The UK Department for Transport (DfT) has written to English local authority chief executives to inform them that the previous government’s plan for an Intelligent Traffic Management Fund has been shelved.
The letter, from DfT deputy director Anthony Ferguson, explained that: “The government inherited a very difficult financial position [and] in response to this, a public spending savings exercise was undertaken, and following that review, the decision has been taken to cancel the £20m Intelligent Traffic Management Fund.”
Ferguson went on to say that he realises this will be disappointing news. But that “the Department was pleased by the way the sector responded to the opportunity.”
He added that the DfT will continue to work with the road transport sector to explore ways to harness the opportunities that new technology could offer in terms of network management.
Ferguson concluded by pledging to “continue to monitor closely how the £50m of [Traffic Signal Obsolescence Grant] and [Green Light Fund] funding is spent and the outcomes it delivers”.
Max Sugarman, chief executive of Intelligent Transport Systems UK, said: “Cancelling the Intelligent Traffic Management Fund is a hugely missed opportunity for the government and we would strongly urge them to reconsider this move.
“Local authorities and suppliers were gearing up to use the fund to deliver the latest technology onto the network, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, that would help optimise traffic flows, reduce congestion and, ultimately, support more effective, safer and greener roads for the travelling public.
“The ITMF was directly aligned with the DfT’s six priorities and the chancellor’s aims to deliver public services more efficiently, as set out in the Budget. So, this cancellation is not only a blow to the traffic technology sector and ITS UK’s membership, but also an own goal for government.
Achievements and innovations in traffic management will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 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 – and to book your table!
