The former ITS (UK) Secretary General, Jennie Martin MBE, who was inducted into the ITS Hall of Fame during the 2024 World Congress in Dubai, has finally received her certificate. TTS Italia secretary general Olga Landolfi, handed over the award in London last week as Jennie was unable to attend the ITS World Congress, and it was Olga who collected the trophy on Jennie’s behalf in September. Also pictured (left) is TTS Italia president Rossella Panero.

Jennie joins Prof Eric Sampson CBE, Prof Phil Blythe and the late Richard Harris as UK recipients of the honour.

She was honoured for her work on women in ITS, early careers and her work with the ITS Nationals.

Mrs Martin told Highways News in September: “I am delighted and surprised to receive this recognition, joining other UK recipients such as Professor Eric Sampson CBE, Richard Harris, and Professor Phil Blythe.  I consider the award to belong to the whole of the UK ITS community, where I have been a part for nearly 30 years, and to everybody who helped set up the Network of National ITS Associations 20 years ago.  This is why I am honoured to have Olga Landolfi of TTS Italia receive the award on my behalf.  Olga and I are ITS women of the same vintage and were both actively involved in the creation of the Network, which remains a force for unity and collaboration in European ITS.  

“I have seen many exciting implementations and groundbreaking research during my three decades in ITS.  I am most proud of always bringing the end user perspective and the considerations of under-represented groups to any ITS discussion where I have taken part.  The technology is pointless, no matter how smart, if it does not benefit the whole of the travelling public. ” 

(Pic: Rukshan Soysa/ITS UK)

Planning for the 33rd ITS World Congress in Birmingham is accelerating, following a productive meeting between the organisers, ERTICO – ITS Europe, and representatives from the host region, the West Midlands. Held in London, this strategic session marked a key milestone in shaping a high-impact global event that will take place from 25–29 October 2027 at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC).

Expected to welcome more than 15,000 participants from across the globe, the 2027 edition will feature an extensive exhibition, a high-level summit for transport leaders, five days of technical and special interest sessions, hands-on demonstrations, technical visits, and robust networking opportunities. Under the theme “Connect Ideas. Transform Transport.”, the Congress will serve as a unique platform to showcase how intelligent transport systems are transforming mobility worldwide.

The London meeting focused on deepening collaboration across key areas, including stakeholder engagement, strategic communications, and outreach to new audiences who may not have previously attended a World Congress. As planning enters a new phase, ERTICO and Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) are working closely to ensure the Congress reaches a broad, diverse, and global audience, including the forthcoming promotion of the joint stand exhibition at the 2025 ITS World Congress in Atlanta.

“We are really enjoying the enthusiasm of the Transport for West Midlands team, and their can-do attitude for the Congress,” comments Didier Gorteman, Chief Finance & Operations Officer. “We had a day full of ideas that we’ll be putting into practice over the months to come, and I’m confident this will mean we will deliver one of the best Congresses ever, really showcasing how our industry is transforming transport.”

TfWM’s Head of Transport Innovation Chris Lane, who is leading the planning for the host region added: “We have dozens of motivated people from across the UK ITS industry working at full speed, offering their time and expertise to make the Congress a success. However, we must remember this is ERTICO’s event, so these face-to-face meetings are essential to ensure we have a joined-up approach to delivering a first-class event.”

The Birmingham 2027 Congress will be prominently promoted at both the 2025 ITS World Congress in Atlanta and the upcoming ITS European Congress in Seville to help raise awareness and generate momentum as the community prepares for what is anticipated to be a landmark event in the global ITS calendar.

For public authorities, companies and academic institutions, the Congress represents a significant opportunity to demonstrate how advanced transport technologies are contributing to a cleaner environment, safer journeys and enhanced user experience. TfWM is actively building a network of prospective sponsors, exhibitors and supporters, and invites interested parties to register their interest in taking part.

Organisations and individuals can register their interest here.

As part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), TfWM is at the forefront of transport innovation, leading advancements in autonomous vehicles, battery technology, light rail solutions and smart ticketing through initiatives such as the Future Transport Zone.

ERTICO is looking forward to delivering a World edition of the ITS Congress that not only connects ideas but accelerates real transformation in transport across the globe.

Picture shows, Left to Right: Christopher Brown, Senior Future Mobility Developer, TfWM, Didier Goteman, Chief Financial and Operations Officer, ERTICO, Katie Miller-White, Transport Innovation Project Co‑ordinator, TfWM, Chris Lane, Head of Transport Innovation, TfWM, Paul Hutton, Communications Consultant, Rachel Foy, Head of Marketing, Brand and Engagement, TfWM, Aimee Dyer, Strategic Communications Manager, TfWM, Johanna Stapelberg, Communications Officer, ERTICO, Valérie Graindorge, Senior Manager ITS Marketing and Communication, ERTICO. Not pictured but also at the meeting: Selena Jayne, Principal Project Lead, Transport Innovation TfWM

Europe’s leading event for smart mobility and digital transport, the ITS European Congress, is now open for registrations.

Taking place in the vibrant city of Seville from 19 to 21 May 2025, the 16^th European Congress, organised by ERTICO – ITS Europe, will bring together more than 3,000 of industry professionals, policymakers, researchers, and innovators to explore cutting-edge developments shaping the future of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS).

Building on the anticipation, the official Technical Programme has been released, promising an engaging and insightful agenda. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in:

•               Three Plenary Sessions featuring top industry leaders and policymakers discussing the biggest mobility challenges and opportunities.

•               More than 105 Specialist Sessions, including more than 75 Special Interest and Strategic Future Sessions, exploring key industry trends, policy advancements, and breakthrough innovations and over 30 Paper Sessions, showcasing the latest research and technological advancements in ITS.

Beyond the conference sessions, the ITS European Congress is a unique platform for networking, hands-on learning, and business opportunities. Attendees can look forward to:

•               An interactive exhibition featuring over 100 exhibitors showcasing state-of-the-art ITS solutions and innovations.

•               Live demonstrations where you can experience cutting-edge mobility technologies in real-world applications.

•               Exclusive networking events, including the spectacular ITS Gala Dinner, to connect with key stakeholders and peers in a dynamic, engaging environment.

•               Technical visits offering a behind-the-scenes look at Seville’s pioneering smart mobility initiatives.

“Whether you’re a mobility expert, city planner, business leader, academic, or policymaker, this Congress is the must-attend event of the year to gain valuable insights, expand your network, and experience the future of transport firsthand,” commented ERTICO CEO Joost Vantomme. “Join us in Seville and be part of the conversation shaping the future of ITS”

Register now at to secure your place and take advantage of early bird rates until 18 April.

For more information, click here.

(Picture – ERTICO)

ITS Estonia and ITS Finland are undertaking a joint business delegation visit to the UK, aimed at strengthening collaboration in the field of smart mobility and logistics.

Taking place between 3 and 6 March, this mission will bring together key stakeholders from Estonia, Finland, and the UK to explore opportunities for innovation, partnerships, and business expansion in intelligent transport systems (ITS).

The delegation is participating in high-level industry events, targeted meetings, and networking receptions across London and Manchester, including participation at the Interchange 25 & ITS UK Conferences. The delegation will engage with UK transport authorities, smart mobility innovators, industry associations such as Tech UK and government representatives to explore new collaboration opportunities and will pay a visit to Connected Places Catapult.

Lili Kuusk, Head of ITS Estonia, highlighted the mission’s strategic value: “The UK business mission provides an excellent opportunity for Estonian and Finnish ITS companies to expand our networks, gain strategic insights into the UK market, and explore potential collaborations in intelligent transport solutions. By engaging with industry leaders and policymakers, we strengthen our shared vision for the future of mobility and smart transportation. Some of our ITS Estonia members are already active in the UK market, but we have such innovative solutions and products to offer that we are eager to introduce them on-site and further grow the presence of our companies in the region.”

Various stakeholders, including ITS UK, played a key role in organising the business delegation mission.

Max Sugarman, Chief Executive of ITS UK, commented: “ITS UK is delighted to be supporting the ITS Estonia and ITS Finland business mission, as we welcome them to our Annual Conference at Interchange. When it comes to ITS and intelligent mobility, the three nations have so much we can learn from one another—whether that’s better use of data, integrating our transport networks, or improving the efficiency of logistics and freight industries. We’re really looking forward to receiving these delegations and having the opportunity to share and learn from each other.”

Marko Forsblom, CEO of ITS Finland, emphasised the importance of collaboration: “As we embark on this business mission, we are pleased to see that the UK’s vision for the future of transport and mobility aligns closely with recent developments in the Nordic and Baltic regions. Sustainability and digitalisation are key drivers in shaping innovative and efficient mobility solutions in both markets. This Finnish-Estonian visit to the UK provides a valuable opportunity to explore these solutions in practice and identify potential areas for collaboration. Finnish and Estonian companies have the expertise to complement the needs of the UK’s transport and mobility sector, and we look forward to strengthening partnerships through our close cooperation with ITS UK.”

(Picture – ITS Finland and ITS Estonia)