Transport and Politics – How Transport Planners Influence Decision Makers

Opening webinar in new TMF series 2024/25

The 5th season of the TMF Webinar series got off to a great start on 3rd October, when we were treated to a presentation from Lewis North, Head of Public Affairs for Rail Partners (UK) on how to engage with political stakeholders and how to influence decision makers. This topic should be of interest to all transport professionals, policy makers and academic researchers.

Drawing on his wide-ranging experience in the communications and public affairs industry in the UK and in the EU, Lewis North highlighted the importance of how to engage with politicians and other key stakeholders. Drawing upon examples from the railway in Great Britain, he examined the importance of media interventions and political engagement.

The session explored tactics to achieve results and influence government policy, while also exploring how to respond to challenges to policy positions and ways of managing setbacks. 

Dr John Martin Head of Climate Engagement at Department of Transport, Ireland, gave a considered response to Lewis North’s presentation from the perspective of the public sector, identifying the common and shared challenges of communicating complex messages to a range of audiences and stakeholders.

The lively discussion and question and answer session that followed illustrated the importance and interest of members and attendees in this critical aspect of work for all transport planners, professionals, academics and policy makers.

The recording of this session will be available on the TMF webpage shortly and will be free to access for AET members.