Department for Transport: Artificial Intelligence

The Government is committed to adopting artificial intelligence in a way that is transparent, responsible and accountable to the public.

Information about algorithmic and AI tools used by government departments to support decisions that affect members of the public, or that have a significant influence on a decision-making process with public effect, is published through the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard (ATRS). The ATRS has been mandatory for central government departments since 2024, and records are published on GOV.UK.

The Department for Transport uses a range of artificial intelligence tools and services to support its work. This includes Microsoft Copilot, which is made available to the wider workforce to support tasks such as drafting, summarisation and information retrieval.

The Department also undertakes more specialised use of artificial intelligence technologies through Google Cloud platforms using Google Gemini models and associated AI services. These capabilities may be used to support the development and testing of departmental tools and services for specific business purposes. Access to these capabilities is limited to trained individuals and specific projects, in line with departmental governance arrangements.

AI services and tools are accessed across government through a range of commercial routes. Departments may contract directly with AI providers, access AI products via intermediated routes such as reseller arrangements where the contractual relationship sits with a partner rather than the underlying provider or use AI capabilities delivered as features within existing enterprise software and platform contracts (for example productivity, HR or service management tools).

The Department is committed to ensuring that AI is used responsibly and proportionately, with appropriate governance, training and oversight in place to support efficiency, productivity and value for money.

In line with public procurement transparency requirements, contractual information for AI services and tools is published on Contracts Finder and, where above the relevant threshold, on https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/.