The Transport Technology Forum (TTF) has released revised guidance for the £20m Intelligent Traffic Management Fund (ITMF) - clarifying the requirements for assembling consortia for applications.
Applications for the ITMF are now open and will close at 5pm on 31 July 2024; however, this could be extended in light of the general election announcement. Grants of up to £2m each are expected to be made to groups led by local authorities.
Allocations will help local authorities to deploy advanced technology for traffic control, including using emerging technologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence to optimise traffic flow and balance traffic across wider areas.
The new guidance states that applicants should 'aim to describe as fully as possible likely consortia arrangements in their bids that will deliver innovative, practical and workable solutions that demonstrate the application of new technology to corridor and region-wide traffic optimisation'.
The ITMF is part of £70m of government funding recently released under three separate challenge processes for improvements to traffic signals.
The TTF is working with the Local Council Roads Innovation Group (LCRIG) to manage the process.
LCRIG said consideration is also being given to delaying the closing date for applications.
'We have recognised that in the run-up to the General Election announced for 4 July, the actions of central and local government will be curtailed,' commented LCRIG chief executive Paula Claytonsmith.
'Therefore, consideration is being given to the extension of the bidding period to compensate for this.'
The opportunity to apply for funding is being offered to all English local highway and combined authorities outside London.
The guidance is available on the TTF website, also detailing the workings of the funding, covering eligibility, possible uses of ITMF, design and standards, and how successful projects should be evaluated and assessed.
