4way successfully implement an ISO 27001 compliant Information Security Management System (ISMS)
In today’s fast-paced, digitally driven world, information is a critical resource, and the protection of information assets is a major concern for businesses and public-sector authorities alike. Increased threats from criminals and state actors, together with a growing dependence on digital storage and processing systems, mean that information security has never been more important.
Over recent months, our internal teams have been working hard to develop and implement additional controls to assure the continued security of our information assets and those entrusted to us by our customers and partners. Existing good practice has been refined and expanded, with new procedures introduced to further strengthen our information security capabilities.
At the end of October, we hosted auditors from ISOQAR, who spent time with our teams in Manchester and Birmingham assessing compliance with the ISO 27001 standard. The audit was successful, and as a result ISOQAR have now awarded 4way certification under the standard. Certificate Number: 11359.
Ian Pengelly, Technical Director for Digital, 4way Consulting, said:
“This has been an aspiration of 4way for some time, and it is monumental to finally achieve it. This is a testament to the team that have led the development of our ISMS, and senior level sponsorship it has received. Finally, we couldn’t have made the final hurdle without the willingness of our colleagues across the company to embrace change”.
ISO 27001 certification marks an important achievement for 4way and together with our existing ISO 9001 certification, underlining our continued commitment to delivering the highest quality services while protecting our customers sensitive information.
4way & Blackpool Council Win the “Sustainable Environment through Technology” Award at the ITS UK President’s Dinner 2025
We’re proud to announce that 4way with Blackpool Council won the “Sustainable Environment through Technology” Award at the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) UK President’s Dinner and Awards 2025, held in the prestigious Church House, London. The evening brought together professionals and organisations from across the transport technology sector to celebrate innovation, collaboration, and progress. 4way was delighted to host a table and share the evening with valued colleagues, partners, and clients, reflecting on another fantastic year for the industry and our team.
The “Sustainable Environment through Technology” Award recognises our collaborative work on the Blackpool Smart Traffic Corridors project. This is a transformative initiative led by Blackpool Council, supported by 4way Consulting, E.On, and Pell Frischmann, and funded by the Department for Transport’s Green Light Fund. Currently in delivery, the project is transforming five of Blackpool’s most important transport corridors into digitally enabled, data-driven routes. These include The Promenade, Preston New Road, East Park Drive, Plymouth Road, and Central Drive, all of which experience high traffic variability due to tourism, events, and urban density. Through the deployment of Smartmicro TRUGRD radar detectors, AI-driven optimisation (Simplifai Systems), and cloud-based traffic control (Swarco MyCity Strategy Manager), the project introduces a near fully adaptive traffic management system designed to:
Ian Large, Head of Highway and Traffic Management Services, Blackpool Council, said:
“This project shows what can be achieved when collaboration genuinely drives innovation. By bringing together expertise across a range of project partners, we’re delivering smarter, cleaner, and more responsive transport corridors for residents and visitors alike. It’s fantastic to see this recognised nationally, and even more rewarding to know we’re helping shape a more sustainable future for Blackpool. This is just the beginning of how Blackpool intends to use collaboration and innovation to create a greener, smarter town.”
Shane Collins, Smart Cities Sector Lead, 4way Consulting, said:
“It’s a real pleasure supporting Blackpool Council and the wider team on this innovative and transformative project. Through the use of modern open data systems and data driven interventions we are ensuring that the Blackpool network is able to respond in real time to its unique set of network challenges. The project outcomes look to improve the lives of the local residents and help the shift towards a more sustainable environment in the town through improving air quality and reducing emissions by improving journey times and reducing congestion, as well as prioritising sustainable transport modes. The technologies being used also ensure that Blackpool is in a good place to expand on the work currently being done as the systems and technologies being implemented as part of this project, act as an enabler to incorporate evolving and future technologies which will help the shape a greener and sustainable future for the town.”
This work exemplifies how practical, standards-compliant digitalisation can make meaningful contributions to environmental sustainability, not just through new technology, but through long-term, scalable design.
We’d like to thank Blackpool Council and our partners for their collaboration and shared commitment to improving local environments through technology. The Sustainable Environment through Technology Award is a proud moment for 4way, recognising not only the success of the project, but also our continued focus on supporting cleaner, smarter, and more resilient transport networks. You can read more about the project below.
4way Consulting have partnered with Arcadis to provide consultancy support for National Highways’ Operational Technology Strategy implementation
National Highways has appointed Arcadis to provide technical consultancy support for the implementation of its Operational Technology Strategy (OTS), for the benefit of all road users, operators and those who live adjacent to the strategic road network.
Arcadis, in partnership with 4way Consulting, will provide a range of technical advisory and design skills to support National Highways’ delivery of the OTS.
Implementing the Operational Technology Strategy on the Strategic Roads Network will significantly improve the quality and safety of road users’ journeys and reduce noise and enhance air quality for those living adjacent to strategic roads. The vision is for operational technology to bring trusted, sought after, timely, relevant information, to the heart of the customers’ experience, helping National Highways deliver world leading personalised services.
The OTS was published in 2022 and outlines a roadmap for enhancing the current OT estate within National Highways. The project is expected to be delivered over a period of five years, with opportunities for extension.
Chris Ellison, 4way Technical Director said:
“This win represents a logical progression in the strengthening of the 4way relationship with Arcadis by placing both organisations in a key role for the development and implementation of the Operational Technology Strategy for National Highways. We’re excited to be embarking on another commission with National Highways and their partners which will support operations through enhanced technology performance and digital resilience.”
David Threlfall, Senior Technical Director said:
“Arcadis is honoured to play a key role in the development and implementation of the Operational Technology Strategy for National Highways. Delivering high-quality services that will have a positive impact on road users, operators, and local communities. This fits Arcadis’ vision of improving quality of life, by providing digital leadership and sustainable solutions with the many skill-sets that we can bring to the project.”
Paul Canning, Operational Technology in Digital Services, National Highways, added:
“The collaborative approach with both Arcadis and 4way and our stakeholders has enabled a constructive approach to be developed in a matter of months. Both organisations have demonstrated an ability to bring in the right people, with the right expertise, at the right time to deliver technical consultancy to help deliver the Operational Technology Strategy.”
This win builds on Arcadis’ established collaborative working relationship with 4way Consulting, delivering the Tunnels Digital and Operations Strategy, and now managing for the client the production of a suite of specifications for tunnel technology to support the tunnel strategy.
Successful Completion of the Design Phase for LED Lantern Replacement in Milton Keynes
We’re thrilled to announce the successful completion of the design phase for our ambitious LED lantern replacement project in Milton Keynes. Over the last year, our team has meticulously designed the replacement of over 50,000 street lighting units with state-of-the-art LED lanterns. This comprehensive project spans all wards, ensuring every corner of the community benefits from enhanced lighting solutions.
Expanding our lighting designs to grid roads, we’ve leveraged insights gained from our estate road designs to create solutions that specifically address the challenges and opportunities presented by grid layouts. Our adaptive approach promoted lighting solutions that were both effective and visually appealing, enhancing the overall functionality of the road network. While the core design period is complete, we continue to provide ongoing support to the installation program.
This programme was conducted in partnership with Milton Keynes Council, Ringway Infrastructure Services, and GIS solutions from Gather Consulting. The completed design phase marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to sustainability and innovation in urban design, which now exceeds 200,000 LED replacements across the United Kingdom. Thank you to Milton Keynes Council and Ringway Infrastructure Services for their continued partnership and support. Together, we are lighting the way to a brighter, more sustainable future.
Key Features of the LED Lighting Design
- Energy Efficiency: The new LED lanterns are designed to consume significantly less energy than traditional lighting solutions. This not only contributes to a greener environment but also results in substantial cost savings on energy bills.
- Intelligent Dimming: Our design incorporates intelligent dimming capabilities, allowing the street lights to adjust their brightness based on the time of day and the level of activity in the area. This feature further optimises energy usage and extends the lifespan of the lanterns.
- Enhanced Visibility and Safety: The new LED lanterns provide superior illumination, enhancing visibility for both pedestrians and drivers. This improvement plays a crucial role in boosting the perception of safety across the community.
Congratulations Ali Mahdmina for PIARC UK Prize Competition 2023
4way is delighted to celebrate Ali Mahdmina’s co-authored paper that was the winning submission for the Road Safety Category of the PIARC UK Prize Competition 2023. Ali collected the prize in person on September 18th on behalf of all four co-authors. Ali will also be presenting a summary of the paper at the PIARC World Road Congress 2023 in Prague, early October. 4way are proud of the recognition Ali has achieved for this work and look forward to supporting him at Prague and beyond.
The paper considers the optimisation of Connected Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) platoons to manage risks specifically associated to tunnel operational environments. While platooning offers benefits like fuel efficiency and improved road space utilisation, it is also considered to present new operational risks and specific challenges for tunnels. Ali presents a review of these risks and explores a proposed solution which could reduce them to a tolerable level. The proposed solution leverages advancements in tunnel connectivity to support safe platooning through enhanced speed and headway controls. It involves use of an automated response framework that is based on dynamic risk assessments and information exchange between technology infrastructure and the approaching platoon, enabling it to reorganise itself into a ‘tunnel-friendly’ configuration sufficiently upstream of the tunnel portal.
More information about the PIARC World Road Congress can be found here.
Operational Safety Considerations for HGV Platooning in Tunnels; A. Mahdmina (4way Consulting, UK), H. Mongeot (Centre d’Etudes des Tunnels, France), A. Mos (Centre d’Etudes des Tunnels, France), F. Schmidt (Laboratoire MAST-EMGCU, Université Gustave Eiffel, France).
Congratulations Rob Havers BEng
Rob developed a desire to pursue a career in engineering during his childhood, influenced by the activities taking place in the world around him. His experiences and insights gained during his A-levels steered him towards a more vocational approach to continuing his education, opting for an apprenticeship rather than university. Having applied to the likes of Jaguar Land Rover and National Grid, Rob was made aware of the 4way Consulting apprenticeship by his dad, who worked for their accounting company 4way employed at the time.
Joining the company in late 2013, Rob quickly gained a wider range of experience, from street lighting design to undertaking surveys and CAD. Around the time he was starting to get more involved with traffic signal design, he started on his Level 3 BTEC in electrical engineering. Having met and introduced Declan Hill to 4way on this course, they were both offered the opportunity to be funded through a four-year degree course, working through HNC and HND to a BEng. Rob, supported by the business in balancing his time, progressed well through the course and the efforts he applied resulted in first class degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering. He was absolutely delighted with that achievement and relieved to have successfully made it to the end of the course. Rob is planning to ‘officially’ celebrate with his partner and family, and has already started on his route to EngTech.
The whole team at 4way are delighted with his achievement and are looking forward to supporting Rob on his future development, which will see him support others who choose to follow the path he took.
Congratulations Rob!
Congratulations Declan Hill BEng
Declan developed an enthusiasm for engineering while he was at school. Choosing not to follow a traditional academic route like his siblings, he opted to pursue an apprenticeship with a local rail signalling engineering company. In a convenient twist of fate, he met Rob Havers, a fellow 4way Consulting apprentice, on his course who was able to assist when the signalling company folded, recommending an apprenticeship with 4way. Only 19 years old Declan was quickly inducted into the world of traffic signals, a specialism that he has continued to foster.
When presented with the opportunity to pursue further education as part of a funded initiative provided by 4way, Declan, along with Rob, both signed up to undertake a four-year part-time course that would see them progress through HNC to HND and finally to BEng in Electronic and Electrical Engineering. Supported by the business in balancing work and study, Declan completed his course and graduated with honours in July. Relieved to have made it to the end of the course and proud of his 2:1 result, he celebrated with his family.
The whole team at 4way are delighted with his achievement and are looking forward to supporting Declan on his future development, which will see him support others who choose to follow the path he took.
Congratulations Declan!