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The ITS industry is congratulating Philip Blake after it was announced he has received ITS Australia’s highest honour, the Max Lay Lifetime Achievement Award.
Mr Blake has been an ever-present in the industry for more than 30 years and was a key contributor to the introduction and management of the first driverless vehicle demonstration in Australia and the southern hemisphere.
“I am truly humbled by this recognition by my peers nominating me for the Max Lay Lifetime Achievement Award. I encourage a career in ITS, as it is a chance to work in a very interesting field that offers so much potential for safer, greener and more productive transport,” said Mr Blake.
The Max Lay Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually to an ITS leader in the ITS and transport industry and is recognised globally.
Mr Blake has led a distinguished career, gaining numerous achievements and awards, reflected in a remarkable curriculum vitae.
Mr Philip Blake, ITS Australia Max Lay Lifetime Achievement Award winner
He qualified with a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from Swinburne Institute of Technology (Victoria), later adding a Post Graduate Diploma in Management.
Working with numerous teams and partners, Mr Blake has contributed to a wide range of projects, initiatives, management groups and committees. In addition, he has shared this knowledge by presenting at various ITS World Congresses, summits, and workshops.
His input to the introduction of new legislation in South Australia to create a framework for on-road autonomous vehicle trials, testing and development, cannot be understated.
The Motor Vehicles (Trials of Automotive Technologies) Amendment Bill 2016 saw South Australia become the first jurisdiction anywhere to legislate trials for driverless vehicles, with it paving the way for similar pilots around Australia and the world.
Today, every State and Territory in Australia has a driverless vehicle trial, and globally there are more than 100 driverless vehicle trials that have either been concluded or are being conducted.
The SA initiative won both the industry’s Government Award and the Automotive Vehicle Award in 2016, with Mr Blake accepting the award on behalf of the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI).
In addition to his role with DPTI, Mr Blake was Chair of the South Australian branch of the Transport Australia Society, and was the Engineers Australia Chair, Transport Branch. He is the current Secretary of the South Australia Chapter of the Australasian College of Road Safety and was Director of ITS Australia from 2008 to 2012.
His input to the introduction of new legislation in South Australia to create a framework for on-road autonomous vehicle trials, testing and development, cannot be understated.
ITS Australia President Dean Zabrieszach said Mr Blake was a worthy recipient of the Max Lay Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Put simply, through his leadership and determination, Philip has helped enable South Australia and Australia to become global leaders in driverless vehicle technology, research and information.
“Philip has dedicated much of his working life to furthering road safety, ITS, connected and automated vehicles and mobility as a service.
“He has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the ITS industry, is well liked and respected by his peers in South Australia, Australia and internationally. He continues to play an active role in our industry and by championing the adoption of standards and harmonisation has already carved out a significant legacy.
“Philip is an inspiration to those currently in the industry and for any young person starting out or considering a career in ITS, learning from Philip would be well advised.
“On behalf of the ITS Australia board and industry, we congratulate Philip on his award,” said Mr Zabrieszach.
The Max Lay Lifetime Achievement Award is named in the honour of Dr Maxwell Lay, AM. Mr Lay was a pioneer, leader and ITS industry figurehead, who passionately advocated for the advancement of ITS in Australia, Asia Pacific and around the world.
Philip Blake will be presented with the Max Lay Lifetime Achievement Award at the ITS Australia Awards in Sydney next year.
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