2026 Herman De Croo Lecture

Tuesday 24 March 2026
St John’s College, Cambridge

PACTS and the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) are delighted to present the 2026 Herman De Croo Lecture, delivered by Dr Nick Reed, a leading expert in mobility research, automated vehicles, and Safe System. This prestigious event brings together policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to explore the future of safe and responsible transport. The lecture will be followed by a networking dinner in the historically rich setting of St John’s College.

Lecture Title:
What does it mean to be a good or a bad driver?

Dr Nick Reed will explore the practical implications of the Automated Vehicles Act 2024, the Safe System approach, and how insights from serious collisions can help deliver safer roads for everyone. He will also examine how future mobility technologies interact with human behaviour and what it means to be a responsible driver in an evolving transport landscape.

St. John's College, Cambridge

Steeped in six centuries of history, St John’s College offers an inspiring setting where distinguished heritage meets state-of-the-art conference and event facilities. With alumni ranging from authors and explorers to prime ministers and Nobel Prize winners, we look forward to welcoming you to this magnificent setting for the prestigious Herman De Croo Lecture, with dinner to follow in the historic dining hall.

Tuesday 24 March 2026

• The Herman De Croo Lecture delivered by Dr Nick Reed
• Formal dinner at St John’s College, Cambridge

On Wednesday 25 March 2026, there will be an optional morning of presentations by the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) and other partners on automated vehicles, intelligent infrastructure, and active travel routes. This will include a site visit and ride on the Connector automated bus at West Cambridge and engagement with researchers, policymakers, and practitioners shaping future mobility. Please let us know if you would like to join us for this portion of the programme.

The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) is a UK-based registered charity, and company limited by guarantee, dedicated to improving transport safety. Formed in 1982, PACTS plays a unique role by bridging the gap between safety professionals and lawmakers. Its aim is to advise and inform members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords on air, rail and road safety issues, bringing together safety professionals and legislators to identify research-based solutions to transport safety problems with regard to cost, effectiveness, achievability and acceptability.

The organisation draws its income from member subscriptions, sponsorships, research grants, and events. PACTS is independent of political or commercial interests and collaborates with various stakeholders across the public, private, and third sectors.

The is recognised across Europe for rigorous, evidence-based advocacy and a long track record of influencing EU and national road safety policies. ETSC connects decision makers, researchers, NGOs, and industry partners to drive sustained momentum at every level of governance.

ETSC has delivered significant wins at EU level, shaping the most important pieces of road safety legislation in the past decade. ETSC also publishes flagship research and convenes expert networks to ensure the latest evidence and innovations are applied quickly across Europe.

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