The Highways Agency (HA) is considering new technologies to inform drivers of road conditions, such as sending real-time CCTV images to mobile phones.
The government body responsible for operating, maintaining and improving the motorway network will also consider adding journey time information to variable-message signs, text message updates and integration with satellite navigation devices.
HA programme director Richard Wilson says technology can be used effectively to help drivers make informed decisions on when to use roads.
‘We want to concentrate on providing high-quality information to drivers that is reliable and effective. Technology is a means to that end,’ he said at last week’s Transport for an Expanding Economy conference in London.
‘The National Traffic Control Centre in Birmingham gives us real-time information from sensors in the road and the goal is to get that to the public.’
Wilson says sending CCTV images directly from the control centre to mobile phones could give drivers a better appreciation of conditions.
‘We have trialled expected journey times on variable message signs on the M5 and M6, informing drivers of the likely delay,’ he said. ‘We have also trialled a digital radio broadcast and information kiosks on the roadside.’
Gartner analyst Mike Williams says the agency is capable of providing such initiatives, but is waiting on further development of enabling technology.
‘It is possible to view CCTV images over the internet, but delivering them to mobile phones hinges on the development of 3G and mobile TV,’ he said.
Some satellite navigation devices can also accept traffic information as digital content, which is translated into a verbal or visual message, adds Williams.
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