Latest news & events

On Friday 14^th February in Aylesbury’s Friars Square shopping centre, the focus was less on St. Valentine, and more on launching Buckinghamshire Live Labs’ new innovative technologies. 

Roads Minister, Baroness Vere of Norbiton, joined by Aylesbury MP Rob Burton to meet the Bucks’ Live Labs team and the suppliers who are developing the technologies that are fundamental to the programme. Led by Live Labs programme manager David Aimson, and Buckinghamshire County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport, Mark Shaw, the visitors were guided through the technology on show. 

From composite 3D printed lamp columns, to wind turbines and gully drainage sensors and E-Bikes, the technology on display showcased brilliantly the range and scope of the Bucks Live Lab. The visitors also had the chance to see first hand the tech involved in generating energy from kinetic movement across roads, one of the exciting new concepts being piloted by the programme. The team also explained how the programme will manage data through using mesh networks and the positive benefits the pilot could have on adult social care integration.

One of the aims of the programme is to look at how to integrate different technologies and improve efficiency across different services, for example, what other tech could be installed while a road is being resurfaced? The visit was a real opportunity to show how innovative local authorities can be when enabled to trial new technology in real locations like Fairford Leys, and when they have the budget to experiment.

The event was open to press who were able to meet senor officers from the DfT as well as councillors, who explained how the Aylesbury Garden Town project is really looking to the future to make life better for residents. Meanwhile, the the public got to try out the E-bikes and find out for themselves how new technology can be used locally.

Live Labs pilot work across Fairford Leys will start this year and continue into 2021. Watch this space for updates!