Vehicle Speed and Routing Data (2026-29)

Kim Frater, founder of Bid Trawler
Written by Kim Frater
Former Public Sector Buyer • Founder of Bid Trawler • 40+ years' public sector experience
"I believe public procurement shouldn't be complicated. Every guide I write explains the process in plain English so you can bid with confidence."

3 minute read  •  Updated August 2026

A practical guide to understanding what Cambridgeshire County Council really wants and how to build a winning response.

The real focus isn't just the data

Yes, Cambridgeshire County Council is asking for vehicle speed and routing data.

But what they're really buying is insight for decision-making on highway operations and road safety.

They're not just after raw numbers.

They're after understanding.

They want a platform that public sector officers can use to interrogate connected vehicle data at various geographic levels.

From a stretch of road to an entire settlement.

That's what they're really after.

Don't just offer technology. Offer usability.

It's tempting to focus on the bells and whistles of your platform.

But what the Council needs is something manageable and intuitive for their officers.

If I were evaluating bids, I'd be asking:

  • Can officers easily extract the insights they need?
  • Is the platform intuitive without extensive training?
  • Does it cater to varying levels of technical expertise?

Usability is key.

It's not just about the data.

Think about what they need to see

The Council has been clear about the speed metrics they want.

Average speed.

85th percentile speed.

Number of observations.

Standard deviation.

These aren't just numbers.

They're the backbone of the insights needed for effective highway operations and road safety decisions.

If I were writing this tender, I'd ensure my platform clearly showcases how these metrics are presented and interpreted.

That's what will set you apart.

Pay attention to what they say

Cambridgeshire County Council is after a web-based platform.

This isn't a suggestion.

It's a requirement.

They're looking for an established system that officers can readily use.

They've been explicit about needing insights at different geographic levels.

So, your response must show how your platform delivers flexibility.

From the micro to the macro.

Evidence always beats promises

One thing I noticed when I worked in the public sector was that bidders often made grand promises.

Few backed them up with proof.

If you have evidence of your platform's success with other councils or public bodies, use it.

  • Case studies with measurable outcomes
  • Testimonies from similar clients
  • Demonstrations of platform adaptability

That's what I'd include.

Show your understanding of road safety concerns

This isn't just about technology.

It's about road safety.

Think about the officers using your platform.

They're tasked with making decisions that can affect public safety.

I'd want to see how your platform supports those decisions.

How it turns data into actionable insights.

One thing I'd keep reminding myself

Remember the people behind the data.

The officers making decisions.

The residents affected by those decisions.

Every part of your response should reflect an understanding of these stakeholders.

That's the real test.

Consistency over the whole term

Three years is a long time.

Cambridgeshire County Council needs assurance that your platform will remain reliable and relevant.

I'd demonstrate:

  • How you'll update and maintain the platform
  • How you'll support officers with any changes or updates
  • How you'll ensure consistent data quality

Consistency is hard to deliver.

But it's what they're really buying.

Common mistakes

Avoid submissions that:

  • Overlook the need for a user-friendly interface
  • Fail to address specific geographic insights
  • Ignore the importance of key speed metrics
  • Assume officers have high technical expertise
  • Use jargon without clear explanations
  • Lack evidence of past success
  • Focus solely on technology, not usability

My Final Thoughts

Cambridgeshire County Council is looking for more than just a data platform.

They want a tool that enhances decision-making.

A tool that supports highway operations and road safety.

With a contract value of £75,000 over three years, this is an opportunity to demonstrate the value of your platform.

The Council's focus on quality insights means your written submission carries weight.

Thanks for reading.

I hope this guide has helped make public procurement feel a little less daunting. If it has, then it's done its job.

Kim
Founder, Bid Trawler

P.S. - Got a Question?

If you've got a question about anything you've read, or you're stuck on a tender, just send me an email.

Whether it's a quick question or you simply need pointing in the right direction, I'm always happy to help if I can.

kim@bidtrawler.com

Ready to decide whether this contract is worth bidding?

View the opportunity on BidTrawler and access everything you need to make an informed decision, including the full tender information, direct access to the tender documents, the current supplier, who's winning similar contracts, who else may be bidding, buyer intelligence, our exclusive Inside View, your personalised Winnability Score and an AI-powered contract review.

View the Full Contract & Exclusive Inside View on BidTrawler →

Thanks for reading.

I hope this guide has helped make public procurement feel a little less daunting. If it has, then it's done its job.

Kim
Founder, Bid Trawler

P.S. Got a question?

If you've got a question about anything you've read, or you're stuck on a tender, just send me an email.

Whether it's a quick question or you simply need pointing in the right direction, I'm always happy to help if I can.

kim@bidtrawler.com

Ready to decide whether this contract is worth bidding?

View the opportunity on Bid Trawler and access everything you need to make an informed decision, including the full tender information, direct access to the tender documents, the current supplier, who's winning similar contracts, who else may be bidding, buyer intelligence, our exclusive Inside View, your personalised Winnability Score and an AI-powered contract review.

View the Full Contract & Exclusive Inside View on Bid Trawler →
About our "How to Win This Contract" guides

Our guides are written using publicly available procurement information, including contract notices and published tender documents where available. They are designed to help suppliers understand the buyer's likely priorities and think more strategically about their approach. They are not based on any bidder's confidential submission, bespoke bid strategy or non-public procurement information.

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