UK government proposes high-tech solution to traffic build-up

The UK Government has unveiled its plans to use technology to modernise the public transport system.

Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, announced the changes on Monday as part of his white paper; entitled New Deal for Transport - Better for Everyone.

The paper proposes a national integrated information system to offer a single point of contact for travel inquiries over the Internet, on the telephone or via teletext.

The system will pull together timetable information from London Transport, the regional railways and services data from the Passenger Association.

The Department of Transport claims the system is a key part of drawing people back into public transport. The integrated information system is due to go live by the end of the century.

Also unveiled was a scheme to help drivers access the national Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency's database to provide information for those buying a car.

A forum will be established later in the year to discuss how these initiatives will be carried out.