ITS United Kingdom the Intelligent Transport Systems association for the UK has launched a series of events entitled “ITS on Your Doorstep” which enable Intelligent Transport Systems practitioners and those with an interest in ITS to learn share knowledge and network – without going far from their workplace.  ITS UK recognises that travel and training budgets have had to be cut in the current UK economic climate and has designed these events to cover a wide range of ITS topics in one day with sessions run on a drop-in basis so that delegates can choose the items which interest them.  The events are also of course free to attend.

The first one took place in Newcastle on 1 July with ITS UK Members Newcastle University acting as hosts for an extensive programme of activities which stretched from breakfast at 8 am to an informal reception finishing at 6 pm.  Topics covered included using ITS to make savings on Local Authority transport budgets smart ticketing and payment technologies and electric vehicle infrastructure issues.  Durham County Council came along with their own EV which was demonstrated and other local participants came from the City of Newcastle NEXUS Middlesborough Council and of course the University itself.  With about 45 people passing through the event at some point the organisers were satisfied they had identified and met a need.

The ITS UK organiser Neal Skelton commented “There was general agreement that the event had achieved its prime intention of facilitating dialogue between Local Authority representatives and the ITS industry on a number of specific local initiatives”. 

Richard Gibson who works for local ITS SME IDT Ltd said ” It was great having such an excellent event so close to home.”

Photo shows host Professor Phil Blythe (left) with John McGargill of Durham County Council.

For further information please contact: 
Jennie Martin – ITS UK mailbox@its-uk.org.uk

 

Link to original Article

http://www.ertico.com/its-united-kingdom-launches-its-on-your-doorstep-series-of-events/

Original Publication Date: Fri 15 Jul 2011