Keeping on the move will become easier for drivers from this month as Transport Scotland and Trafficlink join together to improve the way they provide vital journey planning information.

Until recently Edinburgh-based Trafficlink received CCTV pictures from the national transport agency’s information service, Traffic Scotland, and staff at both organisations shared their knowledge about the ongoing status of the trunk road network.

From this month Trafficlink, who provides traffic and travel content to broadcast media, will have permanently based staff at Traffic Scotland’s Control Centre. This gives them immediate access to real time travel information across the length and breadth of the country’s motorway and trunk road network.

-- Advertisement --

Both organisations will benefit from this agreement as it allows them to work more closely together, particularly when a problem occurs or when there is a large scale event that could impact on journey times. This approach will benefit drivers who are planning journeys or are already out on the roads as they can now get live updates before they leave or while they are on the move.

Speaking about the move Roy Brannan, Transport Scotland’s Head of Network Operations, said: "We are pleased to build on our established relationship with Trafficlink and are looking forward to working with them in our National Control Centre.

"Along with the services of our Customer Care Line, 0800 028 1414, we are striving to deliver a complete information service. We see this improved partnership as a real plus for drivers who can now get live information both from our website and from the travel bulletins broadcasting across the nation’s airwaves."

Hayley Matthews, Area Manager Nations for Trafficlink says: "We are absolutely delighted to be based in the Control Room working alongside Traffic Scotland and Transport Scotland. This means we can supply the general public with the most accurate information on Radio today. I am really looking forward to building an excellent relationship with Traffic Scotland and Transport Scotland to help keep the people of Scotland on the move."

(GK/NS)