The UK has embarked on the most ambitious infrastructure improvement programme for a generation. It is no longer acceptable to simply expect road users to put up with the additional traffic congestion that extensive roadworks will cause, a more proactive approach is required. The Dutch faced a similar challenge when it announced a major infrastructure investment programme in 2008. The government were acutely aware of the potential for negative media caused by frustrated motorists, and the political ramifications of the traffic congestion caused by roadworks.Therefore they committed to limit extra congestion as result of road works to a maximum of 10% and maintain user satisfaction ratings at a minimum of 75%. They developed a set of guidelines called MinderHinder (reduce nuisance) to set out efficient procedures for the management of roadworks. Part of this is the Spitsmijden approach which reduces traffic demand with impressive results. The people who designed and delivered the Dutch approach will share their experiences and address a range of questions relevant to those considering how to apply this knowledge in the UK.

How much does roadworks cost the UK economy?

What is best – short sharp shock or long and less severe?

How do we currently measure customer satisfaction?

What do the design and contract teams need to do to meet MinderHinder guidelines?

Who pays for incentives to influence travel behaviour and how much do they cost?

How are contracts evaluated to ensure that they minimise disruption?

How do the Dutch know which Spitsmijden approach to recommend when?

Event Agenda:

09:30 Registration and Coffee

10:00 Welcome and Introduction: Improving value for money and customer experience – opportunities in the UK

Dr Colin Black, Arcadis UK-Transport Planning Director

10:10 The importance of improving our approach to roadworks-uunderstanding the road user perspective.

Lee Rowbotham, Transport Focus-Road User Manager

10:30 The Dutch Minder Hinder approach – overview of the 7 pillars for managing roadworks

Erik Verschoor, Arcadis Nederland- Co-author of MinderHinder guidance and Program Manager

11:30 Discussion - Identifying opportunities to transfer experience and knowledge to the UK

11:45 Spitsmijden – change your travel routine and earn money

Frank Burmeister, Dutch Ministry of Transportation and Environment

How Spitsmijden works in practice – working within privacy laws, and developing the right technology

Rob Mouris, Arcadis-Project Manager

12.45 Discussion - Which are the candidates for a UK pilot study?

13.00 Hot and Cold Buffet Lunch - An opportunity to continue the discussion and do some important networking

15.00 CLOSE

Learning from the Dutch: Improving Customer Experience During Roadworks