WIREDGOV

Improvements to official traffic website allows coach crews to check data on the move

HIGHWAYS AGENCY News Release (HA MB16-09) issued by COI News Distribution Service on 8 June 2009

With some coach firms planning for a particular busy summer, the Highways Agency is promoting its latest journey planning tools to help fleet managers and on-board crew check the road is clear ahead.

The Agency, which manages England's motorways and strategic trunk road network, uses a vast array of technology to monitor live traffic flows. It then re-broadcasts the information to road users to help them plan their journeys.

The latest addition to a suite of services provides access to live traffic data from a web-enabled mobile phone.

Highways Agency Customer Solutions Director, Simon Sheldon-Wilson says:

"For a coach industry dedicated to getting its customers to their destination on time and in comfort live traffic data can be an extremely valuable tool. Now, more than ever, the information is available to help you avoid the queues or re-plan your journey."

He says the new mobile-friendly version of the Highways Agency website is particularly suited to the coach tourism industry, allowing drivers to check conditions when taking a break or a co-driver or other crew member can safely check the route ahead during the journey while the driver keeps his or her eyes on the road.

By keying in http://www.highways.gov.uk/mobile crew members can get up to the minute details of any incidents or delays searchable by region, motorway or A-road.

Companies can access even greater levels of traffic data back at base, where the fleet manager can plan schedules.

The Highways Agency main website http://www.highways.gov.uk/traffic provides free public access to the information handled by the National Traffic Control Centre, including incident details, weather, average speeds and planned roadworks. The site even allows users to 'read' all the motorway variable message signs and see the view from thousands of CCTV cameras. An easy to navigate map displays all the motorways and trunk roads picked out in different colours to show where they are flowing freely and where there is any congestion.

Professional users such as coach operators can apply for free access to the Highways Agency's AtlasPro website. This gives further detailed information on the live traffic situation and allows companies to define their own areas of interest, such as regular routes or specific touring areas.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

For further information please contact
Mik Barton, national press officer on 075 5445 8909 or mik.barton@highways.gsi.gov.uk.

1. The Highways Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Transport. We manage, maintain and improve England's motorways and trunk roads on behalf of the Secretary of State.

2. More details on AtlasPro, including how to apply for an account can be found at http://www.highways.gov.uk/business/13597.aspx

3. Real-time traffic information for England's motorways and major A roads is available:

* From our Traffic Radio service, available on DAB digital radio and the internet at http://www.trafficradio.org.uk To tune into the DAB service, simply press the "scan" button on your radio. The radio will tune into all available channels and you can select the new service by scrolling through the channels until you reach "Traffic Radio".

* From the web at http://www.highways.gov.uk/traffic or http://www.highways.gov.uk/mobile if using a phone or mobile device.

* Before using a mobile, find a safe place to park. Never stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway except in an emergency. Make sure it's safe and legal before you call.

* By phone from the Highways Agency 24-hour voice activated phone service on 08700 660 115. (Calls from BT landlines to 0870 numbers will cost no more than 8p per minute; mobile calls usually cost more).

4. For more general information about the Highways Agency and its work, visit the Highways Agency website http://www.highways.gov.uk , or telephone the Highways Agency Information Line on 08457 50 40 30 at any time. (Calls to 0845 numbers cost no more than 4p/min from BT residential landlines. Call charges from other landlines and mobile networks may vary. Before using a mobile, find a safe place to park. Never stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway except in an emergency. Make sure it's safe and legal before you call.)

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Issued by the Highways Agency. For further information please contact Mik Barton on 075 5445 8909.