We have today published a new report, authored by Coventry University and supported by a steering group of ITS UK members, calling for a greater focus on the digital connectivity that will underpin the future of transport services.

With the UK’s transport network becoming more connected, the demand for greater digital connectivity across all modes is increasing. Whether it’s the roll out of connected and automated vehicles, Wi-Fi on trains, or micromobility schemes, the future of transport will require robust and secure connectivity infrastructure.

This will be increasingly important as new mobility services are deployed, and the UK seeks to develop an integrated, safe and efficient transport system.

Connected Digital Transport Infrastructure

This new report highlights the key challenges in ensuring the safe and efficient deployment of Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) and Cooperative CAM (CCAM) services.

There are a number of issues with future digital connectivity including bandwidth availability, communication latency, and reliability constraints. If these challenges are not addressed promptly and effectively, they could impede the successful deployment of CAM and CCAM services.

The report advocates for the use of cellular-based 5G logical network slicing as a viable and cost-effective solution, as well as further actions the Government can take to support digital connectivity.

Recommendations

ITS UK and Coventry University highlight five recommendations for the Government to focus on:

1. Government should incentivise Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to invest in the deployment of 5G logical slicing solutions.
2. Government funding should be targeted towards initiatives that have a viable rollout/scaleup strategy of the developed technologies through R&D projects.
3. Government should strike a balance between funding far-sighted initiatives, which may deliver benefits many years from now, and other initiatives, which could deliver benefits in a much shorter timescale
4. The Government is invited to promote or fund the research into, and deployment of, network slicing for critical transport communications.
5. Future capital investment in R&D projects investigating the technical challenges facing the successful deployment of connected transport infrastructure solutions that will power CAVs and CCAM services is required. This will require the upskilling of the workforce too.

Reaction

Max Sugarman, Chief Executive of Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK), said: “Digital connectivity will underpin the future of transport, across all parts of the UK and all modes. If we are serious about utilising the latest technology in the sector, we need to ensure our digital infrastructure is ready. This report sets out a way forward – including through the logical slicing of the 5G network – as well as call to Government to redouble our efforts in ensuring we have connectivity required to support technological change on the network.”

Soufiene Djahel, Professor in CAVs at Coventry University, said: “Ensuring robust digital transport connectivity is vital to the safe and efficient deployment of CAM and CCAM services across the UK. To accelerate their nationwide adoption, we must urgently tackle key technical challenges, particularly bandwidth limitations, latency issues, and reliability gaps. Without swift and coordinated action, these barriers could significantly delay the seamless integration of CAM and CCAM technologies across all modes of transport.”

Thank you

The report was supported by a Working Group from across the sector, including: Coventry City Council, Coventry University, ITS UK, Jacobs and Vodafone. We would like to thank all the contributors.