Home Press Releases Media Coverage Contact

About Me

A communications professional with a flair for storytelling and a digital-first mindset.

Currently, a Media Executive at the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), specialise in media management, content creation, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement.

Graduated with a BA in journalism in 2023 and have experience spanning industries like technology, fashion, and public sector communications.

For enquiries, please email: mais.edmond@gmail.com

Highlighted Coverage

Explore a selection of my work across regional and national media.

BBC News •

West Midlands AI sensors aim to boost road safety and cut deaths

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology will be used across the West Midlands to try to cut the number of people killed or seriously injured on the region's roads, officials say.Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) is using AI sensors at 40 locations to record near misses and work out where to bring in safety measures.Mat MacDonald, the newly-appointed West Midlands road safety commissioner, said they would allow hot spots to be identified and action taken before "tragedy strikes".Sensors have alr...
BBC News •

West Midlands free new year buses help people leave car at home

Free bus services have been announced in the West Midlands on New Year's Day.The move is to encourage people to leave the car at home and avoid the stress and expense of driving and parking during the busy holiday period.Mayor Richard Parker said it meant that everyone could travel for free to see friends, watch their local football team play or have a meal out.The region's bus operators will generally be running a Sunday timetable, although some services may finish earlier. The free travel appl...
Birmingham Live •

Birmingham fashion brand loved by celebrity fans is heading to the US

A Birmingham clothing brand loved by celebrities across the world has announced major plans to expand into America - while keeping "firm roots" in their home city. Knitwear company HADES Collections, which makes its buttons in the city's Jewellery Quarter, is set to export its 'cult British style' into the US market. The fashion company, run by two sisters, boasts famous fans including Normal People star Paul Mescal. The Irish actor recently wore a HADES cardigan for an interview about his lead...
BBC News •

Wolverhampton exhibition shows art inspired by walking and bikes

An art exhibition celebrating cycling and walking has opened in Wolverhampton.The event called Cycle? Walk? Art? has put art on display that was created in community workshops from July to September.In the workshops, people took part in creative writing activities, sketching, mixed media projects, painting and photography.The Wolverhampton exhibition runs until 1 December at the 01902 urban room gallery space in Queen Square.

An art exhibition celebrating cycling and walking has opened in Wolve...
Mail Online •

Does Britain's first AI crossing for cyclists REALLY work?

By ROSS SLATER Published: 14:58, 13 September 2024 | Updated: 15:08, 13 September 2024 Britain's first AI crossing aimed at giving priority to cyclists over cars was piloted this week, and locals have already given their verdict on it - and it's not looking too positive.The toucan crossing uses AI sensors to detect riders up to 30m away and changes lights red for oncoming vehicles so that cyclists can cross the road.Transport for West Midlands and Solihull Council installed the new 'grou...
Top Gear •

UK city pilots AI-based traffic lights to prioritise cyclists over cars

Midlands-based Toucan crossing gets tech-upgrade to make roads safer for those on foot and bicyclesSolihull, the UK's most unlikely tech hub where the coffee remains affordable (for now), is piloting artificially intelligent traffic light technology that stops cars sooner and lets cyclists keep pedalling.

Developed by VivaCity, the sensors detect cyclists up to 30 metres away from the crossing and prompt the signal to change to green earlier, meaning pedal-pushers really need to work for it. Sa...
GB News •

New AI traffic lights prioritise cyclists and pedestrians over cars to 'make streets safer'

New traffic light changes are being tested in the UK which prioritises cyclists over cars in a bid to improve safety for all road users.New traffic lights are being tested in Solihull, West Midlands, which aims to give cyclists "uninterrupted journeys" and protect pedestrians.The technology has been installed at a toucan crossing in the city, with an AI-controlled traffic management system aiming to give cyclists a smoother journey.The sensors used in the technology are designed to detect cyclis...
WMCA •

New smart sensor technology to improve safety on key cycle route in Solihull

Innovative smart sensor technology is being tested on Solihull’s A34 Stratford Road in a bid to make busy crossings safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), and Solihull Council have installed the ground-breaking technology at a toucan crossing near Blythe Valley.
These sensors, developed by VivaCity, detect cyclists 20-30 meters away from the crossing compared to standard technology.
This early detection enables...
Birmingham Live •

Grieving sister's urgent safety plea after brother killed in speeding horror

The sister of a 'loving' brother who was flung from a speeding car in a horror smash has issued an urgent appeal for drivers to act responsibly behind the wheel. Arjun Singh Gandham was just 19-years-old when the Seat Leon he was in hit a parked car on Pelsall Lane, Walsall, in March 2021. The driver of the car - Manveer Gill - was jailed for causing the smash which saw six other people injured, including a nine-year-old girl. Gill had been 'aggressively driving' at twice the 30mph speed limit...

Press Releases

WMCA •

New AI technology reveals road safety risks across the West Midlands

Near misses between drivers and pedestrians are being detected using the latest artificial intelligence (AI) technology as part of a region wide pilot scheme to improve safety and save lives.
VivaCity’s AI-powered vision sensors detect and record near misses, such as when a vehicle passes within inches of a slower moving pedestrian or cyclist, so that potential collision hot spots can be identified before someone is actually hurt.







A total of 40...
WMCA •

Mayor appoints more than 50 experts to begin work on key priorities

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, has appointed more than 50 experts from the region’s housing, transport, economic and skills sectors to help him transform thousands of lives for the better.
The 56 experts will make up four dedicated taskforces, to help guide policy and actions that tackle some the region’s biggest challenges and deliver the Mayor’s key priorities – Growth for Everyone – Jobs for Everyone – Homes for Everyone and Journeys for Everyone.
The first to meet has been the G...
WMCA •

Vision for connecting stations to local communities set out by new community rail leader

The newly appointed chair of the Worcestershire Community Rail Partnership (WCRP) has set out his plans to strengthen ties between railway stations and the communities they serve to make them a source of local pride.
Tom Painter, general manager of the West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) and head of rail at Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), will lead renewed efforts transforming stations into vibrant gateways that reflect local character and culture while promoting sustainable travel....
WMCA •

Birmingham fashion brand HADES secures funding to help take American market by storm

Iconic knitwear brand HADES Collections is set to export their cult British style across the pond with the aim of taking the American market by storm.
The Birmingham based brand is already a firm favourite with celebrities - actor Paul Mescal recently wore a HADES cardigan for an interview about his lead role in the new Hollywood blockbuster Gladiator II.
The company has also collaborated with the likes of Blondie, Iggy Pop and The Cure, and is a regular on the pages of top-tier publications suc...
WMCA •

Grieving families go on camera to reveal the tragic impact of reckless driving

Families whose loved ones have had their lives taken on the region’s roads have expressed their pain and grief in a series of hard-hitting videos highlighting the devastating impact of dangerous driving.
Parents, children, brothers, sisters, partners and cousins have all opened their hearts to speak of the shock and on-going anguish of road death.
Their poignant stories are part of a joint campaign between Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) and RoadPeace, the national charity for road crash vict...
WMCA •

Mayor of the West Midlands unveils UK’s biggest free bus travel offer this Christmas

Free weekday evening travel is being offered across the West Midlands, on all bus services, in the run up to Christmas this year, in a unique move never seen before on this scale in the UK.
Between Monday 9th December and Friday 13th December all of the region’s buses will be free to use from 7pm onwards, with passengers able to simply hop onboard and travel anywhere across the West Midlands bus network.
The offer, from the Mayor of the West Midlands, delivered in partnership with all bus operat...
WMCA •

Art event celebrating cycling and walking comes to Wolverhampton

An exhibition featuring artwork inspired by and celebrating active travel has opened in Wolverhampton today (Monday November 18).
‘Cycle? Walk? Art?’ showcases work from a recent walking and cycling project funded by the UK Government and hosted by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
The exhibition celebrates artwork from community workshops, aiming to inspire visitors to consider active travel, the collective term for walking, wheeling and cy...
WMCA •

New smart sensor technology to improve safety on key cycle route in Solihull

Innovative smart sensor technology is being tested on Solihull’s A34 Stratford Road in a bid to make busy crossings safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), and Solihull Council have installed the ground-breaking technology at a toucan crossing near Blythe Valley.
These sensors, developed by VivaCity, detect cyclists 20-30 meters away from the crossing compared to standard technology.
This early detection enables...
WMCA •

New local travel hubs bring cycle hire and transport services closer to communities in Halesowen

New local travel hubs offering communities easy access to bikes, electric car chargers and other services are to be trialled on the streets of Halesowen.
Called Local Travel Points (LTPs), the first three hubs are set to be installed at Huntingtree Park, Cross Street and Andrew Road over the next two months.
The modular hubs can be assembled to fit parking bays and small public spaces and bring together a range of local travel and community services to suit the location. They are designed to mak...
WMCA •

Birmingham cross-city bus lanes fast-tracked due to road closure

Plans to install bus lanes on a busy east Birmingham commuter route have been brought forward to keep services running smoothly during a major long-term road closure.
Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), has accelerated plans for the installation of dedicated bus lanes on Washwood Heath Road to support several popular bus services.
It is one of a wider range of cross-city bus route improvements being planned to improve connections and...
WMCA •

"Save-a-Space" for a new hassle-free park and ride experience

A parking bay reservation system which allows commuters to pre-book spaces at selected Park & Ride car parks is being rolled out to three West Midlands Metro stops.
Commuters across the region will now be able to reserve spaces at Black Lake, Priestfield and Wednesbury Parkway through the "Save-a-Space" service.
This means commuters no longer need to cross their fingers for an available space at park and ride sites. Now, they can simply enjoy the convenience and peace of mind of knowing a space...
WMCA •

Cross-city bus route network to make services quicker and easier for passengers

Four new cross-city bus routes, designed to make services more reliable and attractive, are set to be developed following the award of £70 million funding.
The routes will link communities across Birmingham city centre and pave the way for genuine cross-city services, saving passengers time changing buses.
New bus lanes, amendments to junctions, traffic signals, parking and bus stops will allow buses to bypass traffic jams and provide more reliable, regular and predictable journey times, with en...
WMCA •

Construction training and employment opportunities on major Birmingham development site

Local people have the chance to learn valuable construction skills while helping to build Birmingham city centre’s latest residential skyscraper.
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has handed £100,000 of its adult education budget to construction firm John Sisk & Son so it can run a Skills Centre hub, offering local people free construction training and a guaranteed job interview at the end of the 20-day course.