This features an interview with Adam Simmons, Head of Roads Investment Strategy development and delivery, Highways England. The second Road Investment Strategy (RIS2) is the first time Highways England have run the five year planning cycle in full. They are taking a structured approach to investment planning, using this cyclical approach. Prediction becomes more difficult as we attempt to look further out, but they must still attempt to anticipate the changes that will affect how we operate.

How do we make the case for transport? This podcast provides are very clear and easily understood overview into the economics behind the decisions that are made when deciding about investment in infrastructure. The insights demonstrate that the economic case can be wide encompassing a range of factors from heritage to health. The interview is looks at how schemes are evaluated after to demonstrate that they have met their intended benefits (or not). The interview was recorded with Ivan Viehoff, Chief Economist at Cambridge Economic Policy Associates (CEPA). This topic area was suggested by a CIHT member.

Greater flexibility in financing street lighting schemes should give confidence to authorities who are looking to improve energy efficiency and save money.So if an authority is looking to upgrade its street lighting where can it turn? One option is to consider an interest free energy efficiency loan, offered by Salix to public sector bodies in England, Scotland and Wales.This podcast features an interview with Lindy Frey, programme coordinator for English street lighting. Matt Caville, programme manager for technical services and Alannah Powell, the company's PR and marketing executive.

A powerful example of social commentary which tackles the complex moral issues of transport planning in the context of the decisions made in designing society at a local level, from why Paris has a concentration of bread shops to how infrastructure can (and should) evolve in response to the requirements of the ageing population.Professor Nick Tyler is the Chadwick Professor of Engineering at UCL. As the founder of PAMELA, Nick’s research interest focuses on the way people interact with their immediate environments with a view to improving the design of transport built environment. He also works on low-carbon technologies for transport systems. This interview explores a wide range of issues from how philosophy can influence transport decisions, how the price of bread influences mobility, to how urban developments are managed in post-conflict situations.

Kieran Dodds, Infrastructure Manager from West Sussex County Council is leading a trial – a partnership between the council and Balfour Beatty – on the use of drones – also known as UAV’s - unmanned aerial vehicles - for bridge inspections. Justin Ward explores the merits and challenges of using drones.

This CIHT podcast has been produced in support of International Women in Engineering Day. This annual event held on 23 June focuses on the amazing careers in engineering and technical roles for girls and celebrates the achievement of our outstanding women engineers. The number of women taking engineering degrees at UCL surged after it dropped the requirement to study physics and maths at A Level. Should other universities reconsider entry requirements? Do we risk losing out on attracting bright, engaging, creative students? Chadwick Professor of Civil Engineering, Nick Tyler CBE explains what happened at UCL.

This CIHT podcast has been produced in support of International Women in Engineering Day. This annual event held on 23 June focuses on the amazing careers in engineering and technical roles for girls and celebrates the achievement of our outstanding women engineers. Anna Craciun, is a Graduate Transport Planner at Atkins and is the Chair of the Young Professionals network in the North West Region for CIHT. Anna undertakes work in schools trying to promote STEM (science, technology, maths and engineering) subjects.

This CIHT podcast has been produced in support of International Women in Engineering Day. This annual event held on 23 June focuses on the amazing careers in engineering and technical roles for girls and celebrates the achievement of our outstanding women engineers. At the time of the interview, Dana Skelley OBE was Director of Asset Management at Transport for London but was shortly due to take a role as Director of Strategy and Operational Excellence at Skanska Civil Engineering. Dana spans a range of key issues from how to recruit to the importance of support networks within organisations. Even the language used in job descriptions can influence the likelihood of women applying for roles.

Interview with Lila Tachtsi, a Director of Transport Asset Management at Atkins. Lila was Project Director for the UK Roads Liaison Group Guidance: 'Well-managed highway infrastructure’ –published in October 2016. Authorities have until October 2018 to adopt the new Code, including the risk based approach, so we are checking in on progress towards this.

This episode features Lucy Saunders, Public Health Specialist, Transport & Public Realm with the Greater London Authority and Transport for London, and Dale Bracewell, Manager of Transportation Planning with the City of Vancouver, BC, Canada, speaking about implementing health and transportation initiatives in their respective cities. ITE and the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) partnered on this podcast with joint moderation by Bernie Wagenblast and CIHT’s Justin Ward.