How digital services kept the DVLA on the road during 2020
Chief executive Julie Lennard on the role of tech in responding to the pandemic, and how people’s expectations of online tools have changed
Whitehall chief praises progress on border systems and data but admits disruption is ‘inevitable’
Alex Chisholm says he is ‘confident’ of meeting deadlines but that significant risks remain...
Government explores AI to monitor use of face coverings
Technology could then provide messages designed to promote ‘positive engagement’
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Feature: On track for digital – building the railway of the future
With the UK's rail infrastructure running at more or less full capacity, industry leaders tell Sam Trendall why data, automation, and new payment models are needed to keep the trains running on time
'Our systems are at capacity; we cannot build our way out - we must innovate' - Digital Railway chief
David Waboso claims he has the highest levels of government support for vision to improve rail infrastructure via better use of digital
GLA will use computer simulation to help with investment and policy decisions
Experts sought for Greater London Simulator project
TfL launches on Facebook Messenger with TravelBot
TravelBot will give passengers up-to-date information on their Transport for London journeys
DVLA launches search for IT services leader
The £90k role will oversee the delivery of the DVLA's ICT and digital vision
Torfaen tweets: How a small Welsh council is punching above its weight on social media
Finding new ways to publish public information has turned Torfaen Council into a local government social media leader. Gill Hitchcock reports.
Budget 2017’s focus on innovation and technology welcomed, but industry calls for ambition to be matched by action
Tech companies have welcomed the focus on innovation and IT skills in yesterday’s Spring Budget, but called for the government to follow up its ambition with targeted actions.
Councils win £4m from DfT for travel and traffic tech projects
The Department for Transport has announced the 19 councils that will share £4m in funding for innovative digital projects that aim to cut congestion, pollution and journey times.
Political upheaval, Blockchain and data protection: What does 2017 have in store for tech?
As the New Year approaches, PublicTechnology takes a look at what we might expect in the world of digital government in 2017.
Constabulary inspectorate tells police forces to urgently address digital skills gap
Police forces are failing to put IT at the centre of their work, set data-sharing plans or ensure staff have good digital skills, a review has said.
UK must not let progress on autonomous vehicles be derailed by lack of public support
As the UK moves closer to seeing autonomous vehicles on its roads, Antonios Tsourdos, an engineer at Cranfield University, says the government must not forget the importance of public acceptance of the technology.
Surrey NHS trust launches Internet of Things trial for improving dementia care
Surrey and Borders Partners NHS Trust has launched a £5m trial of Internet of Things technologies to improve healthcare for people with dementia.
Road-test: DVSA tech director on how the agency passed its digital MOT
GDS to examine parking permits and taxi licensing
The Government Digital Service and Drivers and Vehicles Licensing Authority are looking at how local authorities could improve taxi licensing and parking permit services.
BT bags London-wide public-sector ICT framework deal
Telecommunications giant BT has been picked as the sole supplier for a pan-London ICT procurement framework that will be open to most of the public sector and worth up to £200m.
DVLA saw £200m loss in revenue following digitation of tax disc
The UK collected £200 million less vehicle tax in the six months after the paper tax disc was abolished, in comparison to the previous year.
Socitm conference: GLA outlines work on ‘private’ datastore for councils
The Greater London Authority is working on a secure, private version of its London Datastore that will allow boroughs to share sensitive information to help improve services.
Socitm conference: councils must insist on open data for smart cities wins
Local authorities must demand open access to data generated via service contracts if they are to maximise the potential benefits of the smart cities agenda, the Socitm spring conference heard.
Council set to introduce thermal-imaging traffic-management technology
City of York Council is weeks away from beginning the introduction of a new thermal-imaging-controlled system of traffic-light management, expected to help cyclists and save on communications costs.
Vaizey: Departmental tech investment ‘could be better aligned’
Digital economy minister Ed Vaizey has told MPs there should be more synergy in the way Whitehall departments invest in technology.
Public sector IT needs to get ready for a meteoric ride
Few in government see digital as anything other than a doorway for strengthening public services. But, as Miguel Carrasco explains, the pace of digital evolution means there is always more to do.