TLDR
- UK government announces AI initiatives worth £14bn across multiple projects
- New AI hub in Liverpool to create 1,000 jobs over 3 years
- Kyndryl, world’s largest IT infrastructure provider, to establish presence in Liverpool
- Devon receiving £1m for AI-powered traffic safety system on A361
- AI cameras in Devon pilot caught 1,800 potential offenses in August
The United Kingdom is expanding its artificial intelligence capabilities across public services with new regional projects, backed by £14 billion in commitments from leading tech firms. These initiatives span from job creation to road safety improvements, marking a substantial push toward AI integration in public infrastructure.
In Liverpool City Region, global IT company Kyndryl announced plans to establish a new artificial intelligence hub, projected to create 1,000 jobs over the next three years. This development comes as part of the government’s broader AI Opportunities Action Plan, which aims to generate 13,250 jobs across various growth zones.
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram personally advocated for the Liverpool project during face-to-face meetings in New York with Kyndryl representatives. The success in attracting the world’s largest IT infrastructure services provider highlights the potential for regional development through coordinated local and national efforts.
The Liverpool initiative aligns with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s vision to position the UK as one of the world’s AI “super powers.” This strategy focuses on leveraging AI technology to boost economic growth and enhance public services across the nation.
AI Safety Measures
In Devon, local authorities are implementing AI-powered safety measures on the A361, a high-risk road connecting Ilfracombe and Barnstaple. The Devon County Council has approved £1 million in funding from a £5 million Department for Transport grant to install advanced AI cameras and speed monitoring systems.
The A361’s safety record has been concerning, with three deaths and 30 serious injuries recorded between 2018 and 2022. This prompted its classification as a “high risk” road by the Department for Transport, necessitating technological intervention.
A pilot scheme conducted in August demonstrated the potential effectiveness of AI cameras along this route. During the trial, authorities documented approximately 1,800 potential offenses, primarily related to unbuckled seatbelts and mobile phone use while driving.
The comprehensive safety plan for the A361 includes the installation of three speed cameras at strategic locations: Knowle, Ilfracombe, and Ashford. Additionally, two average speed camera systems will be implemented between Ashford and Chivenor, and between Knowle and Mullacott Cross.
The AI cameras will be mobile, allowing authorities to relocate them to different positions along the A361 as needed. This flexibility enables law enforcement to address safety concerns across various sections of the road effectively.
Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s cabinet member for highways, expressed pride in the region’s early adoption of AI technology for public safety purposes. The initiative represents a practical application of AI in addressing specific community needs.
UK AI Strategy
These regional developments form part of the government’s broader strategy to integrate AI across various sectors of public service. The £14 billion commitment from tech firms demonstrates private sector confidence in the UK’s AI initiatives.
The Liverpool AI hub represents one of the larger job creation projects within the government’s plan, accounting for nearly 8% of the total projected 13,250 new positions across all growth zones.
In Devon, the £1 million allocation for AI traffic safety represents 20% of the total £5 million Department for Transport grant, indicating a substantial investment in technological solutions for road safety.
The implementation of these projects is already underway, with the Liverpool hub expected to begin operations in the near future, while Devon’s AI camera system will be installed following the council’s recent approval.
