Traffic update iPhone app 'in top five download chart'

Date: 1/3/2010

A new iPhone app that provides live traffic updates has reached the top of the download charts under a week since it was launched.

The app from the Highways Agency allows iPhone users to plan their journeys and avoid areas with congestion.

A total of 50,000 people have already installed the application to their phone, making it the fourth most popular download overall.

The technology identifies the current location of the iPhone holder and gives them a breakdown of any planned road works, as well as displaying live updates.

Highways Agency director of traffic management Simon Sheldon-Wilson commented on the application: "By making our information freely available we are making it easier for people to plan their journeys.

"A few moments checking the route ahead before people set off can help us all cut congestion, save fuel and reduce carbon emissions."

Motorists without an iPhone can get travel updates from the Highways Agency website.

Meanwhile, the inconvenience of overrunning road works could be reduced, as the Department for Transport has announced it is to increase the penalties for works that run on past deadline.