Highways Agency to launch new traffic service this autumn

Date: 7/6/2011

Road users could get an additional helping hand when planning routes from this autumn following the launch of the National Traffic Information Service in September.

The Highways Agency has announced it has awarded a seven-year contract to Network Information Services - a joint venture between Mouchel and Thales UK - which will result in a system that provides traffic information to people driving on the strategic network.

With funding of £57 million allocated, the new service will replace elements of the current National Traffic Control Centre, such as related data processing and publication.

At the moment, users of the agency's traffic service can view CCTV images in real time, as well as find out about any incidents on the network.

It is hoped the new contract will be more efficient and provide better value than its predecessor, without forfeiting the provision of up-to-the-minute data for drivers.

Roads Minister Mike Penning said: "Timely and accurate traffic information helps both private and commercial road users to plan their journeys, avoiding delays and congestion that add to the cost of journeys."

Posted by Mary Treen