Highways Agency Helps Fleet Operators with Their Journeys

Staff from the Highways Agency were on hand to explain to fleet operators how they can help them with their journeys, at a free event in Birmingham.

The Agency organised the event at Aston Villa Football Club in Birmingham to help companies using the roads for business by giving them helpful information on traffic conditions to enable them to make informed choices about their journeys. Companies represented included hauliers, coach companies and fleet operators.

At the event, staff from the Agency's National Traffic Control Centre (also based in Birmingham) demonstrated a number of traffic information services, including a free electronic system that gives real-time information on any incidents or delays on the motorway or major 'A' road network. The system even shows what is currently being displayed on electronic roadside message signs and the average speed between individual motorway junctions.

The Agency, which is responsible for operating, maintaining and improving England's motorway and major 'A' road network, also set out steps it is taking to help make journeys safer and more reliable including the successful Active Traffic Management scheme on the M42 which has improved journey time reliability and helped to keep the motorway moving.

Other presentations included the Agency's work to clear up traffic incidents quickly and safely and a new system of weather alerts for goods vehicles in the event of strong winds.

There was also a demonstration of the Fresnel lens initiative which the Agency has issued to left-hand drive vehicles, which eliminates the blind spot in the front right corner of the vehicle and reduces the risk of side-swipe incidents.

There was also the chance to quiz an expert panel, which included Alex Hill from the Met Office, Alan Scorer from VOSA and Malcolm Bingham from the Freight Transport Association as well as senior Agency directors and project managers.

Highways Agency Network Strategy Director Gwyn Drake said:

"The Highways Agency is committed to supporting businesses by providing up-to-the-minute travel information and making drivers' journeys more reliable. Fleet operators use our network for their business every day of the week, so we are keen to work with them and help them with their journeys."

The Highways Agency recently launched Traffic Radio, which lets drivers hear the latest traffic news on England's motorways and major 'A' roads. It is now available on DAB digital radio and on the internet at http://www.trafficradio.org.uk. The Agency will also be making its traffic camera pictures available to the media and the general public by spring 2008, so that people can check actual conditions on the road before they leave home or work.

Fleet operators wanting more information on the Highways Agency or the National Traffic Control Centre, call 08457 50 40 30 or visit http://www.highways.gov.uk.

by: Editor
07th Mar 2008