Researchers at Birmingham City University (BCU) have been awarded nearly £50,000 in funding to develop AI-powered strategies aimed at making the UK’s transport systems both greener and more resilient to the escalating effects of climate change.
Transport is a significant contributor to the UK’s carbon footprint, accounting for 27% of total greenhouse gas emissions, with road transport alone responsible for 90% of that figure, according to the Department for Transport.
The BCU-led project will focus on key transport corridors across the UK. It plans to use real-time data, international best practices, and advanced AI tools to create decision-making support systems and practical policy guidance.
Dr. Syed Attique Shah, Senior Lecturer in Smart Computer Systems at BCU and the project’s Principal Investigator, 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.”
The benefits are expected to extend beyond just infrastructure. Communities will gain access to more reliable and cleaner transport options, while government and industry leaders can make informed, cost-effective decisions to enhance resilience.
The urgency for action is clear, as the UK’s transport network has already experienced strain from extreme weather. In July this year, trains faced speed restrictions during high temperatures, and the June 2022 heatwave reportedly led to melting roads and airport runways.
By developing AI-driven tools and evidence-based guidelines, this project aims to enable policymakers and transport operators to strengthen UK infrastructure against climate change impacts, while simultaneously promoting low-carbon transport options.
Professor Hanifa Shah, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Enterprise, Engagement and STEAM at BCU, said: “Research like this is helping BCU create policy and frameworks to tackle climate change and ensure transport is sustainable for future generations. I’m proud that BCU research is having an impact on one of the most important issues affecting our community and beyond.”
The project is funded by the EPSRC with support from UKRI and the Department for Transport under the National Hub for Decarbonised, Adaptable, and Resilient Transport Infrastructures (DARe).
