Pitch 200 challenges contestants to present an idea or concept in exactly 200 seconds. It has been run around the country by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) as part of its bicentenary celebrations. The East of England heat took place at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, Cambridge on Wednesday (9 May).
Alistair Lenczner used his 200 seconds to present ‘Joining up the UK’s Infrastructure to Maximise Investment Value’. The HS4 Air, a high speed rail line linking HS1 and HS2, would reduce traffic congestion and effectively make Heathrow and Gatwick one airport .
He said the lack of a UK infrastructure plan means projects are completed in silos without a big picture overview. Poor communication between Government departments and agencies has led to a fragmented approach. Other countries have a 30 year infrastructure plan including all modes of transport. This majority of European countries have trans-national rail lines linking airports and capital cities unlike the UK which lags behind.
The judges were impressed with his concept, making him the winner with a place in the grand final in London on 26 November.
The other presentations included:
- Oliver Neve – How far wood you go? (the use of timber instead of concrete and steel in construction)
- Cesar Tejada Fernandez – A Picture Paints a Thousand Words (the use of photogrammetry in civil engineering)
- Amber Claughton – How Civil Engineering can save lives (access to clean water and adequate sanitation for everyone)
- Peter Wyllie - North London Artificial Recharge Scheme (Britain’s only artificially-recharged aquifer used for public water supply).
Image: Andy Palmer, Chairman ICE East of England, congratulates Alistair Lenczner