RAC provides satellite help for drivers

The RAC has launched a traffic information service that could help despatch and distribution companies. Called Traffic Alert 1210, the service is being run in collaboration with mobile phone operator, Cellnet, and the motorway sensor network, Trafficmaster.

The service will combine congestion information about motorways with members' locations - through the Global Positioning System satellite service, to provide real-time routing suggestions.

According to Trafficmaster research, 1.2 million drivers are caught in road congestion every day. An RAC spokesman said: "The number of hours lost through traffic congestion is immense. This service will help professional road users to manage their journey, so that they can reach their destinations in the minimum time or make provisions to reschedule arrival time, if necessary."

The spokesman pointed out that 50 per cent of RAC members are corporate customers, and that the RAC will be talking to these members about future telematics products based around the service. He declined to put an amount on the level of investment the organisation had made in the service, but said it made use of a new £4m computerised traffic and travel information service.