
The ITS (UK) Forums – Introduction
If you’ve ever found yourself asking where do I go to learn about the latest developments in ITS, to discuss my ideas and to share my knowledge with my peers in the ITS industry, I’m pleased to say that Intelligent Transport Systems or ITS(UK), as the industry association which promotes better transport through technology and works to be the voice of transport technology across the UK, can help.
Our Forums cover the broad spectrum of what we know as “ITS” today. We provide platforms for members to share knowledge, to exchange ideas and to meet fellow members with similar interests. The Forums also provide a route for members to contribute to ITS(UK) publications including responses to Government consultations in areas of interest to the ITS industry.
Much of our Forums’ work is carried out through regular meetings, allowing members to learn more about particular topics via presentations from guest speakers and to engage with fellow members. Over the last 24 months, Forum meetings have primarily been held online although as long as regulations and guidance permit, we will be transitioning to hybrid online/in-person meetings in the coming months. Given our Forums’ respective areas of interest, ITS(UK) also encourages joint meetings giving members with complementary interests the opportunity to engage with a wider peer group.
At present, we have fifteen Forums covering active travel, connected vehicles, early careers, enforcement, freight, inclusive mobility, ITS data, maritime, mobility as a service, public transport, road user charging, smart environment, urban authorities, user behaviour and women in ITS.
This blog is the first in a regular series giving Officers representing these Forums a platform to explain more about their Forum’s aims and objectives, to highlight activities they are planning and to report on what they’ve done. The next blog will be written by Gemma Tredwell, Chair of our Women in ITS Forum who will report on activities being planned in conjunction with International Women’s Day on 8th March.
“This all sounds great – how do I get involved?“ I (hope) I hear you ask. Our Forums are only as successful as their members make them and all actively encourage new participants. The ITS (UK) weekly email and the website list the planned Forum meetings. If you want to get involved in any of these Forums, please contact Rukshan – rsoysa@its-uk.org.uk and he can provide more information and discuss things further.
Colin Wilson, ITS(UK) Technical Director