£50,000 to research AI-powered greener transport strategies

Researchers at Birmingham City University (BCU) have received almost GBP50,000 to develop AI- powered strategies to make transport in the UK more greener and resilient to the impacts of climate change. 27 per cent of the UK's total greenhouse gas emissions are produced by transport, with road transport alone accounting for 90 per cent of that figure. The project will examine key transport corridors across the UK, using real-time data, international best practices, and AI tools to produce decision-making support systems and practical policy guidance.

The benefits include better infrastructure, communities able to access more reliable and cleaner transport options, and government and industry leaders being able to make more informer, cost-effective decisions to improve resilience. Heatwaves have already started straining the UK's transport networks, with trains facing speed restrictions this year, and the June 2022 heatwave leading to roads and airport runways reportedly melting. Funded by the EPSRC, the project will also gain support from UKRI and DfT under National Hub for Decarbonised, Adaptable, and Resilient Transport Infrastructures (DARe).

Dr Syed Attique Shah, senior lecturer in smart computer systems at BCU, said: "This is cutting-edge research which will harness AI to safeguard our transport infrastructure against the growing challenges of climate change.

"We can use this technology to anticipate vulnerabilities, optimise maintenance, and guide low-carbon investments, our project will help protect commuters, freight operators, and local businesses from service interruptions and financial losses.

"Communities will benefit from more reliable, cleaner transport options, while policymakers and industry can prioritise cost-effective resilience measures."