Ian Patey has been unanimously approved as the new chairman of ITS (UK), replacing TRL’s Chief Scientist Dr Alan Stevens who is stepping down after his two-year term.

Mr Patey is Head of Profession, ITS at Mouchel – part of WSP. He’s been with the company since graduating from university in 1984 and has been actively involved in ITS (UK) since its formation 18
years ago. He has been Vice Chair for the last two years.

“It is an exciting time to be involved in ITS – with autonomous vehicles and smart motorways featuring
on the “One Show” we have truly emerged from the shadows and into the spotlight,” he said.
“ITS(UK) has a key role to play in shaping our future and we have a great opportunity to show just what
a difference we can make in our communities. With the UK leading the way in so many areas of transport technology, dealing with Brexit will bring some interesting challenges and opportunities. I feel
privileged to be voted to Chair ITS(UK) and I would like to thank Alan Stevens for the great job he has done in that role over the last two years.”

Dr Stevens added, “It has been an honour to chair such an established, respected and well run organisation for the past two years. We’ve had a lot of political, organisational and technical developments in our external environment with ITS(UK) continuously adapting to it. I hand over to Ian confident that the organisation is in safe hands and will remain relevant in the years to come.”

ITS (UK) Secretary General Jennie Martin commented, “Alan’s two years as Chairman of ITS (UK) coincided with the arrival of automated vehicles as a serious topic in our sector. His broad understanding of our sector ensured that we responded well to this new topic without losing sight of all the other important transport technologies we must promote. I look forward to working with Ian on whatever the next big thing will be in the ITS sector. We will also need to work as hard as we can to make our contribution to seeing the UK ITS sector through Brexit.”

The appointment was made during ITS (UK)’s Council ahead of its Annual General Meeting in Manchester. Attendees observed a minute’s silence for the victims of the atrocity at the nearby Manchester Arena before the meeting took place.