News

IHE in action

January 2012

Calling London based Highways and Drainage Design IHE Members Only!

One of our members is currently seeking additional manpower in the form of a PDS and Microdrainage designer. Find out more...

October 2011

IHE welcomes DfT Signs Review

The IHE has welcomed the announcement last week by Transport Minister, Norman Baker MP on the outcomes of the major Policy Review of Traffic Signs

The IHE Traffic Signs Group was heavily involved in the policy review, both as a "sounding board", and by active participation in each of the three working groups (Sign information, Enforcement, and Environment) and to the overall Steering Group. In addition to input to these meetings, IHE produced papers at various stages of the process, notably a 19-page report on the signing of onstreet parking controls.

Many of the changes announced by the minister can be attributed directly to ideas first raised by IHE members. Read more...

Award of Merit 2011

Congratulations go to Simon Bennett FIHE and Andy Dixon MIHE who both recently received their IHE Award of Merit for outstanding service to the Institute.

Simon Bennett, a long standing member of Yorkshire Branch and Council member represented the Institute and the interest of all Incorporated / Technician Engineers on the Board of the Engineering Council. Simon's 3 year term of office with Eng Council ended on 31st December 2010.

Andy Dixon is a long term supporter of The Institute who joined IHE in 1976. Andy helped configure the annual industry leading Traffic Signal Course and remains an active member of the IHE Traffic Signals steering group. Andy is looking forward to next year's Traffic Signals course which will be held at Aston University Conference Centre between 16 - 19 April.

Traffic Signs Foundation Course and Annual Conference

Over 100 delegates attended this premier event for all those associated with traffic signing. Sponsored by Buchanan Computing and SKM Colin Buchanan, this year the event moved from its usual home at Loughborough University to the Britannia Hotel in Nottingham City Centre; a move which proved highly successful and somewhat easier for those arriving by public transport.

Approximately 30 delegates attended the pre conference foundation course in traffic signing and heard presentations by DfT experts together with leading practitioners from the signs industry. Wednesday 14 September was the main event with nearly 100 delegates eager to learn from DfT officials the extent of changes expected in the soon to be published new regulations. Simon Morgan of Buchanan Computing chaired the morning session introducing Graham Hanson, Head of Traffic Signs Policy at DfT who begun the day with a thorough run through of main points arising from the traffic signs review, and expected new regulations. Graham was followed by Keith Ross of Network Rail who spoke about the various initiatives underway to reduce incidents of rail bridge strikes. John Bennett and Roger Mackintosh of DfT concluded the morning presentations outlining new and recent changes to signing practice. The afternoon session was chaired by Andrew Thurston of SKM Colin Buchanan beginning with a presentation from Francis Ashton and Navid Arif of Notts City Council on their excellent ParkSmart scheme. This was followed by Colin Davies of PRIAN who gave an excellent thought provoking presentation challenging the need for so many 'unnecessary' signs and illustrating how good practice can both improve the environment and save costs. John Taylor, Atkins presented on signing the Olympic Route Network whilst Andy Sturrock of A-One+ concluded the day's business with a talk on sign maintenance.

The organisers would like to thank all speakers for their valuable input to the two days, the main sponsors, Buchanan Computing and SKM Colin Buchanan together with industry supporters, ASD Sign Products, William Smith signs, Key Traffic Systems, Sign Post solutions, One2See and Rediweld Ltd.

New Office Arrangements - London HQ

From 1 October 2011, the London office at Russell Sq will be open Tuesday - Thursday 9am-5pm. The new opening hours are intended to optimise staff resources whilst helping to deliver more efficient services to members. Telephone calls to the office on 0207 4367487 should be made between these times but emails will be monitored throughout the week.

Linda Tydeman, Events Assistant will be leaving at the end of September. Linda has been with the Institute for 9 years and usually worked on Tuesdays. The Institute would like to thank Linda for her many years of loyal service and to wish her well in the future.

Meanwhile new contact names for member queries are as follows:
Stephen Palmer - General Institute business
Bob Leonard - Membership matters
Alan Newman - Events and Courses
Cherrie Baya-Ouerghi - PA Administrator
Julie Clarke - Membership Administrator

Reviewers and Reviews

Following the recent reviewer survey, we would like to thank the 420 members who responded to the survey - an outstanding result! The survey identified 69 reviewers and responses are still coming in. Bob Leonard has contacted all known reviewers and 17 reviews are planned during October/November.

For those looking to take their review in the next year, there is a Preparing for your Professional Review day on 27th October. Although focusing on CEng, the procedures are similar for IEng and all IEng candidates are welcome. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

Next reviewers meeting: 8th November 2011

New Parking Guide to be published

The IHE Parking group are putting the finishing touches to a new short guide which is expected to be published in the New Year. Bob White of Kent CC took over as main author following the retirement of Stephen Hardy of Dorset CC. The guide will be in electronic format only and will be jointly published by IHE and CIHT.

BSI Traffic Signs Committee

The IHE is pleased to announce that it has been invited to sit on the BSI Traffic Signs Committee (B509/3). Simon Morgan who chairs the IHE Signs Group has kindly volunteered as the IHE representative on this important committee.

Out of the jam: reducing congestion on our road

The Transport Select Committee published their report on 15 September 2011. The report cites various initiatives which offer affordable methods to curb congestion and calls for a tougher driving test, greater use of real-time information systems and better coordination between road management authorities. Tony Sharp FIHE, immediate past president of the institute gave evidence to the inquiry in May and IHE very much welcome the recommendation contained in paragraph 64 of the report which calls upon the DfT to work with IHE, LGA and other institutions in ensuring that Highway Authorities work together to manage the road network. The full report can be read at
www.parliament.uk/transcom

IHE Branch News

The Yorkshire & Humber branch welcomed Gary McDonald from Ordnance Survey to the first evening of their autumn 2011 programme. Gary took the audience on a brief journey through the history of the Ordnance Survey from its foundations as a producer of military maps in the 18th Century, through the production of the first 1" to 1 mile map
(of Kent) in 1801, to its current role as the provider of paper and digital map information for a huge range of customers.

Methods of gathering survey information were described and those present were impressed to hear that OS staff have to keep on top of around 5,000 changes across the UK each day as well as interpreting 65,000 aerial images annually. Gary described the recent advances in the OS Master Map (a comprehensive mapping database) and it was noted that 460 million (and rising!) individual features are mapped. Questions and comments at the end of the presentation focussed around highway engineers' need for high levels of accuracy in mapping, particularly in relation to carriageway and footway widths.

Other planned presentations in the autumn season are 'Mobile Traffic Solutions, variable message signs and traffic counts' (12 October) and 'The changing face of planning' (9 November). Both members and non members are very welcome at our hosts, Sanderson Associates' office at Grange Moor near Huddersfield and we look forward to any new attendees who can enjoy a sociable early evening whilst gaining those valuable extra hours of CPD!

The Northern Ireland Branch Annual Golf Day at Massereene Golf Club in Antrim attracted a good turn out of 30 players who struggled in the very windy and wet conditions. Despite these conditions, a few good scores were recorded. The winner was Branch Secretary, Jackson Minford with Seamus Graffin 2nd and Brian Johnston 3rd. The branch would like to thank all the sponsors of the event who contributed an excellent range of prizes and also Massereene Golf Club.

Southern branch held their 2011 Seminar 'Highway Engineers - Promoting Safer Roads' on Wednesday 7 September at Ashburton Hall, Queen Elizabeth 11 Centre, Winchester. This event was the third in a series which has previously featured 'Highway Engineers - Investing in the Asset' in 2010 and 'Bottoms up to the Highway Engineer' in 2009. The morning session was opened by IHE President, Steve Spender. Paul Watters, Head of Public Affairs at the AA gave a keynote speech on the 'Golden Triangle' which explains the link between 'The Car, the Driver/Rider and the Road.' Paul explained that the car and its development has improved dramatically due to EuroNCAP standards whilst drivers and riders are being offered improved education and roads have been designed to reduce accidents. For example the Hindhead Tunnel scheme alone is estimated to save 221,000 accidents over the previous A3. Dr John Fletcher of TRL gave an introduction to MAAP (Micro computer Accident Analysis Package), its early development and progress to today's version. Adam Bunce from Portsmouth City explaining the merits of the 20mph 'blanket' speed limit order on the City side roads. The scheme has so far led to a 21% reduction in collisions and 22% reduction in casualties with a migration towards more sustainable transport. Duncan Knox from Surrey CC is head of road safety and described their partnership with Surrey Police which has developed a countywide scheme called Drive SMART. This is a £1m scheme to address anti social driving behaviour.It has embraced novel approaches such as the employment of school children acting as mobile speed camera operators outside their respective schools and then being allowed to interrogate the offending drivers stopped for speeding.

The education theme was continued by Lyn Morris of srsCULTURE a partnership 'cradle to grave' approach to the subject set up between her and Southern Branch sponsor Nick Stilwell of Stilwell Road Safety Ltd. The afternoon session continued with Lee Shepherd of AGD Systems Ltd explaining RADAR and its current application in simple, reliable, low maintenance signs and signals whilst Andy Pledge gave an overview of the 'Passive Safety UK Guidelines for Specification and Use of Passively Safe Street Furniture on the UK Road Network. Ian Jeffrey of Sussex Police spoke about the 'Corporate Manslaughter & Corporate Homicide Act' and last on the stage was Phil Cook of TMS Consultancy who described the challenges facing RSA's. The day ended with a summary and thanks from Branch Chairman, Chris Stark.

Mercia Branch recently held a social evening at Monmore Green Greyhound Track, Wolverhampton. The branch's two main sponsors SAPA Pole Products UK and Freeway FDR Ltd sponsored a race each. Bets were placed, money was won and lost and a great night was had by all!

The 3rd Mercia Open Golf day was held on 16 September at the Shropshire Golf Centre and Driving range at Telford. This event is organised by branch vice chair and Council member, Ellie Gormley who is herself a keen golfer. The event was sponsored by Clearview Traffic (Main Sponsors) and Highways Magazine who provided a number of prizes. Support from Neil Levett of Highways Magazine was rewarded with the nearest the pin trophy. The event was attended by 36 Golfers who all enjoyed the day. Ellie Gormley presents the overall winners trophy to Neil Langan of Clearview who won the event.

Forthcoming Mercia Branch events:
Thursday 13th Oct TBC - Dawley & Malinslee Regeneration Site
Visit - Telford & Wrekin Council
Thursday 3rd Nov - Screwfast Foundations Ltd - Peter Dunn

The South of Scotland branch has been active over the summer months and has visited various organisations to encourage employees to progress their professional qualifications. Martin Polland, Gordon Brown and Kenny McAnally visited Perth, Angus and Edinburgh and gave presentations to Perth and Kinross Council, Angus Council and Bear Scotland. The South of Scotland branch are due to meet later this month to prepare the technical evenings schedule for the forthcoming winter months. All future technical evenings will be updated on the branch website and members are encouraged to make regular checks for any changes. All members in Scotland should now be receiving an email of forthcoming events. Any members not receiving information are encouraged to contact either the Chair or Vice Chair with any updated contact details.

15 members from Eastern branch visited The Olympic Park on 30 June to check on progress and view the new stadium and related buildings. The visit included a bus tour of the site and testing of security arrangements which proved a challenge for certain members of the tour party.

South Western Branch - Over 40 members attended the South Western Branch 46th AGM at Exeter's Met Office on Thursday 12th May 2011- the best attendance for three years, with an first class venue and excellent speakers. A Charity Draw for RedR resulted in a cheque for £50.00. The South Western Branch sponsor for 2011/2 is WJ Road Markings, South West. The SW Monthly Newsletters are now back in circulation following Helen Pickett (Branch Communications Officer) return to work earlier this year following the arrival of Alexander. Last month's edition featured Bridges.

Poole Bridge - An excellent visit on Thursday 7th July 2011, and our thanks go to Richard Bruton of Hotchtief's and site supervisor John Madams of Gifford's for an excellent talk and showing us around the mid-channel concrete structures. We also thank Stuart Terry, Poole Bridge's client manager for arranging the visit. The South Western Branch held two Professional Review workshops in July. The first was hosted by Peter Dipper and Darran Queenan at Devon CC's Middle Moor House at Sowton, and attended by 14 delegates. A few days later Peter Dipper travelled to North Somerset
Council and met a further 7 potential candidates. The future programme includes a Health and Safety Day and an Environmental Day.

July 2011

A Message from the IHE President, Steve Spender

Our industry has been through a period of constricting budgets and changes over the last year or so, and with all of the challenges that it currently faces it is necessary for our Institute to reflect closely on how we operate and the way in which we are structured. Despite the downturn the Institute remains financially sound with a stable membership, nevertheless there is a need for us to consider how we might shape ourselves for the challenges of the future to ensure that we remain a progressive Organisation that continues to support its members and has a respected voice in the industry. Any change will inevitably mean that some important decisions have to be made including reviewing our staffing arrangements and organisational set up at our office in London, and also the way in which our Council/Committee processes work to enable them to be even more effective in the future.

As part of this process two strategy planning days were held in March and May at which the Officers, Senior Staff and members of Council reviewed our current structure, staffing, constitution and financial position. The actions and outcomes of these meetings were then discussed at Council in June, and further work is underway on our proposals for the future, which will be brought back to the full Council on 28th September. Following this, details will be passed to Branch Secretaries etc.

In addition, discussions have been ongoing with the Secretary/CEO, Judith Walker. Because of planned changes in the organisation of the Institute of Highway Engineers, Judith Walker has taken voluntary redundancy as from 22 July 2011. On behalf of the members we thank her for her dedicated service to the Institute.

Steve Palmer, Past President and recently retired from Transport for London, has kindly volunteered to step in to help cover the role of Secretary/CEO whilst consideration is given to the future of the role and a suitable replacement is found. Steve will work with existing staff to ensure that the IHE continues to be fully functional during this period of transition and that we continue to provide first class services to the IHE membership. I am also grateful for the many other offers of assistance already received from members to assist in the period of change. All other staff remain in post, and the office at Russell Square will be open as usual.

We have a full, energetic Council that is committed to taking the Institute forward and as mentioned above we are planning a series of changes to reshape the Institute for the future including reviewing the current Committee and Council system, and at the meeting in September we will be introducing an Executive Board system of management. Another new initiative is 'Council on the Road', whereby Council/Exec Board meetings will be held at locations around the country rather than at Russell Square. This will enable local branches and members to become more involved in the workings of the Institute and contribute to meetings when held in their area/branch.

We will continue to update you on future changes and initiatives as they develop and look forward to receiving your input in reshaping our future.

Please continue to use the secretary@theihe.org as the email address for communicating with head office.

Steve Spender IEng FIHE
President

IHE June Elections

Congratulations to the following applicants who were successfully elected at the Membership & Qualifications Committee on 15th June 2011.

Fellow CEng Lee Munro Fellow IEng Stephen McCann Member Eng Tech Dominic Proud Michael Masters Daniel North Tony Stepney Rachel Line Darren Kemp Fellow Mike Ager Graham Rankin Gary Grieve Salman Asad Member Weiping Guo Gavin Rea John Croxton James Laver Graham Sapsed

Member cont. Mark Crowe Tara Jowett Jonathan Cardy Andrew Balloch Simon Tidswell Matthew Fleetwood Alexander Williams Ban Siang Lim Stephen Hart David Beaton Andrew Binnington Gareth Picken Associate Member Helen Pickett Michael Booth Jamie Bevis Graduate Member Elizabeth Burnley Michael Glover Elaine Worrell

June Council Rapporteur from Marc Cashmore

"So who am I and why am I writing this report on the Institute of Highway Engineers Council and Annual General Meeting? Well, I am Marc Cashmore and I've worked for local highway authorities and consulting engineers on and off since 1987. Whilst I graduated way back in 1994 and have been a longstanding Graduate Member, like so many others out there I have done little to actively participate or progress professional membership further. It is easy to just immerse yourself in the day job but there has always been a nagging thought in my mind that I really ought to do more. So when the request for Graduate and Student representatives to stand on Council was issued earlier this year I thought to myself that it was about time to step forward. Considering I have some twenty years of industry experience you may not think I am the archetypal graduate representative but as it turns out that is less important than you might guess. I work for Mouchel and the company were kind enough to provide support for me to attend during working hours which is appreciated in these times of close economic scrutiny." Read more...

Council Elections - Ballot Result

From left: Nick Newton, Caron Ballantyne, Mark Youngman, Mike Ager, Bob Hindhaugh

Congratulations to Nick Newton, Caron Ballantyne, Mark Youngman, Stephen Webb and Mike Ager who were successfully elected to Council. Following a late resignation from Council by Pete Smith, Bob Hindhaugh who came 6th in the ballot was co-opted onto Council for 2011/2012.

IHE Branch News

Mercia branch will be holding a 'Race Night at The Dogs' on Thursday 25 August at Monmore Green Stadium, Wolverhampton. The 'Party Night Package' costs only £8 per person and a thrilling party atmosphere is guaranteed. Contact Paul Bartley by 4 July for more details. On 8 September, Steve Reed of Road Tech Computer Systems will host an evening meeting. Whilst on 16 September, Mercia branch will be holding their annual Golf day at The Shropshire Golf Centre, Telford. The event is being sponsored by SAPA:Freeway, TCS, Clearview. Anyone wishing to enter the competition should contact Ellie Gormley.

Meanwhile, Southern branch have been busy hearing about the ambitious plans to transport people in and around The Olympics in summer 2012. Clare Springett of The Olympic Delivery Authority met 45 delegates at Southern Branch on 3 May to explain the detailed proposals and progress to date. On June 9, Southern held their AGM at the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum at New Milton, Hants. Members were treated to a tour of the museum after hearing from Chris Stark, Branch Chairman, that during 2010, the branch had organised 8 events attracting nearly 400 members and guests. On September 7th, Southern branch hold their Annual Winchester Seminar which this year is about 'Highway Engineers - promoting safer Roads'. Look out for full details available very soon.

Northern Ireland branch have also been busy on the social scene holding a Karting event on 6th June which tested the driving skills of members. So successful was this event, the branch intend to make it an annual affair. The NI Branch annual golf day will, this year, be held at Massereene Golf Club in Co. Antrim on 6th September; one for your diary! A visit to PWS Sign Manufacture is being organised for later this year. Again, watch this space for more details.

South Western branch held their 46th branch AGM at The Exeter Met Office on 12 May attended by over 40 members - their best attendance for 3 years! Nine former branch chairmen also attended alongside Richard Hayes, Senior Vice President. Thanks go to Traffic Solutions for sponsoring the branch in 2010/11 and their new sponsor for 2011/12, WJ Roadmarkings South West. Speakers at the AGM included, Jon Dutton of the Met Office, Zsolt Schuller of Devon CC and Andrew Cook (Parsons Brinckerhoff) and Ian Yelf of Carillion Civil Engineering. The branch will be making a site visit to the new 'Twin Sails' lifting bridge across Poole Harbour on 7 July. Members are meeting at Rigler Road site offices at 17.30hrs.

Following a theme set by Southern branch, Eastern branch visited the Olympic Park at Stratford on 30 June. A full report and photos will feature next month.

Rachael Langfield, IHE Member, raises over £700 for Cancer Research UK

"All recovered from the triathlon and ready to do the 5km "Race for Life" on 19 June. The triathlon went really well; we were very lucky that the weather held out for us. I was extremely nervous beforehand but knew that once the swim (my weakest point) was out of the way that I'd be alright. The 200m lake swim was quite hard as the water temperature and visibility were a bit of a shock to the system, but I was out of the water in 4 mins 30 secs. I had a quick first transition, then a great bike section of 25 minutes 12 secs. Unfortunately, when I got off the bike my legs appeared to desert me and I found the run extremely hard which made my time suffer. However, I still managed an overall time of 1 hour 2 minutes and 42 seconds which I was most pleased with as I'd estimated that I'd complete in 1 hour and 10 minutes. So next year I'm aiming to do it in under an hour. Yes, it can't have been that bad as within half an hour of finishing I said I'd do it again!

So far I have raised just over £700 for Cancer Research UK although the money is still coming in so I'm hoping to bump it up a bit more."

Rachael Langfield

Making the most of limited maintenance budgets

IHE's maintenance training day held at Amey HQ, Birmingham on 24 June proved highly successful with course presenter, Jeff Farrington CEng delivering a first class course to a packed audience of 30 delegates.

Jeff, a former Group Engineer with Staffordshire CC and Chairman of the BSI Asphalt Committee, took delegates through an intense programme of all things Asphalt from initial specification to laying techniques and subsequent maintenance. Jeff addressed a number of key issues and technical questions raised by delegates.

The course proved so popular that a further event is planned for later this year - probably in the south of the country. Please register your interest in attending this additional event by emailing secretary@theihe.org.

Joint sponsor of Mercia Branch, Freeway Ltd. (carriageway reconstruction specialists) exhibited at the event.

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