ODS, Oxford City Council’s wholly owned company, was shortlisted for the Steve Berry Highways Authority Innovation Award at the Highways Awards 2025, held at the Park Plaza Westminster.
Regarded as the industry’s benchmark of excellence, the Highways Awards celebrate the very best projects, technologies, and individuals driving positive change across the sector. Hosted by broadcaster Gabby Logan, this year’s ceremony welcomed over 600 industry representatives for an evening of recognition, networking, and celebration. Although ODS didn’t win this year it was still a considerable achievement to be shortlisted against such strong competition.
ODS’ entry, “Moving towards an EV Fleet in Highways”, showcased the organisation’s pioneering efforts to embed sustainability into highways maintenance within Oxford’s Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ). By replacing fossil fuel-powered equipment with electric alternatives, ODS has already achieved an estimated annual CO₂ reduction of 42 tonnes, while delivering wider benefits including:
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scalability and replicability – a model for other cities moving towards sustainable highways operations
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future-proofing – proactively addressing stricter emission regulations.
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industry leadership – positioning ODS as a frontrunner in sustainable urban maintenance
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cost efficiency – reducing fuel and maintenance costs for long-term financial sustainability.
Comment
“Being shortlisted for this prestigious award underlines the impact of our work to deliver greener and more efficient highways solutions,
“We are proud to be recognised among such strong peers and will continue driving innovation to support Oxford’s journey towards a zero-emission future.
“My congratulations to Community BlueScapes, who were the winners in our category.”
Councillor Nigel Chapman, Cabinet Member for Citizen Focused Services and Council Companies"Congratulations to Community BlueScapes for winning the Steve Berry Highways Authority Innovation Award. ODS is proud to have been shortlisted alongside some of the best in the industry. This recognition reflects our team’s dedication, innovation, and commitment to building a more sustainable future."
Jason Munro, ODS Director of FM and Infrastructure
The recognition highlights ODS’ leadership in sustainable infrastructure, setting new standards for environmentally responsible highways maintenance and reinforcing its commitment to a cleaner, greener future.
For more information, visit the Highways Awards website.
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