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26th November 2007

Reaping the benefits of traveller-generated information

• Cambridge Consultants to present at the Integrated Transport 2007 event
• Dynamic systems needed to manage future traffic
• New traveller-generated data to be utilised to ease network flow

Birmingham International Convention Centre, 27th November, 2007 - The need to link Britain's disparate traffic data and information to increase journey reliability will be highlighted by Cambridge Consultants' director of transport, Dr. Liz Orme at the Integrated Transport 2007 event, supported by the Highways Agency (HA). In the seminar, Dr. Orme will outline how we may be able to use the wide range of data currently being generated by the travelling public to ease future transport flow and quicken journey times. Also to be discussed are the commercial benefits and challenges posed by using data obtained by mobile tracking devices, satellite navigation systems and mobile location devices.

The talk being given by Dr. Orme will aim to examine how a range of information sources already available today could provide better quality data to help improve journey times, and encourage drivers to make the right journey decisions.

"Sat navs allow journeys to be changed more easily to avoid crashes or jams. However, the rapid uptake of the devices also brings a 'prisoner's dilemma' to traffic flow. The more they're used, the more drivers move to roads designed for lower traffic levels to avoid congestion, and secondary incidents result. This mushroom effect causes journey times to slow even further," commented Dr. Orme. "We're beginning to recognise and understand that this individualistic approach undertaken by drivers is unsustainable and causes more drivers to suffer from unreliable journeys."

New methods need to be used by transport network managers, such as the local authorities, to maintain control of traffic flow and ensure journey times are improved. One solution would be greater cooperation and the sharing of data between transport network managers and commercial service providers. Working together would enable a faster distribution of traveller-generated information to the travelling public through local radio stations and road signs for example, increasing awareness of potential congestion hotspots and the preferred diversion routes. Those with on-board devices would also benefit from this cooperation - with fewer travellers on the road in addition to their ability to re-route themselves effectively.

Dr. Orme comments, "Such a move from an individualistic approach to a collective one would be in the best interest of everyone, and would be a far more sustainable approach than spending billions on new roads."

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