Traffic Control Centres

Aim

To provide accurate 'real-time' information about the national road network to motorists and traffic management bodies.

What it means for motorists

• Provision of alternative route and travel advice to motorists to minimise the effects of congestion and incidents on the network
• Improved journey planning and more reliable journey times
• Less delays due to roadworks e.g. variable message signs saving 1.6 million vehicle hours per year

Main features

• To be operated by a public/private partnership. The future Traffic Control Centre company will also manage the Traffic Information Highway - the technology developed by the Highways Agency to share travel information and to be operated inpartnership with the police, Local Highways Authorities and other network operators to assist the integration of traffic management across all roads.
• Information on the performance on the network in 'real-time' will be monitored/ disseminated via variable message signs, HA Internet, Highways Agency Information Line, media broadcasts, and tailor-made information on journeys and routes for individuals and companies on a commercial basis via the Traffic Information Highway.
• Average cost is estimated at £18m per year - 10-year Private Finance Initiative contract two-year installation and eight-year operation. Business case based on the outcome of the Midlands Driver Information System project.
• Integration with existing HA strategic driver information systems e.g. Kent Corridor, Midlands, Yorkshire.

Plans for the future

• Contract negotiations nearing completion with the contract to be awarded autumn 2000.
• Early delivery of some services by end 2001 with full services from 2003.
• In four to ten years there is potential for:
  
  • balancing the flow of long distance traffic by directing it into less congested routes
    
  • a UK-wide travel information service covering the national and local road networks
  • UK information service interlinked with those of other transport providers
    
  • interchanging traffic and travel information with other Western European countries

For more information on Traffic Control Centres visit the section here on the Highways Agency web site.

For more information please contact the Highways Agency Press Office on 020 7921 4323/4389/4029.