Causeway Technologies announces Buchanan Computing Acquisition
In a major stride toward modernising UK highways, Causeway Technologies, a pioneer in construction tech, has acquired Buchanan Computing, a long-time leader in traffic management solutions.
This acquisition, integrating Buchanan’s ParkMap with Causeway’s one.network, heralds the UK’s first complete solution for Digital Traffic Regulation Orders (D-TROs). The move represents a pivotal shift for local authorities, transforming the management of traffic regulation and bolstering road safety across the nation.
End-to-End Digital Traffic Regulation Orders
With over 90 UK local authorities relying on ParkMap to handle traffic regulation orders (TROs), the acquisition by Causeway establishes a single, unified platform to streamline the D-TRO process. This shift to digital promises to simplify traffic management significantly, offering real-time public consultation and minimising errors in compliance documentation—a win for both efficiency and transparency.
Phil Brown, Causeway Technologies’ Chief Executive, noted the acquisition’s transformative impact, saying: “The acquisition of Buchanan Computing reinforces our commitment to delivering a fully integrated, end-to-end solution for highways authorities and contractors, enabling them to seamlessly plan, monitor and communicate the management and maintenance of their infrastructure assets while ensuring full compliance with legislation.”
With increasing budget constraints, this new platform is set to optimise resources, enhancing public services and reducing congestion and emissions through accurate traffic data.
Digitising the Complete Lifecycle of TROs
Originally developed by Buchanan Computing, ParkMap has become a staple for UK traffic authorities managing the lifecycle of TROs, including parking spaces, waiting and loading bays, and bus lanes. By digitising TRO management from initial design through to legal documentation, ParkMap supports an integrated approach, allowing authorities to engage the public efficiently, eliminate duplicate data entries, and stay compliant with evolving legislation.
In recent years, Buchanan has played a vital role in shaping the UK government’s rollout of D-TROs, actively collaborating with local authorities like Kent County Council, Essex, Lancashire, and Transport for West Midlands to participate in the Department for Transport’s D-TRO beta testing. With new legislation requiring digital versions of all TROs by 2025, the Causeway-Buchanan integration is timely, helping local authorities transition seamlessly into a fully digital framework.
Benefits of the Causeway-Buchanan Integration
By uniting Causeway’s one.network and Buchanan’s ParkMap, this acquisition unlocks several key benefits:
- Increased Efficiency: A single platform cuts down administrative work, letting authorities focus on public service.
- Enhanced Accuracy: Real-time data sharing ensures up-to-date traffic regulation information, minimising errors.
- Simplified Public Engagement: Streamlined public consultation and feedback mechanisms foster transparency.
- Full D-TRO Compliance: Authorities can meet the 2025 D-TRO digital mandate more effortlessly.
Simon Morgan, chairman of Buchanan Computing and a key figure in UK traffic engineering, voiced his support: “Combining our highly complementary portfolios will bring huge value to our local authority customers, delivering all road data and design capability in a single asset management environment.”
This merging of resources promises a smoother transition to digital TROs, supporting local authorities with robust technology and longstanding expertise in traffic management.
Integrating SignPlot and SignLoad
In addition to ParkMap, the acquisition also brings Buchanan’s SignPlot and SignLoad products under Causeway’s wing. These tools, designed for traffic sign plotting and structural design, align perfectly with Causeway’s existing solutions and will integrate with PDS Sign, further enhancing infrastructure design capabilities.
SignLoad, which facilitates sign structure design, will complement PDS Sign to create a single solution for road signage, streamlining workflows and minimising errors. Local authorities, consultants, and manufacturers stand to benefit, enjoying a one-stop solution that reduces costs while ensuring accuracy in sign design—a crucial component in public safety and compliance.
Simon Morgan’s dedication to the field shines through in these products. He remarked: “I am very proud to have founded Buchanan Computing and taken it to this point where it has a wide user base and is massively respected.” His commitment to quality continues with Causeway, ensuring these innovations remain industry standards.
AccsMap’s Role in Data-Driven Decision Making
Another significant addition to Causeway’s toolkit is Buchanan’s AccsMap. Used extensively by police and local authorities, AccsMap enables analysis of collision data and road safety trends, providing actionable insights into potential risk areas. With authorities increasingly relying on data to guide safety measures, this integration will strengthen efforts to prevent accidents and improve road safety nationwide.
Alex Smith, CEO of Buchanan Computing, expressed his optimism about the acquisition, highlighting its potential to overcome data silos in highway management.
“This will enable us to continue to help authorities to break down application and data silos, by providing an integrated service needed to efficiently plan and manage their highway network,” he stated, pointing out that these tools offer local authorities a 360-degree view of road safety.
Causeway’s Acquisition Strategy
This acquisition marks Causeway’s fifth since Five Arrows, the alternative assets arm of Rothschild & Co, invested in 2021. The acquisition strategy aims to strengthen Causeway’s digital infrastructure offerings for the construction and highways sectors. This latest purchase deepens Causeway’s commitment to supporting sustainable and efficient infrastructure, enabling authorities to meet growing regulatory and public service demands.
Five Arrows’ investment philosophy, focusing on high-growth sectors such as data and software, aligns well with Causeway’s vision. With over €10 billion in assets under management, Five Arrows looks to amplify its portfolio’s value, and Causeway’s innovative solutions fit seamlessly into this objective.
A Legacy of Innovation in Traffic Engineering
Founded in 1999, Causeway Technologies has evolved into a global force in construction software, with over 3,000 clients worldwide. Headquartered in Buckinghamshire, Causeway’s solutions span from cloud-based project management to asset maintenance software, supporting the digitalisation of infrastructure and construction. With 500 dedicated employees, Causeway stands at the forefront of digital transformation, helping clients achieve new efficiencies.
On the other hand, Buchanan Computing, established in 1997, carries the legacy of Prof. Sir Colin Buchanan, a pioneer in traffic planning. The company’s chairman, Simon Morgan, is a noted expert in UK traffic regulations, leading standards development at the Institute of Highways Engineers (IHE) and BSI. Buchanan’s expertise spans traffic engineering, GIS, and road safety, making it the preferred partner for authorities across the UK.
The Future of UK Highways
With the Causeway-Buchanan merger, local authorities in the UK are set to experience a new era in highways management. This collaboration equips authorities to stay ahead of legislative changes, ensuring that resources are optimally utilised and that the road network continues to serve public needs efficiently.
The unification of technologies is expected to reduce congestion, improve road safety, and support sustainability goals by cutting emissions. It’s a forward-thinking move that benefits not only local authorities but also the public and the environment, setting the stage for a smarter, safer transportation infrastructure.
This acquisition highlights the ongoing transformation in UK infrastructure management—a testament to how technology and strategic partnerships can create meaningful change.
