Traffex lights the way

Now in its 26th year, the International traffic management, road safety, parking, ITS and highway maintenance exhibition – Traffex – will return to the NEC in Birmingham from 16th–18th April with ground-breaking new features, brand new discussions and over 350 exhibitors

For those in highways, traffic or parking management, there is plenty to see and do at Traffex. UK and international exhibitors will be using the show as the launch pad for their latest products and services in road safety, display technology, speed detection, traffic engineering, highway infrastructure, enforcement, parking, traffic management, energy saving, intelligent transport systems, passive safety, sustainable transport solution, ICT and much more.



Lighting the way

For the first time, Traffex will be showcasing a brand new feature called ‘Lighting The Way’. In response to DfT’s Traffic Signs Policy paper entitled “Signing the Way”, the large darkened indoor display area in the main exhibition hall will present an array of retro reflective and directly illuminated traffic signing and lining products in street-lit, unlit and dimmed conditions. Two very different scenarios will be created, which are intended to capture the essence of typical urban and rural street scenes. The aim of the feature is to demonstrate the situations where each of the product types displayed really come into their own, helping to save lives by guiding the way ahead.



This exciting new feature is organised in conjunction with REMA, ILP, Mott MacDonald and UK Roads. Andy Pledge of UK Roads commented; “This is an exciting project and I am pleased to be part of it. As REMA Secretary I want to be able to show the benefits that retro reflective products bring to road safety and how these products fit within the contents of the DfT’s policy paper.”



Bill Butler, Traffex 2013 event director commented: “Traffex is long established as the UK’s number one event for this industry and ‘Lighting the Way’ is a great opportunity to add a new ‘live’ dimension to the event. This space will become a regular feature at Traffex and will have a new theme each time that will keep the exhibition fresh and engaging for visitors and exhibitors alike.”



Parkex

Once again, Traffex will also run alongside its sister exhibition, Parkex, Europe’s largest dedicated Parking Exhibition. Parkex will feature all the leading suppliers of on and off street parking equipment, access control, parking management, software, refurbishment, energy saving, civil enforcement, training and payment processing. Organised by Brintex on behalf of the British Parking Association, seminars will address topics including Car Park Design and Modernisation, Order Management, Innovation in Parking, The Legacy of the Olympics, Enforcement, Strategies for Efficiency and Public Sector Partnerships.



Parkex visitor badges also provide access to Traffex and a comprehensive CPD accredited three day seminar programme.



Free Seminars

This year’s Traffex will see a huge range of exhibitors showcasing the very latest developments, but there is also a free, CPD accredited three day seminar programme, organised in partnership with ITS UK, The Highways Agency, Department for Transport and The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation, covering a wide range of topics and offering insights from the transport industry’s leading experts. Speakers include, Graham Hanson, Head of Traffic Signs Policy, Department for Transport, David Ubaka, Director D.U.P, Phil Jones, Phil Jones Associates, Prof Eric Sampson CBE, ITS UK, Mathew Lugg OBE, specialist adviser to DfT and Andrew Page-Dove of the Highways Agency.



Seminar topics include: Road Safety, Traffic Infrastructure, Social Media, Extreme Weather, Manual For Streets 2, Signing The Way, Cycling Strategy, Building Information Modelling, Greener Transport Systems, Highway Maintenance and Intelligent Transport Systems.



Demonstrations

Live demonstrations and special features will also play a key role in this year’s show, including the Instarmac Live! Fill & Go Challenge. Fast and lasting pothole repair is a common problem facing all local authorities and with this in mind, Instarmac Live will demonstrate first hand pothole repair where a live audience will watch opponents race against the clock to repair potholes and race cars over their handy work.  



Bill Butler comments: “I am really looking forward to this year’s show; the team have been hard at work to deliver a first class event that will bring everyone together under one roof. There have been many challenges facing the industry over the last 18 months but nothing beats face to face interaction and we have gathered some of the industry’s top experts to inspire and remind people what a diverse and exciting industry they work in.”



Make the most of your visit

The organisers of Traffex recommend the following top tips to help make the most of your trip:



Plan your day: With over 350 exhibitors at this year’s Traffex & Parkex, there will be plenty for you to see. Make sure you don’t miss anything by looking in advance at the exhibitor list and seminar programme and decide what you want to see and when.



Skip the queue: This year’s event is expected to be very busy especially on the Wednesday with thousands of attendees visiting exhibitor stands and seminars so why not skip the queues and register online or think about coming on Tuesday or Thursday? Your badge is valid for all three days.



Ask Questions: With hundreds of experts and the most important industry trade associations all under one roof, it will be the perfect time to ask questions, get a spot of training and you can be sure that exhibitors will be happy to show you what their products can really do and how they can benefit you. Why not also take some time to compare prices?



Bring a colleague: This year we have so many exciting, new features including ‘Lighting the Way’ - our new 4,000 sqm darkened indoor display area, the Instarmac Challenge area plus hours of CPD seminars. So why not bring someone new to the show and we guarantee they will leave better informed, proud of the industry they work in and with an extended little black book of contacts.



Many exhibitors will use Parkex as the launchpad for their latest products and services - providing visitors with an invaluable insight into the future of the industry. With Parkex and Traffex in the same hall, visitors have the opportunity to meet with over 350 exhibiting companies. Whether from a local authority, central government, private parking operator, transport operator, parking consultant or private land owner with parking then a visit to Parkex 2013 is a must.

For further information and details of how to register, visit www.parkex.co.uk