The Agency's National Traffic Control Centre (NTCC) has been showing off its high-tech wares in Penrith in Cumbria and Preston in Lancashire over the last fortnight. The NTCC is touring the country to raise awareness of the free traffic information services available to local businesses and their employees.
(Media-Newswire.com) - The Highways Agency says it is delighted by the response of local companies and other organisations to its innovative roadshow designed to help them beat the congestion blues.
The Agency's National Traffic Control Centre ( NTCC ) has been showing off its high-tech wares in Penrith in Cumbria and Preston in Lancashire over the last fortnight. The NTCC is touring the country to raise awareness of the free traffic information services available to local businesses and their employees.
The NTCC, which is based in Birmingham, plays a strategic role around the clock, monitoring traffic conditions on England's motorways and major A roads. It monitors traffic from cameras and other sources right across the network, identifies congestion areas and sets key electronic signs giving drivers advance warning of major problems and incidents on the roads ahead - in many cases helping them take a diversion.
But the centre also provides a whole raft of journey planning information - much of it through information technology - which businesses, as well as members of the public, can also utilise free of charge.
Dozens of key businesses in Lancashire and Cumbria - particularly those with traffic generating operations like shopping centres or leisure complexes - were invited to the two events.
Visitors got the chance to meet different teams from the Highways Agency including NTCC staff, members of the Area 13 team who plan and manage maintenance and repairs, and local patrols from the North West Traffic Officer Service.
A number of presentations about the challenges of congestion, information-based solutions for businesses and the benefit of companies adopting bespoke travel plans also featured.
Visitors were also allowed to test out some of the information systems themselves - even down to using hand held computers to download up-to-the-minute traffic information.
Help from the Highways Agency includes:
- Access to real-time traffic information via the world wide web - Support and advice for the organisers of traffic-generating major events - Downloadble up-to-the minute news feeds ( RSS ) on traffic conditions to office desk tops as well as Personal Digital Assistants ( PDAs ) - Real-time data feeds from the NTCC and a "Build Your Own" traffic information service ( TIS )
Agency staff were also on hand to help companies identify which services would best meet their needs and provide access to a free needs analysis to help them build their own traffic management strategy.
Representatives from firms across Cumbria and Lancashire visited the roadshow and many more have received information packs.
Both events were hosted by The HA's Traffic Operations North - Area 13 - team and AmeyMouchel, the HA's Managing Agent Contractor ( MAC ) for Cumbria and North Lancashire.
Bob Baldwin, Area Performance Manager for Area 13 which covers Cumbria and North Lancashire, said, "We are delighted that so many companies showed an interest in the roadshow but more importantly that so many of them have expressed an interest in working with the Highways Agency and using our systems to better plan their travel and transport needs.
"Congestion costs the economy billions every year. Businesses can benefit from the systems we use ourselves to find out what is going on as well as using our technology to better plan their transport needs or those of their customers."
And Ian Burgess, Operational Partnerships Manager at the NTCC, said, "The Highways Agency is totally committed to better managing our network of motorways and major A roads and getting timely and accurate information on what is happening at any given time on the roads is a part of that.
"Better planning from businesses and a willingness to think about things like staff travel plans also means they are helping us to alleviate congestion for the benefit of everyone."
Anyone who wants information about the initiative or news of further events can contact Paula Hall, Area 13 Customer Relations Manager, on 0161 930 5696.
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. The Highways Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Transport. We manage, maintain and improve England's motorways and major A roads on behalf of the Secretary of State.
2. Real-time traffic information for England's motorways and major A roads is available:
* By phone from the Highways Agency 24-hour voice activated phone service on 08700 660 115. ( Calls from BT landlines to 0870 numbers will cost no more than 8p per minute; mobile calls usually cost more ). Before using a mobile, find a safe place to park. Never stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway except in an emergency. Make sure it's safe and legal before you call.
3 For more general information about the Highways Agency and its work, visit the Highways Agency website http://www.highways.gov.uk, or telephone the Highways Agency Information Line on 08457 50 40 30 at any time. ( Calls to 0845 numbers cost no more than 3p/min from BT residential landlines. Call charges from other landlines and mobile networks may vary )
Safe driving at roadworks
During 2006 two workers were killed and 19 seriously injured in the course of their work on Highways Agency roads.
For the safety of all road users and roadworkers, when you are approaching roadworks:
* Keep within the speed limit - it is there for your safety. * Get into the correct lane in good time - don't keep switching. * Concentrate on the road ahead, not the roadworks. * Be alert for works' traffic leaving or entering roadworks. * Keep a safe distance - there could be queues in front. * Observe all signs - they are there to help you.
ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE HIGHWAYS AGENCY BY GNN NORTH WEST
This story was released on 2007-03-19. Please make sure to visit the official company or organization web site to learn more about the original release date. See our disclaimer for additional information.