The Department for Transport’s (DfT) head of local roads, Steve Berry OBE, will be delivering the keynote address for the Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee (HAUC (UK)) national convention.Mr Berry has won praise throughout the highways sector for his work in the aftermath of last winter's floods and in helping drive improvements through schemes such as the highways self-assessment process.The HAUC (UK) convention will take place on the 21 March at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, Wales, venue for the 2010 Ryder Cup.This year's convention will also address a potential new street works landscape under DfT plans to introduce a more data-led approach.A presentation from the DfT will look at how the Street Manager project might improve the way that data is collected and shared to co-ordinate activities on the highway more effectively.The DfT is working with sector experts and others to assess current working practices and user needs, and look at how to make the most of the latest available technology.The convention will also focus on key issues in the sector including innovation, the skills gap, and coordinating major projects.HAUC (UK) covers England and all the devolved nations and was established in 1986 by the constituent bodies of the local highway authorities and the utilities to assist the Government in arriving at proposals for new street works legislation.It played a significant role in the drawing up of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 (NRSWA), its subsidiary legislation and associated Codes of Practice.For more information on the HAUC (UK) convention and to book your place click here.