Tackling congestion by influencing travel behaviour
We aim to tackle congestion by providing access to information that enables people to make smarter travel choices.
Making Britain's Roads Safer
This consultation is seeking views on the vision, targets and measures for improving road safety in Britain beyond 2010. It will influence the final shape of the Department for Transport’s next road safety strategy. So join the debate!
Respect Our Road Workers
With their safety in mind a new DVD highlights why drivers need to have respect for road workers.
Traffic news on your desktop
Helpful ways to access the latest traffic information when you need it.
Travel and Delay Times on Variable Message Signs - Introduction
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We are now providing a new national information service to drivers - travel and delay times on Variable Message Signs (VMS).
This service is now available on the majority of motorways and some major A-roads across England. The new messages let drivers know about the road conditions ahead, therefore allowing them to make informed decisions during their journeys.
This national service follows a successful trial on parts of the M5 and M6 that has been running since July 2006. Customer research on the trial found that 89% of respondents thought travel and delay time messages on motorways across England were a good idea. Over half of respondents said they would consider taking action, such as changing route, if they saw a delay time message.
This service compares historic data for a route with current traffic conditions to set estimated travel time messages. These travel times are recalculated every five minutes and the messages updated. If a traffic event, such as a collision, causes delays on the network above an agreed threshold the message will automatically switch from the travel time message to an estimated delay message. The service is operated by our National Traffic Control Centre.
For more information please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section.
