The competition, which is being sponsored by Local Transport Today, invites people who have more recently embarked on their careers to submit up to 500 words on how the transport system should fulfil EEH’s vision of ‘connecting people and places with opportunities and services’ up to 2050.

A panel which will judge shortlisted proposals during a presentation day in February includes:

• Professor Sadie Morgan, co-founding director at RIBA Stirling Prize winning dRMM Architects, who is a commissioner for the National Infrastructure Commission, board member for Homes England and a London Mayor’s Design Advocate, and who was recently named ‘Female Architectural Leader of the Year’ at the BD Architect of the Year awards.

• Professor Paul Leinster CBE, former chief executive of the Environment Agency and currently Professor of Environmental Assessment at Cranfield University, chair of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment and member of the Government’s Natural Capital Committee

• Lynda Addison OBE, immediate past chair of the Transport Planning Society, adviser to the Campaign for Better Transport and chair of the Sustainable Transport Panel of CIHT

• Peter Stonham, founder of Landor LINKS, which publishes Local Transport Today, and who has written about transport in a range of publications for more than 30 years.

• Lucy Ellis, apprentice at the East West Rail Alliance, who was shortlisted as an Apprentice & Graduate of the Year 2018 by Women in Rail.

Shortlisted entries will be featured in a special supplement in Local Transport Today and those behind them invited to present their ideas to the judging panel.

Judges will select a winning proposal to be brought to life by spatial design agency, 5th Studio – the firm behind the eye-catching ‘future visions’ in EEH’s Outline Transport Strategy. They will also have the opportunity to present their ideas to EEH’s 2020 annual conference.

Entries should relate back to the priority principles which underpin EEH’s Outline Transport Strategy: economic growth; accessibility and inclusion; and quality of life and environment. Submissions may wish to give a broad overview of the future transport system, or focus on a single element, mode or priority principle.

Mayor Dave Hodgson, chair of EEH’s Strategic Transport Forum, said: “It is absolutely clear that a different approach is required if the Heartland is to achieve its ambitions for economic growth in a way which enhances the environment and improves quality of life. Therefore, it makes sense to get a fresh perspective from a new generation of people, whose voices might not traditionally be heard as loudly as their more experienced colleagues.

“We are looking for innovative answers to existing and future challenges and opportunities. So for example, entrants may wish to consider the role of data, new and emerging technologies, policy initiatives and reforms, and spatial planning in improving the transport system of the future.”

Deadline for entries is December 31, 2019. For more information and to submit your entry, please email engagement@englandseconomicheartland.com

For more information please contact communications executive Adam King (aking@buckscc.gov.uk) or 01296 383401).