The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) has awarded Transport for the North (TfN) its ‘Research Initiative of the Year’ prize.

The award recognises the TfN team’s work on transport-related social exclusion (TRSE).

The research team’s study found that more than three million people in the North of England are at risk of social exclusion due to poor transport services.

‘Transport related social exclusion’ refers to a person being unable to access opportunities, key services and community life as much as they need to, and facing major obstacles in daily life because of unmet need for transport.

TfN’s research suggests that high levels of dependency on cars is the main factor driving TRSE in the North.

Transport for the North will use the research in implementing its Connecting Communities Strategy – working with other organisations in the North of England to deliver the first regional strategy to achieve a transport system which is more effective, equal, and inclusive for everyone.

TfN’s revised Strategic Transport Plan is currently out for consultation, and prioritises three strategic ambitions, including significantly reducing transport-related social exclusion.

The CIHT makes its awards annually, in a global competition for the Highways and Transport sector. The awards aim to showcase and celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions made by professionals in Highways and Transportation.

Martin Tugwell, Chief Executive of Transport for the North, said: “This is a tremendous achievement for Transport for the North, and we are delighted to receive the recognition.

“It is a ground-breaking piece of work for us, as it serves to highlight how access to transport remains one of the biggest barriers to individuals and communities realising their potential.

“We want everyone to have a transport network that delivers access to good quality work and education opportunities and enables travel for leisure.

“It was also fantastic for our Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) work to make the shortlist in the same ‘Research Initiative of the Year’ category, and it is pleasing to see TfN’s work in this area being shared more widely.”