Artificial intelligence will play a central role in transforming Britain’s road and rail networks. Continued government investment in digital technology is expected to improve reliability, reduce delays and promote economic growth.
Ruth Cadbury, MP and chair of the Transport Select Committee, told the Transport AI Summit in Parliament on Tuesday that AI and data-driven technologies were crucial to tackling long-standing problems such as potholes, congestion and train delays. Organized by Chamber UK, the event brought together MPs, transport operators and technology companies to discuss how automation and analytics could modernize the nation’s infrastructure.
Cadbury praised the Government’s commitment to working with specialist technology providers to improve road maintenance and rail performance, arguing that faster and more reliable connectivity is vital to job creation and regional growth.
“Britain’s transport network supports economic activity across the country,” she told delegates. “Using AI and digital tools more effectively can help us better maintain roads, operate trains more reliably and ensure the network supports growth in the years to come.”
Attendees were treated to a live demonstration of Robotiz3d, an autonomous system designed to detect, avoid and repair potholes using AI-powered scanning and robotics. Proponents say such technologies could significantly reduce the costs and disruption associated with reactive road repairs.
However, speakers also warned that greater reliance on AI must be accompanied by stronger cybersecurity measures.
Graeme Stewart, public sector director at Check Point Software, said transport systems were becoming increasingly attractive targets for cybercriminals as they became more connected and data-driven.
“With AI set to play an important role in the future of the UK’s transport infrastructure, it is vital that the right security measures are built in from the outset,” he said. “Hackers have already shown that no sector is off-limits. Roads and railways are vital national infrastructure and policymakers must ensure resilience is a priority.”
Railway technology experts also emphasized the economic benefits of a more intelligent transport system.
Daren Wood, chief technology officer at Resonate Group, said modernizing transportation through AI and real-time data would help deliver productivity gains across the economy.
“A fully optimized transport network supported by the latest digital capabilities is critical for future growth,” he said. “Roads and rail connect businesses, people and opportunities. Using AI to improve travel and reliability is the right direction for the UK.”
The summit underscored the growing cross-party and cross-industry consensus that AI will play a critical role in the next phase of transportation investment – provided it is deployed safely, strategically and at scale.
