Highways Agency
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Highways Agency provides data for new Google maps traffic function
The Highways Agency has made its traffic data available to Google(tm) for use within their brand new Google Maps(tm) traffic feature.
The traffic feature is simple. It overlays a colour-coded layer of the average speeds on England's motorways and major 'A' road network onto the existing Google Map(tm) facility with different colours indicating the current speed of traffic.
The Highways Agency provides its traffic information to Google(tm) in a Datex II format, which is a European standard developed specifically for road data information exchange and provides real-time traffic information and predictions based on past conditions, helping motorists to plan their journeys ahead to avoid congestion.
Denise Plumpton, Director of Information at the Highways Agency said:
"I'm delighted that we are the first country in Europe to work with Google(tm) and use our information for the benefit of road users across the country. This sort of project is a key part of our information strategy aimed at getting traffic information out to motorists where and when they need it.
"We work regularly with third party organisations in order to get our information to as wide an audience as possible. We have also recently provided the BBC with access to our traffic cameras to allow road users to check the conditions on the internet before they leave. We look forward to working with other partners in the future."
The data, provided by the Agency's National Traffic Control Centre in Birmingham, is also used to populate the Highways Agency's own Traffic England website (http://www.highways.gov.uk/traffic). Using this site, drivers can see current and predicted driving conditions, view what is currently being displayed on electronic motorway signs and even tell the average speed between any two junctions on the motorway network.
Traffic England is just one of the information services available from the Highways Agency, who also have a 24 hour traffic phone line 08700 660 115 and a digital radio station, Traffic Radio, which is available on both DAB digital radio and via the internet at http://www.trafficradio.org.uk.
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NOTES TO EDITORS
1. The Highways Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Transport. We manage, maintain and improve England's motorways and major A roads on behalf of the Secretary of State.
2. Real -time traffic information for England's motorways and major A roads is now available:
* From our new 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".
* On the internet at http://www.highways.gov.uk/trafficinfo
* 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).
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.
3. 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 3p/min from BT residential landlines. Call charges from other landlines and mobile networks may vary)
Issued by the Highways Agency National Press Office. For more information please contact Ant Aston on 07879 086 026 or the Kelly Logan in the National Press Office on 0207 081 7443.
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