MHA+ at the LCRIG Innovation and Learning Festival 2026

Key Takeaways for Local Highway Authorities

MHA+ Project Support and Networking Manager Ian Bamforth attended this year’s LCRIG Innovation and Learning Festival at NAEC Stoneleigh, reporting back on the second day of learning, networking and innovation for local highways professionals. With over 800 delegates, 330+ representatives from 90+ local authorities across England, Scotland and Wales, and 100+ exhibitors, the scale of the event reflected the pace of change across the sector.

A festival of innovation

The exhibition floor delivered throughout. From COLAS to Tarmac, Stabilised Pavements Ltd to Rhino Asphalt Solutions Limited, there was a wide range of preventative maintenance solutions on show – and that is no coincidence. With the DfT’s Transparency Report pushing hard for a shift toward preventative maintenance, providers are responding to the moment.

Highlights from the stands included confined space drone deployment from ProDroneWorx, digital waste tracking from Electranotes, and visits to Confirm and Route Reports. An AI robot opening proceedings set the tone for an event unafraid to embrace what is coming next.

Structures Fund – act now

One of the most striking moments of the festival came in the Structures Fund presentation. James O’Connor from the Department for Transport confirmed 111 draft submissions received from 99 Local Highway Authorities – and the fund is expected to be oversubscribed. With the August deadline approaching, authorities yet to submit should treat this as urgent.

Social Value was highlighted as a key expectation for successful bidders, with input from the Government Commercial Agency on what demonstrating it looks like in practice.

Transparency Report – dates for your diary

James Bowen from the DfT delivered a well-received session on the Transparency Report, which is clearly gathering momentum at ministerial level. Potholes featured prominently in the core report, with the document covering condition, funding and spending, maintenance plans, and a detailed 12-part technical annex linked directly to the Incentive Fund.

Two key dates for Local Highway Authorities to note: the deadline to submit your Transparency Report is 10th September, and the methodology behind the red, amber, green ratings will be published within the next two to three months.

The Adaptation and Climate section gave a welcome mention to the ADEPT Carbon Leadership Programme, hosted with FHRG, with resilience and carbon featuring strongly throughout.

Resilience and collaboration

LCRIG also hosted a hackathon on network resilience during the festival, attracting a good turnout. Outcomes will be shared when published – watch this space.

The festival once again demonstrated why the LCRIG Festival is a cornerstone event for the highways sector. MHA+ will be sharing further insights from the festival through upcoming Lunch and Learn sessions. Members can expect more detail on the Transparency Report, the Structures Fund, and the innovations seen on the exhibition floor.