Artificial intelligence is being cast as a central pillar of Britain’s efforts to modernise its road and rail network, as policymakers and industry leaders argue that digital technologies could finally address persistent problems ranging from potholes to rail delays. Speaking in Parliament this week, the chair of the Transport Select Committee said AI has the potential to fundamentally reshape how the country’s transport infrastructure is maintained, managed and improved.
Addressing industry leaders at the Transport AI Summit, organised by Chamber UK, Ruth Cadbury MP said continued government investment in AI and digital technology would be critical to improving the reliability and performance of Britain’s roads and railways. Her comments come as transport infrastructure faces growing pressure from ageing assets, rising usage and long standing public frustration over maintenance and delays.
Cadbury told the audience that AI could “turbocharge” the transport network if deployed in partnership with specialist providers. She highlighted the importance of road maintenance and faster connectivity not only as transport issues, but as economic ones, linking improved infrastructure directly to growth and job creation across the country.
From potholes to predictive maintenance
One of the most tangible demonstrations of AI’s potential came in the form of a live showcase of Robotiz3d, an autonomous system designed to detect, prevent and repair potholes. The technology is intended to move road maintenance away from reactive fixes towards predictive intervention, identifying early signs of deterioration before damage becomes visible and costly.
The demonstration underscored a broader shift in thinking around infrastructure management. Rather than relying on periodic inspections and manual reporting, AI systems promise continuous monitoring, data driven decision making and targeted maintenance. For road networks that have suffered years of underinvestment, proponents argue this approach could stretch limited budgets further while reducing disruption for road users.
The same principles are increasingly being applied to rail, where digital systems are used to analyse network performance, manage traffic flow and reduce delays. Supporters of AI argue that incremental improvements across maintenance, scheduling and asset management could collectively deliver a more resilient and reliable transport system.
Security risks alongside opportunity
However, speakers at the summit were keen to stress that greater digitalisation also brings new risks. As transport systems become more connected and data driven, cybersecurity has emerged as a critical concern. Graeme Stewart, head of public sector at Check Point Software, warned that AI driven transport infrastructure must be designed with security at its core.
Stewart said that hackers have already demonstrated a willingness to target public services ranging from healthcare to education, and transport should not be seen as immune. Roads, rail and associated systems are critical national infrastructure, and vulnerabilities could have serious economic and safety implications. He argued that policymakers must adopt a comprehensive approach to cyber risk and resilience if the benefits of AI are to be realised without introducing new threats.
This tension between innovation and risk is becoming a defining theme of AI deployment in the public sector. While automation and analytics promise efficiency gains, they also expand the attack surface for malicious actors. Managing that balance will be central to how quickly and confidently AI can be rolled out across transport networks.
Linking digital transport to growth
Industry leaders at the summit also framed AI investment as a strategic economic decision rather than a purely technical upgrade. Daren Wood, chief technology officer at Resonate Group, said a fully optimised transport network supported by modern digital capabilities was essential for unlocking future growth.
Britain’s roads and railways, he argued, form the backbone of economic activity by connecting businesses, workers and markets. Improving journey times and reliability through better data and AI driven systems could enhance productivity and create new opportunities, particularly as regions seek to attract investment and talent.
Wood supported the government’s continued focus on AI and data skills within transport, suggesting that smarter networks could deliver benefits felt well beyond the transport sector itself. Faster, more reliable journeys, he said, would support businesses and help create jobs for the next generation.
Taken together, the messages from Parliament point to a growing consensus that AI will play a central role in the future of Britain’s transport infrastructure. The challenge now lies in translating political support and technical demonstrations into large scale, secure deployments that deliver visible improvements for road users and rail passengers alike.
