Smart transport is advancing rapidly. It is being driven by a number of goals: net zero, active travel, road safety, and public health. Not forgetting public expectations for seamless digital services too.

We are now at a point where full digitalization of our transport network is within reach, and digital infrastructure should be considered as important as traditional engineering.

BSI has published a major new report on smart transport. It’s a detailed assessment of where progress is being made, where it’s facing challenges, and what must happen next to reap the benefits of a connected transport network.

The report, which you can download here , examines the emerging ‘smart’ landscape and the vital role of standards, focusing on key applications or use cases.

Transport network management services

The term “digital roads” now encompasses more than just daily transport network operations. It also includes incident management, maintenance, asset management, design and construction, and the customer interface.

Parking information management services

Accurate, timely parking information is essential. Without it, drivers searching for spaces cause congestion, worsen air quality, and harm local economies. Simpler, more convenient parking payment system play their in improving overall transport efficiency.

Electric vehicle charging services

Electric vehicles are vital for cutting road emissions, requiring new infrastructure and route‑planning data. Charging providers must deliver reliable, secure points, while users need clear information on locations, compatibility, payments, availability, and accessible charging options.

Connected and automated mobility

Modern vehicles already have advanced technologies such as connectivity, sensors, and driver-assist systems. The future promises a gradual evolution toward higher levels of automation, rather than a sudden leap to full autonomy.

Information services for road users and for road operators

High‑quality low‑latency information now supports both road operators and users, relying on shared data but differing interfaces and delivery. Increasing automation of control‑centre tasks helps address limits in human attention, improving overall operational efficiency.

Road user charging

The UK has only a few road user charging scheme. For example, the Congestion Charge, specific bridges, tunnels, and low‑emission zone. In contrast , many other countries use RUC far more widely, supported by mature, well‑established technology.

Public transport systems

Smart public transport is vital for shifting people toward healthier, sustainable travel. Since the early 2000s, systems have evolved from simple smartcards to integrated platforms managing fleets, routes, payments, real‑time information, security, and priority at traffic signals.

Mobility as a Service (MaaS)

Mobility as a Service (MaaS) unites multiple transport modes into one platform for planning, booking, and payment. Although still emerging, MaaS is gaining momentum, using digitalized transport data to move toward fully integrated, user‑centric mobility.

The Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Accelerator (DCIA)

The Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Accelerator (DCIA) pilot (2021–2023) was established by DCMS with support from DSIT and Dft. It tested digital asset management approaches to enable local authorities and network providers to use publicly owned assets - such as lighting columns - to host wireless infrastructure, This helped to accelerate 5G deployment and improve mobile connectivity.

Why standards are so critical to smart transport

Smart transport relies on high-quality, accessible data to operate integrated, efficient networks. Standards and infrastructure play a critical role by enabling interoperability, data consistency, and timely communication.

Standards support areas such as automated transport, road user charging, and ticketing, and address data quality, format, latency, and security. Like standards for street lighting or pavements, they underpin reliable systems, foster innovation, and encourage widespread adoption.

Download the full report to explore the UK’s smart transport progress, and discover how standards can drive the next stages of development.

Access key transport and mobility standards with a BSI Knowledge standard subscription

BSI Knowledge is a comprehensive online platform that gives you access to standards you need, in multiple applications across the evolving smart transport landscape.

You can view and download standards with multiple user access, across all your sites, facilitating the easy distribution of knowledge throughout your business.

BSI Knowledge hosts British, European, American and international standards,. You can subscribe to our pre-built modules or build a customized standards collection, tailored to your organizational needs and budget.

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