Transport Experts Gather in South Africa to Rethink Transportation and Celebrate IRF 75th Anniversary
Under the theme “Rethinking transportation: planning and building resilient systems to meet global externalities” the 41st Annual Southern African Transport Conference was held in Pretoria, South Africa, on 10 – 13 July 2023.
The IRF – who has been supporting SATC for several years - was pleased to join industry experts, policymakers and other stakeholders from all over the world for the 4-day conference to discuss how to provide optimum, effective and efficient transportation solutions to improve service delivery and meet the needs of all users of our transport systems.
“Innovative thinking is by itself never only the direction we must take but equally to figure out the most effective integrated way of working together to implement the solutions. The requirement to plan for and build resilient transport systems that must meet global externalities can never be an easy fit and never achievable through working in silos and lacking integrated systems and implementation” said South Africa’s Minister of Transport, Hon. Sindisiwe Lydia Chikunga, at the opening ceremony. She also acknowledged and thanked the IRF for “their continuous support, finding wisdom in our actions and endorsing this auspiciously significant Conference in our annual regional interaction”.
IRF Director General, Susanna Zammataro, led discussions on the IRF Special Session “Innovation and Digitalisation for a Sustainable Future” which was part of the official programme on day 1. The session addressed the pivotal role of digitalisation in revolutionising transportation and welcomed as speakers: Nicolas Miravalls (Oris), Subu Kamal (TRL), Marianne Vanderschuren (University of Cape Town), and Justin Coetzee (GoMetro). More specifically, speakers discussed the potential of data from diverse sources and tools to expedite the transition towards safe, efficient, inclusive and more sustainable mobility.
SATC 2023 is one of the many events through which the International Road Federation is celebrating its 75th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the SATC cocktail party was hosted this year by the IRF and offered the stage to bestow to the South African Road Federation (SARF), an IRF 75th Anniversary Awards as a long-standing member of the Federation. “The South African Road Federation is honoured to be a member of the IRF and to receive the IRF 75th Anniversary Award. We are grateful for the support the IRF has given us all these many years and for the opportunity to serve on various IRF Committees to deliver together sustainable, resilient, and safe transportation” commented Vusi Tshabangu, President of SARF in receiving the award.
A summary of SATC proceedings and final recommendations will be presented over the next weeks to the office of the South Africa Minister of Transport for further consideration and action.
To learn more about IRF 75th Anniversray Celebrations, visit https://irfofficial.org/irf-75th-anniversary/
To access SATC Gallery visit: https://www.satc.org.za/gallery.html
To access the Call for abstracts for SATC 2024 visit: https://www.satc.org.za/index.html
TRL Software Successfully Delivers New Pavement Management System for UK’s National Highways
TRL Software has successfully rolled out a new digital pavement asset management system for National Highways (NH) called P-AMS. The new P-AMS system is a configured for NH version of TRL Software’s cloud-based digital product iROADS, which is a commercially available off-the-shelf platform designed for various infrastructure assets. It replaced NH’s existing 20-year-old HAPMS platform in early 2023.
Using iROADS as the new, digital asset management system allowed TRL to deliver a cost-effective, user-friendly platform, with fully customised specifications. P-AMS forms part of NH’s Asset Management Transformation and will help to support the delivery of its Digital Roads Strategy, creating more efficient ways of working through improved digital integration. The new system was developed to align with its emerging Asset Management System Strategy (AMSS). AMSS compliance will ensure the new system supports cross-asset data access and analysis, and the company’s new data model.
The road pavement is an essential part of the national network, over 7250 km in length and worth over £82bn, the information stored in P-AMS critical for informing decisions around future requirements.
“The main benefit of P-AMS iROADS is that it provides quicker and simpler access to insights about the road network, improving day-to-day decision-making and reducing time wasted trying to get hold of data,” says Paul Zanelli, TRL’s Strategic Ventures Director. “This, in turn, leads to accelerated strategic decisions, allowing for improved operational efficiency, accurate forecasting, and quantifiable decisions for the National Highways team. I want to congratulate our partners at Experion and V1, alongside the National Highways and TRL team on the smooth roll-out of this complex project, a project that is benefiting part of the country’s critical infrastructure.”
National Highways Senior Responsible, Owner Jason Glasson, added: “Right from early inception, the team fostered a solid partnership with our stakeholders across a number of specialist disciplines and achieved a positive shift in the collaborative way such complex projects need to be delivered.”
“The new system was developed to align with our emerging asset management system strategy. This will ensure the new system supports cross-asset data access and analysis, and the company’s new data model. This approach means the new system will meet our needs right now, while maintaining a level of flexibility to adapt to new and emerging needs in the rapidly changing digital world.”
Highlights from the 4th International Symposium on Freeway and Tollway Operations
Under the theme “Innovation Advances Towards the Future of Managing Traffic”, the 4th International Symposium on Freeway and Tollway Operations was held in Vienna on 26-30 June. Hosted by Austriatech and co-organised by IRF and other leading US and EU organisations, the symposium offered a dynamic platform to exchange expertise among managers, traffic engineers, practitioners, and researchers.
With over 400 experts in attendance, the symposium featured a diverse program with more than 40 sessions and workshops. An opportunity for participants to share their insights and collectively explore disruptive approaches towards making traffic management more efficient and sustainable. IRF President A. Benazzouz, IRF DG S. Zammataro and IRF Deputy DG G. Alcaraz were amongst the distinguished list of speakers and moderators discussing topics ranging from road user charges, automation, to data sharing and workforce development. By embracing innovation and collaboration, participants paved the way for transformative solutions that can enhance mobility, efficiency, and sustainability in increasingly complex transportation systems.
On 29 June, IRF joined the ASECAP Sustainability Forum – hosted in the margins of ISFO. IRF President, Anouar Benazzouz, and a panel of esteemed speakers including Kristian Schmidt (European Commission), Hans-Jürgen Salmhofer (Austrian Ministry for Climate Action), Fernando De Maria (Autostrade per l’Italia), Gerhard Christiner (Austrian Power Grid) and Andrew Fremier (IBTTA) discussed: “Energy Transition: What are realistic scenarios for road decarbonisation?".
In his intervention, Mr Benazzouz highlighted “Our vision is that delivering on the UN Sustainable Development Goals depends on efficient multi-modal transport systems and services where roads play a central role. Effective road transport and road networks, and the associated services, are essential to ensure the sustainable mobility of people and goods and to ensure we leave no one behind”. He also recalled IRF’s commitment to Sustainability with the COP27 joint statement published with several other organisations from the sector in which they underline the need to act with pragmatism, ensure a just transition, and embrace innovation.
Present at the ISFO event with a delegation of 16 US DoTs, AASHTO (the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) met bilaterally with IRF to discuss transportation challenges, emerging trends from around the world and to enhance collaboration between the two organisations. As an esteemed partner of IRF since decades, AASHTO received an IRF 75th Anniversary Award.
To conclude the week, IRF witnessed a significant milestone for one of its members, Oris, which signed a ground-breaking partnership agreement with UNIDO to optimise large road infrastructure projects and the delivery of sustainable and inclusive rural roads. The MoU signifies a promising collaboration between UNIDO and Oris, and the IRF's involvement highlights its instrumental role in facilitating meaningful partnerships and in fostering cooperation within the industry.
IRF Marks Its 75th Anniversary Celebration in Vienna
To commemorate its 75th anniversary, the International Road Federation (IRF) is supporting and organising a series of events around the world. The 4th International Symposium on Freeway and Tollway Operations held in Vienna on 26 – 30 June was high in the calendar of celebrations.
The IRF convened members on 28 June to the IRF General Assembly and Board of Directors Meeting hosted in the margins of the event as an in person and online event. The GA elected new members to the IRF Board of Directors – Valerio Molinari and Michela Nanni from Ecogest, Domenico Crocco and Maura Sabato from ANAS, and Elodie Woillez from ORIS. The GA welcomed to the Board the Lt. Gen. Harpal Singh as the new President of the IRF India Chapter. The IRF Board appointed two new IRF Advisors in the person of Neil Pedersen – former Executive Director of TRB - and Cesar Queiroz – former World Bank Highway Advisor.
The Federation welcomed new members, shared updates on recent activities and discussed preparations for the upcoming IRF World Congress to be hosted in Istanbul in October 2024.
The highlight of the Vienna week was a special dinner jointly hosted with ASECAP, to honour and thank - with an IRF 75th Anniversary Award - members and partners who have supported IRF throughout this incredible seven-decade journey.
“It would be impossible to list the names of all the people who have contributed to the growth and success of the IRF. To those who have served the IRF at any time during these past 75 years – whether members, partners, sponsors, donors, volunteers – the International Road Federation extends all its gratitude and dedicates this celebration to them” said IRF President, Anouar Benazzouz, greeting everyone to the dinner.
An anniversary is an important moment of lessons from the past, while also representing an open window on the opportunities that the future offers. The destination remains the same: delivering better mobility systems for all, together.
Amongst the many IRF members present in Vienna, the Federation counted with two founding members of the Federation, Union Routière de France and Strasseschweiz / Routesuisse.
“As a founding member, we are deeply honoured of receiving this award. The URF stands committed with the IRF in the cause of mobility. Together, we strive to ensure equitable access, sustainable infrastructure, seamless connectivity, for a better and more inclusive future” commented Christophe Boutin, Board Member of the Union Routière de France.
“For us as a founding member, this award is a great honour and appreciation. We are convinced that today, as in the past, mobility is the key to prosperity and health, and we remain committed - nationally and internationally together with the IRF - to ensuring that this continues to be the case” commented Claudia Kohslschuetter, Head of International Relations and Communications at Strasseschweiz / Routesuisse.
To know more about IRF 75-year Journey and Anniversary Celebrations, visit our dedicated webpage.
Inclusive Roads: UNIDO & ORIS Sign Ground-breaking Partnership
UNIDO and ORIS sign partnership agreement to create a groundbreaking initiative to optimise large road infrastructure projects and the delivery of sustainable and inclusive rural roads.
The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) has signed with ORIS, the first construction materials platform for low impact infrastructure, a Cooperation Project Agreement to develop a unique innovative program for rural roads. Through this collaboration, both entities aim at developing sustainable and inclusive secondary road networks in developing countries. The signature of the agreement took place on the margins of the celebration of the International Road Federation’s 75th Anniversary that took place in Vienna.
ORIS's digital impact assessment capabilities for road networks will be used in partnering countries to optimise large infrastructure projects - through better pavement designs and maintenance scenarios - resulting in significant financial savings and reduced environmental impacts. The optimisation process will involve ORIS' advanced digital services, relying on data science and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, to identify areas where cost-efficiency can be improved, while improving quality and sustainability.
The resulting savings will be channelled into rural road connectivity through a Rural Road Fund, supported by UNIDO and the international Donor community. The Fund will be dedicated to building sustainable and inclusive rural roads in partnering countries, boosting economic growth and livelihood development in vulnerable communities.
In collaboration with governments in selected countries, UNIDO will identify project portfolios that require rural connectivity along agro-industrial road corridors to be optimised. The Rural Road Fund will benefit from public, private, and financial partners' support, who are already actively involved in sustainable infrastructure and capacity building in developing countries and regions.
Investing in roads is crucial for governments, especially in developing countries, as they are vital public assets. However, it can prove challenging to implement sustainable and cost-effective solutions that are adapted to varying geographic and climatic conditions, as well as the availability of construction materials. In rural areas, infrastructure assets such as roads and bridges are necessary for the development of livelihoods in local communities, especially for women and youth. Improved connectivity is also essential for attracting agribusiness investments, upgrading agro-industrial parks, and enhancing the agro value chain.
Improved rural road networks are a game-changer for vulnerable communities, providing access to safer and quicker trade routes. This partnership aims to facilitate investment and technology transfer for road infrastructure upgrading and urban modernisation, with a focus on connecting remote areas. By using unique data and technology, this innovative public-private financial partnership is committed to constructing high-quality roads for sustainable infrastructure.
By leveraging the latest technological advancements and data-driven insights, ORIS and UNIDO are paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future, where everyone has access to safe and efficient road networks.
Weixi Gong, Chief, Division of ITPOs and Institutional Partnerships at UNIDO declared: “From UNIDO point of view, we’re promoting the improvements of people’s living standards in the rural areas. And without infrastructure, there’s no chance to make developments. Also, it is a sector in which UNIDO is not involved because it requires too many investments, so through this programme we’ll be able to leverage more, enhancing institutional capacity building. ORIS is innovative, dynamic and with the word “sustainability” as a conscious perspective. This company is willing to contribute to the world and with their diligence and professional competences, we should give them a chance. It is a pure public/private partnership.”
Nicolas Miravalls, CEO of ORIS added: “We are thrilled to sign this innovative partnership and are eager to collaborate with UNIDO in enhancing rural connectivity. We firmly believe that the use of advanced digital technologies such as data science, AI/ML in road construction will be transformative for our industry towards greater sustainability and inclusivity. Through this collaboration, we aim to demonstrate how digitalisation provides a fresh and innovative approach towards achieving these development goals.”
Private Sector Unites To Support Road Safety Efforts in Zambia
Geneva, 7 July 2023. A “Private Sector Road Safety Coalition” has been launched today in Zambia. Coordinated by the International Road Federation (IRF), this initiative in Zambia builds upon the successful launches of private sector coalitions in Tanzania, Pakistan, and Morocco and is a significant step towards fostering road safety awareness, collaboration and action among leading private sector companies in each country and region.
Aligned with the recommendations of the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, the initiative is rooted in the belief that road crashes are largely preventable and road safety is a shared responsibility. The UN Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021-2030) has been set up to address the alarming rise in road traffic injuries and fatalities, which have become a pressing public health issue globally. Recognising the urgent need for coordinated efforts, and thanks to the support of the TotalEnergies Foundation, the Private Sector Road Safety Coalitions take an active role in supporting this global effort by working towards the shared goal of creating safer roads and saving thousands of lives.
All founding members of the Zambian coalition – BHL Group, CFAO Mobility, Goldstar Freight, Juba Transport, TotalEnergies Maketing Zambia – share a deep conviction that every single life lost on our roads is an intolerable loss, and are committed to collaborate in order to reduce the number and severity of road crashes. Driven by this unwavering belief, the coalition has embraced a shared set of values and principles, encapsulated in the “Coalition Charter". This comprehensive document outlines their collective dedication to reducing road fatalities and injuries in Zambia, providing a clear framework for concerted action and collaboration among all stakeholders involved.
"The launch of a Private Sector Road Safety Coalition in Zambia is a significant milestone in the Federation’s global mission to increase safety on roads. By bringing together public and private stakeholders under a shared vision, we can drive tangible change and make roads safer for everyone. This initiative, aligned with the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety, reflects our unwavering commitment to facilitate action and impact that can save lives and underscores the power of collaboration in achieving lasting results" commented IRF Director General, Susanna Zammataro, at the launch of the coalition.
“TotalEnergies marketing Zambia is proud to have initiated this work with the International Road Federation and delighted to witness the launch of the Private Sector Road Safety Coalition in Zambia. I would like to thank our partner for this initiative, I have no doubt that many other companies will join the Road safety coalition. Through this initiative, our aim is to bring together the private sector's collective strength and expertise to drive positive change. Together, we can build a safer and more sustainable future for Zambia, ensuring that every journey is a safe one” commented Caroline Royer, Managing Director at TotalEnergies Marketing Zambia.
The Zambia coalition is open to other private sector organisations in Zambia willing to contribute to creating a safer road environment for all. By leveraging the power of collective action, Zambia can play a vital role in the global movement to reduce road crashes and save lives.
For more information, please contact the International Road Federation at info@irfofficial.org.
Founding Members of the Road Safety Coalition in Zambia
About the International Road Federation (IRF)
The International Road Federation (IRF) is a global, independent and not-for-profit organisation with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Active since 1948, IRF is a membership-based organisation, representing leading corporate and institutional players drawn from the road and mobility sectors worldwide. Operating in more than 130 countries in the world, IRF’s mission is to promote the development of road networks that enable access and sustainable mobility for all. Its approach is centred on key strategic components of knowledge transfer & information sharing, connecting people, businesses, and organisations, and working on policy & advocacy.
About TotalEnergies Marketing Zambia Limited
TotalEnergies Zambia Limited is a subsidiary of the TotalEnergies group and has 72 years of operating experience in Zambia. We are registered and licensed as an Oil Marketing Company with the Energy Regulations Board for the importation, sale, distribution, and export of petroleum products. TotalEnergies Marketing Zambia Limited has depots for storage of fuels and lubricants in Lusaka, Solwezi and Ndola. We market products through a network of 65 service stations situated in all the provinces of Zambia and through our various distributorships. We are structured to be able to provide a comprehensive range of services to virtually address all your petroleum product’s needs. In this regard, TotalEnergies Marketing Zambia Limited is made up of various departments which attend to specific business needs. A major factor in our success is our highly trained and dedicated personnel who have vast experience in the petroleum industry and all our operations are conducted with focus on safety, health, and environment protection.
