With entries for CiTTi Awards 2025 now open, City Transport & Traffic Innovation Magazine (CiTTi Magazine) has launched an exclusive series of Q&A interviews with the expert panel of judges responsible for assessing this year’s submissions.
In the weeks ahead, the magazine will shine a spotlight on each of the judges – a diverse group of leading professionals drawn from across the sustainable urban mobility and transport technology sectors – to learn more about their backgrounds, industry perspectives and what they’ll be looking for in an award-winning entry.
From public sector figures to academic and technical specialists, this year’s judging panel represents a broad spectrum of knowledge, insight and experience – all of which will help identify the most innovative, impactful and forward-thinking projects, products and people shaping the future of city transport and traffic innovation.
The first judge to take part in the series is Nicholas Lyes, policy and standards director at IAM RoadSmart. Since joining the organisation in 2023, Lyes has drawn on more than 15 years of experience in policy, media and public affairs within the road safety sector to play a key role in shaping and advocating for safer driving policies.
As IAM RoadSmart’s lead spokesperson, he provides expert insight on issues including young drivers, drink and drug driving, speeding, driver distraction, older motorists and enforcement. His extensive knowledge and strategic approach contribute to advancing road safety standards and influencing policy discussions at both national and international levels.
Speaking to CiTTi Magazine, Lyes emphasised the importance of supporting sustainable transport projects through to completion and how such initiatives can deliver positive change in the present.
Name: Nicholas Lyes
Job title: Policy and Standards Director
Organisation: IAM RoadSmart
How does your professional expertise align with the CiTTi Awards’ mission to recognise and celebrate innovation in urban mobility?
I have worked in the transport sector for more than a decade, with extensive experience of understanding mobility trends and the safety and environmental implications they bring. Given the rise in population and the urbanisation we’ve seen over the last 20 years, more sustainable forms of transport are essential.
What emerging trends or technologies in urban mobility and transport are you most excited about, and how do you expect them to be reflected in this year’s submissions?
Micromobility, including e-scooters, is a particularly exciting area. While the UK’s regulatory framework remains inconsistent, the potential to change how people travel is enormous. It provides a viable alternative to driving or motorcycling, especially for younger people. I’m also encouraged by what I call the 21st-century reboot of trams. Living in Milton Keynes – a city that is car-centric yet has the right infrastructure – I can see the opportunity for a modern, clean tram system. Light transport options should be integral to the design of any new city.
As a judge, what insights do you hope to gain from reviewing the submissions, and how might this experience shape your perspective or influence your work in the sector?
I’m looking forward to discovering practical innovations that improve mobility, enhance safety and promote sustainability – and that aren’t just passing trends.
In your opinion, how do the CiTTi Awards contribute to driving meaningful progress and innovation in urban mobility, and why is industry recognition so important?
Transport is fundamental to the development of jobs, homes, communities, education and access to essential services like food delivery. It is, in my view, one of the most important aspects of public policy. Recognising innovation helps accelerate progress and encourages continued investment in solutions that will shape how we live in the future.
Can you share an example of an innovation or initiative that has significantly impacted urban mobility?
The car. Personal mobility changed forever – for both good and ill. A close second is the London Underground, which remains a globally influential model that has supported the rapid growth of mega-cities.
What advice would you give to companies and organisations looking to submit an award-winning entry?
Focus on addressing both what people need and what they want. History is full of innovations that failed because the public didn’t buy into them. For a transport solution to succeed, it must be affordable, easy to use, well designed and safe.
Achievements and innovations in urban mobility will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
