to you with our partners the Transport Technology Forum [https://ttf.uk.net/], LCRIG [https://lcrig.org.uk/], ADEPT [https://www.adeptnet.org.uk/] and ITS UK [https://www.its-uk.org/].

What if a single innovation could prevent visually impaired passengers from being left behind at bus stops, or if autonomous shuttles could fill the critical gaps in our transport networks? In this episode of Highways Voices from the 2025 Intelligent Transport Systems World Congress, Paul Hutton speaks with pioneers reshaping the future of inclusive and intelligent mobility, from an app designed to make public transport accessible to everyone, to the rollout of autonomous shuttles that connect communities left out by traditional transit. The discussions highlight both the opportunities and the challenges in delivering equitable, safe, and sustainable mobility. Subscribe to Highways Voices free on Apple Podcasts, [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/highways-voices/id1551975855] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0U6BbFBYLr5eeX0HuZtPv8], Amazon Music [https://highways-voices.captivate.fm/amazon], Google Podcasts [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5jYXB0aXZhdGUuZm0vaGlnaHdheXMtdm9pY2Vz] or Pocket Casts [https://pca.st/7a3xxskl] and never miss an episode! In today's show, you'll also hear insider perspectives from ITS Hall of Fame inductees on building successful autonomous shuttle businesses across Europe and beyond and critical insights into cybersecurity gaps in public transport systems and how agencies can safeguard infrastructure against inevitable attacks. There's also an update in the planning for the next Europe-based World Congress, when the major event comes to Birmingham's NEC in October 2027. Press play now to hear how today’s innovations in inclusive mobility, autonomous vehicles, and cybersecurity are setting the course for the highways and transport systems of tomorrow. The podcasts are presented from the UK & ERTICO - ITS Europe Pavilion at the World Congress, supported by Transport for West Midlands, AGD Systems, MAV Systems, Immense, Nicander, Intelligent Instruments, Navtech Radar and Zenzic. Highways Voices is brought to you with our partners the Transport Technology Forum [https://ttf.uk.net/], LCRIG [https://lcrig.org.uk/], ADEPT [https://www.adeptnet.org.uk/] and ITS UK [https://www.its-uk.org/].

What happens when innovative British ITS companies bring their latest breakthroughs to the global stage in Atlanta, revealing how traffic management, enforcement, simulation, and even noise control are being redefined for the next decade? You'll find out on today's Highways Voices from the ITS World Congress, where we have our popular "pitwalk" podcast, chatting to companies exhibiting on the UK Pavilion. Subscribe to Highways Voices free on Apple Podcasts, [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/highways-voices/id1551975855] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0U6BbFBYLr5eeX0HuZtPv8], Amazon Music [https://highways-voices.captivate.fm/amazon], Google Podcasts [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5jYXB0aXZhdGUuZm0vaGlnaHdheXMtdm9pY2Vz] or Pocket Casts [https://pca.st/7a3xxskl] and never miss an episode! Our guests are from AGD Systems, MAV Systems, Immense, Nicander, Intelligent Instruments, Transport for West Midlands (for Birmingham 2027), Navtech Radar and Zenzic. Hear discussion about how leaders face the same urgent challenges: maintaining safety and reliability under budget constraints, adapting to changing regulations, and preparing for the future of connected, automated, and sustainable mobility. This episode discusses showcasing real-world solutions designed to address exactly those pressures, and seize the opportunities ahead. We discuss above-ground detection and AI-powered enforcement cameras to predictive simulation tools and centralized bus-priority systems, get insights into how global cities are adapting UK-developed ITS solutions to tackle congestion, emissions, and safety, and hear more about when the World Congress comes to Birmingham in 2027, and why it promises to be a significant knowledge-sharing and commercial opportunity. Press play now to walk the exhibition floor with us and hear directly from the leaders shaping the next era of intelligent transport. Highways Voices is brought to you with our partners the Transport Technology Forum [https://ttf.uk.net/], LCRIG [https://lcrig.org.uk/], ADEPT [https://www.adeptnet.org.uk/] and ITS UK [https://www.its-uk.org/].

Today on Highways Voices we're in the USA for the ITS World Congress in Atlanta talking emerging technologies in transport technology, a new faster modelling solution and what it's like to be a CEO of a multinational company. Our guests are from Clearview Intelligence and WSP, and we bring you two CEOs - Christian U Haas from Umovity (pictured on his stand) and SWARCO's Michael Schuch. Subscribe to Highways Voices free on Apple Podcasts, [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/highways-voices/id1551975855] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0U6BbFBYLr5eeX0HuZtPv8], Amazon Music [https://highways-voices.captivate.fm/amazon], Google Podcasts [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5jYXB0aXZhdGUuZm0vaGlnaHdheXMtdm9pY2Vz] or Pocket Casts [https://pca.st/7a3xxskl] and never miss an episode! You'll find out what we're learning from pilot projects and deployments that can be scaled nationwide, and practical insights for aligning innovation with policy, funding, and public expectations. Plus you'll hear all about the planning for when this major event comes to the UK, with Transport for West Midlands banging the drum for Birmingham all week. Tune in now to hear proven strategies and fresh perspectives from the forefront of intelligent transport—your roadmap to staying ahead in the future of highways. Highways Voices is brought to you with our partners the Transport Technology Forum [https://ttf.uk.net/], LCRIG [https://lcrig.org.uk/], ADEPT [https://www.adeptnet.org.uk/] and ITS UK [https://www.its-uk.org/].