Traffex

Traffex 2024 was an extraordinary gathering of the UK’s leading minds in road maintenance, traffic management, and road safety. As the UK’s premier event in this space, it brought together local authorities, contractors, suppliers, and industry leaders to tackle the most pressing challenges facing our road networks. I was honoured to join the Sustainability and Safety Stage as part of a panel discussion, moderated by Giles Perkins of WSP, alongside Craig Andrews, Kunal Prasad, and Andrew Kidd.

Our panel, Decarbonising Roads from Cradle to Grave, delved into the critical role of carbon reduction across the entire lifecycle of road infrastructure—from design and construction to operation and end-of-life. We explored how asset owners and the wider value chain can align with standards like PAS 2080 and ISO 14001 to drive meaningful, measurable progress toward net-zero goals.

I shared insights on the importance of integrating carbon considerations into every stage of the lifecycle, emphasizing that decarbonisation isn’t just about materials or construction—it’s about rethinking how we plan, operate, and maintain our roads. From adopting low-carbon technologies to optimizing asset management strategies, there are countless opportunities to reduce emissions while enhancing efficiency and resilience.

One of the key themes that emerged was collaboration. Craig Andrews highlighted innovative approaches to sustainable construction, while Kunal Prasad shared Oxfordshire County Council’s ambitious zero-carbon initiatives. Andrew Kidd provided a national perspective, discussing how major projects like the Lower Thames Crossing are embedding carbon reduction into their core strategies.

The discussion sparked lively engagement from the audience, with thought-provoking questions about how to balance cost, performance, and sustainability. It was inspiring to see such a strong commitment to driving change across the industry.

Traffex 2024 reinforced my belief that, while the challenges are significant, the collective will to address them is even greater. By working together—across sectors, disciplines, and organisations—we can create a road network that is not only safer and more efficient but also truly sustainable.

Here’s to continuing the conversation and turning these ideas into action.