In this edition of our ‘Meet Our Experts’ series, we’re spotlighting Adam Lightfoot, a Transport Planner who’s making waves within our transport team.
Adam’s dedication to designing safe, sustainable, and efficient transport systems is complemented by his collaborative spirit and innovative mindset. Whether it’s balancing the diverse needs of pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles, or working closely with Urban Planners, Engineers and Architects to bring projects to life, Adam thrives on solving complex challenges with creative solutions.
In this interview, Adam shares the inspiration behind his career choice, reflects on the most rewarding project he’s been a part of, and discusses how mentorship has shaped his approach to transport planning. He also offers insights into the exciting transformations the transport industry could see over the next decade. Here’s a glimpse into Adam’s journey, his day-to-day work, and the expertise he brings to enhancing how people move across the UK.
What inspired you to become a Transport Planner, and what was your journey into this field?
My journey into transport planning was largely fuelled by my long-term interest in transport infrastructure, but also through my academic background in geography alongside my passion for cycling and active travel modes.
I joined Woods Hardwick in March 2024 as a Graduate and have since learnt a great deal about the vital role of transport within the wider planning context. My day-to-day responsibilities include the preparation of Travel Plans, Transport Assessments, Highway Scoping Notes and acting as a Travel Plan Coordinator on behalf of developers.
What’s been the most rewarding project you’ve been a part of, and what did you take away from the experience?
One of the most rewarding projects I’ve worked on so far was supporting a client with the significant expansion of a commercial site in Bedfordshire. This project required me to communicate with the Local Highway Authority to agree on the study scope, in addition to addressing an unusual traffic volume restriction on a nearby road. My primary task involved producing both a Transport Assessment and a Travel Plan for employees and visitors of the site.
Being one of my first major projects, I found this challenging at first, but following assistance and support from my colleagues, I successfully modelled projected traffic flows and subsequently adjusted my reporting to suit updates to the scheme.
How do you approach balancing the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles in an integrated transport system?
As a Transport Planner, balancing the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles is vital to creating a sustainable, efficient, and accessible transport system.
For example, pedestrians require safe and accessible crossings, wide pavements, appropriate signage and streetlighting. Cyclists benefit from dedicated cycle lanes, ideally segregated from vehicle traffic, that align with natural desire lines. Vehicles, meanwhile, must have clear well-planned routes that ease congestion, support air quality, and minimise conflicts with vulnerable road users.
How do you collaborate with Urban Planners, Engineers, Architects and other stakeholders?
I frequently collaborate with colleagues from overlapping disciplines such as Planners, Engineers and Architects. More often than not, this collaboration involves accessing project-related information to gain a broader context of a site’s opportunities and constraints.
For many schemes, I am in regular communication with stakeholders such as Local Highway Authorities and sustainable travel teams, to ensure timely delivery of projects and high-quality outcomes.
From time to time, I also assist my colleagues in the engineering team to produce detailed access or constraints plans. This involves accessing utility records and liaising with affected providers to identify the location of private assets.
Do you have a mentor or role model within your team or the industry, and how has their advice or guidance impacted you?
My colleague Inez Kotecka has been instrumental in equipping me with the information and expertise needed to produce high-quality, comprehensive Transport Assessments and Travel Plans. Her experience with software packages such as Junctions and Linsig has been invaluable, allowing me to incorporate these tools into my day to day role.
What do you think will be the biggest change in transport over the next 10 years?
In the next 10 years, I believe the biggest change in transport will be the gradual adoption of electric and autonomous vehicles, alongside the growth of shared mobility solutions. Once fully implemented these will significantly transform how transport infrastructure is built and delivered.
Autonomous vehicles possess the potential to revolutionise transport, making it safer and more efficient. With the advancement of AI and connectivity, roads could be made safer, and congestion could be minimised. An introduction of autonomy would also enable a significant shift in the design of cities and infrastructure to accommodate new mobility patterns.
An uptake in shared mobility services and car-sharing are likely to continue to rise in popularity, especially in urban areas, reducing the need for private car ownership and optimising traffic flows. Overall, these changes will make transport systems more sustainable, efficient, and accessible.
Adam’s approach to transport planning reflects the core strengths of Woods Hardwick’s transport team – collaboration, technical knowledge, and a commitment to solving complex challenges. Our team’s deep expertise in developing sustainable and efficient transport systems allows us to offer innovative solutions that meet the diverse needs of every project. By combining extensive know-how with a forward-thinking mindset, we are able to deliver tailored, practical solutions that enhance mobility, improve safety, and create long-term value for our clients and communities.
Curious about how our team of experts can help ensure the success of your next project? If you’re looking for strategic transport planning solutions that drive efficiency and sustainability, get in touch with us today – we’re here to support your vision every step of the way.
